Burmese mother develops butterfly-inspired menu

2023-11-20

Taiwan has been called the Kingdom of Butterflies, with more than 300 species identified in Nantou’s Puli Township alone. Niecailan moved from Myanmar to Taiwan after getting married, where she has combined the plants loved by butterflies and caterpillars with local Nantou cuisine to create a nine-course set meal.

The Taumi Eco-Village in Nantou’s Puli Township is an essential stop on the way to Sun Moon Lake.

Niecailan from Myanmar is head chef at the nearby Paper Dome New Homeland Scenic Park.

After the 921 Earthquake, the Taumi community was rebuilt with a focus on ecology. The New Homeland Foundation in 2011 also began work to restore Puli’s status as the Kingdom of Butterflies by regenerating their habitats.

Niecailan has been in the kitchen since she was a child, but now she’s the one in charge. She jokes that she has no idea where her courage came from.

Niecailan
Burmese new immigrant
I was bold at first. I didn’t even know how to control the gas. I turned on the stove and boom! It burned my eyebrows off!

She took courses for her license and learned all about the plants and nectar favored by butterflies. These she combines with local ingredients to create a nine-course meal accentuating the relation between farm and table.

Her creation received the most votes in a Tourism Administration competition of regional specialties.

Niecailan
Burmese new immigrant
We still won, even though we don’t use exotic ingredients. Sometimes I’m pretty impressed with myself! Those are my words.

Puli has already become Niecailan’s second home. She says there are many ways to express love for a place. For her, it’s using her cooking skills to give others a taste of home.

This story was provided by the program "We Are Family"
Funded by the New Immigrant Development Fund

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緬甸媽媽化身餐廳主廚獨創"宮格蝴蝶風味餐"

2023-11-20

臺灣過去有蝴蝶王國的美稱，尤其在南投埔里這個地方，目前已經發現有三百多種蝴蝶的蹤跡。從緬甸嫁到埔里的聶彩蘭，結合蝴蝶及其幼蟲喜歡吃的蜜源植物和食草，以及南投在地食材，創造出「九宮格蝴蝶風味餐」，讓當地的生態與餐桌友善結合。

在南投埔里有個桃米生態村，是埔里往日月潭必經的美麗山村。

來自緬甸的聶彩蘭，是紙教堂新故鄉見學園區的主廚。

921大地震之後，桃米社區以自然生態為主題重建，新故鄉文教基金會也從2011年起，致力於再現埔里蝴蝶王國計畫，復育蝴蝶的棲地，種植大量的蝴蝶蜜源植物與食草。

聶彩蘭從年輕時的不下廚，現在卻有辦法掌杓，笑說連她自己都不知道，當初是哪裡來的勇氣，敢接下這個擔子。

[[緬甸新住民聶彩蘭]]
“一開始，很大膽喔，我連那個開大鍋的瓦斯，都不會開喔，開了，轟，眉毛燒掉了！”

她去上課、考證照，也努力去認識蝴蝶的食草和蜜源植物，再結合地方特色食材，強調生態與餐桌的友善結合，一口氣研發出九道風味料理。

而這九宮格風味餐，還拿下觀光署美食票選活動，地方特色菜餚，網路票選第一名。

[[緬甸新住民聶彩蘭]]
“我們雖然不是什麼山珍海味，但是我們端起來也不輸別人耶，哇有時候還覺得，我覺得我還挺厲害的，自己講的。”

現在埔里已經是聶彩蘭的第二個故鄉，她說愛故鄉的方法有很多種，她用最擅長的廚藝，讓大家用舌尖感受，這片土地的特色。

以上內容由《我們一家人》節目提供內政部移民署監製

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Lai taps de facto US ambassador Hsiao Bi-khim for running mate

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has announced his running mate: Taiwan’s de facto ambassador to the U.S. Hsiao Bi-khim. Lai made the announcement on Monday, confirming weeks of speculation that Hsiao would join his ticket. The pick was widely applauded by the DPP’s legislative candidates, who believe Hsiao will be a major asset to both the presidential and legislative campaigns.

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
I hereby announce to all my fellow citizens that my running mate in the 2024 presidential election will be our R.O.C. Taiwan ambassador to the U.S., Ambassador Hsiao Bi-khim.

With a wide smile, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te announced his running mate. His blue jacket and white shirt were perfectly coordinated Hsiao’s navy blazer and white top, as he proudly announced the official ticket.

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
When I visited Honduras, I asked Bi-khim whether she would like to be my vice president if I secured the DPP’s presidential nomination. We continued talking since then and she finally agreed. She asked me to wait until all the APEC-related affairs were over before making the announcement.

Hsiao Bi-khim
DPP vice presidential candidate
I didn’t think he was being serious, so I didn’t give it too much serious thought. But Vice President Lai told me there were very few people with my experience. He said he hoped I’d bring that experience with me to a bigger role.

Analysts say Hsiao may enhance Lai’s appeal to younger voters. They say her diplomatic credentials would be a plus for the DPP ticket.

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
With her experience, enthusiasm and her ideals about Taiwan, she will definitely play a crucial role this election.

Hsiao Bi-khim
DPP vice presidential candidate
I am Hsiao Bi-khim. I’m back. Supporting Taiwan is my unshirkable duty. I’ll give it my all for the sake of our country. Let’s go forward together.

Having served four terms as a legislator, Hsiao brings a wealth of political experience to the election. The DPP’s legislative candidates say they’re eager for her to join the campaign trail.

Lo Chih-cheng
DPP lawmaker
Hsiao excels at anything she does. Whenever the party needs her, she steps up to the plate. She’s absolutely a major asset in the upcoming election.

Lin Chun-hsien
DPP lawmaker
She ran for election in Hualien, which is an extremely difficult race. She has a wealth of campaign experience, and that’s very rare in a vice presidential candidate.

The Lai-Hsiao ticket is announced at last. After formal registration on Tuesday, Hsiao is expected to kick off her campaign in Hualien.

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2023-11-20

Defense chief says US shipments part of normal exchange, declines specifics

Defense minister Chiu Kuo-cheng declined to give specifics when asked about a recent round of U.S. military shipments. Taiwan has reportedly received 80,000 sets of U.S. military uniforms, along with 1,000 machine guns. Chiu said the shipments were part an exchange, but he said that the contents were confidential. In related news, the defense ministry has drafted regulations to tighten security at military bases. If approved by lawmakers, the act would prohibit the public from using drones or video equipment to record base activity.

Camouflage uniforms and helmets of the U.S. military, as well as 1,000 M240B machine guns, have reportedly arrived in Taiwan over the past half year. The Ministry of National Defense is believed to have accepted the gear for distribution.

Chiu Kuo-cheng
Defense minister
We of course have a complete inventory of the equipment received, but I cannot disclose the quantity or the list of items. Our operations remain ongoing. This is one of our many exchange projects and it’s not about arming up. Perhaps the timing is what’s made people suspicious. But actually we have routine military procurements and we deal with other military issues regularly. This is all part of our normal operations.

Chiu declined to give specifics about the recent shipments received.

In related news, the defense ministry has drafted regulations to enforce security at military bases, to combat China’s gray zone tactics and prevent the accidental leak of classified information. If the rules are passed, the public would need military authorization to use drones at military bases, use equipment to record audio or video, or sketch or document military facilities. Violations will be punishable with up to three years in prison. The draft went up for review at the Legislative Yuan on Monday.

Liu Shih-fang
DPP lawmaker
Who would be held responsible if foreign-operated or externally-operated drones enter military bases?

Chiu Kuo-cheng
Defense minister
If the drone is within our range, we may use force to eliminate it. Base commanders will be authorized to give the order.

Lawmakers expressed support for tightening controls. More discussions will be held on the bill’s details and implementation, to strike a balance between national security and preserving the public’s rights.

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2023-11-20

Tsai meets TSMC founder Morris Chang after APEC summit

2023-11-20

Taoyuan hikes bus drivers’ wage in bid to attract more drivers amid shortage

Lowered demand for buses during the COVID-19 pandemic caused an exodus of bus drivers from the industry. Now, with demand greatly recovered, bus companies are scrambling to get enough buses on the road. Taoyuan has taken the lead in tackling the driver shortage, hoping that by offering an additional NT$10,000 a month to drivers, new drivers will come on board. However, one bus company operator says that passenger complaints may still be a deterrent for some who are considering a career as a bus driver.

Passengers wait at a bus terminal, their patience tested by a shortage of buses on each route.

Member of the public
I have to wait about 20 or 30 minutes. I feel that’s a bit long.

Member of the public
There are so many people, but all we can do is wait. If the bus fills up, you just have to wait for the next one.

Member of the public
During peak hours you have to stop at almost every bus stop to let people on or off, which can be uncomfortable for a passenger.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted public transit demand, which resulted in many bus drivers leaving the industry. Now that the pandemic is over, demand has recovered, further spurred by the introduction of new intercity transit passes. Ridership is now 80% of pre-pandemic numbers, and bus companies are faced with a serious shortage of drivers. Even with all the available drivers on the road, companies have insufficient scheduled buses to meet peak-hour demand.

Chien Chih-liang
Taoyuan Bus Co.
Bus drivers face passengers, and so there’s a type of stress associated with that, which you don’t find in other industries. For example, they have to deal with the stress coming from passenger complaints. The cost of these complaints is that the driver may decide to move on to a different industry.

All manner of people use buses, and invariably some people complain. Bus companies worry that those complaints will deter potential drivers. Taoyuan currently faces a shortage of 259 drivers. Some tour bus drivers have stepped in to fill the gap, and the city also hopes that supplementing driver wages will draw potential new drivers.

Wu Shan-ying
Taoyuan Department of Transportation
Previously we raised driver wages by NT$6,000, and on June 1 we raised them again by an additional NT$4,000, bringing the total monthly wage hike to NT$10,000.

Bus companies hope that by offering higher salaries and greater benefits, they can attract more drivers, and put an end to their labor-shortage woes.

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2023-11-20

Foreign representatives featured in ‘Seeing the World from Taoyuan’ lecture series

The Taoyuan City Government has launched a lecture series at the new Taoyuan Main Public Library. The series, titled “Seeing the World from Taoyuan,” features foreign representatives speaking about their home countries. Through the lectures, audiences are invited to expand their global horizons, by getting a glimpse into the customs and beauty of countries around the world.

The director-general of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan accepts a gift from Taoyuan Deputy Mayor Wang Ming-jiuh. The box is filled with delicacies from Daxi District. The atmosphere is convivial as the officials and participants pose for photos.

The event was part of the lecture series “Seeing the World from Taoyuan.” The Spanish representative talked about his home country’s economy, culture, tourism, to bring the audience closer to Spain and to expand their international horizons.

Eduardo Euba Aldape
Spanish Chamber of Commerce director-general
Apart from presenting my country, I hope that today I’m going to learn many things about Taoyuan. Taoyuan has one of the most beautiful public libraries in Taiwan.

The event was held at Taoyuan’s newly completed main public library. The facility is touted as Taiwan’s most eco-friendly library, with the highest number of smart technology applications.

Wang Ming-jiuh
Taoyuan deputy mayor
As everyone knows, Taoyuan is the gateway to the nation. We’re also a city that aspires to be international. We’re proactively carrying out city diplomacy and engaging in international exchanges. We’re very happy to have the representative, Mr. Euba, come and share with us these facts about Spain.

Previously in the series, New Zealand Commerce and Industry Office Director Mark Pearson discussed cultural exchanges between his country and Taiwan. In December, the library will host U.K. representative to Taiwan John Dennis. Through the lecture series, the city aims to showcase its engagement with other nations, to underscore its position as the nation’s gateway.

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2023-11-20

New NTU rules let students cut ties with predatory advisers

2023-11-20

ITRI honored with eight accolades at R&D 100 Awards ceremony

The R&D 100 Awards, known as the Oscars of Innovation, celebrated its winners last week at a San Diego ceremony. The Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI, was honored with eight awards, outshining major research organizations including the MIT Lincoln Laboratory and Siemens Healthineers.

Flick, scroll, swipe. Whether for work or entertainment, mobile devices are now integral to daily life. As prolonged screen time strains the eyes, conditions like glaucoma are on the rise. In response, medical experts have developed a novel targeted therapy for glaucoma. It uses a compound that targets two protein kinases to lower intraocular pressure.

Lu Jui-mei
ITRI biomedical technology and device research lab
We used two innovative targets, one called ROCK and the other called MYLK-4. This form of dual targeting to treat intraocular pressure is very unique.

Besides glaucoma, aging populations can also be plagued by retinal degeneration. Experts pioneered eye drops that use molecular-level carriers to deliver medication to the posterior eyeball, replacing invasive injections. This new treatment reduces the risk of infection and the need for frequent hospital visits. The breakthrough has won international recognition.

Paul Heney
R&D World editorial director
I would say that one of the keys that I’ve seen is many of the products being submitted and winning, are not just gradual evolutions, but real innovative breakthroughs. So that’s something that the judges pick up on.

Edwin Liu
ITRI president
Only 28 awards were conferred outside of the U.S., and Taiwan won 12 of them. Of these 12, we at ITRI won eight. I think that this is truly an outstanding performance. We’re also very happy that all of our winning technologies have already made industry connections.

Dubbed the Oscars of Innovation, the R&D 100 Awards conferred 12 awards to Taiwan this year. Supported by the economics ministry’s Department of Industrial Technology and Ministry of Digital Affairs, ITRI secured eight of those awards, setting a new record. Its winning technologies include net-zero solutions and biomedical innovations. They have already been turned into industry applications, underscoring ITRI’s mission to research for the benefit of society.

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2023-11-20

Actress Tang Ling shares her cancer-fighting story with audience at awards ceremony

2023-11-20

Taiwan’s highest railway station reopens after 3-year renovation

2023-11-20

Stolen treasures returned to Jiyaxuan opera hall

A stash of stolen treasures has been voluntarily returned to a historic opera hall. Jiyaxuan in Yunlin is perhaps the most important historic opera hall in Taiwan. it was built in the 1850s, in Township, which was a major cultural center at the time. In the 20th century, Jiyaxuan fell into disrepair. Twenty-five years ago, many of its cultural artifacts were stolen. But now, they have been given back. Meanwhile, the custodians of the hall have won government funding for a major renovation project. The dilapidated buildings of the hall have been restored to their former glory. And Jiyaxuan is leading a renaissance in traditional arts, enabling new students to learn skills that have become vanishingly rare. FTV met Wu Teng-hsing, who’s in charge of the hall today, to find out about its comeback.

This is Jiyaxuan. It’s been an artistic center in Yunlin’s Beigang Township for more than a century. Many precious historical objects are kept here, but 25 years ago, a huge stash of items was taken in a robbery, leaving the hall’s custodians devastated. But recently, a member of the public contacted the museum and offered to return the stolen items.

Wu Teng-hsing
Jiyaxuan Association secretary-general
The objects were in Chiayi City, Yilan and Tainan. I never thought they’d come back. A collector contacted me. At first I thought it was some kind of scam. I wasn’t sure. So I asked them to send me photos, and they sent them, and I said, “Yeah, that’s our stuff!”

One of the items that’s been returned is a wooden drum stand, carved by the late sculptor and living national treasure, Chen Ying-pin. This whole set of carvings was stolen. The hall’s guardians are grateful that the set was protected, perhaps by spiritual forces, and that the carvings could find their way home. They’re also delighted to see the intricate work of these historical objects up close.

Wu Teng-hsing
Jiyaxuan Association secretary-general
They’ve come back but they’re seriously damaged. So we’re going to ask for help, and see if companies are willing to support us. When we restore historical objects, it’s not just repairing the object, it’s repairing our hearts and our souls.

Jiyaxuan was founded in the 1850s, in the Xianfeng reign of the Qing dynasty. It was the first storied opera hall in the local region. But later it fell into disrepair. Three years ago, its association received a Ministry of Culture subsidy to reconstruct the buildings and bring history back to life.

Wu Teng-hsing
Jiyaxuan Association secretary-general
These two pillars are 110 years old. So I told the repairmen, “Please keep as much of the existing material as you can.” So while they were repairing them, I was always watching and overseeing how they did it.

After the renovation, Jiyaxuan held a grand opening, and students were immediately lining up to learn traditional arts from the masters. The hall hopes these traditional arts will continue to flourish for many more centuries to come.

Wu Teng-hsing
Jiyaxuan Association secretary-general
The existence of this hall is very important for Beigang, and even for the whole of Yunlin County, and for Taiwan. Because Jiyaxuan was a first for Taiwan in many respects. Last year we even staged a performance at the National Center for Traditional Arts. So we need the younger generations to take up the baton and work hard to continue the traditions of Jiyaxuan.

Jiyaxuan is the first opera hall in Taiwan to become a nationally designated historic site. It bears testament to the cultural magnificence of Beigang at its height, and its reconstructed buildings are a marvel. The project is bringing back to life music that has been quiet for over 100 years.

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2023-11-20