作者:Darren / Batch 14 Appworks
As a startup founder from Singapore, I arrived in Taipei in 2017 to join the AppWorks Accelerator program, Batch 14. It was an entirely new experience—entering a foreign market, navigating unfamiliar cultural and business landscapes, and facing a language barrier. Stepping into this new chapter as an entrepreneur was both exciting and unnerving.
AppWorks was a fast-paced, intense environment. Every day, I met new people, attended back-to-back meetings, and tried to keep up with the accelerator’s relentless momentum. In the midst of all the chaos, one person stood out—Bird.
In an environment defined by volatility and rapid change, Bird brought a rare sense of peace and stability. Some souls naturally radiate warmth and light, and Bird was one of them. His presence was reassuring, his kindness unwavering, and his ability to uplift those around him left a lasting mark on everyone he met.
I still remember my very first conversation with Bird. Out of curiosity, I asked how he came to choose such a unique English name. True to his nature, his answer was as simple as daylight—he loved bird photography and nature. That was Bird—genuine, clear, and full of warmth.
He was like a big brother to the startup community, the kind of person everyone wished they had in their corner. His passion for technology and entrepreneurship was well known, but what truly defined him was his integrity. Bird always did the right thing, never compromising his principles, no matter the circumstances.
The last time I spoke to Bird was about three months before his untimely passing. It was at the AppWorks annual Demo Day, a gathering of alumni. As I took my seat, I saw him sitting just in front of me. Without hesitation, I greeted him, and as always, his presence felt like an anchor—calm, steady, reassuring. We caught up on work, life, and family. It was a simple conversation, but just seeing him healthy and well was enough for me.
The news of his sudden and unjust departure has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew him. The startup community mourns his loss, but more than that, we grieve for his family, who are enduring a pain beyond words.
I am deeply grateful to have known Bird. He was a kind soul, a gentle presence, and a man of unwavering integrity. My heart goes out to his family, and I hope they find comfort in knowing that Bird touched countless lives. He will always be remembered for his warmth, clarity, kindness, and the quiet strength he carried with him.
Rest in peace, Bird. You will never be forgotten.
(中文翻譯)
我是一名來自新加坡的創業創始人,在 2017 年抵達台北,參加 AppWorks 加速器計畫第 14 期。這是一段全新的體驗:進入一個陌生的市場,探索陌生的文化與商業環境,還要面對語言障礙。身為創業者,踏入這個新篇章,既令人興奮又讓人不安。
AppWorks 是一個快節奏且高強度的環境。每天我都會遇到不同的人,接連不斷參加會議,並努力跟上加速器計畫那無情的步伐;在這一片混亂中,有一個人特別顯眼,那就是 Bird。
在這個充滿變動與快速變化的環境中,Bird 帶來了一種難得的平靜與穩定。有些人的靈魂天生就散發著溫暖與光芒,而 Bird 就是其中之一。他的存在令人安心,他的善良從不動搖,他提升周圍人的能力,為每個認識他的人留下了深刻的印記。
我至今仍記得與 Bird 的第一次對話。出於好奇,我問他是為什麼選擇這樣一個獨特的英文名字。他一如既往,以簡單如日光般的回答說道,他熱愛鳥類攝影和大自然。這就是 Bird——真誠、清晰且充滿溫暖。
他在創業社群中就像一位大哥,是每個人都希望能擁有的那種支持者。他對技術與創業的熱情眾所周知,但真正定義他的是他的正直。Bird 總是做正確的事,無論環境如何,他從不對自己的原則妥協。
我最後一次與 Bird 交談,是在他不幸去世前大約三個月。那是在 AppWorks 的年度 Demo Day 校友聚會上。我坐下時,看到他就坐在我前面。我毫不猶豫地向他打招呼,一如既往,他的存在就像一個錨,平靜、穩重、令人安心。我們聊了工作、生活和家庭。那是一次簡單的對話,但看到他健康且狀態良好,對我來說就已足夠。
他突然而不公的離世,在所有認識他的人心中,留下一個無法填補的空缺。創業社群為他的逝去感到哀悼,但更重要的是,我們為他的家人感到悲痛,因為他們承受著無法言喻的痛苦。
我深深感謝曾經認識 Bird。他是個善良的靈魂,一個溫和的存在,一個堅守正直的人。我的心與他的家人同在,我希望他們能從 Bird 觸動無數生命的記憶中尋得安慰。世人將永遠記得他的溫暖、清晰、善良,以及他所帶有的靜默力量。
安息吧,Bird。大家永遠不會遺忘你。

■ AppWorks Demo Day #14