In March, I had the privilege of guiding over 20 Seraph Group investors on a remarkable journey to Taiwan in celebration of the Company's 20th anniversary. This immersive week-long experience was carefully curated to encompass cultural, business, and culinary adventures, offering participants a genuine taste of Taiwan.
Sunday - Participants were warmly welcomed at the iconic State Banquet room at the Grand Hotel, a prestigious venue where distinguished guests such as Margaret Thatcher, Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, and Nelson Mandela have graced its halls. The Dean of Social Science at the prestigious National Taiwan University delivered an insightful 90-minute presentation encompassing Taiwan's rich history, vibrant culture, intricate international relations, and current political landscape.
Monday - Morning visit to the Chi Po-Lin museum. Mr. Chi was an award-winning Taiwanese documentary filmmaker, photographer and environmentalist, best known for his 2013 film Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above, an aerial photography and film of Taiwan. Afternoon visits to the Chiang Kai-Shek Memorial Hall, National Revolutionary Martyr's Shrine, the Liberty Square, and the National Theater and Opera House.
Tuesday - Morning visit to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation ("TSMC"), followed by a tour of the Industrial Technology Research Institute("ITRI"), a world-leading applied technology research institute with a mission to drive industrial development, create economic value, and enhance social well-being through technology R&D. Founded in 1973, it pioneered in IC development and started to nurture new tech ventures and deliver its R&D results to industries. ITRI has set up and incubated companies such as TSMC, UMC, Taiwan Mask Corp., Epistar Corp., Mirle Automation Corp., and Taiwan Biomaterial Co.
Wednesday - Visit Kinmen, an island nestled between Xiamen Bay to the west and the Taiwan Strait to the east. Despite being a mere 10 km (6.2 mi) from China, Kinmen lies 187 km (116 mi) away from Taiwan. Its strategic location in the Taiwan Strait has historically sparked numerous conflicts and tensions, making it a potential target if China were to invade Taiwan. Kinmen stands as a tangible symbol of the ever-evolving political dynamics between cross-strait relations.
Thursday - Morning visit to the HCS Calligraphy Foundation and Museum to partake in a specially curated program called 'Friends through Culture'. This immersive experience includes exploring the art of Chinese calligraphy in its various forms and styles, enjoying the melodic tunes of ancient Chinese musical instruments, delving into the intricate world of tea ceremonies, and savoring a selection of diverse teas. Guided by an expert with extensive and profound knowledge, we embarked on an afternoon visit to the National Palace Museum to marvel at some of the most treasured artifacts from Chinese history.
Friday - During the morning session, Seraph hosted a forum where four cutting-edge Seraph U.S. portfolio companies showcased their groundbreaking advancements in medical devices, semiconductors, manufacturing technology, and edge computing to a diverse audience of Taiwanese investors, academic institutions, and corporations. In the afternoon, Taiwan University hosted a dynamic forum where five distinguished Seraph investors shared their expertise on diverse topics ranging from finance, semiconductors, and medical innovations to the cutting-edge field of artificial intelligence, captivating a broad audience with their insightful presentations.
In the evenings, several Taiwan-based Seraph investors graciously hosted dinners at Michelin-starred establishments serving authentic Chinese cuisine of the highest caliber. The farewell dinner took place at a gourmet Italian restaurant owned and operated by a father and son duo from Italy. Participants also had the pleasure of indulging in the renowned world of dumplings at Din Tai Fung, as well as sampling local culinary delights and visited the 'Night Market'.
Below are some of the kind comments I recieved from participants.
“I carry unforgettable memories from our trip to Taiwan. Your hospitality ensured that we were not only well-fed but also deeply immersed in the rich tapestry of Taiwanese culture and its warm, welcoming people. You’ve provided a platform not just to explore a beautiful country, but to create bonds and understandings that transcend mere tourism. Your decision to make this trip a unique event for Seraph investors has indeed made us feel exceptionally privileged. I'm grateful for the memories, the insights, and the friendships forged along the way. Thank you for this unforgettable adventure.”
“We felt both fortunate and honored to have been included in the Taiwan tour. Every aspect of it was exceptional--the fellow travelers, the Taiwan-based colleagues we met--and every activity was perfectly chosen to give us an understanding of the current and past way of life of Taiwan and its people. Initially we wondered a bit about the relevance of Kinmen and the calligraphy morning--but both turned out to be wonderful insights onto important aspects of Taiwanese culture. The dumpling lunch was another highlight. The lecturers and guides you found were particularly outstanding. Dr. Su's Introduction to Taiwan was masterful, and our lecturers at the Calligraphy Foundation, at Itri, and at the National Palace Museum could not have been surpassed. I can't imagine a better way to have gotten to know your country. Long may it continue to thrive.”
“An excellent trip to Taiwan with a great opportunity to learn about Taiwan and its history and what makes it tick. Met a wonderful group of people who are part of the Seraph family and some equally wonderful and impressive hosts in Taiwan, who despite their amazing successes were humble and generous. Definitely a trip full of good memories.”
“Our trip to Taiwan inspired a lot of introspection and personal growth. There was no shortage of cultural immersion throughout the trip, and the exclusive events and excursions you set up for the group will leave lasting memories. Still, the best part of the trip was the people. Between the investors, portfolio companies, and local connections, we met people with some of the most fascinating backgrounds, which led to incredible discussions and learning opportunities. Taiwan is as beautiful as it is vibrant in history, culture, and kindness. It was admittedly not at the top of my travel list, but I realize now what a mistake that was. Thank you again.
We created a captivating film and slideshow to commemorate this special occasion, capturing the unforgettable moments and memories shared during our journey in Taiwan.
Please share with others so more people can see the beauty of Taiwan.
Note: With the current political tensions between China and Taiwan, I believe now is the perfect opportunity to offer a unique perspective on Taiwan that goes beyond what traditional tour companies can provide. - Seraph Group -