On May 17th, the World Taiwanese Association (WTBA) and the International Outstanding People Association North America Branch jointly held the “2025 Exchange and Gathering” at the South Bay Overseas Education Center, attracting approximately 260 overseas compatriots and VIPs to participate enthusiastically. The event was well-supported by 10 co-organizers and 5 sponsoring units, creating a lively and heartwarming atmosphere.
The event was co-planned by the two association presidents, Wu Muye and Wu Yuping, who gave speeches expressing their gratitude for the support from all sectors. Wu Yuping personally introduced the VIPs and participating units, demonstrating the importance and sincerity towards the community.
In an interview with the Epoch Times, Wu Yuping stated that the association, since 2014, has grown from a hundred-person scale in Northern California to today’s grand event with over three hundred attendees, expanding each year with practical booths on health, law, and medicine, making the content more enriched. She emphasized that the association always upholds the concept of “caring for Taiwan, with a global perspective,” continuously promoting Chinese culture and serving the overseas community. Wu Muye added that the International Outstanding People Association has expanded to over eighty branches, currently focusing on seeking young successors to continue the values of inclusivity and diversity.
Deputy Representative Zhu Yongchang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco delivered a speech on behalf of Director Lai Mingqi, praising the event as professional and lively, uniting the strength of overseas compatriots, and expressing gratitude for the long-standing support of the two association presidents for the Republic of China and overseas affairs. He also mentioned in the interview that the collaboration between the two associations in promoting public welfare has rapidly developed with visible results. During the event, Deputy Representative Zhu specially presented the “Award of Love” to celebrate the golden wedding anniversary of Wu Muye and Wu Yuping, as well as congratulating two other couples on their ruby wedding anniversary, commending their exemplary long-lasting marriages.
Principal Director of the Overseas Education Center, Zhuang Yashu, delivered a speech, praising the two associations for uniting the global Chinese and young forces as an important pillar of the community. In an interview, she also commended the Outstanding People Association for their belief in not just considering themselves outstanding people, but aspiring to be outstanding, encouraging more young people to participate in public affairs. Secretary-General Xu Caifeng expressed gratitude on behalf of the center’s director, thanking the two association presidents for their long-standing advocacy for the Chinese community.
Many dignitaries attended the event, including Mayor Zhao Yan of Saratoga and Vice Mayor Huang Jieyi of Fremont, who praised the two association presidents for their fifty years of golden marriage and long-term dedication to public welfare and cultural exchange, being role models in society.
The highlight of the event was the award ceremony, where the two associations expressed gratitude to political elites, overseas leaders, co-organizers, and sponsoring units by presenting certificates of appreciation. Subsequently, all guests, organizers, co-organizers, and sponsors took a group photo to commemorate the occasion.
Chairman Lin Xiuchun of the Golden State Bay Area National Day Committee highly praised the long-term contributions of the Outstanding People Association members and personally congratulated President Wu on his golden wedding anniversary, expressing joy in seeing the overseas community coming together.
President Cao Jingyong of the International Outstanding People Association in the United States specially rushed from Los Angeles, inviting fellow compatriots to participate in the upcoming patriotic singer competition in Los Angeles to commemorate the eightieth anniversary of the victory in the war of resistance. She pointed out that this gathering not only united the hometown sentiment but also comforted the hearts of overseas Chinese yearning for their homeland with profound significance.
Vice President Lai Jianxin of the Taiwan Association in Thailand, accompanied by his wife and daughter, attended the event and praised the association for its unity and heartwarming exchanges.
The performances were continuous and captivating at the event. The Feather in the Wind performed “At Least I Still Have You,” the Star Arts Standard Dance Troupe presented “Romantic Spring,” the Elegant Melody HuLuSi Band showcased “Spring Breeze,” the Joyful Dance Troupe enthusiastically interpreted an Indian dance, the Most Beautiful Dance Troupe performed the “Jasmine Flower Double Fan Dance,” and the Salvation Army in San Jose showcased the “Chinese Tea Cheongsam Dance,” showcasing classical Eastern beauty. The professionalism in costumes and thoughtful choreography received thunderous applause.
During an interview, Wu Yuping mentioned that this year, the association intentionally scheduled the gathering after Mother’s Day to share wisdom on managing marriages through presenting the “Award of Love,” encouraging the younger generation to cherish connections and courageously navigate towards a happy life. She emphasized that the original intent of serving society and inheriting culture remains unchanged, and she hopes to attract more young people to engage in the overseas community for positive change together.
The ruby anniversary couples, Ruan Guoyuan and Wang Huiru, shared their experiences of a forty-year marriage journey spanning Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and the United States, supporting each other along the way. They believe that the foundation of marriage lies in love and tolerance. Wang Huiru even completed her doctoral studies with her husband’s support, dedicating herself to high school education and family life as they weathered through life’s storms together.
Another ruby wedding couple, Nie Jiangan and Shang Anni, fondly recalled their early struggles living in the United States, even needing to borrow a suit for their wedding. However, for over thirty years, they have united and worked together, with Shang Anni founding a childcare center and Nie Jiangan tirelessly working in the semiconductor industry, building a happy and warm family together.
This gathering not only recognized enduring love and dedication but also showcased the vitality and cultural heritage of the Chinese community.
The two associations have stated that they will continue to deepen their services, inviting the younger generation to participate, fostering the growth of the overseas community through unity and innovation in heritage. ◇