New Southbound Policy Portal

An animated short film on Southeast Asian Islamic culture was released June 14 by Taipei City-based General Association of Chinese Culture as part of government efforts to deepen public understanding of and foster ties with the region.
 
Produced in collaboration with Taiwan Bar Studio, the 5-minute work is the first in a five-part GACC series aimed at spotlighting diverse aspects of Southeast Asian history and societies. Released on the eve of Muslim holy day Eid al-Fitr, also known as Hari Raya Idul Fitri, the short highlights festival celebrations, halal food and the religion’s development and features Chinese and English subtitles.
 
GACC Vice President Chiang Chun-nan said that the growing number of immigrants from Southeast Asia is bolstering Taiwan’s ethnic and cultural diversity. These new residents are playing a vital role in strengthening the country’s robust economic links with the region, he added.
 
According to Chiang, the animated series underscores the association’s commitment to promoting cultural connections and mutual understanding in line with the New Southbound Policy. A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to boost Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand.
 
The choice of Islamic culture as the theme of the first episode underscores the association’s efforts to nurture a welcoming environment for peoples of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds and honor new immigrants’ contributions, GACC said. The next four shorts, scheduled to be released monthly, will spotlight Buddhism, business development, customs and popular music in Southeast Asia.
 
GACC, established in 1967 and headed by President Tsai Ing-wen, works to deepen understanding of local traditions, foster international exchanges and facilitate the development of Taiwan’s cultural and creative industries. (CPY-E)