Taiwan Talk

2025 was full of surprises and unexpected turns for many economies around the world … including Taiwan's.ING's Chief Economist for Greater China Lynn Song gives us his hot takes on what made 2025 a banner one for Taiwan, and he looks ahead to the tailwinds -- and headwinds -- that are likely to influence our business outcomes in the coming year. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Taiwan is home to numerous natural disasters and other threats, making civil defense a top priority. Compounding matters, many people don't know how to prepare, or understand what to do when calamity strikes. Meeting this challenge is the Resilience Roadmap, from longtime resident John Groot. The guidebook includes everything you need to know -- in English -- to prepare for a rainy day. Hosted by ICRT's Tim Berge. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Not everyone might be enchanted with the idea of vegan gelato -- but Nice Cream could be the brand that convinces hard-nosed skeptics to change their minds. The brand which has two thumbs up from noted vegan site Happy Cow got its start in Taiwan and has gone from strength to strength, thanks to hard work and determination on the part of its owners Mirko and Patty. Hosted by ICRT's Hope Ngo. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

This week ICRT's Tim Berge hops on his wheels. Tourists from around the world travel to Taiwan to explore its mountains, valleys and coastlines by bicycle. Viola van Onselen and Erik van Onselen-de Jong originally came to Taiwan to pursue higher education, but quickly got the cycling bug. To stay healthy and escape urban pressure, they began exploring the beauty and charms of Taiwan by bike. And their book “A Cyclist’s Guide to Taiwan”, is the product of their adventures. The book is easy to understand, covers all of Taiwan, and includes breathtaking photos which chronicle their adventures. Get your copy of the book online, at onsgo.org/shop. Aired 12/1/25 -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

If You Know, You Know. That's probably what death metal fans would say about the island's thriving death metal scene, which has spawned the likes of bands including Assaasin, Chthonic, Dharma, and Flesh Juicer. To mark the first ever Formosa: Finland: Fest, we took a closer look at Taiwan's thriving metal scene with the help of a few friends: Deputy Representative and Trade Representative of the Finland Trade Center Jere Tala, and Frank Chu of the band Second Round. Hosted by I-C-R-T's Hope Ngo and Jacob Ingram. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn