Taiwan Premier calls for Scouting spirit to be rooted in society

The co-titled 28th Asia Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree and Scouts of China Centenary Jamboree was officially declared open at the beautiful Cheng Ching Lake in Kaohsiung, Taiwan with a total of 8,230 participants from 25 countries across the world. The occasion also celebrates the 100 years of Scouting in Taiwan.

Taiwanese Premier His Excellency Wu Den-Yih, while speaking at the opening ceremony, called on Scouts to spread the Scouting spirit wherever they are. He said that this is possible through international Jamborees where Scouts are prepared to build their own future societies as they are trained to be physically stronger and mentally smarter.

The Minister of Education Hon. Wu Ching-Ji welcomed the overseas participants said that when the country enforces the compulsory education for the age cohort 9-12 years, Scouting will be focused as a co-curricular activity. The opening ceremony was well attended by senior government officials from the central government and from the provincial government of Kaohsiung, in particular the Education Ministry. Chief Commissioner Scouts of China Dr. Chao Shou-Po welcomed the overseas participants and guests. On behalf of the Regional Scout Committee Dr. Mukhyuddin bin Sarwani encouraged all participants to make friends, understand each others’ cultures and learn from each other.

Twenty-five member countries from the Asia Pacific and other regions were represented with 580 participants and another 7,660 local participants. Hong Kong has the largest contingent of 123, followed by Malaysia with 111, and the Philippines with 83 participants. Over 1,300 volunteers are supporting the Jamboree.

Jamboree activities cover many areas including ICT, folk artistry, mountain area safety, disaster prevention, water quality monitoring, among others. Large numbers are visiting the Global Development Village including the APR centre. A general quiz on scouting is a challenge offered at the APR centre where button pins and stickers are given away. Other activities in the GDV include environment, energy saving, aboriginal culture, and practical demonstration on nuclear pollution and how to take preventive measures.

The World Scout Committee is represented by Eric Khoo and Mari Nakano. Joining from the region are Vice-Chairman Prakorb Mukura, consultants Anthony Thng and Mohamed Ali Khalid, and Programme Sub Committee Vice Chairman Rajalingam Ramasamy. Other guests are Chairman of Regional Governance Task Force Alex Wong and member Katsura Kuno, Chief Commissioners of Hong Kong and Korea, top executives of Australia, Japan, Korea, Philippines, and Macau. A number of ATAS and APES members are present for the opening under a special package organized for them. Currently APES president is also the Chairman of Scouts of China Dr. Chao Shou-Po.

The next Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Jamboree will be hosted by the Scout Association of Sri Lanka from 1-6 April 2012, which will also celebrate 100 years of Scouting.