TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Taiwan Literature Award for Migrants (移民工文學獎) celebrated its ninth edition on Sunday (Oct. 13) with a ceremony honoring Indonesian writer Chin Nyap-fong (陳業芳) for his work, "Rika's Black Spot" (Rika的黑點). The award, open to migrant workers and new residents globally, received 208 entries in various languages. A jury selected seven winners.
Chin Nyap-fong, who arrived in Taiwan from Indonesia 20 years ago, won the top prize of NT$150,000. She currently works as a migrant worker consultant in the Labor and Youth Development Department (嘉義縣政府勞工暨青年發展處) in Chiayi County Government. Her award-winning piece explores labor disputes between Taiwanese employers and foreign caregivers, reflecting her journey from construction work.
Hsieh I-yun (謝易芸), general manager of Monomyth (英雄旅程), emphasized the significant contributions of migrant workers to Taiwan's economy and society and highlighted how the award showcases their stories.
Judges noted diverse themes among submissions: Thai works often explored work experiences in Taiwan, Filipino entries depicted poverty and Taiwan's beauty, while Vietnamese participants, mainly second-generation immigrants, shared personal stories. Burmese writers focused on post-coup life, and Indonesian entries frequently addressed long-term care issues. The award aims to showcase Taiwan's multicultural harmony to the world and vice versa.