Tycoon Samuel Yin (尹衍樑) has been praised by Premier Jiang Yi-huah (江宜樺) for creating what some are touting the “Asian Nobel Prize,” saying that the award might one day establish a place in the world for itself, given sufficient commitment.
Jiang said he admires Yin, chairman of Ruentex Group, who donated NT$3 billion (US$98.8 million) to set up the Tang Prize (唐獎) in 2012.
Yin has said that he created the prize to call attention to the issues of climate change, natural disasters, energy and food, and the growing gap between rich and poor in an increasingly globalized world.
Photo: Chang Chia-ming, Taipei Times
The premier said he believes the significance of the award could increase among academics if continued effort is put into promoting it.
The Tang Prize, named after the Tang Dynasty (618-907), a period of Chinese history known for its liberal and all-inclusive policies, as well as its robust cultural activities, is to be announced for the first time in June.
Academia Sinica is to nominate and select the winners on behalf of the Tang Prize Foundation and the foundation is scheduled to hand out the prizes on Sept. 18.
It honors academics in four fields — sustainable development, biopharmaceutical science, Sinology and rule of law.
Up to three winners in each of the four categories are to share a cash prize of NT$50 million. That is more than a Nobel prize offers.
The foundation said the prize is to be awarded every two years.
Meanwhile, the foundation is soliciting designs for medals and certificates for the awards. A total of 10 professionals from around the world are competing to contribute to the design of the medals.
The foundation said it has already received more than 60 designs for the certificates and is calling for more before submissions close on Friday next week.
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