Nikkei Inc. has announced the three winners of the 2007 Nikkei Asia Prizes, which recognize achievements that contribute to the well-being of the people of Asia.
In the category of regional growth, Mechai Viravaidya, chairman of the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), a Thai NGO, received the award for his efforts to bridge the gap between poor farm villagers and rich city dwellers in Thailand.
He has been developing family-planning policies since the 1970s. By distributing condoms, he helped halve the country's birthrate and limit the spread of AIDS.
In the science, technology and innovation category, Chang Chun-yen, president emeritus of Taiwan's Chiao Tung University, received the award in honor of his strong leadership in Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
He has established several semiconductor research centers and trained a number of talented individuals who have gone on to found high-tech companies in the territory.
Gopal Venu, director of India's Natanakairali Research and Performing Center for Traditional Arts, won the culture prize for his contributions to the preservation and revitalization of Kutiyattam, the oldest surviving Sanskrit theater tradition in India.
The tradition has a 2,000-year history but had been on the verge of extinction.
Nikkei Asia Prizes
Launched by Nikkei Inc. in 1996, the awards program honors people in Asia who have made significant contributions in three areas: regional growth; science, technology and innovation; and culture.The prizes target individuals and groups in northeastern, southeastern, southern and central Asia, excluding Japan. The selection committee is chaired by Shoichiro Toyoda, honorary chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren).
