TAIPEI, Taiwan -- International Muslim Student Association (IMSA) from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) was held an annual event titled "International Muslim Culture Exhibition" (IMCE) 2013, with theme about "Halal Food Journey: New Taste, New Experience". The aim of the event was for introducing Muslim Culture to Taiwan society and International community, through halal food and Muslim culture from all around the world. This year event was the third exhibition, started in 2011 by NTUST IMSA.
This Dec. 16-17 exhibition actually was a collaborative effort between a group of Muslim students, not only from NTUST but also from NTU, NCCU and TMU. And this event fully supported by NTUST Office of International Affairs, as well as Chinese Muslim Association, Taipei Grand Mosque, and also some Halal restaurants in Taipei.
Alicia Lloyd, Director of Office of International Affairs NTUST said, "This event is a good way for us to understand different culture, and really important to create a better international family athmosphere in NTUST."
On the opening ceremony, the head/representative of trade and economic office from several Islam/ Major Muslim countries, such as; Oman, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkey, also coming to give their support for this initiative.
During this 2 days event, more than 700 visitors in Taiwan came and not only seeing the exhibition, but also directly participating in some activities. This event provides several booths such as Halal Introduction booth, Islamic Gallery, and Entertainment booth (Photo Booth, Hyena Art / Islamic Tattoos Art, and special Arabic Name). Visitor can also learn how to write Arabic words in beautiful ways), on Stage (Cooking Demo), competition (Mini Cooking Competition and photo contest), Islamic gallery and also attractive games.
"Not so many Taiwanese familiar with Islam and Muslim Culture before. That's why, we want to introduce Islam to Taiwanese", said Isro Hutomo, the chair of IMCE committee.
Jerrel Lai, a Taiwanese student from National Chengchi University said, "From this exhibition and event, I can get better knowledge about daily life of Muslim and also their culture".
Nowadays, there are more than 1.5 billion of Muslim in all over the world. And currently, there are only 0.2% of Muslim (from total population) in Taiwan. Mostly they are foreign immigrant from South-East Asian, Middle Eastern as well as African countries. so that the knowledge of Muslim culture will be important in this more globalized era.
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For further information, please contact:
Nila Cynthia (Publication Director of IMCE 2013)
National Taiwan University of Science and Technology
email: nilacynthia@gmail.com
phone-call: +886975 9696 40
or
Retno (Publication Division of IMCE 2013)
National Chengchi University
email: retno.widyastuti14@gmail.com