CNA's "Sense of Light, Hakka" New Book and Photography Exhibition Revisit Historical Moments
Central News Agency (CNA) launches a new book "Sense of Light, Hakka" and holds a photography exhibition at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. It showcases the Hakka community's historical journey to becoming a societal driving force through over 100 precious images. The exhibition runs from May 3rd to 20th, and the book is priced at NT$450.
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- 📰 Published: May 3, 2026 at 11:09
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Central News Agency (CNA) has witnessed Taiwan's development and transformation and has launched a new book titled "Sense of Light, Hakka: A Collective Revelation Driving the Times Forward." Concurrently, a photography exhibition is being held at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Using the metaphor of photo development ("顯影"), the exhibition connects over 100 precious images to showcase how the Hakka community transformed from being long-ignored "invisible figures" to "visible participants" in the public sphere, becoming a vital force driving society forward.
The book's foreword and recommendations are contributed by Ms. Ku Hsiu-fei, Chairperson of the Hakka Affairs Council, and Dr. Chang Wei-an, Honorary Professor at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and recipient of the 2025 Hakka Contribution Award "Lifetime Achievement Award."
In her preface, Ms. Ku Hsiu-fei notes that "as the 21st century has passed its first quarter, it is a good time to review the past and confirm our direction." She highly praises the book's careful planning, which aims to visualize and engrave the diverse and inclusive "island DNA" onto its pages. Dr. Chang Wei-an believes the book highlights Hakka social and cultural power, making "us deeply convinced that the Hakka will continue to stride forward in sync with Taiwan's resilience, inclusiveness, and diverse strengths."
"Sense of Light, Hakka" is divided into three sections:
- Section One, "Island's New Homeland," outlines how, against Taiwan's historical backdrop, the Hakka people formed unique ways of life and connections. Their resilient strength in defending their homeland is represented by the Yimin faith and the Liudui spirit.
- Section Two, "Democratic Plowing," documents social movements from the late 1970s onwards, revealing the emergence of the Hakka presence, highlighting the resonant effect between Hakka villages and street movements, and offering a modern interpretation of the "hard-necked spirit."
- Section Three, "Striding into the Future," presents how, after institutions were gradually established, this social force extended into abundant daily practices. Through innovations that break from tradition, such as cuisine and art, the unique charm of Hakka culture is showcased to the world. From the island's new homeland to democratic plowing and then striding into the future, this is not just a Hakka story, but a Taiwanese story.
Additionally, to present the evolution of Hakka social power, the "Sense of Light, Hakka" photography exhibition, guided by the Hakka Affairs Council and organized by CNA, will be held from May 3rd to May 20th in the central corridor of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Besides precious historical photographs and texts, the exhibition will feature bilingual captions in Chinese and English, as well as Hakka language guided tour services, welcoming the public to visit.
"Sense of Light, Hakka: A Collective Revelation Driving the Times Forward" is priced at NT$450. It is available immediately at the CNA E-bookstore and major physical and online bookstores. In response to environmental protection and digital reading trends, it is also available on major e-book platforms, including Chunghwa Telecom (HamiBook), Taiwan Mobile (MyBook), Kobo, HyRead, Readmoo, Pubu, Books.com.tw, TAAZE, UDN Bookstore, and Hy-Art Digital.
Orders placed now through the CNA E-bookstore or by calling 02-25051180 ext. 817 can enjoy a special price of NT$415, including shipping. (Edited by Chen Tzu-ling) 1150503
The book's foreword and recommendations are contributed by Ms. Ku Hsiu-fei, Chairperson of the Hakka Affairs Council, and Dr. Chang Wei-an, Honorary Professor at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University and recipient of the 2025 Hakka Contribution Award "Lifetime Achievement Award."
In her preface, Ms. Ku Hsiu-fei notes that "as the 21st century has passed its first quarter, it is a good time to review the past and confirm our direction." She highly praises the book's careful planning, which aims to visualize and engrave the diverse and inclusive "island DNA" onto its pages. Dr. Chang Wei-an believes the book highlights Hakka social and cultural power, making "us deeply convinced that the Hakka will continue to stride forward in sync with Taiwan's resilience, inclusiveness, and diverse strengths."
"Sense of Light, Hakka" is divided into three sections:
- Section One, "Island's New Homeland," outlines how, against Taiwan's historical backdrop, the Hakka people formed unique ways of life and connections. Their resilient strength in defending their homeland is represented by the Yimin faith and the Liudui spirit.
- Section Two, "Democratic Plowing," documents social movements from the late 1970s onwards, revealing the emergence of the Hakka presence, highlighting the resonant effect between Hakka villages and street movements, and offering a modern interpretation of the "hard-necked spirit."
- Section Three, "Striding into the Future," presents how, after institutions were gradually established, this social force extended into abundant daily practices. Through innovations that break from tradition, such as cuisine and art, the unique charm of Hakka culture is showcased to the world. From the island's new homeland to democratic plowing and then striding into the future, this is not just a Hakka story, but a Taiwanese story.
Additionally, to present the evolution of Hakka social power, the "Sense of Light, Hakka" photography exhibition, guided by the Hakka Affairs Council and organized by CNA, will be held from May 3rd to May 20th in the central corridor of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall. Besides precious historical photographs and texts, the exhibition will feature bilingual captions in Chinese and English, as well as Hakka language guided tour services, welcoming the public to visit.
"Sense of Light, Hakka: A Collective Revelation Driving the Times Forward" is priced at NT$450. It is available immediately at the CNA E-bookstore and major physical and online bookstores. In response to environmental protection and digital reading trends, it is also available on major e-book platforms, including Chunghwa Telecom (HamiBook), Taiwan Mobile (MyBook), Kobo, HyRead, Readmoo, Pubu, Books.com.tw, TAAZE, UDN Bookstore, and Hy-Art Digital.
Orders placed now through the CNA E-bookstore or by calling 02-25051180 ext. 817 can enjoy a special price of NT$415, including shipping. (Edited by Chen Tzu-ling) 1150503