TECO chief co-hosts Why Taiwan Matters exhibit in Sacramento

In celebration of May’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in San Francisco and the Sacramento Public Library co-hosted the opening reception of a photo exhibition, Why Taiwan Matters, at the Central Library (828, I Street) on May 7.

The exhibition explores Taiwan’s way of life and the country’s unique influences around the world through the photo-essays on display. The 34-photo exhibition introduces Taiwan’s success stories and its position as a trend setter, from its medical health sector to the ubiquitous convenience stores, from religion to pop music, and from industrial clusters to green technology.

In welcoming the attendees, TECO Director-General Jack Chiang spoke about the close relations between Taiwan and California and the significance of the exhibition being displayed in the state capitol during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. He remarked on Taiwan’s economic strength as evidenced by the many scientific and technological professionals from Taiwan working throughout Silicon Valley. It makes it difficult to ignore Taiwan’s vital role in the world economy, he said. Despite a lack of natural resources, Taiwan has cultivated a free society filled with talented human resources, resulting in Taiwan’s ample soft power.

In all, ten guest speakers and dignitaries spoke at the opening reception and all affirmed Taiwan’s soft power, praising the contributions of Taiwanese technological talent in Silicon Valley. The speakers asserted that Taiwan’s emphasis on education, developing innovative cuisine, and the spirit of its citizens, have helped energize Asian immigrant culture in California.

The evening festivities included a complimentary screening of Warriors of the Rainbow: Seediq Bale following the reception. Made in Taiwan and directed by Wei Te-sheng, the film was this year’s contender for an Oscar for best foreign language film.

The exhibition will be at the Sacramento Central Library until May 31.