Reflections on my Study Trip to Taiwan : Shang Dianjun

A sharing by Shang Dianjun about his experience in Taiwan –

I had the privilege of writing this reflection after looking through many of my fellow scholars’ writings. I was absolutely impressed, not only by their linguistic flair, but the depth of their thoughts. I must say that I am indeed honoured to be in the same programme as many of them. Just as I was extremely grateful to be on the very first study trip for the University Scholars Programme to Taiwan.

I wish not to repeat how absolutely marvellous our visits to many museums had been. It is statistically proven that Juming Museum is the hot favourite amongst many scholars, while National Palace Museum awed many with its unbelievably extensive collection of artefacts (and record-breaking number of tourists).

I wish not to reiterate how impressed we were by the courteous and well-mannered Taiwanese we had encountered during the trip. We were amazed by the fact that no one takes the reserved seating even on a crowded train. Standing by your right seemed to be the common practice whenever someone takes the elevator. Seemingly subconscious utterance of “thank you” made everyone feel at ease and appreciated.

I wish not to emphasize how awesome the night market culture in Taiwan is. Being in Singapore, we are not “entitled” to such messiness. While keeping our streets clean and noise-free at night, we deprived ourselves of a wholly different side of life. One that is invigorating and inviting. You need not to be somebody to go there, and even if you are somebody, you will just be like everybody at the night market. True enough that we have Pasar Malam, but anyone who has ever been to a Taiwan night market will tell you that it is simply different.

I wish not to compare and contrast Singapore and Taiwan. Admittedly, we have a lot to learn from Taiwan. We could learn how to cultivate a much more robust creative industry. We need a more vibrant and lively art scene. We want a more caring and courteous society. We wish to achieve the fine balance between preservations of the old and erections of the new. However, in retrospect, perhaps we will learn to appreciate what we have back at home. An orderly parliament, a more considered legal and governmental system, and certainly a more robust economy.

I wish not to articulate how enriching the trip had been. The lecture by Professor Liou Chen-Chou of NTUA enabled me to see in which direction the ceramic and pottery industry could head and possible advantage we have being in a small country without much of historical burden. The discussions and dialogues I had with Prof Low, Prof Christina and Ms Priya during the bus rides, and with some of my fellow USP scholars during the meals or in our rooms, were certainly thought-provoking and probed me to consider issues from different angles (even though I still insist on preserving the Queen’s Head, alongside with other nature’s wonders, at Yeh-liu Geopark).

I wish not to try to pen down the breathtakingly gorgeous natural scenery of Taiwan and how its city planning embodies and embraces such treasure, making the city appears wholesome and natural. Yeh-liu was unforgettable, the craftsmanship of nature astounds, perhaps, even the most gifted sculptors. Winding roads and highways were built to compliment the contour of the mountains or valleys they surround. The view of Taipei city at night, whether you are strolling along the streets or at the top floors of Taipei 101, makes you feel comfortably peaceful, yet lively enough to attract you to join in the fun.

I wish not to write this reflection as if it is a daily journal. However, what do I wish to reflect here?

Being alone.

Disclaimer first, this is not a complaint.

I am a single child and a natural introvert. I grew up pretty much by myself (of course, my physiological needs were taken care of by my family). So, supposedly, I am very used to being alone. However, it is never easy, especially in business school.

And when you are travelling with a group.

The induced, and almost compulsory social interactions with one another sometimes helped to achieve nothing but an awkward silence, wandering eyes and an unnatural smile at the end. Personally, I believe I can strike a conversation with almost anybody. But it is one thing that I loathe deeply.

However, during the trip, as I interacted with many of the fellow USP scholars, I realized that I am not really alone in this whole being-alone business.

Everybody is by him- or herself.

When we are appreciating the details of an artwork, the thoughts that rushed to our minds were so intricately complex that you find it absolutely difficult to convey even a fraction of them to somebody else. Your very own thoughts that are not shareable could ambush you while you were just walking down a flight of stairs in a museum. At that very instant, there is no one to share the joy of having that thought, be it foolish or brilliant.

We may not indulge ourselves in our own thoughts as often as we should. But should we ever do that, treasure the thoughts and try to trace back the thinking behind your ideas. It could prove to be highly analytical or sentimental. But it is the very you that resides within you. Generally, we agree that it is fun to embark on a journey of discovery. By extension, it should be exhilarating to discover yourself.

Truth be told, during the study trip, I went out almost every night by myself to places I wish to visit. I was fortunate that I safely returned every time, implying nothing negative about Taiwan’s respectably safe streets. Apart from being able to see the landmarks in a different light (with practically zero tourists and visitors), I felt close to the places and the spirits they carries. It is like how we are true to who we are when we are by ourselves. I felt the landmarks returning to what they were originally built for, before they turned all too tourist-y.

Night after night, I wandered along the streets of Taipei (partially intended to save on the taxi fare even though it was much cheaper as compared to Singapore). I felt comfortable. The liberating sensation of being alone and being myself overwhelmed me. I literally started humming tunes as I walked along, which I am usually too conscious to do so in Singapore (except when I am exploring some random ulu places). It was so good.

Having said that, as I mentioned previously, the enriching conversations I had with professors and my peers are engaging on a different level. I thoroughly enjoyed myself as well for they are intellectually stimulating and challenging. It is a process whereby one can consolidate his private thoughts and articulate the pure essence of them to give these thoughts weight. It was equally enjoyable. Thank you, for speaking and listening to me.

Also, my heartfelt gratitude goes to friends who went to Shida Night Market with me, including Prof Low; and friends who were crazy enough to cycle with me to the Fisherman’s Wharf in Tamsui (Dan-shui).

I am fully aware of my digression from the reflective intent of this writing and I shall draw it to an abrupt conclusion. However, at the end, I’d like to share a quote with myself.

“May you find as much happiness by yourself as I find on my own.”