To encourage new immigrants to engage in community interactions and promote multiculturalism, the Chiayi County Service Station of the Immigration Agency Southern Region recently held an "Exotic Cultural Buffet" event to celebrate International Migrants Day on December 18 in advance. The event invited Vietnamese immigrant Yang Yiru and Indonesian immigrant Lin Xingrong as speakers to share the living cultures of Vietnam and Indonesia, creating a cultural feast full of exotic charm.
Yang Yiru kicked off the event by introducing Vietnamese cultural highlights. Dressed in the traditional "Ao Dai," she shared insights about Vietnam’s daily life, architecture, and culinary culture. She highlighted Vietnamese cuisine, known for spring rolls and pho, and described the French colonial influences in Vietnamese architecture, such as the Saigon City Hall and the Hanoi Opera House. Yang also introduced Vietnam's unique floating market culture, particularly the Cai Rang Floating Market in Can Tho, which ranks among the six busiest floating markets worldwide and attracts countless tourists annually. She guided participants in making Vietnamese spring rolls, providing an authentic taste of Vietnam.
Vietnamese New Resident Yang Yiru Introduces the Cultural Characteristics of Vietnam (Photo/Adapted from the Immigration Agency Website)
Next, Lin Xingrong from Indonesia shared the captivating allure of Indonesian culture. Wearing traditional Indonesian attire, she introduced unique local transportation modes, such as motorbike taxis and rickshaws, showcasing stark contrasts to Taiwan’s traffic. Lin also prepared Indonesian mochi and a mixed sago dessert, allowing guests to savor authentic Indonesian flavors. She expressed her hope to use the event to showcase Indonesia’s cultural uniqueness, promote cultural exchange, and foster a greater appreciation of Indonesian culture.
Indonesian New Resident Lin Xingrong Shares the Charm of Indonesian Culture (Photo/Adapted from the Immigration Agency Website)
Chiayi County Service Station Director Huang Shih-Hua stated that Taiwan currently has about 570,000 new immigrants. This event provided a platform for new immigrants to share their home cultures, enhancing public understanding and respect for multiculturalism. Huang hoped that through such activities, the beauty of cultural diversity and harmony would be promoted, fostering mutual respect and inclusivity.
