Taiwan Talk

Taiwan is known around the world for its cutting-edge high tech parks as well as its revolutionary health care system. But underneath all this lies a social issue experienced around the world -- one involving the unhoused. This episode we look at the issue of homelessness in Taipei through the eyes of Luke Pigott, Project Manager at Salt Collectiv, which brings together international volunteers working for the interests of the vulnerable and marginalized. We also hear from "Uncle Liang" -- who sheds light on the personal experiences of the unhoused and through the lens of his own experiences. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Old-timers who have lived here for decades may remember a time when dining options that went beyond Taiwanese cuisine were very limited. But that's changed, thanks in part to the presence of restaurants like MK or Mayur Indian Kitchen. The restaurant chain is a byword for Indian cuisine on the island. ICRT's Hope Ngo speaks with Mayur Srivastava -- whose hard work and determination turned MK into a cuisine powerhouse. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan's presence on the global stage is often hindered due to international politics. But, the recent visit to Taipei by Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego points to a practical solution. As Tamkang Univeristy professor of Diplomacy and International Affairs James Chen explains, urban diplomacy opens diplomacy at the subnational level, and can lead to practical and positive solutions which impact our everyday lives. ICRT's Hope Ngo and Tim Berge tell us more. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Over the next decade Taiwan hopes to add at least one giga-watt of geo-thermal energy to its electrical grid, or the equivalent of one nuclear reactor. This week in Taiwan Talk, ICRT’s Tim Berge speaks to Van Hoang from Sweden’s Baseload Power… which recently signed an agreement in Hualien to develop a geothermal plant in the Hongye community. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Those of us who are happy to see 2025 behind us may be excited for what's ahead. But if we're looking for more quiet times ahead, we may not get our wish. Feng Shui Master Roger Lan tells us how we might be able to take (some) control of what he promises will be a fast-paced year. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

"Invisible Nation" is a living account of Tsai’s tightrope walk as she balances the hopes and dreams of her nation between the colossal geopolitical forces of the U.S. and China. Invisible Nation captures Tsai at work in her country’s vibrant democracy, while seeking full international recognition of Taiwan’s right to exist. - from "Invisible Nation" Award-winning filmmaker Vanessa Hope ties her personal journey to that of bringing the documentary to the screen, and how -- even three years after it was first released-- "Invisible Nation" remains relevant to the discourse about and surrounding Taiwan. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

The Christmas season hits differently for Taiwan's foreign community whose memories of the holiday season involves more than just mall visits, trees, and carols piped in through the audio system. We speak to three European businessmen who have chosen to make Taiwan their home in this special holiday edition of Taiwan Talk. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

2025 was full of surprises and unexpected turns for many economies around the world … including Taiwan's.ING's Chief Economist for Greater China Lynn Song gives us his hot takes on what made 2025 a banner one for Taiwan, and he looks ahead to the tailwinds -- and headwinds -- that are likely to influence our business outcomes in the coming year. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan is home to numerous natural disasters and other threats, making civil defense a top priority. Compounding matters, many people don't know how to prepare, or understand what to do when calamity strikes. Meeting this challenge is the Resilience Roadmap, from longtime resident John Groot. The guidebook includes everything you need to know -- in English -- to prepare for a rainy day. Hosted by ICRT's Tim Berge. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Not everyone might be enchanted with the idea of vegan gelato -- but Nice Cream could be the brand that convinces hard-nosed skeptics to change their minds. The brand which has two thumbs up from noted vegan site Happy Cow got its start in Taiwan and has gone from strength to strength, thanks to hard work and determination on the part of its owners Mirko and Patty. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This week ICRT's Tim Berge hops on his wheels. Tourists from around the world travel to Taiwan to explore its mountains, valleys and coastlines by bicycle. Viola van Onselen and Erik van Onselen-de Jong originally came to Taiwan to pursue higher education, but quickly got the cycling bug. To stay healthy and escape urban pressure, they began exploring the beauty and charms of Taiwan by bike. And their book “A Cyclist’s Guide to Taiwan”, is the product of their adventures. The book is easy to understand, covers all of Taiwan, and includes breathtaking photos which chronicle their adventures. Get your copy of the book online, at onsgo.org/shop. Aired 12/1/25 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

If You Know, You Know. That's probably what death metal fans would say about the island's thriving death metal scene, which has spawned the likes of bands including Assaasin, Chthonic, Dharma, and Flesh Juicer. To mark the first ever Formosa: Finland: Fest, we took a closer look at Taiwan's thriving metal scene with the help of a few friends: Deputy Representative and Trade Representative of the Finland Trade Center Jere Tala, and Frank Chu of the band Second Round. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo and Jacob Ingram. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

His works are bold, powerful, and memorable. Taiwan-based Mongolian artist Tsengkun Engkhbold talks about how he got his start in Taiwan, and how his father's works served as an inspiration for his art. Enkghbold holds a joint exhibition with his father in December. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan may be an up-and-coming international destination -- but not every country is equally represented here. We caught up with Fan Di Shen ( 范低紳) or "Dave", the owner of carpet gallery "Arsham" who spoke to us about what drew the Iranian to make Taiwan his home, and what it took to turn his carpet art gallery into a success. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In this week's Taiwan Talk, ICRT's Tim Berge talks to former Interior Minister and NTU Civll Engineering professor Lee Hong-yuan about the Guangfu tragedy in Hualien, from its cause to what needs to be done moving forward. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

If the pandemic helped accelerate changes in Taiwan's dining scene -- were there similar factors that influenced Taiwan's spirits scene? Former Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei and veteran retail expert Steve Parker explains why he thinks democracy made it possible for Taiwan's homegrown wine and spirits industry to thrive. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Tim Berge and Hope Ngo. Also check out past discussions with Taiwanese wine expert Leona di Pasquale and Weightstone Vineyards' Vivian Yang. I-C-R-T would like to take this opportunity to remind you to consume alcohol responsibly. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Can someone work in several Michelin kitchens and start from scratch to build his own? That's what we asked Leonardo Fonseca Celis who recently set up his own restaurant Fon-Cé in Taipei. He talks about his challenges and his dreams. Hosted by ICRT 's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

International Director of The Michelin Guides Gwendal Poullennec returns to Taiwan Talk to share his thoughts about how Taiwan's dining scene evolved for the better after the pandemic. And in this exclusive chat, one of the guide's anonymous chief inspectors tells us how the guides identify and rank Taiwan's acclaimed Bib Gourmand restaurants. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

In late September, U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued a shock announcement: that it was issuing a Withold Release Order on Giant Manufacturing -- a move that bans bicycles, bicycle parts, and accessories manufactured in Taiwan. International Trade & Customs Attorney James Ransdell explains the order, the actions Giant can take to get it lifted, and whether this can be linked to Taipei's trade negotiations with Washington. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Coming to Taipei’s DaDaoCheng neighborhood in October is the annual Tua-Tiu-Tiann International Festival of Arts (or… T-T TIFA). For this week’s Taiwan Talk, ICRT’s Tim Berge spoke to Matt Fullen and Taylor Chuang about one of Taiwan’s premier music and arts festivals. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn