FIDO2 specification has been adopted by many of the world's leading companies. For example, Microsoft, Google and Facebook have used the FIDO keys as their authentication mechanisms when deploying IoT and cloud services. In addition, ITU (International Telecommunication Union) recently approved to recognize FIDO2 as a part of international standards. With these ongoing trends, it is expected to accelerate the advent of the new era of online authentication.According to a market research report, the overall biometrics market will reach US$30 billion by 2021, and the main drivers are from the consumer electronics and FinTech applications. These facts have brought new issues to the Taiwanese industry and government departments, since they are currently lagging behind in the global trend. In order to promote the new authentication technology, FIDO Alliance introduced the latest solutions and use cases around the world at the 2018 FIDO Taipei Seminar held recently.Replacing risky passwords with biometric authentication"With the rampant data breaches, phishing attacks, and other cybersecurity incidents, the traditional way to authenticate with password has created many problems. The industry is in urgent need of a more secure alternative solution," Brett McDowell, Executive Director of FIDO Alliance, said. FIDO Alliance uses the technologies such as security modules and biometrics to eliminate the need for passwords, and the FIDO certification programs are now supported by many leading companies from the consumer electronics, finance, and security industries. Currently, its board members in China and Taiwan include Lenovo, Feitian, Egis Technology, and Alibaba.There are many FIDO UAF and U2F certified products in the market. Also, earlier this year, FIDO Alliance cooperated with W3C to combine the FIDO Client-to-Authenticator Protocol (CTAP) with W3C's Web Authentication (WebAuthn) specification in the FIDO2 standard. This has paved the way for using biometrics such as fingerprints, irises or face recognition to log into various browsers on the desktops and mobile devices, including Chrome, Edge and Firefox. In addition, FIDO's security protocol is now backed by several widely adopted hardware security modules TPM (Trusted Platform Module), SE, TEE, as well as Android and Windows 10 operating systems.Brett McDowell also disclosed at the event that ITU has made an announcement on November 28 that it has recognized FIDO UAF and FIDO2 CTAP2/U2F as its official standard, which will definitely boost the broad deployments of FIDO2 applications. He emphasized that FIDO is committed to providing open and interoperable standards for various websites and mobile services, and its ecosystem is continuing to thrive. It is hoped that Taiwan industry can keep abreast of the latest trend and take actions. FIDO Alliance will be more than happy to provide the necessary supports.FIDO Standard deployed in banking services, telecommunications and consumer electronics around the worldRegarding the deployments of FIDO standard around the world, it is seen that the widespread applications in Korea are contributed by the strong government support, and the applications in Japan are driven by the enterprises, while in the United States and India, banking services are the main focus, with some FIDO2 use cases being implemented for better security.Ming Chen, Lead Research of EWS, said that EWS, which is a joint venture of several US banks, aims to provide identity, authentication, and payment solutions for banks and financial service organizations. Currently, FIDO has been used to replace login password or as second login factor for transaction authentication. As FIDO2 is ready, it will be expanded to online banking on PCs. In addition, the company is now considering to connect the FIDO-enabled mobile phone with ATM through NFC or BLE for the logging operation, in a bid to expand the FIDO use cases.Anthony Nadalin, Partner Architect of Microsoft, explained that the use cases enabled by FIDO standard include: 2nd factor authentication, which requires both password and biometrics as the second-factor authentication, re-authentication, which requires either password or biometrics, and 1st authentication, which only uses biometrics. By reducing the reliance on passwords, a better user experience can be achieved. FIDO2 standard is already implemented on Windows 10 and Edge browsers. In addition, Microsoft accounts including Xbox, Skype, Outlook and other services can also support FIDO2. It is expected that passwordless login will become more popular in the future.Dongpyo Hong, Vice Chairman of FIDO Korea WG, said that there are 31 companies joining the FIDO Alliance in Korea. Thanks to the active promotion by the government and mobile operators, Korea is the largest country who has lots of FIDO-certified products, followed by the United States, China and Japan. Since 2013, it has been deployed in finance, communications, education, business, and government departments. There are many use cases, including mobile payment for Samsung mobile phones, local credit card company BC card, e-commerce SK Planet, and telecom operator KT. Next, an integrated authentication platform based on FIDO combined with various security technologies will be developed in Korea. Moreover, eyeing on the future trend of decentralization, the applications for blockchain-based DID (decentralized identification code) and FIDO-based authentication will also be developed.According to Koichi Moriyama, Chairman of FIDO Japan WG and Senior Director of Product Innovation at NTT DOCOMO, Yahoo Japan has taken the lead in deploying FIDO2 standard in October this year, while NTT DOCOMO was the first mobile operator in Japan to support FIDO UAF standard in 2015. NTT DOCOMO provides users with the ability to log into their accounts with biometric technologies such as iris or fingerprint recognition and further expands to its Dmarket services. Next, it will implement the FIDO UAF applications on Android 8.0 or later devices without any OS customizations.Soranun Jiwasurat, Deputy CEO of ETDA , introduced the Digital ID program promoted by the Thai government and the new Digital Economy Law. ETDA is responsible for setting Digital ID standards and defining different IAL (identity assurance level) and AAL (authentication assurance level). Currently, ETDA is developing a mobile app prototype based on FIDO UAF with the highest AAL level (AAL3), which will work with "ETDA Connect", an OpenID Connect Platform, to complete the picture of digital identity authentication platform in Thailand.Vijay Kumar, CTO of India-based eMudhra, said that the FIDO Alliance has teamed up with Indian PKI Forum to drive strong authentication and security standards. eMudhra is the largest e-signature solution provider in India. Its emAS identity system has been widely used by Internet banking platforms and government platforms, supporting UAF and U2F standards, and FIDO2 solutions are ready for the future.How should Taiwan promote FIDO applications: Developing convenient e-servicesThe panel discussion of 2018 FIDO Taipei Seminar was hosted by IC Liu, CEO of Next Bank Preparation Office and the panel guests included Wei-Bin Lee, Director, Department of Information Technology, Taipei City Government, Sheng-Lin Chou, Secretary General of TAICS, Brett McDowell, Executive Director of FIDO Alliance, Soranun Jiwasurat, Representative of APKIC, and Jason Hsu, Legislator, exploring how Taiwan should use the experience of other countries to accelerate the implementation of the new passwordless authentication applications.First, Brett McDowell pointed out that the FIDO standard has proven to have significant benefits in reducing online fraud and increasing service transaction volumes. Currently, in addition to the leading players in various industries, several countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Israel, and Germany, have also joined the FIDO Alliance's government program, showing that FIDO standard has gained strong traction in both the public and private sectors. For Taiwan, with its strength in the ICT industry, Taiwanese manufacturers will be able to establish unique advantages by combining IoT and FIDO key management. As for the public sector, FIDO can be used as an alternative to e-signature/PKI. By gradually supporting biometric authentication technology, Taiwan government should be able to build its own use cases.IC Liu also echoed that biometrics is crucial for e-commerce and financial services. If Next Bank obtains the online banking license in the future, it will adopt FIDO standard and make use of the successful experiences in other countries, in bid to make Taiwan catch up with the latest trend.According to Wei-Bin Lee, every local government has legacy information systems and solutions to provide different services, making it difficult to integrate and introduce new technologies. This is the main bottleneck for the implementation of new standards. Therefore, the comprehensive specifications and proposals are required, and the deployment must be done step by step without affecting the use of existing Citizen Digital Certificate and e-signature systems.Sheng-Lin Chou said that the government should play a leading role in promoting the implementation of this new concept. In addition to improving the experience and security of the current Citizen Digital Certificate for the public, it is believed that FIDO standard can also be a good solution for credit card, mobile payment and other applications. Therefore, the important issue will be how to unite local players and to establish the consensus.Finally, Brett McDowell suggested that FIDO is one of many authentication standards. Local government should first consider it as one of the options, allowing the public to enjoy more convenient e-services first, and then move toward passwordless approach. There are already many successful use cases around the world, so Taiwan should be more actively involved in the discussions to understand the deployments in other countries and to formulate appropriate policies. In terms of participating in international organizations, Egis, a board member of FIDO Alliance, has fully demonstrated its leadership in setting standards. It is hoped that more Taiwanese companies join together to form the critical mass, so as to expand the applications of FIDO standard in Taiwan.Brett McDowell, Executive Director of FIDO AllianceTodd Lin, COO of EgisMing Chen, Lead Researcher of EWSAnthony Nadalin, Partner Architect of MicrosoftDongpyo Hong, Vice Chairman of FIDO Korea WG & Chief Alliance officer in RaonSecureKoichi Moriyama, Chairman of FIDO Japan WG & Senior Director of Product Innovation at NTT DOCOMOSoranun Jiwasurat, Deputy CEO of ETDAVijay Kumar, CTO of eMudhra2018 FIDO Taipei Seminar

While looking back at the past year, there's several big things hit in media and entertainment world. They are HDR (short for high dynamic range), 4K resolution and immersive sound technology. Consumers expect bolder, brighter colors, improved image sharpness and clarity, and a re-mastered soundtrack. When those features are properly implemented, the contrast between the whitest whites and darkest blacks is accentuated, colors are more realistic and the entire image becomes more vibrant and sees more details.It's the first time the IMAX brand has launched a big move on the living room to bring its big-screen experience to the home. IMAX is teaming up with DTS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Xperi Corporation, to launch the IMAX Enhanced program. IMAX Enhanced is the latest premium home cinema program.Announced in September 2018, the program includes the highest-end TVs, projectors, sound bars, and A/V receivers that must meet stringent performance standards established by IMAX, DTS and Hollywood's leading colorists in order to create a consistent and higher bar for image and sound performance on premium devices. IMAX digitally re-mastered content for the home environment is created to provide the sharpest 4K HDR images and powerful sound as the filmmaker intended.According to the recent interview in Taipei with Mr. Geir Skadden, Xperi's Chief Products and Services Officer, he promotes this program and provides the support to help Taiwan partners to join this program.Multitude consumer device development triggering growth in home marketThe partnership between IMAX and DTS is offering consumers a new level of quality in sight and sound experiences for the home users. There are three key elements of this standard, Skadden highlights. One is the unique IMAX movie contents. Lots of big IMAX movies never been seen at home with the same level of quality in immersive sight and sound experience. IMAX provides an "IMAX Mode" for the enhanced devices that will be optimized to play digitally re-mastered content as the filmmaker intended in the home.The second is the playback by IMAX Mode allowing the equipment at home to render both audio and video to be optimized for IMAX titles. This will consistent to the movie director for the original idea of the movie. And the third is the best-in-class consumer electronics including 4K HDR TV, AVR and sound bars that are certified for this program to give users an easy way to enjoy IMAX content in the home.More IMAX enhanced movie titles coming in 2019One of the best benefits for the program is to simplify the process for consumers to purchase the high-end audio and video devices. IMAX Enhanced is really helping users by providing access to high quality content via UHD Blu-ray and partner streaming services. The program is intended to make it easier for consumers to know that they are getting the highest-possible picture and sound.Skadden talks optimistically about the IMAX Enhanced content. It is going to see more IMAX enhanced movie titles to be released in 2019. With new technologies like 4K HDR TV and immersive sound system, it is providing a way to tell a story maintaining the integrity of IMAX enhanced movies to be represented and fulfilling the desire of Hollywood community to extend the cinema experience on more platforms.The ecosystems playing big role in helping shape the futureRegarding the hardware needed to be certified by the new standard, DTS has a rich history in delivering premium entertainment experiences to the theater and at home. By partnering with IMAX, DTS is leveraging its well-established global licensing platform to promote IMAX Enhanced program. Many leading sound bar and global TV makers, as well as China-based TV brands, have a long-term strategic partnership with DTS.Taiwan electronic industry has a very unique marketing position for IMAX Enhanced program. Global TV brands are selecting OEM/ODM orders to Taiwan electronics manufacturers. Part of Taiwan TV brands have been acquired European and Japanese brands. This all makes Taiwan electronics industry and supply chain a leading place for global market. That's why DTS invested dedicated engineering support teams in Taiwan to work with local consumer electronics manufacturing partners and chipset design vendors.DTS will manage local licensee and technical support teams for supporting the certification program. To be accepted into the program, leading consumer electronics manufacturers will design higher end 4K HDR TVs, AVRs, sound systems and other home theatre equipment to meet a carefully prescribed set of the IMAX Enhanced audio and video performance standards. DTS teams will help Taiwan supply chain and ecosystem partners with an efficient, thorough process for the certification of IMAX Enhanced products.With the joint efforts of ecosystem partners that participate in the IMAX Enhanced program, this will also support the continued penetration of DTS decoders integrated in home audio equipment to deliver an IMAX signature sound experience to consumers' devices. The IMAX Enhanced program is a good opportunity to stay at the forefront of home entertainment, Skadden notes. Through the combined engineering and licensing efforts, as well as support from a number of the world's leading device and content partners, the IMAX Enhanced program will bring a completely new business for high-end home market sectors for Taiwan partners. DTS is looking forward to working with Taiwan partners.For the end customers of Asia to enjoy an immersive, powerful IMAX Enhanced experience from IMAX and DTS at home, it will start from the second quarter of 2019 to buy the new certified IMAX Enhanced products in retail stores.Geir Skaaden, Chief Products & Services Officer at XPERI

As automotive electronics come with increasing levels of integration and complexity, the upcoming second edition of ISO 26262 will include a new section, Part 11, laying out guidelines for semiconductor development. Taiwan-based semiconductor suppliers looking to expand into the automotive sector should watch this important trend and take preemptive actions to capture market opportunities.According to Gerhard Rieger, Vice President Functional Safety, TUV NORD, ISO 26262, first published in 2011, defines functional safety for automotive electronic and/or electrical (E/E) systems applicable throughout their lifecycle, ranging from the design concept to system, hardware and software development, production, operation and support. It has become a generally accepted and adopted standard worldwide. The second edition of ISO 26262 has included guidelines on the development of semiconductors to further address functional safety for their use in automotive electronics.Ensuring functional safety and network security for automobilesRieger takes the automotive industry's self-driving car initiatives for example. In the future, people will be able to use their smartphone to control their vehicle to automatically come from the parking lot to pick them up. After they get into the vehicle, voice assistants can help them search for information while advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) help them get to their destination safely. The vehicle can also communicate with the road infrastructure via V2X networks and thereby steer clear of areas with heavy traffic or congestion caused by traffic accidents. After reaching their destination, they can use their smartphone to tell the vehicle to park itself, saving lots of time and effort.Such a use scenario requires large-scale electronics systems with intricate software design. Among them, Internet of Vehicle (IoV) comprises in-vehicle communication, Internet connection and V2X communication with road infrastructure, other vehicles on the road and pedestrians. While IoV brings conveniences, it also consists of many communication nodes which may be vulnerable to cyber attacks. IoV systems must be protected against intrusions to ensure vehicle safety.As the automotive industry continuingly goes digital, a growing number of electronic control units (ECU) and software applications are being used in an automobile with cloud computing increasingly being leveraged as well. These technological advances have significantly enhanced vehicle performance and user experience but connected cars also pose more security challenges. It is imperative that software, data and functions are safeguarded against unauthorized access and manipulation. Only through collaborative safety and security efforts by the entire automotive supply chain, including system integrators, IP developers and IP providers, can the automotive industry take advantage of opportunities arising from digitization and IoV developments.According to Rieger, to protect ECU from unauthorized access, security implementations, such as using secure firmware to ensure secure boot for ECU, secure in-vehicle communication, ECU device protection and secure firmware burn-in, all play crucial roles. Furthermore, as more than 70% of automotive recalls are due to software-related issues, the ability to perform secure over-the-air (OTA) software updates will effectively resolve the problem.For the automotive industry to go digital, it will have to overcome challenges in ECU protection and IoV network security. As such, it is essential to have an end-to-end solution that performs effective and secure OTA updates for ECU, including secure OTA software management with key control and protection, identity authentication and integrity guarantee on telematics system software.Comprehensive services helping suppliers obtain certificationsRieger emphasizes that functional safety and network security are instrumental to making self-driving cars a reality and a total solution is the key to minimizing risks for automotive electronics systems.As automotive E/E systems increasingly integrate software functionality and communication capability, network security is becoming an important part of functional safety. Aside from the ISO26262 functional safety standard, ISO is also drafting ISO 21434 on cybersecurity engineering for road vehicles and plans to release it in 2019. ISO 21434 specifies requirements for cybersecurity risk management of cyber-physical systems and provides a framework and guideline for cybersecurity process to help suppliers check and assess cybersecurity risks and integrate cybersecurity designs in automotive systems.Rieger advises that suppliers consider four different approaches when designing components conforming to the new ISO26262 requirements on semiconductors. For new components under development, suppliers can apply the Safety Element out of Context (SEooC) concept based on assumptions of target applications the element will be used for and safety objectives the element should reach. In the case of clear tier-1 supplier specifications, the "in context" approach can be followed. For existing components, suppliers should provide qualification of hardware components or proven in use argument pursuant to the requirements in Part 8.To help suppliers establish a safety design process, TUV NORD offers comprehensive risk management concept and practice under the banner of "Security4Safety," which takes functional safety and network security requirements into consideration from the beginning stage of the development cycle.TUV NORD provides a host of services for automotive qualifications, including personnel, process, product, trusted tool, trusted production and SEooC certifications. In addition, it offers analytical tools, such as the S4S risk analysis tool, failure modes, effects, and diagnostic analysis (FMEDA) tool, gap analysis and assessment tool. Leveraging these tools, TUV NORD helps customers analyze the gap between their existing process and ISO 26262 standard and then come up with a detailed implementation plan to eliminate the gap. Advanced Semiconductor Engineering, Lite-On and Quanta Computer are among those TUV NORD has helped obtain automotive certifications.Take personal certification for example. TUV NORD implements a three-stage certification program for individuals - FSCAE (Functional Safety Certified Automotive Engineer), FSCAC (Functional Safety Certified Automotive Coordinator/Consultant) and FSCAM (Functional Safety Certified Automotive Manager). More than 500 individuals have received FSCAE certification in Taiwan. TUV NORD plans to offer similar certification programs with respect to automotive network security in the future.Rieger thinks that more automotive standards will be established to keep up with advances in automotive development toward higher levels of autonomous driving to ensure safety in every aspect. It is no doubt functional safety and network security will become growingly challenging to suppliers across the automotive industry as future vehicles incorporate more artificial intelligence features. Suppliers will have to devote tremendous resources and costs to obtain certifications so as to embrace bigger opportunities. TUV NORD will continue to provide comprehensive consultation services to help suppliers cope with the latest automotive standards.Gerhard Rieger, Vice President Functional Safety, TUV NORD

Clientron is actually benefiting from rising US-China trade tensions. Its orders from the US market are bucking the trend, enjoying growth rather than suffering loss. Clientron's brand customers based in Europe have been exerting efforts toward the US market over recent years and are reaping positive results. Clientron, as their supply chain partner, ships the products from its Taiwan factories. Therefore the products are not subject to the US tariff hike and Clientron's customers can keep costs at bay and gain ground in the US market. "As their competitors suffer rising costs due to the tariff hike, Clientron's customers are ramping up their US operations and thus increasing their orders to Clientron," says Kelly Wu, President & CEO, Clientron.As a result, Clientron experienced a large increase in orders in the third quarter, which is traditionally a slow season. The company expects the prosperity to continue through the fourth quarter and amount of orders in January 2019 will set a new record in the company's history.Making big moves toward the automotive electronics sectorClientron will be making leaping advances toward the automotive electronics sector in 2019. Wu comments, "Clientron is able to speed up expansion into the automotive electronics market through strategic planning and direct communication between Clientron's and automotive customers' high-level executives." Clientron's revenue from automotive electronics in 2019 will double from its 2018 level. Revenue from this sector accounts for about 10% of Clientron's total revenue.It is noteworthy that Clientron's operation in the automotive electronics sector has been focusing on multimedia navigation systems and in-vehicle infotainment systems used mostly in commercial vehicles. However, the company has recently received orders for digital driver instrument cluster systems for private vehicles. Its client base has also expanded from makers of fossil fuel vehicles to include makers of new energy electric vehicles.Furthermore, Clientron also engages in a development project of an in-vehicle infotainment system that combines a central control console system with digital multi-touch display. "This is a product combo with a high-end price and a high technological barrier. We have devoted tremendous R&D resources and are thrilled to have achieved great success. Volume production and shipment are expected for the first quarter of 2019," indicates Wu. "After overcoming the high barrier and beginning to supply the high-end product, Clientron will follow up by providing mid- and low-end versions with more market demand. We will also make active efforts toward the automotive electronics market in China. Going forward, by strengthening collaborations with industry partners, government agencies, research organizations and academic institutions and engaging in product R&D centered on multi-display interactive smart driving solutions, Clientron strives for total customer satisfaction and co-works with customers to transition into the IoV era."Interactive 'three-displays, one-instrument' solutions to be unveiledAs part of its endeavors toward the automotive electronics sector, Clientron has successfully developed interactive "three-display, one-instrument + ADAS " software-hardware-integrated solutions through joint efforts with customers. The "three displays" here refer to the in-vehicle infotainment system, driver instrument cluster and digital console cluster. The "one instrument" refers to the vehicle travelling data recorder. They enable multi-display interactions as well as smart interconnections via CAN communication and work in conjunction with the advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in the vehicle to create a diverse and safe intelligent driving experience. Sampling and full-scale demonstration will be available in the second half of 2019. These achievements will enhance Clientron's ability to satisfy high-level requirements by makers of commercial vehicles. "Clientron will be able to extend our lead and break free from price-cutting competitions," Wu emphasizes.Having dedicated time and efforts in the automotive electronics sector for many years, Clientron actually obtained IATF ISO/ TS16949 certification as early as 2004. It completed the renewal process in 2018 and was awarded the IATF 16949 certificate for quality management systems in the automotive industry. Clientron has established itself as one of Taiwan's few tier-1 suppliers of factory-installed automotive electronics. Furthermore, with experiences working with world-leading automakers including General Motors and Ford, Clientron's Xiamen factory is GM-certified and compliant with multiple automotive standards. To prepare itself for future increases in orders for automotive electronics, Clientron is not only recruiting talent specializing in R&D, manufacturing and testing but also upgrading its factory equipment in an attempt to capture growth opportunities in the coming year.Going forward, Wu is confident that Clientron will be able to ride the growing trend of electric vehicles in China and make significant advances in the automotive electronics sector. Calling on Taiwan-based automotive electronics makers, Wu says, "We welcome any collaboration opportunity, through which Clientron and partners can expand into the electric vehicle market together with enormous growth potential."Products are designed with customer needs in mindAs the year 2018 comes to a close, Wu checks on Clientron's achievements and comments, "Clientron's net profit has far exceeded previous forecast. This is because we are able to more precisely plan our R&D projects and fully grasp customers' needs and preferences on product spec, function and design." For example, Clientron's new thin client is developed based on the Raspberry Pi3 B+ platform with suitable I/O interfaces to accommodate more developers' needs and enable low-cost options for wide-ranging industrial applications. Moreover, with a lightweight casing design, the new thin client S-Cube Pi 3 B+ received positive reviews and big orders were coming in soon after samples were made available.Among Clientron's embedded computing line, the IT900 multi-functional fanless embedded system, combining innovative development, flexible design and premium quality control, again received the Taiwan Excellence Award for 2019. Clientron also has good news for it point-of-sale (POS) systems in 2018. "On top of securing market presence and enjoying brisk sales in Europe, Clientron is able to make breakthroughs in its operations in the US market. We expect to penetrate into the American hospitality industry as well as retail market," indicates Wu. Clientron's strategies for product R&D, market expansion and customer services will converge to become more centered on thin clients and embedded systems including POS, IPC and automotive electronics that it specializes in. Aside from making efforts to secure its current market position, Clientron will also engage in collaborations with industry partners, government agencies, research organizations and academic institutions in an attempt to expand into new market segments. All these endeavors will contribute to revenue growth for Clientron in 2019.Kelly Wu, President & CEO, Clientron, expects 2019 to be a fruitful year for Clientron in the automotive electronics market

The city of Tainan on the southwest coast is the birthplace of modern Taiwan history. The local population looks upon Tainan - the capital for most of the island's days under imperial Chinese control - as the Japanese do upon ancient Kyoto and the Koreans upon antique Kyongju. The classic Tainan tour, a celebration of the proud legacy embodied in its compelling heritage sites, has in recent years been made that much more rewarding with renovation and/or significant augmentation of sites for the pleasure of both residents and tourists.The city, various government authorities at the national level, and private citizens are also hard at work comprehensively enhancing local quality of life - and the tourist experience - in other fields. One key area in this quest is the cultural-creative realm; one after another old, narrow shophouse street and neighborhood enclave has been magically transformed into a cultural-creative space teeming with boutique stores, small art galleries, and eclectic restaurants, cafes, and teahouses, with the original architecture and community history respected and celebrated.On another front, more and more of the coastal area's deep stock of saltwater-focused resources, from lagoons to mangrove swamps to canals leading to harbor and sea - long dedicated almost exclusively to marine-resource industries - are now being rededicated for tourist-drawing eco-learning activities.Heritage Sites & Tourist HotspotsTaiwan's modern history began in today's Anping District. And it all began in Anping at the spot today called Anping Fort, site of the ruins of a grand citadel built by the Dutch.The stronghold, originally called Fort Zeelandia, was built at the north-end head of a great sometimes sandbar/sometimes silt island (at high tide) that jutted out from the mainland. Along with other offshore silt islands, it formed the sea-side wall of a large "Inner Sea." The Dutch sought to rule Taiwan from 1624 to the time they were ousted by the celebrated Ming dynasty loyalist Koxinga in 1662. The Inner Sea eventually silted over, and the fort's ruins are today stranded far from the coast. Much of our theme-tour time in the pages to come is spent where the Inner Sea once rippled, and in the solid land/open water transition area between Anping Fort's position and today's Taiwan Strait coastline.Right beside Anping Fort are a number of narrow eatery-stuffed streets collectively called Anping Old Street, where seafood is bien sur the compelling draw. This was the site of the first Dutch settlement, "Taiwan's 1st Street" - the first-ever commercial street to form. There are many famed eateries here with long histories; shrimp rolls are an Anping Old Street compulsatory treat, Taiwan's answer to Japan's tempura, and Chou's Shrimp Rolls is one of the best restaurants serving the delicacy.Just north of Anping Fort is a heritage-architecture tandem only opened to the public in recent years, the Old Tait & Company Merchant House, and directly behind, the Anping Tree House, both built by a British trading firm after the Second Opium War forced China to open ports to Western trade in 1858. The facilities were later abandoned when the Japanese targeted the lucrative opium and camphor trades during their colonial rule of Taiwan. Inside the breezy, graceful arcaded colonial-style trading house are displays on the area's imperial-era history. The treehouse, originally conjoined warehouses, has been completely overrun by massive banyan trees, creating a fairytale maze.Just south of Anping Fort is the innermost section of Anping Harbor, awaiting tour-boat exploration. Overlooking its south side is a giant 16m-high hilltop statue of Lin Mo-Niang located in the breezy Lin Mo-Niang Park. Lin was the young mortal maiden who became the immortal Mazu, Goddess of the Sea, protector of seafarers.A few blocks south of the park is the Eternal Golden Castle, actually a fort, built by the Chinese in the 1870s as protection against grasping colonial powers. Designed by a Frenchman, massive bastions are found at the ends of the four high, thick walls, with a moat making enemy access even more difficult. On display inside are giant cannons and archeological digs.Also recommended are two newer historic attractions not far outside Anping District. The Tainan Judicial Museum complex, inaugurated as the Taiwan District Court in 1914, is considered one of Taiwan's three supreme Japanese-era works of architecture, the others Taipei's Presidential Office Building and National Taiwan Museum. The Japanese used Taiwan as an experimental station, and as with other designs this is an eclectic mix of Western architectural traditions. A dome is its most striking feature, once paired with a tower that soars no more but which is still "on view"- in a room of whimsy with a large replica seen in a deep well that is in fact a reflection of the real thing hanging upside-down from the ceiling.The Old Taiwan Magistrate Residence, built in 1900, was used as a residence by visiting Japanese royals, most notably the future Emperor Hirohito during his 1923 grand Taiwan inspection. Have your photo taken with him (a life-size cutout) in the history-display area.Cultural-Creative Youth Culture on Old StreetsOver the past decade or so, a number of historic streets and alleys in Tainan's old neighborhoods long down on their luck have undergone a renaissance, the prime movers young entrepreneurs simultaneously following two dreams: to preserve a chosen bit of the architectural history of the city they love, and to express their cultural-creativity in self-financed business ventures that can provide them a living wage. These long-quiescent enclaves are now alive with artsy-style cafés, teahouses, eateries, boutiques, artist studios, and other interests.Blueprint Culture and Creative Park (opened in 2015) is a narrow-lane complex of renovated simple, cement-walled dormitories originally built by the Japanese to house judicial-authority employees; the aforementioned Tainan Judicial Museum is nearby. The dorm buildings are today home to an attractive cluster of artisanal outlets and creative eateries. The "blueprint" refers to a mesmerizing entrance-point 3D artwork that transforms a solid wall into a glowing architectural blueprint.At the western end of old, exceedingly narrow Xinyi Street, which stretches just a few hundred meters, is the small, imperial-style Duiyue Gate. Built in 1836 by China's Qing imperial government, this is the only gate from the old walled city still in use today (note the white stone used for the base, Penghu stone originally used as ballast in ships sailing from the Penghu Islands). In recent years young entrepreneurs have been encamping in this still-bustling neighborhood, rich with traditional shophouse-style heritage residences and three venerable, well-maintained temples.Yuguang Island, today Tainan's sole offshore island, is a mere stone's throw-plus from the Eternal Golden Castle. It is reached by a short bridge just south of the fortress; the canal-tour boats pass underneath. A raised boardwalk takes visitors through the island's forest cover to along, crescent-shaped outer beach, where people picnic, small sailboats ply the gentle waters, and fishermen move about tending their open-water oyster-farm plots.A short distance from the coast in Annan District, right above Anping District, is the striking Taijiang National Park Visitor Center. Taijiang National Park is a watery world of estuaries, sandbars, tidal flats, old irrigation canals and small-craft shipping channels, mangrove swamps, wetlands, and aquaculture farms - much of these vestiges of the old Inner Sea. The white-walled buildings of the visitor complex, built on stilts above retired fish farms, resemble traditional fishermen dwellings and circle a faux "lagoon."North of this is coastal Qigu District, home to the Black-faced Spoonbill Reserve, a key site in the ongoing international campaign to help the magnificent, critically endangered black-faced spoonbill, a water bird that migrates between North Korea to Southeast Asia. North of the reserve is the sea-like Qigu Lagoon, festooned with a veritable Roman legion of aligned oyster racks.North of Qigu is coastal Beimen District. Just south of the fishing village of Beimen are the Jingzaijiao Tile-paved Salt Fields, Taiwan's oldest salt fields, created in 1818. This site is a showcase example of how the bottom of evaporation ponds were paved with pottery shards, producing cleaner salt and making harvesting easier.Just north of Beimen village is the grandiose Nankunshen Daitian Temple complex, visible from far off across the flatlands. This is the largest of Taiwan's many temples dedicated to what are called the "plague gods." In imperial times effigies of these gods would be placed on junk sat sickness-stricken places and sent off to sea; temples would often be built to appease them at places the boats drifted ashore. This spot, place name Nankunshen, is said to have been visited by such a craft in 1662.Vanaheim, a coast-side eco-theme resort, is not far north of the temple. You "camp" here - in simple, sturdy structures resembling yurts, big enough for two beds and a small toilet and shower. The accommodations sit on the edge of a large, busy mangrove forest; tectonic activity has caused some coastal land in this region to subside, and mangroves have been encouraged to once again take root where saltwater aqua farms long flourished.Included in a visitor's stay package is a guided mangrove-channel boat tour and an eco-tour along a long forest-wending raised boardwalk and the beach/tidal flat between forest and Taiwan Strait.Anping FortAnping CanalBlueprint Culture and Creative ParkNankunshen Daitian Temple

E-commerce markets in Asia continue to flourish in recent years with China particularly enjoying significant growth year after year, thanks in part to Singles' Day and 618 shopping festivals spurring online sales. The spike in e-commerce demand, however, presents enormous challenges to logistics, such as delivery delayed by unexpected volume.Such problems have prompted many e-commerce operators to aggressively adopt logistics automation and smart warehousing. One leading e-commerce operator in China, for example, launched the world's first unmanned logistics center in 2017, taking logistics technology to a whole new level. With new warehouses being added and old ones being rebuilt, the supply chain of logistics automation equipment is also facing major changes. Belt conveyor systems and sorting machines, for example, are required to enhance motion control performance and maximized precision.When its CANopen solution encountered a performance bottleneck, a leading system integrator (SI) supplying belt conveyor systems to a world-leading e-commerce operator, after careful evaluation, chose to deploy ADLINK's Talos-2000 EtherCAT-based automation control solution.Optimizing flexibility and performance to accommodate belt conveyor systems with diverse travel distancesBelt conveyors are not standardized systems, embodying an almost limitless array of configurations to accommodate different environmental layouts. Not only are different lengths and paths required, but also a wide-range of peripheral device types and quantities. While some operations may employ photo interrupters or electronic scales to measure package sizes, others can utilize cameras to scan barcodes and verify product traceability. Moreover, the increasing number of axes and I/O demanding precise synchronization are unsupported by existing CANopen solutions.According to Chia-Wei Yang, ADLINK's Market Development Manager for Automation, the SI chose to upgrade to EtherCAT because it, alone among all industrial automation standards, enables the highest flexibility in adopting or withdrawing functional modules, supporting wide-ranging synchronization control distances, and accommodating a wide variety of layouts. Furthermore, the environment comprises numerous axes and control points requiring synchronization across vast distances. Aside from the need to control multiple I/O, motors and robots, visual inspection capability is also required, presenting a standard smart logistics application scenario. The SI, recognizing that PC-based EtherCAT solutions with high performance, open system and a broad spectrum of applications were more suited to their needs than PLC-based EtherCAT solutions, opted for ADLINK's Talos-2000 control system.Deploying smart logistics by shortening development cycle and maximizing high system reliabilityThe Talos-2000 compact all-in-one control system with built-in CPU and EtherCAT master and GigE vision systems, delivers motion control of up to 64 axes and 10,000 I/O points, 4CH PoE camera connectivity, and support for a wide range of third-party EtherCAT slaves, including the SI's existing OMRON and Bosch servo motors. While multi-axis, multi-point, precision synchronous control is provided with both EtherCAT-based motion control cards and the integrated Talos-2000 solution, an open model combining industrial PC (IPC) and motion control cards can create compatibility issues between the IPC and motion control cards, with costs to build up the entire system running 25% higher. Accordingly, the Talos-2000 was a clear choice over EtherCAT-based motion control cards.As well, the Talos-2000 fully supports ADLINK's APS Function Library, which contains a complete portfolio of APIs to significantly shorten development cycles for belt conveyor systems.According to Yang, in most cases, the belt conveyor traverses a long distance with a controller often situated at the midpoint. This creates difficulty in calibration of the entire line, resulting in poor synchronization or control mismatch. ADLINK's APS Function Library allows slave devices that do not need calibration to be bypassed, providing separate calibration and troubleshooting for front, middle and back portions of the line and subsequent calibration of the entire line. The result is effective reduction of the time for system calibration and significant enhancement of system reliability, clearly demonstrating the value ADLINK's APS Function Library delivers.In a belt conveyor use case, EtherCAT-based multi-axis control enables simultaneous pick and place on a moving conveyor belt during sorting or collating, boosting productivity by 20%, an advantage unavailable in a CANopen control setup. In addition, ADLINK's EtherCAT master supports a wide range of third-party slave modules, allowing users to enjoy the freedom of different motors and I/O based on cost-performance considerations, thereby building a more efficient operating environment with lower procurement costs.The Talos-2000 compact all-in-one control system with built-in CPU and EtherCAT master and GigE vision systems.

To encourage more overseas tourists to visit Taiwan, the Tourism Bureau, MOTC, has also been encouraging visitors to explore central and southern Taiwan's new tourist attractions. So it has joined hands with the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation to launch the "Travel in a Pair, One Person Travels for Free" discount offer. From Nov. 27, 2018 to Jan. 31, 2019 overseas tourists coming to Taiwan on short-term visas can enjoy one free ticket as long as they and their travel companion take a trip to any THSR station from Taichung and southward. The stations and destinations included in this offer are: Taichung, Changhua, Yunlin, Chiayi, Tainan and Zuoying (Kaohsiung).The Tourism Bureau's Director General Joe Y. Chou said in order to provide overseas tourists with a more in-depth and meaningful experience in Taiwan, the Tourism Bureau also signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Performing Arts Center on Nov. 9 to cooperate on developing arts and culture-rich travel itineraries and activities for tourists. The goal is to combine culture with sightseeing to open new developments in Taiwan tourism. The central and southern regions of Taiwan offer a different type of culture and scenery from northern Taiwan. Some of these attractions include: the Taichung World Flora Expo, National Taichung Theater, the cultural-heritage former capital Tainan, and the agricultural and forestry-resources rich county Yunlin, the National Palace Museum Southern Branch in Chiayi, the passionate harbor city Kaohsiung, the recently opened Weiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, and 30th Taiwan Lantern Festival to be held next year in the Pingtung Dapeng Bay National Scenic Area. These attractions will let overseas visitors experience a different kind of Taiwanese beauty as well as the diverse and rich culture on our beautiful island.For international tourists who want to take advantage of the limited time they have in Taiwan and visit more attractions, the Tourism Bureau, MOTC has made it easier for them by cooperating with Taiwan High Speed Rail. In addition to implementing the specific actions of integrating culture with tourism, we also hope tourists will bring along a friend and sightsee in Taiwan together. This special offer will allow international passengers to take the fast and convenient high-speed trains to travel to the central and southern areas of Taiwan to experience the different culture and attractions.This activity will provide international passengers with affordable prices to experience the convenience of Taiwan's high-speed rail while exploring different cities and counties in Taiwan. The event, already launched globally on November 27, will be limited to foreign travelers on short-term visas. Foreigners coming to Taiwan for work and study will not qualify for this offer. The number of free tickets is limited and will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis until supplies last. For details, please visit the website of KKday, the Taiwan High-Speed Rail's overseas special dealer https://thsrc.kkday.red-digital.com/en.In order to encourage foreign tourists to visit Taiwan, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Company has a series of "High-Speed Rail Pass" products in addition to one-way tickets. Overseas passengers can take high-speed trains for any number of times and within an unlimited period during the specified period. International passengers are welcome to choose the right product for them so that they can take the high-speed rail to travel around Taiwan.Taiwan High Speed RailNational Taichung TheaterWeiwuying National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts

Elexcon 2018, to be held at China's Shenzhen Convention and Exhibition Center from December 20-22, 2018, will feature cutting edge technologies including AI, 5G, smart home, IoT, smart driving, new energy, and intelligent systems. Elexcon 2018 will feature three technology hubs, all aimed at the current industry trends and future technology developments.According to Gartner, by 2019 some 14.2 billion interconnected things will be used globally, and by 2021 that number will reach 25 billion. Therefore, how to respond to this change and develop products to meet the needs of relevant suppliers has become the focus of consideration, especially in embedded processors. In the face of these new trends, how will embedded processor vendors think and respond?5G attracts the interest of consumers and manufacturers because of its high speed and low latency. 5G represents a significant technology transformation for the industry, and test solutions must cover the entire ecosystem. As a high-frequency communication network, 5G will face a variety of test considerations before it can be applied in practice. This includes testing from R&D, to manufacturing, conformance test, through network deployment, optimization and monitoring.Elexcon 2018

Leading semiconductor test equipment supplier Advantest has announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which the company will acquire the commercial Semiconductor System Level Test business (Test Systems), a provider of system level test for semiconductor components and modules, from Astronics for US$185 million, plus an earn-out payment of up to US$30 million based on certain performance milestones.Test Systems is highly complementary to Advantest's existing suite of leading edge automated test equipment (ATE) solutions and broadens Advantest's position in system level test, an increasingly critical test modality to large consumer electronics manufacturers. The transaction further demonstrates the company's commitment to expanding test and measurement solutions throughout the semiconductor value chain and represents an important milestone in Advantest's Objectives of Grand Design and the company's mid-term plan disclosed on April 26, 2018."We will be able to offer stronger solutions to our diversified customer base and continue to add significant customer value in an evolving semiconductor value chain by further enriching and expanding our suite of test and measurement solutions," said Yoshiaki Yoshida, Advantest president and CEO. "With this acquisition, Advantest will benefit greatly from Test Systems' technology development capabilities, technical talent and recent customer successes in this emerging segment of test. The acquisition will allow us to better and more timely respond to the growing needs of our semiconductor customers, and we believe Test Systems will benefit greatly from Advantest's global footprint, customer base and resources. We look forward to making significant advances in developing new solutions with Test Systems to deliver significant value to customers, employees and shareholders."Based in Irvine, California, Test Systems will become a fully owned subsidiary of Advantest's US subsidiary, Advantest America, and will operate under a newly created entity, Advantest Test Solutions. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close by year end.

Zyxel Communications has again swept the Taiwan Excellence Awards, racking up five prizes largely on the back of its growing suite of well-received WiFi mesh networking, GPON, and LTE solutions. Zyxel has now had 88 products recognized over 14 consecutive years at the awards, which are organized by Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs and were held this year on November 9 in Taipei, Taiwan.In the past two years, Zyxel has initiated a bold shift in its focus, particularly toward mesh WiFi networking products. These awards are a tremendous validation that these efforts have yielded highly practical solutions that are already making tangible differences for consumers and businesses at home and abroad.Of particular pride are the awards for the Multy suite of mesh networking solutions - including Multy Plus, Multy U and Multy Mini. Much of this success comes down to the priority Zyxel has placed on optimizing radiofrequency design as well on user-friendly, app-based setup and management. The stylish design and a variety of mounting options also earned Multy Plus and Multy U the 2018 Golden Pin Design Award.Zyxel products directed at service providers were also honored, including 1U Pizza Box 8-port GPON OLT (OLT1408A) and 4G LTE-A indoor IAD (LTE3316). Designed to create better user experiences, the Zyxel LTE3316 can be easily set by the "LTE Ally" app and users can enjoy instant connection just inserting a SIM card whether they're at home, in the office or even in remote areas.Irene Tsai, product marketing manager of Zyxel's Smart Living Business Unit, received the awards on behalf of Zyxel.