Taipei: The National Cultural Award was presented to author Wu Cheng, Hakka traditional builder Fu Ming-guang, and Taiwanese opera performer Yang Li-hua during a ceremony on Thursday.

According to Focus Taiwan, the award, sponsored by the Executive Yuan, recognized their outstanding achievements in literature, cultural heritage, and traditional arts as announced by the Ministry of Culture. Wu Cheng is celebrated as one of Taiwan's most representative literary figures, known for his poetry and prose that document the lives of farmers and the land.

In his acceptance speech, Wu expressed gratitude, attributing his achievements to the collective support and resources of Taiwanese society. Fu Ming-guang, a master bricklayer specializing in traditional Hakka architecture, has dedicated over 60 years to construction and restoration, preserving historic buildings and temples across Taiwan. Fu emphasized the need for better working conditions in public heritage restoration projects, stating that improving the environment is essential for passing down traditional building restoration skills.

Yang Li-hua, a devoted performer in Taiwanese opera, expressed her hope for more television stations to produce new Taiwanese opera programs rather than relying on reruns. Yang has mastered various forms of performing arts and created numerous legendary works spanning indoor opera, radio, film, and television.

The awards were presented by Premier Cho Jung-tai. Minister of Culture Li Yuan humorously remarked during his speech that although he has not yet received the award, he is still "young" at 70 compared to the three recipients, all over 80. Each recipient of this year's Executive Yuan Cultural Award was honored with a medallion, a certificate, and NT$1 million (US$34,182) in prize money.