Why This Singaporean Moved To Taiwan To Become A Farmer | Singapore Hour

Key Concepts

• Urban-to-Rural Migration: The shift from a city-based career (advertising) to a farming lifestyle.
• Natural Farming: A sustainable agricultural approach emphasizing ecological balance and minimal intervention.
• Intentional Living: A lifestyle focused on purpose, mindfulness, and aligning actions with values.
• Community & Support Networks: The importance of social connections and mutual aid in adapting to a new life.
• Resilience & Adaptability: The human capacity to overcome challenges and thrive in unfamiliar environments.
• Cultural Identity & Belonging: Exploring and appreciating one's heritage and finding a sense of home.
• Sustainable Livelihood: Developing income streams that are environmentally responsible and personally fulfilling.

From City Life to Farm Life: Kennie Chan’s Journey in Taitung, Taiwan

This account details Kennie Chan’s unexpected transition from a Singaporean advertising professional to a farmer in Taitung, Taiwan, alongside her husband, Can. It explores the motivations behind this life change, the challenges faced, and the profound impact it has had on her perspective and sense of self.

The Catalyst for Change & Initial Transition

Kennie’s journey began with burnout from the demanding advertising industry in Singapore. She described feeling constantly pressured by deadlines, experiencing sleep and appetite disturbances, and recognizing a need for a “break and reset.” This led her to a farm stay experience in Taitung Luye, Taiwan, initially presented to her parents as a period of “experiencing different things in life.” The decision wasn’t initially a fully formed plan to become a farmer, but rather a search for a different way of living. She explicitly states, “Being in Taiwan, away from my job makes me feel alive.”

Meeting Can & Building a Life Together

During her farm stay, Kennie met Can, an engineer who was also questioning his career path and exploring natural farming. Their connection developed gradually, characterized by Can’s actions of care – cooking all meals for Kennie – and Kennie’s outgoing personality. Can initially expressed his feelings cautiously, stating, “I think I kind of like you, but there’s no obligation.” Kennie eventually returned to Taiwan, solidifying their relationship.

Taitung itself is presented as a key factor in their decision to stay. It’s described as a more relaxed environment with a strong connection to nature – “It has the sea, has mountains, has very nice coastlines…Everything is a bit more chill over here.” The slower pace of life and self-sufficiency (cooking, managing daily tasks) contribute to a feeling of “truly living.”

Farming Practices & Diversification

Kennie and Can cultivate a variety of crops, including ginger, pineapples, and roselle. Recognizing the short shelf life of fresh produce, they focus on value-added products to ensure a consistent income throughout the year. A specific example is the production of black sugar ginger cubes. Pineapple sprouts are harvested, trimmed, and planted, with a harvest cycle of 18 months. They also participate in the Guan Shan Farmers’ Market, which Kennie values for the direct interaction with customers and the opportunity to share her story.

Challenges & Resilience in Farming

The video acknowledges the inherent instability of farming, particularly in Taiwan, which is prone to typhoons that can destroy entire harvests. Kennie emphasizes the need to find ways to “earn more money” and maintain a clear vision of their desired lifestyle. She also candidly discusses the initial anxieties she faced after leaving her job, including a loss of identity and income. Support from friends, who encouraged her to stay occupied and participate in their activities, proved crucial during this period.

The Role of Community & Support

Kennie and Can are part of a larger community of individuals who have also chosen to leave city life for a more rural existence. They initially rented a large factory with six other friends, growing corn, rice, and yam together. Ah Rong and his family, local farmers, provided early support and encouragement to Can and Kennie. Ah Rong’s wife and son recall encouraging Can to pursue Kennie, highlighting his educational background (a Master’s degree from National Taiwan University). This community provides a vital network of support and shared experience. A notable example is Ah Rong’s sponsorship of Mala stinky tofu for Kennie and Can’s wedding.

Shifting Perspectives & Rediscovering Identity

Kennie’s move to Taitung fundamentally altered her perspective on success and fulfillment. Her previous ambition to “climb the corporate ladder” lost its appeal. She now prioritizes “intentional living” and “really living the life rather than leading my life.” She also experienced a renewed appreciation for her Singaporean identity, noting that friends in Taiwan often ask about Singaporean culture and Singlish. She states, “I can’t believe I’m saying this but I actually miss speaking Singlish. It’s something that’s very uniquely Singapore, I feel.”

Quotes & Reflections

• Kennie on her father’s support: “I’m actually very, very, very touched. I feel like it’s his way of telling me I’m always supportive of you.”
• Can on Kennie: “She’s very cheerful and loves to laugh. She loves to talk. And she talks a lot. Being with her feels really easy, very comfortable.”
• Kennie on her transformation: “It’s really the people here that have changed me. Like the way the people here live their lives how they treat their every day with such intention, right, really inspires me a lot.”
• Kennie on home: “Home really lies in the heart. It’s not really about the distance anymore.”

Data & Statistics

• Animal Companions: Kennie and Can currently care for 22 chickens, three cats, and two dogs.
• Spice Packets: Kennie regularly brings approximately 100 packets of Bak Kut Teh spices back to Singapore for her friends.
• Farming Duration: Kennie has been farming for eight years.

Conclusion

Kennie Chan’s story is a compelling illustration of the transformative power of embracing change and pursuing a life aligned with one’s values. Her journey from a high-pressure corporate career in Singapore to a fulfilling, albeit challenging, life as a farmer in Taiwan demonstrates the importance of resilience, community, and intentional living. The video highlights that happiness and fulfillment are not necessarily tied to conventional measures of success, but rather to finding a sense of purpose and belonging in a life lived with intention. Her experience underscores the human capacity to adapt, learn, and redefine “home” in unexpected places.