Transnational Perspectives on Identities, Families, and Boundaries: Insights from Taiwanese and Southeast Asian Studies

Panel Convenor(s)

• TO

  Tzu-Chi Ou

  Taiwan National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan

Panel Chair(s)

• YK

  Ya-ning Kao

  Taiwan National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan

Panel Discussant(s)

• VD

  Vinsensio Dugis

  Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia

Presenter(s)

• YK

  Ya-ning Kao

  Taiwan National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan
• TO

  Tzu-Chi Ou

  Taiwan National Cheng-chi University, Taiwan
• CT

  Chia-Hsuan Tsai

  Independent scholar, Taiwan

This panel investigates the multifaceted aspects of identity, family dynamics, and transnationalism in Asia, with a specific focus on Taiwanese and Southeast Asian communities. Comprising four distinctive studies, this panel delves into the representation, resistance, and agency of transnational subjects, spanning international students, transnational families, stateless children, and migrant mothers. Through an interdisciplinary lens that encompasses education, anthropology, and media, our panel provides a comprehensive exploration of the intricate landscape of education and labor mobility in Asia.

The first two papers center on the global mobility of students from Vietnam and Taiwan. The initial paper, titled "Factors Determining Taiwanese and Vietnamese Students to Study Abroad," offers insights into the driving forces behind the decisions of Vietnamese and Taiwanese students to seek higher education opportunities overseas. Tien dissects the factors shaping their educational pursuits, contributing to our understanding of global student mobility trends. The second paper, "Sweetness and Sorrow of Transnational Students in Taiwan," delves into the parent-child relationships of transnational students from Vietnamese families living and studying in Taiwan. Kao underscores the pivotal role of family dynamics in shaping the experiences of transnational students, providing a nuanced perspective on their lives.

The third and fourth papers pivot toward identity and the demarcation of boundaries among Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan. "Mapping Discourse and Humanitarianism Surrounding Southeast Asian Migrant Workers in Taiwan" scrutinizes the discursive interactions that influence the experiences of Southeast Asian migrants in Taiwan. Ou investigates the perceptions and boundary-drawing practices among Taiwanese citizens and migrant workers, shedding light on the responses of Facebook users to the "Migrant Mothers’ Aid Program." The concluding paper, "From 'Mimi's Utopia' to 'Selamat Ulang Tahun': Documenting the Lives of Children of Indonesian Migrant Workers," offers a visual ethnographic exploration of the challenges faced by undocumented Indonesian migrant mothers and their stateless children in Taiwan. Tsai chronicles the lives of three distinct groups of Indonesian mothers and children, illuminating their struggles for access to healthcare and education.

Collectively, these papers provide timely insights into the diverse transnational experiences within Taiwan and its interactions with Southeast Asian communities. Our panel invites a robust discussion on the broader implications of these studies, fostering a deeper comprehension of the complexities of identity and belonging that transnational subjects navigate in Asia's evolving landscape.

Presentations:

• 11:15 – 13:00 (GMT+7)

  Sweetness and Sorrow of Transnational Students in Taiwan
  

  Presenter: Ya-ning Kao – Taiwan National Cheng-chi University
• 11:15 – 13:00 (GMT+7)

  Mapping Discourse and Humanitarianism Surrounding Southeast Asian Migrant Workers in Taiwan
  

  Presenter: Tzu-Chi Ou – Taiwan National Cheng-chi University
• 11:15 – 13:00 (GMT+7)

  From 'Mimi's Utopia' to 'Childhood in Between': Documenting the Lives of Children of Indonesian Migrant Workers
  

  Presenter: Chia-Hsuan Tsai – Independent scholar