Talking Taiwan

On March 29th Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen left Taiwan to go on a ten-day state trip to Central America to meet with Taiwan's diplomatic allies Guatemala and Belize. In a pre-departure speech, President Tsai shared that the theme of her trip "Meeting Democratic Partnership, Fostering Shared Prosperity" expresses our determination to foster deeper exchange and cooperation between Taiwan and our allies. Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/president-tsai-ing-wens-48-hour-transit-through-new-york-en-route-to-central-america-ep-233/ This episode of Talking Taiwan is about first leg of President Tsai's trip that brought her to New York for a 48-hour transit from March 29-31, 2023. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/president-tsai-ing-wens-48-hour-transit-through-new-york-en-route-to-central-america-ep-233/

Last year I spoke with T.H. Schee about Taiwan's civil defense preparedness in episode 178. This was a hot topic of discussion in Taiwan after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February of 2023. It made the military threat that the people of Taiwan face from the People's Republic of China very real. A year has passed since Russia's invasion and I wanted to bring T.H. back for a follow up conversation about this and how the government and people of Taiwan have adjusted and continue to deal with the situation there. We also touched upon some recent news stories in Taiwan that are related to the topic of internet security. Next week we'll be sharing the second part of my interview with T.H. about AI. We'll be talking about ChatGPT, Baidu's chatbot Ernie and what concerns in particular that Taiwan should have about AI. Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/th-schee-on-taiwans-civil-defense-preparedness-one-year-later-after-the-war-in-ukraine-ep-232/ T.H. Schee is a digital veteran with twenty years of experience in the private and NGO sectors. He was a founding member of the Taiwan Internet Governance Forum and provided his expertise on digital crisis response to the UN Global Geospatial Information Management group. He has served as an adviser to government agencies and the city of Taipei (2016–18) and is a stalwart writer on the intersection of digital and tech policies. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · The situation in Taiwan since we last spoke to T.H. last year · Thoughts from T.H.'s March 3 talk with New Bloom Magazine "Lessons from Ukraine for Taiwan?" · What the government in Taiwan is doing regarding Taiwan's military preparedness · Proposed changes to Taiwan's Mobilization Act that include the military taking control of the media during wartime and the mobilization of people as young as 16 years old · The importance of allies and partners for Taiwan · The submarine cables that were cut and affected the internet access of people on Matsu · How Vietnam had four out of five of its submarine cables cut which meant that there were no ships available to repair the cables that were cut and affected Matsu, so Matsu was without internet access for two to three months · How the people of Matsu were impacted by the cut submarine cables · The Taiwan government responded by providing a microwave transmission for Matsu · How some people of Matsu purchased SIM cards from China to be able to access the internet, and what is problematic about that · The Taiwan Internet Governance Forum · How/why the submarine cables in the Taiwan Strait have gotten cut 25 times in five years · The hi-resolutions photos from the National Palace Museum got hacked and ended up for sale online Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/th-schee-on-taiwans-civil-defense-preparedness-one-year-later-after-the-war-in-ukraine-ep-232/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/eric-chang-on-the-unfolding-situation-at-the-legislative-yuan-during-the-sunflower-movement-ep-231/ The Sunflower Movement in Taiwan, which started in protest to the passage of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA), happened nine years ago, on the night of March 18, 2014. I was in Taipei when the Legislative Yuan, which is the equivalent of the parliament in Taiwan, was occupied by students and activists in an effort to block the passage of the trade agreement between Taiwan and China. It was the beginning of what became known as the Sunflower Movement. The day before, on March 17, the Kuomintang (KMT) had attempted to force through passage of the CSSTA in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan, without giving it a clause-by-clause review. Several days later at a press conference on March 23rd Taiwan's then President Ma Ying-jeou stated his resolve in passing the trade agreement. That night, students and activists attempted to occupy the Executive Yuan in protest. A few days later, on March 28th I spoke with Eric Chang who joined students and protestors outside of the Executive Yuan on the 23rd. He was there when police started breaking up the students and protestors, himself among them, and he shared what he saw and experienced that night in episode 121. At the time I spoke to Eric it had been only 10 days since the occupation of the Legislative Yuan, so the situation at the Legislative Yuan and the Sunflower Movement was still unfolding and this of course was before we knew what the outcome would be. It's interesting to look back on it and hear my conversation with Eric in pre-COVID times, and way before the insurrection of the U.S. Capitol Building on January 6, 2021. We talked about the role of social media in the occupation of the Legislative Yuan, how the Sunflower Movement galvanized young people in Taiwan at the time, and the atmosphere outside the Legislative Yuan while it was occupied; every day there were thousands of people from all walks of life gathered outside in the streets surrounding the Legislative Yuan. Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · What the occupation of the Legislative Yuan by students and activists means for Taiwan's democracy · What the scene/situation around the occupied Legislative Yuan was like · Comparisons between the occupation of Taiwan's Legislative Yuan with what would happen if people tried to occupy the U.S. Capitol Building · How peaceful and organized the student protestors are; they have set up a variety of stations for supplies, to charge mobile phones, for recycling, first aid · Professors have given lectures outside in the perimeter of the Legislative Yuan · A sausage vendor that's set up outside of the Legislative Yuan and is giving out sausage for free · Medical and legal professionals who have volunteered to help the student protestors · How Eric and his friend Dwagie (Taiwanese hip hop artist/rapper) have visited the Legislative Yuan area since the occupation · The March 30th Rally in support of the Sunflower Movement that took place globally · The Taiwan Voice Facebook page · How people can speak publicly or perform in the area surrounding the occupied Legislative Yuan · Lazy Habits, a jazz hip hop band performed outside of the occupied Legislative Yuan · High school students in Tainan (in southern Taiwan) are speaking out publicly about the occupation of the Legislative Yuan · How the Sunflower Movement has galvanized people across Taiwan · How Eric has seen friends who are KMT supporters come out in support of the Sunflower Movement and occupation of the Legislative Yuan · How young people learn about news through social media, Facebook and PTT, a popular local bulletin board founded by a National Taiwan University student in 1995 · Whether or not the pact (Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement) will get passed · How the Sunflower Movement has made people feel more comfortable to free to speak out publicly Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/eric-chang-on-the-unfolding-situation-at-the-legislative-yuan-during-the-sunflower-movement-ep-231/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/rur-architecture-what-inspired-the-team-to-design-the-taiwan-music-center-and-kaohsiung-port-terminal-ep-230/ The Kaohsiung Port Terminal just opened on March 6th and I had a chance to speak with Jesse Reiser AR'81 and Nanako Umemoto AR'83 of Reiser+Umemoto, RUR Architecture, the architects behind its design. They are the team that also designed the Taipei Music Center which opened on September 5, 2020. We spoke about their 35-year-long careers in architecture, how they landed both of these projects in Taiwan, the inspiration behind the design of the projects, and what contributed to delays in completion. Both projects were expected to be completed and in operation by 2014. Also with us when we spoke was Jasmine Lee, the project manager for the Taipei Music Center and Kaohsiung Port Terminal projects at RUR Architecture. We will be bringing back Jesse, Nanako and Jasmine to show us the Kaohsiung Port Terminal, Taipei Music Center and other architecture projects via video. That video will be posted on Talking Taiwan's YouTube channel at a later date. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · How Jesse, Nanako and Jasmine ended up choosing their careers in architecture · How things have evolved in Jesse and Nanako's 35-year-long careers in architecture · How Jesse and Nanako started teaching and how that has shaped their careers in architecture · How Jesse and Nanako started entering architecture competitions, and things transpired from there · The Dubai tower project that Jesse and Nanako worked on · The AIishan Mountain project that Jesse and Nanako won · The inspiration behind the Taipei Music Center · How and why the Taipei Music Center project changed over time · The purpose/function of the Taipei Music Center · How other projects like the stadium in Taipei aka the Taipei Dome have been delayed and not completed · How Aldo Rossi, Jesse's teacher and employer influenced the design of the Taipei Music Center · The indoor and outdoor performance space of the Taipei Music Center · Why it took over 10 years to complete the Taipei Music Center · The Taipei Music Center opened on September 5, 2020, and on October 3rd the 31st Golden Melody Awards were hosted there · The three functions of the music center: performance, history, production · Social media's impact on the visibility of the Taipei Music Center · What a surprise it was to win the design competition for the Kaohsiung Port Terminal · Why the Kaohsiung Port Terminal project took 13 years to complete and the adjustments that had to be made over time · How the Taipei Music Center and Kaohsiung Port Terminal projects were inspired by Jesse and Nanako's work in New York · Jesse and Nanako's work in New York · How teaching affects their approach to architecture projects · The O-14 tower in Dubai that Jesse and Nanako worked on · What it is like seeing one's architectural projects completed and come to life · Jesse, Nanako and Jasmine's thoughts on being architects and their advice for those interested in going into architecture Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/rur-architecture-what-inspired-the-team-to-design-the-taiwan-music-center-and-kaohsiung-port-terminal-ep-230/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/robert-tsao-founder-of-umc-pledges-to-donate-usd-100-million-to-taiwans-military-cause-ep-229/ In December we spoke with Robert Tsao, founder of UMC, who in August of 2022 pledged to donate 100 million U.S. dollars to help Taiwan defend itself. In 2011 he moved to Singapore and became a citizen there, but in September of last year he renounced his Singaporean citizenship, and reinstated his citizenship in Taiwan. We talked about what motivated him to decide to make the donation to defend Taiwan, why he's been perceived as pro business investment in China, and about his support for a referendum on unification between Taiwan and China. We even asked him about his early support in 1993 for the New Party (Xin dang), a political party in Taiwan that had a pro Chinese unification stance. Mr. Tsao also shared his thoughts on the Chinese Communist party today and why he thinks it's important protect Taiwan from an attack by the Chinese Communist People's Republic of China. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Talking Taiwan has a donor who is willing to make a $5,000 matching donation! Help us double what we raise to $10,000 by MAKING A CONTRIBUTION to Talking Taiwan at: http://gofundme.com/building-talking-taiwans-legacy https://www.patreon.com/talkingtaiwan PayPal using: talkingtaiwanpodcast@gmail.com Zelle using: talkingtaiwanpodcast@gmail.com Checks or money orders made payable to Talking Taiwan can be sent to: Talking Taiwan PO Box 1049 New York, NY 10113 https://talkingtaiwan.com/support/ Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · Mr. Tsao's thoughts on the November 2022 local elections in Taiwan · Mr. Tsao's thoughts on whether the local elections will impact Taiwan's 2024 presidential election · Mr. Tsao's donation of 100 million U.S. dollars for Taiwan's defense and what it will be spent on · Why Mr. Tsao decided to make the donation of 100 million U.S. dollars · Taiwan's first direct presidential election was in 1996 · How to protect Taiwan's freedom and democracy · President Chen Shui-bian's Task Force on cross-Strait Relations, headed by Academia Sinica President and Nobel prize winner Professor Lee Yuan-tseh · Mr. Tsao's suggestion regarding a referendum on Taiwan's reunification with China in 2001 · Taiwan's independence · How Taiwan is unlike Hong Kong which was returned to China · The July 21, 2019 attacks at the Yuen Long MTR station in Hong Kong · Mr. Tsao's thoughts on the Chinese Communist party · Parallels between Russia's President Vladimir Putin invading Ukraine and the possibility of China' President Xi Jinping attacking Taiwan · Questions about Mr. Tsao's thoughts on investment in China, and his support for a referendum on unification between Taiwan and China · Mr. Tsao's support in 1993of the New party, a political party in Taiwan that had a pro-Chinese unification stance · How Mr. Tsao considers himself Taiwanese · The protests by people in China over strict COVID restrictions · Name rectification and constitutional reform for Taiwan · How much of a deterrent Taiwan's semiconductor industry is to China attacking Taiwan · Military reform in Taiwan · Mr. Tsao's thoughts on the unification of Taiwan and China Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/robert-tsao-founder-of-umc-pledges-to-donate-usd-100-million-to-taiwans-military-cause-ep-229/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/commemorating-the-228-massacre-taboos-scars-stigmas-and-an-essential-lesson-in-taiwan-history-ep-228/ 228, February 28, 1947 is an important date in history for Taiwan. In Taiwan it is a national holiday known as 228 Peace Day, and since 228, which is also known as the 228 Massacre is just around the corner, we thought we'd share the first of 2 special episodes that we did last year for the 75th anniversary of the 228 Massacre. At the same time, we wanted to share some community announcements for our listeners who might be looking for ways to commemorate 228. If you're in New York, the Taiwan Center in Flushing, NY will be having a 228 Remembrance Memorial Service on Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 2:00-3:30pm. And for those in California, Josephine Pan tells me that annual 228 Commemorative Concert will be held in person again this year on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 7:30pm at the Arcadia Community Church. Both of these events are open and free to the public. Full details for the 228 commemorative events in New York and California are listed below in the Related Links section. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · How each guest first heard of or learned about 228 · How the 228 was a forbidden topic of discussion · How my guests and their families were personally impacted by 228 · The Formosa Incident aka Kaohsiung Incident · The White Terror and Martial Law era of Taiwan · The writer who was sent to prison because of his Chinese-language translation of a Popeye comic · Why the topic of 228 has been so taboo · Tsuann's grandfather who was a political prisoner during the White Terror era · Post-traumatic stress · What Tsuann's relatives experienced and witnessed about 228 · Why Tsuann decided to try to help 228 victims and their families · Green Island, the place where political prisoners were exiled · The case of a 15-year-old girl who was jailed · How political prisoners, after being released were ostracized by society · How things banned during the Martial Law era included books, music, art or any medium related to communism or that was critical of the Kuomintang · Personal accounts of people persecuted during the Martial Law era · The families whose husbands and fathers disappeared due to 228 · What Josephine's relatives experienced and witnessed about 228 · The privileges and overrepresentation granted to the Chinese vs. local Taiwanese under Kuomintang (KMT) rule · The injustices in Taiwan's society under the initial rule of the KMT · Why it's important to remember and understand 228 · The importance of healing from historic trauma · Canada's residential schools · What Tsuann discovered about 228 survivors through her work with the Transitional Justice Committee · Why Josephine started organizing an annual concert to commemorate 228 · How 228 became a national holiday in 1998 but has almost been cancelled as a holiday twice · Comparisons of 228 Peace Memorial Day with U.S. holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day or Memorial Day · My guests' thoughts on whether or not 228 remains a national holiday · Indigenous Peoples Day · How to commemorate 228 · What young people in Taiwan know about 228 · What was previously taught to Josephine, Tsuann, and Wei-Wei about Taiwan in their textbooks when they were high school students in Taiwan · How the 228 Massacre has only recently been included in high school textbooks · How the 228 Massacre is being taught in high schools · The Jing-Mei Prison Museum in Taipei · Music that was banned during the White Terror era · Experiential ways to learn about 228 Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/commemorating-the-228-massacre-taboos-scars-stigmas-and-an-essential-lesson-in-taiwan-history-ep-228/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/courtney-donovan-smith-of-taiwan-report-shares-his-analysis-on-taiwans-2022-nine-in-one-local-elections-ep-227/ With Taiwan's next presidential election set for early 2024, what are the implications of Taiwan's 2022 "Nine-in-One" Local Elections that took place back in November? We've invited Courtney Donovan Smith co-founder of Taiwan Report, ICRT's Central Taiwan correspondent, and contributing columnist to Taiwan News to share his insights on the recent elections in Taiwan. The topic of plagiarism also came up since plagarism scandals have plagued political candidates from all three political parties, the DPP, KMT and TPP. Donovan also shared his analysis on how each of the major political parties in Taiwan fared in the November elections. While it might be a bit too early to discuss the 2024 presidential candidates, we'll definitely have Donovan back at a later date to discuss Taiwan's 2024 Presidential Race. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · Taiwan's local elections (aka the 9-in-1 elections) that were held in November 2022 · What positions were up for election · 22 positions were up for election · The results of the November 2022 elections in Taiwan · How the DPP, KMT and TPP fared in the elections · What implications the November elections might have for Taiwan's presidential elections in 2024 · Why President Tsai Ing-wen stepped down as the DPP party chair · The DPP and KMT's strategies during the November 2022 local elections · The DPP's missteps during the November 2022 local elections · The plagiarism scandals that have affected Taiwan's 3 major political parties: the DPP, KMT & TPP · The increasing numbers of women being elected as legislators and to other positions in Taiwan · The referendum to lower voting age in Taiwan from 20 to 18 years old · How Donovan got into writing and reporting about Taiwan's politics · Those who write and comment on Taiwan's politics: Michael Turton, Nathan Batto · How Donovan created an RPG (role playing game) · Who will be the KMT presidential candidate for Taiwan's presidential election in 2024 Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/courtney-donovan-smith-of-taiwan-report-shares-his-analysis-on-taiwans-2022-nine-in-one-local-elections-ep-227/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/ed-hill-talks-about-his-off-broadway-debut-and-comedy-special-candy-and-smiley-ep-226/ Ed Hill is a Vancouver based Taiwanese comedian on his first national North American tour. We spoke about his early years in Canada, his connection to TAIWANfest and how his overachieving Asian tendencies came out when he first started doing comedy. In 2021, Ed became the first comedian of Taiwanese-Canadian descent to release a full one-hour comedy special titled "Candy & Smiley." The special was named "Top 15 Comedy Specials of 2021" by Paste Magazine and "Best of 2021" by NPR Radio. The special is currently streaming worldwide on Amazon Prime and Apple TV. From March 30-April 2 Ed will be doing an off-Broadway show, "Stupid Ed" at the Tank in New York City. Ed's tweets have also been featured on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon", Buzzfeed, and The Huffington Post. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · Ed's connection to TAIWANfest · Ed's connection to Taiwan · The discrimination he's experienced and how it became a part of his standup routine · How he got into doing standup comedy · How he handles it when he bombs as a comedian in front of an audience · How Ed's training as a therapist informs his comedy · Ed's comedic influences · Ed's mentor the late comedian Louie Anderson · Ed's tweets that have ended up on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and how he comes up with them · Ed's first comedy special Candy and Smiley · How Ed's first comedy special Candy and Smiley was affected by the pandemic · How Ed's parents have reacted to his doing comedy · Ed's upcoming off-Broadway show, Stupid Ed · Through his show Stupid Ed, Ed will be reflecting on his relationships with the female figures in his life · What Ed wants to do with his comedy · Ed's story podcast, the Guide to Quarantine · Ed's advice to others interested in doing standup comedy · What Ed gets out of doing standup comedy Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/ed-hill-talks-about-his-off-broadway-debut-and-comedy-special-candy-and-smiley-ep-226/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/spark-accel-a-virtual-accelerator-for-taiwanese-american-entrepreneurs-ep-225/ SPARK Accel is a personalized 4-week virtual accelerator for Taiwanese American entrepreneurs. At the end of the program there will be a virtual pitch competition and a chance for participants to win up to $15,000. SPARK Accel is an initiative under the Taiwanese American Citizens League (TACL). TACL is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to improving the lives of Taiwanese Americans. Stacey Pai, one of the founding team members of SPARK Accel, spoke with me about how SPARK Accel supports entrepreneurs, and what stage of entrepreneurs are eligible to participate in its accelerator program. As SPARK Accel grows, it is looking to recruit a volunteer program manager, fundraising manager, community manager, marketing manager, and startup mentors. This is a great opportunity for budding Taiwanese entrepreneurs. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: What is Spark Accel? What stage of entrepreneur Spark Accel serves When Spark Accel launched The first cohort in the summer of 2021 had 6 startup participants and 10 ppl on the leadership team, and over 30 mentors Spark Accel plans to launch 2 cohorts in 2023, one in April/May, and the other in Sep/Oct. How to apply and qualify for the Spark Accelerator program What will happen during the 4-week program and what participants will learn Spark Accel's in-person mixers San Francisco, New York, Boston, and Taipei Future locations that will host Spark Accel in-person mixers How Spark Accel is run by volunteers and supported by fundraising and donations How many participants there are in each accelerator cohort At the end of the 4-week program there will be a pitch contest in order to win a cash prize of up to $15,000 The "audience component" at the end of the program, which involves a video recording of pitches that will be shared online and via social media, and friends and family will be invited to vote The startups and mentors associated with Spark Accel Spark Accel is looking for volunteer mentors Spark Accel is recruiting for a volunteer program manager, fundraising manager, community manager, and marketing manager Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/spark-accel-a-virtual-accelerator-for-taiwanese-american-entrepreneurs-ep-225/

Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/andrew-klerck-blindness-later-in-life-could-not-stop-this-thriving-entrepreneur-ep-224/ Andrew Klerck is the founder of Taiwan Impact Entrepreneurs, a group that serves foreigners who want to start a business in Taiwan. He spoke with me about how much you need to start a business in Taiwan, and why Taiwan is a great place to do so. Andrew also talked about how he got started on his own journey as an entrepreneur and lost his eyesight over 15 years ago while running an export company. Today he is a thriving entrepreneur, thanks to the assistive technology of smartphones, screen readers, and smart glasses. He shared from a foreigner's perspective, good reasons to do business in Taiwan and some of the challenges of doing business in Taiwan. This episode of Talking Taiwan has been sponsored by NATWA, the North America Taiwanese Women's Association. NATWA was founded in 1988, and its mission is: 1. to evoke a sense of self-esteem and enhance women's dignity, 2. to oppose gender discrimination and promote gender equality, 3. to fully develop women's potential and encourage their participation in public affairs, 4. to contribute to the advancement of human rights and democratic development in Taiwan, 5. to reach out and work with women's organizations worldwide to promote peace for all. To learn more about NATWA visit their website: www.natwa.com Talking Taiwan has a donor who is willing to make a $5,000 matching donation! Help us double what we raise to $10,000 by MAKING A CONTRIBUTION to Talking Taiwan at: http://gofundme.com/building-talking-taiwans-legacy https://www.patreon.com/talkingtaiwan PayPal using: talkingtaiwanpodcast@gmail.com Zelle using: talkingtaiwanpodcast@gmail.com Checks or money orders made payable to Talking Taiwan can be sent to: Talking Taiwan PO Box 1049 New York, NY 10113 https://talkingtaiwan.com/support/ Here's a little preview of what we talked about in this podcast episode: · What brought Andrew to Taiwan · Why Andrew started the Taiwan Impact Entrepreneurs(TIE) group · What the Taiwan Impact Entrepreneurs group does and who they serve · The Taiwan Impact Entrepreneurs mastermind group · The difference between the Taiwan Impact Entrepreneurs Facebook group and the Taiwan Impact Entrepreneurs mastermind group · How the TIE mastermind group is run · Why Taiwan is a good place for foreigners to live · Why Taiwan is a good place for foreigners to start a business · The advantage of doing business in Taiwan · The difficulties and tradeoffs of doing business in Taiwan for foreigners · How to build good credit and get offered credit from banks in Taiwan · How it's difficult for foreigners to get funding in Taiwan · The Taipei Entrepreneur Hub · Abled Minds Taiwan · What prevents disabled people in Taiwan from pursuing entrepreneurship · How Andrew lost his eyesight · How Andrew managed to run a business as he was loosing his eyesight · The technology that helps Andrew as a blind person with his daily life and to do business · Andrew's upbringing in South Africa under apartheid · The entrepreneurial and business mindset of Andrew's parents · How Andrew has run a company that had operations in nearly 60 different countries · Andrew's TIE partner Jamie Rufe was an executive assistant to Foxconn CEO, Terry Gou · Andrew's advice for people who want to start a business in Taiwan but don't have a lot of cash · The importance of street hustling and selling Related Links: To view all related links for this article, click link below: https://talkingtaiwan.com/andrew-klerck-blindness-later-in-life-could-not-stop-this-thriving-entrepreneur-ep-224/