Taiwanese in England on Saturday launched Formosa House, a space dedicated to connecting the local community with Taiwanese culture.
The Manchester Taiwanese Association opened Formosa House, the first of its kind established by overseas Taiwanese in Europe, in Greater Manchester’s Stretford area, the home of the Premier League soccer team Manchester United.
The association, which was established in 2015 for overseas Taiwanese living in the Greater Manchester area in northwest England, purchased the space to host activities connecting Taiwanese and local communities such as through Mandarin classes and movie screenings.
Photo: CNA
Representative to the UK Kelly Hsieh (謝武樵), British Member of Parliament Kate Green and Trafford Councilor Fianna Hornby gave speeches at the opening of the house.
Representative to Germany Shieh Jhy-wey (謝志偉) and nearly 100 overseas Taiwanese, along with family and friends, also attended the opening, where Taiwanese delicacies such as thickened vermicelli soup and winter melon tea were served.
The opening was followed by a barbecue and karaoke party.
The establishment of Formosa House is historically important as “a bellwether not only for overseas Taiwanese in the UK, but all over Europe,” Hsieh said.
He said he hopes the house can serve as a bridge between Taiwan and local communities and contribute to the city.
Green said she was proud Formosa House is in her district, adding that locals would seize the opportunity to learn about Taiwan and interact with Taiwanese, as Manchester is a “diverse and lively city.”
The UK is paying more attention to Taiwan, especially its political situation, and becoming more interested in Taiwan’s cultural, economic and scientific achievements, she said.
She encouraged Taiwanese to invest in Greater Manchester, as it is home to many higher education institutions, as well as companies and talent in high-tech, construction and art.
The local government’s efforts to improve transportation, nurture talent and create a positive work environment over the past five years have received positive feedback from investors, she said.
Manchester Taiwanese Association chairwoman Christina Tsai (蔡惠玉) is the driving force behind Formosa House, and the convener of the annual Passport To Taiwan Festival since 2016.
In 2018, the festival included a two-day business activity at Albert Square in the center of Manchester, she said.
Amis singer Suming and Taiwanese rock band The Chairman (董事長樂團) have been invited to perform at the events, she added.
The goal behind the annual festival and establishing Formosa House is to “bond Taiwanese people and connect with local communities,” Tsai said, adding that there are 3,000 to 5,000 Taiwanese living in Greater Manchester.
Green is to see “what else [the parliament] can do for Taiwan,” and Hornby is to introduce local organizations to potentially work with the group, Tsai said.
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