Janet Hsieh

Janet Josephine Hsieh also known by her Chinese name 謝怡芬 is a Taiwanese-American television personality, model, and violinist based in Taipei, Taiwan. She is a significant figure in the entertainment industry, known particularly as the host of the Discovery Travel and Living Channel's long-running series Fun Taiwan. This program has been widely appreciated that it is currently running its 16th season and expanded to include Fun Asia, Fun Taiwan Challenge, Fun Taiwan All Stars, and Aquachallenge. Her vibrant personality and outstanding hosting skills have allowed her to receive four nominations and one win for the Taiwanese Golden Bell Awards as Best Host of a Travel Program, and once for Best Host of a Variety Program. Hsieh was born and raised in Houston, Texas, of Taiwanese descent. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in biology and Spanish from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2001. During her time at MIT, she participated in various significant roles including the Alpha Chi Omega women's fraternity and the university's Ring Committee, the group responsible for designing the MIT class ring. She also ran the Boston Marathon during this time. After her graduation, Hsieh took an initiative to involve herself in an outreach program with Tata Steel Rural Development Society in Jamshedpur. Later, she used her certification as an EMT to complete a six-month medical residential internship at Taipei Veterans General Hospital in Tienmu. Hsieh started her journey in the glamour industry by landing an underwear commercial and modeling contract on the recommendation of Jeff Huang, from the Taiwanese rap group L.A. Boyz. As a child, she learned violin and has delivered marvelous performances at various national concerts. Also, she is an author of five books that include travel experiences and English learning content. She co-authored a book 'Starting at The End' with her husband George Young, where they shared their journey of meeting each other till their wedding and life experiences. She is also a trained sushi chef and circus performer with a black belt certification in Taekwondo.