2025年7月6日 星期日


 山村晨騎,遇見台灣下一個文明篇章】

今天早上只是想騎車上山喝杯咖啡,沒想到這趟短程旅途,卻讓我深深感受到台灣正在發生的變化。
在距離台積電總部不到十公里的山村,首先遇見清大張安世教授與夫人美惠。兩位早已在大山背居住十多年,遠離喧囂,卻為張教授的研究與人生思考帶來安定與能量。他們熱情請我喝一瓶手工啤酒——這啤酒可是由台積電退休的莊副總釀製的。他將科技人的精密精神,轉化為生活美學與精釀文化,讓人感動。
上到咖啡店,老闆吳先生沒給我咖啡,卻又倒上一杯生啤酒;接著遇到多年來一直在山上賣菜的婦人,她的笑容依舊親切。最後到樂善堂見老朋友——他抱怨生意差,因為台灣人現在都出國玩了。我提醒他:「你的對手已是國際,但機會也在這裡。」只要把水粄、蛋糕這些在地風味,轉化為有記憶點、有設計感的體驗,就能吸引在地與國際的目光。
下山前,在廟前遇見老友,替他拍下一張山村的優雅身影。這一日的騎乘,不只是風景,而是一段文明旅程。
🌿 我們正看見一個轉變的世代——那些曾打造全球科技高峰的 Baby Boomer,如今帶著他們的智慧與資源,回到土地,投入文化、生活、美學。他們用行動證明:台灣的主場,不只是在晶圓廠裡,更是在山林田野中,發酵出一種能讓世界感動的生活方式。





From Silicon Precision to Cultural Legacy:
A Morning Ride Through Taiwan’s New Chapter

This morning, I set out on a simple bike ride into the hills just ten kilometers from TSMC’s global headquarters. What I found along the way was far more profound: a glimpse into how Taiwan’s Baby Boomer generation—who helped build the world’s tech infrastructure—is now quietly crafting the next chapter of Taiwan’s contribution to global civilization.
In a small mountain village, I ran into Professor An-Shi Chang from National Tsing Hua University and his wife, who have lived here for over a decade. For him, this rural retreat offers clarity, grounding, and the energy to pursue meaningful research. They invited me to share a beer—one not just any brew, but a craft beer made by a retired TSMC Vice President, who has transformed the company's spirit of precision engineering into a culture of artisanal brewing.
At a mountaintop café, the owner greeted me not with coffee, but with another glass of freshly poured craft beer. Down the road, I passed a vegetable vendor I’ve known since my youth—still rooted in the same soil, still smiling with the grace only age and nature can bestow.
I later stopped by a local café struggling as Taiwanese travelers head abroad. I reminded the owner: in today’s world, your competition is global, but so is your opportunity. Build on Taiwan’s unique strengths. Combine local treats like shui ban(steamed rice cakes) with refined experiences. Turn authenticity into innovation, and your customers—local and international—will return not just for coffee, but for meaning.
Before heading downhill, I took a photo of an old friend in front of the village temple. His quiet presence, the timeless backdrop—it all speaks to the elegance and resilience of Taiwan’s rural soul.
💡 In Taiwan today, we are witnessing a powerful shift: Baby Boomers who once powered the rise of the global tech economy are now bringing their experience, wealth, and worldview back into Taiwan’s cultural and lifestyle industries. They are helping reshape what it means to live well—not just in comfort, but in contribution.
📍This is Taiwan’s new innovation frontier. Not just semiconductors, but a way of life that merges local identity with global relevance.
 

2025年7月4日 星期五

從一幅古畫,看見台灣人的自信與底蘊

 

🦌 從一幅古畫,看見台灣人的自信與底蘊 🌏

這幅畫名為《Een Formosan》(一個台灣人),出自17世紀德國士兵卡斯帕・司馬卡登(Caspar Schmalkalden)之手。他當時受雇於荷蘭東印度公司,這幅畫描繪的是台灣原住民族——西拉雅族男子奔馳狩獵的身影。手腕戴著鈴鐺、赤腳奔跑,與族人一同追逐鹿群,身姿矯健、精神昂揚。

根據當時荷蘭人的紀錄,他們驚訝地發現:住在台南一帶的西拉雅人比他們還高大。原來,西拉雅人當時鹿肉充足、營養良好,長得特別壯碩挺拔。

你知道嗎?

  • 1850 年代荷蘭男性平均身高約 165 公分

  • 2020 年代荷蘭男性平均身高已達 183.8 公分
    這代表在短短 170 年內,他們「長高了將近 19 公分」,被稱為人類歷史上長得最快的一群人。而在更早的400年前,當時的荷蘭人應該更為矮小。

✨ 這段歷史讓我深深感受到:
台灣這片土地,從來不是邊陲之地。
我們的島嶼,孕育出強健的體魄、智慧的文化、深厚的韌性。
我們是「天選之島」,不是誇口,而是歷史留下的證明。

面對全球的挑戰與變局,讓我們一起回到土地與歷史,找回信心。從這片我們所愛的島嶼出發,走向世界,昂首前行。

🦌 A Glimpse from the Past — and a Message for Taiwan’s Future 🌏

This 17th-century sketch, titled “Een Formosan” (“A Formosan”), was drawn by Caspar Schmalkalden, a German soldier working for the Dutch East India Company. It is one of the earliest known depictions of Taiwan’s Indigenous Siraya people. The image shows a Siraya man—barefoot, swift, and proud—hunting deer with his companions. Bells adorn his wrist, and he moves with purpose across the land.

Historical records note that Dutch settlers in southern Taiwan were struck by the height and vitality of the Siraya people. Their impressive physical stature, even taller than the Dutch of the time, was attributed to an abundant diet rich in venison. To put this in context:

  • In the 1850s, the average Dutch male stood at 165 cm.

  • By the 2020s, the Dutch average reached 183.8 cm, earning them the title of the tallest people in modern history.

  • Yet four centuries ago, the Dutch were even shorter—and they looked up, quite literally, to the people of Formosa.

🔍 What does this tell us?

It reminds us that Taiwan has always been a place of strength, vitality, and abundance. This island—rich in natural resources, human spirit, and cultural heritage—has long been a cradle of resilience. And today, as we face global challenges ranging from climate change to geopolitical uncertainty, this legacy matters more than ever.

💬 To everyone living in Taiwan today:
We are not a footnote in history.
We are a chosen island—geographically, culturally, and strategically.
Let’s meet the world with confidence, rooted in who we are and where we come from.

2025年6月21日 星期六

橫山社區不缺席:安身立命的永續實踐Hengshan Community Is Present: Practicing a Sustainable Life with Purpose

橫山社區不缺席:安身立命的永續實踐

今天上午繞村散步回到橫山國小時,意外發現校園停了兩輛遊覽車。好奇之下走近那棵熟悉的大樟樹下,來到橫山社區活動中心。首先遇見的是陳華芳總幹事與實踐社大的老師們,笑聲與問候之中充滿社區的活力。

踏入活動中心,看見前理事長陳重貽正在進行社區簡報,內容聚焦於橫山在ESG與SDGs方面的實踐經驗。牆上的投影螢幕展示著「健康」、「永續」、「包容」的社區願景,彷彿一幅「永續村莊藍圖」正默默地展開。

在一旁協助的,還有熟悉的陳致中——橫山好室的重要夥伴,總是在地方事務中默默耕耘。講座現場座無虛席,社區成員與來訪團隊熱切聆聽,

 展現出城鄉交流的生命力。

這樣的時刻總讓人感動:每個村莊都有那麼一群踏實又認真的人, 

默默地在守護、在推動。

他們以自己的方式實踐「安身立命的永續生活」,即使平凡,卻力量十足。

橫山社區不缺席,因為有你們,讓地方有了持續前行的溫度與方向。








Hengshan Community Is Present: Practicing a Sustainable Life with Purpose

This morning, during my walk around the village, I returned to Hengshan Elementary School and noticed two tour buses parked on campus. Curious, I made my way toward the familiar large camphor tree and arrived at the Hengshan Community Activity Center.

There, I first met Secretary-General Chen Huafang and teachers from Shijian Community College. Warm greetings and laughter filled the air, reflecting the vibrant energy of the community.

Inside the center, former chairman Mr. Chen Chong-yi was giving a presentation on the community’s initiatives, focusing on Hengshan’s efforts in ESG and SDG practices. On the screen, the themes of healthsustainability, and inclusivityoutlined a quiet yet determined vision of a “sustainable village.”

Helping out nearby was Mr. Chen Chih-chung from Hengshan House—a familiar figure and dedicated partner always active in local affairs. The room was filled with attendees listening attentively, a living testament to the spirit of rural-urban exchange.

Moments like these are deeply moving:
Every village has its own group of earnest, down-to-earth people—steadily pushing forward, holding the community together.
In their own way, they are practicing a sustainable life rooted in purpose and belonging. Ordinary perhaps, but immensely powerful.

Hengshan Community is never absent—because of people like you, the village carries both warmth and direction into the future.

2025年6月20日 星期五

溫哥華酒吧裡的對話 A Memorable Encounter over Wine and Stories 🍷

Seasons in the Park 的意外相遇

在溫哥華美麗的 Seasons in the Park 餐廳酒吧,意外遇見了來自加拿大的 Brian Houghton。

他熱情地用手機相片介紹了他在哥斯大黎加海邊經營的酒店,我則分享了台灣的產業故事:從全球領先的晶片、AI 伺服器製造,到十九世紀曾經改變世界產業版圖的台灣樟腦。

Brian 聽得津津有味,直說大開眼界,還特別請我喝一杯當地的 Chardonnay,並遞上名片,期待未來能聽我分享更多關於台灣的故事。

文化交流往往就從這樣一場愉快的對話開始,Cheers!


Sometimes the most memorable moments happen when you least expect them.
Today at the bar of Seasons in the Park in Vancouver, I had the pleasure of meeting Brian Houghton. Over a glass of local Chardonnay, we struck up a conversation that quickly turned into a delightful exchange of stories.
Brian showed me photos of his beautiful seaside hotel in Costa Rica, and in return, I shared stories about Taiwan — from our world-leading semiconductor and AI server industries, to a lesser-known chapter of history: how Taiwanese camphor once played a key role in the global industry during the 19th century.
Brian was fascinated and told me the stories opened his eyes to a side of Taiwan he had never known. He kindly treated me to a glass of wine and handed me his business card, expressing a keen interest in hearing more about Taiwan in the future.
Encounters like this remind me how powerful storytelling can be in connecting people and cultures. I look forward to continuing this dialogue and sharing more stories of Taiwan with friends around the world.