entrepreneur. festival organizer. commentator.

On turning 19 years old, I decided to take a semester off of university and visit Taiwan in 1988. I fell in love with the country, and that semester off has lasted most of my life. Since arriving, I’ve witnessed the end of the one-party state, the first democratic elections and hoarded rice and water while missiles were fired off the coast. I’ve also held a colorful range of jobs.
As the co-publisher of Compass Magazine (and for a time FYI South, Taiwan Fun and Tainan Fun) we had a significant impact in the early 2000s on internationalizing the dining scene in Taichung. We’re also the organizers of the Compass Food & Music Festival, the largest non-government funded annual festival in central Taiwan. In my two terms as chair of the Taichung American Chamber of Commerce we raised nearly NT$5 million for charity, hosted many events and played a useful role in representing the foreign community with both the public and the city government. I’ve also done the central Taiwan news reports for ICRT, filling an English language void that the Taipei-based English media often doesn’t cover. As a co-founder of Taiwan Report, in writing for various publications, in large Facebook groups I founded, and in speeches and media appearances I’ve strived to bring understanding of Taiwan’s history, politics and foreign affairs to audiences both local and international.

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

I’m fortunate to be part of a passionate community of Taiwanese/Americans who have devoted their lives to bringing the world to Taiwan, and Taiwan to the world. It is deeply satisfying to be able to help the world understand Taiwan for the country it is, not the country that the international media often mistakenly portrays it as, what China wants the world to think it is, or as a subset of “greater China”. Being able to tell Taiwan’s remarkable story–both past and present–and make a living doing so is a dream come true.

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

Quite simply, keep doing what you’re doing. The young generation in Taiwan is remarkably creative, aware, and proud of themselves and of Taiwan. So many have devoted considerable effort towards building a uniquely Taiwanese future, whether it is in politics, as entrepreneurs, in civil society or in the arts. In many ways Taiwan leads the world, and that is often being led by the dynamic younger generations with a passion that the world is increasingly becoming aware of. I have full confidence they will lead Taiwan to an even freer, more prosperous future.

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

I hope for more interactions between Taiwan and the US. Whether it is periodic visits to Taiwan, or living here for extended periods, the experience of Taiwan is deeply enriching and enlightening regardless of ethnic background.

Favorite memory of Taiwan/Taiwanese America?

Traveling through the country with friends

Favorite Taiwanese food?

Changhua-style mutton hot pot, cooked with rice wine and set on fire (not so common nowadays, alas)