Coming off a long holiday, workers have returned to their jobs and students to school. Everyone’s back on track!
In March, the cherry blossoms are blooming in Taiwan, and getting out to enjoy them has become all the rage. So for this issue how could Taiwan Panorama ignore the beautiful spring scenery found around the island? Whether or not you count yourself among the “blossom chasers,” we are confident that our photo essay this month will provide you with a feast for the eyes and the spirit.
Some say that nothing demonstrates Taiwan’s creative talents better than its small theater companies. In this issue we share with readers a new source of creative vitality in Taiwanese theater: audience participation! When the reactions of the audience help guide the direction of the action on stage, watching theater becomes an ever more engaging experience.
In recent years, conflicts around the world have turned multitudes into refugees. Many people may not know that the Republic of China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has contributed funding to The Border Consortium, an international NGO that provides nutritious meals to more than 4000 child refugees along the Thai–Myanmar border. The ROC is the only Asian nation to provide such assistance.
Back in Taiwan, journalist Chang Cheng has spent eight years working on behalf of Southeast Asian immigrant workers and spouses, founding the multi-language newspaper 4-Way Voice and the bookshop and resource center South East Asian Migrant inspired (SEAMi). He has given us a deeper understanding of Southeast Asian immigrant workers and spouses, who make up an important demographic group in Taiwan.
The National Geographic Channel and the ROC Ministry of Foreign Affairs have teamed up to shoot the documentary series Taiwan to the World 5: Island of Fish. The series tells stories, beautiful and sad, about the people of Taiwan, the ocean, and fish. It increases understanding of our rich oceanic resources and offers a look at the tenacity and courage of Taiwanese fishermen as well as the impressive technological advances made in the fish farming industry here.
We hope that readers will cherish each and every one of our reports this month. Here at Taiwan Panorama we work hard at reporting and putting out the magazine and aim to stay positive and uplifting in everything we do—from our selection of subject matter, to our writing, to our visual presentation. In this chaotic age, we can’t claim to be the clear eye in the hurricane, but we hope at least to become a good friend and companion to our readers as they come to know the beauty and goodness of Taiwan.
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