| Prime News | | ![]() | ![]() | OTC Market Plans to Launch Corporate-Governance ETF
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--To help augment the corporate-governance level among domestic firms, the GreTai Securities Market, or over-the-counter (OTC) market, will roll out ISOCG (ISO Corporate Governance) ETF (Exchange Trade Fund), according to Lu Tung-in, chairman of the GreTai Securities Market.
The ETF is expected to comprise 50 firms boasting good corporate governance listed on the OTC market, to be selected from a set of objective criteria.
Lu revealed the plan during a meeting of the Corporate Governance Association (CGA) in Taiwan in Taichung last week, noting that listed firms on the OTC market will have to apply by their own initiative to become a constituent stock of ISOCG ETF. He believed that incorporation into the ETF will grant at least 20% premium on a company's share prices, due to patronage of foreign investors, according to foreign studies. Listed firms on the centralized market will be welcome to join the ETF, should it become successful, said Lu.
Lu pointed out the EFT will not only help augment the overall corporate-governance level but eliminate insiders' trading.
The ETF will be another major effort on the part of the GreTai Market in augmenting the domestic corporate-governance level, following its requirement for newly listed firms on the market to undertake corporate-governance evaluation, carried out by CGA, once every three years, with the evaluation results to be publicized in their shareholders' meeting.
Ko Chen-en, CTG chairman, noted that corporate governance has become a trend among various countries, as major foreign pension funds would shun stocks of listed firms with dubious corporate governance. He pointed out the projected ETF differs slightly from a similar index fund in South Korea, KOGI, launched in 2003, which evaluates the corporate governance of all listed firm with daily stock trading volume ranking among the top 40% and includes the 50 firms with best performance into the list of constituent stocks, with the list subject to annual review.
((PL)) (GE) | |
| | ![]() | | | MOEA Aims to Develop Taiwan Into "Emerging-Market Operational Hub"
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--In view of the formation of the gigantic consumption market in emerging countries, notably the four BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, and China) nations, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) plans to overhaul Taiwan's industrial policy, aiming to develop Taiwan into an "operational hub for the medium-priced emerging markets" by 2015.
The plan will call for Taiwanese firms sparing no effort in tapping the huge consumption needs of the middle class in emerging markets, or those with annual income projected to hit US$1,500-5,000 by 2015.
The revised industrial policy will be a major item, along with the bill for the next-generation statute for industrial upgrading, on the agenda of the national industrial meeting, held every three years, next month.
The revised policy is fruit of numerous seminars and forums, sponsored by the MOEA, discussing future development strategy of the Taiwanese economy from early this year.
A study by a think tank, commissioned by the MOEA, stresses Taiwan's advantages of innovation and cost control in offering medium-priced quality products to meet the enormous needs of emerging markets, as evidenced by brisk sales of medium-tagged Motorola mobile phones, contract-produced by Compal Communications, in India and 80% global market share garnered by Taiwanese-made notebook PCs.
Topology Research Institute, a local think tank, noted that capacity of China's consumption market will hit US$3.73 trillion by 2015, compared with US$1.7 trillion of India, US$677.5 billion of Brazil, and US$338.7 billion of Russia. By 2015, number of Chinese households with annual income exceeding US$10,000 will top 150 million, according to the institute.
Aggregate capacity of emerging-nation consumption markets will be even larger than that of developed markets, major outlets of Taiwanese goods now, population of whose middle class, with annual income reaching US$5,000-10,000, will reach 300 million by 2015, up from 200 million in 2005.
MOEA officials noted that middle-class consumers in emerging markets demand medium-tagged, but not necessarily entry-level, goods, as evidenced by popularity of flat-panel TVs and high replacement rates of mobile phones and home appliances in those markets.
((PL)) (GE) | |
| | ![]() | | | National Stabilization Fund Sells Out Shareholdings
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--Taking advantage of the consistent recovery of domestic bourse, the committee for the National Stabilization Fund has sold out its shareholdings in the third quarter of this year, giving it more clout to meet potential non-economic turmoil in domestic bourse.
Since 2000, the committee of the National Stabilization Fund has bought NT$170 billion (US$5.23 billion at US$1:NT$32.5) worth of domestic stocks to prevent domestic stock market from plummeting.
The committee of the National Stabilization Fund noted the stock-release move didn't affect domestic bourse as it holds the principle of fixed amount and prices in selling out the stocks.
A commissioner of the committee of the National Stabilization Fund said the fund was set up to stabilize domestic bourse, rather than make profits. Accordingly, the committee has to sell stocks to raise cash in preparation for launching another round of protecting the stock market from sharp decline.
According to the financial statement prepared by the committee of the National Stabilization Fund, the committee sold out has sold out a total of NT$20 billion (US$615.38 million) worth of stocks in the first half of this year with remaining NT$47 billion (US$1.44 billion) released in the third quarter of this year. Before, the committee sold tocks two times each in 2003 and 2004.
Over the past several years, many foreign nations have set up national sovereign funds with similar functions as Taiwan's National Stabilization Fund. The committee of the National Stabilization Fund said the fund is restricted to protecting domestic bourse when it is affected by non-economic factors.
((BS)) (GE) | |
| | ![]() | | | Proportion of Imported Energy Hits Record High in 22 Years
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--The ratio of imported energy to overall imports was close to 20% in the first eight months of this year, hitting a historic high record in 22 years, according to statistics compiled by the Cabinet-level Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD).
The CEPD said it is gravely concerned about the high ratio of imported energy and will call in an ad hoc committee to cope with abnormal fluctuations in commodity prices.
Faced with the over 3% year-on-year increase in commodity prices in September, the CEPD said it was a seasonal inflation not worth of too much attention. But the CEPD said the inflationary inflation caused by the skyrocketed prices in energy internationally is worthy of much attention.
The CEPD's tallies showed the September commodity prices jumped 3.08% year-on-year. After excluding the price hike in vegetable and fruits caused by torrential rain, the September commodity prices increased only 1.9% on a real term.
Yeh Ming-feng, vice chairman of CEPD, believed there would be little chance to see a seasonal inflation in the fourth quarter of this year. But Yeh is especially concerned about the skyrocketed prices for energy and mining products in the international marketplace.
Yeh said the sharp rise in the international prices for energy and mining products has pushed up the production costs of domestic producers. Although the CEPD has adopted a measure to halve customs tariffs for imported energy and mining products, it will call in an ad hoc meeting to map out counter measures if there is a turmoil in the international prices for energy and mining products in the fourth quarter of this year.
According to statistics compiled by the Cabinet-level Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Taiwan imported NT$880 billion (US$27.07 billion at US$1:NT$32.5) worth of energy in the first eight months of this year, accounting for 18.8% of overall imports. The import prices for crude oil rose 25% year-on-year in September. The import prices for tin and lead skyrocketed over 70% year-on-year in the same month. The Reuter Index for 17 commodities, including wheat, cotton, zinc and aluminum, jumped 24.8%.
((BS)) (GE) | |
| | ![]() | | | Taiwanese Photovoltaic Manufacturers Forecast Bright Outlooks
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--Taiwanese photovoltaic manufacturers, whether in front-end or back-end segment, are upbeat about near future of their business and have recently issued bright forecasts.
Wafer Works Corp. and Sino-American Silicon Products, Inc., both of which supply polycrystalline silicon to solar-cell makers, recently forecast at a photovoltaic forum in Taipei that their revenues to likely keep surging until 2010. Until last month, Sino-American and Wafer Works have seen their monthly revenue set new high for 26 and 19 consecutive months, respectively.
Industry watchers estimated that exploding demands for polycrystalline silicon worldwide have driven up prices of the silicon material 29 folds over the past seven years and will likely maintain supply shortage of the material until 2010.
Sino-American's photovoltaic silicon business reported gross margin of around 35% last quarter alone, making it the best margin performer of its Taiwanese peers. Behind the shining margin is its partnership with Hemlock Semiconductor Corp. of the United States and MEM, both of which have steadily supplied it the materials.
For Wafer Works, the major momentums behind are Sumitomo of Japan investing in its mainland Chinese crystalline-growing venture Solargiga and its acquisition of claims to mine for silicon in Australia. Either event allows Wafer Works to secure adequate material supply.
Solar cell maker Motech Industries Inc. will boost output capacity by nearly 60% next year and is forecast to make NT$30 per share in the meantime. Its nearest rival at home E-Tone Solar Tech sets monthly revenue goal at NT$1 billion (US$30 million at US$1:NT$33) throughout current quarter, around 1.5 folds the monthly number it had early this year.
In the first three quarters this year, Motech had revenue totaling NT$10 billion (US$303 million), becoming first photovoltaic manufacturer in Taiwan to rake in NT$10 billion in revenue. Meanwhile, the company's net earnings topped NT$8.57 per share. Some institutional investors estimated the company will likely make NT$30 per share on projected revenue of NT$20 billion (US$606 million) next year.
Motech's executives pointed out that the company's cell output will increase to 280 megawatts next year and its output of crystalline silicon will rise to at least 100 megawatts next year from current 12 megawatts.
Some industry watchers estimated Motech's revenue and production output will likely increase 60%, respectively, throughout next year mostly thanks to profitable prices for solar cells. In the meantime, the company will be able to reduce costs by at least 20-30% on the materials it uses mostly because of its growing crystalline capability.
E-Tone plans to boost cell output to 150 megawatts in 2008 and has secured 80% of materials for the production. M.Setek of Japan is its major material supplier, filling half of its total demand. The Japanese supplier plans to ramp up output capacity to 50,000 metric tons in 2011 from current 100 metric tons.
((KL)) (E) | |
| | ![]() | | | Newly Opened DRAM Plant Fuels Fears Over Price Collapse
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)\--With Rexchip Electronics Corp.'s first 300-mm silicon-wafer factory unveiled recently, fears that global market for dynamic random access memory (DRAM) will see prices collapse again have become more intensive than before.
Rexchip, a joint venture of PowerChip Semiconductor Corp. (PSC) and Elpida Memory Inc., recently opened the first of its planned four DRAM chip-making factories in Taiwan. Once the four factories are completed, the DRAM joint venture's total output capacity will top 300,000 300-mm wafers of chips. Total investment capital is NT$450 billion (US$13.6 billion at US$1:NT$33), making it the largest-ever investment case in Taiwan involving foreign capital.
The chipmaker began constructing another plant as soon as it unveiled the first factory. It projected the two plants' output to cross 100,000 wafers of chips a month by the end of next year.
Industry watchers fear that the operation of Rexchip's first factory will accelerate severe slump of DRAM prices which have stayed soft despite peak seasons. They noted that average price of 512Mb DDRII chip once dipped to US$1.1, the lowest level since DDRII chip hit the market. The worries have sparked sessions of sellouts of DRAM stocks in Taiwan.
Over the next three to five years, Taiwanese DRAM chipmakers are estimated to spend a total of NT$500 billion (US$15 billion) on expansions. In addition to PSC, ProMOS Technologies Inc., Nanya Technology Corp., and Inotera Memories Inc. are speeding up expansion plans.
Rexhip is part of Eplida's ambitious effort to forge itself into the global No.1 DRAM chipmaker, outpacing Samsung. To save cost, the Japanese chipmaker had sought partners for the plan from the very beginning. It was once reported to team up with mainland Chinese chipmaker Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (SMIC).
((KL)) (E) | |
| | ![]() | | | DaChan Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--The DaChan Group, one of Taiwan's largest food and agriculture conglomerates, recently celebrated its 50th anniversary and drew a new blueprint for its future development.
DaChan chairman Han Jiayu announced that his group would further integrate existing eight business sub-groups into five, and focus on three futuristic development directions, including agriculture, emerging markets, and chicken meat. DaChan aims to become the largest animal protein supplier in Asia, he claimed.
Han also said that DaChan has stepped into the biotechnology field to develop animal nutritional products, and would further muscle into cosmetics market within next three years.
According to DaChan, its east Asia businesses would be integrated into DaChan Foods (Asia) Ltd., which launched initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong recently. In addition to DaChan Asia, the group's other business sub-groups are expected to continuously go public in the future.
Han claimed that future's DaChan would focus on five major developmental goals, including agri-basics (agricultural, livestock, food, biotechnology etc.), east Asia, flour, and food services (chain restaurants, etc.).
DaChan registered revenue of over NT$45 billion (US$1.36 billion at US$1:$33) in 2006, the agri-basics businesses accounted for the greatest part of the group's incomes.
Han claimed that DaChan had initially constructed a vertical production system, including animal feed manufacturing, largest white-meat chicken farming, and biotechnology (utilizing accumulated know-how and expertise in agribasics). DaChan's next step, he added, would develop animal nutritional products in the first stage and then venture into human-use biotech cosmetics.
((QL)) (G) | |
| | ![]() | | | AUO Racks Up Record Revenues for 5th Straight Month in Sept.
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--AU Optronics Corp. (AUO), the largest thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD) panel manufacturer in Taiwan, hit record monthly consolidated revenue for the fifth consecutive month in September, confirming its position as the fourth-largest electronic manufacturer in Taiwan.
AUO is expected to challenge earnings of NT$20 billion to NT$25 billion (US$606.06 million to US$757.58 million at US$1: NT$33) in the third quarter, while its October revenue is expected to challenge NT$60 billion (US$1.82 billion at US$1: NT$33), according to some institutional investors.
AUO announced its consolidated revenue of NT$53.73 billion (US$1.63 billion) for September, up 21.8% from previous month and 93.5% from the same period of last year. It has been only two months since AUO's revenue broke the NT$40 billion (US$1.21 billion) mark in July 2007.
The panel supplier registered accumulated revenue of NT$324.69 billion (US$9.84 billion) in the first nine months, up 63.6% from a year earlier.
AUO's shipments of large-sized panels (over-10-inch) used in desktop monitors, notebook PCs, LCD TVs and other applications in September also set a new record of 8.18 million units, a 13% increase from previous month. Shipments of small-and-medium-sized panels presented a 3% decline from the previous month to 14.16 million units, the company said.
According to panel-price information released by WitsView and DisplaySearch, the October panel prices rose by an average of US$1 to US$5 each. The rising prices and increasing shipments are expected to drive AUO to set a new monthly revenue record of NT$60 billion (US$1.82 billion).
((QL)) (E) | |
| | ![]() | | | Taiwan's Exports, Imports Post Double-Digit Growth in September
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--Taiwan's monthly exports and imports both experienced double-digit growth in September, with exports posting an annual rise of 10.6% and imports 10.5%, according to the statistics released by the Ministry of Finance (MOF).
Lee Li-hsueh, director of the Department of Statistics under MOF, indicated that Taiwan's external trade has continued to grow since the beginning of this year and the growth rate in the fourth quarter would be higher than the third one since the fourth quarter is usually a hot season for exports.
In September Taiwan's exports reached a record high of US$22.22 billion, and imports amounted to US$19.07 billion, the second highest of its kind. In the same month, the trade surplus posted the third monthly highest of US$3.15 billion.
From January to September, Taiwan enjoyed a record trade surplus of US$17.44 billion for a sharp annual rise of 28.1%. During the period, exports accounted for US$178.74 billion, chalking up by 8.3%; and imports US$161.3 billion, up 6.5%. In the same period, Taiwan's exports to Hong Kong and China took a lion's share of 40.4%, which was also the highest of its kind ever recorded.
Lee pointed out that Taiwan's export growth in the first quarter of the year stood at 8.5%, which fell to 6.6% in the second and bounced back to 9.8% in the third. Lee predicted that the corresponding percentage in the fourth quarter is very likely to break 10% since it is usually a robust export season.
((JL)) (GE) | |
| | ![]() | | | 13th Cross-Strait Financial Seminar to Kick Off Oct. 16
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--The 13th Cross-Strait Financial Seminar is to kick off tomorrow (Oct. 16) in Taipei. The two-day seminar, organized by Taipei Foundation of Finance (TFF) and Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CHIER), is to focus on the prospective development and possible cooperation of financial industries between the two sides of Taiwan Strait.
Yi Gang, assistant governor of People's Bank of China, leads a delegation of 28 ranking officials of China's financial institutions to attend the seminar. Among the delegation members are Su Zhong, vice president of Import and Export Bank of China; Li Xiaopeng, vice president of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China; Zhuang Chaoying, and vice president of the People's Insurance Co. of China.
Other Chinese participants come from such financial institutions as China Construction Bank, Bank of Communications, China Merchants Bank, China Everbright Bank, China CITTC Group, China Life Insurance Co., Haitong Securities Co., etc.
Over the past decade, the seminar has been held alternately in Taiwan and China and played a role as a bridge for financial officials on both sides to discuss bilateral financial problems. In 2004, the seminar took place in Beijing and S.L. Chang, vice chairperson of Taiwan's Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC), flew to attend the seminar there and met Yi Gang. Chang reportedly had close talks with Yi during her stay in Beijing.
Other than government officials, the chief executive of Taiwan's financial institutions attending tomorrow's seminar will include Chiu Cheng-hsiung, chairman of EnTie Commercial Bank and Lee Yung-san, chairman of Chang Hwa Bank, among others.
Other issues to be discussed in the seminar this year will include monetary policy of two sides, measures to deal with growing foreign exchange, loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises, management on commercial banks, private funds raised across Taiwan Strait, the development of capital market, financial underwriting business, the prospective development of insurance industry, etc.
((JL)) (GE) | |
| | ![]() | | | Taiwan's Machine Tool Sector May See Sales Slowdown in Q4
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--After going through booming seasons in the past three quarters of this year, Taiwan's machine tool sector may see a slowdown in sales in the fourth quarter. This has made insiders conservative about the future of the industry, though many suppliers of this kind are still running at full capacity, according to industry sources.
Despite impact of price hikes of oil and raw materials, Taiwan's machine tool sector has reported shining sales performance this year. C.C. Wang, vice president of the Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry (TMAI), projected production value of the sector to grow by more than 15% this year on average from NT$250-plus billion posted last year, and the figure may slightly slip to between 10% and 12% for next year.
Edward Yang, chairman of Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association , noted that in light of rising prices of oil and raw material as well as a presidential election slated for next March, insiders are suspicious of prospects of the industry. This, somehow, decreases orders placed with some machine tool makers, while some large-sized ones with ample resources can keep receiving orders.
Worth mentioning is that a significant gap between small-sized and large-sized makers of machine tools in Taiwan is broadening gradually, with big-sized ones busy filling overwhelming orders. They include Taichung Machinery Works Co., Ltd., Yeong Ching Machinery Industry Co., Ltd., Goodway Machine Corp., Awea Mechantronic Co., Ltd., Tongtai Machine & Tool Co., Ltd., Falcon Machine Tools Co., Ltd., Roundtop Machinery Industries Co., Ltd. and Fair Friend Group.
Taichung Machinery's plant sited in Taiwan has scored aggregate revenue of NT$4.17 billion over the past nine months of this year. In the mean time, the company has reported combined revenue of nearly NT$6 billion, and is expected to rake in annual revenue of NT$8.6 billion, up 15% from last year. However, Huang Ming-ho, general manager of the company, acknowledged that the company's domestic clients have seemingly reduced their orders to them since mid-September.
((SC)) (M) | |
| | ![]() | | | Taichung Machinery Predicts NT$10.3 B. in Revenues for 2008
Taipei, Oct. 15, 2007 (CENS)--In light of strong demand in the Chinese and European market, Taichung Machinery Works Co., Ltd., a leading supplier of machine tools in Taiwan, projects its combined revenues to reach NT$10.3 billion for next year, possibly becoming Taiwan's first supplier in the sector to rack up annual revenues exceeding NT$10 billion, according to company sources.
Meanwhile, Huang Ming-ho, general manager of Taichung Machinery, announced a plan to build a plant of precision machining, two 18000-square-foot plants and an office building sited in Taichung Industry Park, and procure new advanced equipment from Japan's Toshiba next year. So far, the company has poured an estimated NT$300 million.
Fueled by overwhelming orders this year, Taichung Machinery has posted aggregate revenue of nearly NT$6 billion for the first nine months of this year, including NT$4.17 billion generated from its plant and affiliate in Taiwan. Huang said that the company is expected to score net profits of more than NT$5 per share and annual revenue of NT$8.6 billion for this year, including NT$6.5 billion from its Taiwan plants, and NT$2.1 billion from its plant in China.
Huang is quite optimistic about the company's prospects for next year, saying that Taichung Machinery is to actively explore the European market, including Germany, East Europe, Russia, India and Turkey. Taichung Machinery raked in sales revenue of NT$800 million from the European market last year, and projects the figure to grow to NT$1 billion this year and NT$1.2 billion for next year.
This year has seen prices of raw materials in Taiwan skyrocket; however, Taichung Machinery, surprisingly, has assured its clients of stable prices till March. Furthermore, to encourage its workers due to growing sales this year, the company has increased workers' wages by 7% in Taiwan and more than 10% in China.
Huang noted that Taichung Machinery has commanded a 30% share of the Taiwanese market for lathes, with a growth rate of 15% in sales every year. On the other hand, as the China government introduces regulations to encourage companies to buy plastic injection machines and machine tools locally, and because rising RMB has triggered much demand in the domestic market, Taichung Machinery is estimated to boost its sales revenue in China by 40% to NT$3 billion next year.
Taichung Machinery has received orders from Hota Industrial Mfg. Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based supplier of auto parts, for 10 computerized numerically controlled (CNC) lathes, and projects orders for the machines will increase to 30 units next year.
Besides, Taichung Machinery has landed orders for a total of 150 lathes and 50 machining centers from its China clients, and another order for more than 150 units of various machining centers from Grand River Group, a large-sized supplier of motorcycles in China.
Meanwhile, the company's China plant has also obtained orders from Hon Hai Group, Delta Electronics Inc. and Foxlink Technology Inc. Hon Hai Group has procured 600 plastic injection machines from Taichung Machinery this year and will place another order for 800-1000 units more next year, while Delta and Foxlink for 80 and 50 units, respectively this year.
((SC)) (M) | |
| | ![]() | | | JIDPO Announces Winners of 2007 Good Design Award
By QUINCY LIANG
The Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization (JIDPO) recently publicized the 1,043 items, including the "Best 15" winners, which have been accredited with the Good Design Award or "G-Mark" for the 51st version of the globally-acclaimed design fair.
According to the organizer of the renowned design selection system, the Good Design Award 2007 received 2,945 entries vying for citations in four contest categories, including Product Design, Architecture and Environment Design, Communication Design, and New Territory Design.
The chairperson Hiroshi Naito, vice-chairperson Kiyoyuki Okuyama and Akiko Moriyama, and the remaining 71 jury members judged the 2,945 entries and cited 1,043 items with the G-Mark label, which include the winners of the Best 15 Good Design Award, Universal Design Prize, Interaction Design Prize, and Ecology Design Prize.
The "Good Design Grand Prize 2007" and 14 "Good Design Gold Prize 2007" will
be selected among the Best 15 Good Design Award winners by the Good Design Council members, with the winners to be announced on October 25 at the Good Design Grand Prize Winning Ceremony, JIDPO said.
The Good Design Grand Prize 2007 will be given to one of the Best 15 Good Design Award winners and will be chosen on October 25 at the award ceremony through voting by the jury members and award winners this year, with the other 14 winners of the Best Design Award to be honored with the Good Design Gold Prize 2007.
| |
| | ![]() | | | BEST 15 Good Design Award Winners
Eneloop Universe Products
SANYO Electric Co., Ltd.
Jury Comment: Rechargeable, reusable batteries represent a new phase in development for the Eneloop series, highly acclaimed as communicating Sanyo's eco-friendly corporate philosophy through a platform of innovative technology. One application of this technology is this solar recharger for Eneloop batteries, which epitomizes clean energy. Functional and attractive, the pyramid can be repositioned to catch the sun at different altitudes from two angles. It can be used to power and recharge external devices via USB. This device, as well as a USB-powered recharger, a battery-powered reusable hand warmer, and a cordless warmer (an alternative to electric warmers) are part of an innovative product line that demonstrates eco-friendly corporate ideals at a high level, in forms that convey these concepts. The project is also quite admirable as design that helps redefine a corporate brand. (Hitomi Sago)
Cellular Phone / Media Skin
Kddi Corp. + Kyocera Corp.
Jury Comment: Media Skin, the sixth-generation Au Design Project for handsets that stimulate our emotions. What makes the design concept compelling are new finishes, which awaken our emotions. A matte look and fresh textures are presented through textural orange or white coatings with fine particles of silicon, or soft black incorporating special urethane particles. When the flap is closed over the controls, the contrast between the two halves (the smoky screen and colorful flap), which embody minimalistic beauty. The handsets have nicely balanced proportions, unprecedented in handsets to date, but they are also quite full-featured and offer impressive specs: the world's first QVGA OLED screen, support for electronic transactions, 1seg TV viewing, and more -features that would probably have been impossible without engineering design management from an early stage. Looking at these models, we can imagine how Tokujin Yoshioka's design ideals came to life through development. These are products that point the way to new design solutions in response to recent sluggishness in the domestic handset market. (Chiaki Murata)
Side by Side Refrigerator / Samsung RSJ1KSSV
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Jury comment: A double-door refrigerator with independent cooling zones. Because this is a mature product category, there are no ground-breaking features, yet these models deserve recognition for highly polished design and an appearance that complements interior design. In Japan, the buzzwords "designer appliances," "interior appliances," and "simple appliances" are evidence of an unprecedented flourishing of appliance design. Still, practical and graceful appliances are not very common. For this reason, I recommend these refrigerators for the gold prize, as excellent examples of carefully designed appliances without unsettling reminders of the designer's carefulness. May they serve as a model for Japanese appliance design. Distinguishing an ordinary refrigerator with a gold prize for its beauty would surely convey an important message for appliance design. (Fumie Shibata)
HondaJet
Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
Jury comment: This development is making the dreams of Honda founder Soichiro Honda in the field of aviation a reality. What's more, the field will be promoted as the highest priority for national policy in the future. Orders for large aircraft are sluggish on a global scale, but it is a smart move by Honda to enter the only segment with potential for growth -- private jets. In aircraft design as well, the HondaJet is not merely flying in the face of conventional aerodynamics. The two engine nacelles over the bottom-mounted wings of this aircraft improve airflow for better fuel efficiency. Features such as polycarbonate around the cockpit provide an excellent field of view. This is aircraft design that only a veteran automaker could devise. (Ken Okuyama)
GPS Receiver Topcon/ GR-3
Topcon Corp. + Whipsaw Inc.
Jury Comment: The GR-3 positioning system operates on 72 universal channels to track up to 36 satellites in American, European, or Russian systems for ultra-precise positioning within 1 mm. This level of precision is needed in a range of applications, including construction, surveying, and industrial facilities. The GR-3 is simple in design, but it took ingenuity to create a unit that is more portable than ever for use in a variety of positioning environments. Compact and lightweight, it measures 15x15x20 cm and weighs 1.5 kg. Protective molding and a rugged, square shape help prevent damage during rough transit. The hot-swappable battery system is convenient, and backlit controls with LED indicators facilitate operation at night. These and other aspects of the user interface are meticulously designed, which makes this unit attractive. (Shinichi Yamamura)
Wii, Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Classic Controller
Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Jury Comment: With the Wii as the center of attention, the cheers and shouts of excitement just keep coming. Familiar titles such as tennis, golf, and bowling are immersive. The impact from hitting a virtual ball, for example, travels up one's arm from the remote. As friends or family members watch players and the screen, emotions swing from elation to momentary disappointment (after a player's mistake) and back. Unlike previous consoles, the Wii succeeds in offering an intuitive playing style accessible to players of all ages, abilities, and interests, and in this way, the game console has evolved to a communication tool, with physical gaming as the medium. Obviously, these are virtual games, but it is significant that the developers bring interactive design to life in ways that are not too complex. The product styling is neutral and simple. It is at once a game console, a source of information, and a means of communication, all in a unit that will probably fit unobtrusively in one's living room. By focusing intently on isolating the exciting elements of hardware and software, the designers have created a breakthrough in this category. (Akiko Moriyama)
Shinkansen (Bullet Train) Rolling Stock
Central Japan Railway Company + West Japan Railway Company + Nippon Sharyo, Ltd. + Hitachi, Ltd. etc.
Jury Comment: Japan's fast world-class railways have been updated, thanks to an infusion of the latest train technology. Although passengers can now arrive five minutes sooner when traveling between Tokyo and Osaka, the operator's unique approach to promoting the renewal focuses on new benefits for passengers other than a faster ride. In appearance, the radical elongated nose is a result of streamlining the train for better aerodynamics not only through open stretches of the route but also when entering and exiting tunnels. The front is unlike that of any other train, leaving no doubt about its performance. Moreover, the sleek white canopies between train cars create an impressive, seamless silhouette while reducing noise and improving energy efficiency; this model consumes 19% less energy than the 700 series. Inside, the most noticeable feature is the new seating, the developer's answer to how to make seats more comfortable and functional. Refinements in first-class cars in particular, including illumination at one's fingertips, make the train seem like a cozy library in transit. Difficult aspects of common areas such as restrooms, sinks, and smoking rooms are resolved on a structural level, and there is an ambiance of sophisticated interior design. The N700 series is new with a capital "N" and will shape transportation design in general significantly. (Akiko Moriyama)
Retrofit
Tokyo Institute of Technology
Jury comment: This building has been transformed from a rather ordinary, 40-year-old school building with little apparent value. Under a limited budget for seismic strengthening, it has been reborn as an institution that will serve future generations of students well. Its striking appearance is the result of interdisciplinary collaboration here at Tokyo Institute of Technology, with departments involved in design and structural and environmental engineering each contributing advanced technology. Planners sought the best solution for the project as a whole considering many factors, including cost, and unbonded braces were installed for damping. Additionally, fixed louvers were developed applying innovative shapes and materials, in an attempt to incorporate a semi-open, double-skin structure reminiscent of concepts in "bow physics" (a kind of environmental physics), which is effective in areas subject to monsoons. Architectural awards from various organizations often recognize achievements that rival works of art in their ability to touch people deeply. In our G-Mark architectural screening committee, we have attempted to establish an evaluative framework in the spirit of the G-Mark system as a whole. The efforts in this particular retrofitting project would probably go unrecognized if not for the G-Mark system. Although it is certainly not a dramatic project, the work has a very pertinent message for our society today. (Koh Kitayama)
Office Chair / Spina
Itoki Co., Ltd.
Jury Comment: Over the past five years or so, many manufacturers have released a steady stream of similar chairs based on the Aeron chair-high-performance luxury office chairs built to exacting specifications. Finally, there is a chair designed with the meticulous care of the finest Japanese manufacturers. Sitting down at a meeting, users have no complaints about how comfortable the chair feels, but when it is time to stand up, they are given a helpful boost. What's more, the mesh material for this high-backed chair is incorporated in a web-like structure that makes the most of the material's inherent properties in an innovative way. In short, it is a Japanese chair showing exceptional care in all details of construction. And as such, the chair will make waves in a market flooded with imitations of chairs developed overseas. (Shinichi Sumikawa)
X-ray Mammography System
Toshiba Corporation + Toshiba Medical Systems
Jury comment: It is truly regrettable that breast cancer claims more than 10,000 lives each year in Japan, cases that may well have been cured through early detection and treatment. In 2000, this situation prompted the Japanese government to start advising mammography screenings for women, with the goal of reducing the breast cancer mortality rate through early intervention. The Ministry's efforts included urgent financial assistance to prepare this infrastructure, as well as a lowering of the screening age. Yet many women are still reluctant to undergo screenings because of associated stress or discomfort. This equipment was designed accounting for the typical breast profile of Japanese women, and it reduces the discomfort of breast compression. With a structure for indirect examination that can help examinees feel more relaxed, the equipment also allows for reassuring face-to-face communication with the examiner throughout the procedure. Buttons and controls for accurate operation are optimally positioned, and as a whole, the unit adopts a more user-friendly form than previous equipment. Women fulfilled a central role throughout design development, as any latent problems (physically, in terms of personal dignity, or in terms of the installation environment or operation) were investigated and resolved. The result is a successful example of high-level design. (Kazuki Hidaka)
STYIM
ASCOT Corporation
Jury comment: In the five years since submissions for condominiums were first accepted in the G-Mark program, the number of entries in this category has surged. Quality is also increasing, and most condominiums fulfill a range of criteria. While meeting market needs, they are economical and efficient. They are spacious and safe enough to satisfy most people. This year, our screening committee has looked beyond these criteria that were considered for previous G-Mark awards. We have evaluated entries not only based on how these "least common denominators" are addressed but also on how the design goes a step further in suggesting new ideas, new lifestyles. This 55-unit complex of leased condominiums from Ascot, called "Styim," offers all the variety of 18 different floor plans. On the south side, 1.5- and 2-story units with open ceilings by staircases, maisonettes, and other layouts are available, demonstrating creativity not only in the horizontal layout but also from a cross-section view. It is an invitation to a new environment where young urbanites can thrive. Outside designers worked closely with the developer to create a distinctive, mosaic-like appearance. (Taro Ashihara)
The Kinoppu Coast Project -- Wave-shaped Constructions Vitalize the People
NPO Sustainable Communities Research Institute + Aomori Ken
Jury comment: This was a project to repair an existing breakwater along the coast in Aomori Prefecture. A gently sloping breakwater was dismantled and concrete masses were arranged along the coast, encouraging dune formation and simulating the natural rocky seashore. In the development process, the blocks of concrete were repositioned (using heavy equipment) after initial installation for a more natural appearance, after which they settled into stable positions from the natural motion of waves. A local nonprofit organization enthusiastically executed the plan and handles shoreline maintenance work. The scenery that emerged has become completely indistinguishable from the natural environment. In general, something dismantled and reconstructed in a public works project after initial completion not for functional reasons but out of consideration for the scenery would be inconceivable. Yet in this project, a committed local nonprofit organization did just this, acting on uncommon sense to dismantle an existing breakwater, install a new one, and then reinstall it. For this reason, we recommend the project as a candidate for the gold prize, or otherwise, we recommend establishing a new award for nonprofit organizations, for which G-Mark submissions are more difficult. We also wish to note that this project was awarded the Civil Engineering Design Grand Prize by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers. (Kazuo Tanaka)
KidZania Tokyo
Kids City Japan K.K
Jury comment: People's attitudes toward work and social systems are changing tremendously. Early exposure to situations on the job and in society, even if simulated, can be deeply significant for children growing up in Japanese society today. The fact that KidZania is constantly booked for several months in advance attests to the popularity of this wonderful opportunity for children to have fun while noticing all kinds of things about this world. It is far more than a one-way educational experience. This is probably due to the careful design of this "edutainment" (educational entertainment), down to the actual activities kids do here. It is also unique as a new business model in these fields, a model supported by more than 50 real-world sponsors. Meticulously designed pavilions and tools, reproduced at two-thirds scale just for children, also help make this a realistic and immersive experience for them. (Kazufumi Nagai)
Second Life
Linden Lab
Jury comment: Second Life is one of the most dynamic phenomena in the online community today. Participation by people around the world is surging, and the population is currently estimated at 7 million. There are now about 300,000 members in Japan. Familiar real-world corporations and governmental organizations around the world also have a presence. In short, it is setting a standard as a new online virtual society. What's more, values and attitudes of the online community are emerging here, as residents who create 3D content of all kinds using the original development tools retain the copyrights for their creations. A virtual society linked to the real world by its currency (Linden dollars, which can be exchanged for real dollars), Second Life holds great potential for further growth. Judged from many standpoints including innovation, completeness of content (including design sense), and growth on a global scale, it is a fitting candidate for this year's Good Design gold prize. (Hide Nakaya)
Closed Type Plant Production System—The AIST. Type GM Plant Production System
Plant Molecular Technology Research Group, Research Institute of Genome-based Biofactory, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST)
Jury comment: This production system for genetically modified plants, primarily developed for production of medicinal substances, is the result of extraordinary research design, unprecedented even on a global scale for the comprehensive and multidisciplinary work involved: research on plant biotechnology, safety technology (to prevent genetic contamination), next-generation pharmaceutical manufacturing systems, and high-efficiency agricultural factories.
Although this work was done at a research and testing center, the developers even adopted a communication design program to convey the significance and results of research to participants, with the aim of consensus building. In Japan, development of intellectual property in the field of genetic modification and investigation of related applications is a priority in national policy. Proposing technology-based solutions to potential food shortages from intensifying global warming is one facet of responding to global issues that are expanding in scale. The wealth of genetic intellectual property for agriculture, forestry, and marine products that Japan holds is vital in the context of contributing to the international community or engaging in international business. Most important, this kind of outstanding research design model can be applied in the infrastructure of industrial technology under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (which has been separated by ministerial barriers from affairs of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare), for sustainable food business or for patient treatment methods after examination and diagnosis. In this sense, it is the kind of model that will be desirable in years to come, and as such, it is a worthy candidate for a Good Design gold award and an excellent proposal with social impact. (Manabu Akaike) | |
|
沒有留言:
張貼留言