Touching Stories from Around Taiwan

Faced with the global issue of climate change, Taiwanese scientists are conducting innovative research that demonstrates Taiwan’s strong scientific capabilities, and sharing their insights with the international community. Our Cover Story this month explores how Taiwan is using technology to create a resilient homeland, with reports on the use of data in disaster preparedness and response, and on flood-resilient cities, germplasm preservation, ocean sustainability, and our experience in coping with typhoons and earthquakes.

Three fifths of Taiwan is covered by forest, and the island once exported large quantities of camphor oil and citronella oil. Yang Chih-kai, assistant professor of forestry at National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, tells us: “Two centuries ago, camphor from Taiwan was all the rage around the world.” Trees of the same species may produce different fragrances depending on growing conditions and microclimates. In this issue we introduce readers to the fragrances of Taiwan’s forests, and the essential oils made from some of our woodland plants.

In 2021 the cluster of historic buildings at Aletheia University was selected by 400,000 online voters as one of Tamsui’s eight top scenic spots. What sites and vistas can be seen there? What stories are behind them? It’s all in a report in this issue. We also visit Taipei’s “Little Manila,” centered on Zhongshan North Road Section 3, which includes St. Christopher Church, King Wan Wan Shop Mall, and a branch of the RJ Super­mart chain. More than 100 Filipino shops and restaurants can be found in the area, forming a unique cultural setting.

Through the concerted efforts of the public and private sectors, Taiwan has eradicated foot and mouth disease in pigs, has successfully blocked African swine fever from entering the country, and in 2023 will halt vaccinations for classical swine fever, hoping to become the only country in Asia to be completely free of these three major hog diseases. How has this been achieved? We visit the production areas to find the answers.

Vietnam Storybook House, located in Hualien County, holds Vietnamese language classes and activities every Saturday, providing a learning venue for cultural diversity. Founder Dao Thi Que, who works as a police and court interpreter, this year plans to also visit ten schools as a cultural diversity lecturer. Through her experience of relocating to Taiwan through marriage, Dao has added to multiculturalism here.

Whether it be scientists who help solve problems or altruistic people who take care of their communities, people from all walks of life who work for the good of society are being constantly chronicled in the pages of Taiwan Panorama. We will continue to draw the world’s attention to Taiwan’s powerful resilience and touching stories.