Describe the moment you received the special award. How did you feel?

Winning the award felt surreal at first. I needed a moment to wrap my head around it. All those late nights, hard work, and challenges suddenly felt worth it. The applause and seeing my peers smiling made it all sink in. Standing on that stage, I experienced a huge wave of relief. It was a moment I’ll always remember.

How did you prepare for your journey?

This achievement came after two years of dedicated effort. I kicked things off with extensive research, followed by five weeks of hands-on work, writing my first paper in high school, refining my thesis for the Swiss Youth in Science, and getting ready for TISF. I designed three posters and worked hard on my presentation—each step was a challenge. When I finally stood on that stage, I felt relief again, knowing all my effort had paid off.



Who was the first person you met during your journey? How did that moment impact you?


My first real taste of Taiwanese culture was on the very first day during the culture day and welcoming party. Everyone was so kind and welcoming. Their warmth made me feel at home in a new place. At the party, I was amazed by how excited they were to share their culture with us. They introduced us to traditional music and made sure everyone felt included. One of my favourite moments was baking traditional croissants at a local shop, where the workers enjoyed the experience with us. Their enthusiasm for showcasing Taiwan’s heritage was truly inspiring. Every moment in Taipei felt like a new discovery, and I loved it all.

Do you have an unusual anecdote to share?

Taiwan is an amazing country, but I have to admit—I had to get used to the food there. On culture day, we were served traditional Hakka cuisine, which included black chicken soup, fried fish skin, chicken stomach, and pig stomach. I was a little hesitant since I’d never seen these dishes before, but my curiosity got the better of me. To my surprise, the fried shellfish—something I never thought I’d try—was absolutely delicious! It was a culinary experience I won’t forget.



What was your mission during your stay? What did you do to achieve it?

In the weeks leading up to the fair, I set two goals: to give my best at the competition and to dive deep into Taiwanese culture. I wanted to learn about the country’s history, people, and way of life. I especially enjoyed visiting the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall and the National Museum. Taiwan’s rich history—its colonial past, struggles for independence, and cultural evolution—came alive through the exhibits, like the Red Chamber in the National Museum. Being there in person gave me a deeper appreciation for the country’s resilience and identity.

Who was the most inspiring or special person you met?

One of the most memorable encounters was with a Buddhist monk at a stunning temple. The intricate statues and colorful interiors created a breathtaking atmosphere. He guided us through a traditional prayer ritual, which involved flipping wooden half-moons, selecting sticks, and interpreting a poem meant to answer our prayers. The experience was striking—while their practices were different from what I was used to, they felt vibrant and meaningful. It was fascinating to see faith expressed in such a unique way.



Who or what was your “opponent” during this experience?

My real challenge was the goal I set for myself—to contribute to the fight against skin cancer. My thesis focused on improving a new treatment method, and I hoped that through continuous refinement during these conventions, I could make a small but meaningful impact. If my research helps advance this field even a little, I’d consider that a true victory.

Describe the place where your adventure took place. Was it your first time in this city?

If so, what were your impressions? If not, what was different this time? Taipei was incredible—vibrant, fast-paced, and unlike any place I’d been before. Since I extended my stay, I got to explore beyond the fair. My favorite part was wandering through the night markets, where the mix of sounds, sights, and smells created an unforgettable experience. I tried stinky tofu, sugar-coated fruits, and various kinds of omelets. I also went hiking, took a cable car to visit tea plantations, and chatted with locals. A highlight was visiting Tamsui Harbor, where the evening sky turned a brilliant orange, reflecting over the water where a new enormous bridge was being built. The sunset there, combined with the seafood stalls at the night markets, was truly magical. Every moment in Taipei felt like a new adventure, and I loved it all.

Did anything unexpected happen during your stay?

After my first round of judging, one of the professors asked an open-ended question that completely caught me off guard. I hadn’t seen it coming at all, and I spent the evening researching to understand what she was looking for. The uncertainty made me nervous, but I knew I had to find a way to address her question effectively.

Did you have to present your work or actively contribute? How did you feel about it?

We presented our projects in two rounds in front of judges and professors. I enjoy presenting, and I felt confident after all the practice I got through Swiss Youth in Science, but the anticipation was nerve-wracking. In the first round, I had ten minutes to present my poster, followed by a Q&A session. I was surprised by the level of detail in their questions; it was clear they had really read my thesis. The second round built on the first, including that open-ended question I had struggled with. By then, I felt more prepared to navigate the discussion, making it a smoother experience.



How did you overcome this challenge? What was your plan, and how did your story unfold?

I took time to analyze the professor’s question, researching different angles and structuring my response to align with what she might be looking for. When I walked into the second round, I felt more confident. Thankfully, my approach seemed to resonate with her, and I believe I managed to address her question satisfactorily. This experience reinforced the importance of being adaptable and communicating clearly.

What did you gain from this experience? What did you learn?

This entire journey—preparing my thesis, presenting at TISF, and engaging with experts—taught me a valuable lesson: Effective presentations rely on structure, clarity, and knowing your audience. I realized that success isn’t just about knowing your subject; it’s about delivering it in a way that resonates with those listening. Adapting to different perspectives and expectations is a skill that will serve me well in the future.

What was your first interaction during your journey?

My first real conversation in Taiwan was with our student guide—a 15-year-old high school student. It was fascinating to hear him talk about his daily life, the school system, his dream of visiting Europe, and his hobbies. Despite our different backgrounds, we found common ground, and his enthusiasm for learning about different cultures was inspiring.

What was the most important conversation you had?

One evening at the hotel, I had a brief but eye-opening chat with a local about the looming threat of a possible Chinese takeover. While I had read about Taiwan-China relations in the news, this discussion brought a new level of realism to the issue as it came from an everyday person. Hearing firsthand how deeply this uncertainty affects daily life was a powerful reminder of the human impact behind geopolitical conflicts.

Did you meet an expert who gave you valuable insights?

I talked with a supervisor from another country who has been to a lot of conventions, including TISF. She really stressed how these events can impact your future and how the people you meet can become important connections later on. Hearing her perspective made me appreciate this opportunity even more and reminded me how valuable networking and international collaboration can be.