Hey Taiwan, Your Gold Carder has a challenge for you

By Jonathan Gropper

My recent article (Hey Taiwan. It’s me your Gold Carder. We need to talk) became very popular across Taiwan and the many responses that flooded my inbox broke down into two main categories: supporters and attackers. It was pretty surprising to see this and to see the composition of these groups (via LinkedIn).

The supporters tended to be highly educated, accomplished and eloquent business professionals. North American, European, Thai and Taiwanese. They consisted of Google engineers, chartered accountants, global heads of sales, headhunters, innovators in virtual reality and AI, artists, MBA executives, entrepreneurs that attempted to start their businesses in Taiwan and many other interesting and bright minds.

Many of these bright minds are ex-Gold Carders (who came to Taiwan and unfortunately left or are thinking of leaving soon). There were also many local Taiwanese executives that are equally accomplished that shared their frustration of the current condition from their unique perspectives.

As for the attackers, Plato once said that the emptiest vessel makes the loudest sound. I would suggest constructive and civilized conversation would benefit all involved. I am not sure what they hoped to achieve but I noticed a commonality among them. Unlike the intelligent and insightful messages I received, which were from accomplished professionals that departed Taiwan or are planning on doing so, these attackers were still…