The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, together with Professor Chen Mei-yen of National Taiwan Normal University and her sports science research team, co-hosted a pavilion with the 2025 World Masters Games during the 2025 TaiSPO. On the final day of the exhibition, they held a forum titled “Sports Without Limits × Sustainable Technology,” moderated by Dr. Huang Chun-ju, Director-General of the NTSC Department of Humanities and Social Sciences.

The first session of the forum, “Sports Without Limits, Empowering Connections,” invited distinguished guest speakers Lin Che-hung, CEO of the 2025 World Masters Games, Cheng Shih-chung, Director-General of the Sports Administration, and Sophiyah Liu, Ambassador-at-large and founder of the Taiwan Sport Forward Association. Together, they explored the impact and vision of an inclusive sports culture in a diverse society.

In his opening remarks, Huang emphasized that sports play a crucial role in promoting social inclusion, enhancing public health and deepening international connections. Advanced technology can break traditional barriers in sports, enabling broader public participation and benefiting the nation and society, he said.

Lin shared current preparations for the 2025 World Masters Games, which are scheduled to take place from May 17 to 30 in Taipei and New Taipei cities. He introduced the large scale of the games, highlighting the diversity of venues and competitive activities. There are over 38,000 people from age 30 to 105 signed up to compete, representing 107 countries, making this the largest World Masters Games in history, Lin said.

He emphasized that these games “integrate Taiwan’s distinctive culture with its innovative spirit,” including woodball and women’s softball as official events. He highlighted that the games would showcase the innovation and competitiveness of Taiwan’s sports industry, with the goal of “enhancing international tourism and promoting local development.”

Cheng introduced the development of a new ministry: the Ministry of Sports. This ministry is being developed around three core values: sports equality, social inclusion and sustainable development, he said.

“After its establishment, it will promote nationwide sports participation through technology-enhanced fitness programs and grassroots leagues. It will also strengthen infrastructure development and grassroots training to cultivate a healthier population and create new opportunities for industrial growth, realizing the vision of a strong sporting nation,” Cheng said.

Cheng also emphasized that the ministry’s Department of National Sports would be dedicated to expanding grassroots participation in sporting activities nationwide. It would implement systematic strategies to help develop the sports industry, enhance public engagement in sports and strengthen overall competitiveness.

Sharing her own experience as a woman in sports and ambassador-at-large, Liu introduced how to promote international exchanges and diversity, equity and inclusion in sports. Participating in international sporting events as she has can effectively build cross-cultural bridges and promote international understanding, she said. She called for sports to be considered an important platform for resolving social issues.

The International Olympic Committee is also promoting gender equal policies, showing that diversity, equity and inclusion in sports is becoming global practice. Encouraging more women athletes and referees would enhance Taiwan’s positive image and international visibility, Liu said.

Aligning with the theme of how sports empower connections, all three guest speakers shared how sports are not only a physical activity, but offer important social value. Like the Olympics, the 2025 World Masters Games is promoting gender equity in sports and breaking perceived age limits, giving the entire population the chance to participate in a grand sporting event. This will drive public participation in sports nationwide and help integrate physical activity into daily life.