Tim Chng – Software Developer and Old School Activist

Baltimore, MD

Who are you?

I am a human being doing his best to make a positive impact in this world. In the past as a Taiwanese American activist, I helped start the Intercollegiate Taiwanese American Students Association (ITASA) and was a part of the movement for Taiwan’s self determination in the 1990s. In the present, I am dedicated towards raising my three children to be balanced contributing members of our world while knowing their roots in both Taiwan and Singapore. In the future, my hopes are the same as my past and now.

What do you do?

To provide for my family, I work as a software developer for Ebay. We have chosen to raise our children in Baltimore city so that my children will also be aware of the social inequities that are visible in the urban decay of the Baltimore ghetto. My priority is to fulfill the responsibilities of being a good son, father and husband with the hope that the people around me are able to not only meet their potential but also find balance within this world.

Why are you proud to be of Taiwanese heritage?

All people should be proud of their historical roots. Due to Taiwan’s current struggle to be recognized in the world, it is important for people of Taiwanese heritage to be more vocal so that others are made aware of Taiwan’s existence.  For Taiwanese people in the world not to assert themselves, they may lose what freedoms they currently enjoy and the challenge of life may only be more difficult without those freedoms.

What does the future of Taiwanese America look like to you?

Taiwanese America is a growing and vibrant identity which is rooted in Taiwan’s future. As long as Taiwan has a growing and vibrant community, Taiwanese Americans will have a foundation to grow and develop.