Monthly Archive 01/11/2024

During our recent conversation, Kene Obiezu shared some candid insights on Nyesom Wike’s tenure as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and his plans regarding street beggars in Abuja. Obiezu noted that while Wike may have struggled with some aspects of his ministerial duties, his focus on addressing the issue of street begging reflects a pressing concern for many in the community.

“The reality is that allowing beggars to linger around Abuja is no longer an option,” Obiezu stated. “Their presence not only detracts from the image of Nigeria’s capital but has become a source of frustration for the government and the general public alike.”

When asked about the implication of his stance, Obiezu acknowledged that it may seem elitist but emphasized that a nation seeking to eliminate begging must grapple with the underlying issues. “Begging is merely a symptom of far deeper systemic problems in Nigeria,” he explained. “The fact that begging has become a viable means of survival for many signals that something is fundamentally amiss in our society.”

While Wike prioritizes the removal of beggars from the capital, Obiezu raised critical questions: “Where will they be relocated? More importantly, what measures can be implemented to help them move away from a lifestyle that they’ve not only adopted but are also passing down to their children?”

He urged the government to dive deeper into the root causes of this issue. “The beggars we see are just a small fraction of a much larger problem,” he remarked. “There are countless individuals across Nigeria and even on social media who belong to this marginalized group, many of whom have been stripped of their dignity and forced to live under dire circumstances.”

Obiezu highlighted a troubling trend: many who escape the bleakness of rural life flock to urban areas to beg, finding stability in this lifestyle. “Once they realize how profitable begging can be, they often encourage family members to join them, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependency,” he noted.

He further pointed out the plight of almajiri children, who are often seen in public spaces, malnourished and neglected. “It’s simply heartbreaking that religious practices have led to the systemic dehumanization of these innocent children, keeping them entrenched in begging and neglect.”

Reflecting on past government efforts, Obiezu recalled the billions spent on building schools for these children during Goodluck Jonathan’s presidency. “Unfortunately, those initiatives have largely failed due to a mix of religious influences, superstition, and a lack of maintenance. Tragically, many celebrated the end of Jonathan’s presidency, likely unaware they were also celebrating the closure of their hopes for a better future.”

He emphasized that a nation where children are forced to beg is facing significant challenges. “It’s alarming to see women laying helplessly with their toddlers in the middle of the capital, begging from passersby. We’re sitting on a ticking time bomb,” Obiezu asserted.

Noting the broader implications, he pointed out that children driven to begging by poverty become prime targets for terrorist recruitment, leaving many to wonder why Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues to falter.

While acknowledging Wike’s concerns about the embarrassment and security risks posed by beggars in the FCT, Obiezu expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the current approach. “History shows that if they are simply removed, they tend to reappear, shifting locations in search of new opportunities,” he explained.

What’s truly needed, he urges, is a comprehensive solution that addresses not just the symptoms of begging but the systemic poverty and inequality that fuel it. “Restoring dignity to these individuals must be at the forefront of any strategy aimed at rehabilitating them,” he concluded.

In a groundbreaking move, SSEN Transmission, a subsidiary of the electricity company SSE, has entered into a unique agreement with local councils and housing associations in northern Scotland to address urgent housing needs. The partnership aims to fund the construction of at least 1,000 new homes and refurbish existing vacant properties, all part of a £20 billion investment in grid infrastructure necessary to meet the UK’s green energy targets.

“We see this initiative as a significant and innovative step toward tackling the housing challenges in Scotland’s north,” said Rob McDonald, managing director of SSEN Transmission. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “This demonstrates how we can work together to create imaginative proposals that not only deliver new homes but also serve as a template for future developers.”

This proposal comes amid growing frustration among rural communities that host renewable energy projects like wind farms and electricity substations, as many feel they are not receiving adequate financial benefits from these developments. The agreement has been hailed by the industry group RenewableUK as “unique and novel,” reflecting the need for a more equitable distribution of resources.

The £20 billion investment plan is set to transform the electricity grid in northern Scotland, enabling the connection of new offshore and onshore wind farms that are crucial for the UK government’s decarbonization efforts. As part of this investment, SSEN Transmission anticipates creating thousands of jobs across the Highlands, the Outer Hebrides, and Orkney and Shetland—regions currently facing challenges due to depopulation linked to a housing crisis.

With an estimated peak workforce of nearly 5,000 people anticipated by 2027, the demand for housing is expected to surge. To address this, SSEN Transmission plans to guarantee long-lease tenancies as part of its “pathfinder investment mechanism,” ensuring that the majority of the new homes will be affordable for local residents. In addition to building new homes, the company will also refurbish vacant properties and renovate derelict buildings, passing them on to local councils and social landlords after the workforce concludes its work.

Scottish Housing Minister Paul McLennan and local council leaders have welcomed the initiative, which aligns with recent signals from the UK government aimed at reforming how profits from renewable energy projects are shared with local communities.

However, the proposal raises important questions about community benefits. James Robottom, head of policy at RenewableUK, cautioned against imposing rigid rules regarding community benefits, noting that such measures could stifle creativity in other infrastructure projects. He praised SSEN Transmission’s approach, calling it the most ambitious and innovative community benefit plan he has seen. “This underscores the need for flexibility in working with the community and understanding its broader needs,” he remarked.

Labour MP Torcuil Crichton, representing Na h-Eileanan an Iar, stressed the importance of distinguishing between the immediate benefits of new infrastructure and the long-term sharing of profits generated from such projects. “We should all have a share in the wealth of the wind produced around our coastline,” Crichton asserted. “The wind belongs to no man.”

When five-year-old Betsy developed an ear infection accompanied by stomach pain and a fever, her doctor initially attributed her symptoms to a virus. However, Betsy’s mother, Charlotte, felt that something was seriously wrong.

After taking Betsy to the emergency room for stomach pain and suspecting a food intolerance, Charlotte began researching her daughter’s symptoms. She approached her doctor again, this time suggesting the possibility of leukemia, which prompted them to conduct blood tests.

“I was desperate… it was pure panic. I knew something was wrong,” Charlotte recalled. “She was fatigued, her personality had changed; she didn’t want to play with her friends or even her sister anymore.”

Just days after the blood tests, in February 2023, Charlotte received a phone call requesting that she bring Betsy to the Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend for the results. “I couldn’t speak during that drive. Panic set in, and I remember shaking uncontrollably until we arrived,” she said.

With her husband, Christian, away working, Charlotte and Betsy entered the room where they received the news she’d been dreading. “I had that gut feeling, but when they confirmed it was leukemia, it hit me like a bus,” Charlotte shared. “I was numb… I just stood there, holding onto the bed, unable to speak. Everything went silent.”

Betsy was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and was promptly admitted to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales in Cardiff. There, a play therapist helped her understand the diagnosis in a kid-friendly way, and chemotherapy treatment began within two days.

“The treatment for leukemia is long and extremely tough, especially the first six weeks,” Charlotte explained. “They’re given steroids that dramatically alter their personalities and physical appearance, which we were unprepared for.” Betsy chimed in, laughing, “I was really fat!” to which Charlotte responded, “She was very, very poorly.”

Since the diagnosis, the family described their lives as a “rollercoaster of emotions.” Just six weeks into Betsy’s treatment, Christian’s racehorse, Kitty’s Light, won the Scottish Grand National, bringing a ray of happiness during a challenging time. “Kitty’s Light arrived at just the right moment for us,” Charlotte said, sitting outside the stables in Ogmore-by-Sea with Betsy on her lap.

Reflecting on that race day, Charlotte admitted, “We were having a particularly rough time with Betsy at home and I wasn’t even interested in watching, but my mother and mother-in-law urged me to turn it on so Betsy could see her dad on TV.” What followed was an emotional rollercoaster as Kitty’s Light took the lead. “I was jumping around after the first fence! It was so emotional,” Charlotte remembered.

Betsy chimed in, “All I remember is mum screaming. I had a headache, and that made it worse.” Charlotte laughed and apologized, “I’m sorry, sweetie!”

That win provided the family with much-needed relief and optimism, transforming their outlook. “It gave us a boost, a reminder that things can and will get better,” Charlotte said. “It changed everything for us and gave us something to look forward to.”

Now, while Betsy continues her fight against leukemia, Charlotte reflects on the strength she’s discovered within herself. “You adapt because you have no choice,” she shared. “At first, I faltered a bit, but it’s been about finding the positives each day that keep me going. The support from family, friends, and the horse racing community has been incredible.”

Connecting with other families battling similar struggles at Noah’s Ark has fostered lasting friendships. “These bonds will probably last a lifetime,” Charlotte affirmed. “We’re truly lucky to have found such a supportive network.”

As Betsy and her sister Tilly engage in play therapy to process the ongoing challenges, the family remains hopeful and united in their fight against this disease.

Leaked WhatsApps from Amanda Staveley publishedStaveley and PIF stand by assurances to Premier LeagueLouise TaylorSun 20 Oct 2024 16.54 EDTLast modified on Sun 20 Oct 2024 17.01 EDTShareLeaked WhatsApp messages from the former Newcastle United minority co-owner Amanda Staveley suggest that Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, was heavily involved in the takeover of the club, it was reported on Sunday.
Staveley, who stepped down from Newcastle’s board in July after selling her shares, brokered the £305m deal with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), helping it over the line in October 2021 after the Premier League received legally binding assurances of the separation of the Saudi state and the kingdom’s sovereign wealth fund.
Danny Welbeck is Brighton’s hero but injury mars win over NewcastleRead moreGiven that Bin Salman is the chairman of PIF that raised eyebrows and on Sunday the Telegraph published messages which suggested he was the key catalyst behind the purchase from the British retail tycoon Mike Ashley and spotlighted the extent of the UK government’s involvement.
In one reported message Staveley cautions Ashley’s camp that “the Crown Prince is losing patience” and another refers to attempts being made to “convince the Crown Prince not to pull out”. In another she writes: “The UK Saudi ambassador spoke to the Crown Prince this morning.”
The Premier League sought assurances that the PIF was separate from the Saudi state. Although foreign states are not banned from owning Premier League clubs the kingdom’s human rights record prompted serious misgivings about Saudi owners. A CIA report concluded that Bin Salman approved the murder of the Washington Post journalist and Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul in 2018. The crown prince has denied personal involvement.
Staveley told the Telegraph through her lawyers that she had referenced Bin Salman only in his capacity as chairman of PIF and that to suggest her messages cast doubt on whether the assurances about the PIF’s independence from the Saudi state have been adhered to “is as illogical as it is misconceived”.
In October 2021, the Premier League said it had “received legally binding assurances that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will not control Newcastle United Football Club” and Staveley described PIF as “an autonomous commercially driven investment fund”. The Premier League, which declined to comment to the Telegraph, has been contacted by the Guardian for comment.
View image in fullscreenAmanda Staveley stepped down from Newcastle’s board in July. Photograph: Mark Greenwood/IPS/ShutterstockIn response to the Telegraph report a spokesman for PIF said: “In October 2021, following a lengthy investigation, the Premier League announced that the sale of Newcastle United had completed following the receipt of assurances that the government of Saudi Arabia would not control the club. The facts and circumstances that underpin those assurances, as confirmed at the time to the Premier League, remain unchanged.”
Staveley said in October 2021 that the PIF was “an autonomous, commercially driven investment fund”. She said in response to the leaked WhatsApp messages she was “entirely confident” its assurances had been adhered to.
Staveley initially held a 10% stake in Newcastle. PIF now controls 85% and the property developers Reuben Brothers hold the remaining 15%.
Staveley had long wanted a stake in Newcastle and needed backers to achieve that aim. A major breakthrough happened when she secured an invitation to meet Yasir al-Rumayyan, the governor of PIF and now Newcastle chairman, on Bin Salman’s yacht Serene in the Red Sea in 2019.
The Guardian reported in 2022 that the UK government had made extensive efforts to facilitate the Saudi Arabian takeover of Newcastle. Staveley was reported by the Telegraph to have sent a message to Ashley’s team in October 2020 saying: “No 10 can’t get further involved than what they have done to date. Gerry [Lord Grimstone, the then UK minister for investment] said that they pushed behind the scenes and made it very clear that their preference is for the deal to go ahead, they are obviously very aware of the damage this has caused and the repercussions for future investment.”
Grimstone told the Telegraph he kept abreast of large potential UK investments in his former capacity as investment minister. He said: “I made it very clear to Mr Hoffman [Gary Hoffman, the then Premier League chairman] that my only role was to facilitate the passing of ideas between the PIF and Premier League and that in no way did I seek to prejudice the Premier League’s complete autonomy in this matter.”

On October 23, during a news conference held in Harbin to discuss the theme of “Promoting High-Quality Development,” it was announced that the business environment in Harbin has been steadily improving since the beginning of the year. From January to September, the city saw the establishment of 42,900 new enterprises, marking a year-on-year growth of 15.96%—the highest rate among the four major cities in Northeast China.

At the conference, Yue Lijuan, Secretary of the Harbin Municipal Bureau of Business Environment, highlighted the government’s dedication to enhancing the business climate. “Creating a first-class business environment is vital to boosting market confidence and promoting high-quality economic and social development,” she remarked.

Yue pointed out that during the first nine months of the year, Harbin ranked first in the province for its efforts to optimize the business environment. The city is rigorously aligning with national and provincial evaluation standards, with ongoing reforms focused on market access, acquiring operational spaces, public service facilities, labor force, financial services, resolving commercial disputes, and maintaining trustworthiness. To this end, 11 task forces have been formed, overseeing 72 responsible entities. Of the 272 annual reform tasks introduced, 221 have been completed, and 33 out of 66 reform measures have been enacted.

Harbin is also committed to legally safeguarding the rights and interests of various market entities. This year, the city has routinely reviewed and cleaned up 1,652 regulations, administrative documents, and policy measures relevant to businesses. A “comprehensive and prudent” regulatory framework has been established, covering 1,942 items across 32 enforcement fields. The government is committed to minimizing disruptions for compliant and trustworthy enterprises, implementing a “double random, one public” regulatory model alongside a credit rating system that encourages lawful conduct. Since the beginning of the year, 434 cases related to intellectual property infringement and disruption of market order have been resolved, involving a total value of 3.32 billion yuan.

With advancements in digital governance, Harbin has completed upgrades for unified identity authentication, smart form filling, automatic submissions, electronic permits, electronic seals, and signatures. The city has achieved a remarkable 99% online processing rate, a zero-run rate, and an “once at most” rate. High standards have also been set to ensure efficient processing of matters, with 214 services launched through the “One Thing” initiative leading to 105,000 completed cases. The city has also introduced the “e-Bing City” mobile app, which allows users to handle administrative affairs across various levels, including applications for temporary ID certificates and certificates of no criminal records.

Additionally, Harbin has pioneered a directory for public credit information applications and is the first in the province to launch initiatives like “Integrity at Your Fingertips” and “Promise to Repair,” successfully restoring credit for 609 market entities. A tiered credit regulatory system has led to 12,400 tax-compliant companies benefiting from “silver-tax interaction” loans totaling 11.269 billion yuan, while 77 individuals have faced restrictions on their roles as legal representatives due to breaches of trust. The city is also collaborating with six departments, including the Cultural and Tourism Bureau, to promote “Credit + Tourism” initiatives under the “Credit Harbin” branding to enhance the city’s visibility.

In efforts to achieve new successes in supporting business development, Harbin is advancing the “Harbin Enterprise Service Platform,” which consolidates 2,763 policies designed to benefit enterprises. To streamline feedback from businesses and citizens, various complaint channels have been established, including the 12345 hotline, Harbin Business Online WeChat account, business environment reporting phone line, and the “e-Bing City” app, ensuring that all grievances are promptly addressed.

On October 21, Qinghai Province held a groundbreaking ceremony for a major three-year campaign focused on key projects in the transportation sector. This initiative includes the simultaneous launch of nine significant transportation projects with a total investment of 32 billion yuan.

During the ceremony, Vice Governor He Luchun announced the commencement of these pivotal projects in the transportation field across the province.

The nine major transportation projects encompass various routes, including the section of the Daohu Tea Road from Erlangjian to Heima River, the G227 line from Guide to Dawa, the G315 line from Xining to Tuerga Te, the G338 line from Haixing to Tianjun, and the G345 line from Qidong to Naqu, specifically the segment from Anbalashankou to Xiewu.

According to He Can, the director of the Qinghai Provincial Department of Transportation, this year, the department is focused on accelerating key project commencement by maximizing time, enhancing progress, and boosting investment.

As of October 20, 20 ongoing major road construction projects are continuing, and nine new projects are being initiated in Qinghai Province. The transportation department has completed a total fixed asset investment of 9.538 billion yuan, achieving 73.4% of the annual target. They aim to have eight specific projects, including the Leidu to Hualong Expressway and the G213 road from Rehwani to Mapi Temple, operational by the end of the year.

On October 24, the Beijing Development and Reform Commission held a press conference to discuss the economic situation. A representative from the Commission shared insights into the city’s economic outlook, highlighting that in the fourth quarter of this year, the city will pre-allocate 10 billion yuan for fixed asset investments in 2025. This move is recognized as a significant local policy aimed at increasing investment.

The representative noted that in the first three quarters, Beijing’s Gross Domestic Product reached 3.3 trillion yuan, marking a 5.1% increase year-on-year, which is 0.3 percentage points higher than the national average. The overall economic performance has remained stable and is showing positive progress. Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, with the implementation of national incremental policies, accelerated reform efforts, ongoing breakthroughs in technological innovation, and major projects in high-tech industries gaining momentum, there is a solid foundation and capability to boost economic recovery and meet the annual growth target.

In terms of advancing major project approvals, the fourth quarter will see Beijing proactively strategizing for 2024 across six key areas: the implementation of incremental policies, the realization of reform tasks, integrated development of education, technology, and talent, the establishment of a modern industrial system, the construction of a modern metropolitan area, and the enhancement of public welfare.

To solidify the implementation of incremental policies, Beijing plans to focus on accelerating the issuance of national bonds, particularly ultra-long-term bonds, to ensure timely financial support and increased project activity. The city aims to strategically plan for the “two重” (two heavy) and “两新” (two new) efforts, actively seeking early allocations of central budget investments and special bonds from the national government.

Furthermore, there will be a significant push to stimulate consumption as a means to expand effective demand. Efforts will be directed towards reform measures in key consumer sectors, accelerating the subsequent construction of Phase One and planning Phase Two and Three of the Universal Studios project, and introducing plans to advance high-quality development in the tourism sector. This includes optimizing dining services in cultural and tourism venues, launching innovative tourism formats and experiences, and improving transportation services to establish Beijing as a global tourism destination.

The representative emphasized the city’s intention to identify and prioritize major projects that are well-prepared and scheduled to commence in the first half of next year. The fourth quarter will be designated as a critical period for finalizing preliminary approvals, employing parallel reviews and joint approval processes to expedite progress. Projects that meet certain criteria will benefit from preemptive land-use policies, facilitating quicker readiness for construction and supporting investment in the first quarter of next year.

Additionally, to enhance the development of education, technology, and talent, Beijing plans to respond proactively to the peak in school-age population by optimizing the allocation and structure of educational resources and contemplating the expansion of municipal universities.

Beijing will continue to increase the supply of high-quality technological resources by bolstering organized research efforts in universities, supporting national laboratories in undertaking major projects, and advancing the completion of key facilities at the Huairou Comprehensive National Science Center. The city also aims to implement a five-year action plan for the transformation of scientific achievements and expand the coverage of the Young Scientist Program across local universities, creating a comprehensive service mechanism for engineers’ career development.

Moreover, Beijing is set to enhance efforts in building a modern capital metropolitan area. The city will refine collaborative development mechanisms, complete annual tasks for “relocating, organizing, and promoting improvements,” and ensure the operational readiness of various healthcare facilities. Policies supporting the Xiong’an New Area will be put into place, as well as commercial openings for major cultural facilities in the sub-center by the end of the year.

Lastly, the representative indicated plans to establish a facility alliance for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to expedite the construction of three bases for the new energy and smart connected vehicle parts industry. The city is also accelerating the development of spatial collaborative planning for the modern capital metropolitan area, along with a joint development plan for the “Two Parks and One River,” ensuring tailored strategies for each district in the Pingyuan New City area.

On October 10, during the men’s team final at the Asian Table Tennis Championships held in Astana, Kazakhstan, the Chinese national team triumphed over the team from Chinese Taipei with a score of 3-1, clinching the championship title.

According to the competition schedule, the final day’s matches required the top four teams to compete in doubleheader matches. In the semifinals earlier that day, the Chinese men’s team defeated South Korea 3-1, with Wang Chuqin contributing two points. In the other semifinal, Chinese Taipei eliminated India.

The Chinese men’s team lineup for the final featured Wang Chuqin, Lin Shidong, and Liang Jingkun. In the opening match, Wang faced Gao Chengrui. Wang demonstrated remarkable patience and maintained a high quality of play that kept him in control, securing the first victory in straight sets.

Next up was rising star Lin Shidong, who faced Lin Yun-ju from Chinese Taipei. Lin Shidong quickly took the first two games 11-7, but Lin Yun-ju fought back to win a game 11-8. The fourth game remained closely contested, but Lin Shidong showed courage under pressure to win and extend the team’s lead.

In the third match, Liang Jingkun went up against Huang Yanzheng. After splitting the first four games 2-2, Liang took an early lead in the decisive game at 4-1 thanks to repeated attacks on Huang’s forehand. However, after a timeout, Huang turned the tables, capturing the game point first. Liang managed to tie the score, but Huang capitalized on a crucial moment to clinch the game 12-10, putting Chinese Taipei on the board.

In the fourth match, Wang Chuqin confronted Lin Yun-ju again. Wang struggled initially against Lin’s aggressive style, losing the first two games. However, he bounced back in the third game, leveraging his consistency to secure a win. The two rallied to a 7-7 tie in the fourth game, after which Lin Yun-ju reached game point. Nevertheless, Wang went on a five-point run to complete an impressive turnaround. Once he overcame the pressure of game point, Wang’s aggressive play became too much for Lin to handle, and he ultimately secured the match, sealing the 3-1 victory for the Chinese men’s team and their championship win.

Following two wins in the semifinals, Wang Chuqin delivered another critical performance in the final, marking a flawless day with four victories against Wu Jun-cheng, An Zai-hyun, Gao Chengrui, and Lin Yun-ju, helping his team reach the top.

Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Mike Jeffries has been arrested on charges of human trafficking, accused of luring male models to participate in sex parties around the world. During a court appearance today, Jeffries, who is 80 years old and led A&F from 1992 to 2014, pleaded not guilty to one count of trafficking and 15 counts of sexual offenses.

According to reports from Reuters, Jeffries’ attorney, Brian Bieber, made the defense case before U.S. District Judge Steven Tiscione in Central Islip, Suffolk County, New York.

Dressed in a navy blue suit jacket and light gray shirt, with no tie, Jeffries mostly kept his gaze forward, fingers interlocked during the proceedings.

He has been granted the possibility of maintaining his freedom, albeit under strict conditions: a $10 million bail, secured by his residence on Fishers Island, New York, along with home confinement monitored by GPS.

Additionally, one of his employees, James Jacobson, has also pleaded not guilty to similar charges through his attorney. His bail conditions include GPS-monitored home confinement and a $500,000 bail.

Jeffries’ partner, Matthew Smith, who holds dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship, has been ordered to remain in custody and will respond to the same 16 charges at a later date.

Prosecutors allege that the crimes spanned from 2008 to 2015. Reports indicate that Jacobson acted as a recruiter, paying men to engage in sexual activities, then selecting several to send to locations including Manhattan, the Hamptons, and several countries around the world to meet with Jeffries and Smith.

On October 15, 2023, in Nanjing, a Taiwanese youth, Tseng Wei-Hsiang, reflects on his experience as a tour guide, sharing the beauty of this ancient capital with the world. During a tour at the Nanjing Museum of Imperial Examination, he enthusiastically informs a group of intrigued tourists, “This was once the largest imperial examination site in China—Jiangnan Gongyuan, capable of accommodating over 20,000 candidates. Its grandeur is truly remarkable.”

Tseng, passionate about travel, obtained his tour guide certification in Taiwan and occasionally led groups from the mainland on tours of the island. He recalls, “The first group I guided from the mainland came from Nanjing. They introduced me to famous sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and particularly recommended saltwater duck. Coincidentally, my hometown also has a similar dish called salty chicken, which has a similar taste and preparation method.”

His numerous interactions with mainland visitors have given Tseng a deeper understanding of the region. After encountering a tourism promotion online, Tseng found himself increasingly intrigued, prompting him to gather more information about mainland tourism. “I’ve always dreamed of traveling across the beautiful landscapes of this great land. The mainland is just across the strait—why not go and explore?” he said.

In 2019, Tseng traveled to Xiamen to take the mainland tour guide qualification exam. After completing the exam, he knew he wanted to visit Nanjing, so he sought assistance in a WeChat group dedicated to guide certification. He quickly received a response from an experienced Nanjing tour guide.

While in Nanjing, he visited sites like the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum and Linggu Temple. “I had only seen these places in textbooks and travel guides before. Experiencing them in person was a completely different encounter. The city and its people felt familiar and welcoming,” he shared.

After obtaining his tour guide certification in the mainland, Tseng settled in Nanjing, joined a travel agency, and embarked on a full-time career as a tour guide. He also applied to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Museum, becoming its first volunteer from Taiwan. Through his tours, Tseng helps more visitors learn about Sun Yat-sen’s life and contributions.

From initially connecting with visitors in Nanjing to establishing roots across the strait, and now sharing the rich history and culture of the city with tourists, Nanjing has truly become Tseng Wei-Hsiang’s second hometown. “Nanjing, known as the ancient capital of the Six Dynasties, a city of universal love, a world literary capital, and a hub for science and education, has many prestigious identities. Transitioning from a tour guide in Taiwan to one in Nanjing, I will continue writing stories about this city,” he concluded.