2019-02-01 Opening speech for the Night of Ideas

Hello everyone. Welcome to the Night of Ideas — La Nuit des idées. Tonight, with this video, I would like to invite you to join me, join thousands of people from all over the world, to open up our mind, and to talk about the ideas behind the main issues that we are facing in our time. With years of good practice, “Night of Ideas” has become a signature event that features thought-provoking programs of debates, performances and screenings that help participants to speak up and think beyond our imagination. This year, the Night of Ideas focuses on the theme: "Facing Our Time" and will be held in 100 cities around the world, including Asian cities such as Taipei, Tokyo, Seoul, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Jakarta. In the old days, through radio and television, one person can speak to millions of people, but nowadays — for the first time — we can listen to millions of people through the internet. Democracy has since transformed into a new shape that perhaps no one yet has the ability to describe it with a whole picture. Therefore, this year in Taipei, with the “Night of Ideas”, we will go a step further. We will talk about "How to face the waves of digital transformation", and to explore "How to protect the free and open internet while upholding democracy.” As Taiwan’s Digital Minister, I embrace open government, social innovation and youth participation, making rooms for listening at scale. For us, digital technology is just the means to an end, and that end is to create social spaces and social objects, which enable people to better communicate with one another, and be willing to respect the pluralities — and also be curious enough to come to the “Night of Ideas”. By spending this night together, I encourage you to share your feelings; share your doubts; share your reflections and ideas about the issues that concern you, or interest you in this digital area. By speaking up, every one of us could become the maker of digital democracy in the 21st century. Cheers for independent minds, honest dialogues, and the future of democracy. Thank you. I hope you all have a pleasant and inspiring evening ahead!