Nov 19cover.indd 1 A publication of the Community Services Center Centered on TAIPEI Vol. 20 NOV 2019 2019/10/29 上午10:14 | 03
Nov 19 cover.indd 2 2019/10/29 上午10:14 CONTENTS November 2019 volume 20 issue 3
CSC COMMUNITY From the Editors 5 TAS: Celebrating Seventy Years of History 8 November Activity Highlights 7 10 Years Of Red Room 10 Morning Book Club 24 Taiwan P.O.W. Camps Memorial Society 11 CSC Business Classified 29 The Community Services Center’s 2019 Corporate Community Service Award – The American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei 12 Wonderland Nurserygoods 13
ART Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei Editor Suzan Babcock The Thermos Foundation: 2019 World Press Exhibition 14 Co-editor Richard Saunders The Golden Pin Design Award Forum 18 Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly Magazine Email [email protected] Tel 02-2836-8134 PHOTOGRAPHY Fax 02-2835-2530 Photowalkers' Gallery and Profile: Amaris Woo 20 Community Services Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann OUTLOOK Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin Around Europe in Fifty Days 22 District, Taipei Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 E-mail: [email protected] CULTURE
Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, India: Taiwan Connections, Potential for Growth 25 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan Tel: 02-2836-8134 fax: 02-2835-2530 TRAVEL e-mail: [email protected] Anping Port 27 Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us!
Copyright 2019. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.
COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 3 2019/10/29 上午10:15 TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING
Crown’s service offerings include: Everyone needs to know why... We’ll help your whole family prepare for the big adventure.
PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS) TIGGER'S(PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS) GRADE 1 & 2 : AFTERNOON LANGUAGE & LITERACY PROGRAMS North American Curriculum Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds Qualified Instructors Fun and Educational Daily Activities Go knowing Low Student/Teacher Ratios Fun After School Enrichment Classes Gymnastics and Music Class Mandarin Playgroups
We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners! Please call to arrange a visitation. CR ad Euroview AprMay.indd 1 22/3/2016 3:40:25 PM
TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 4 2019/10/29 上午10:15 COVER IMAGE: Anping, Tainan FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to by Richard Saunders [email protected]. THE For more information, please go to our website at EDITORS www.communitycenter.org.tw Autumn in Taipei is a season of celebrations, and this year is no exception. Last weekend at its annual fundraiser and auction COT Team dinner gala, the Community Services Center celebrated 32 years of community involvement, service, cooperation and collaboration with people from Taiwan’s local and international communities. Each year, the Center’s Steering Committee and Foundation Board presents two awards, the Community Services Center’s Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC Corporate and Individual Service Award, to an organization and Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer to an individual that have demonstrated exceptional leadership, coteditor@ [email protected] naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com service and commitment to the community and to the Center. This year’s Corporate Community Service Award recipient is the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, and the Individual Feature Writers and Photographers Community Service Award recipient is Mr. Fred Voigtmann. As a community leader, Mr. Voigtmann helped support the “birth” of the Community Services Center and raise additional funds to provide sufficient resources for the Center’s initial year of operation, 32 years ago. His continued involvement, guidance, support and Morgan Loosli Manoj Kulmar Priya Lalwani Amaris Woo Panigrahi Purswaney dedication as Chairman of the Center’s Steering Committee and member of the Foundation Board has helped to shape the Center as we know it today. Writing and Photography Contributors The American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei has demonstrated AmCham Taipei Richard Saunders exceptional leadership, service and commitment throughout Sue Babcock Marina Sirisak the years to Taiwan and the Community Services Center. This Bhavahara TAEF was especially evident in 1978, when the Carter administration’s Children’s Hearing Foundation TAS Daniel Cunningham The Red Room dramatic decision to normalize relations with Beijing occurred. Golden Pin Concept Design Award The Thermos Foundation AmCham leaders quickly rallied and presented their concerns about Michael Hurst The World Press Photo Exhibition Lindsey Kundel Grace Ting Taiwan’s relationship with the U.S. given the absence of diplomatic Morgan Loosli Rosemary Susa relations. They testified before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Manoj Kumar Panigrahi Faris Wienrich Affairs Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Many Priya Lalwani Purswaney Amaris Woo Joseph Reilly of their recommendations were adopted in the drafting of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), saving the day and opening up a new Pick COT up at: chapter in U.S. and Taiwan relations. Uptown: Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, We have a lot to celebrate at the Community Services Center. Zhongshan North Rd. Our Center is about community, people, networks, support and Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. harmonious relationships. Perhaps this is why Taiwan and the George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd. Downtown: Center have such a good relationship. Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. Sue and Richard
Accountant Monica Cheng COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa Events Coordinator Jane Ogge-Cowan Coffee Mornings Coordinator John Imbrogulio The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Communications Morgan Loosli outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Systems Manager Samson Debele CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us about our programs. You can also email us at [email protected].
Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Michelle Collins, John Imbrogulio, Director Adam McMillan Ximena Lopez, Leslie McFarlane, Mirjam Meidinger, John McQuade, Bunny Pacheco, Sofia Vintimila Office Manager Grace Ting Benefactors Bai Win Antiques Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, European Chamber of Commerce Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Miranda Grand Hyatt Taipei Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting Consultants Wendy Evans and Michael Mullahy ICRT San Fu Global Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 5 2019/10/29 下午4:24 CSC A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community. Gallery@CENTER
CUSTOM DESIGNED GEMSTONE/METAL JEWELRY HANDMADE BY ANICA LIN 11/2 Saturday | VD 34 Green on the Path Exhibition Opening 4 pm – 7 pm 11/3 Sunday | WELLNESS Body and Soul: Singing Bowls' Harmonics 7 pm – 9 pm 11/6 Wednesday | STUDIOS & WORKSHOPS Anica Lin specializes in custom, handmade fine jewelry that speaks to her Afternoons at the Red Room – Art class experiences as a gemstone lover and designer. Born in Taiwan and raised 1:30 pm – 3 pm in Swaziland, Africa, Anica’s jewelry is a rich blend of diverse cultures. 11/8 Friday | MUSIC Tribute to Tagore – The Bard of Bengal PATRICIA KORTMANN 7:30 pm – 10 pm 11/10 Sunday | STUDIOS & WORKSHOPS Let's Dance: Africa! 1:30 pm – 3 pm 11/13 Wednesday | STUDIOS & WORKSHOPS Afternoons at the Red Room – Art class 1:30 pm – 3 pm 11/15 Friday | WELLNESS Dance and Gong Healing Bath 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm 11/16 Saturday | FESTIVAL Red Room 10th Anniversary Celebration Patricia’s jewelry designs have gained by Artists Bridge The Gap (ABTG) Live international recognition and acclaim. Painting Her work features one-of-a-kind signature 10 am – 5 pm pieces in gold, silver and precious gems of 11/17 Sunday | FESTIVAL the highest quality. Red Room 10th Anniversary Celebration Potluck l Art of Kua l Dance & Music performance TOM ROOK'S TAIWAN MAPS 5 pm – 10 pm 11/20 Wednesday | STUDIOS & WORKSHOPS Afternoons at the Red Room - Art class 1:30 pm – 3 pm 11/20 Wednesday | STUDIOS & WORKSHOPS Eco-friendly Ceramics Coffee Mugs 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm 11/23 Saturday | VD35 Formosa Fluuuurz Exhibition Opening Tom Rook's detailed maps and drawings will be on display through 4 pm – 7 pm November at the Center. Tom enjoys exploring and capturing Taiwan's 11/24 Sunday | STUDIOS & WORKSHOPS urban landscape in great detail, for maps act as a personal journal, Let’s Dance: Africa! 1:30 pm – 3 pm offering a means for discovery about a place and a way of recording From Trash to Treasure workshop changes in cities. 1 pm – 3 pm Compassion Community 4 pm – 6 pm Do you have a skill or talent that 11/27 Wednesday | STUDIOS & you would like to share? Or have WORKSHOPS you found some great places Afternoons at the Red Room – Art class around Taipei that you would like to 1:30 pm – 3 pm take others to see? Then why not 11/30 Saturday | PERFORMANCE ARTS THE consider teaching a course or leading Formosa Improv Group (FIG) a tour for the Center in Spring 2020? 7:30 pm – 10 pm CENTER If you are interested, or would like Programs are subject to change. NEEDS more information, please contact Please check online for updates. www. Rosemary at ce@communitycenter. redroomtaipei.com/events or Facebook: YOU! org.tw. redroomtaipei.
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 6 2019/10/29 上午10:15 CSC NOVEMBER ACTIVITY HIGHLIGHTS Film Photography: Using an assistance. There are some NT$1,400 how you can use furoshiki for Analog Camera to Capture wonderful views of the Xizhi Join Jennifer for a fun and traveling. Won't your holiday Scenic Taipei mountains and Taipei city as interesting visit to one of gifts look amazing after taking Tuesday, November 12th; 10 we loop around the trails, Yingge’s oldest pottery this class? A short list of items am - 1 pm which are usually full of life. makers. You’ll have a chance to bring from home will be Naomi Goddard and Minsik It’s not uncommon to spot to tour the factory and see provided. Cost of fabric and Jung; NT$1,600 magpies, eagles, barbets, how they design, make and a genuine Japanese furoshiki Taking pictures with a smart spiders, snakes, lizards, etc. paint their pottery; shop included. phone has become a daily The trails are mostly well- for possible souvenirs and activity for many of us. It’s used dirt paths or wooden gifts; and try your hand at Hike to Mt. Datun so easy to snap, edit and steps. There are several ways porcelain painting. After our Wednesday, December 4th; delete without thinking. down the mountain and we class we will head over to 9 am - 2 pm When was the last time you will choose a trail on the day the Yingge Old Street where Instructor: Dory Chung; used a traditional camera and of our hike depending upon there’s time to browse the NT$800 film? (or have you ever?) This the speed of the group. Once many shops and eat lunch. Mount Datun, the third unique photography class out of the mountains, we will Included in the cost of this highest peak in Yangmingshan, allows you to learn about go back along the small farm tour is a one-hour porcelain offers one of the finest views analog film cameras while road and loop around the painting session, the firing of in the National Park, but is being guided through one opposite side of Jinlong Lake your painted piece, and the far less popular than nearby of Taipei’s fascinating old before catching taxis back to delivery of your finished piece Seven Star Mountain (Mt. districts and one of its most the Donghu MRT. Wear sturdy (for pick-up at the Center). Qixing). Weather permitting, stunning parks. We begin in shoes with good grip; bring Taxi fares between the Old it is an especially beautiful a hidden café in the Xinfu change for shared taxis, lunch, Street and train station are place in late November/early Market where Naomi and water (at least 1.5 liters), also included. Lunch can December during the silver Min will introduce you to the and rain/sun protection as be your own (bought from grass season, when the entire cameras and show you how to needed. home), snacking along the old area appears to shimmer in operate them. Each student street, or a sit-down meal of the sunlight. This hike climbs will be provided with a 35mm Thriving Abroad: How to your choosing. It all depends the mountain from the camera and one roll of film to Make the Most of Your on how much time you want north, descends to the grassy shoot. As we walk around the Expatriate Experience to spend browsing. Bring your plains of Erziping, and then city, you will then have time Thursday, November 21st; EasyCard for the train ride to continues southwards towards to appreciate the slow photo 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and from Yingge. Beitou. If there's time we'll process as we visit interesting Instructor: Marie Laure detour to Mount Miantian and locations where you will have Dancer; NT$800 Japanese Furoshiki the small but well-preserved time to take photographs on Expatriation is an adventure. Workshop: An Elegant and volcanic crater at Towards 35mm film. After the class Once the family is settled, you Ecological Way to Wrap and Heaven Pond. Our alternate your instructors will develop may have plenty of time on Carry Anything, Including route will be to go directly to and email the images to you; your hands, and sometimes Your Holiday Gifts! Qingtiangong and take the negatives will be delivered to it can be challenging to make Monday, December 2nd and bus back from there. The hike, the Center for your collection. this time meaningful and 9th; 12 noon - 2 pm completely on surfaced paths, You may choose to order valuable. By taking a step back, Instructor: Miyuki Boice; has many steps, some steep, prints for a small additional assessing the main aspects NT$2,200 but is suitable for hikers who fee. Coffee or tea at the café is of this major life change, Furoshiki is a traditional are comfortable climbing the included. working on crucial skills, and Japanese wrapping cloth Tianmu steps. Sturdy walking/ developing the right mindset, which has been used since hiking shoes are a must. Bring Neigoushan Trail Hike you can make the most of your ancient times. By employing at least 1.5 liters of water, a Tuesday, November 19th; 9 time abroad. Led by Marie, a techniques similar to origami, packed lunch and rain/sun am - 2 pm coach and expat herself for the art of furoshiki is an protection as needed. This Instructor: Jennifer Turek; nine years, this interactive elegant and eco-friendly way hike ends at the Beitou MRT NT$800 workshop provides a space to wrap gifts, carry groceries station. This hike begins with a walk for sharing experiences and or almost anything else, from around one side of Jinlong exploring new paths to help books and boxes to bottles Cooking Classes at the Center Lake near Neihu. Wandering make your stay in Taiwan an and plants. In this two-session In November the Center will along a quiet road we’ll see enriching experience. class, Miyuki will teach you be highlighting three different many small farms until we how to determine the correct cuisines: Taiwanese, Thai reach the start of the trail. Yingge Pottery Factory, fabric size for an item you and Persian. To learn about After stopping for a quick look Porcelain Painting and Old wish to wrap; proper folding the delicious menus on offer at Cui Lake, we’ll make our Street Shopping Extravaganza and knot tying techniques; this month and register for a way up the mountain. This Wednesday, November 27th; what types of items work well class, please see the Center’s hike offers moderate inclines 9 am - 3 pm with furoshiki; how to make a catalog on our website: www. and declines with ropes for Instructor: Jennifer Tong; simple furoshiki carry bag; and communitycenter.org.tw.
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Celebrating the last seven decades. A special video tribute, prepared by upper school faculty Brett Barus, Seventy Years of Jaami Franklin, Adrian Town, and Tobie Openshaw, included reflections from former and current board members, History Jean Liu and Siew Kang respectively, and alumna-parent Cynthia Hsu ‘91. The video also includes rare footage TEXT: LINDSEY KUNDEL, TAS COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER IMAGES: TAS from both Richard Vuylsteke, author of the book Ties that Bind, an oral history of Taipei American School, n September 26th, the 104 students and a number of faculty and Ira Weislow, former Assistant Taipei American School having direct ties to AIT, the school's Superintendent. community gathered to partnership with AIT is flourishing. Vuylsteke reminded the audience O celebrate the school's 70th Dr. Sharon D. Hennessy, Taipei that when the Chinese Civil War ended anniversary by reflecting on both our American School's 14th Head of in 1949, many people came to Taiwan rich past and our bright future. School, reflected on her experiences "from all walks of life." Many of those The celebration began with a at TAS over her thirteen year tenure. who moved here were international unique musical performance by the Her speech focused on the people, people, which led to a "demand, almost upper school Opus honor choir, a programs, and places that have immediately," for an English-language choral arrangement blending both the contributed to the school's success over education. That is how Taipei American national anthems of the Republic of China and the United States of America, which was arranged by current upper school music teacher, Andrea Blough. Board chair, Tina Koo, welcomed members of the wider school community including student representatives from Grade 5, 7 and 9, faculty, parents, AIT representatives, current and past members of the Board of Directors, and valued donors. Ms. Koo was followed by AIT Director, W. Brent Christensen, who was able to speak knowledgeably about the unique partnership between AIT and Taipei American School. With over
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campus at 800 Zhongshan North Road, Section 6, in 1989. This location was built in order to provide students with a modern facility that would serve them well into the 21st century. Several major construction projects have been completed over the years, including the opening of the Upper School Science and Technology Center and Upper School Joie Gymnasium in 2012, and the Liu Lim Arts Center and Tiger Health and Wellness Center in 2013. Most recently, Taipei American School opened the Solomon Wong Tech Cube, School first started, and it remains the of School - 33 sets of donors banded a state-of-the-art facility dedicated central goal for this historic educational together, donating over US$1 million to KA-12 STEAM education, a world- community today. to the school - in order to rename the class facility modeled on a technology Senior faculty member, Richard Upper School D-Block building. The building on MIT's campus. This recent Arnold, who will be celebrating his newly minted Dr. Sharon DiBartolomeo addition has marked TAS as the premier own historic milestone later this year Hennessy Upper School is a physical center for KA-12 STEAM excellence in - his 50th anniversary of teaching at testament to the transformative all of Asia. Taipei American School - also shared leadership of its namesake. As the saying goes, the more things his reflections on the changes at the From the basement of a seminary in change, the more things stay the same. school. "When I first came to the 1949 with eight students in attendance In the words of our current Head school in 1970, we had close to 3,000 to a modern, 21st century campus with of School, Dr. Sharon D. Hennessy, students," said Arnold. "It was an an enrollment of nearly 2,400 students, Taipei American School has changed extremely exciting campus...but in TAS has evolved dramatically over the significantly, and not at all, as it stays 1975, we went to about 1,500 students. past seventy years. true to its mission: And then, in December of 1978, we The first graduating class of fourteen Taipei American School is an were at 700 students. But I think that seniors in 1956 went on to become innovative 21st century learning the adaptability of the people at TAS business, civic, and government leaders community. Our mission is to inspire has always been a factor that the around the world and in Taiwan itself, each student to be a confident, parents, the students, and the faculty just as the graduates of 2020 will do. creative, caring, and moral individual have always been very proud of." Taipei American School has had five prepared to adapt and succeed After the video, the festivities official campuses. The first was located anywhere in a rapidly changing world. concluded with two special within the Canadian Presbyterian We provide an American-based performances - first, a seventy second Seminary on Chung Shan North Road. education with a global perspective dance dedicated to TAS's seventy The second campus was located at No. that results in a love of learning, years of history, performed by Grade 5 26 Nung An East Road, followed just academic excellence, a balanced life, students and led by upper school dance a few years later by a move to Lane and service to others. students and faculty. The audience 153, Chang An East Road, in Section Taipei American School has already was then treated to the talents of The 2. The school experienced a major expanded, and will continue to expand, Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe of National expansion in 1956, which necessitated the options and opportunities for every Taiwan College of Performing Arts, who a new campus yet again. With 1,400 TAS student. By planning for a school performed an awe-inspiring traditional students enrolled at TAS, a larger space that meets the needs of our students Lion Dance, where dancers tamed lions, was needed. Twenty-two acres of land today, and those of their children’s defied gravity and amazed all who were purchased in Shilin District to children for generations to come, the attended. accommodate the student body. This school's evolution influences each The celebration concluded with a campus is now the current location member of its community - faculty, surprise announcement by Ms. Koo. To of the Taipei European School's Shilin staff, student, and parent - as they work commemorate this historic event - and campus. together to strive for excellence in all to honor TAS's longest serving Head TAS moved into its present day that they do.
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10 YEARS OF RED ROOM We are celebrating our 10th year Anniversary !
Saturday, November 16th Sunday, November 17th 10:00AM to 5:00 PM - Free entry 5:00PM to 10:00PM - Free entry ABTG VI - The Art of KUÀ 2 Artists Bridge the Gap VI Marina Sirisak was born and raised in France by a An all-day live painting and music event, we As for The Art of ‘Kuà’, the theme this year Taiwanese mother and a invite you to explore the process of 20 artists will be Red Room self-experience storytelling. As father from Laos, growing painting in the Red Room Listening Space. Red Room has existed for 10 years now, we want up with my three siblings To create is to make something new, and a rebirth by touching and bringing new local and raised in so many each work is unique to each individual artist. Taiwanese and foreign friends in Taiwan to join different cultures made Paintings will be auctioned through silent us in this cultural and art community. me be a tolerant person bidding to raise money for Red Room. and a natural traveler. I arrived in Taiwan a year ago to walk back to This week-end will take place at the Red Room : my Taiwanese origin. I just 177 Jianguo S. Rd. Sec.1, Taipei, Taiwan 106 (1st building on the left, 2F) truly love this island, and its people.
IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE
70 Years of Educational Excellence at
TAIPEI AMERICAN SCHOOL
www.tas.edu.tw
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TAIWAN P.O.W. CAMPS MEMORIAL SOCIETY
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Society,
Once again it is the time of year when we pause to reflect on the sufferings and sacrifices of our soldiers, sailors and airmen through so many wars. November 11th is Remembrance Day / Veterans Day in the Allied countries, and I hope that you will take a moment to pause at the 11th hour on the 11th day of November to remember those who gave so much for the freedom that so many take for granted today. This is also the time when we hold our annual “Remembrance Day” event to honour all the veterans, and also the former Allied prisoners of war who suffered in the Japanese prisoner of war camps here during WWII. The event is organized by the Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Society with assistance from the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei. This year we will have a family member of one of the former Taiwan prisoners of war joining us. On Sunday, November 10th chartered buses will take participants and friends to the Remembrance Day service at Jinguashi. The cost is NT$500 and reservations are required for the bus, which will depart from the east side of the Grand Hyatt Hotel at Songshou Road (MRT Taipei 101) sharp at 9:15 am. After the ceremony everyone is invited to join together for a time of fellowship over a picnic lunch. The buses will return to the city around 3 pm.
Reservations for the bus can be made by contacting: P.O. Box 665, Yung Ho, Tina Wu at the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Taipei 234, Taiwan, Tel: (02) 8723-3000 # 3293251 R.O.C. or email : [email protected]
The deadline for reservations is 5 pm on Wednesday November 6th. Telephone: Please book early to ensure you have a place on the bus. 886-2-8660-8438 It is highly recommended that the bus transportation provided is used, as there is no parking for private vehicles at the site, special vehicle permits are required for access to Fax: the park, and we cannot be responsible for anyone getting lost on the way or being late for 886-2-8660-8439 the service if going by private vehicle. We would appreciate it however if those who wish to go on their own would also kindly contact Tina to let her know, so that enough seating, programs and food can be prepared. Website: For further information you may contact me or Tina. Reservations are to be made with www.powtaiwan.org Tina only. I thank you for your continued support and I welcome you to join us for this year's Remembrance Day activities. I assure you that your support will mean so much to our guests. Please kindly pass this information on to any others you know who may be Email: interested. Everyone is welcome to attend. [email protected] Sincerely,
Michael Hurst MBE Director, Taiwan POW Camps Memorial Society Please visit our website at: www.powtaiwan.org
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The Community Services Center’s 2019 Corporate Community Service Award Recipient The American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei
TEXT: SUE BABCOCK IMAGE: AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN TAIPEI
ach year, the Community Services Center’s Steering Committee and Foundation Board present an award to an organization that has demonstrated E exceptional leadership, service and commitment to the community and to the Community Services Center. This year’s award recipient is the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (AmCham Taipei). Security and economic stability are cornerstones of a nation which consistently provides its citizens with daily assurances of peaceful well-being. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA), which opened up a new chapter in U.S. – Taiwan relations. This pivotal document made permanent the relationship between the AmCham leaders Marinus van Gessel (left) and Robert Parker (center) U.S. and Taiwan, supporting Taiwan’s transformation into one meeting with Premier Y.S. Sun in early 1979 over the numerous post- of the most vibrant democracies in the Indo-Pacific region. "derecognition" issues needing to be resolved. However, this success story had its beginnings in crisis. After U.S. President Jimmy Carter’s dramatic decision to The once U.S. military radio station became the normalize diplomatic relations with Beijing in 1978, concerns International Community Radio Taipei (ICRT), a private about Taiwan’s relationship with the U.S. sharply rose to high organization with broadcasts in English. ICRT continues levels of critical uncertainty. With the absence of diplomatic to play an integral role within the local and international relations, the closing of the U.S. embassy in Taiwan and the communities, especially in the areas of English language upcoming termination of the U.S. – Taiwan Mutual Defense education and community events. Treaty, would Taiwan have the assurance from the U.S. AmCham leaders continued to work closely with Taiwan government of its commitment to Taiwan, especially with government officials to reorganize the Taipei American School regards to safeguarding its national security? (TAS) from a government contract school into a private The origins of the TRA were in the legislation submitted international school serving pre-kindergarten through grade by members of President Carter’s administration to the U.S. 12, while the U.S. Navy China Seas Club became the American Congress. This bill expressed U.S. intentions to maintain Club Taipei. “commercial, cultural and other relations with the people of Without a doubt, AmCham Taipei’s skillful leadership Taiwan on an unofficial basis.” It was the vague language of and pro-active involvement with TRA, during the time of this bill that brought immediate action from AmCham leaders. derecognition, played a crucial role in reaffirming the future AmCham Chairman Robert Parker and former Chairman form of U.S. – Taiwan relationships. Marinus “Dutch” Van Gessel presented their concerns and Good community business leadership also is the ability to dissatisfaction before the U.S Senate Foreign Relations inspire others, to create positive and innovative environments Committee and the House Foreign Affairs Committee. for the communities they serve. Working feverishly, AmCham leaders gained strong The Community Services Center is pleased to present bipartisan support for U.S. backing of Taiwan. Many of the the American Chamber of Commerce in Taipei, the 2019 recommendations given in their testimony were adopted Corporate Community Service Award for exceptional in the drafting of the TRA. AmCham’s swift action marked a leadership, service and commitment to Taiwan. turning point in the Taiwan crisis and opened a new chapter in U.S. – Taiwan relations. AmCham has continued to actively play a vital transitional Suzan Babcock is a long-time resident role within the business sector, social and cultural of Taiwan. During her stay here, she organizations and the Taiwan government. Today, because of has managed four successful careers in their efforts forty years ago, our young people are able to join education, cross-cultural relations and local chapters of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl counseling, although being a mother has Scouts or the Boy Scouts. been her favorite.
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 12 2019/10/29 上午10:15 COMMUNITY Wonderland Nurserygoods: A company-wide commitment to children’s well-being and safety
TEXT: BARBIE LIN & MORGAN LOOSLI IMAGE: CHILDREN'S HEARING FOUNDATION
onderland Nurserygoods precision and reliability, the Foundaton You-Wei is Speaking: is best known for its developed the “Chinese Sound Test.” htp://www.chfn.org.tw/uploads/ award-winning children’s This set of Chinese-specific speech images/english_website/case_stories/ W products from its Joie test tools has allowed efficient hearing case1_edited.pdf and Nuna brands, but look beyond the tests and monitoring in the homes clean lines of ergonomic strollers and of children with hearing loss. The 360-degree swivel car seats and you Children’s Hearing Foundaton also will find a company deeply commited actvely propagates professional skills in to the well-being and development interventon and educaton for children of all children, not just those who with hearing loss, bringing successful start their lives buckled into Joie experiences in localizing auditory-verbal seats. The company supports the safe treatment to the rest of the Chinese- development of children in many ways. speaking world, allowing more children Wonderland Nurserygoods’ chairman with hearing loss to listen, speak, and Kenny Cheng has always sought to join the world of sounds. For Cheng and ensure the company is grounded in Wonderland, as well as its stakeholders, making a positve difference in the altruism through corporate social world through altruism, rather than responsibility is central to the corporate Hou Ting’s Two Dreams: focusing exclusively on profits and vision. htp://www.chfn.org.tw/uploads/ growth. The greatest outpouring of images/english_website/case_stories/ this altruism is seen in Wonderland’s THE WHOLE PERSON case2_edited.pdf support of the Children’s Hearing In additon to the Children’s Hearing Foundaton in Taiwan, a cause close Foundaton, Wonderland Nurserygoods to Cheng, as his own daughter was support s num e rous non-p rofit diagnosed with hearing loss. Afer organizatons, including the Community many trips to specialists around the Services Center, all with an aim to world, the child received cochlear increase the company’s social impact. implants, which profoundly changed The philanthropy of Wonderland her life. Cheng and his wife, Ms. Joanna Nurserygoods begins with caring Nichols, have dedicated themselves to for mothers and children, and then helping children in need receive the extends to other areas, such as art and same life-changing care that helped culture, medical care, educaton, and their daughter years ago. contributons to local communites. This philosophy drives Wonderland’s A FOUNDATION OF CARE determinaton to avoid becoming a Over the course of 23 years since its solely revenue-oriented organizaton. establishment, the Children’s Hearing Instead, it is the well-being of children Foundaton has helped more than and environmental protecton that truly four thousand children with hearing mater for Wonderland Nurserygoods. loss in Taiwan to listen and to speak. By sharing the profits, giving During this period of tme, in additon back to disadvantaged people, and to early interventon for children contnuously supportng numerous Morgan Loosli is the with hearing loss, the foundaton has nonprofit organizatons, Wonderland Center's Communication invested significantly in convertng Nurserygoods conveys its core value to Manager. When she's auditory-verbal treatment to Chinese- society and aims to increase its social not at work, she spends language skills. To help children with impact. her time taking advantage of Taiwan's hearing loss in the Chinese-speaking Read more about the Children’s breathtaking outdoor experiences. world to listen and speak with more Hearing Foundaton’s success stories:
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 13 2019/10/29 上午10:15 ART
The Thermos Foundation, Taiwan to Host the 2019 World Press Exhibition 2019世界新聞攝影展
Exhibition Dates: November 2nd – 24th TEXT & IMAGES: THE THERMOS FOUNDATION, TAIWAN 2019 WORLD PRESS PHOTO EXHIBITION Opening Ceremony: November 2nd from 4 pm to 6 pm
Venue: Studio 94 94, Yangde Blvd., Section 2, Shilin District he Thermos Foundation, Taiwan has 台北市士林區仰德大道二段94號 announced that it will once again host this year’s 2019 World Press Photo Exhibition at Visiting Times: T its Studio 94 location. Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am to 7 pm (Closed Monday) In 1955, a group of Dutch photographers organized an international contest to expose their Host: work to a global audience. Since then, the contest has grown into the world’s most prestigious photography competition. The World Press Photo Foundation is a creative, independent, nonprofit organization. It strives to keep abreast with the Facebook: changing world and new developments in the media 玉溪有容教育基金會 The Thermos Foundation and technology, which have completely transformed journalism and the power of storytelling. Getting there Each year, the World Press Photo of the Year By Bus honors a photographer whose visual creativity and Take bus 260 or R5 from exit 1 of Jiantan Station MRT, get off at skills took a picture which captures or represents Yongling bus stop, and walk up to Lane 100. The site is around an event or issue of great journalistic importance the corner. within the past year. The focus of this contest is to connect the world to stories that matter. By Car Photographers have different categories that Drive up Yangde Blvd. Sec. 2, turn right onto Lane 100, and the they may enter. The prize-winning photographs are site is around the corner. Please park along the lane. There is assembled into an exhibition that travels throughout traffic control along Yangde Blvd. from 8 am to 3 pm during the year to a hundred locations in forty-five different weekends, when only permit holders can use the road. countries. Taiwan has been carefully screened and selected as one of the exhibition country host sites, World Press Photo Global Partner with the Thermos Foundation as its esteemed host.
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Honduran toddler Yanela Sanchez cries as she and her mother, Sandra Sanchez, are taken into custody by US border officials in McAllen, Texas, USA, on 12 June.
Immigrant families had rafted across the Rio Grande from Mexico and were then detained by US authorities. Sandra Sanchez said that she and her daughter had been traveling for a month through Central America and Mexico before reaching the US to seek asylum. The Trump Administration had announced a “zero tolerance” policy at the border under which immigrants caught entering the US could be criminally prosecuted. As a result, many apprehended parents were separated from their children, often sent to different detention facilities. After this picture was published worldwide, US Spot News 1st Prize Singles Customs and Border Protection confirmed that Yanela World Press Photo of the Year and her mother had not been among the thousands JOHN MOORE who had been separated by US officials. Nevertheless, United States, Getty Images public outcry over the controversial practice resulted in President Donald Trump reversing the policy on 20 June.
Figures representing Ireland’s dark treatment of women line up for social media cameras, before parading silently through the streets of Limerick.
On 25 May, Ireland voted by a large majority to overturn its abortion laws, which were among the most restrictive in the world. The movement to repeal the Eighth Amendment to the constitution, which reinforced a ban on terminations, even those resulting from rape and incest, used social media platforms to spread its message, and took the argument to the streets in the form of demonstrations and theatrical spectacle.
Contemporary Issues 1st Prize Stories OLIVIA HARRIS United Kingdom
Diarra Ndiaye, Ndeye Fatou Mbaye and Mariza Sakho model outfits by designer Adama Paris, in the Medina neighborhood of the Senegalese capital, Dakar, as curious residents look on.
Dakar is a growing hub of Franco-African fashion, and is home to Fashion Africa TV, the first station entirely dedicated to fashion on the continent. The annual Dakar Fashion Week includes an extravagant street show that is open to all and attended by thousands from all corners of the capital. Adama Paris (who has a namesake brand) is a driving force behind the fashion week, and much else on the design scene.
Portraits 1st Prize Singles FINBARR O’REILLY Canada/United Kingdom
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Jochen (71) and Mohamed (21; not his real name) sit in the Tiergarten, Berlin. Jochen fell in love after meeting Mohamed, then a sex worker in the park. They have been dating for 19 months.
Prostitution between consenting adults is legal in Germany, and German aid charities have reported a marked increase in the number of young migrants turning to sex work. While they wait for their documents, refugees are not allowed to work legally or attend school. This lack of employment opportunity creates a severe lack of choice for many, with some young men becoming sex workers, sometimes to fund a heroin addiction. The Tiergarten, a large park in central Berlin, is a popular meeting spot for male sex workers Portraits 2nd Prize Singles and older clients. Mohamed now works in a gay bar, and HEBA KHAMIS is quitting heroin. Egypt
Women gather water from the lake.
A humanitarian crisis is underway in the Chad Basin, caused by a complex combination of political conflict and environmental factors. Lake Chad—once one of Africa’s largest lakes and a lifeline to 40 million people— is experiencing massive desertification. As a result of unplanned irrigation, extended drought, deforestation and resource mismanagement, the size of the lake has decreased by 90 percent over the past 60 years. Traditional livelihoods such as fishing have withered, and water shortages are causing conflict between farmers and cattle herders. Jihadist group Boko Haram, which is active in the area, both benefits from the hardship and widespread hunger and contributes to it. Environment 1st Prize Stories The group uses local villages as a recruiting ground, and Nominee, World Press Photo Story of the Year the protracted conflict has uprooted 2.5 million people, Nominee, World Press Photo of the Year exacerbating food insecurity. MARCO GUALAZZINI Italy, Contrasto
Petronella Chigumbura (30), a member of an all- female anti-poaching unit called Akashinga, participates in stealth and concealment training in the Phundundu Wildlife Park, Zimbabwe.
Akashinga (‘The Brave Ones’) is a ranger force established as an alternative conservation model. It aims to work with, rather than against local populations, for the long-term benefits of their communities and the environment. Akashinga comprises women from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them, offering jobs, and helping local people to benefit directly from the preservation of wildlife. Other strategies—such as using fees from trophy hunting to fund conservation— have been criticized for imposing solutions from the Environment 1st Prize Singles outside and excluding the needs of local people. Nominee, World Press Photo of the Year BRENT STIRTON South Africa, Getty Images
16 NOVEMBER 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 17 2019/10/29 上午10:15 ART Centered on DESIGN
TEXT: DANIEL CUNNINGHAM IMAGES: GOLDEN PIN CONCEPT DESIGN AWARD
The Golden Pin Design Award’s annual forum of global design experts is back again this December 5th at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park
f you’re looking for an opportunity to get involved with the local or international design community in Taipei, then this is your chance. The annual forum of global design experts, which is held I on the morning of the Golden Pin Design Award ceremony, is where all of Taiwan’s emerging design talents gather. It’s not just an opportunity to learn, but also to network and meet like-minded creatives. “We can be the first generation to end extreme poverty, the most determined generation in history to end injustice and inequality, and the last generation to be threatened by climate change.” — World Design Organization Design has a crucial role to play in tackling worldwide issues such as poverty and climate change, so for that reason the Golden Pin Design Award is championing design for good. Following on from the theme of last year’s forum, “Design & Social Responsibility,” the theme of this year’s forum is “Design & Sustainability,” and six global design experts will take the stage to talk about their best practices, as well as projects that represent the theme. Hosted by TVBS news presenter Lulu Hsia, audience members can listen in English or Chinese, with live translation throughout.
Daniel Cunningham is International Project PR & Marketing Manager at DDG Taipei, specialising in cultural and creative industries. He was the International Media Liaison of the 2018 Golden Pin Design Award and the Golden Pin Concept Design Award.
WHAT Golden Pin Design Award 2019 Forum — Design & Sustainability WHEN Thursday, 5th December, 9 am – 12 pm WHERE 2F Multi-Showcase Hall at Songshan Cultural and Creative Park TICKETS Available for purchase from Accupass (follow links on the official Golden Pin Design Award website and social media).
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 18 2019/10/29 上午10:15 ART WHO’S Talking? Six global design experts from Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, Italy, and the USA talk on stage at the Golden Pin Design Award 2019 Forum — Design & Sustainability
Panel Discussion with Tony Chi
Award-winning designer Tony Chi is the illustrious Taiwanese-American founder of NYC Talk one from Huat Lim interior design firm tonychi, who also served on the Golden Pin Design Award 2019 Final Selection — Beyond Sustainability: jury. Chi’s wide-ranging portfolio includes iconic Biophilia & Productive names like the Rosewood London, Intercontinental Architecture Geneva, Andaz Tokyo, Park Hyatt Shanghai, Rosewood Hong Kong and New York's Carlyle Managing director of ZLG Design in Hotel. His design harnesses the intangible allure of Malaysia, Huat Lim has worked with time and place. the likes of Zaha Hadid and Ron Herron, and he previously spoke at the Golden Pin Design Award 2019 Salon in Kuala Lumpur. Having graduated from the prestigious AA School of Architecture in London, he went on to design several landmark projects, including the National Library Singapore.
Talk from Haruna Yamada and Hirokazu Kobayashi
Haruna Yamada and Hirokazu Kobayashi are artist and designer at multi award-winning Japanese design Talk from Luisa Bocchietto Opening Remarks from firm SPREAD, and also served on the Chi-Yi Chang Golden Pin Design Award 2019 Final Architect and industrial design expert, Selection jury. Both born in Tokyo Luisa Bocchietto was president of the Chi-Yi Chang was previously the and graduates of Nagaoka Institute World Design Organization from 2017 deputy county governor of his of Design, this duo aptly combines to 2019, and served on the Golden hometown Taitung, and he is credited speciaties in environmental design and Pin Design Award 2019 Final Selection with having organized the very first graphic design. Their main works include jury. Born in Italy and a graduate of the Taiwan International Balloon Festival. the visual design of The National Art school of architecture at Politecnico in He established Taitung Design Center Center, Tokyo 10th Anniversary. Milan, Bocchietto was also president of in 2018, and is currently guiding Taiwan the Industrial Design Association in Italy Design Center through its transition into from 2008 to 2014. Her interests include Taiwan Design Research Center in 2020. urban renewal and circular design. On top of all that, he was also recently elected to the board of directors at the World Design Organization.
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 19 2019/10/29 上午10:15 ART Photowalkers' Gallery and Profile Amaris TEXT & IMAGES: AMARIS WOO Woo
Where are you from? How did you find out about Photowalkers? I’m from the Bay Area in Northern California. Before my trip to Taiwan in the summer of 2017, I was curious if there were any local photography groups. That's when I stumbled across Photowalkers Taiwan.
How did you get started taking photographs in Taipei and in general? I became interested in photography in 2012 when I used a cheap point-and-shoot camera during a family trip. I have been taking it more seriously since 2017, especially after my trips to Taipei, where I met Photowalkers.
How did you get involved with Photowalkers? During that 2017 trip, I decided to attend a photowalk and meet some new people. After having a blast, I resolved to attend more photowalks during my future Taiwan trips.
What advice would you have for new Photowalkers? Bring your gear, comfortable shoes, and enjoy a new experience. You’ll come away with more than just good photos. With every photowalk I go on, I gain more appreciation for the world around me - Photowalkers Taiwan is a group each location’s beauty, history and significance - and have an amazing that loves to get out and take time bonding with new and old friends.
photographs in a range of genres: What walks were especially memorable for you? Why? street, architecture, culture, They’re all very special to me! A couple stand out, such as the Daxi Old Street Photowalk in December 2018 led by Josh Ellis, and the history, landscape. We host our Presidential Office Photowalk in January 2019 led by Kenneth Dickson. events and share our photography In Daxi, we explored so many old streets, where I took some of my through our Facebook group. favorite photos. During the Presidential Office Photowalk, our small group went to the presidential palace for a rare chance to photograph the interiors. We even met President Tsai Ing-wen briefly. For November's issue of Centered What keeps you coming back to Taiwan and to Photowalkers? on Taipei, we recently interviewed I think Taiwan is a beautiful and underrated place. I want to Amaris Woo to find out how she show that it has so many stories worth telling. I always come back ’ manages to be an active member to Photowalkers because of the friendships I ve made, and every photowalk is guaranteed to be a great time. I like that, aside from taking of Photowalkers. Despite not living photos, there’s always great conversation about the temple we’re in Taiwan, she hasn’t let that stop visiting, or life in general.
her attending since 2017. Her most How would you describe your photography style and inspiration? recent photowalk, in September, My style has changed over the years and I’m still finding what’s best for me. I try to make most of my work cinematic now, often shooting was her tenth! scenes that seem like they could be from a movie. I pay close attention to color, light, and depth, and I’m often inspired by films and emotions. But both Photowalkers and Taiwan have encouraged me to get into street photography and portraiture as well.
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A COLORFUL SHOP IN DAXI
Photowalkers Taiwan
This group is for photowalkers with a connection to Taiwan! We all enjoy getting out and taking great photos in Taiwan in any genre: street, architecture, culture, history, landscape, and more. Find us at: https://www. facebook.com/groups/ photowalkerstaiwan/
Amaris Woo, active member since 2017 Amaris is a photographer from the San Francisco Bay area. She usually shoots travel and street photography. Recently graduated, she is exploring photography as a career. She has posted a lot more of her street and photowalking photography at https://www.amariswoo.com/ city-and-street Her website: https://www. DETAILS AT AN INDOOR MARKET IN KEELUNG amariswoo.com/ Her IG: https://www.instagram. com/amariswoo/
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Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 21 2019/10/29 上午10:15 OUTLOOK
Around Europe in Fifty Days
TEXT: FARIS WIENRICH IMAGES: FARIS WIENRICH AND WEB
tress. Pressure. Tension. The duration of this placement the end of my exams, I boarded a plane All three are words that was just over four weeks. Naturally, from Taipei to Amsterdam, commencing describe the period just being the sixteen-year-old that I am, I the first day of my seven-week journey S before and during my exams, dreaded the thought of having to wake of “freedom.” the plethora of sleepless nights and up at 6:30 am for an entire month From the moment I landed, I was countless hours spent mired in revision. and join the millions of adults across greeted by a soft, rippling breeze All three of these words also followed the world in being trapped in the blowing across the tarmac – promising me into my summer holidays after monotonous nine-five work cycle. a welcome respite from the cramped my work experience application had Firstly, however, I would travel to airplane cabin. On the car journey from been accepted for one of the leading Chester, England to visit my friends and the airport, I observed the mellow hospitals in Munich. relatives. On June 19th, five days after hues of the yellow and green fields
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on either side of the motorway, and occasionally glimpsed sightings of sheep and livestock, left to roam free and explore their surroundings, much like the situation I found myself in. Thus, the first few days of my summer vacation were filled with opportunities to unwind and settle in to the familiar tranquil and placid atmosphere of Europe, save for the occasional bursts of excitement ushered in by cricket matches. The Cricket World Cup was taking place in both England and Wales at the time, defined by the continuous cries of “Out” and “Six” punctuating the stillness of the environment around me. Every morning, I woke early to be greeted by cool morning air, going for a ten kilometer run, the streets devoid of activity save for the occasional cyclist tearing down the roads. After several days of much-needed rest, I found my itinerary packed once more - university visits on open days - starting with the University of Manchester. The next three days were spent doing a preparatory course for the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude) test, once more stepping through the doorway into academic-oriented tasks and activities. The next part of my seven-week holiday heralded a transition from the open atmosphere I felt during my stay up in Manchester to one of work as I travelled down south to Cardiff, the capital of Wales, in order to undergo a two-week work experience at a surgery near the town of Abergavenny, which was the first venue of my work experience this summer. Initially, the work experience entailed performing previous work experiences. Overall, me, but were still worth seeing, as I administrative tasks and observing despite my initial misgivings at the had the freedom to venture by myself a doctor perform consultations with start of the holidays, I found the work as opposed to having to explore the patients, as I was not allowed to enter experience extremely informative tourist attractions with my family. the surgery wards or be present during and also found that the experience What was not familiar however was private consultations, given my age and very much reflected my expectations the sight of India crashing out of the lack of medical qualifications. Despite as to what working in a medical Cricket World Cup Semi-Finals to New this, I was able to gain a thorough environment would be like. Moreover, Zealand. I pondered whether this was understanding of both the routine of the opportunity to be able to indulge an ominous omen and harbinger for the surgery as well as to gain a better in eating British fish & chips for lunch what lay ahead of me: a four-and-a-half understanding of what the field of on a regular basis made the experience week-long work experience at one of medicine was all about. One major even better. Munich’s largest hospitals. This meant takeaway I was left with was that Leaving Wales behind, I relocated that I would be forced to speak only doctors are required to perform a lot to London and stayed with relatives in German (my second language) to a high of administrative and bureaucratic Wembley for three days. While there, standard because I would be interacting tasks in addition to dealing with I visited a multitude of landmarks and conversing with patients and medical procedures and interacting along the Embankment, notably Big medical staff in a professional medical with patients. This was something I Ben, the Houses of Parliament and the environment. With that imposing had never completely grasped from my London Eye. All were familiar sights to prospect fully etched in my mind I set
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off on yet another plane journey. of signs or directions, it took me well every single patient that take place Arriving in my homeland was over forty minutes to find my station. behind the scenes are unprecedented. a different experience than I had Despite this however, I quickly managed Each of these individual procedures previously felt. For one, a heatwave to get settled in and was introduced to is a fundamental part of the overall was sweeping across Europe. The the station leader, who introduced me treatment itself, and delays or temperature at the airport was 38 to the practices of the Department of insufficient effort results in additional degrees C. In addition, I had been Nephrology and Dialysis. complications, potentially putting denied a seat on my initial flight due In contrast to my work experience in human lives at risk. The coordination, to an overbooking problem back at Wales, working in a hospital in Germany communication and synchronisation of London’s Heathrow Airport. This had required a much more professional all of these procedures in combination resulted in a three-hour delay, which attitude. I was given tasks to perform requires every individual part of the didn’t feel like the best impression throughout the hospital complex, medical system to be fully alert and to make on my German host. As I ranging from simple administrative well versed, and delivering to the best passed through customs, I nervously work (such as filing patient records) to of their capabilities. There is simply glanced around and saw my host; escorting patients up from the ER or no other environment like one of the Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t smiling. surgical wards, and delivering blood largest medical institutions in Germany. The apprehension soon faded away samples to the laboratory. For over Despite the fact that being 16 years however, as I settled into for a long twenty-five working days, I arrived old considerably restricted the number car ride with Jimi Hendrix guitar solos at 8 and worked until 4, performing of tasks I could perform (due to legal and Guns N’ Roses pounding out of the various physical tasks and helping and ethical considerations) I was able stereo system. Upon arrival, I realised out medical staff. However, the best to gain a considerable amount of that, although I was less than three part of the work experience was the knowledge and general information. kilometers from the centre of Munich, opportunity to shadow doctors, as I was Despite my initial misgivings at the I would be staying in a large house able to fully appreciate the intricacies start of the holiday, I gained fresh in a village setting in the district of of patient care and treatment. From perspectives and considerable insight Oedenstockach, surrounded by miles the invaluable experiences I took with into the medical profession, leaving of fields and country roads meandering me from shadowing doctors, I could me with an improved opinion of through the landscape. I was quickly envision myself in their position several medicine as a whole. From the dawn able to settle in to the family routine years down the line, helping those of humanity, doctors have always been and adjust to the setting. The next day suffering and in need. some of the most important figures in however, saw mass strikes throughout In a much larger medical history, for they are the only individuals the city, so I was unable to take public environment, there is a constant aura who have the ability to directly cure transport to work. For the second of professionalism and discipline and treat other humans. Each individual consecutive day, I was late in arriving hanging in the air that was immediately has their own value and merit which at the hospital. To make matters worse, apparent from the moment I walked in is a truly magical gift to possess. Every there were six different buildings, the door. The scale and coordination single patient that walks in through each several stories high and standing required in a hospital with over the hospital doors represents another sentinel in the intensely bright sky. sixty departments is staggering opportunity for doctors to save or This, combined with the fact that all and unfathomable. The core values improve the lives of others, allowing the departments dealing with staff and of Medicine are centered around the patients to live on and flourish, faculty members were lodged in the patient care and treatment, yet the allowing them to continue down the labyrinthian basement levels, devoid hundreds of procedures required for path of life.
MORNING BOOK CLUB
Becoming by Michelle Obama
For the Morning Book Club meeting dates, times & location, contact Julie Hu at: mcelroy22000@yahoo. com
24 NOVEMBER 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 24 2019/10/29 上午10:15 CULTURE India: Taiwan Connections, Potential for Growth
TEXT: MANOJ KUMAR PANIGRAHI AND PRIYA LALWANI PURSWANEY IMAGES: TAEF AND BHAVAHARA
aiwan has recently become Change in Asia" panel, she spoke about one of the preferred how in her capacity she has been destinations for Indian working on uplifting female rights and T students seeking higher spreading awareness among the public. education, especially for engineering According to her, being a politician is and language training, with more than hard work, as there is always a new two thousand Indian students studying challenge to face every day and it in Taiwan each year. is important to maintain one’s own The recently concluded Yushan mental health. Forum in Taipei saw a significant number of Indian officials, politicians, scholars and students attending. Among them was Ambassador Shiv Shankar Menon, former National Security Advisor (2010-2014). Mr. Menon stressed the growing importance of India-Taiwan relations, especially the people-to-people contact. He also mentioned that Taiwanese companies are looking to make more investments in India due to the growing US-China trade war. Among the panelists from India was Miss Aditi trashSingh, and Member beer bottles of Legislative in Hongtou bay Assembly from Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh state. Speaking during the "New Generation Leaders for Societal
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year's Yushan Forum can be and other performers will be local found here: https://app.micepad. talent trained in Taiwan. As you can see co/2019YushanForum#/1972/welcome from the photos, it promises to be an Now for something on the cultural unforgettable show. side: the 2019 Asia Indian Cultural For more details about the Indian Festival kicks off on November 22nd Cultural Festival, please visit the Taiwan with a show in Xinzhuang, followed Indian Museum page here: www. by a full day of Indian festivities at facebook.com/IndiaMuseumTaiwan/ the Dream Community in Xizhi on The Yushan Forum also saw the November 23rd and a cultural exchange launch of the first ever report on India- with dance workshops there the Taiwan relations by the academic following day. The festival culminates Priya is an experienced community. Mr. Roger Liu, who is on November 29th with a much- E n g l i s h C h i n e s e currently an Associate Professor in awaited performance by Bahrain's interpreter, translator, Flame University in Pune city in India, Indian Institute for Performing Arts, event host, entrepreneur, stressed that “increased connections to be presented at CKS Memorial and admin of the with academia from both sides adds Hall. BHAVAHARA is an experimental Facebook groups IiT (Indians in Taiwan) another door for greater ties between ballet based on the Indian epic and FIT (Friends in Taiwan). As a long- India and Taiwan.” Dr. Namrata Hasija, the Mahabharata, showcased as term Taipei resident, she volunteers Research Associate with India's Centre a cinematic contemporary musical at various organizations including for China Analysis and Strategy and dance drama. Artists playing important the India Museum to promote better President, Taiwan Alumni Association, characters in the play are coming all understanding of Indian culture. She was one of the contributors to the the way from Bahrain for the show, also runs her own translation company report. She emphasized that Taiwan (www.facebook.com/PriyaTranslator/). is a great destination for both study and tourism, but this knowledge is not widespread in India, showing the need for Taiwan to market itself more in Manoj Kumar Panigrahi other countries. The full report will be i s c u r r e n t l y a P h D released in November and promises to C a n d i d a t e i n N C C U , provide more insights into the current Taipei. His research status and future potential for India- interests include foreign Taiwan connections. policy, aid, culture and security issues of More information about this Asia-Pacific countries.
26 NOVEMBER 2019 www.communitycenter.org.tw
Nov 2019_p3-end.indd 26 2019/10/29 上午10:15 TRAVEL
RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS
Anping Port
TEXT & IMAGES: RICHARD SAUNDERS
In the first of a two-part instalment of Off the Beaten Track, we visit Tainan’s ancient port area of Anping
ainan’s little port area, Anping, is where Taiwan’s recorded history essentially begins. It’s T the location where the Dutch built the first fort on the island, and also where they were ousted by Ming loyalist Koxinga. It’s hard to believe while walking along its streets today, but the area Lookout tower, Anping Fort where Anping district now stands was once one of a number of sand banks and islets separated from the main island of Taiwan by a huge, shallow lagoon which covered much of the western half of modern Tainan city from about Jinhua Street (金華街) westwards. Flooding caused by a huge typhoon in the 1820s partially silted up the lagoon, and joined the islands to the mainland. Anping has quite a different atmosphere from downtown Tainan; the streets are generally less packed with traffic, the proximity to the sea means the air is fresher, and there are more open spaces, including a fine bike path along the canal and around the harbor. The area’s forts form its flagship attraction, but there are also a couple of fine temples, some interesting old streets, and an attractive waterfront area, which make it a recommendable part of any visit to Tainan. Allow at least half a day to enjoy the main sights. The present Anping Fort stands on the site of the Dutch Fort Zeelandia (finished, after ten years’ work, in 1634). A few chunks of the original construction are still standing, including an impressively solid chunk of the southern outer wall and a well, but over ancient well
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the centuries most of the original fort was taken away, brick by brick, to build houses and other structures elsewhere, including the impressively thick walls of the Eternal Golden Castle, a kilometer or so to the south (described in part two, next month). Today most of the structures on the site are much newer additions and restorations, mainly dating from the Japanese colonial period. The rather out-of-place lookout tower (the unlikely symbol of Tainan city) was built in 1975 on the site of an earlier watch tower. Approaching the fort from the east is Yanping Street, probably the oldest street in Taiwan, although today it’s a tourist trap that gets clogged with visitors on weekends. Nearby, Anping Tianhou Temple has a remarkably fine interior, and is worth a look, even if you’ve seen many other temples in Taiwan. The shallow lagoons off Tainan and Anping are filled with oysters, the shells of which were once turned into a raw ingredient of cement by firing at high temperatures in kilns such as Anping Oyster Shell Cement Kiln, the only surviving oyster shell kiln in the Tainan area. Oyster shell cement, made from Anping Tianhou Temple ground oyster shell ash, brown sugar syrup and sticky rice, was used in a number of high-profile buildings in the area, including the original walls of Fort Richard Saunders is a trained classical musician Zeelandia nearby. The brick kiln and the and writer who has lived in Taipei since 1993. small but interesting museum adjoining He has written several books (available at the it lies beside Anbei Road, a couple of Center and in bookshops around Taipei), including blocks north of Yanping Street; the Yangmingshan: the Guide (a complete guide to the maze of narrow alleyways between the National Park on Taipei’s doorstep), Taipei Escapes two contain some of Anping’s nicest I and 2, which together detail sixty day trips and hikes within easy reach of Taipei old buildings, and are worth exploring, city, and The Islands of Taiwan, a guide to Taiwan’s offshore islands. His latest especially since they make a relatively book, Taiwan 101: Essential Hikes, Sights and Experiences around Ilha Formosa, quiet escape from the madness of is out now. Yanping Street on weekends.
Taiwan is a perfect illustration of the saying that good things come in small packages. In comparison with more popular tourist destinations in the Far East, Taiwan is very modest in size, but despite its diminutive scale, the island has an astonishing amount to offer the curious explorer. The two volumes that make up Taiwan 101 are the perfect guide for exploring the very best of Taiwan: not only the island’s finest hikes, but also its best historic towns and cities, brightest traditional festivals, unique Chinese and aboriginal cultural riches, and its little-known natural wonders such as eternal flames, mud volcanoes and badlands. Taiwan 101: Essential Sights, Together, Taiwan 101 Volumes 1 and 2 present Taiwan’s finest attractions Hikes and Experiences on Ilha to anyone who wishes to get to know this island of kaleidoscopic charms, Formosa and comes with detailed information on getting around by public transport, by Richard Saunders and accurate GPS coordinates of nearly 800 fascinating places.
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TIME is the latest outdoor installation project by well-known Japanese photographer Saturo Kondo. Located in a narrow lane nearby Tainan's Chihkan Cultural Park, vivid wall images of contemporary school children mingle with those of older local residents to create a unique time-travel experience. This is one exhibition not to be missed.
Dates: August 31st - ongoing | Venue: East Street and National Street, Lane 208, Tainan
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