Persistent. Bold. Decisive.

I am a software developer, a basketball fanatic, and one of the founding members of Subtle Taiwanese traits. I am soon graduating from UCLA with a degree in math and computer science, and I’m joining Amazon as a cloud consultant after graduation.

Professionally, I like to build things. I feel good when I write code to solve a problem in real life, whether it’s to help a professor identify gene patterns or to remind myself to watch NBA games that I constantly miss.

I’m also a big sports fan — especially basketball. I need that friendly competition and trash talking every now and then.

I care a lot about the people around me, so I try to spend as much time as I can with my close friends and family.

I’m also a proud Taiwanese. I care about Taiwan and its international recognition. I love Taiwan, and I hope more can appreciate Taiwan’s economic prowess, delicious food, and unparalleled convenience.

How does being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American and/or community ally play a role in your life?

Having spent 18 years in Taiwan and 4 years in the US for college, I’ve grown to appreciate what both countries have to offer. The fact that they’re so different makes me cherish the time I spend in each more.

The US has a great array of cultures, natural landscape, and economic opportunities. I love the fact that on weekdays, I get to work at Amazon and learn so much about cutting edge technology. On the weekend, I get to drive to big bear to ski or to the Grand Canyon for sightseeing. To top it all, I get to meet interesting people from all over the world.

Taiwan, on the other hand, has unmatched convenience, exceptional infrastructure, and delicious food. I love it that I can walk for 2 minutes to get food at 7-11 at 1am in the morning, and it’s completely safe. I love the fact that I enjoy subway rides because they’re, clean, efficient, and reach almost everywhere. I also love the fact that a delicious bowl of braised pork price only costs one USD, and if I want to have Michelin Star level food, Taiwan has plenty of options to offer too.

I love both countries and I intend to live in both. My identity as Taiwanese American has makes me appreciate each of them even more.

If you could teach future generations 1 thing about being Taiwanese/Taiwanese American or Taiwan, what would it be?

Everyone has different experiences, so I am not one to lecture on what you must know as a Taiwanese/American. I just want to encourage people to explore all their heritage and need not choose one identity. If you love them all, maybe you can embrace them all.

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

I think we’ll grow to be closer. With US tech giants (such as Apple and Tesla) increasingly heavy reliance on chips produced by Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), I see a growing relationship between the two countries. The US have even offered green cards to skilled TSMC employees who are willing to relocate to the US.

Something positive is slowly building here.

Favorite memory of Taiwan/Taiwanese America?

I loved the Beef Wellington at Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s kitchen in Las Vegas. Phenomenal. I also loved Ukai’s Teppanyaki in Taiwan, although originally from Japan. I know it’s all food but damn they good.

Favorite Taiwanese food?

Brown sugar milk tea with boba!