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Wang Chien-ming ready to `show Taiwan to the world'
FIGUREHEAD:
Although he sometimes confuses Yushan with Alishan, the Taiwanese baseball hero will promote the country in an international campaign
By Jimmy Chuang
STAFF REPORTER
Saturday, Dec 17, 2005, Page 2
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New York Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming, center, launches a campaign to promote the country's international image in Taipei yesterday. He is accompanied by Premier Frank Hsieh, right, and Government Information Office Minister Pasuya Yao.
PHOTO: LIU HSIN-DE, TAIPEI TIMES
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New York Yankees pitcher Wang Chien-ming (王建民) yesterday urged his fellow Taiwanese to "show Taiwan to the world."
The Government Information Office (GIO) has enlisted Wang to promote the country's international image as part of a new promotional campaign.
"I must admit that I am very nervous about this. Also, I feel more pressure now because I will have to work harder during my next season now that I have more responsibilities while I am promoting my country," Wang told a press conference yesterday.
The baseball star has been chosen to represent the country as part of a campaign in which the GIO is asking the public to choose between 24 different pictures to select an image to represent Taiwan internationally.
Wang also shot a 60-second TV advertisement for the GIO. In the advertisement, Wang takes advantage of his career as a professional baseball player from Taiwan to tell a curious New York taxi driver about his country.
During the press conference, Premier Frank Hsieh (謝長廷) asked Wang what he tells foreigners when they ask about Taiwan. Wang replied that he always starts with Taiwan's delicious food.
"I especially like Taiwan's fried eggs with oysters," Wang said, adding that he tells people there is an abundance of good food in Taiwan.
As for his favorite picture to represent Taiwan, Wang chose a picture of Yushan (玉山), which he mistakenly called Alishan (阿里山).
The promotional campaign was initiated yesterday and will run through Jan. 15.
Members of the public can call 0951-098-098 or fax (02) 2516-1037 to select their favorite picture to represent Taiwan. Those who vote for their favorite picture are also entitled to participate in a draw for baseballs with Wang's signature on them, cars, scooters and various electronic products.
More information is available from www.taiwan-image.tw.
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