(Photo courtesy of the Chinese Innovation And Invention Society)

Taipei, July 8 (CNA) Taiwan placed first overall in the World Genius Convention and Education Expo 2017 (東京創新天才發明展) held in Tokyo after claiming 29 golds, 17 silvers and six special awards.

More than 150 works from 12 countries took part in the exposition, which was held from July 6-8. Taiwan submitted 58 entries.

Hsieh Fa-lien (謝發連) was the oldest winner from Taiwan at the age of 88.

Hsieh has been interested in machinery since he was at school and developed an adjustable pillow base made of stainless steel, which enables users to adjust the angle according to their needs. It is also well ventilated and cool, making it perfect for hot summers in Taiwan.

Hsieh was elated to learn that he had won the gold medal and defeated his much younger competitors.

"My dream has come true, It's just amazing," he said.

Another gold medal winner, Chen Yen-ting (陳彥廷), suffers from osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). He developed a wheelchair device with automated warning functions, greatly reducing the burden of users.

A team from Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology led by Lin Chu-chun (林祝君) won both a gold medal and special award for developing a safe needle, knowing that medical personnel are often pricked by needles, increasing the risk of serious infection.

(By Cheng Chih-chung and Lilian Wu)
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