On Oct 25th 2026, with Halloween just around the corner, the FASCA Vancouver Chapter organized a Halloween-themed cultural event and online exchange with the FASCA New York Chapter. The event was planned by Senior FASCA members Olivia Chung, Henry Chen, Sophie Chou, Jonathan Wu, and Elina Lin, alongside New York Senior FASCA member Damian Chin. Combining cultural learning with cross-chapter exchange, the event was made possible with the guidance and support of FASCA mentors who helped facilitate this meaningful opportunity for members to connect, learn, and share cultural experiences across chapters.
The event began with a cultural presentation led by Senior FASCA Olivia Chung, who introduced Halloween traditions from different parts of the world, including Mexico, before exploring Halloween-related customs and spiritual traditions in Taiwan's Ghost Festival. Members learned about Taiwanese seasonal customs observed from July through October, as well as Taiwanese horror and fantasy films. Through the presentation, participants gained a broader understanding of how traditions and stories are passed down between generations, helping preserve and share Taiwan's cultural heritage. To conclude the presentation, members put their newly acquired knowledge on the test in a lively game. Participants eagerly competed to answer questions about the cultural information covered during the presentation, creating an energetic and interactive learning environment.
Following a short intermission, the FASCA Vancouver Chapter welcomed members of the FASCA New York Chapter for a virtual exchange. The meeting also welcomed Deputy Director Liao Shuhui, whose participation helped make the cross-chapter gathering a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange and connection. The virtual meeting began with kind remarks from Shu Chen Kuo, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver and Shuhui Liao, Deputy Director of Cultural Center of TECO in New York. Shu Chen Kuo encouraged the FASCA members to continue to bridge with the New York FASCA Chapter, and Shuhui Liao thanked Vancouver for hosting this event and looks forward to future exchanges. Afterwards, members from both chapters introduced themselves, and participants quickly discovered common interests that helped break the ice and create a welcoming atmosphere.
As the event continued, members from Vancouver and New York found similarities in their favorite foods and drinks. One Vancouver FASCA member shared his love of bubble tea, only to discover that a member from the FASCA New York Chapter shared the same preference. Small moments like these helped bridge the distance between the two chapters, demonstrating how shared interests can bring people together despite living in different cities. New York Senior FASCA member Damian Chin shared a presentation on Mount Banping, introducing its cultural significance, history, and the stories associated with this unique landmark. Through his presentation, members learned more about the mountain’s distinctive landscape and its place in local culture. Following his presentation, Olivia Chung presented about Tiger Aunt, students were captivated by the stories and were participating in activities.
To conclude the event, the Halloween cultural presentation and virtual exchange helped members of the FASCA Vancouver and New York chapters deepen their understanding of Taiwanese culture, and many members looked forward to the next exchange.
