Having served as the convener of HAC’s Hakka Academic Development Commission and a professor of College of Hakka Studies at National Central University and National United University, Hsiao Hsin-huang is dedicated to improving the quality and quantity of the overall Hakka research in Taiwan. He promoted the establishment of Taiwan Consortium of Global Hakka Studies in a bid to keep pace with the international academic community. In addition to his outstanding academic contributions, professor Hsiao actively participates in public affairs and has also been devoted to Taiwan's democratic transformation and social movements, leaving an irreplaceable experience especially for intellectuals to engage in politics.
Chang Fang-tzu (張芳慈), winner of Outstanding Achievement Award in the Art and Culture category
As the recipient of the Wu Zhuo-Liu Literary Prize in Poetry (吳濁流新詩獎) and Rong-hou Taiwanese Poet Prize (榮後台灣詩人獎), Chang Fang-tzu, a Hakka poet who was born in 1964 in Taichung’s Dongshi District, has long thrown herself into the world of Hakka literature. She co-established Taiwan Hakka Women Literary Association (臺灣客家女性創作聯誼會) with domestic female writers, actively participating in various Hakka cultural events and enhancing the status of Hakka literature in Taiwan.
Huang Siou-man (黃秀滿), winner of Outstanding Achievement Award in the Art and Culture category
Huang Siou-man was born in 1938 in Miaoli’s Hakka village. Since she was little, Huang learned traditional Hakka opera from her mother, who was a renowned actress in the local area. The 1960s was Huang’s glorious time when she performed with her mother in Hakka settlements throughout Taiwan, attracting many fans. She founded Huang Siou-man Opera Troupe in 1992, winning numerous awards during her performing career. Regarded as a national treasure of Hakka opera, Huang has passed down the cultural heritage by teaching Hakka opera’s gesture and singing skills in various culture centers and schools.