Latest news with #Austronesian
Malaysian Reserve
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Across the Pacific: Palauan Voyagers Renew Austronesian Bonds in Taitung
TAITUNG, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Taitung County Government invited the Palauan-led multinational crew of the traditional sailing canoe Alingano Maisu, which brought together sailors from across the greater Micronesia region and Taiwan. The crew has recently completed a remarkable cultural voyage from Palau to Taitung, Taiwan, as part of a broader Austronesian exchange. With their return voyage now underway, the journey served not only as a reaffirmation of shared heritage but also as a fresh chapter in the living story of oceanic kinship. The crew was welcomed with a traditional ceremony led by the Dulan Youth Group, featuring ceremonial chants and protective dance performances—an expression of ancestral ties and mutual respect among Austronesian peoples. At the Taitung County Government Hall, a Voyaging Culture Sharing Forum was held, where the navigators shared their experiences crossing the Pacific and their traditional knowledge of celestial navigation. In return, local boatbuilders engaged in dialogue, sharing insights into their own seafaring culture and strengthening a shared reverence for the ocean. During their stay, the guest voyagers visited several Indigenous communities along Taiwan's eastern coast. In the Amis community of Duli, they took part in hands-on workshops exploring traditional cigarette rolling, fishing techniques, and even rice wine brewing—experiences that offered a deeper appreciation of Indigenous craftsmanship and knowledge passed down through generations. The journey also included a scenic ride on the antique 'Breezy Blue' express train, which hugs the coastline between Taitung and Jinlun. This allowed the visitors to soak in the spectacular sea-and-sky vistas, through open windows, and gain further insight into the region's history and lifestyle. Cultural exchange extended to the table as well. Besides enjoying meticulously prepared Indigenous meals, the crew also experienced Taiwan's signature hotpot culture. Sitting around the steaming pot, guests and hosts shared stories, laughter, and flavors—reminding all that food is one of the most powerful ways to build bridges between islands. Local Amis hosts presented the voyagers with betel nuts, hand-carved wooden badges, and even ukuleles—symbols of friendship and cultural pride. The crew also participated in the opening of the Kavulungan Cultural Park, a major cultural event celebrating the traditions of the Paiwan people. The visit concluded with a joyful farewell banquet filled with music, dance, and heartfelt connection—bringing the entire journey full circle. Through this voyage centered on voyaging culture, traditional maritime skills were not only honored but reawakened. As the Palauan canoe sets sail homeward, the enduring spirit of Austronesian solidarity continues to ripple across the Pacific, reminding us all of the powerful stories carried by wind, waves, and kinship.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Across the Pacific: Palauan Voyagers Renew Austronesian Bonds in Taitung
TAITUNG, June 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Taitung County Government invited the Palauan-led multinational crew of the traditional sailing canoe Alingano Maisu, which brought together sailors from across the greater Micronesia region and Taiwan. The crew has recently completed a remarkable cultural voyage from Palau to Taitung, Taiwan, as part of a broader Austronesian exchange. With their return voyage now underway, the journey served not only as a reaffirmation of shared heritage but also as a fresh chapter in the living story of oceanic kinship. The crew was welcomed with a traditional ceremony led by the Dulan Youth Group, featuring ceremonial chants and protective dance performances—an expression of ancestral ties and mutual respect among Austronesian peoples. At the Taitung County Government Hall, a Voyaging Culture Sharing Forum was held, where the navigators shared their experiences crossing the Pacific and their traditional knowledge of celestial navigation. In return, local boatbuilders engaged in dialogue, sharing insights into their own seafaring culture and strengthening a shared reverence for the ocean. During their stay, the guest voyagers visited several Indigenous communities along Taiwan's eastern coast. In the Amis community of Duli, they took part in hands-on workshops exploring traditional cigarette rolling, fishing techniques, and even rice wine brewing—experiences that offered a deeper appreciation of Indigenous craftsmanship and knowledge passed down through generations. The journey also included a scenic ride on the antique "Breezy Blue" express train, which hugs the coastline between Taitung and Jinlun. This allowed the visitors to soak in the spectacular sea-and-sky vistas, through open windows, and gain further insight into the region's history and lifestyle. Cultural exchange extended to the table as well. Besides enjoying meticulously prepared Indigenous meals, the crew also experienced Taiwan's signature hotpot culture. Sitting around the steaming pot, guests and hosts shared stories, laughter, and flavors—reminding all that food is one of the most powerful ways to build bridges between islands. Local Amis hosts presented the voyagers with betel nuts, hand-carved wooden badges, and even ukuleles—symbols of friendship and cultural pride. The crew also participated in the opening of the Kavulungan Cultural Park, a major cultural event celebrating the traditions of the Paiwan people. The visit concluded with a joyful farewell banquet filled with music, dance, and heartfelt connection—bringing the entire journey full circle. Through this voyage centered on voyaging culture, traditional maritime skills were not only honored but reawakened. As the Palauan canoe sets sail homeward, the enduring spirit of Austronesian solidarity continues to ripple across the Pacific, reminding us all of the powerful stories carried by wind, waves, and kinship. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Taitung County Government Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Vogue Singapore
14-05-2025
- Vogue Singapore
An art and culture lover's guide to Da Nang, Vietnam
Tatsuto Shibata Next stop: Southeast Asia. You don't need to travel far to discover the region's rising wave of destinations, from Vietnam's emerging cultural capital to a cinematic Thai island reborn in the spotlight. In our May 'Sonder' issue of Vogue Singapore, discover six must-visit escapes in our part of the world, where history, craft and natural splendour converge in unforgettable style. Vietnam has grown to become a favourite getaway destination amongst Singaporeans. Ho Chi Minh City's thriving fashion scene is undeniably one of the most exciting in the region, Hanoi's storied history is evident in its centuries-old architecture, and across the country, its scrumptious street food is well-loved by all. But between the two popular cities is a rising destination where Vietnam's arts and cultural scene comes alive. Framed by lush nature and gorgeous beaches, Da Nang offers the best of both worlds. You'll get to dive deep into the country's craft, heritage and culture through the city's fascinating museums and historical sites—whilst also enjoying an idyllic beachside escape with picturesque views and quaint coffee shops. Below, find a curated list of recommendations for where to go, eat and stay in Da Nang to experience the best of its vibrant spirit. Courtesy of Danang Fantastic City 1 / 12 Museum of Cham Sculpture One of the oldest museums in the country, the Museum of Cham Sculpture houses the world's biggest and most well-preserved collection of art from the ancient Champa kingdom. Originally Austronesian sailors, the Cham were an Indianised Hindu civilisation from the fourth to 13th centuries, situated in what is now central Vietnam. Intricate sandstone sculptures primarily depict the folklore and religion of Indian civilisation, including Hindu and Buddhist deities. @dnfam2014 2 / 12 Da Nang Fine Arts Museum Housing a wide collection of work from artists from central Vietnam, this three-storey institution is the first art museum in Da Nang. A broad range of styles and mediums are on display—from oil painting and sculpture to lacquer and silk—a reflection of Vietnam's culture and history through its art. Courtesy of Danang Fantastic City 3 / 12 Iconic bridges Chances are, you've already come across Da Nang's iconic bridges on your social media feed. They are, after all, the city's most recognisable landmarks. Ride the world's longest single-rope cable car up Ba Na Hills to take in the view from the famous Golden Bridge. The 150m-long bridge is held up by giant stone hands and is 1,414m above sea level. Also pick a weekend evening to take a stroll along the Han River to see the 666m-long Dragon Bridge, which spews fire and water in a spectacular show that happens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on major holidays, at 9pm. Getty 4 / 12 My Son Sanctuary An hour's drive from Da Nang sits the ruins of My Son, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is often referred to as Vietnam's Angkor Wat. This complex of ancient Hindu temples was once the spiritual and political capital of the Champa kingdom, which flourished in south-central Vietnam from the fourth to 13th centuries. Only about 20 out of the 70 buildings remain intact, but their carvings and architecture offer a glimpse into one of the most significant empires in Southeast Asia. Courtesy of Danang Fantastic City 5 / 12 My Khe Beach A long strip of golden sand against blue waters and picturesque views, My Khe is known for being one of the most beautiful beaches in Asia. Take part in the various water activities offered along its shores, from jet skiing to parasailing, or simply recline on a beach chair and relax. Head there at dawn for a gorgeous view of the rising sun. Courtesy of Nen 6 / 12 Nen It's all about spotlighting local ingredients at contemporary Vietnamese fine-dining restaurant Nen. Sourced from Nen farms and across the country, fresh ingredients of the highest quality are made use of in creative ways and gorgeously showcased. The restaurant's seasonal Sto:ry Menu #0 – Journey tells the story of Vietnam through its land—the natural offerings it brings and the people who cultivate it. Courtesy of Thia Go 7 / 12 Thia Go Hidden quietly in a backstreet away from the bustle of the city is Thia Go, a charming eatery where you'll find a variety of authentic, homely local dishes. The pho here is some of the best in the city, as is the delicious banh xeo —crisp and stuffed with a generous filling, and well worth the long wait. Vegetarian and Muslim-friendly options are also available. @nudodanang 8 / 12 Nu Do Kitchen The quintessential dish in central Vietnam is undoubtedly mi quang —or turmeric rice noodles in a savoury stock, served with fresh herbs and a crunchy rice cracker. At Nu Do, MasterChef Vietnam 2015 runner-up Tuyet Pham serves four versions of the local favourite, each with a different, aromatic broth to bring out the key ingredient. Try the Fish Noodle, complemented by the zing of fresh turmeric and the spiciness of chillies. @wonderlustdanang 9 / 12 Coffee checklist As the second-largest coffee producer in the world, Vietnam's coffee culture is vibrant and thriving. Local speciality coffees to try include egg coffee, peanut coffee and coconut coffee. As for the best spots in the city for a solid pour? There's XLIII Specialty Coffee, Nam House Cafe or Lighthouse Coffee Roaster, Brewman Coffee Concept, Wonderlust and Noi Cafe. Courtesy of Hilton Da Nang 10 / 12 Hilton Da Nang For a stay in the heart of the city, Hilton Da Nang overlooks the Han River and its iconic Dragon Bridge. Expect spacious suites, impeccable service and a spectacular breakfast spread. Best of all, its prime location means that you're steps away from the city's beaches, markets and nightlife. InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort 11 / 12 InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort You'll get the best of both worlds at this world-class resort. Situated in the Son Tra Peninsula, InterContinental Danang is seaside luxury at its finest, surrounded by lush greenery. Complimentary shuttles to the city centre mean that you'll still be able to explore Da Nang while also escaping the rush of the city. Courtesy of Vietnam Tourism 12 / 12 Day trip to Hoi An A short drive from Da Nang is Hoi An, a quaint, ancient town recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Get a traditional ao dai tailor-made at B'lan Silk, and sample the town's best known delicacies—Cao Lau noodles, Hoi An chicken rice and white rose dumplings. There's also the traditional Thanh Ha Pottery Village where you can experience pottery making, as well as the Cam Thanh Coconut Village where you can take a basket boat ride or try your hand at preparing your own meal with a Vietnamese cooking lesson. Stay till dark to watch a game of Bai Choi along the riverside or take a boat ride to appreciate the coloured paper lanterns that Hoi An is known for.
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Business Standard
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Taiwan detects 31 Chinese aircraft, 7 naval vessels in its territory
Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense (MND) said it detected 31 Chinese military aircraft, seven naval vessels, and one official ship operating around the island by 6 am (UTC+8) on Tuesday. Of the 31 aircraft, 30 crossed the Taiwan Strait's median line and entered the northern and southwestern parts of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). Sharing a post on X, MND wrote, "31 sorties of PLA aircraft, 7 PLAN vessels, and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 30 out of 31 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ." Meanwhile, the MND also said that China launched satellites from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSLC) at 2:09 am (UTC+8) today. In another post, MND wrote, "At 02:09 (UTC+8) today, China launched satellites from #XSLC, with the flight path over central Taiwan toward the Western Pacific. The altitude is beyond the atmosphere, posing no threat. #ROCArmedForces monitored the process and remain ready to respond accordingly." On Monday, MND detected 36 Chinese military aircraft and eight naval vessels, along with two official ships, around Taiwan by 6 a.m. (UTC+8). Of the aircraft, 17 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the island's northern, central, and southwestern ADIZ. On Sunday, Taiwan detected five sorties of Chinese aircraft, nine Chinese naval vessels, and one official ship operating around its territory. Taiwan's Council of Indigenous Peoples has criticised a former legislator for echoing "United Front" slogans during an event in China, asserting that Taiwan's indigenous peoples are not "descendants of the Yellow Emperor," Taipei Times reported. The council emphasised that any exchanges involving indigenous communities must be based on mutual respect and equality, without promoting political agendas. The controversy centres around former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislator and National Dong Hwa University professor Yosi Takun, who recently attended an event hosted by China's Yunnan Minzu University. During the event, a banner proclaiming "Both sides of the Strait share the same ancestry, Zhonghua spirit, and are one big family" was prominently displayed. Taiwan's Council of Indigenous Peoples rejected this narrative, reaffirming that Taiwan's indigenous peoples are of Austronesian descent, not of Chinese lineage. "Taiwan's indigenous peoples are not descendants of the Yellow Emperor," the council declared, adding that these communities are culturally and linguistically linked to the Austronesian family, not the Sino-Tibetan language family. The council criticised Yosi's remarks at the event, where he described minority cultures as an "important part of Chinese civilisation.
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Business Standard
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
Taiwan detects 36 Chinese airplanes, 8 naval vessels near its territory
Taiwan detected 36 Chinese aircraft, eight Chinese naval vessels and two official ships operating around its territory as of Monday 6am (local time), as per Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence. The MND said that of the 36 sorties, 17 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ (Air Defence Identification Zones). In a post on X, the MND said, "36 PLA aircraft, 8 PLAN vessels and 2 official ships operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 17 out of 36 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern, central and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." Taiwan detected five sorties of Chinese aircraft, nine Chinese naval vessels and one official ship operating around its territory as of Sunday 6am (local time). The MND said that they monitored the situation and responded accordingly. In a post on X, Taiwan's MND said, "5 sorties of PLA aircraft, 9 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the situation and responded accordingly." Taiwan's Council of Indigenous Peoples has criticised a former legislator for echoing "United Front" slogans during an event in China, asserting that Taiwan's indigenous peoples are not "descendants of the Yellow Emperor," Taipei Times reported. The council emphasised that any exchanges involving indigenous communities must be based on mutual respect and equality, without promoting political agendas. The controversy centres around former Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) legislator and National Dong Hwa University professor Yosi Takun, who recently attended an event hosted by China's Yunnan Minzu University. During the event, a banner proclaiming "Both sides of the Strait share the same ancestry, Zhonghua spirit, and are one big family" was prominently displayed. Taiwan's Council of Indigenous Peoples rejected this narrative, reaffirming that Taiwan's indigenous peoples are of Austronesian descent, not of Chinese lineage. "Taiwan's indigenous peoples are not descendants of the Yellow Emperor," the council declared, adding that these communities are culturally and linguistically linked to the Austronesian family, not the Sino-Tibetan language family. The council criticised Yosi's remarks at the event, where he described minority cultures as an "important part of Chinese civilisation.
