Cultural performance by Taiwan International Youth Ambassadors 'a great success'

The premiere of the Taiwan International Youth Ambassadors to Europe and Africa was performed before an enthusiastic audience on 2 September, in Luxembourg City Concert Hall. Around 450 spectators attended, among which were Colette Mart, deputy Mayor of Luxembourg City, Cécile Hemmen, member of the Luxemburg parliament, and Astrid Lulling, president of the Luxemburg-Taiwan Association. Youth Ambassadors also performed to the Sacre-Coeur des Soeurs Franciscaines, Hopital Intercommunal de Steinfort, La Maison de Soins Elysis in Luxembourg, bringing warmth to the patients.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) has conducted the International Youth Ambassadors Exchange Programme since 2009. This program, which allows talented young people to participate in international affairs and broaden their horizons, has increased familiarity with Taiwan’s culture and development in the host countries. In addition, through international exchange and interaction, the Youth Ambassadors can facilitate international peace and co-operation by improving cross-cultural understanding.

This year, MOFA has selected 160 college and university students to serve as Youth Ambassadors, dividing them into 10 delegations, 3 of which visited Europe. The delegation to Luxembourg also visited Germany and Swaziland, and the remaining two delegations visited Turkey, Oman, Poland, Slovakia, and also Ireland, the UK, Portugal and the São Tomé e Príncipe.

The theme for the 2015 delegation is “Youth from Taiwan, Compassion for All,” which aims to not only highlight the vitality and openness of Taiwanese youth, but also highlight Taiwan’s continuing commitment to issues of global concern, such as humanitarian aid and sustainable development.

Introduction to the performance

The show, entitled Energetic New Taiwan, was divided into 6 main themes focusing on nature, a lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS), cultural heritage, cuisine, cultural creativity, and warmth.

The first theme highlighted Taiwan’s natural environment, so the dancers portrayed the contrast between the forests and clouds to an accompaniment of indigenous music. Through the indigenous song “Ho-Hai-Yan Ocean,” the audience was introduced to some popular recreational activities of the Taiwanese people: cycling, hiking, and snorkeling.

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With regard to the second theme, cultural heritage, Taiwan boasted tremendous ethnic and cultural diversity. By combining indigenous, children’s, and Hakka music, the dancers portrayed the many different communities who have made Taiwan into what it is today. Music from the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon marked the beginning of a martial arts presentation that introduces traditional Chinese culture.

Next, various types of cuisine were introduced through dance, rap, singing, and kung fu, and the section on cultural creativity drew attention to Taiwan’s high- tech industry. This features scintillating light effects and a film showing Taiwan’s role as one of the world’s largest producers of high-tech products.

The final theme, focusing on the warmth of Taiwan’s people, was emphasized through the delegation motif “Youth from Taiwan, Compassion for All.” The activities of Taiwan’s NGOs were underlined in the areas of humanitarian affairs, human rights and sustainability, and the members of the delegation were then introduced one by one with short a film highlighting their preparations for the Program, to finish the show.

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