Guided by the holy light, a band of angels traveled far from home and came on a mission of love to Taiwan, where they put down roots all over the island. Choosing the road less traveled, they passed nearly a half century—from the prime of their lives up to the present—the trajectory of their lives converging on this island of dreams where their spirits burned brightly.
Such is the power of love that each in their own way these foreign missionaries, through dance, culture, education, the arts, or medicine, enacted their good deeds in the public interest, immersing themselves in the local life of town and country, their kindness leaving a deep impression on the daily life of the people. They enthusiastically enmeshed their own lives with our communities, devoting themselves without complaint or regret to their mission, and planting the seeds of love and compassion through their example.
Reading of their deeds fills our hearts with boundless gratitude. The bright light of their aims and achievements shines through in the stories of each of these angels. Their journeys of hope are as boundless as the sea and filled with birdsong and fragrance. Their example inspires eternal esteem and admiration.
In last month’s cover story we explored the world of Taiwanese enterprises in Malaysia, reporting on e-commerce entrepreneurs, farming enterprises, and second-generation Taiwanese businesspeople. In this issue we return to Malaysia with articles on education, culture, and Muslim-related business opportunities.
In our “Artists and Artisans” series, we introduce celebrated watercolorist Chen Yang Chun, whose innovative style combines Eastern and Western techniques. The founder of the Continental Watercolor Art Hwa-yang Awards, he has been invited to exhibit all over the world, and has also long acted as a cultural ambassador, raising Taiwan’s international profile and drawing attention to our nation’s accomplishments.
With roots in a Penghu fishing village, the Luperla Jewelry Company started out making mid-priced jewelry from pearls and coral. Today it is an international brand that carries the creative spirit of Taiwan’s craft industry around the globe by teaching and supporting craftspeople in other countries. We report on their efforts in the Solomon Islands and Marshall Islands.
Continuing our “Old Residences” series, this month we stop off in Chiayi to visit the former residence of Chen Cheng-po, known as the father of Taiwanese modernist painting, along with the museum dedicated to his memory. We also delve into the world of Kuo Su-jen, who has become a major figure in the movement to restore old buildings and infuse them with new life. Though her background is in the construction industry, her real passions are collecting art and fostering aesthetic appreciation. Through the restoration of a series of dilapidated structures in quiet side streets, she has created thriving spaces for young artists to realize their dreams.
As we join hands to face life’s uncertainties, we offer our heartfelt gratitude to those missionaries for their selfless contributions. As for love eternal, together let us continue to spread its message.
