

Taipei: a city of culture, creativity, and continuous growth.
The Republic of China (ROC) National Celebration is the national day of Taiwan, also known as ten-ten as it is held on 10th October every year. Our international press group was invited by President Tsai Ing-wen to attend the ROC National Celebration of 2016, and between the dates of October 9-14,
We had been taken to see all of Taipei’s technological and cultural wonders. A small island spanning 36,000 square kilometers, Taipei is one of the leading developers of transportation, architecture and manufacturing.
We reached Taiwan before dawn, traversing the highways on the outskirts of Taipei, and with the first rays of light we reached the city. We were greeted with the magnificent sight of the Taipei Tower, an introduction to the many architectural marvels of the city. Taipei’s conceptual structures draw inspiration from western, Japanese, and traditional southern styles, creating a unique blend that represents Taiwan’s identity. Visually, Taipei is a mostly grey city, with modern architectural designs attributable to Aboriginal, Asian and Western influences, painting the city with occasional splashes of color.
Another distinctive feature of Taiwan’s culture is their attitude towards food, noticeable in its variety of eateries ranging from cheap market stalls to high end restaurants. Even buffet spreads in hotels consist of culinary displays prepared by master chefs with artistic flair. Portions are small but many; a single meal will contain around 12 courses, with the occasional soups and palate-cleansers. Our group has visited the Raohe Night Market, the lunchrooms at the Sheraton Grande Taipei Hotel, and Silk Palace at the National Palace Museum, and we have feasted on over a hundred dishes, from the plain to the aesthetically pleasing. There is food for the more adventurous- an assortment of noodles served with jellyfish and lacy mushrooms. There are also less overwhelming dishes like western fast foods, and typical Asian meals. The dining experience Taiwan offers is an amalgamation of several cultural palates and is well worth a trip to the country.
Taiwan’s official status as a democracy began in 1996, and has since then promoted freedom of press and religion, separating its beliefs from other Chinese-speaking countries. To be given a full rundown of Taiwan’s latest news, our group was brought to two of Taiwan’s newly created digital agencies: Storm Media (2014) and The News Lens (2013). These agencies boast their unbiased and independent news coverage, compared to traditional Taiwanese newspapers, which are often affiliated with political parties.
The ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) along with Tsai Ing-wen, the current President of Taiwan, are working to match domestic regulations with the standards of international organizations like the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TTP). It is believed that this move will benefit Taiwan economically if they can gain membership with the TTP. The United States can be of assistance, as it is Taiwan’s ally and their 9th largest trading partner. However, the strained relationship between Taipei and Beijing may pose an issue, as the US’ main priority is stability within the Taiwan Strait.
Tourism is of great importance as it contributes a third of Taiwan’s GDP (about $16 billion USD), with visitors coming in from neighboring countries, particularly China, Japan, Hong Kong, and Korea. The previous year has seen a fall in tourists of about 30% in mainland Taiwan. Considering this fact, Taiwan is making attempts to increase the volume of tourism by 15-20%, raising the number of tourists to 15 million in a span of 5 years, as divulged by Eric Lin, Taiwan’s Director of International Affairs, Ministry of Transportation and Communication. New routes have been added from Chicago and Houston, as well as package deals tying trips to Hong Kong with Taiwan, to try to include the country on the minds of visitors to Southeast Asia. Tourists who are citizens of the US, Canada and most European countries do not need visas to enter Taiwan, so restrictions were recently relaxed for citizens of ASEAN (Associations of Southeast Asian Nations).
Being a leader in technology, manufacturing, and performing arts, Taiwan fosters creation and innovation, providing a large platform for all to display their talents: the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, with an impressive size that covers the length of six football fields. It was opened in 1939 as the country’s first modernized tobacco factory, and to provide a cheerful atmosphere for workers living onsite, the facility was designed with large windows, bathhouses, parks and gardens decorated with fountains. These features are now in use to host banquets, fashion shows, film shootings, conference seminars and art exhibitions.
The Taiwan Excellence Pavilion is also a hub for creativity, housing 120 of 523 award-winning products that serve various purposes- technology, sports, creation, leisure and telecommunications. The Gogoro Global Experience Center also promotes Taiwan’s technological prowess, with its aim to facilitate urban density with smart technology. Evidence of their efforts are seen in the Center’s smart scooters, which are fitted with 80 sensors, monitored by a central control system, and deriving power from a battery swap system.
Despite the many meetings we engaged in throughout the course of this visit, our group had made time to appreciate Taiwan’s beauty. A trip to the Palace Museum taught us of the country’s rich history and millennia old cultural artifacts. A climb through a sub-tropical forest led us to the outdoor U-theatre, where the sounds of the performances and nature merged in harmony.
We ventured to the Sun Moon Lake in the mountains of Nantou close to Taiwan’s geographical center, also known as the heart of Taiwan. It is a popular tourist attraction for vacationers and honeymooners, with boat tours circling the lake, gondola rides that carry visitors to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village in the mountains.
We were brought to the Liberty Square, where we took in the sights of the memorial holding the statue of Chiang Kai-shek in front of us, flagged by the National Theater and Concert Hall on either side.
Our last stop was the Taipei Financial Centre, also called Taipei 101. Taipei 101 is one of the city’s many landmarks, standing as one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world next to Dubai’s Burj Khalifa and other superstructures. With an assembly of luxury shops on the ground floor, and a fast-speed elevator ride to the top to grace visitors with a 360-degree view, the Taipei 101 is a must-see for all. The structure merges Asian traditions with modern technology, and is notable for its eco-friendly construction. Before leaving, we had dinner at Din Tai Fung Dumpling House, considered the best Chinese dumpling restaurant, which is located at the base of Taipei 101. The restaurant grants guests a view of the dumpling making process through a glass partition.
Throughout our visit to Taiwan, we became enriched with the knowledge of the country, its culture and its constant move towards further development. Not only does the country visually stimulate visitors with its beauty, it also inspires many with its constant pursuit for growth and improvement.
Reena Augustine was invited to the launch of the new nominations for women in Business Awards
After meeting so many inspirational women entrepreneurs, she walked away with this important lesson: “You Must Find Your Voice and Vision.”
“A woman with entrepreneurial aspirations must make herself heard. If you don’t speak up, you won’t go anywhere, and no one will see your vision – including (probably) you yourself,” Reena explained.
She is truly an inspirational woman
http://www.indiannewsqld.com.au/multicultural-dinner-a-huge-success/
The Red Carpet Multicultural Fashion Show is not only intended to exhibit our culture and traditional wear; it is also a platform for people of all sizes and cultures to express their confidence and shine on the catwalk. You do not have to fit the stereotypical model heights of 6 feet, or wear sizes 6-8 clothing to model for RCF. We are all beautiful in our own ways, and we should be able feel welcomed on the runway.
Read about how our last Fashion Show incorporated Tanzanian-born designer, Amina Hunt’s label “Tuntifady Designs”, featured clothing that “embraces both African and Australian style, using colour and practical design to cater for a wide range of clients, regardless of size or cultural background.”
Rob Rombout, born in Amsterdam in 1953, is a filmmaker and a teacher. Since 1988, he has taught Sint Lukas (LUCA) in Brussels. He has also been a professor at INSAS , RITS , at the University Paris 8 and at Marc Bloch, Strasbourg. He is the co-founder of the international documentary master: “Doc-Nomads” bringing together students from all over the world. The program is split into several global institutions. Rob Rombout also leads workshops around the world (Brazil, Vietnam, China, Canada, United States, Lebanon …)
Since L’homme who said too much in 1985, he has produced about fifteen documentaries, many of which have been awarded. Inparticular, between Two Towers (1987), Perm-Mission (1999), The Trap of Kerguelen (2000), Amsterdam via Amsterdam (co made with Rogier van Eck), Queen Mary 2 , Birth of a Legend Stories (2012) which tells of a journey through the cities Amsterdam in the United States.
The majority of these films reflect his taste for travel and his fascination for the sea. He is currently making a film about the Dutch writer Robert van Gulik (On the Trail of Robert van Gulik, 2015, 87 min).
Rob Rombout was a member of the commission “Brouillon d’une rêve” (SCAM Paris) and of the Commission of the Brussels Audiovisual Center, the VAF (Vlaams Audiovisual Fund), but also vice-president of the Belgian SCAM Committee From 1998 to 2005, and from 2009 to 2013.
So yeah this happened , everyone who knows me knows how much of a Bollywood freak I am , so having the opportunity to meet and interview Ashutosh Gowariker was beyond words.
it takes one tiny interaction with a the Founder and Artistic Director of Indian International Film Festival of Queensland(IIFFOQ), Mr. Chayan who is an independent film maker of Indian origin living in Australia to realize that India’s heart only beats for Bollywood
Ashutosh Gowariker (born 15 February 1964) is an Indian film director, actor, writer and producer. He is known for directing the films “set on a huge canvas while boasting of an opulent treatment”.[1] His works include Lagaan (2001), Swades (2004), Jodhaa Akbar (2008), What’s Your Raashee(2009), Khelein Hum Jee Jaan Sey (2010) and Mohenjo Daro (2016). He was chosen as a voting member for the Academy Awards in 2005.[2][3] He returned to acting by playing the lead role in the critically acclaimed dramedy Ventilator (2016).
An actor who took up directing after almost a decade, Ashutosh Gowariker is one of those rare people who take the path less taken and, although it was a rough going, he is now one of India’s elite directors
Thank you Indian International Film Festival of Queensland for bringing Bollywood to Brisbane
Mr Bob Pillay, who was once an international student and now be the Operations Manager of Cornerstone Law offices, has been invited to Community Impact to share his story and journey in Australia. He would like to send message to international students that you should not be afraid and limit themselves. Instead, you should travel […]
Showcasing with a selection of the models who work with us. So many smiles and funny moments along the way. A big thank you to everyone for making the journey a happy and memorable one and here’s to many more happy times.
“Hate” is very strong and damaging emotion to your spirit, as well as the relationships surrounding you. Mr Prashad thinks we should have a goal, be responsible and not hate anybody.
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