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Updated Thursday, March 26, 2009 1:36 pm TWN, The China Post news staff and agencies

Taiwanese closer to 'dream job'

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Clare Wang, a Taiwanese interpreter, made the shortlist for the job as caretaker of Hamilton Island in Australia's Great Barrier Reef on Wednesday.

Wang, 30, was chosen as the eleventh wild card candidate for what is hailed the "Best Job in the World" after viewers from around the world supported her with 151,676 votes, almost three times more votes than her nearest rival.

"It's amazing," said Wang of her victory at a news conference. "I'm so thankful to all my friends for their continued support, as well as to all the Taiwanese voters online."

Though clearly excited, Wang was modest about her popularity. "I think all those who have made the shortlist of 10-plus-one have the chance of winning the job," she said.

Wang also took the opportunity to kickstart promotion of her potential future job by correcting the popular belief that it is a desert island.

There are actually many five-star hotels on Hamilton Island, explained Wang, adding that her friends have already made plans to visit her.

Aware that being on the island will require her to participate in many water sports, Wang completed an intensive four-day scuba diving session on Green Island and received her scuba diving license yesterday.

The identities of the ten other candidates hand-picked by Tourism Queensland to audition for the job will be announced on April 2.

The 11 candidates will travel to Hamilton Island on May 3 for interviews. Tourism Queensland will announce the winner May 6.

If Wang defeats the other 10 competitors, she will start work on July 1. Her tasks will include cleaning the swimming pool, feeding fish and producing the blog that will publicize the island to the world. The pay for the six-month work is A$150,000 (US$100,000).

Along with 34,633 other applicants, Wang submitted a one-minute video clip promoting herself and her abilities. It was selected for the Top 50 and people were invited to vote one of those applicants to join the 10 picked by Tourism Queensland.

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March 27, 2009 alvinchen3333@

We support her. This is another honor for Taiwan. I impressed with her good English and self-confidence. I vote to back her up to win this "Dream Job."



	Clare Wang hugs the poster for “The Best Job in the World” yesterday at a news conference. Wang made the shortlist for the US$100,000, half-year job and will travel to the Hamilton Islands for interviews on May 3. (CNA) More Photos (2)


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