Chinese Awards Part 2

Tim Studt here again, and mostly recovered from my day-long travel on Friday. Hot and humid here in Taipei, about 25 F warmer than in Chicago.

Today's judging at the Taiwan Excellence Awards covered healthcare-based tablet computers, electronic memory modules, top-end gaming computers, electric scooters, racing bicycles and even off-road mountain racing bike tires. All of these are state-of-the-art systems and market leaders in their respective industries with number one or two market shares.

The other judges are experts in quality, design and marketing assembled mostly in pairs. My R&D counterpart is the President of the Industrial Research Technology Institute (ITRI)—a frequent submitter and multiple winner of R&D 100 awards over the past several years. One of his R&D 100 Award winners from several years ago—flat panel electrostatic speakers—was the technology that we reviewed yesterday in the Bluetooth portable speakers.

Highlights from today's judging included videos from international championship offroad and touring races featuring $10,000 bicycles from Giant and Merida. We also reviewed a powered device from HIWIN that helps stroke victims recover their walking abilities—very emotional presentations. These products are used throughout the U.S. and Europe. We also learned a lot about products we rarely have experience with, such as ASUS ROG (Republic of Gaming) top end $5,000 gaming computers that are used in home-gaming parties and international competitions.

This is my third Taiwan Excellence judging experience and I've met some judges I  worked with before. So, it's nice to meet these highly regarded and qualified friends again. As in the R&D 100s, it's fun to learn about all of these state of the art technologies that many passionate researchers and marketers dedicate their lives to developing.

Tomorrow's judging includes Taiwan designed, developed and manufactured super yachts, SUVs, gas-powered motor scooters, exercise equipment and heavy-duty machinery.