Taiwan Talk

In late 1978, Taiwan faced one of its most impactful challenges, when Washington announced plans to switch recognition to Beijing. Fears rose over Taiwan potentially losing one of its strongest allies. Members of the international community also worried about many other practical concerns, such as the continuation of English-language radio in Taiwan, and international schooling for their children....

Former legislator and death metal rocker Freddy Lim can draw on many experiences as inspiration for his music, though nothing prepared him for the discovery which led to the composition of his latest song, Endless Aeons . It's a discovery that was triggered by his time at the Legislative Yuan as a parliamentarian, and which partly led to his decision to step down from elective office. Hosted by I....

What does it take to go solo as a Pop/R&B singer and songwriter in Canada? Canadian-Taiwanese artist Chynna (pronounced "China") shares the joys and the challenges she encountered on journey as an Asian-American artist. Lewis spoke to us after her first journey back to Taiwan as a performer. She's currently working on her second album, which is slated for release in the Winter of 2025. Hosted...

Under normal circumstances, many of us don't think too much about the value of the NT Dollar -- unless we're traveling that is. But that changed at the beginning of May when the value of our currency made a sudden, sharp climb against the US Dollar. Chief Global Strategist for Nikko Asset Management Naomi Fink looks at the impact of that event on Taiwan's financial markets, whether Taiwan experien...

The Trump administration has backed down on an earlier, hardline attitude towards the visa status of certain international students, even though it is still cracking down on America's top universities. What does this mean for students who have decided to study in America, or who are already there? Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) is a global company that provides higher education analytics, insights, and...

It was on the first day of Taiwan's four day Tomb Sweeping (清明) Festival weekend that businessmen woke up to the news that Taiwan could expect a 32 percent%, on top of a standard 10% tariff on all its exports to the United States. But just hours after it took effect, that immense tariff was suspended for 90 days. How some businesses responded to the first announcement, and what it should do with...

Former KMT lawmaker-at-large Jason Hsu made his mark in office by promoting tech, and embracing the idea of reaching across the aisle and working for the good of Taiwan. He shares the inspiring story of his life before his departure for the United States with Hope Ngo. First aired August 29, 2022. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

It's a busy hive of hipster cafes, hair salons, and independent book shops. But there is more to Taipei's Chifeng Street than meets the eye, and it took a tour with Nadia Lin to get to get to know this fascinating neighborhood. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Launching a new career isn't easy. So why would anyone (willingly) do it twice in one lifetime? Three guests -- two from the US and one based in Taiwan-- share their their experiences involving their dramatic mid-career pivots. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Artist Ting Ting Cheng uses a traumatic experience to educate in her recent show " They told me it's not your fault. And I told them everything will be fine ." Held at Taiwan Contemporary Culture Lab in Taipei, Cheng explores digital gender-based violence which the United Nations Population Fund says is most likely to impact women and girls, minorities and the marginalized. Hosted by ICRT's Tim Be...

London-based Taiwanese wine writer, translator, certified WSET wine educator, Leona di Pasquale turned a passion into a profession when she first began learning about, then talking about Taiwan's best loved beverages from tea to wines and spirits. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

February 24th marked the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Since that time, much has changed, including a major break in US policy following the inauguration of Donald Trump. With a look at the implications for Taiwan, Ukraine, Europe and even Asia, we chat with Jakub Janda… the director of the European Values Center of Security Policy… a non-partisan NGO based in the Czech Rep...

From scoring a coveted Golden Apple on the Netflix show "Crazy Delicious" to cooking for Taiwan's de-facto ambassador to the UK, food blogger Tiffany Cheng has made her mark as an unofficial ambassador for popular Taiwan cuisine. How she accomplished that and what she learnt along the way is a story she shares on Taiwan Talk. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In vitro fertilization or IVF has been practiced around the world for over four decades. Yale Medicine says over 10 million babies have been born via IVF around the world, and over half a million IVF babies are delivered every year. But even though IVF is globally accepted, it remains is highly regulated in Taiwan, and its use is under law remains limited, even as more than 21,000 couples have ben...

Everyone dreams of owning a business… but few people are honest about the challenges the endeavor can bring. Enter Jean-Trophime "Fim" Salomon; he's a former electronics industry executive and new owner of Taipei's Lutetia bakery. He talks about why -- and how -- he took on the task of rebuilding the decades-old Tienmu establishment. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

She was in entertainment -- the "family business" -- and with a famous uncle (高凌風)… but it was only a matter of time before Lareine Hsu (徐瑞蓮) decided it was time to make a switch. As the chef of a new and noteworthy Danbi in Los Angeles' Koreatown, Chef L now makes waves with her cooking. She talks swapping careers and what sustains her. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by Soun...

Telling and amplifying Taiwan's story in the US capital is not easy -- but John Dotson does just that through his role as Deputy Director of the Global Taiwan Institute -- a Washington DC-based think-tank dedicated to telling the Taiwan story. Dotson tells us about how he discovered Taiwan, what keeps him drawn to the island to this day, and why the task of helping craft a narrative for Taiwan as...

She made history by becoming the first woman to win to the Malko Competition -- an international competition for young conductors held every three years by the Danish Radio Symphony Orchestra. Taiwan American conductor Mei-Ann Chen talks about her trailblazing journey which took her from Taiwan's music schools to the best-known classical music chambers in the United States and Europe. Hosted by IC...

People from around the world are joining forces to raise Taiwan’s visibility on the global stage. ICRT’s Tim Berge talks to Ming Chiang, the president of Hello Taiwan. Founded in 2018, Hello Taiwan is dedicated to helping the world better understand Taiwan, its people and culture, and at the same time — do charity work to demonstrate Taiwan’s compassion and goodwill. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

YouBikes are an economical and easy way to get around Taiwan cities. Join us as we talk to YouBike CEO Vicky Yang and examine how the bright yellow bikes provide eco-friendly transportation and a healthy lifestyle to Taiwan residents — from Keelung to Taitung. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Vegetarians in Taipei were shocked when Herban Kitchen announced it was closing its doors in November 2024, and after 10 successful years in operation. That aside, owner Marco Henry Lapka tells us why he's still optimistic about the future of veggie dining in Taipei. Hosted by ICRT’s Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Ron Stuart has been an institution at ICRT since the 1990s… far longer than a good number of us have been around. He talks about what drew him to radio, the career opportunity he walked away from, and what eventually brought him to Taiwan. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

What was life like for a Taiwan immigrant starting life in the United States in the 1970s? Kunagnan Hsiao talks about what it was like to leave Taiwan at a time when many felt they had no options. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

On October 29, 2024 the Ministry of Justice issued a set of proposals looking to increase penalties for illegal abortions, much to the consternation of women's rights advocates in the country. One of those amendments would increase fines for pregnant women who have abortions in circumstances outside those listed in the Genetic Health Act from NT$3,000 to NT$80,000. The law took many aback, because...

Everyone dreams of becoming The Next Big Thing in Tech. But what does it really take to get there? Angel Investor Ryan Yang shares his experiences about what got him started in tech, and what he looks for when he's putting his faith in the future of a company. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn