TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Central Bank announced Friday that “island ecology” won its public vote for themes on the proposed newly redesigned banknotes — the first major update in 24 years.

The poll’s results were released on the last working day before Lunar New Year. 

CNA reported there were 192,959 votes cast and “island ecology” topped the 12 options with 137,510 votes, or 16.88% of the total. This was well ahead of the second-place “beauty of conserved animals,” which earned 99,304 votes at 12.19%. 

The Central Bank had drafted 12 potential themes when it formally started the redesign process in October. These were: harmonious coexistence, sustainable development, sportsmanship, artistic aesthetics, architectural beauty, technological innovation, folk festivals, craftsmanship, island ecology, beauty of conserved plants, beauty of conserved animals, and the radiance of women.

Now that the theme has been decided there will be plate-making, ATM calibration, and public consultation. The new notes are expected to be released in about 2.5 years from now.

Teng Yen-ta (鄧延達), director-general of the bank’s Issuance Department, previously noted that the overarching “Beauty of Taiwan” theme is in line with global trends for banknote design.

Officials were reported as saying the results will guide but not dictate the final designs, alongside expert input on printability and anti-counterfeiting. Each new note is expected to cost about NT$5 (15 cents) to produce, up from the NT$3.50 it currently costs.