Mon, Mar 24, 2003 page7

• Taipei's Cultural Affairs Bureau head a real talent

  • By Sandy Huang / STAFF REPORTER
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  Admitting that transforming himself from a writer and university professor to director of the Taipei City Government's Bureau of Culture Affairs was no small task, Liao Hsien-hao (廖咸浩) said he is now ready to rock and roll and hopes his undertakings will eventually lead the Taipei citizenry to embrace culture to become part of their daily life.

  "I personally feel that culture should be perceived as part of our emotions and not merely just a rational understanding," said Liao, known for his singing talent. "It's my aim therefore to work to create an environment where culture and sentiment can be incorporated into everyone's life."

  Appointed by Taipei Mayor Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) in late January, Liao, chairman of the department of foreign languages and literature at National Taiwan University (NTU) assumed the directorship of the Bureau of Cultural Affairs on Thursday following the resignation of Lung Ying-tai (龍應台), who wishes to return to her vocation as a writer.

  Liao said that he had struggled with the decision on whether or not to accept the directorship when he was first approached.

  "Culture is the basis of the economy," Liao said. "Given the current state of our [sluggish] economy, I, after giving it some thought, am willing to take on the post for the sake of the continuous development of our culture."

  Ma said he chose Liao largely due to his administrative experience, literature background and good image.

  Describing Liao as a "good-looking young man," political critic Nan Fang Shuo (南方朔), who also served as the head of Taipei City Government's search committee for the vacant post left by Lung, said that Liao is qualified for the job because of his impressive educational and literary background.

  Liao, 48, earned a bachelor's and master's degree in Foreign Languages and Literature from National Taiwan University (NTU). He holds a doctorate in literature from Stanford University and was a Fulbright Visiting Fellow to Princeton University between 1996 and 1997 for research purposes.

  Liao began teaching at the Department of foreign languages and literature at NTU in 1985 and assumed chairmanship of the department last year.

  In addition, Liao serves as the president of the Comparative Literature Association of ROC and is a council member to the English-American Literature Association of ROC and the Cultural Studies Association, Taiwan.

  His writing ranges from poems to criticism. Liao also speaks French, Japanese, Mandarin, Taiwanese and English.

  Liao was among the people who helped draft Ma's White Paper on cultural policies five years ago when Ma was running for his Taipei mayoral seat in 1998 against then incumbent Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁).

  Liao said his top priority would be to strengthen international interaction for Taipei's citizenry while at the same time work to revive the city's traditional culture.

  "Traditional cultures are rapidly disappearing as Taiwan turns itself into a globalized society," Liao said. "I however don't think Taiwan will become more competitive just because we are modernized and know how to speak English."

  Saying that such a narrow interpretation of a "globalized society" would make people more anxious and hysterical, Liao said it is his goal therefore to create an environment to promote and to bring on a co-existence of modern and traditional cultures.

  He added that the bureau would also focus on the needs of the general public, saying it was vital that more people became involved in cultural activities at a community level.

  Chang Ching-erh (張靜二), professor at NTU's department of foreign languages and literature, said he is confident in Liao's capability in the new post.

  "Liao managed issues and conflicts well during his tenure as the department chair," said Chang, a colleague of Liao's at NTU. "He also enjoyed a good rapport with people around the department."

  Chang, however, pointed out that the political arena, unlike the innocent atmosphere on a college campus, could be dark and crude.
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