Pretty simple:  I just wanted to connect with the Taiwanese community in NYC.  I was also bound to 2 + years of indentured servitude by current Social Co-Chair Athena Chang.

Why is TAP important to you, and why do you continue to be so active?

TAP-NY connects and supports the Taiwanese community within NYC.  NYC residents are always looking for ways to expand their networks and meet new people, and TAP provides that service.  Aside from acting as a physical, social-nexus, the organization also helps out its members in whatever means it can – i.e. fellow Taiwanese business advertising on the TAP-NY newsletter.  Its nice to see this type of social ecosystem entrenching itself within NYC, and its for these factors why I’ve managed to stay engaged.

What has been the best TAP event this past year and why?

All the speaker series events are intelligently selected and presented.  They are a good means to educate yourself in fields / activities that typically might not touch a busy NYC’ers routine periphery.  I highly recommend them all.

What kind of events would you like to see TAP put on in the future?

I’m surprised there has yet to be a pseudo night-market event.  The #1 or #2 reason of what people miss about Taiwan is the food.  I’m sure this will be done soon.

How have you increased your network through TAP, both personally and professionally?

I’ve met a lot of people and new friends through TAP by simply attending the events.

What do you do in the city outside of TAP?

I usually play a lot of sports, but these days I’m getting old and handicapped.  Other than that I enjoy exploring NYC.  There’s always something new to try here.

What’s your favorite place in Taiwan & what do you miss the most about Taiwan?

My favorite place in Taiwan is the my grandmother’s house.  I grew up there until I was 4, and every time I go back to visit, its exactly the same. Even my grandma looks the same.

Where would you like to see TAP this time next year?

I would hope TAP continues its expansion and continue to build out a firm identity within NYC.  The Taiwanese community will probably never have the physical presence of a Ktown, or a Chinatown, or the we’re-gonna-convert-a-church-into-a-flashing lights-dungeon they call Circle, nor do I think that is our purpose, but we live in a digital world now, and it would be a positive experience to see a TAP app on my smartphone one day.

Furthermore, I would hope TAP starts diversifying its spectrum of events into a more American segment -  Most of the events are rooted in Taiwanese culture, whereas, there remains a demographic of Taiwanese-Americans out there that have not been reached.

How would you encourage newer TAP members to get involved?

There are more dimensions to TAP than just the TAPpy Hours.  I would encourage new members to check out the other events.  I know the TAP Board and volunteers are sincere in their attempts to build out a solid platform for the community.  If you have any suggestions or would like to assist any of the committees in planning, feel free to contact them.