The New Sunlight Association in Tainan City has been established for over five years, dedicating itself to promoting immigrant cultures and providing a stage for the second generation to showcase their talents. The association not only invites immigrant women to share their home cultures but has recently passed the baton to the second generation to host cultural lectures, earning high praise from residents for fostering understanding of Southeast Asian cultures.
In its early days, the association's cultural lectures were mainly delivered by immigrant women, who shared the traditions and unique aspects of their home countries. Starting this year, the association has handed over hosting duties to the second generation, empowering them to become cultural ambassadors. In a recent cultural event, second-generation member Shen Ziyi and her sister Shen Xinyi served as hosts, sharing stories of Southeast Asian culture with the community’s elders.
Shen Ziyi shared that she was initially nervous about performing well when hosting, but with practice and real-life experience, she has gradually become more comfortable and confident on stage. Meanwhile, her sister Shen Xinyi revealed that she initially joined the association's activities just to wear the beautiful Vietnamese traditional outfit, the "Ao Dai." However, through the association's training, she learned to refine her stage presence and tone, developing a keen interest in hosting. She expressed her determination to continue learning and improving in the future.
Additionally, the association has nurtured other talented second-generation members, including Zeng Zizhai, the son of founding member Song Shi Mei. In August, he was invited to perform the bamboo xylophone at Vietnam’s National Day banquet, receiving enthusiastic applause. The Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan praised his performance and invited him to participate in future events.
Zeng Zizhai was invited to perform the bamboo xylophone at the Vietnamese National Day banquet this August (Photo/Source: Facebook of Tainan City New Sunlight Association).
Song Shi Mei reflected on her own experience, sharing that she had been unable to learn an instrument in her youth due to family circumstances. After moving to Taiwan and building a family with her husband, her busy life caused this dream to fade. However, when she mentioned learning a traditional Vietnamese instrument to her son, he eagerly accepted the challenge and practiced diligently. Seeing him now perform confidently on stage brings her immense joy.
The founding president of the New Sunlight Association, Pan Yushan, expressed her satisfaction with the growing participation and support from the second generation in the association’s activities. Whether performing or assisting in event preparation, their involvement has been deeply encouraging. She hopes to attract more second-generation members, deepen public understanding of immigrant cultures, and continue the legacy of cultural heritage.
