The American Institute in Taiwan (AIT) and the Taiwan Design Center jointly launched an innovation center in Taipei yesterday to promote digital learning with an emphasis on innovation, creativity and design.
The American Innovation Center, the first of its kind in Asia, is equipped with computers, 3D printers, scanners, books, audio-visual materials and an online database. It also has digital video conferencing equipment.
“It will connect young people and designers from Taiwan, the United States and the world, and take Taiwan-US cooperation to a new level,” AIT Director Christopher Marut said.
The center, in the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, is to offer lectures, workshops and programs on innovation, entrepreneurship, digitalization, culture and design, according to the AIT.
“We thought Taiwan would be an excellent choice for the first American Innovation Center in Asia because it is known for its innovation and creativity, as well as advances in high-technology,” said Joseph Bookbinder, AIT public diplomacy section head.
Registration at the center is free and open to the public, allowing members free access to the resources from Tuesday to Saturday.
Each member has one chance to use a 3D printer, free of cost, but by appointment, from today to March 29.
At least 82 free lectures, classes, video viewings and workshops are expected to be held at the center this year, the AIT said.
Other American Innovation Centers are in Italy, Portugal, Cyprus and Greece.
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