The deadline for submitting your dream and applying for the funding program is approaching fast!

Written/Compiled & Reported by Wei Ruyu

The registration deadline for the 8th “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” is nearing its end. With a total prize pool of NT$10 million, the program will support 10 dream pursuers. If you have a dream, now is the time to seize the opportunity and submit your dream plan. As the movie “Island Etude” puts it: “Some things, if not done now, will never be done in a lifetime.” Now is the time to act!

Organized by international spirits leader Diageo, this year’s “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” centers around the theme “True, Good and Beautiful Taiwan — Keep Walking Your Dreams,” aiming to encourage the public to continue promoting the core values of “sincere authenticity” and “kind-hearted aspiration,” showcasing the beautiful spirit and international image of Taiwan rooted in truth and goodness.

A “Century of Dream Power” survey conducted by Diageo and commissioned to the 104 Market Intelligence Center among 1,068 Taiwanese aged 20 and above revealed that “sincerity and hard work” (43.0%) and “diligence and perseverance” (42.7%) are the two traits most representative of the Taiwanese spirit. Nearly half of respondents consider themselves “sincere and hardworking,” while seven in ten believe this reflects what is known as the “down-to-earth spirit.”

Diageo Managing Director Chu Chen-hao explained that the meaning of “down-to-earth” goes beyond just being honest and diligent — it also stands for sincerity, genuine kindness, and persistent effort toward goals without giving up. It is a unique and deeply local Taiwanese asset. Chu further emphasized that Taiwan has shone brightly on the international stage in recent years. Whether it’s the widely admired philanthropic Grandma Chen Shu-chu, sports stars like Yani Tseng and Chien-Ming Wang, or local film director Wei Te-sheng — all have fearlessly pursued their dreams, enduring hardship as nourishment for growth. Their achievements have brought Taiwan international acclaim, and this is precisely the spirit of Taiwan that this year’s “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” aims to promote.

The “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” is open to all citizens of the Republic of China aged 20 or older. Program brochures can be collected at any 7-Eleven store nationwide or viewed online. Registration closes on November 30, 2011. Those interested in submitting their dreams can download the application form from the official website at www.keepwalking.com.tw, provide basic information and their dream plan, and either mail it to: 4F, No. 2, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan, “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program Project Team” or email it to keepwalking@unistyle.com.tw. Please call 0800-727-999 to confirm after sending.