Recently, Chinese singer Hu Xia claimed first place on the final episode of “Super Star Avenue,” Taiwan’s popular singing contest. He was the first Chinese singer to win on Taiwan’s equivalent of “American Idol” and “Britain’s Got Talent” where contestants compete hoping to win a record deal. Other Chinese performers are also coming to Taiwan to try their luck on another music contest, “Super Idol.”
Hosted by Matilda Tao, “Super Star Avenue” first aired on the Taipei-based China Television Corporation (CTV) in January 2007. Each six-month season works toward finding the next singing superstar. Lin Yu-chun, now considered Taiwan’s “Susan Boyle” rose from obscurity after appearing on “Super Star Avenue.” Even though Lin did not win, this April he was invited to sing on the Ellen DeGeneres Show and Lopez Tonight in the US. He has since signed a contract with Sony Music Entertainment.
In the latest season, a vocal group nick-named the “Three Handsomes” – Mo Sao-srai, Jiang Yifan and Li Guangbo from China’s Shandong, Heilongjiang and Hubei provinces respectively, made it to the finals.
According to the United Daily News, these young Chinese men, with an average age of 20, moved to Taiwan for over six months and stayed in a small motel in Taipei. All the arrangements were made by the production company. Li said, “I was told that Taiwan is a beautiful island. I was eager to come here and see what it is like. But it is hot and humid.” These four singers from China experienced “the warmest ever winter in their lives.”
Living in a place different from their native land and living on very little money was tough. They survived with thanks to a large group of Hu’s fans who supplied them with abundant summer fruits, snacks, Taiwanese specialties, and even stomach and throat relievers. Hu has no regrets, despite a diet of cheap braised pork and rice, and the time-consuming visa process; the men hope to release records in Taiwan. The group even said that they would like to find Taiwanese brides, because “the girls here are particularly kind.”
Another popular talent show is “Super Idol.” Around since October 2007, the show is hosted by Li Chin. The show is less restrictive in terms of the age of its participants, their professions, and does not limit itself to filming only in Taiwan.
A recent contestant was 27-year-old Li Yasa of Shanghai, China, who released an album in Taiwan a few years ago. At that time, she did not come to Taiwan to promote the album. This time around, she temporarily relocated to Taiwan for six months and found an apartment while appearing on “Super Idol.” Since she came from a well-to-do family, her relocation was not a financial burden.
Another contestant was Duan Xuming, originally an actor from Harbin province, China. He married a Taiwanese businesswoman, Liu Si-ling, who runs the well-known bridal salon “Paris, France.” Under her encouragement, Duan participated in the “Super Idol” contest.
Contestants have also included Kim Kiji, an overseas Chinese artist from South Korea, and a freshman in the advertising department at National Chengchi University. He stumbled across the “Super Idol” contest by chance, and he had a hard time getting used to the food and the humid weather in Taiwan. Language was also a big barrier for him. Having a limited Chinese vocabulary, he could not understand what the judges were saying. Nevertheless, he sees Taiwan as a “land full of opportunities. More and more people like Taiwan. I want to be a singer and have albums made in Taiwan,” he said.
Others hoping to capitalize on the popularity of the shows include 29-year-old Zhao Taixiang from Burma. With two albums already released in Burma, he hopes the added exposure will result in an album deal in Taiwan. In the meantime, he is coping with the keen competition in Taiwan and earning a living by working in a pub. Someday, he hopes to return to Burma as a star.
Former overseas Chinese contestants who have shown promise on the shows have included Wong Jinglun, Ai Chen and Fu Chunying. They have all successfully started their singing careers and released albums in Taiwan.
At 28, Ai came from Malaysia in 2002 to take part in “Super Idol.” After several failed attempts, he finally won in January 2010. Another fellow Malaysian, 26-year old Fu also participated in “Super Idol.” She won second place after Ai. Fu noted, “Taiwan and Malaysia are home for me. But it bothers me that laundry takes so long to dry in this humid Taipei weather.” Even coming sixth place can mean a significant break-through. Just ask Wong, who appeared during the third season of “Super Star Avenue.” The 27 year-old Singaporean still signed a contract with Warner Music Taiwan, and has since released two albums in two years. He is now working to build his fan base in China.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Taiwanese food goes global
For decades, Taiwan has been famous for manufacturing computer chips and hardware. Now, the island is also cultivating its soft power over the Chinese world through its specialty foods.
At the Shi-lin Night Market in Taipei, you will see groups of tourists from Japan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia seeking out local Taiwanese food delicacies. Every day, a long queue of foreign visitors lines up outside of Ding Tai Fun Dumpling House to sample its famous soup dumplings. Advertised on travel web sites from Singapore and Malaysia, you will see tour options for groups to visit Taipei to sample Taiwanese snack food. Taiwanese specialties such as beef soup noodles, soup dumplings, pineapple cake and pearl milk tea have won the taste buds of 1.9 billion Chinese and Southeast Asians. And in major cities throughout California, bubble tea shops are as equally populated as Starbucks.
Instant noodles remain one of Taiwan’s favorite foods. Early success stories have included Master Kong, a brand name of Taiwan’s Tingyi Holding, now the largest instant noodle manufacturer in China. The company specializes in making instant noodles, baked goods and soft drinks. Another Taiwanese company in China is Want Want, which specializes in rice cakes and drinks. They have been in the Chinese market since the 1980s.
In Southeast Asia, where the consumer market numbers 600 million people, Namchow (Thailand) Limited, established by Namchow Group (Taiwan) in 1991, is a successful manufacturer and distributor of rice crackers, rice snacks and instant noodles. Also started in the same year, Vedan set up a company in Vietnam to make and market instant noodles, soft drinks, nutrition products and cosmetics.
Resurgence of home cooking
With a renewed interest in home cooking throughout the Taipei area, Taiwan's gourmet industry is taking another step toward maturity.
City’super, a supermarket originally from Hong Kong, arrived in Taiwan and started offering cooking lessons in 2004. Ever since, City’super has cultivated a customer base that is highly health conscious and inclined towards home cooked gourmet meals.
And it is not simply an elite population who are eager to learn the art of cooking. Cooking classes throughout Taipei are often packed to capacity. Even during a working Friday afternoon, between 50 and 70 eager students fill the cooking classroom of the Xinyi Eslite Bookstore.
Given Taiwan’s abundant snack food culture that provides an endless variety of inexpensive convenience foods, why would anyone want to study cooking? Taiwan’s growing health consciousness plays a part, according to the Commonwealth magazine. The magazine mentioned Yang Su-ling, who works in Taipei, and grabs a quick lunch before returning to work again. Like others who are becoming more health conscious, Yang enjoys cooking for herself.
Another reason behind the craze is the desire of Taiwanese people to cultivate closer familial bonds, and cooking together is one of the best opportunities to interact with one’s children. Founded more than 11 years ago, Choi's Home School of Culinary Arts started children's classes two years ago, after seeing a desire for parent-child interaction in the kitchen.
Promoting Taiwan’s gourmet foods
Parents who use cooking to further cement family ties can also plant a seed that will take culinary roots. This can be seen as more kids consider pursuing a career in the culinary arts. It is also a clear indication that the profession is gradually gaining social acceptance according to the magazine.
This March, Taiwanese pastry chef Wu Pao-chun won the title of Master de la Boulangerie in the bread category of the Bakery Masters Competition in Paris. Wu was able to beat 24 contestants from 17 countries. Within eight hours, Wu was required to bake bread such as baguettes and sandwich loaves and something typifying Taiwan. Among the ingredients of Wu’s winning bread were Taiwanese millet wine, dried lychees and organic roses.
Meanwhile, Taiwan will launch a project to promote Taiwanese gourmet food into the global market place, according to a report from the Economic Daily News. Funded by the National Development Fund and private investors, the project will form an “international Taiwanese gourmet food promotion company” to set up state-owned restaurants overseas.
Seeing the merits of promoting Taiwan through its specialty foods, the paper said a specialized government institution will standardize a variety of Taiwanese dishes and train chefs to further promote Taiwan through foods. Other collaborating institutes will be established to expand the business horizons of Taiwanese cuisine by opening chain restaurants, participating in business fairs and holding promotional activities for Taiwanese culinary arts.
At the Shi-lin Night Market in Taipei, you will see groups of tourists from Japan, Hong Kong and Southeast Asia seeking out local Taiwanese food delicacies. Every day, a long queue of foreign visitors lines up outside of Ding Tai Fun Dumpling House to sample its famous soup dumplings. Advertised on travel web sites from Singapore and Malaysia, you will see tour options for groups to visit Taipei to sample Taiwanese snack food. Taiwanese specialties such as beef soup noodles, soup dumplings, pineapple cake and pearl milk tea have won the taste buds of 1.9 billion Chinese and Southeast Asians. And in major cities throughout California, bubble tea shops are as equally populated as Starbucks.
Instant noodles remain one of Taiwan’s favorite foods. Early success stories have included Master Kong, a brand name of Taiwan’s Tingyi Holding, now the largest instant noodle manufacturer in China. The company specializes in making instant noodles, baked goods and soft drinks. Another Taiwanese company in China is Want Want, which specializes in rice cakes and drinks. They have been in the Chinese market since the 1980s.
In Southeast Asia, where the consumer market numbers 600 million people, Namchow (Thailand) Limited, established by Namchow Group (Taiwan) in 1991, is a successful manufacturer and distributor of rice crackers, rice snacks and instant noodles. Also started in the same year, Vedan set up a company in Vietnam to make and market instant noodles, soft drinks, nutrition products and cosmetics.
Resurgence of home cooking
With a renewed interest in home cooking throughout the Taipei area, Taiwan's gourmet industry is taking another step toward maturity.
City’super, a supermarket originally from Hong Kong, arrived in Taiwan and started offering cooking lessons in 2004. Ever since, City’super has cultivated a customer base that is highly health conscious and inclined towards home cooked gourmet meals.
And it is not simply an elite population who are eager to learn the art of cooking. Cooking classes throughout Taipei are often packed to capacity. Even during a working Friday afternoon, between 50 and 70 eager students fill the cooking classroom of the Xinyi Eslite Bookstore.
Given Taiwan’s abundant snack food culture that provides an endless variety of inexpensive convenience foods, why would anyone want to study cooking? Taiwan’s growing health consciousness plays a part, according to the Commonwealth magazine. The magazine mentioned Yang Su-ling, who works in Taipei, and grabs a quick lunch before returning to work again. Like others who are becoming more health conscious, Yang enjoys cooking for herself.
Another reason behind the craze is the desire of Taiwanese people to cultivate closer familial bonds, and cooking together is one of the best opportunities to interact with one’s children. Founded more than 11 years ago, Choi's Home School of Culinary Arts started children's classes two years ago, after seeing a desire for parent-child interaction in the kitchen.
Promoting Taiwan’s gourmet foods
Parents who use cooking to further cement family ties can also plant a seed that will take culinary roots. This can be seen as more kids consider pursuing a career in the culinary arts. It is also a clear indication that the profession is gradually gaining social acceptance according to the magazine.
This March, Taiwanese pastry chef Wu Pao-chun won the title of Master de la Boulangerie in the bread category of the Bakery Masters Competition in Paris. Wu was able to beat 24 contestants from 17 countries. Within eight hours, Wu was required to bake bread such as baguettes and sandwich loaves and something typifying Taiwan. Among the ingredients of Wu’s winning bread were Taiwanese millet wine, dried lychees and organic roses.
Meanwhile, Taiwan will launch a project to promote Taiwanese gourmet food into the global market place, according to a report from the Economic Daily News. Funded by the National Development Fund and private investors, the project will form an “international Taiwanese gourmet food promotion company” to set up state-owned restaurants overseas.
Seeing the merits of promoting Taiwan through its specialty foods, the paper said a specialized government institution will standardize a variety of Taiwanese dishes and train chefs to further promote Taiwan through foods. Other collaborating institutes will be established to expand the business horizons of Taiwanese cuisine by opening chain restaurants, participating in business fairs and holding promotional activities for Taiwanese culinary arts.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Jade Mountain
Taiwan’s tallest mountain is getting renewed international interest by making the shortlist of the New Seven Wonders of Nature Contest last summer. Standing at 3,952 meters high (13,966 feet), Jade Mountain is the jewel of Yushan National Park, a parkland sanctuary rich in plant and animal life.
Jade Mountain, also known as Yushan, is a Taiwanese icon. Although taller than Mount Fuji by 176 meters (577 ft.), it is not visible to most of Taiwan’s people. Unlike Mount Fuji which is readily seen by millions of Japanese throughout all seasons. Yushan can only be seen once you are in the mountains. After it was realized that Yushan was higher than Mt. Fuji, its reputation skyrocketed and it became a popular destination for Japanese and Taiwanese in the first half of the 20th Century. In fact, climbing the mountain became a popular graduation ritual.
When the Chinese Nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949, the mountain’s popularity waned with a more mainland-centric government. “The status grew slowly, alongside a Taiwanese identity that is still struggling to define itself and its icons,” said the Wall Street Journal.
Today, Yushan National Park is again a popular tourist destination, and climbing Jade Mountain has once more become a post-graduation tradition. The park stretches over 105,000 hectares (259 acres), covering subtropical forest to highland scrub. It has incredible biodiversity and in the last ten years, has seen a rebound of some of the park’s endangered wildlife. The park is well protected with a maximum of only 90 hikers allowed to start the two-day climb up to Jade Mountain each day. During certain months, the mountain is closed entirely to prevent overuse.
If you think Jade Mountain should be one of the New Seven Wonders, voting will continue into 2011. The winner will be announced on November 11, 2011. To vote for Yushan, visit: http://www.new7wonders.com/community/en/new7wonders/new7wonders_of_nature/finalists?page=1.
Photo by Chen Fang-yi (Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Photo by Chen Fang-yi (Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Photo by Yang Chun-shan (Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesty of the Government Information Office
Jade Mountain, also known as Yushan, is a Taiwanese icon. Although taller than Mount Fuji by 176 meters (577 ft.), it is not visible to most of Taiwan’s people. Unlike Mount Fuji which is readily seen by millions of Japanese throughout all seasons. Yushan can only be seen once you are in the mountains. After it was realized that Yushan was higher than Mt. Fuji, its reputation skyrocketed and it became a popular destination for Japanese and Taiwanese in the first half of the 20th Century. In fact, climbing the mountain became a popular graduation ritual.
When the Chinese Nationalists fled to Taiwan in 1949, the mountain’s popularity waned with a more mainland-centric government. “The status grew slowly, alongside a Taiwanese identity that is still struggling to define itself and its icons,” said the Wall Street Journal.
Today, Yushan National Park is again a popular tourist destination, and climbing Jade Mountain has once more become a post-graduation tradition. The park stretches over 105,000 hectares (259 acres), covering subtropical forest to highland scrub. It has incredible biodiversity and in the last ten years, has seen a rebound of some of the park’s endangered wildlife. The park is well protected with a maximum of only 90 hikers allowed to start the two-day climb up to Jade Mountain each day. During certain months, the mountain is closed entirely to prevent overuse.
If you think Jade Mountain should be one of the New Seven Wonders, voting will continue into 2011. The winner will be announced on November 11, 2011. To vote for Yushan, visit: http://www.new7wonders.com/community/en/new7wonders/new7wonders_of_nature/finalists?page=1.
Photo by Chen Fang-yi (Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Photo by Chen Fang-yi (Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Photo by Yang Chun-shan (Taiwan Tourism Bureau)
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesy of the Government Information Office
Courtesty of the Government Information Office
Taiwan’s Generation X: High hopes meet hard reality
Generation X, those born from 1971-1980, make up Taiwan’s largest population segment. Born at the beginning of the island’s economic boom, they grew up during the island’s most prosperous period and now face a world with fewer opportunities than their Baby Boomers parents.
God’s favored ones
It is not an exaggeration to say that Generation X (Gen X) are God’s favored ones in Taiwan. In the 1980s, Taiwan achieved an economic miracle, becoming one of Asia's Four Little Dragons. In the years from 1978 to 1990, Taiwan's economic growth rate averaged 8.4 percent and the unemployment rate was 1.94 percent. Average national income was US$2,455 in 1980 and increased to US$7,622 by 1990. Martial law was lifted in 1987, so Gen X only have a vague memory of Taiwan under an authoritarian government. They know little about the decades of cold war across the Taiwan Strait, not to mention the military confrontations in the 1950s. Mainly in their thirties, they take Taiwan’s pluralistic, free and democratic society for granted. They are well-traveled and many have studied abroad, giving them a very international outlook.
Baby Boomers, on the other hand, were born in the decades immediately after World War II. In particular, the term refers to the large population of people who were young adults in the 1960s and who went on to define themselves as a distinct generation.
Employment is difficult, getting married even more so
In traditional Chinese culture, marriage and a career are expected to have been achieved by the age of 30. However, for Gen X, it is proving difficult to have a career, much less get married.
Ten years ago, when the first of Gen X started graduating from college, they entered the job market just in time to face the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. In the past 10 years, there have been several economic booms and bubbles with the rise of China’s economy. Taiwan, however, has not enjoyed the same level of economic prosperity. According to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Taiwan’s current unemployment rate for workers ages 30-34 is 5.68 percent. In 2000, it was only 2.59 percent.
According to the Interior Ministry, the average age at which men marry is 32.9, while for women, it is 29.5. Both men and women are delaying marriage one to two years compared with ten years ago. This has also led to a significant drop in the birth rate.
Taking control
According to Chiu Tien-chu, professor of psychology at Shih Hsin University, Taipei, Gen X grew up in a culture with abundant choices, but they have difficulty finding a purpose. If you were to consider Baby Boomers as people born in the late 1940s and early 1950s, according the Global View monthly, these are the people who brought about Taiwan’s economic miracle with their hard work ethic and a focus on the Chinese tradition of family. How then can Gen X compare? Chiu said Gen X are not sure of who they are nor what they should do.
Professor Liu Weigong of Soochow University told Global View that the "X generation has broken authoritarian rule, and abandoned the traditional routine of life." Recently, Liu’s assistant quit in order to travel in Nepal. His assistant told him, "I want to spend all my money, and then come back to look for work again." Liu summed up such behavior, saying, "X generation youths do not learn from predecessors. They are a group who set up their own examples and create their own paradigm."
Then again, Lian Chia-an, a 35-year old medical graduate does not work at a famous hospital in a big city. Instead, he works in a remote part of Hualien County, serving a large indigenous population. This year, he participated in Taiwan’s disaster relief team aiding victims in Haiti.
Gen X does not strive for promotion. They value choices, style and have certain tastes. Though this does not mean they live luxuriously since they actually take advantage of information tools allowing them to comparison shop.
Different from the previous generations, many Gen Xers live with their parents. According to the “Eastern Integrated Consumer Profile,” the ratio of Gen X living with their parents is 22.3 percent while that of Baby Boomers at the age of 35 was 12.7 percent.
How to succeed without a rich dad?
Born in 1978, Hsu Chen-bin said, "Until now, all I think about is finding a job, and making ends meet, not long-term career development." An Economics major in college, Hsu has changed jobs four times, staying only a short time because the jobs were not what he was interested in and offered a low salary and promotion opportunities. Chu Hsue-heng, a 35-year-old professional translator pointed out that almost all the successful people in Taiwan's Gen X are celebrities in entertainment, not in other areas. “If you don’t have a rich dad, how can you compete in prominent business and political circles?”
Wang Hsiao-ping, 35, is the daughter of a global OEM shoe king. She said, "The older generation work really hard. My father is 70-years old and is still busy with the factory." She added, "I do not want to work when I am 70. I hope to work up to 45, earn enough money to enjoy life." Wang said, "We Generation X will face a dilemma to take over the family business. If we do take it over, we will be given a burden from our elders; if not, we’ll be blamed by our parents." Ten years ago, she graduated from the Department of Economics, University of Southern California. Afterwards, she started her own business by creating a brand name women shoes, Miss Sofi. She now has 40 stores in Taiwan and China with annual sales in excess of NT$ 600 million (US$18.75 million). She said that the previous generation worked hard, while the young generation pays attention to efficiency and is good at creating a brand name.
"The Baby Boomers are to blame"
“Stupid, it is the baby boom generation!” is a book written by Tu Nan Po (pseudonym) of the generation born in the 1960s. Speaking on behalf of Gen X, he criticizes Baby Boomers in his book.
First, the Boomers are the beneficiaries of Taiwan's economic take-off. During the restructuring of the post-war economic order, dramatic changes took place in Taiwan’s society followed by a quiet science and technology revolution. The Baby Boomers had opportunities as long as they worked hard. Now they are the pillars of Taiwan’s society.
Second, Baby Boomers have criticized Generation X for being unable to endure hardship and competition. In fact, it is the Boomers who have not expanded the job market in the last 10 years. They have set up roadblocks with the patriarchal management style in the workplace, demanding that Gen X be more dedicated, yet giving limited space for the younger generation to develop.
Third, society should give Gen X more opportunities. These younger people grew up in the world of the internet. They are logical thinkers, who are idealistic, enthusiastic and dynamic. They will bring vision and innovation to society.
A hopeful nation is reflected in its young people
Indeed, success has not been as easy for Gen X as it was for the Baby Boomers. Boomers faced a labor-intensive economic structure. Without dazzling degrees, they could get rich as long as they worked hard. Their offspring face a technology-intensive, knowledge-intensive economic structure. Their threshold for success is higher. They also face stiffer competition from emerging economies from India and China. In addition, many jobs are now replaced by automation. The decision-making positions are held by Boomers and there are no job guarantees even with an advanced degree from a foreign university.
An editorial in the Economic Daily points out that it is common for young people to succeed from the ground up if they work hard. Now the young people might have a sound education, but they cannot play to their strengths. Their frustration is understandable.
A professor of political science at National Taiwan University, Tao Yi-feng wrote in the Commonwealth monthly that the majority of the continually unemployed young people are from low- to middle-class families. They are not people who don’t want to work. They just can’t find jobs. Tao urged "the government to consider how to give young people good jobs. This requires a complete policy to enhance the competitiveness of youth and to improve their employment opportunities. The nation is full of hope as long as young people persist with hope ."
God’s favored ones
It is not an exaggeration to say that Generation X (Gen X) are God’s favored ones in Taiwan. In the 1980s, Taiwan achieved an economic miracle, becoming one of Asia's Four Little Dragons. In the years from 1978 to 1990, Taiwan's economic growth rate averaged 8.4 percent and the unemployment rate was 1.94 percent. Average national income was US$2,455 in 1980 and increased to US$7,622 by 1990. Martial law was lifted in 1987, so Gen X only have a vague memory of Taiwan under an authoritarian government. They know little about the decades of cold war across the Taiwan Strait, not to mention the military confrontations in the 1950s. Mainly in their thirties, they take Taiwan’s pluralistic, free and democratic society for granted. They are well-traveled and many have studied abroad, giving them a very international outlook.
Baby Boomers, on the other hand, were born in the decades immediately after World War II. In particular, the term refers to the large population of people who were young adults in the 1960s and who went on to define themselves as a distinct generation.
Employment is difficult, getting married even more so
In traditional Chinese culture, marriage and a career are expected to have been achieved by the age of 30. However, for Gen X, it is proving difficult to have a career, much less get married.
Ten years ago, when the first of Gen X started graduating from college, they entered the job market just in time to face the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. In the past 10 years, there have been several economic booms and bubbles with the rise of China’s economy. Taiwan, however, has not enjoyed the same level of economic prosperity. According to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, Taiwan’s current unemployment rate for workers ages 30-34 is 5.68 percent. In 2000, it was only 2.59 percent.
According to the Interior Ministry, the average age at which men marry is 32.9, while for women, it is 29.5. Both men and women are delaying marriage one to two years compared with ten years ago. This has also led to a significant drop in the birth rate.
Taking control
According to Chiu Tien-chu, professor of psychology at Shih Hsin University, Taipei, Gen X grew up in a culture with abundant choices, but they have difficulty finding a purpose. If you were to consider Baby Boomers as people born in the late 1940s and early 1950s, according the Global View monthly, these are the people who brought about Taiwan’s economic miracle with their hard work ethic and a focus on the Chinese tradition of family. How then can Gen X compare? Chiu said Gen X are not sure of who they are nor what they should do.
Professor Liu Weigong of Soochow University told Global View that the "X generation has broken authoritarian rule, and abandoned the traditional routine of life." Recently, Liu’s assistant quit in order to travel in Nepal. His assistant told him, "I want to spend all my money, and then come back to look for work again." Liu summed up such behavior, saying, "X generation youths do not learn from predecessors. They are a group who set up their own examples and create their own paradigm."
Then again, Lian Chia-an, a 35-year old medical graduate does not work at a famous hospital in a big city. Instead, he works in a remote part of Hualien County, serving a large indigenous population. This year, he participated in Taiwan’s disaster relief team aiding victims in Haiti.
Gen X does not strive for promotion. They value choices, style and have certain tastes. Though this does not mean they live luxuriously since they actually take advantage of information tools allowing them to comparison shop.
Different from the previous generations, many Gen Xers live with their parents. According to the “Eastern Integrated Consumer Profile,” the ratio of Gen X living with their parents is 22.3 percent while that of Baby Boomers at the age of 35 was 12.7 percent.
How to succeed without a rich dad?
Born in 1978, Hsu Chen-bin said, "Until now, all I think about is finding a job, and making ends meet, not long-term career development." An Economics major in college, Hsu has changed jobs four times, staying only a short time because the jobs were not what he was interested in and offered a low salary and promotion opportunities. Chu Hsue-heng, a 35-year-old professional translator pointed out that almost all the successful people in Taiwan's Gen X are celebrities in entertainment, not in other areas. “If you don’t have a rich dad, how can you compete in prominent business and political circles?”
Wang Hsiao-ping, 35, is the daughter of a global OEM shoe king. She said, "The older generation work really hard. My father is 70-years old and is still busy with the factory." She added, "I do not want to work when I am 70. I hope to work up to 45, earn enough money to enjoy life." Wang said, "We Generation X will face a dilemma to take over the family business. If we do take it over, we will be given a burden from our elders; if not, we’ll be blamed by our parents." Ten years ago, she graduated from the Department of Economics, University of Southern California. Afterwards, she started her own business by creating a brand name women shoes, Miss Sofi. She now has 40 stores in Taiwan and China with annual sales in excess of NT$ 600 million (US$18.75 million). She said that the previous generation worked hard, while the young generation pays attention to efficiency and is good at creating a brand name.
"The Baby Boomers are to blame"
“Stupid, it is the baby boom generation!” is a book written by Tu Nan Po (pseudonym) of the generation born in the 1960s. Speaking on behalf of Gen X, he criticizes Baby Boomers in his book.
First, the Boomers are the beneficiaries of Taiwan's economic take-off. During the restructuring of the post-war economic order, dramatic changes took place in Taiwan’s society followed by a quiet science and technology revolution. The Baby Boomers had opportunities as long as they worked hard. Now they are the pillars of Taiwan’s society.
Second, Baby Boomers have criticized Generation X for being unable to endure hardship and competition. In fact, it is the Boomers who have not expanded the job market in the last 10 years. They have set up roadblocks with the patriarchal management style in the workplace, demanding that Gen X be more dedicated, yet giving limited space for the younger generation to develop.
Third, society should give Gen X more opportunities. These younger people grew up in the world of the internet. They are logical thinkers, who are idealistic, enthusiastic and dynamic. They will bring vision and innovation to society.
A hopeful nation is reflected in its young people
Indeed, success has not been as easy for Gen X as it was for the Baby Boomers. Boomers faced a labor-intensive economic structure. Without dazzling degrees, they could get rich as long as they worked hard. Their offspring face a technology-intensive, knowledge-intensive economic structure. Their threshold for success is higher. They also face stiffer competition from emerging economies from India and China. In addition, many jobs are now replaced by automation. The decision-making positions are held by Boomers and there are no job guarantees even with an advanced degree from a foreign university.
An editorial in the Economic Daily points out that it is common for young people to succeed from the ground up if they work hard. Now the young people might have a sound education, but they cannot play to their strengths. Their frustration is understandable.
A professor of political science at National Taiwan University, Tao Yi-feng wrote in the Commonwealth monthly that the majority of the continually unemployed young people are from low- to middle-class families. They are not people who don’t want to work. They just can’t find jobs. Tao urged "the government to consider how to give young people good jobs. This requires a complete policy to enhance the competitiveness of youth and to improve their employment opportunities. The nation is full of hope as long as young people persist with hope ."
Taiwanese vegetable vendor wins TIME's philanthropic award
Chen Shu-chu, one of TIME magazine’s top 100 “heroes” this year, received her award at New York’s Lincoln Center on May 4. As a vegetable vendor at a traditional market in Taitung in eastern Taiwan, she has donated up to US$320,000 to various charities in Taiwan. Beside TIME’s honor, Chen is also one of the heroes of philanthropy from Asia named by Forbes Magazine. On her way back to Taiwan, Chen will stop in San Francisco from May 6 to May 7.
Chen, 61 and unmarried, has been working at the Taitung County Central Market since she was 13. Coming from a poor family, the death of Chen’s mother meant that she was not able to complete her elementary school education. To this day, she continues to get up at 3 am to prepare for her workday and her stall is still one of the last to close. From her modest living, she has given US$32,000 to a children’s fund, US$144,000 to help build a library at the school she once attended, and another US$32,000 to a local orphanage. She firmly believes that “money serves its purpose only when it is used for those who are in need.”
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou lauded Chen as an “ambassador of the country with a loving heart.” Somewhat embarrassed by all this fuss, she said, “There isn’t much to talk about, because I did not enter any competition.” Many feel differently, and among them is Taiwan-born director Ang Lee who wrote an introduction for Chen in TIME. In his article entitled “Small, extraordinary act of kindness,” he said, “What’s so wonderful about Chen’s achievement is not its extraordinariness but that it is so simple and matter of fact in its generosity.”
If you would like to read more of Ang Lee’s comments in TIME, please click on the link below:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984949_1985237,00.html
Chen, 61 and unmarried, has been working at the Taitung County Central Market since she was 13. Coming from a poor family, the death of Chen’s mother meant that she was not able to complete her elementary school education. To this day, she continues to get up at 3 am to prepare for her workday and her stall is still one of the last to close. From her modest living, she has given US$32,000 to a children’s fund, US$144,000 to help build a library at the school she once attended, and another US$32,000 to a local orphanage. She firmly believes that “money serves its purpose only when it is used for those who are in need.”
Taiwan’s President Ma Ying-jeou lauded Chen as an “ambassador of the country with a loving heart.” Somewhat embarrassed by all this fuss, she said, “There isn’t much to talk about, because I did not enter any competition.” Many feel differently, and among them is Taiwan-born director Ang Lee who wrote an introduction for Chen in TIME. In his article entitled “Small, extraordinary act of kindness,” he said, “What’s so wonderful about Chen’s achievement is not its extraordinariness but that it is so simple and matter of fact in its generosity.”
If you would like to read more of Ang Lee’s comments in TIME, please click on the link below:
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1984685_1984949_1985237,00.html
Taiwanese American Cultural Festival in Union Square, May 8
As part of the Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, Union Square will be filled with food and performances highlighting Taiwanese culture on May 8. Held in the heart of San Francisco’s shopping area, the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival will be open from 10am to 6pm.
The main theme of this year's cultural festival is “Vibrant Taiwan." Taking center stage will be performances from well-known Taiwanese American musicians and dancers from the Department of Dance at the National Taiwan Arts University. The group will also perform again on May 9 at the Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco. The festival will pull at the heartstrings of those who miss the sounds, sights and tastes of Taiwan.
Come discover Taiwan through the marriage of traditional and innovative dance performances. With ten pieces in total, each one represents the various cultural aspects of Taiwan. There will also be many folk art demonstrations along with traditional Taiwanese food. Exhibition booths will have Taiwanese products, such as orchids, snacks, technology and art works.
The event is organized by the Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California. There will be free bus shuttles between the South Bay and downtown San Francisco from 9am to 6pm. To check the schedule and different locations to catch the shuttles, please visit the festival website: http://www.sftafest.org/. Admission to the festival is free.
The main theme of this year's cultural festival is “Vibrant Taiwan." Taking center stage will be performances from well-known Taiwanese American musicians and dancers from the Department of Dance at the National Taiwan Arts University. The group will also perform again on May 9 at the Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco. The festival will pull at the heartstrings of those who miss the sounds, sights and tastes of Taiwan.
Come discover Taiwan through the marriage of traditional and innovative dance performances. With ten pieces in total, each one represents the various cultural aspects of Taiwan. There will also be many folk art demonstrations along with traditional Taiwanese food. Exhibition booths will have Taiwanese products, such as orchids, snacks, technology and art works.
The event is organized by the Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California. There will be free bus shuttles between the South Bay and downtown San Francisco from 9am to 6pm. To check the schedule and different locations to catch the shuttles, please visit the festival website: http://www.sftafest.org/. Admission to the festival is free.
"Made in Taiwan," a dynamic new film series starting May 20
Beginning May 20, Link TV will present Made in Taiwan, a dynamic series of new Taiwanese cinema never before seen on American television. The weekly series will run through July 8. The diverse documentary and narrative films explore social and environmental issues facing the island.
The film series include Blue Cha Cha, Nyonya's Taste of Life, The Squid Daddy's Labor Room, Vision of Darkness, The Secret in the Satchel, Artemisia, The Doctor, and Let It Be. For show times and previews of the eight films, please visit: http://www.linktv.org/madeintaiwan.
The Made in Taiwan series of new films has been created in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco and Taiwan's Government Information Office. Most of the films include new interviews with the filmmakers so audiences will also have the opportunity to meet energetic directors like Zero Chou, Ke Chin-yuan, Lin Tay-jou, Wen Zhi-yi, Chiang Hsiu-chiung and Cheng Wen-tang. Come and discover the distinct and vibrant Taiwanese culture through our young filmmakers’ eyes.
Link TV is a national satellite television station available on Channel 9410 on DISH® NETWORK and on Channel 375 on DIRECTV. You can also find out more about the films and interviews streamed at http://www.linktv.org/madeintaiwan. Link TV programs can also be found on select cable stations. In San Francisco, educational access TV Channel 27 airs Link TV all weekend long.
To find other cable stations that broadcast select Link TV programming, you can visit http://www.linktv.org/reception.
The film series include Blue Cha Cha, Nyonya's Taste of Life, The Squid Daddy's Labor Room, Vision of Darkness, The Secret in the Satchel, Artemisia, The Doctor, and Let It Be. For show times and previews of the eight films, please visit: http://www.linktv.org/madeintaiwan.
The Made in Taiwan series of new films has been created in partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco and Taiwan's Government Information Office. Most of the films include new interviews with the filmmakers so audiences will also have the opportunity to meet energetic directors like Zero Chou, Ke Chin-yuan, Lin Tay-jou, Wen Zhi-yi, Chiang Hsiu-chiung and Cheng Wen-tang. Come and discover the distinct and vibrant Taiwanese culture through our young filmmakers’ eyes.
Link TV is a national satellite television station available on Channel 9410 on DISH® NETWORK and on Channel 375 on DIRECTV. You can also find out more about the films and interviews streamed at http://www.linktv.org/madeintaiwan. Link TV programs can also be found on select cable stations. In San Francisco, educational access TV Channel 27 airs Link TV all weekend long.
To find other cable stations that broadcast select Link TV programming, you can visit http://www.linktv.org/reception.
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