Taiwan’s Myanmar Prayer Event Lights Hope for Earthquake Survivors and Mobilizes Relief Support
Taipei, April 11, 2025 — In a heartfelt show of solidarity, a prayer event was held on Friday in Taipei for victims and survivors of the devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28. The event, attended by around 150 people, including Myanmar students, government officials, and community leaders, aimed to “light up hope” for the affected regions as Taiwan steps up its humanitarian assistance.
The event, titled “Pray for Myanmar, Light Up Hope,” was organized by Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) and held at the University of Taipei. In attendance were OCAC Minister Hsu Chia-ching (徐佳青), Deputy Education Minister Yeh Ping-cheng (葉丙成), and representatives of the Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic faiths — symbolizing unity across religious lines.
🕯️ Prayer and Silence: A Moment for Healing
The interfaith vigil included separate prayer rituals led by representatives of the Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim communities in Taiwan. Each prayer was offered to comfort the students and diaspora families affected by the earthquake back home.
After prayers, attendees lit electronic candles and stood in a moment of silence, followed by the hanging of handwritten prayer cards on a “Wall of Blessings.” These acts were symbolic gestures meant to express compassion and send hope and strength across the seas.
🗣️ Casper Lu (呂子幸), a 20-year-old Myanmar student at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, said:
“I may be far from home, but I’m deeply grateful for the concern people here have shown my home country.”
💔 Devastation Back Home: Lives Shaken, Homes Lost
According to Lu, who hails from southern Myanmar, his immediate family is safe, but some relatives in central Myanmar — near Mandalay, the epicenter — have suffered partial structural damage to their homes.
He estimated that around 80% of buildings collapsed in parts of the central region. While Lu considers himself fortunate, he is exploring ways to volunteer and assist in relief logistics, particularly with coordination of supplies from Taiwan.
🧠 Original Insight: The participation of young Myanmar students like Lu in the relief process reflects the emergence of Taiwan as a bridge for diaspora-driven disaster response in Southeast Asia — both emotionally and logistically.
🎗️ Ongoing Support: Donations and Upcoming Events
OCAC announced a second prayer event to be held at National Chung Hsing University in Taichung on Saturday, expanding the outreach effort beyond Taipei.
Additionally, a fundraising campaign is underway until May 31 to support:
- Reconstruction of damaged overseas compatriot schools
- Financial assistance for Myanmar students in Taiwan
- Essential supplies (food, medicine, shelter materials) for survivors
💸 Donation Information:
- Organization: Overseas Compatriot Culture and Education Foundation (海華文教基金會)
- Bank: Cathay United Bank – Guanchian Branch (館前分行)
- Account Number: 001-50-169089-5
- Purpose: Add “緬甸震災捐款” (Myanmar Earthquake Relief Donation) in payment notes
- Email Receipt To:
occeftw@gmail.com - Include name, ID number, and contact info
⚠️ Humanitarian Crisis: Beyond the Earthquake
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on Thursday that more than 3,500 people have been confirmed dead, but the actual death toll may be significantly higher. The UN attributes this to:
- Continued military attacks in the quake-hit zones
- Severe shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care
- Disruption of humanitarian aid delivery due to conflict and instability
🧠 Commentary: The crisis in Myanmar is not solely a natural disaster — it’s a compounded humanitarian emergency where authoritarian violence, poor infrastructure, and limited global media attention converge to amplify suffering. Taiwan’s role in this context becomes crucial as both a donor and advocate.
🧭 A Moment of Global Citizenship
Through coordinated prayer events and organized relief efforts, Taiwan is showcasing its soft power and diaspora diplomacy — standing not just as a neighbor in geography but as a partner in grief and recovery.
This isn’t just an act of charity — it’s a testament to Taiwan’s values: compassion, inclusivity, and commitment to global humanitarianism.
❓FAQs
What was the purpose of the prayer event in Taipei?
The event aimed to express solidarity with Myanmar’s earthquake victims, offer emotional comfort to diaspora students, and raise awareness for Taiwan’s relief efforts.
Who organized the event and who attended?
The Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) organized the event, attended by around 150 people including Myanmar students, government officials, and faith leaders.
How can people donate to support earthquake victims?
Donations can be made via the Overseas Compatriot Culture and Education Foundation to a specific bank account, with details available on OCAC’s website and the event materials.
What other support is Taiwan offering?
In addition to prayer events, Taiwan is fundraising for school reconstruction, aid for Myanmar students, and critical supplies for affected communities.
What is the current situation in Myanmar after the earthquake?
Over 3,500 fatalities have been confirmed. Many regions, especially near Mandalay, are devastated. Aid is further hampered by ongoing military attacks and logistical challenges.
