I would like to collect full specifications/descriptions on any recommendations which members of the forumosa.com community want to make in regard to software design compliance in Taiwan, which would not only be for the benefit of the foreign community (and the forumosa.com membership), but for the benefit of the Taiwan populace as a whole.
I recently found some potentially useful descriptions of these types of related problems in the Position Papers (2009 - 2010) of the European Chamber of Commerce in Taipei.
I have reviewed the ECCT Position Papers and seen some items for which the “implementation” is perhaps a software design problem.
Specifically, Item 2.4 is discussing the fact that an ARC/APRC number has “ten digits” but the first two are alphabetic. (Actually, the second digit is either “B” or “C” . . . . . . which apparently indicates GIRL or BOY.) By contrast, ID cards for local Taiwanese only have the first digit as an alphabetic character. Hence, an incompatibility problem arises when foreigners attempt to use locally designed computer programs to buy tickets, make various types of reservations, purchase items online, etc. (According to an ECCT official whom I spoke to in mid-June 2011, the Taiwan government has not been responsive to the suggestion that the ARC/APRC numbers be changed to a “One alphabetic character” PLUS “Nine digits” format.)
Item 2.2 might be a software design compatibility problem. Maybe it is just not possible to enter the foreigner’s ID number into the JCIC system. This should certainly be investigated.
The following are the relevant excerpts from the ECCT Position Papers.
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2.4.Incompatibility between National ID card numbers and ARC/APRC numbers
This issue appeared in last year’s position paper. Many business transactions and online services require a National ID number. However, ARC/APRC numbers are incompatible, denying foreign residents access to these services for which there is no logical reason they should be excluded.
ECCT RECOMMENDATION
Make ARC numbers compatible with ID numbers . This could be implemented easily and gradually as new cards are issued. Alternatively, the government should implement legal changes that provide the same legal protections and rights to ARC/APRC numbers enjoyed by Taiwan IDs when procuring or using services.
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2.2. Banking, credit cards and loans
This issue appeared in last year’s position paper. A person’s nationality should not be a determining factor when deciding which banking services he or she may enjoy. Unfortunately, many banks have restrictions on ARC/APRC holders from even opening a bank account, which should be a basic right for any individual wanting to safeguard his or her savings. In addition, foreign residents are not included in the government’s Joint Credit Information Center (JCIC), despite the fact that many APRC holders have lived in Taiwan for several decades, paying taxes and building credit histories. With no official credit history in Taiwan, it is often impossible for foreign residents to apply for credit cards or bank loans, regardless their credit worthiness.
ECCT RECOMMENDATION
The government should introduce regulations that forbid financial institutions from discriminating against applicants based solely on nationality. Include ARC/APRC holders in the JCIC . This will enable financial institutions to more fairly and easily extend credit to foreign residents.
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[Hartzell’s ending comments]I am researching these issues because (as stated in another thread) one of my Taiwanese wife’s relatives has obtained a job in Taiwan’s largest software design company. Hence, I will want to forward any relevant data on to him, and he can bring up these topics with the company’s software engineers. Hopefully, the needed changes can be speedily implemented into all software programs which is company is designing and/or maintaining here in Taiwan. I believe that the foreign community could stand to benefit as a result.