Taiwan Story: 2025

2025年8月18日星期一

818

Written by Peter Li-Chang Kuo

(Chinese)

In a fleeting moment through time falls a red washer,

In the bathroom softly sounds like a dream dissolving;

The past original intention is worth its weight in gold,

The mission ahead has no end.

Fig 1: An AV Connector from 1986 equipped with red washers

This morning in the sealed bathroom, while wiping my face with a towel, I heard a sound of something falling on the dry bathtub to my right—it was a red washer from the AV Connector we made in 1986, the one that divides the "red, white, and yellow" colors. The question is, after all these years and multiple moves, how did this red washer travel through time and space to appear before me? Could this be a supernatural phenomenon? It's too eerie!

Fig 2: The red washer that traveled through time this morning

This experience is very surreal, containing space for scientific reasoning while also touching on associations with the "supernatural." Here, I observe it from two perspectives:

A. Rational Scientific Perspective:

1. Possible Origins of the Object:

1) That red washer may have been "accidentally" brought along during previous moves, perhaps trapped in some tool, furniture, or luggage crevice, and only recently loosened and fell out.

2) Although the bathroom environment is sealed, pipes, wall gaps, or ventilation openings could still serve as pathways for small objects to fall.

3) The red washer is small and light, making it easy to remain hidden for many years without being noticed.

2. Sound and Psychological Factors:

1) Early in the morning just after waking up, people are especially sensitive to environmental sounds; any faint dropping noise tends to be amplified in one’s attention.

2) Because of past experiences and the special significance of the red washer, it is natural to associate this coincidence with ideas of "time travel" or "supernatural" phenomena.

B. The Supernatural and Spiritual Perspective:

1. Symbolic Meaning:

1)The red washer from 1986 is closely tied to the history of entrepreneurship, research and development, and struggle, possibly becoming a “time-space memory symbol.”

2) Its appearance before the eyes may symbolize that “history has not disappeared,” representing some force reminding us that past efforts and achievements still exist.

2. Possibility of the Supernatural:

1) Scientifically, there is no evidence that objects can "travel through time and space," but people tend to associate such unusual events with supernatural or paranormal phenomena—especially when the event is highly coincidental and seemingly inexplicable. This psychological response is quite common, though most cases can be explained through physical or mundane details.

2) Some interpret this as “object time travel” or “supernatural manifestation”—where the universe or the subconscious mind “calls forth” something deeply connected to a person into the visible world.

3. In psychology, this can be referred to as “synchronicity,” meaning a meaningful coincidence that carries a signal or symbolic message.

This was most likely an event where a long-hidden physical object accidentally fell out, but because the "red washer" holds special historical significance, it has been imbued with a feeling of "time travel." From another perspective, it can also be seen as a kind of "reminder of fate": despite past struggles and constant challenges and moves, it still finds a way back to me.

I have specially organized this “cosmic revelation” into a piece titled “The Revelation of the Red Washer”:

In the early morning, inside the sealed and clean bathroom, a flat red washer from 1986 suddenly fell, making a faint sound. It shouldn’t have appeared here, yet it truly landed right before my eyes.

This is not simply a spare part, but a symbol of history. It belongs to the era when my wife Linda Din and I struggled together and tackled unemployment—that was the beginning of creation and mission. Now, at a moment when life seems at its end, it reappears, as if crossing time and space, lighting up a message from the heavens.

This is the universe’s response:

Our struggles were not in vain; our creativity has not disappeared. Even after facing cartel and corruption attacks and endless wandering, a powerful energy still exists—“red” symbolizes vitality, passion, and an indestructible original intention.

This washer tells us—our mission is not over, the history is unfinished; please do not give up, because the future still awaits us to complete the final chapter.

The red washer draws forth a long chain of human good and evil.

In 1985, Mattel’s executives told me: “Taiwan’s per capita income has already reached “USD 3,000," it no longer holds investment value.” They decided to shut down their Taiwan plant, while expecting me to go to Malaysia. Each time I refused, their offers grew more generous. When I was nearly swayed, the “Old Buddha” unexpectedly came to my wife, asking her to secure orders. Ever unable to refuse intrigue, the little lady Linda Din truly did bring in large orders. Then she pressed me to once again rescue those evildoers— thus, I could no longer protect Mattel's Barbie.

The Psalms had already warned: “Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or stand in the way of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers.” But for one without guile, such warnings avail little. Consequently, once more I was driven to produce items I had already discarded— "AV Connectors." Fortunately, a band of helping hands rushed overnight to Taipei, and together we accomplished the impossible task.

The red washer was one of the pieces used to distinguish the colors red, white, and yellow. While Linda personally assembling products, discovered that the flat washer had a major flaw during assembly—after more than a decade with no thought of improvement. She transformed the flat washer into a "cap-shaped" washer. Not only did this create 100 new jobs, but it also earned her a patent certificate.

Fig 3: Ding Ling-Hong (Linda)’s AV Connector Patent Certificate

In short, the “flat washer” had already been eliminated in 1986 by the cap-shaped design. After drifting through time and space for thirty-nine years, it seems that this morning it crossed through a wormhole, rushing right before me.

The sudden appearance of the red washer bears both the mystery of the supernatural and the power of steadfast perseverance. It stirs inspiration, and thus I dedicate this poem:

“Red Washer, A Testament of Resolve”

A red washer suddenly falls with sound in the bath,
As if time and space entrust a mission’s path.
Through trials endured, the original heart remains,
Years on the grand road still clear and plain.

Though thorns stretch long, resolve does not fade,
In twilight’s haze, sincerity is displayed.
Don’t say all storms will end in the years ahead—
A tiny thing lights the lamp within the stead.

The red washer, as a “heart lamp” crossing time and space, seems to remind me: “Though the storms are long, the mission remains clear.” Rational scientific explanations do not hold here because the sealed bathroom is very clean, containing nothing but towels, toothpaste, toothbrush, and soap. I was only wearing underwear. The flat red washer first appeared in 1986, and today is “August 18, 2025.” When I entered the bathroom, it was not there—it fell with a clear, faint sound. At the edge of life’s struggle, it suddenly appeared, making the feeling especially eerie. This seems more like a sign carrying a message. The analysis is as follows:

1. From the perspective of time and historical meaning:

1986 was the starting point when Linda and I began social responsibility investment (SRI) and the “Rich Taiwan Plan.” It was a foundational year— securing 39 years for Taiwan. Now, feeling that I am at “life’s end,” this 1986 red washer seemingly traveled through time to appear before me, reminding me that everything we have done has not disappeared but remains preserved in the universe and history.

2. A sign of hope:

This washer symbolizes the reawakening of the “original intention of that era.” It is like saying: even after traversing mountains and rivers, the path taken is that of righteous people—like the light of dawn, shining ever brighter until midday.

3. Synchronicity of the universe:

Psychologist Jung called this a “meaningful coincidence”—it is not random but an implicit signal from the universe. The falling red washer seems to ignite a beacon, indicating that history has not forgotten, and our struggles have a higher witness.

4. A life’s guardian symbol:

“Red” itself carries energy, vitality, alertness, and hope. At a moment of exhaustion, it feels like a protection and reminder: “Don’t give up, the mission continues, and renewed energy will come.”

In summary, my understanding is that this is not just a “strange supernatural phenomenon” but an extremely rare “sign.” It symbolizes the start of a new stage—our mission remains, and the future still awaits its stage.

Conclusion:

The "Red Washer" is a small color-separating component in the AV Connector customized for the Hsinzhuang World Electric Factory in early 1986. It symbolizes the victory in the battle between good and evil. Even though 39 years have passed and everything has changed with time, the “red washer,” like a red flower drifting down in an instant, has crossed time and space to awaken the original intention of those days. The gentle sound from the bathtub evokes a realization of transformation, much like Zhuangzi’s dream of the butterfly. The earlier social responsibility investment and innovative industry aimed at solving unemployment and achieving the mission of a prosperous Taiwan hold a precious original purpose as valuable as gold — irreplaceable by anything else. Therefore, the steps forward have no end, and the mission is eternal. In short, by steadfastly preserving this precious original intention, with unwavering determination and faith, cherishing the present moment, we continue to move forward toward our future mission and goals.

Peter Li-Chang Kuo, the author created Taiwan's Precision Industry in his early years. Peter was a representative of the APEC CEO Summit and an expert in the third sector. He advocated "anti-corruption (AC)/cashless/e-commerce (E-Com)/ICT/IPR/IIA-TES / Micro-Business (MB)…and etc." to win the international bills and regulations.

【Copyrights reserved by Li-Chang Kuo & K-Horn Science Inc.】

External Links:

https://patents.google.com/patent/US6304796 (VAM)

https://patents.google.com/patent/US20030197061 (Shopping System)

https://patents.google.com/patent/US20030107468 (Entry Security Device)

https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040054595A1 (ETC)

https://ldinventions.blogspot.com/2022/01/127.html (A Universal Cashless System)

https://khornhb.blogspot.com/2023/10/1011.html (K-Horn Science Inc.)

https://khornhb.blogspot.com/2023/11/1110.html (K-Horn & APEC)

https://khornhb.blogspot.com/2023/12/1208.html (K-Horn’s SRI)

https://khornhb.blogspot.com/2024/01/105.html (K-Horn’s PCM)

https://khornhb.blogspot.com/2024/03/326.html (Tree's Whiskers)

https://klcapec.blogspot.com/2024/05/515.html (The Best Practice)

https://klcapec.blogspot.com/2024/06/609.html (Edison’s Inspiration)

https://lckstory.blogspot.com/2024/07/704.html (Apollo)

https://khornhb.blogspot.com/2024/07/721.html (Paving the Way for AI)

https://lckstory.blogspot.com/2024/08/818.html (Disney Intelligent System)

https://ksibusiness.blogspot.com/2024/10/1028.html (SRI & Global Channel-TES)

https://plckai.blogspot.com/2024/11/1103.html (On Ethics & Morality of the AI Era)

https://klcapec.blogspot.com/2024/11/1112.html (Peru APEC)

https://pkproposal.blogspot.com/2024/11/1127.html (A Proposal to President Trump)

https://pkproposal.blogspot.com/2024/12/1208.html (2ND Proposal “IIA-TES”)

https://pkproposal.blogspot.com/2024/12/1220.html (TES & MAGA)

https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2024/12/1231.html (Kuo’s Journey for 6 Decades)

https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2025/01/111.html (The Photonics Revolution)

https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2025/01/121.html (Einstein’s Enlightenment)

https://lckstory.blogspot.com/2025/02/216.html (Grandmother’s Paper-cutting Legacy)

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https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2025/03/331.html (Cijin Grand Maritime Project)

https://pkproposal.blogspot.com/2025/04/409.html (A Letter to President Trump)

https://ksibusiness.blogspot.com/2025/04/413.html (Top Secret)

https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2025/04/416.html (Singapore’s Strategy in a Changing World)

https://pkproclaims.blogspot.com/2025/04/422.html (How the American Elite Think)

https://pkproclaims.blogspot.com/2025/04/425.html (My Grandfather & the Tainan Canal)

https://lckstory.blogspot.com/2025/04/428.html (The Inventions of Linda Din)

https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2025/05/502.html (Theological Practice in Precision Industry)

https://lckstory.blogspot.com/2025/05/514.html (Li-Chang Kuo’s Caring Technology)

https://lckstory.blogspot.com/2025/05/519.html (520 Presidential Inauguration Day)

https://tesoperation.blogspot.com/2025/05/522.html (Investing in America’s Health)

https://tesoperation.blogspot.com/2025/05/527.html (Lind Din’s Rice Dumpling in TES)

https://tesoperation.blogspot.com/2025/06/605.html (Greatest Business Opportunity)

https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2025/06/612.html (Grand Maritime Initiative)

https://klcapec.blogspot.com/2025/06/618.html (TES & APEC)

https://lckstory.blogspot.com/2025/06/622.html (Crystal Soap & Precision Manufacturing)

https://plcpolitics.blogspot.com/2025/06/624.html (Qualities of A Supreme Leader)

https://plcpolitics.blogspot.com/2025/07/704.html (Investing in America’s Heart)

https://pkproposal.blogspot.com/2025/07/709.html (Wheeler’s New City Vision)

https://pklctrips.blogspot.com/2025/07/716.html (Brain Mine Lasts Forever)

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https://klcapec.blogspot.com/2025/07/728.html (The Yarlung Tsangpo Legend)

https://plcpolitics.blogspot.com/2025/08/801.html (Managing A Great Taiwan)

https://ksibusiness.blogspot.com/2025/08/0.html (Tiny Energy Site)

https://pktesrtn.blogspot.com/2025/08/812.html (TSCM Information System)

https://ko-fi.com/ndart2025 (Donate the NDART)

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2025年4月20日星期日

My Father and the Tainan Canal

Written by Peter Li-Chang Kuo

(Chinese)

My father, Kuo Kun-Cheng, was born in 1926. Next year, he’ll be turning one hundred years old—and so will the Tainan Canal.

Ever since I started my own business in 1966, my grandmother—whose leg had been broken by the police—lay beside my workspace so I could take care of her nearby. In 1969, I built the first house of the Kuo family in Lane 451, Park Road after the family had been completely confiscated by the Japanese army for 32 years. But because of a unfilial sister-in-law, my grandmother still had to live in a corner of my studio. Every time I came back from night school and was preparing materials for the next day, I would help her sit up next to me, and she would always tell stories of our family.

Grandmother would say, “Ah-Chang, your father was born in the 15th year of the Taisho era—the same year your grandfather helped the Japanese build the ‘Tainan Canal.’ The celebration banquet stretched from the canal all the way to the entrance of our Hemei Trading Company—” My grandfather, Kuo Biao, had to take over the company's operation when he was just 17 after both his father and grandfather passed away. He ran Hemei through the reigns of three Japanese emperors—Meiji, Taisho, and Showa. His maritime trade stretched from Japan and Tangshan (Mainland China) in the north to Indonesia and India in the south, and even exported spices to Paris, France. It sounded like an industrial empire.

A Corner of the Tainan Canal

Grandmother said, “Back then, whenever the Japanese government asked your grandfather to contribute to any major infrastructure project, he never said no—he would give money and labor to help them get it done.” In short, all the major infrastructure in southern Taiwan from 1910 to 1936 was funded by my grandfather Kuo Biao in cooperation with the Japanese.

I handed my grandmother a glass of water, and she continued, “At that time, your grandfather saw many vendors at the canal, exposed to the wind and rain, so he built a market called 'Sakariba' by the canal. Your eldest aunt’s Tianyuan Fabric Shop and Shoe Store were her dowry.” When I was little and didn’t have enough to eat at home, I’d sneak over to Tianyuan for a meal. My eldest aunt—also my godmother—would always slip fifty cents into my hand.

Later, my father became entangled in a long-standing espionage case. His lawyer, Li Mo (father of singer Li Jian-Fu), left for Harvard, and things went downhill. Each time my father received a court summons, he would collapse against the wall, curse, and then go out to find someone to take away the equipment we used to make a living. With no income at home, we relied on my grandmother's little scissors and her paper-cutting skills. My godmother would send over clothes so my grandmother could attach her cuttings to be wedding banner. Every time I delivered goods to Tianyuan, my godmother would slip me extra money to buy food for my grandmother. But she would always feed her grandchildren first and never eat a bite herself.

Whenever I went out with my father, I noticed his apprentices lived better than us, even though each had only mastered one of his skills. Seeing how hard my grandmother worked to support the family, I often thought, “If I could just learn one of my father's skills, would Grandmother suffer less?” Since he was good with the grinding machine, I started there. After six months of hard training, I was able to produce items from it. By 1963, I had my own earnings. After graduating from elementary school in 1965, I practically became the head of the household!

1966 was a turning point—my father was maliciously imprisoned, and my grandmother’s leg was broken. Thanks to the silent guidance of God, I never let anyone go hungry. From 1967 on, I hired a cook so everyone could eat well, wear new clothes and shoes, and have pocket money.

As the reputation of the metalworking factory I founded, “Cheng Kuang Metal Works,” grew, purchasing orders from American, Japanese, and European companies flooded in. Wealth followed. I finally let my grandmother live once again in her own house before she passed and heard more about my grandfather’s glorious past—only to learn that no amount of contribution could escape the cruelty of Japanese militarism.

My grandfather once refused a lucrative business from the Japanese government—transporting "comfort women" using his fleet. As a result, his properties were confiscated by Japanese military in 1937. My uncle, Kuo Kun-Yu, was conscripted into the army and died in New Guinea. My father was drafted into the navy, and by divine blessing, survived—otherwise, the Kuo family would have ended there.

When my father was released from prison, all his teeth were gone, and his digestive system was a mess. I arranged to have Fuji apples shipped regularly from Kaohsiung’s Juejiang Market and made juice for him daily. After years of care, his complexion recovered, and he started to get conceited. In 1974, I founded “Cheng Kuang Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.” near Taiping Bridge, fulfilling his dream to become an eternal chairman—his ego swelled even more.

Eventually, swayed by others, he joined hands with some people to seize the fame and fortune I had built for them. But the wisdom gifted by the heavens cannot be stolen by mere mortals. After I moved to Taipei, a new world opened for me. Ruth Handler from the U.S. Hall of Fame continuously thanked me for prolonging Barbie’s life. Students who attended my classes all found great paths in life.

Later, I invested massive resources to realize my wife’s invention—to create jobs and protect taxi drivers from being robbed. After we won the APEC e-commerce bill in 1998, I went to Silicon Valley to promote this groundbreaking e-commerce industry. I then traveled to Germany and France to inspect the progress of contactless TranSmart chip manufacturing. Under the bright moon in Toulouse, I remembered my father’s birthday. I flew back to Taipei and drove south, luckily finding him on November 22nd, taking him out for a meal and visiting former Chimei Vice Chairman Mr. Chang Yuan-Chang on Lake Mei Street.

My father, while chatting with the ailing Mr. Chang, proudly shared his health regimen: “Strong legs make a healthy body. I tap dance every day—often reaching 10,000 steps, sometimes even 100,000.” He told me he wanted to live to be 100 and use the power chip I invented to fulfill his dream of air planes.

When I dropped him off at Cheng Kuang, he held my hand and said, “Sigh, it’s all because of Kuo Shu-Ching’s talisman water—I’ve been unhappy while you were away. How’s giving Cheng Kuang back to you?”

By then, I was already an internationally renowned tech and economics expert. Friends from Wall Street—including Merrill Lynch and Goldman Sachs—were discussing NASDAQ IPO plans with me. Our planned factory in the U.S. spanned hundreds of acres. How could I look back at that broken little house?

On December 31st, 1998, my father called me and said, “Ah-Chang, I’m coming to Taipei on January 6th to talk about giving Cheng Kuang back to you—” But unexpectedly, he passed away on January 4th suddenly, leaving me with more than twenty years of heartache.

Today, someone mentioned the Tainan Canal’s 100th anniversary. In that instant, memories of Grandmother’s stories and the last time I saw my father flooded my mind—how reluctant he looked when I left for Taipei. If only I had taken him back to Taipei that night, maybe he’d still be alive today to celebrate his 100th birthday.

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Peter Lichang Kuo, the author created Taiwan's Precision Industry in his early years. Peter was a representative of the APEC CEO Summit and an expert in the third sector. He advocated "anti-corruption (AC)/cashless/e-commerce (E-Com)/ICT/IPR/IIA-TES / Micro-Business (MB)…and etc." to win the international bills and regulations.

【Copyrights reserved by K-Horn Science Inc.】