In cooperation with the National Education Radio, a series of exciting stories about new immigrants in Taiwan is launched. This episode invites Jeff from Indonesia to share his story of providing a helping hand to immigrants in Taiwan after roaming around the world for work. The hosts are Nguyen Thi Thu Huong (阮氏秋香) and Zhang Li Ying (張麗英).
20 years ago, Jeff obtained a degree in electronic engineering in Taiwan which indirectly led to a series of exciting journeys for him. In the end, he chose to settle down in Taiwan after having business trips to various countries. “My hobby is helping others.” Jeff enables more Taiwanese to have a deeper understanding of immigrants through talks and videos.
【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】presents this episode in 5 languages including Chinese, English, Vietnamese, Thai and Indonesian, enabling more readers to explore immigrants’ life in Taiwan.
During the interview, Jeff mentioned that he was invited to give a talk at the Taipei First Girls High School. He felt delighted that students actively participated in the Q&A sessions. However, he also realized that some students would equate immigrants with the disadvantaged and foreign brides.
“Indeed, the ‘new second generation’ will be the future star of Taiwan!” he said. “I believe that one day “Taiwan will have an immigrant president.” It is like the United States – a melting pot that elected Obama as an African American president.
Jeff was invited to give a talk at the Taipei First Girls High School. (Photo / Provided by the National Education Radio)
Jeff recalled that 20 years ago, his dad told him “We are Chinese, we must know how to speak Chinese.” At first, Jeff did not know where Taiwan was, but he followed the family and moved to Taiwan.
After obtaining a degree in Taiwan, Jeff worked in both Taiwan and Indonesia for a while and then went to America to further his studies. He then served in a foreign vaccine company in Taiwan. As someone who could demonstrate a high level of proficiency in English, Chinese and Indonesian languages, he often lived overseas as an expatriate in European countries.
A few years ago, Jeff decided to challenge himself and worked in China. He wanted to be an engineer as before but chose to become a sales representative because the supervisor thought he was very suitable for the job position. Jeff has thus traveled all over China. The host agreed with the supervisor’s opinion and said, “That’s right! Because you’re very talkative, lively and like to go outside.”
The host Nguyen Thi Thu Huong (1st from left) and Zhang Li Ying (1st from right). (Photo / Provided by the National Education Radio)
After going around the globe, jeff settled down in Taiwan. As he loves to help others and cares about immigrants in Taiwan a lot, he made the effort to present immigrants’ languages, cultures, and gourmet dishes to others.
The hosts were curious about Jeff being an internet celebrity. Jeff answered, “I created a YouTube Channel named 3Q.Taiwan with three other partners, and I am the host.”
The videos record events related to immigrants, as well as share immigrants’ stories. So far, more than 20 immigrants have been invited. The furthest place Jeff has ever traveled to was Taitung. “I’ll visit everyone no matter how far I need to go.”
On Jeff’s recommendation, an immigrant from Laos has joined many markets in Taiwan and started a business selling gourmet food. Jeff encouraged the audience by saying, “If you have time, please visit her and I hope she gets better and better.”
Besides making immigrants’ voices heard, Jeff once teamed up with friends for a volunteering program held in a rural place – teaching elementary school students Indonesian and English. In the future, he plans to drive to remote areas and bring information and mother tongue books for immigrants. Some immigrants might have less opportunity to see the outside world. “This is the group I want to help.”
Read more: Priya Lee Lalwani, The Story of New Immigrant Translator from India.
Jeff shared that he served as the host of the Taipei Loy Krathong Festival in 2021. He felt touched to see 15 groups of immigrants shine out on the stage. He also hoped that the Taiwan government would hold more such activities so that they would be recognized and seen. “They already see themselves as Taiwanese.”
Lastly, Jeff wanted to cheer immigrants up as many have faced difficulties during the pandemic. However, he believes that everyone will not be defeated because “we all have summoned courage and left our hometowns to live and work in Taiwan for several years.”
He also recommended the audience to join markets and taste food made by immigrants. Although the packaging might be simple, the dishes are authentic and “very delicious!”
