He receives US$3,000 per month, and he can sell a medium-sized oil painting for some US$5,000. He also receives payments for lecturing. In 2002 he was elected one of the association's six board members.
Hsieh's life story is now part of Taiwan's lore. It is included in textbooks for elementary and high-school children and was made into a 30-episode TV series in 2003, in which he played himself as an adult.
He wrote a biography in 2002 which was adapted into a children's book a year later.
Now 47, Hsieh devotes a great deal of time to helping others.
"Do you know anyone who is more unfortunate than me? But do you also know anyone who is as lucky as me?" are the two questions he often asks audiences when invited to speak at public events.
"I was given so much help and kindness in my life by people I didn't know, and I want to give whatever I can to the needy," Hsieh says.
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