Summary of the Taiwanese Americans Conference 2025

In January, we (TAH Foundation) hosted the 2025 Taiwanese Americans Conference in Irvine, CA. The conference successfully brought together representatives from numerous Taiwanese American organizations across the country. This significant gathering fostered meaningful discussions about preserving cultural heritage and strengthening intergenerational connections within the Taiwanese American community.

This year’s conference centered around two major themes:

Preserving the Memories and Paths of the First Generation of Taiwanese Americans
Interacting Across Generations: Vertical and Horizontal Connections

The event featured engaging discussions and valuable insights from prominent figures in the community.

Theme 1: Preserving the Memories and Paths of the First Generation of Taiwanese Americans
Moderated by Professor Ping-hui Liao, Director of the Center for Taiwan Studies at UC San Diego, this session explored methods for documenting and preserving the rich histories of the first generation of Taiwanese Americans. Attendees shared personal experiences and strategies for capturing oral histories, developing archival projects, and ensuring that these narratives remain an integral part of the Taiwanese American identity.

Theme 2: Interacting Across Generations – Vertical and Horizontal Connections
Led by Leona Chen, Editor-in-Chief of TaiwaneseAmerican.org, this session examined ways to bridge generational gaps and enhance communication within the community. Discussions emphasized mentorship programs, cross-generational storytelling, and digital media as tools for fostering meaningful engagement between older and younger generations.

Special Presentation: What to preserve for the next generations

A particularly moving moment of the conference was the presentation by Professor Ping-hui Liao and the team behind the documentary project Life Lessons from AH-MA AND AH-GONG. Professor Liao focused on the importance of preserving Taiwanese American collections. It featured the “UCSD Taiwanese American Documentary Project” providing a platform for participants to share their personal stories through interviews, enriching the collective narrative of the community.

The Life Lesson project provided a heartfelt look into the lives and wisdom of Taiwanese American elders, reinforcing the importance of passing down cultural knowledge and family values. Attendees were deeply touched by the personal stories and efforts made to document these invaluable lessons.

Impact and Future Directions

The Taiwanese Americans Conference 2025 proved to be an enriching and inspiring experience, fostering deep conversations on heritage preservation and intergenerational relationships. Attendees left with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to keeping their cultural heritage alive. Many organizations pledged to collaborate on future projects aimed at preserving Taiwanese American history and strengthening community ties.

Looking Ahead

The success of this year’s conference has laid the groundwork for future gatherings and initiatives. Participants expressed eagerness to continue these discussions through regional events, digital platforms, and collaborative community efforts. As the Taiwanese American community evolves, such conferences will remain crucial in maintaining and celebrating their shared heritage.

With an eye on the future, we hope to expand the reach of these discussions, ensuring that the voices and experiences of Taiwanese Americans are heard and preserved for generations to come.

Distinguished Participants

The conference welcomed representatives from various influential Taiwanese American organizations, including: