Felo Translation System Enhances Multilingual Accessibility at Taiwan's International Library Forum

In May 2026, the Asia-Pacific Public Library Forum (APPLFTW) took place at the National Library of Public Information (NLPI) in Taichung, Taiwan. Among the highlights was the introduction of Sparticle's innovative multilingual AI real-time translation subtitle tool, Felo. This system aimed to address the challenges of language accessibility during the forum, which brought together library experts from eight countries.

Overcoming Multilingual Challenges

The APPLFTW forum is known for its diverse linguistic environment, featuring speakers from South Korea, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Japan, Australia, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Traditionally, events like this relied on simultaneous interpretation services. However, these services have limitations, including reliance on a fixed number of headsets, timing issues with interpreters, and the inability to revisit missed information. The forum's organizers acknowledged that providing equitable access to information for all attendees, given their varying ages and IT literacy, was a significant hurdle.

NLPI has played a pivotal role in Taiwan's public library services since its establishment in 1923. Hosting the second APPLFTW in 2026 with the theme 'Strategic, Innovation and Future of Reading Promotion,' NLPI aimed to facilitate communication and knowledge sharing among diverse participants despite inherent linguistic barriers.

Key Challenges Faced by NLPI

The NLPI faced several challenges while preparing for this extensive international event:
1. Operational Load: Managing continuous multilingual presentations throughout the day, with 14 expert speakers alternating between English and Chinese, required a robust system capable of uninterrupted service.
2. Accuracy of Translation: The event included specialists and unique terminology that traditional translation engines often misinterpret or fail to translate. Ensuring accurate translations of key terms such as 'IFLA' and 'reading promotion strategy' was crucial for maintaining the forum's credibility.
3. Equal Accessibility: Ensuring that all participants, regardless of their seating or device, could easily access real-time translations was paramount. Obstacles such as distant seating and dependence on specific equipment could hinder access to crucial information.

The Solution: Felo's Innovative Features

The NLPI team explored various real-time translation tools before selecting Felo for its unique features, which effectively addressed the challenges identified:

1. QR Code Subtitle Sharing

Felo's subtitle sharing allows participants to scan a QR code to access live translations directly on their smartphones, eliminating the need for specialized interpretation equipment. This simplified the logistics and significantly reduced operational costs while ensuring that all attendees, regardless of seating, received real-time translations.

2. Custom Vocabulary Lists

Before the forum, Felo's feature to create custom vocabulary lists was utilized to register specific terminology related to the library community. This proactive approach ensured accurate translations of niche terms and maintained the scholarly integrity of the discussions throughout the event.

3. Multi-Account Collaboration

To accommodate the full-day program involving simultaneous sessions, NLPI employed Felo's multi-account feature. This approach allowed multiple teams to cover the entire event without any interruptions between session transitions, ensuring a smooth flow of subtitles from opening to closing ceremonies.

Success of the Event

On May 14, 2026, the APPLFTW was held successfully at the NLPI. The Felo system operated continuously for 8.5 hours, providing uninterrupted translation throughout various sessions. Participants could access translations easily via their smartphones, allowing seamless communication without delays or disruptions. The system effectively handled the diverse accents of speakers from eight regions, ensuring accuracy and facilitating engaging dialogues among all participants.

Looking Ahead

Sparticle aims to bolster Felo's multilingual capabilities further in the future, targeting a broad spectrum of applications including international conferences, corporate webinars, and multicultural community events. Additionally, Sparticle is keen to pre-establish industry-specific templates for various fields, ensuring precise translations are readily available for any event.

About Sparticle

Sparticle Inc., headquartered in Tokyo, is dedicated to developing AI-driven solutions that enhance services such as real-time translation technologies. Their ongoing commitment to innovation is evident in tools like Felo, which bridge language gaps and foster inclusivity in global communications.

For more details on Felo and Sparticle's services, visit official website.