National Immigration Agency Pingtung County Service Center recently hosted a course for new immigrants with the theme "Malaysia and Taiwan Cocoa Story" (馬來西亞與台灣可可的故事) and invited Lau Bok Lian (劉木蓮), a new Malaysian immigrant, to serve as the instructor. Lau Bok Lian guided the attendees in producing chocolate by hand while also introducing them to her hometown's culture, her time spent living in Taiwan, and the steps involved in beginning a company. She also covered the cultivation of cocoa plants and the production of chocolate.
Lau Bok Lian, a new Malaysian immigrant, started a business of chocolate R&D in Taiwan.Photo provided by NIA Pingtung County Service Center
Since Lau Bok Lian's father works as a cocoa farmer, she has grown up knowing everything there is to know about cocoa. Lau and her spouse traveled to Taiwan to get married before relocating to Pingtung. After completing an agricultural tutoring course offered by the Pingtung County Government, she had the notion to launch a business. She not only earned a qualification as a chocolatier for this purpose, but also bought supplies and made investments in R&D. In Pingtung, 2021, pineapple and local farmers collaborated to create pineapple sandwich chocolate, which went on to win the French AVPA gourmet bronze prize.
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Lau Bok Lian, a new Malaysian immigrant, started a business of chocolate R&D in Taiwan.Photo provided by NIA Pingtung County Service Center
Lau Bok Lian is extremely appreciative of the Taiwanese government's numerous training initiatives for new immigrants. Along with a variety of training programs, there are also certificate incentives and several resources that may be used. She therefore encourages attendees to actively engage in free government courses so that they can further their education while also taking care of their families.
