Taiwan Talk

Carrie Kellenberger is no ordinary expatriate. The courageous businesswoman is an advocate for the rights of disabled members of the foreign community in Taiwan. She speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about a day in her life and what it is like to live in the fringes of a much-lauded successful healthcare system that has left her -- and others like her -- behind.

Its logo pays homage to Jazz legend Charlie "Yardbird" Parker. Its flavors all feature a play on words related to jazz. David Pan's devotion to the genre can be seen all over Bebop, the premium ice cream label he began during Taiwan's COVID lockdown. Pan joined us to talk about Bebop's beginnings and as a bonus, he gives us lessons on how to begin a business venture -- and when to walk away from one -- as a self-described serial start-up entrepreneur.

Didn't know Taiwan had locally-made cheese? We didn't either until we caught up with Henry Gerard of Dida Creamery, whose products are a prominent part of the menu at a number of restaurants across the island. Henry spent an afternoon catching up with I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo, to talk about his business, Taiwan's dairy industry, and why Taiwan was --and is -- a 'gouda' place to set up a cheese business.

He's known to his fans as Taiwan's answer to Kenny G. At the height of his musical career, saxophone player Corbett Wall was a transformative force in Taiwan's music scene, which was once dominated by mando-pop and folk music. He speaks to I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo about the forces that shaped his sound, and whether he still plays the instrument that altered his life today.

Ray Ko is a freediving instructor based on Taiwan's Xiaoliuqiu Island, and an enthusiastic advocate of the sport and its benefits.

What does it take to modernize a cultural icon? The National Theater and Concert Hall's Director of Programming and International Development Ting-Chun Lin talks to ICRT's Hope Ngo about the theatre's digital projects and how lessons learnt during the COVID-19 has given rise to a new theatre experience.

Ill Mo (老莫) is a Taiwanese rapper and hip hop artist, and teaches English as an assistant professor at Chihlee University (致理科技大學).

Kevin Magee is the former Australian Representative in Taipei, having effectively served as an Australian ambassador, but under the complicated dynamics of the "One China Policy".

Barry Martinson is known for his books, his music, and his work with stained glass. Even with his accomplishments, it is difficult to quantify how much Jesuit priest Barry Martinson and his brother Jerry (aka KPS' "Uncle Jerry") have done for the lives they touched. Martinson reminisces about his brother Jerry, and the brothers' legacy of service for the benefit of Taiwan.

How do Taiwan's white-collar workers compare with other labor pools in other markets? What can you do to get ahead -- whether you're new to the job market, or looking for work? John Winter, Taiwan Country Manager for global recruitment specialist Robert Walters gives us his take on what makes Taiwan's labor force stand out, and whether there are areas it can improve.