2012 台灣文化節特刊

PRESIDENTS GREETINGS

Welcome to the 2012 Taiwanese American Cultural Festival!

Hosted by the Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California (TAFNC) and the Taiwanese American Professionals (TAP), this festival has been the focal event in the Bay Area since 1993 to celebrate Taiwanese culture during the Asian Pacific Heritage Month of May.

Located in the subtropical region at the southwest corner of the Pacific Ocean, Taiwan is a small but vibrant island known as “llha Formosa,” or Beautiful Isle. A land of immigrants, Taiwan has a diverse history of colonization and occupation, resulting in a Taiwanese culture that is strongly influenced by the Dutch, the Spanish, the Japanese, and the Chinese. Today, Taiwan has a population of over 23 million and is considered one of the three most democratic countries in all of Asia.

Here in the United States, there is an estimated half to one million Taiwanese Americans. We have a Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, entrepreneurs who founded successful enterprises such as Yahoo, Garmin, and YouTube, and many more. Across the country, Taiwanese Americans can be found excelling in every field, including engineering, business, arts and entertainment, medicine, law, education, non-profit, and politics.

Taiwanese Americans are also heavily involved in community activities and charitable work. We have contributed throughout the University of California system to establish Endowed Chairs and Chancellor’s Scholarships at campuses such as San Francisco, Davis, Santa Barbara, Irvine, and San Diego. Most importantly, we are all hard-working loyal citizens and members of the community.

With this festival, we will introduce to you Taiwan’s vibrant history and culture, as well as its famous orchids and cutting-edge technological advances. Check out our various exhibition booths and activities pavilion, try some traditional Taiwanese delicacies, and keep an eye out for an all-day showcase of Taiwanese talent on stage!

Please enjoy your day here at the Taiwanese American Cultural Festival and we hope that you walk away with a piece of Taiwanese culture in your hearts!

Charles Chung President/Taiwanese American Federation of Northern California (TAFNC)
Chris Chang President/Taiwanese American Professional -San Francisco (TAP-SF)

Posted in 2015/07