Written by: Lin Cai-Wei, Wen Chang-Rong 2006/10/31

　　As Mandarin mania sweeps the world, how should Taiwan use its advantage and benefit form what analysts predict to be a USD$60 billion market in five years? National Taiwan University (NTU) Chinese Literature Chairperson Ho Chi-peng announces that work is underway to develop the NTU General Chinese Language Test in the next three years, introducing Taiwan’s long years of detailed Mandarin studies and standards to the world.
　　Yesterday at the “Opportunities for Taiwan as Mandarin Becomes a Global Mania” symposium, administrator Professor Ho Chi-peng states that China’s HSK holds a huge market share in today’s Mandarin market with over a million testees. However, HSK measures simple skills applicable only in daily life.
　　Professor Ho continues, “This trend in learning Mandarin should bring about the rejuvenation of both the language and the culture.” HSK does not fulfill those requirements. Thus after extended contemplation, NTU has decided to develop the NTU General Chinese Language Test in three years.
　　Dean of NTU’s College of Liberal Arts, Yeh Kuo-Liang, states that the government and universities should continue to increase investments in Mandarin software and hardware. He believes that it is not purely about taking hold of a business opportunity, but also a competition between political and cultural ideals, seeing as the culture, politics and Mandarin characters are different on either side of the Straits.
　　According to Dean Shen Tung, the concept of NTU’s Center for International Academic Exchanges is “Come to Taiwan and experience first-rate Mandarin learning program”. Presently, there are over 30 million people who want to learn Mandarin. According to statistics from Chinese officials, there will be an estimated demand of 100 million in 2010. Referring to the aforementioned statistics, Dean Shen Tung stresses, “The majority of the world uses simplified characters while Taiwan continues to use the traditional character, reflecting our in-depth knowledge of the origin and values of the Chinese culture.”
　　Compared to the simplified character, she believes the traditional character is the “cultured man’s letterform”. Combined with the concept of excellence, these factors are the competitive advantages for Taiwan’s Mandarin development.
　　Are you still waiting for the opportune time?