On November 16th, members of the San Diego and Los Angeles chapters of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA) met for their first face to face cross-chapter interaction at Yiya Formosa. Approximately 50 students and 40 parents participated, alongside special guests Council Member of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Steve Hsieh, Senior Adviser of the Overseas Community Affairs Council Robert Yang, consulting mentor of FASCA-LA Jennifer Hsu, and consulting mentors Marian Liu, lecturer Irene Wang and assistant mentor Adam Wang of FASCA-SD.
The event began with a presentation by the Property Director Susan Hsu on Yiya Formosa’s history and its contributions to the local community, including opportunities for volunteering at next year’s Taiwan Fest. A highlight of the afternoon was a tea-making session by Tea Master Alice Young where students explored six types of tea—Green, White, Yellow, Oolong, Red, and Black—and learned the process of crafting Taiwan’s famous High Mountain Oolong tea. The tea-tasting experience gave participants a chance to savor authentic flavors and connect with Taiwan’s rich tea culture.
The event also featured creative arts and crafts activities, including making 3D sponge charms, crafting pumpkins with pipe cleaners, and designing personalized fans. These activities encouraged creativity and problem-solving while allowing students to create unique keepsakes. A teamwork challenge followed, where groups of six worked together to construct the tallest structure using balloons and tape, promoting leadership, communication, and strategic thinking.
To conclude, students explored Taiwanese shops in the venue, bonding with peers and experiencing cultural items such as snacks, tea, and handmade trinkets. The event strengthened connections between the two chapters while celebrating shared heritage.
Reflecting on the event, Marian Liu shared, “This cross-chapter interaction showcased the students’ creativity, leadership, and enthusiasm for sharing Taiwanese culture.“ “Events like this deepen their sense of cultural identity and foster meaningful connections,” said Jennifer Hsu.
Council Member Steve Hsieh and Senior Adviser Robert Yang both praised the event, encouraging students to continue promoting Taiwan’s rich traditions through cultural exchange.
This successful gathering demonstrated the power of cultural education and teamwork, leaving participants eager for future collaborations.
