After Su Ba completed his military service, he worked as a laborer at the well-known American company Fairchild Electronics in Zhubei. Originally, he intended to become a forklift driver there, but unexpectedly, he later decided to enroll as a student at an art college. He attended the evening classes, allowing him to work part-time while studying. During this period, he worked as an occupational therapist at a psychiatric hospital, teaching patients with mental illnesses to engage in crafts and group activities. Later on, he worked as a design assistant at an interior decoration company, where everyone affectionately referred to him as the “drawing guy.

When Su Ba was young, he had a strong desire to engage in missionary work. After graduation, he dedicated himself to the Christian publishing industry. Initially, he worked as a graphic designer at the China Sunday School Association. Later, he switched to editing magazines for a different organization and eventually became a supervisor at a publishing company in Taiwan affiliated with a Hong Kong-based company. He even traveled to mainland China for missionary work. At that time, people commonly addressed him as “Brother Su.

While working in Taipei, Taiwan, Su Ba witnessed significant changes in the social and political landscape. He actively participated in non-governmental movements in Taiwan, gradually shifting his sense of religious mission to a passion for local culture and social reform. During his involvement in political campaigns, police once visited his home to conduct a “household registration check,” causing distress to his father. To avoid implicating his family, he later moved out to Zhongshan Road in Tamsui. His wife opened a flower arrangement studio there, teaching flower arranging. In the small space next to the flower arranging studio, Su Ba established the “Huwai Cultural and Historical Studio” and began publishing the magazine “Huwai Street,” focusing on local history and culture.

Two years later, he made the determined decision to fully commit to the local cultural movement. He resigned from his position at the Taipei Church Publishing House and rented a house in front of the Tamsui Chapel. He relocated the Huwai Cultural and Historical Studio there. To make ends meet, he took a part-time job driving a daycare bus. During this period, the studio experienced rapid growth, becoming the first cultural and historical studio in Taiwan. As a result, he became widely known in the cultural community as “Big Brother Su.

Later, Tamsui became a nationally renowned tourist area, and many individuals sought to contribute to its cultural activities. The Huwai Cultural and Historical Studio experienced internal divisions, leading Su Ba to withdraw from the initiative. At this time, Principal Yao of Tamkang High School invited Su Ba to return to Tamkang and assist in editing history textbooks and teaching history courses. He eventually stopped driving the daycare bus. In 2000, he formally established the school’s history museum and served as its first director until his retirement in 2016. Throughout his teaching career at the school, students affectionately addressed him as “Dad Su.

After retiring at the age of 65, he spent six years participating in long-stay programs in Taitung and Chiayi. Recently, Teacher Jiang Pide invited him back to Tamkang University, where he has re-engaged in teaching.