From Milan to Taipei: Cross-Cultural Journey of Dragon Boats and Inclusion

Nicolà Catalano｜Techsales Engineer, NHOA Energy

Sporting a beard, Nicolà Catalano, an engineer from Italy, working for TCC subsidiary NHOA ENERGY and stationed in Taiwan. This year, he joined the TCC Dragon Boat team. From training to competing in the championship, he not only gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival culture but also more profoundly experienced teamwork and integrated into the larger TCC family.

Under TCC Group Holdings, I spent a year at NHOA Energy's headquarters in Milan, Italy, before being assigned to the Taipei office. Having now spent over a year in Taiwan, I recently had the incredible opportunity to participate in my first Dragon Boat Race. It was more than just a sporting competition; it was a truly engaging and meaningful experience that helped me connect with life here in Taiwan.

The Legend Behind the Dragon Boat Festival

For international readers who might be unfamiliar with its origins, the Dragon Boat Festival (端午節, Duānwǔ Jié) commemorates the Chinese poet and statesman Qu Yuan, who lived over 2,000 years ago. According to legend, Qu Yuan drowned himself in a river to protest the corruption of his country. In an effort to save him or honor his memory, local people rushed to the river in boats, beating drums and throwing rice dumplings (粽子, zongzi) into the water to feed the fish and protect his body. The dragon boat races held today are a symbolic reenactment of this collective act of respect and devotion.

My Journey with the TCC Dragon Boat Team

This event was a wonderful opportunity to deepen my connection and truly feel part of the community. Taking part in such an ancient tradition, so deeply rooted in Taiwanese culture, has not only helped me better understand the country, but also made me feel even more integrated into everyday life here. It was a true immersion into the TCC Family.

 

Joining the TCC team for the dragon boat race was exciting from the very first day of training. It’s more than just a sporting challenge—rowing together in perfect synchronization requires communication, coordination, mutual trust, and team spirit. These are all values I consider essential in our everyday work as well.

 

Throughout the weeks of preparation, I came to realize just how much effort and dedication this activity demands. We had training sessions under the scorching sun or pouring rain—both typical of Taiwan's weather—shared fatigue, and growing excitement as race day approached. It was inspiring to see colleagues of different backgrounds and ages united by a common goal.

The day of the competition between the various TCC teams was truly fantastic. The atmosphere was electric—cheers from the crowd, the rhythm beat of the drums, and the adrenaline of racing side by side with other teams made it an unforgettable experience.

I'm grateful to TCC for involving me in such a symbolic activity. It was not only a valuable opportunity to learn and grow, but also a cultural bridge that made my experience in Taiwan even more special.

作者介紹

Nicolà Catalano｜Techsales Engineer, NHOA Energy

I've now been based in Taiwan for over a year, and I'm truly enjoying this journey, not only from a professional standpoint, but also as a life experience in a new country.