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TW Two new agreements, under the leadership of Kelly Chu, bring the Institute's partnerships to 14 with the island formerly known as "Formosa". The Taiwanese delegates visited the Castle of Costigliole d'Asti: Piedmont looks to Taipei, and Taipei to 2027.
ICIF continues to grow, and it does so with the discretion of those who know that true bonds are built over time. The International Institute of Italian Cuisine has signed two new agreements with leading Taiwanese institutions: the Education Department of the New Taipei City Government and the New Taipei Municipal Tamsui Vocational High School. These two entities join the twelve already established partnerships, bringing the total number of agreements to fourteen: a number that is not just a figure, but a measure of a friendship built over decades of hard work, trust, and a shared passion for great Italian cuisine.
Behind these agreements lies a story worth telling. Taiwan maintains a relationship with ICIF that goes far beyond institutional protocol. This was made possible by Kelly Chu, the Institute's representative on the island, who passed away prematurely. She was responsible for long, tenacious, and quiet promotional efforts. Today, her husband, Vincent Day, continues that work with the same spirit.
Fourteen delegates, including principals, directors, teachers, and students, visited Costigliole d'Asti in early May. Among them were Deputy Commissioner of the New Taipei City Government's Department of Education, Mr. Liu Ming-Chao, and Principals Kung Ling-Wen and Pan Tai-Shen of New Taipei Municipal Tamsui Vocational High School. Arriving on the evening of May 1st, they were welcomed by ICIF President & CEO Piero Sassone at the Costigliole d'Asti Castle, for an Institutional dinner at the presence also of the Mayor Enrico Cavallero, Deputy Mayor Laura Bianco, President of the Barbera d'Asti and Monferrato Wines Consortium, Dr. Filippo Mobrici and law enforcement.
The tour program provided delegates with an authentic glimpse of Piedmont. On May 2nd, as part of the event Oro Bianco, organized by the Municipal Administration, they tasted Moscato d'Asti, Moscato secco, and Chardonnay. The following day, they toured the Langhe region, visiting Barolo, Grinzane Cavour Castle, and the Ratti winery. As always, food was the highlight: two lunches at Michelin-starred chefs who are partners with the Institute rounded out the experience: Massimo Camia's restaurant in Novello and Coltivare, the Agri.Relais of the Brandini Farm in La Morra, led by Chef Luca Zecchin.
In convivial and institutional speeches, President Sassone reiterated the values that inspire ICIF: caring for each student, a commitment to maintaining strong relationships with international partners, and the ability to adapt to change without losing its identity. This philosophy, applied for years by both parties, has produced something rare: a genuine friendship, founded on shared educational goals and human values.
ICIF will welcome the first students sent by the two new partners starting next year. But before that, there's a very important event: the two Taiwanese schools have invited Piero Sassone and Enrico Cavallero to participate in the New Taipei City New MAGIC International Youth Project Design & Production Forum in February 2027. The bags are already packed.
