Taiwan has close ties with Southeast Asia, as the region’s natural resources and lower labor costs have attracted many Taiwanese investors. Companies like Tah Hsin Industrial Corporation, Sanyang Motors, PT Ever Shine Tex, Cheng Shin Tire, and Acer have long histories in the region, even using it as a springboard to global markets. In addition, nearly a million Southeast Asians now live in Taiwan, whether for work or through marriage. They have brought diversity and new blood to Taiwanese society, and have helped build a strong partnership between Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
In 2015, Taiwan Panorama shared stories of these immigrants. In March, we covered 4-Way Voice editor Chang Cheng and his long-standing concern with the rights of Southeast-Asian laborers in Taiwan. In May, we wrote about the cultural diversity that Southeast-Asian women are bringing to Taiwan in their role as mothers. In October we looked at Vietnamese immigrant Annie Nguyen and her life as a Taiwanese Opera performer, and at the Southeast-Asia-themed bookstore Brilliant Time. And just last month we talked to the winners of the 2015 Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants, as well as the band Relix, formed by Indonesian laborers. What’s more, in December Taiwan Panorama is being published in Indonesian, Thai and Vietnamese for the first time. We’re sure this will further promote the growing brotherhood between Taiwan and Southeast Asia.
Taiwan is home to nearly a million immigrants from Southeast Asia, and the cultures they have brought with them have contributed new color and richness to Taiwanese culture.
Taiwan is home to nearly a million immigrants from Southeast Asia, and the cultures they have brought with them have contributed new color and richness to Taiwanese culture.
Taiwan is home to nearly a million immigrants from Southeast Asia, and the cultures they have brought with them have contributed new color and richness to Taiwanese culture.
