The annual National Multicultural Festival (NMF), one of the most vibrant scenes in Canberra, was held from 16 to 18 February 2018 to unite the Australian community sharing the rich diversity of cultural traditions through food, dance, culture and creativity.
This year, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Australia (TECO) participated in the Festival by setting up Taiwan information stall for outreaching to the Australian community. The Taiwan stall featured ‘Mandarin-on-the-go in Taiwan’ which was launched last year by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Transportation and Communication’s Tourism Bureau to invite foreigners to learn about Taiwan’s culture through a combination of language and travel packages. The program aims to maximize the impact of Mandarin language learning through tours around Taiwan and help participants engage more with Taiwan’s local culture.
Decorated by Taiwanese Hakka floral patterned fabrics and Taiwan scenery posters, the Taiwan stall was greatly appreciated by the public during the Festival. A selection of the latest pamphlets on studying, traveling and working holiday in Taiwan were offered for introduction. The highlights include: Suliljaw Lusausatj, an indigenous Taiwanese (Paiwan) and the Ministry of Education funded PhD student at Australian National University, volunteered to introduce Taiwanese indigenous Paiwan tribe’s song and dance. Julie Tsai, language teacher of TACA Mandarin Language School - a newly established community school by Taiwanese Association of Canberra, Australia, offered ‘blow painting’ activity to engage with audience.
The Taiwan Stall at the NMF, which was organised by the Education Division at TECO in Australia, ran for one day on 17 of February. Taiwan’s Ministry of Education funded PhD student Suliljaw Lusausatj is promoting Taiwan to an Australian audience.