Asia Stage: Amplifying Asia’s Voice at the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025

 

Books have the power to cross borders, carrying the voices, experiences, and cultures of those who create them. This capacity to bring people together takes center stage at the Asia Stage of the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025. From October 15 to 19, illustrators, writers, publishers, and thought leaders from across Asia will gather to share their stories, celebrate their craft, and showcase the richness and diversity of Asian literature to the world.

The Asia Stage is the vision of Rex Education, brought to life in partnership with Frankfurt Buchmesse and supported by the National Book Development Board. Its journey began in 2018 as the ASEAN Forum, evolved into the ASEAN Stage in 2019, and in 2024, it embraced its current identity: the Asia Stage. What began as a noble idea to highlight regional publishing has grown into a recognized platform, a stage where the depth of Asia’s literary voices can shine on the global scene.

At the heart of this initiative is Atty. Dominador D. Buhain, Chairman and President of Rex Education. His lifelong passion for literature and publishing has guided this vision from the start. As a co-founder of the Asia Pacific Publishers Association and the ASEAN Book Publishers Association, he has long believed that the stories of Asia deserve a wider audience. Through this initiative, he has sought to open doors for publishers to share works that mirror their nations’ creativity, hopes, struggles, and resilience.

For REX, the Asia Stage has grown beyond a program. It has become a brand, a symbol of years of dedication to supporting Asian publishers and content creators at one of the world’s most important book fairs.

This year, with the Philippines as Guest of Honor, the Asia Stage brings a deeper dimension to the country’s participation. It reminds us that Filipino literature is part of a much larger story—one that connects with the voices and visions of Asia. For 5 days, the Asia Stage will host conversations, panels, and presentations that explore the education landscape, the evolving world of publishing, and the many ways culture continues to shape and inspire the region’s literature. Through this collaboration, REX and Frankfurt Buchmesse renew their shared commitment to uplifting Asian stories and ensuring that these voices continue to be heard, seen, championed, and remembered.

As the Frankfurt Book Fair opens its doors, the Asia Stage will stand with much gratitude and pride, inviting the world to witness and listen. It is a reminder that stories carry power. They connect us, inspire us, and transform us. For 5 days, Asia will speak, and the world will listen.

The best of Taiwan’s medical services and innovations showcased at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines

Filipinos visiting the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion in Taiwan Expo 2025 held last September 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center.

It was a fruitful three-day showcase promoting Taiwanese products and innovations across neighboring countries at the Taiwan Expo 2025 where top brands and services were brought to the Philippines at the SMX Convention Center last September 17 to 19. The event featured an extensive array of offerings spanning lifestyle, technology, AgriTech and healthcare. A key highlight of the expo was the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion, displaying Taiwan’s best healthcare services.

The Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion featured 21 leading Taiwanese medical companies spanning hospitals & clinics, smart healthcare, medical devices, and biotech & wellness. The showcase highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to advancing healthcare through cutting-edge systems and patient-centered approaches, offering a glimpse into the future of medical care and wellness management.

Several exhibitors stood out for their strong potential to make a meaningful impact in the Philippines. From providing patients with access to advanced treatments, to equipping healthcare professionals with innovative tools, and supporting hospitals and clinics in delivering more efficient, technology-driven services. These advanced solutions highlighted how Taiwan’s healthcare expertise can address the evolving needs of Filipinos.

Delegates from Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Shin Kong Hospital, and Taoyuan General Hospital introducing their services to Filipinos at the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion.

In an interview with a clinic director from Metro Manila, an obstetrician-gynecologist

stated her interest in the products and services that were exhibited at the pavilion.

“Attending this expo and visiting the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion has

definitely empowered Filipino clinic owners like me by giving us the opportunity to

visualize, and even start to pursue, an improvement in our healthcare system here in the

Philippines, with the help of Taiwan’s medical innovations and

advanced healthcare services.”

The Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion also showcased a sector of services from hospitals

and clinics—such as NUWA Biomedical’s reproductive medicine solutions, Hualien

Tzu Chi Hospital’s specialty care, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital’s cutting-edge

proton therapy, Taoyuan General Hospital and their premiere services on surgeries and

smart healthcare, Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital’s Arthroscopic Cartilage Regeneration

Facilitating Procedure (ACRFP), and Wanfang Hospital’s quality and comprehensive care.

The biotech & wellness sector in the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion showcased essential oils

sourced from ingredients native to Taiwan, nutritional supplements, holistic skincare

products from Morita Biotech, and collagen dressings manufactured by ACRO Biomedical.

Products improving quality and convenience of everyday care were highlighted under leading

Taiwan brands, including Flowers Biological, Leader Biotech, and OmQi Biotechnology.

The smart healthcare section in the pavilion featured telehealth platforms from Far East Medical and

Biosensetek, the dementia cognitive system by Brainmate, and Acer Medical’s retinal imaging

technology.

The pavilion also exhibited pioneering medical devices from Taiwan such as cardiovascular

therapy equipment manufactured by Ambersan, electro-acupuncture devices, and aesthetic

lasers. These innovative devices were in exhibition under leading brands such as Smedtrum

Medical and INNO Health.

Delegates from Taiwan’s leading healthcare brands and institutions sharing their products and services to Filipino visitors at the Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025.

The Taiwan Healthcare Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025 served as a vital bridge for collaboration

between the Philippines and Taiwan’s health sectors, fostering stronger connections and opportunities

for growth. Filipino clinic owners, doctors, and medical professionals visited the pavilion to explore

innovative medical technologies, advanced clinical services, and wellness solutions from Taiwan’s

leading healthcare brands—while also building valuable partnerships with the

delegates of the Taiwan brands and companies present at the pavilion.

For more information on Taiwan’s leading companies, services, and products in the healthcare sector,

please contact Taiwan Trade Center Manila through the email: manila@taitra.org.tw.

The Best of Taiwan with Catriona Gray at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at SMX Convention Center

Group photo of VIPs at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines.

From left: Ms. Marilou Walohan Ampuan (Al Hajj President/Founder/CEO, Universal Islamic Center, Inc.), Representative Wallace Minn-Gan Chow (Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines - TECO), Mr. James Huang (Incumbent Chairman, Taiwan External Trade Development Council — TAITRA), Catriona Gray, Mr. Wilson Tecson (Board of Directors, Manila Economic and Cultural Office - MECO), Mr. Simon Wang (President and CEO, President and CEO, TAITRA), Mr. Benedict M. Uy (Executive Director, Department of Trade and Industry – Foreign Trade Service Corps – DTI-FTSC)

Taiwan Expo 2025 finally started yesterday the exhibition in the Philippines at the SMX Convention Center and will run until September 19. The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion was one of the exhibits presented, displaying innovative products while carrying the theme: “Inspiring Tomorrow: Solutions for a Brighter Life.” Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, hosted a meet and greet, as well as a live autograph signing session to fans and visitors of the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion.

Key delegates of leading Taiwan institutions were also present at the press conference for the launch of the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion in the Philippines, such as Mr. Simon Wang, the President and CEO of the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA); M

s. Josephine Shun, the Director of the Economic Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Philippines (TECO).

Mr. Simon Wang shared his message on the pavilion. “On behalf of TAITRA, we are proud to bring Taiwan’s spirit of innovation and excellence to the Philippines through the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. All these products combine smart design, advanced technology, and practicality, highlighting that Taiwan is really committed to creating solutions that improve lives while setting high standards of quality.”

Ms. Josephine Shun also spoke about Taiwan’s initiatives to improve everyday living for all. “The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion embodies our belief in Taiwan that innovation must serve humanity by creating sustainable, meaningful improvements to daily living. We, at TECO, are proud to support the Pavilion by bringing together Taiwan’s most outstanding brands on a global stage, fostering collaboration and showcasing how our innovations can shape a brighter future.”

Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, saying hello to fans as she goes on a tour of the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines, held at the SMX Convention Center.

Meet and Greet with Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion

After going on a quick tour around the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion with Mr. Simon Wang and Taiwan Excellence’s Fu Bear, Catriona Gray made a special guest appearance in the press conference for the official launch of the pavilion. The beauty queen also hosted a free meet and greet and live autograph signing session, that was attended by many fans and visitors of the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion.

“It is such an honor to be here today at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. Witnessing these innovative solutions from Taiwan inspires me in looking forward to a better tomorrow. I hope that Filipinos will seize every opportunity that’s available to them here at the pavilion, and that we all take home the empowering spirit from seeing a brighter future together as Taiwan and the Philippines.” The beloved pageant queen spoke on the significance of the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion in the Philippines.

Catriona Gray joined in on the Gimme Five Parade around the entire Taiwan Expo, stopping by to explore the variety of booths representing different Taiwan industries and services. 

Representatives of leading Taiwan brands and institutions posed for a group photo after presenting their products on the first day of the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion. From left to right: Mr. Joseph Aquino (Zyxel Networks), Mr. George Pascua (Team Group), Ms. Josephine Shun (Director of the Economic Division, TECO), Mr. Simon Wang (President and CEO, TAITRA), Ms. Jacqueline Hsiao (Vinxper Life), and Ms. Charge Lu (HEPTY).

Product Presentations at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025

Visitors of the pavilion on September 17 were also able to attend the product presentations given by key representatives of leading Taiwan brands. The presentations featured messages from the following delegates of esteemed Taiwanese institutions and companies: Ms. Jacqueline Hsiao — Vinxper Life, Mr. George Pascua — Team Group, Mr. Joseph Aquino — Zyxel Networks, Charge Lu — HEPTY.

All products currently exhibited at the pavilion come from a diverse range of industries such as sustainable technologies, advanced medical devices, and smart machines for fitness and leisure. Products and activities are arranged under three themed categories: Comfortable Life, Smart City, and Greener Future— representing Taiwan’s commitment in innovating solutions to improve the quality of life for all.

Besides the product exhibits, visitors were also able to participate in interactive activities, meet and take pictures with Taiwan Excellence’s Fu Bear, and receive free gifts from the Taiwan Excellence Pavillon.

Filipinos visiting the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion, currently in exhibition at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines, at the SMX Convention Center.

Taiwan Excellence Pavilion @ Taiwan Expo 2025 at the SMX Convention Center

The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025, held at the SMX Convention Center, continues its exhibition until September 19. Experience pioneering solutions and products from Taiwan that are driving a brighter tomorrow and explore collaboration opportunities for your business through interacting with the services firsthand and meeting with delegates of leading Taiwanese companies. For more information on the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025, visit the Facebook page of Taiwan Excellence PH: https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph.

 

Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines also presents the participation of the following Taiwan-Excellence awarded brands: Apacer, ApexBio, Atunas Sports, Chimei Motor Electronics, CyberTAN, Heartway Medical, HEPTY, InWin Development Inc., LCW, LUFTQI, MacroHI, Mecom, MicroBase, Sheng Yuan Electric, Team Group, Transcend, Vinxper, WebComm Technology, Yee Jee Technology, and Zyxel Networks.

Filipinos kickstart their LOHAS Days with Taiwan Excellence, Excited for Free Meet and Greet with Catriona Gray at the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at SMX Convention Center on September 17

 

Group photo of brand representatives for LOHAS Days. From left to right: Fu Bear, Arnold Wilson (Anytime Fitness Asia Corporate), Sky Pichay (JK Fitness), Anne Constantino (Anytime Fitness Asia Corporate), Armin Lavilla (Aropec), Ms. Josephine Shun (Director of the Economic Division, TECO), Mr. Alex Lai (Director, Taiwan Trade Center, Manila), Markki Stroem, Catriona Gray, Steve Chen (Starbia), Jacqueline Hsiao (Vinxper)

Taiwan Excellence successfully concluded its three-day event, LOHAS Days, last September 12 to 14 at Ayala Malls Market! Market!, promoting a Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) among Filipinos. The event kicked off with an exciting appearance by Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, as she shared her experience as a Taiwan LOHAS Advocate.

Key representatives from Taiwan institutions and brands were also present in the event, such as Ms. Josephine Shun, the Director of the Economic Division at Taipei Economic and Cultural Office of the Philippines (TECO) and Director Alex Lai of Taiwan Trade Center, Manila (TAITRA Manila). 

While the Taiwan government is building its vision of a Healthy Taiwan, the nation is also known as the Bicycle Kingdom and one of the top three fitness equipment exporters in the world. With leading fitness brands such as Giant and Johnson Fitness, Taiwan is at the helm of championing better health and wellness for all.

Filipinos enjoying free spin class at the Taiwan Excellence LOHAS Days event

LOHAS Days Event at Market! Market!

Hundreds of Filipinos were able to experience the best of Taiwan’s brands and products for all three days of the event. Attendees also moved their bodies by joining free fitness sessions such as spin class, Body Jam, and Pilates. After an exciting round of fitness class, participants showed their appreciation for Taiwan’s leading health initiatives through chanting “Go Healthy with Taiwan” together. Visitors were also able to enjoy interactive activities and win freebies from Taiwan.

Filipinos posing for a group photo spelling out “Taiwan” after participating in a free spin class at the LOHAS Days event.

Mr. Reymond delos Reyes, Founder and Chief Operating Officer of Growth Circle International, shared enlightening messages for every day of the event on building business partnerships with Taiwan brands. Taiwan Excellence’s Fu Bear was also present during the event, spreading its cheerful mission of giving high fives to hundreds of Filipinos at the mall.

In an interview with a visitor of the event, a Filipino millennial shared her experience at LOHAS Days. “I’ve always admired Taiwan for their tourist areas and their trendy food; but for this weekend, I was able to learn that they’re a country that I can also admire for their health and eco-friendly efforts. After taking the free spin class and interacting with sustainable products all the way from Taiwan, I’m definitely sharing the spirit of LOHAS to my family, friends, and even coworkers!”

Banner image of the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines, to be held at the SMX Convention Center this September 17 to 19.

What’s next for Taiwan Excellence?

Taiwan Excellence continues the initiative driving innovation and sustainability as the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines officially launches on September 17 to 19. Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, is set to make a special appearance with a free autograph signing session and meet and greet.

Held at the SMX Convention Center, visitors will be able to experience leading Taiwan products that are driving a Comfortable Life, Smart City, and Greener Future. Attendees will also be able to win free gifts from Taiwan. Fu Bear will also be present at the pavilion, continuing its initiative for “Give Me Five! A better life.” to attendees.

Filipinos are highly encouraged to visit the Taiwan Excellence Pavilion at Taiwan Expo 2025 in the Philippines, happening on September 17 to 19 at the SMX Convention Center. For more information, visit Taiwan Excellence PH on Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/TaiwanExcellence.ph