Publisher Chu An-min (???) received a special contribution award at the 2021 Golden Tripod Awards Wednesday for his 30-year involvement in the Taiwanese literature publishing industry.

Chu, who has been editor-in-chief of Ink Publishing for nearly 20 years, not only published works by famous writers, but also cultivated emerging talent, the Ministry of Culture said in a statement.

Furthermore, his commitment to literature also involves holding a literature camp and presenting a literature award, it said

At the award presentation ceremony, Chu, 64, expressed his gratitude and passion for Taiwanese literature in his acceptance speech. He said that although the last 30 years in the industry have sometimes been difficult, he is always filled with happiness on encountering excellent works.

He mentioned Kao Hsin-chiang (???), the late writer who headed the literary supplement page of the China Times and inspired Chu to pursue a career in literary publishing. "I miss him very much today," Chu said.

Chu concluded his speech by thanking the jury, saying this recognition belongs to Taiwanese literature.

Born in 1957 in South Korea to a Chinese family, Chu moved to Taiwan with his family in 1977. He began his career in literary publishing at Unitas, a literary magazine published by the United Daily News Group.

Chu assumed the position as a editor-in-chief of Ink Publishing in 2002 and has since won numerous awards. He is also the author of four books.

Writer and scholar Chen Fang-ming (???), honored for his column writing for Chu's Ink Literary Monthly at this year's awards, thanked Chu during his acceptance speech, saying that Chu was the only person willing to meet him when he returned to Taiwan in the 80s as a blacklisted person.

The publisher also encouraged him to write and published more than 10 books of his at Unitas and Ink Publishing, Chen said.

Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te (???) said the inclusiveness of Taiwan's society has contributed to the diversity of publications.

The ministry will continue to collaborate with the publishing industry and creators to promote cultural content industries and carry forward Taiwan's cultural heritage, he added.

The awards, which were held for the 45th year, are organized annually by the Ministry of Culture to honor outstanding Taiwanese publications and publishers.

This year there were 1,300 entries, with 29 works receiving awards and 51 publications winning special commendations. Chu was selected in the special contribution category.

Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel