Five Canadians and 25 Americans participated in this year’s Mosaic Taiwan. Most of them have graduated from or are currently studying in top US and Canadian universities, and their academic backgrounds extend to law, politics, finance, economics, and international affairs. Many have experienced internships in government institutions, while others have worked in academia or with NGOs.
Minister of Foreign Affairs David Tawei Lee was there in person to preside over the launch ceremony, and had a number of friendly talks with the participants. Lee notes that the youth of a country represent its future, and dialogue between youth leaders in Taiwan and their counterparts in the US and Canada plays a crucial role in the development of society and in deepening bilateral relations.
Lee was very pleased to see so many young friends from the US and Canada who were keen to understand Taiwan’s culture, history and politics. This experience could only stimulate and inspire youth leaders to think deeply and reflect on the political and cultural situations in their own countries, and was likely to be a significant life experience for all participants. He also encouraged participants to take the opportunity to learn, to immerse themselves in a new culture, and to enjoy themselves during their stay in Taiwan.
Mohammad Awais, a graduate of the Department of Political Science at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, said he feels great honor at being accepted by Mosaic Taiwan 2016. He is now thinking about a diplomatic career after gaining admission to the program.
During their three-week program, a series of seminars was conducted across fields including politics, foreign affairs, international trade, and research into the Asia‡Pacific region, as well as visits to agencies such as the Mainland Affairs Council, to give participants a better understanding of the great efforts and achievements made by the Republic of China on Taiwan. Venues including the Tzu Chi Foundation, Chung Tai Chan Monastery, and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature were also popular ways for them to experience the soft power of Taiwan society.
As the Dragon Boat Festival coincided with their visit, the group had an opportunity to take part in the Taipei Dragon Boat Festival for 2016. In addition to watching the boat races, they also enjoyed hands-on activities such as standing eggs on their ends, making zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves), and making fragrant sachets to ward off spirits, all part of the fun of the festival.
The group also visited attractions across the island to experience Taiwan’s natural beauty and local culture first-hand.
Kinmen, as a historical battlefield, is a significant locale for understanding the history of cross-strait relations. Participants visited the Zhaishan Tunnel, Juguang Tower, and Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor distillery, and witnessed the production of the legendary Kinmen kitchen knives.
Famous products of Taiwan such as pineapple cakes are a must for any such visit. In a museum of cake and pastry, the visitors not only tasted pineapple cakes, but also joined in the process of making pineapple cakes themselves. In another section of the museum, the participants experienced the romance and joy of a traditional Chinese wedding ceremony by themselves dressing up as bride and groom in wedding garb.
At the closing ceremony, groups of participants presented reports to share their varied experiences.
One group who called themselves “Mother Lin” discussed changes in Taiwan’s long path towards democracy. One member, Noureddin Zaamout, currently a graduate student in political science at the University of Alberta in Canada, mapped out changes in the sense of identity felt by Taiwan residents across the presidencies of Chiang Kai-shek, Chiang Ching-kuo, Lee Teng-hui, Chen Shui-bian and Ma Ying-jeou.
The “I Love Taiwan” group focused on the people. Wyatt Nelson, who graduated from the Industrial and Labor Relations School at Cornell University, is concerned about labor protection issues. He believes that Taiwan needs to strengthen its protection for foreign workers.
Margarita Luna, a member of the “Tiger’s Den” group, graduated from the Department of Political Science at the City University of New York. She praised Taiwan as being one of the safest places in the world, while Tyler Brent, currently working as a media liaison officer at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the US, acknowledged the friendliness of Taiwan’s people toward the LGBT community.
The “Plum Blossom” group shared the processes by which they all fell in love with Taiwan. Alisa Tobin, a graduate of Western Washington University majoring in East Asian Studies, is currently working at the Japanese Consulate-General in Houston, Texas. Alisa has developed an admiration for and strong interest in Taiwan’s Aboriginal cultures.
Nearing the end of the program, President Tsai Ing-wen met with the youth leaders, all of whom felt great honor at being received by the president. And all were keen to share their Taiwan experiences with President Tsai. The president noted that although Taiwan and the American nations are separated by the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, they remain neighbors in a very real sense—and also true allies regarding the values of democracy, peace, human rights and the rule of law. Their bilateral friendship is built upon this basis. In the president’s opinion, the program would enhance US and Canadian youth leaders’ awareness and understanding of Taiwan, and would help Taiwan deepen bilateral relations with the US and Canada.
The three-week cultural exchange program was extremely rewarding for all concerned. Visitors were extremely impressed with the warmth and hospitality of Taiwan’s people, leaving for home with lots of precious experiences and treasured mementoes. Goodbyes were said and sincere thanks expressed from both sides. Then all were on their way home.
Foreign affairs minister David Lee (front row, fifth from right) presided over the launch of Mosaic Taiwan 2016. He encouraged all participants to take every opportunity to learn about and experience local culture.
President Tsai Ing-wen (right) hopes that all Mosaic participants will share their knowledge and experiences of Taiwan after returning home, building bridges between Taiwan and North America.
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Participants visited many interesting places and took part in various activities: making zongzi at the 2016 Taipei Dragon Boat Festival, making pineapple cakes, experiencing a traditional Chinese wedding, and riding electric scooters.
Participants visited many interesting places and took part in various activities: making zongzi at the 2016 Taipei Dragon Boat Festival, making pineapple cakes, experiencing a traditional Chinese wedding, and riding electric scooters.
Participants visited many interesting places and took part in various activities: making zongzi at the 2016 Taipei Dragon Boat Festival, making pineapple cakes, experiencing a traditional Chinese wedding, and riding electric scooters.
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Participants visited many interesting places and took part in various activities: making zongzi at the 2016 Taipei Dragon Boat Festival, making pineapple cakes, experiencing a traditional Chinese wedding, and riding electric scooters.
