19th of April marked a special milestone: the very first Formosa Network Meetup in Brussels.
What started as an idea to bring people together around a shared connection to Taiwan turned into a warm and vibrant gathering, with attendees coming from all over Belgium — and even from France — to join us in the heart of Brussels.
And fittingly, we met over something iconic: bubble tea 🧋
But this meetup was about more than just a drink.
A shared connection to Taiwan
The real reason we gathered was simple: Taiwan.
Some participants had lived in Taiwan as expats, others were Taiwanese currently living abroad, and some had simply fallen in love with the island through travel, study, or work.
Across conversations, we exchanged memories of Taipei nights, reflections on daily life in Taiwan, and stories about what makes the island so unique — from its people and food to its energy and sense of community.
Very quickly, the room filled with something familiar to anyone who has spent time in Taiwan: warmth, curiosity, and easy connection between strangers.
Why Formosa Network exists
This is exactly why Formosa Network was created.
Not just as an event series, but as a way to keep the Taiwan spirit alive wherever we are in the world — to create spaces where people connected to Taiwan can meet, share, and feel at home again, even far away from the island itself.
Whether through shared memories or new encounters, the goal is to build a growing international community tied together by a common appreciation for Taiwan.
What’s next
This first meetup is just the beginning.
We’re excited to continue building this community, hosting more gatherings, and welcoming even more people who feel connected to Taiwan in one way or another.
Looking forward to the next meetup — and to seeing how far this network can grow