Leading the times

Tseng Ting-Hsi｜Atayal Cultural Entrepreneur・Co-founder of Seeing Tribes

Many people first came to know Tseng Ting-Hsi through the stage.

In her younger years, she worked as an acrobatic performer and represented the Overseas Community Affairs Council in cultural goodwill performances for overseas Taiwanese communities, performing on international stages around the world. She also participated in Peach Princess training programs, living a glamorous stage life surrounded by lights, applause, and opportunities many people dream of.

However, at the age of 24 — during the prime of her performing career and at a time filled with possibilities — she chose to step away from the spotlight and return to her hometown.

Now in her 14th year since returning home, she began again from the land itself, personally dedicating herself to tea and coffee farming while also taking over the operation of a homestay, café, and tea house projects. Transitioning from stage lights to mountain life, she gradually rediscovered her culture, homeland, and tribal roots.

Throughout this journey, she has never regretted leaving the stage. Rather than leaving home behind, she has continually asked herself what more she could do to make her community and tribe better.

In her 12th year back home, she and her partners co-founded the nationwide “Seeing Tribes” movement, hoping to reconnect people with Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures through culture, local industries, markets, education, and international exchange — while helping the world truly see the beauty and value of Indigenous communities in Taiwan.

After founding Seeing Tribes, she realized even more deeply that passion alone is not enough to truly support Indigenous communities and tribal development. This inspired her to continue learning and advancing herself academically and professionally. In her 13th year, she entered the Master’s Program in Tourism and Leisure at Kainan University’s College of Tourism and Transportation. In her 14th year, she became a member of Taoyuan City Government’s 14th Young Farmers Training Program, while continuing to strengthen her language skills and international communication abilities to further deepen her understanding of culture, agriculture, tourism, and local revitalization.

From international stages back to tribal lands, Tseng Ting-Hsi has spent 14 years planting her life back into her homeland.

She believes that culture is not only something to be preserved, but a powerful force for the future of Indigenous communities. She also believes that through industry, education, and cultural exchange, the world can truly see the beauty and value of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples.