Today was another full and enriching day in Taipei. We started the morning with a simple but satisfying breakfast at the hotel fresh fruit, congee, and steamed buns before heading out for our first visit of the day: the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT). As the unofficial U.S. embassy here, AIT plays a critical role in U.S.-Taiwan relations. It was fascinating to hear from one of the commercial officers about how the Institute facilitates trade, diplomacy, and business between the two regions despite the lack of formal diplomatic recognition. I hadn’t realized how delicate and complex Taiwan’s international status truly is, and hearing from someone working on the ground gave me a clearer understanding of the practicalities of foreign policy in action.
Our second stop was SCM Solutions, a supply chain management firm run by Kara Atchison, an American entrepreneur who relocated to Taiwan. We also heard from William Young, the company’s COO. Their presentation focused on current trends in supply chain logistics, manufacturing efficiencies, and the unique advantages Taiwan offers in terms of infrastructure and workforce. I found Kara’s talk especially compelling her role as a communicator between international clients and local factories seemed dynamic, fast-paced, and surprisingly personal. It made me think more seriously about the intersection of global business and cross-cultural communication as a career path.
After the company visit, we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel for a brief rest. But the day didn’t end there. In the evening, we headed out to one of Taipei’s night markets, and it felt like stepping into an entirely different city. Every corner was packed with people exploring the maze of food stalls and shops. One of the most unforgettable sights was watching a vendor cook steak with a blowtorch right on the street. I ended up trying a few local snacks (though I couldn’t identify everything I ate!) and even sang karaoke. It was chaotic but so fun at the same time. It reminded me so much of NYC.
