Radio Taiwan International has hired a new host for its English language service.

Originally from the US, John van Trieste grew up listening to RTI’s broadcasts on shortwave, according to the station’s website.

By coincidence, he moved to Taiwan to study languages and ended up on the same station.

Van Trieste will host The Hakka Connection, a show that explores the heritage and culture of one of Taiwan’s four major ethnic groups.

Having migrated from Mainland China, Hakka’s were sidelined in Taiwanese society for many years but are now reclaiming their identity.

The show can be heard on shortwave.

Episodes are also available to download from the RTI website.