Written/Compiled and Reported by Wei Ruyu
The registration deadline for the 8th “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” is approaching. With a total prize pool of NT$10 million, it will support 10 dream chasers. Those with dreams must seize the opportunity to submit their dream implementation plans. As the movie “Island Etude” puts it: “There are some things you’ll never do if you don’t do them now.” Now is the time to act!
Organized by global spirits leader Diageo, this year’s “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” takes “True, Good, and Beautiful Taiwan – Dreams Keep Walking” as its theme, aiming to encourage the public to continuously promote core values such as “honest and sincere nature” and “goodwill and aspiration,” highlighting the beautiful essence and international image of Taiwan rooted in truth and kindness.
One of the previous winners, Kuo Chun-hsien, led the Solomon Team to participate in the “2011 Shell Eco-marathon Asia” in Malaysia, winning second place in the Urban Concept Hydrogen category and the People’s Choice Award, among others, boosting the international reputation of Made-in-Taiwan (MIT) products. (Photo provided by Diageo)
A “Century of Dream Power” survey report conducted by Diageo through the 104 Research Center among 1,068 Taiwanese citizens aged 20 and above found that “sincerity and diligence” (43.0%) and “hard work and perseverance” (42.7%) are the two traits most representative of the Taiwanese spirit. Nearly half of the respondents consider themselves “sincere and diligent,” and seven in ten believe this reflects what is known as the “honest and sincere spirit.”
Diageo’s Managing Director, Chu Chen-hao, explained that the meaning of “honest and sincere” goes beyond being kind and hardworking — it includes sincerity, genuine kindness, and unwavering effort toward one’s goals. It is a uniquely local Taiwanese asset. Chu further emphasized that Taiwan has been shining on the international stage in recent years. Whether it's the widely admired philanthropic Grandma Chen Shu-chu, sports stars Yani Tseng and Chien-Ming Wang, or local film director Wei Te-sheng, all have fearlessly pursued their dreams, turning hardships into strength through diligence, which has led to their achievements and helped Taiwan gain international recognition. This is also the Taiwanese spirit that this year’s “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” hopes to promote.
The “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” encourages those with dreams to create positive impact and inject more momentum into Taiwan’s continuous progress and perseverance. (Photo provided by Diageo)
The “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program” is open to all Republic of China citizens aged 20 and above. Activity brochures can be picked up 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 www.keepwalking.com.tw, provide basic information and their dream implementation plan, and mail it to: “KEEP WALKING Dream Funding Program Project Team,” 4F, No. 2, Lane 150, Section 5, Xinyi Road, Xinyi District, Taipei City 110, Taiwan, or email it to keepwalking@unistyle.com.tw. Please call 0800-727-999 to confirm after sending.