From Local to Global
From Local to Global | Taitung on the International Stage: Speaking to the World Through Local Roots
Local is Global: Letting the voice of Taitung resonate across the world stage.
The uniqueness of Taitung is its most powerful asset in reaching an international audience. This seminar focuses on how Taitung transitions from a "local field" to a "global vision." Whether through soul-stirring performing arts, indigenous music, terroir-driven design, or universally appealing culinary and tourism brands, we will explore: How to build a cultural and industrial language that the world can understand, participate in, and connect with.
This is more than just exporting Taitung; it is a process of establishing a profound, two-way dialogue with the world.
Key Discussion Points:
The Power of Arts & Music: How local creations transcend language barriers to move international audiences.
Design & Brand Translation: Transforming Taitung’s elements of "terroir" into globally competitive visual and brand identities.
Culinary Culture & Sustainable Tourism: Creating local experience models that international travelers desire and can deeply engage with.
Building a Cultural Industry Language: Positioning Taitung as a cultural economy that is internationally compatible and regenerative.
1.Beyond the Prescription: Redefining Tourism Through the Lens of a Global Backpacker
Speaker:Chester Hsu
Organization & Title:
TC TIME WALK /CEO : The largest walking tour team in central Taiwan
Brief Professional Introduction
Chester Hsu, CEO of TC Time Walk, is a pharmacist and global backpacker who founded Central Taiwan's premier walking tour team. A seasoned consultant and leader, he integrates professional precision with a passion for storytelling to create immersive cultural journeys that connect local heritage with a global audience.
Topic Description
In an era of rapid digital shifts, how do we preserve the "human touch" in travel? Chester Hsu, founder of TC Time Walk, explores the transformative power of walking tours in revitalizing local communities and fostering global connections.
Drawing from his unconventional transition from a licensed pharmacist to a veteran global traveler, Chester shares his journey of building Central Taiwan’s largest walking tour team. This session delves into the intersection of healthcare-grade precision and adventurous storytelling, demonstrating how a "consultant mindset" can scale niche tourism into a sustainable, impactful business model.
Participants will discover strategies for authentic cultural branding, the art of mentoring professional guides, and why "walking" remains the most profound way to experience a city’s soul. Whether you are an entrepreneur or a cultural enthusiast, Chester offers a unique blueprint for blending cross-disciplinary expertise to create world-class travel experiences that resonate on a global stage.
2.Business Thinking and Travel Innovation
Speaker: Daniel Cheng
Organization & Title:RTM - Redefine Tourism Mixer Founder
Brief Professional Introduction
Daniel Cheng, founder of RTM Taiwan, the biggest travel innovator community in Taiwan, built in 2015, to connect startups, independent professionals, and industry partners across Asia. Through platforms like NextT Asia Acce;erator and T Master Incubator programs, he focuses on travel innovation, business collaboration, and helping people create new ways to work, live, and grow globally.
Topic Description
In today’s rapidly changing world, travel is no longer just about destinations ── it is about designing meaningful experiences and sustainable business models. Business thinking in travel innovation means understanding how value is created, delivered, and scaled within the industry.
As technology, especially AI, reshapes how people plan and experience travel, the real opportunity lies in combining human-centered design with strategic thinking. Travel innovation is not only about creating new products, but also about building ecosystems that connect creators, service providers, and customers.
Independent professionals and digital nomads are becoming key drivers of this shift. They bring flexibility, creativity, and cross-cultural perspectives, enabling new forms of collaboration and experience design.
In this session, we will explore how to think beyond traditional tourism models and develop business strategies that integrate community, technology, and global networks. The goal is to help participants see travel not just as an industry, but as a platform for innovation, personal growth, and meaningful connection.
3.Nomad in Taiwan_from strangers to local- the Taiwan Nomad Path
Speaker: Cindy
Organization & Title:Roots Coworking Space Founder
Brief Professional Introduction
Cindy Yang is a US-licensed dietitian and digital nomad based in Taiwan. After years on the road, she opened “Roots Coworking Space” in Chishang. Her dream is to continue nomading around the world while connecting international communities to the amazing remote-work lifestyle Taiwan has to offer!
Topic Description
This talk, “Nomad in Taiwan: From Strangers to Local – The Taiwan Nomad Path,” explores the journey of becoming a digital nomad and building meaningful connections in a new place.
Beginning with the motivation behind choosing a nomadic lifestyle, it reflects on the search for freedom, purpose, and alternative ways of living and working. The talk then shares the story behind the creation of Roots Coworking Space in Chishang, a space designed to connect travelers, remote workers, and local communities.
It also introduces the Nomad Co-Retreat, an experimental co-living and co-creation gathering that brings together people from different backgrounds to live, work, and exchange ideas. Through these experiences, the talk highlights how temporary visitors can gradually become part of a place.
Finally, it looks ahead to the future of digital nomadism in Taitung—exploring its potential to foster deeper cultural exchange, sustainable local engagement, and new forms of collaboration between global and local communities.