As each stage of life unfolds, this light and this glory enable us to walk on, heads held high, insistently and inevitably, as the torrents of time crash upon the shores of life. They shine forth from heroes in many fields, from industry, branding, and design to art, cuisine, and even magic. The lives of these heroes are marked as much by the scars that their lights sear into them as by the shining examples they provide. They raise high the flag, carrying the heavy load of expectation as they push forward, indomitable and unflinching. Such are the people that we celebrate in this month's cover story, “Shining Stars Light Up Taiwan.”
We should all be grateful for these bringers of light and of glory. These unsung, unselfish, unfearing, uncomplaining warriors continue to seize new ground in their fields, continue to shine bright on the international stage. We applaud them, cheer them, and celebrate their passion, as we will for the next one and the next one after that. In these moments of illumination, we come together for the future of our land, celebrating the myriad blessings that have been bestowed upon her.
Our continuing series on the “seven necessities” of the Chinese kitchen has already reported on fuel, rice, oil and salt. This time we look at sauces—soy sauce being chief among them—and learn about some new spins being put on these nostalgic, traditional flavors whose mouthwatering aromas encapsulate their places of origin.
This month’s article “A Glimmer of Hope” looks into a world of darkness, following visually impaired heroes who are pursuing their dreams and helping others do the same. Their courage lights the way for others, a candle of hope burning in the dark. “A Feast for the Eyes,” on new designs for food utensils for night markets and snackfood restaurants, provides an alternative culinary surprise through the rich and distinctive flavors of traditional Taiwanese snacks as interpreted through the creative lens of today’s youth. With tailor-made utensils and packaging, they are boosting the attraction of these dishes while also elevating Taiwanese culinary culture. Meanwhile our Southeast Asian Focus showcases the moving stories of Southeast Asian expatriates as they tell their own stories in their own ways through the documentaries and microfilms of the Taiwan Migrants Video Award.
Behind the light of glory lie tales of people bravely pushing their limits. Whether these aspiring, idealistic innovators struggle in silence or soar in spectacle, they all shine a light on our land and our time, a light that will burn forever.
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