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Palauan High Schoolers Dress as Taiwanese Folk Deity at Cultural Event
Palau’s Ministry of Education held its annual Cultural Awareness Week last week, and the TaiwanICDF was proud to take part! In preparation for the event, which was held from March 17 to 19, each school design its own activities and competitions. TaiwanICDF Mandarin teacher Huang Juan-zhi assisted Palau High School in preparing its activities, which featured elements of Taiwanese culture including the Electric-Techno Neon Gods—a subcultural dance performance which combines a traditional Taiwan folk dance performance with modern pop music. The dance centers on the tradition of Techno Prince Nezha, also known as Santaizi. The students enthusiastically performed the dance moves to the lively beats of Team Taiwan, delivering an authentic "Taiwanese atmosphere" that left a deep impression on the audience.
The week kicked off with students from Palau High School divided into four teams according to their grade levels, each representing the culture of Taiwan, the United States, Japan, and the Philippines. A parade began at the school and proceeded to Ernguul Park in Koror City. Over the course of three days, the teams showcased the essence of each country's culture through flag displays, visual props, oral presentations, traditional costumes, national delicacies, music and dance performances, and interactive games across the streets of Koror, Ernguul Park, and the Palau High School campus.
Leading the senior students' team was student council president Delanie Kumerang Termeteet, known as KT Delano. Determined to stand out in the competition, the team sought assistance from the Taiwan Embassy in Palau. They borrowed an Electric-Techno Neon Gods costume for an extra boost of "divine power," and even attended an exclusive "Nezha mythology" class at the embassy.
Teacher Huang expressed special thanks to the embassy for its support. Ambassador Jessica Chienyi Lee personally explained the origins of the Santaizi, while secretaries Lo Hao-Wei and Kao Cheng-Hsiang led the students in learning the culturally unique Electric-Techno Neon Gods dance with its distinctive Taiwanese-style dance moves. During training at the embassy, KT Delano enthusiastically donned the Santaizi costume, which weighs over eight kilograms, showcasing remarkable determination and energy. Under her leadership, the senior team confidently presented their extensive knowledge of Taiwanese culture. Their performance, synchronized with the beats of Team Taiwan, was nothing short of spectacular, capturing the charm of Taiwan’s vibrant traditions.
TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General Peifen Hsieh commented on the importance of Taiwan’s overseas Mandarin teaching program, which it developed in response to the growing global demand for Mandarin learning and Taiwan’s goal of becoming a major hub for Mandarin education. The TaiwanICDF launched the program in response to this demand in 2014. The program also aims to deepen understanding of Taiwan’s culture and social customs among Taiwan’s allies and partner countries, fostering cultural exchange while promoting the influence of Traditional Chinese characters. Deputy Secretary General Hsieh also praised the Cultural Awareness Week at Palau High School as a valuable opportunity for students to step beyond the classroom, deeply explore Taiwan’s diverse cultural heritage, and further solidify Taiwan’s cultural roots in the hearts of Palauan students.
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- Update: 2025/03/25
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