Taiwan Talk

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  Taiwan's Net-Zero Race: Can Renewables Catch Up? 14.09.2026 11Min.

  Taiwan aims to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, but how close is it to meeting its renewable-energy goals? Taiwan Talk host Tim Berge speaks with** Bin Fu, Taiwan Country Manager at Lightsource bp**, and *Weiwei Tseng, Chairperson of wpd Taiwan*, about the state of solar and wind power, the permitting and land-use challenges facing developers, the role of energy storage, and what Taiwan must do now to keep its energy transition moving. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Made in Taiwan: An American Airman's Homecoming 07.09.2026 11Min.

  Made in Taiwan: TC Brown Returns After Five Decades Episode description TC Brown arrived in Taiwan in 1968 as an 18-year-old US Air Force military policeman who knew almost nothing about the country. The four years he spent here during the Vietnam War era would change his life. More than five decades later, Brown returned to discover a country transformed. In this episode of Taiwan Talk, the veteran journalist and author of "Made in Taiwan" recalls the Taiwan he first encountered, reflects on the people and experiences that shaped him, and explains why he believes part of him was truly "Made in Taiwan". -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  From Taiwan Student to SVG Ambassador: Kenton X. Chance 31.08.2026 11Min.

  Two decades after first coming to Taiwan as a visiting journalist and later returning as a scholarship student, Kenton X. Chance is back in a new role: Ambassador of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. As SVG and Taiwan mark 45 years of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Chance joins ICRT's Tim Berge to discuss Taiwan's international participation, opportunities for deeper economic cooperation and the people-to-people ties connecting the two countries. He also reflects on food, language and how Taiwan has changed since his student days. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Spirits and Scholarship: Academia Sinica's Paul Katz Explores Taiwan's Ghost Traditions 28.08.2026 16Min.

  Academia Sinica Scholar Paul Katz enjoys a deep fascination with Taiwan's ghost culture — from local folklore to the beliefs that still shape everyday life. We talk about how he first got drawn into the subject, what makes Taiwan's supernatural traditions distinct, and why these stories continue to matter in a modern, secular society. A fascinating dive into the island's spiritual undercurrents in time for Ghost Month… Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Why "all politics is local" for TECO Los Angeles' Director General Jason Poyuan Ma 18.08.2026 13Min.

  Jason Ma is the current Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles and has represented Taiwan some of the world's most consequential postings. He unpacks what sets multilateral EU diplomacy apart from the bilateral, high-stakes dynamics of DC, and why, at the end of the day, the adage "all politics is local" holds particularly true. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Selling Taiwan's Harvest Abroad: Sunray Fresh General Manager Kris Tang Shares An Importer's Perspective 11.08.2026 15Min.

  On July 1, a shipment of Irwin mangoes from Tainan and black-leaf lychees from Taichung cleared customs in Manchester, marking Taiwan's first official export of these fruits to the United Kingdom for 2026. Getting the fruit from Taiwan to UK supermarket shelves was not easy. In this edition of Taiwan Talk, Sunray Fresh General Manager Kris Tang talks to Hope Ngo about the challenges the importer faced to get the fruit from Taiwan's farms onto British tables. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Resilience by Design: Enoch Wu on Preparing Taiwan to Face the Unknown 03.08.2026 16Min.

  Resilience has become Taiwan's watchword — but what does it actually mean when the threat could be a typhoon, an earthquake, or an enemy encroachment? Enoch Wu, founder of Forward Alliance and a former National Security Council official, has spent five years turning that question into a training program for ordinary citizens. We talk about what whole-of-society defense really requires — and whether volunteer readiness can hold up without more state support. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Taking a deep dive into Taiwan's Drone Rush: A Conversation with Akira Itoh 27.07.2026 13Min.

  Japan-based Akira Itoh is a "drone evangelist" who has written extensively about the birth and development of Taiwan's budding UAV industry. Itoh has tracked Taiwan's progress as it endeavors to create a drone hub from near-scratch. He also shares his thoughts on why delivering on a 'non-red' supply chain may not be as simple as it sounds. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Life in Bite-Sized Pieces: A Conversation with Content Creator Sonya Chang 15.07.2026 14Min.

  Content creator Sonya Chang is the mind behind "Sonya Bites Life.". We dig into her process, what keeps her inspired, and how she turns everyday moments into content that once won her a Zagat Foodie Award for her prominent role in the U.S. Pacific Northwest culinary scene. A candid look at creativity, consistency, and finding your voice online. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Family, Flavor, and Chifa: A Conversation with Michelin Bib Chef John Liu 09.07.2026 15Min.

  Chef John Liu of Los Angeles Michelin Bib restaurant Chifa joins us to talk about his culinary journey and the inspirations behind his cooking. We dig into his ties with Taiwan through his dad, his creative partnership with brother-in-law and noted designer Umberto Leon and how family shapes both the kitchen and the menu. A warm conversation about heritage, collaboration, and the meaning of home through food. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Sewing Aunties, Assemble! Filmmaker Valerie Soe talks about the early days of the COVID-19 Crisis 06.07.2026 13Min.

  She's known for documenting the popular Love Boat phenomenon of the 90s and early 2000s. Now, filmmaker Valerie Soe tells the story of the the grassroots network of "aunties" who sewed masks for their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak.The Auntie Sewing Squad Resistance Playbook, is a moving look at solidarity, craft, and community in crisis. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo -- first aired on May 18, 2016. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Betty Song Builds Bridges from Taiwan to Denmark with the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Denmark 23.06.2026 8Min.

  Betty Song is founder and head of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce Denmark. Sheshares the story behind one of the newest voices in the Taiwan business community abroad. From her early life to her decision to build an organization from the ground up, Betty opens up about what drives her — and what she hopes the Chamber will mean for Taiwan's presence in Denmark. Hosted by I.C.R.T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Passport to Purpose: Taiwan Representative to Denmark Robin Cheng's Journey in Diplomacy 08.06.2026 12Min.

  Taiwan Representative to Denmark Robin J.C. Cheng's career in Taiwan's Foreign Service spans several stints across the United States, Tuvalu, and now Denmark. The de-facto ambassador traces his path from law student to seasoned diplomat, and opens up about what he hopes to achieve for Taiwan in the northern European country. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Encore Presentation: Lin King on the award winning "Taiwan Travelogue" 25.05.2026 14Min.

  -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Dumplings to Diplomacy -- Chatting with EETO Head Lutz Guellner 11.05.2026 31Min.

  This week on Taiwan Talk, Tim Berge sits down with Lutz Guellner, Head of the European Economic and Trade Office in Taiwan, to mark Europe Day — the anniversary of the landmark 1950 Schuman Declaration that laid the foundations for the European Union. We explore the EETO's mission in Taiwan, from trade and economics to culture and people-to-people ties. Plus, we look at how the relationship between Europe and Taiwan has evolved in recent years. Finally we get personal — hearing about Mr. Guellner's journey to Taiwan, his favorite experiences here, and the local taste-treats he's come to love, and cook! -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Tried & Tested — three Taiwan newcomers share their recipes for success 29.04.2026 12Min.

  What do a luxury hotel, a luxury steakhouse, and an audacious vegan ice cream maker have in common? Capella Taipei, Smith and Wollensky, and Nice Cream saw opportunities within the entertainment as well as food and beverage spaces and became successes. I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo talks to them about their recipes for success. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  It's "Game On" for English language sports broadcasters Ryan and Taylor Chen 02.04.2026 15Min.

  They first returned to Taiwan to get away from COVID, and they've since found success as Taiwan's English-language, sibling broadcasting duo. Ryan and Taylor Chen talk about what its like to work with siblings, and the audience they're building, one season at a time. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Taiwan in the Trade Crosshairs: What the 301 Investigation means to U.S. Taiwan Relations 16.03.2026 10Min.

  Section 301 of the U-S Trade Act of 1974 is a broad tool which authorizes the sitting U.S. President to negotiate trade agreements, reduce tariffs, and combat unfair foreign trade practices. In mid-March, the U.S. Trade Representative's office put Taiwan on two 301-related lists: one for failing to take action over structural excess capacity, and the other, for failing to take action over accusations of false labor. International Trade attorney James Ransdell explains the regulation, and how it is being used against traditional U-S allies today. Hosted by I.C.R.T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  Chili Ever After — Jane and Alex Denner Dishes Up the story behind Empress Hot Sauce 09.03.2026 12Min.

  It takes plenty of courage to go from "I could do this" to "I did it"… but Jane and Alex Denner did that when they launched Empress Hot Sauce. The brand is known for taking Taiwan's well-loved fruits and spicing them up to create Western-style companions to any meal. Hosted by Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn
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  How Navigating Two Cultures Shaped Asian-American Activist HoChie Tsai's Identity 26.02.2026 19Min.

  HoChie Tsai was just a toddler when his family moved to the U.S. But unlike many immigrants, Tsai's parents were fleeing political repression under martial law in Taiwan. Tsai talks about that legacy, and how that helped to shape his identity first as an Asian American activist and physician. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn