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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Restoration of K.T. Li's Former Residence Begins; 475 Artifacts Donated

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • The restoration project for the former residence of K.T. Li, a key figure in Taiwan's economic development, has commenced in Taipei.
  • The project, costing NT$38.39 million, will take approximately 15 months and aims to preserve the historical site using traditional methods while ensuring safety and future exhibition needs.
  • Li's son has donated 475 precious artifacts, including personal items and commendations, to the Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau for permanent collection, enriching the historical narrative of Taiwan's post-war economic miracle.

Taipei City's Cultural Affairs Bureau has officially launched the restoration project for the former residence of K.T. Li, a pivotal figure often hailed as the "father of Taiwan's economic miracle" and "godfather of technology." The commencement ceremony was led by Cultural Affairs Bureau Director-General Tsai Shih-ping, with the participation of Li's son, Li Yong-chang, and Chairman Wang Po-yuan of the K.T. Li Foundation for Development of Science and Technology.

The restoration work, estimated to cost NT$38.39 million (approximately $1.16 million USD), is expected to take about 15 months. The project will involve traditional craftsmanship to repair the roof structure, wooden elements, roof tiles, gutters, and garden landscaping. Emphasis is placed on ensuring the safety, durability, and suitability for future exhibitions, guaranteeing the sustainable preservation of this valuable cultural asset.

K.T. Li's contributions to Taiwan's economic construction and technological advancement were profound, significantly impacting industrial upgrades, science and technology policies, and talent cultivation. His former residence not only chronicles his life journey but also embodies the significant historical memory of Taiwan's post-war economic development.

In a significant gesture to ensure the meticulous preservation of precious artifacts, Li Yong-chang has generously donated 475 items previously on loan to the residence for permanent collection by the Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau. These artifacts, used and cherished by K.T. Li and his wife, encompass a wide range of items including contemporary products, crafts, luggage, furniture, academic robes, calligraphy, and daily necessities. Notably, the collection includes numerous commendation certificates and commemorative items gifted to Li by government agencies, corporations, and individuals, reflecting the high regard for his achievements. Director-General Tsai Shih-ping expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that the dual preservation of historical architecture and artifacts will strengthen Taiwan's connection across generations and cultural memory.

The dual preservation of historical architecture and artifacts will strengthen Taiwan's connection across generations and cultural memory.

— Tsai Shih-pingTaipei Cultural Affairs Bureau Director-General Tsai Shih-ping on the significance of the restoration and donation.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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