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The Infinite Variety of Or: Ben Chen’s Cultural Enterprises in Taiwan’s Windy CityPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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The Infinite Variety of Or: Ben Chen’s Cultural Enterprises in Taiwan’s Windy City

Taiwan Panorama first interviewed Ben Chen in 2007. At that time, the smartly dressed CEO of Moxa Technologies was wielding a good deal of influence in the business world. More than ten years on, Chen has left his job as a top manager, established a foundation named after his parents, and gained a foothold in the cultural and creative industries. Crossing over from technology to the cultural field, Chen’s identity and mentality have undergone a sea change.

Tiny Gears to Drive the World: Sha Yang Ye IndustrialPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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Tiny Gears to Drive the World: Sha Yang Ye Industrial

“The smaller things are, the more crucial they are to keeping the world turning.” Sha Yang Ye Indus­trial Corporation’s micro-geared motors power bone drills for the US military, door locks in Tesla electric cars, and sunroofs in BMW vehicles. In recent years, Sha Yang Ye has also moved into the robotics arena and explored AI-­related business opportunities to secure its leading position in the global marketplace.

Perfect Improvisation: Dancer Ku Ming-shenPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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Perfect Improvisation: Dancer Ku Ming-shen

Time glides on, and life’s curtain rises and falls, while the stars keep eternal watch in the heavens. A single backward glance makes everything clear. In contact improvisation, she has found enlightenment.

Kinik: Taiwan’s Grinding KingPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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Kinik: Taiwan’s Grinding King

A grinding wheel—or “sand wheel” in Chinese—is neither a wheel made from sand nor a big-wheeled steamship that transports sand, but rather a tool that grinds or cuts a variety of materials such as plastic, wood, and steel. And Kinik Company (formerly China Grinding Wheel Corp.) is not a state-owned enterprise of Taiwan or of mainland China, but rather a privately owned company with a traditional manu­facturing background, based in Yingge, New Taipei City.

From Trash to Treasure: Made Carving from BaliPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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From Trash to Treasure: Made Carving from Bali

Beams and pillars from old homes, junk washboards, industrial scraps—these bits of trash are treasure in the eyes of Made Sukariawan. With his woodcarving tools, he turns all of this junk into exquisite works of art. The grain of the wood becomes wrinkles on an elephant’s trunk, the dry bark the beard of Yue Lao, the Chinese god of marriage and love. Made takes imperfections and makes masterpieces.

The Nuts and Bolts of Translation: Taiwan Panorama’s Forum for Future TranslatorsPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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The Nuts and Bolts of Translation: Taiwan Panorama’s Forum for Future Translators

Good translations not only convey literal meanings but also capture subtle overtones. Many people think of translation as a charming métier. But what do professional translators, who navigate different linguistic worlds effortlessly, do in their daily lives? Why did they choose to become translators? What kind of life do they live? What challenges do they have to tackle?

Music Festivals for the World: LUCfest and Moonlight Sea ConcertsPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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Music Festivals for the World: LUCfest and Moonlight Sea Concerts

Taiwan has music festivals all year round, and forests, beaches, cities and historic districts can all play host to performance stages. Unique natural and cultural surroundings are not only part of the show, they are also an excellent way to brand Taiwan music for an international audience.

Small Lines, Grand Vision—Banknote Engraver Sun Wen-hsiungPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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Small Lines, Grand Vision—Banknote Engraver Sun Wen-hsiung

For many of us, work is a matter of busting our backsides just to get by. But there are others for whom work is not only something they enjoy but a whole way of life. Banknote engraver Sun Wen-hsiung is one such lucky soul. After spending some 50 years working for the Central Engraving and Printing Plant, the skills he developed in the course of his career became more than just work for him, to the point that even in his retirement he continues to put them to creative use.

An Indie Oasis: White Wabbit RecordsPhotos - New Southbound Policy
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An Indie Oasis: White Wabbit Records

Located in a back street near National Taiwan Normal University, White Wabbit Records is like an oasis in the city, bringing together indie albums from Taiwan and around the globe. Just pick up a headset and you can leave the hustle and bustle of the world behind and set your lonely soul free.

Experiencing Slow Travel on the South Link Train LinePhotos - New Southbound Policy
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Experiencing Slow Travel on the South Link Train Line

They came to capture images of trains against the backdrop of the blue ocean at the mouth of the Jiajinlin River in Taitung County’s Dawu Township or at Duoliang in Taimali Township. All last year train buffs headed to locations along the South Link Line in Taitung and Pingtung to snap images of its scenery before electrification cluttered the line with poles and before the last of Taiwan’s blue-and-white liveried commuter trains were taken out of service.