HUALIEN (TVBS News) — A funeral service for the Taiwanese volunteer who died in November while fighting for Ukraine was held on Sunday (Dec. 4) in Hualien. Tseng Sheng-guang, a 25-year-old Indigenous Amis from Hualien, joined the Ukrainian Army as a volunteer and died on the battlefield in Lyman.
Tseng was honored with the highest class of Contribution to Indigenous Peoples award for his sacrifice.
Mr. Lin , a former classmate of Tseng Sheng-guang shared, "He always posted updates online, but suddenly, he didn't post anything anymore. He was very optimistic."
Tseng's high school classmates were all in shock when they received the news of his death. His relatives and friends, as well as Ukrainians in Taiwan, paid their respects at Tseng's funeral, honoring the brave soldier. Tseng is remembered for his optimistic and cheerful personality.
Tseng was honored with the highest class of Contribution to Indigenous Peoples award.
Icyang Parod, the Chief of the Council of Indigenous Peoples said, "He defended democracy and freedom with his life, so we especially want to use the highest medal of honor, the highest class of Contribution to Indigenous People's award, to honor our memory of Tseng Sheng-guang."
Tseng joined the International Legion of Ukraine's territorial defense forces and ultimately died on the battlefield in Lyman, making him the first volunteer from Taiwan to die in the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war.
Tseng had previously served in the Republic of China Army from 2017-2021.
