Tsai Ing-wen launches 'Little Ying Mushroom Carving Competition' after playful social media exchange

Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has officially launched the "First Little Ying Mushroom Carving Competition" via her social media platform, "Cui." This unique competition emerged from a lighthearted exchange involving Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and a political candidate.

During a DIY painting session at a lingzhi mushroom farm on Qixi Festival (Chinese Valentine's Day), Vice President Hsiao commented that a drawing of President Tsai by Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lin Kuo-chang was "difficult to describe in words." This remark prompted Tsai to playfully respond with a meme expressing confusion, asking, "What does this mean?"

Inspired by this interaction, Tsai decided to turn it into a public competition. She announced on Cui that participants should post their mushroom carvings in the comments section, humorously adding that there would be no second edition. The announcement quickly gained traction online, with netizens showcasing immense creativity and diverse entries.

Lin Kuo-chang's artwork, which depicted a "face like a heart" owl, was shared by Hsiao on her Cui account, leading to Tsai's amused reaction. The subsequent "Little Ying Mushroom Carving Competition" has since become a viral sensation, demonstrating the public's enthusiastic engagement with the playful initiative.