Tsao Yi-hsiung (曹以雄), former director of the Lienchiang County Government’s Cultural Bureau (now the Cultural Affairs Department), passed away on Sept. 22 at the age of 68. Upon hearing the news, Culture Minister Li Yuan expressed his condolences and praised Tsao, hailed as the “Father of Settlement Preservation in Lienchiang,” for his significant contributions to safeguarding traditional settlements and revitalizing abandoned military bases in Lienchiang County (連江縣), also known as Matsu Islands (馬祖列島).
Born in 1957 in Nankan Village, Lienchiang, Tsao left his hometown at the age of 16 to study in Taiwan proper. There, he immersed himself in a wide range of literary works, which inspired him to seek the true essence of life. Ten years ago, he retired as the director of the Lienchiang County Government’s Cultural Bureau and dedicated himself to the preservation and revitalization of former military bases.
The Ministry of Culture commended Tsao for his exemplary role in protecting Lienchiang’s settlements, particularly during his time as a legislator representing the region. Through his efforts in restoring old buildings and fostering community connections, he spearheaded the development of several traditional villages.
(Photo credit: The Lienchiang County Government)