A recent FTV talk show invited three officials involved with Taiwan-Australia affairs. During the show, Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner Juna Ferrett recounted fondly her childhood in Taiwan; while Chen Chiu-yen, member of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, or OCAC talked about her experience fostering cultural exchanges for over two decades in Australia. Together with OCAC Minister Hsu Chia-ching, they held a lively discussion on developing closer Taiwan-Australia ties.

Melody Chen
OCAC member
Everything’s within reach in Taiwan. But in Australia, wow, it’s like you can’t get anywhere. It took some time getting used to.

Member of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Chen Chiu-yen has been a Taiwanese expat in Australia for three decades. Currently, Chen is also the chair of the Australia Taiwan Culture Foundation and a painter.

Melody Chen
OCAC member
I painted Yushan, because it’s the pride of Taiwan. I also painted Taipei 101, because I want people in Australia to see Taiwan.

Chen is active in Queensland’s art scene. For more than 20 years, she’s painted the beauty of Taiwan. In 2003 she founded the World Arts & Multi-Culture Inc., a foundation that’s introduced Taiwan’s top music and stage performance groups to Australia, including the likes of Ju Percussion Group, the Chio-Tian Folk Drums & Art Troupe, and the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra.

Juna Ferrett, Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner has Indigenous Taiwanese and Australian heritage. She lived in Taiwan until sixth grade and still has fond memories of Taitung.

Juna Ferrett
Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner
When I was little I often went to the hot springs in Kanalung. Great times. I remember there was a small suspension bridge, a red one, I remember it clearly. Two weeks ago I went back and saw that they’ve built a new bridge, completely brand new. I was really touched.

Of all places, Ferrett remembered a bridge near her childhood home. Meanwhile, Minister of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Hsu Chia-ching shared her views on fostering closer Taiwan-Australia relations.

Hsu Chia-ching
OCAC minister
Australia has strong tourism, agriculture and mining industries. These are the main drivers of their economy. Whereas Taiwan has an edge in high tech, healthcare and biotechnology. I’ve always thought Australia and Taiwan are the most complementary pair of countries.

Hsu said Taiwan and Australia are a great example of the sum being greater than its parts.

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