Originally from the northern Thai province of Nan, at the age of 17 Fu Yong-ming left home to seek work in his father’s homeland, Taiwan. Upon arriving, he began assiduously studying Chinese and working as an apprentice in a hotel kitchen. Now 28, he has become the sous-chef for a famous Thai restaurant. An aspiring entrepreneur, Fu often uses his days off as opportunities to drive to Nangang and set up a stall selling green curry, the distinctive smell and flavor drawing in quite a number of people working in nearby offices. While his profits may not be high, he regards his food truck as just a start, and he continues to work toward fully realizing his dream one step at a time.
Now a children’s English teacher, Julie Chiu first came to Taiwan from Vietnam 20 years ago to study English, eventually meeting someone and settling down in Chiayi. Overflowing with creative ideas, Chiu makes use of vibrant pictures and body language to help young children learn English and create an atmosphere of camaraderie with her young charges. In her spare time, Chiu can be found leading tours at the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, or honing her skills in courses for local community tour guides. Some 2,000-plus miles from home, Chiu has put down roots in Taiwan and found herself, becoming a model Taiwanese along the way.
Twenty-eight-year-old Fu Yong-ming has made Taiwan the starting point for his entrepreneurial dreams, but hopes to one day return to Thailand and start his own business.
Fu Yong-ming’s green curry, with its distinctive flavor, has captured the taste buds of many diners.
Julie Chiu uses picture books and dance movements to make learning English more engaging for the children she teaches.
Julie Chiu uses picture books and dance movements to make learning English more engaging for the children she teaches.
A lover of learning, Julie Chiu volunteers with the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, serving others while learning new things.
A lover of learning, Julie Chiu volunteers with the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, serving others while learning new things.
A lover of learning, Julie Chiu volunteers with the Southern Branch of the National Palace Museum, serving others while learning new things.
Taking part in classes teaching immigrants to be local tour guides has been a great chance for Julie Chiu to meet new friends from a variety of countries.
Julie Chiu, seen here taking a stroll in front of the house she and her husband share, has fallen in love with life in Taiwan.
