2009-05-30

Thank you, Taiwan! International Students of Transworld Institute of Technology Cycling around Taiwan

Despite being bereft of hope in the wake of 2004 Tsunami Catastrophe in South Asia, the Indonesian students (originally from Pesamuhan Bodhicitta Mandala, Medan) are grateful to be able to study in Taiwan and graduate from Transworld Institute of Technology (TIT) thanks to the financial aid and kind support rendered. To appreciate the Taiwanese as well as to disseminate the spirit of environmental protection, they have planned to embark on a meaningful 15-day "Thank You, Taiwan" journey by cycling around Taiwan. Brainchild of this proposal is Mr. Hengky Albert Waroka, a graduating student of Department of Environment Resources, and is just admitted to Graduate School of Forestry and Resource Conservation, National Taiwan University. His Indonesian counterparts are greatly in response to this activity. A flag-giving ceremony is especially hosted by TIT President Dr. Shu-Hsiang Hsu on May 30 at the Center for International Affairs.


The Indonesian participants are graduating students of the Department of Biotechnology, Ms. Viriya Jony (admitted to the Graduate School of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University), Mr. Irvan Prawira Julius (admitted to the Graduate School of Agronomy, National Chung Hsing University), Mr. Hermanto Wijaya (admitted to the Graduate School of Plant Industry, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology), and Mr. Hendra Hudaya; Mr. Denni, Mr. Henry, Ms. Srinity, Ms. Yanti, and Mr. Hendra Fu from the Department of Environment Resources; and Ms. Megawati from the Department of Tourism and Hospitality. Their respective friends studying at Chaoyang University of Technology and Jinwen University of Science and Technology will join them. Money-raising sales for eco-environmental causes will also be held along the way and altogether donated to the Foundation for the Protection of Tropical Rainforests.

The proposed "Thank You, Taiwan! Cycling around Taiwan Journey" will set out from Transworld Institute of Technology, then travel southward to Tainan, Kaohsiung, Taitung, Hualien, and finally to Taipei. Their itinerary in Taipei includes visiting the Red Cross Society, Yonglin Foundation, and Office of the President. They wish to express their sincere gratitude to President Ma Ying-jeou in person.
If you happen to meet these Indonesian friends of Taiwan, please cheer them on and back them up to show our friendship and hospitality!

Special thanks are due to Hakka TV, Central News Agency, United Daily News, The Liberty Times, The China Times, Epoch Times, Taiwan Environmental Information Center, and Coolloud for making this event a newsworthy one.