The Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE) and the Taipei Exchange（TPEX） co-hosted the 2nd Corporate Governance Evaluation Award Ceremony at the Taipei International Convention Center at 2pm on June 16. 72 TWSE/TPEX listed companies were recognized at the ceremony for their outstanding performance in corporate governance. Chairman Kung-Wha Ding of the Financial Supervisory Commission （FSC）was invited to present the awards in the ceremony. Competent authorities, directors of securities related institutions, corporate governance evaluation committee members, representatives of key institutional investors, and directors and supervisors of TWSE/TPEX listed companies were also invited to join the celebration.
　
According to TWSE, the results of the 2nd Corporate Governance Evaluation had been announced on April 8, 2016. The evaluation contained 98 indicators. As the evaluation continues to improve, the scoring standards become higher and more indicators have been added, a total of 13 TWSE listed companies and 10 TPEX listed companies have risen to top 5% for the first time, most of which were previously ranked between 6% and 20%. It reflects that listed companies have been paying more attention to corporate governance evaluation, which is bringing about healthy corporate competition as expected.
　
TWSE Chairman Sush-Der Lee said in his speech that corporate governance lied in the heart of capital markets, and TWSE, adhering to the vision of circulating securities and prospering the economy, would continue to build on the corporate governance structure. Chairman Lee urged all representatives of listed companies to continue to take corporate governance in Taiwan's capital markets to the next level and fulfill their corporate social responsibilities.
　
In addition to presenting the awards, Chairman Kung-Wha Ding of the FSC and CEO Michael Lin of the Corporate Governance Center were also invited to speak in the ceremony. The topics were the "Effects of Corporate Governance on Capital Markets" and the "Overview of International Corporate Governance and CSR Development", respectively.  Chairman Ding praised the winners for their dedication to corporate governance, and said statistics showed companies that scored high in the Corporate Governance Evaluation also reported better business performance. Chairman Ding encouraged companies to pursue public interest as well as their own interest, and suggested possibilities of investing in the angel fund and offering industry-academic collaboration programs or assistance for young entrepreneurs.  Excellent corporate governance practices not only make companies more competitive, but also increase investor confidence in capital markets. There are positive benefits for companies and investors as well as the country as a whole. It is hoped that the combination of a well established regulatory system, high self-discipline of corporations, and the influence of market forces will make Taiwan's businesses more competitive.
　
CEO Lin of the Corporate Governance Center talked about the progress of corporate governance and CSR around the world as well as the latest development in corporate governance in Taiwan.  Corporate governance is gradually becoming the mainstream practice. It not only is one of the key issues in the global market, but also contributes significantly to sustainability  of a company. A sound corporate governance system will boost international investors' confidence in Taiwan's capital markets.
　
The figures show that 350 guests attended the award ceremony, 80% of whom were directors and supervisors of listed companies. It proves that results of the Corporate Governance Evaluation attract a lot of attention and participation.  The Corporate Governance Center organizes the Corporate Governance Evaluation for the purpose of identifying excellent examples of corporate governance, thereby establishing the benchmark and urge companies to pay more attention to corporate governance and contribute to a culture of sound corporate governance.