Taiwan has always been known for its ethnic diversity and cultural diversity.
As more Southeast Asians and migrant workers coming to Taiwan, activities for them have been held one after another and this has raised awareness of these groups of people in society.
"Scanning Peripheral Memories of whom" organized by The Cultural Taiwan Foundation (文化台灣基金會) invites new residents and migrant workers from Southeast Asian countries to work together to create their own memories of life.
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As a Muslim
It is【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】editor’s pleasure to get in touch with Indonesian translator Ida who participated in the seataichung (SEAT南方時驗室). Unlike others, her creation theme is a physical "mosque" which is unique. She told us that Islam is the main religion in Indonesia and religious belief is an indispensable part of her life. No matter where a person is, one should practice religious doctrine as a matter of course. Ida hopes that through this creation, more people will learn about Islam.
Ida (first from right) went to the mosque to worship with relatives and friends. (Photo / Provided by Ida)
Ida mentioned that there are not many mosques in Taiwan, so that believers spend a lot of time travelling. The mosque is always overcrowded during the Islamic New Year, and it is just as crowded as that of the Lunar New Year in Taiwan. Ida hopes that as the number of Islamists in Taiwan increases, more mosques will be built.
During the Islamic New Year, the mosque is always crowded. (Photo / Provided by Ida)
As a translator
She is currently working in an agency company in Taiwan, serving as a translation bridge between employers and migrant workers. She has been in Taiwan for more than ten years and came to Taiwan for the first time as a caregiver in 2005. After six years of nursing work, she returned to her hometown first and further sharpen her Chinese language skills. Three years later, Ida returned to Taiwan again as a "translator."
In order to do a good job in translation, Ida diligently participates in related courses and activities. (Photo / Provided by Ida)
"Translators are no different from factory workers and caregivers," Ida sincerely told the editor of 【Taiwan Immigrants' Global News Network】, "We all work hard in Taiwan."
She believes that as a translator, you must accurately convey the messages of migrant workers. If she becomes friends of them, they can share feelings of working abroad together. The reason why she participated in "Scanning Peripheral Memories of whom" is also hoping to promote the relationship between her and the migrant workers through activities.
Ida (first from right) has a very good relationship with friends from the same hometown and they introduce Indonesian food together. (Photo / Provided by Ida)
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As Ida, be myself
Ida, who has been in Taiwan for twelve years, is experienced and familiar with this land. She likes Taiwan's public transport network the most as it is very convenient traveling around Taiwan, and she also praises the excellent medical services provided here.
"Taiwanese follow the government's regulations, and they will take initiatives to classify the trash!" Ida shared. In terms of getting along with Taiwanese, Ida believes that Taiwanese treats people from anywhere the same as they are friendly towards her.
Ida and her friends participate in the ball game held by the Labor Affairs Bureau, Taichung City Government. (Photo / Provided by Ida)
Her work is not only about translations but also communications. She puts great effort into communication between migrant workers and employers. However, there are still dilemmas she often faces. She helps the foreign workers to overcome language barriers by translating but sometimes there are things she cannot help with. Despite the challenges, she still hopes that she can do her best not only for work but also for her fellow friends from her hometown. Ida wishes to try her best and build a solid bridge between Taiwan and Indonesia.
Ida (first from right) participated in the Bali Traditional Makeup Competition and achieved great results. (Photo / Provided by Ida)
