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The annual International Culture Festival at NTNU’s Linkou Campus was held on November 25. Hosted by Director Zeng-Xing Lin of the NTNU Academy of Preparatory Programs for Overseas Chinese Students (APPOCS), the event drew over 1000 participants. In attendance were faculty members Director Chia-Jung Lee of the Athletic Department, Associate Dean Hui-Ling Sung of the School of Continuing Education, and APPOCS Associate Director Xin Chen; as well as distinguished alumni Dr. Ooi Hean, Li Sam Choi, Iung-Iuan (Dalton) Lin, and Chong-Shiang Lim.
The festival opened with a variety show by students and alumni representing different countries, punctuated by a performance of the Malaysian 24 Festive Drums, and traditional dances from Myanmar, Jingpo, and Vietnam, as well as a demonstration of Malaysian martial arts, a rendition of the Indonesial patriotic song, Rawan Pulau Kelapa, and a musical performance of “It’s a Small World” by students from the NTNU Hong Kong & Macau Association. The performance culminated with a performance by alumnus Voko, a renowned Malaysian-born recording artist.
Amidst a sea of international flags were booths featuring a diverse offering of international cuisines -- from Myanmar’s spicy hotpot and Vietnamese spring rolls, to Malaysian nasi lemak; as well as festive games.
This annual event organized by the APPOCS not only showcased the talent of overseas Chinese students but allowed attendees to expand their horizons by engaging with different cultures.
An alumni tea party organized at the event reinforced connections among alumni and the alma mater. Despite the short one-year program offered at the APPOCS, the connections are strong, with many alumni returning each year on the occasion of the International Culture Festival.
The APPOCS program is the only institute in Taiwan to offer a university preparatory curriculum for college-bound overseas Chinese students. The academy takes pride in its alumni’s achievements and contributions, whether they remain in Taiwan or serve their communities elsewhere.