The Northern California Chinese Alumni Association Federation held a press conference at the South Bay Overseas School Education Center on January 10th to announce the upcoming 41st Annual Meeting scheduled for February 8th. The agenda for the annual meeting includes the inauguration ceremony for the new and outgoing presidents, with special guest speaker Dong Jiling. To encourage active participation from the younger generation, a half-price discount is being offered to representatives of Taiwanese students studying abroad.
President Tsai Hongkai of the Northern California Chinese Alumni Association Federation stated that this year’s annual meeting is privileged to host Dong Jiling, the Executive Director of the National ACE, to share her valuable experience as a Taiwanese student studying abroad, breaking through the political ceiling and successfully integrating into mainstream American society.
Vice President Li Shuzhen of the Alumni Association Federation highlighted Dong Jiling’s wealth of political experience and dedication to cultivating the next generation of Asian Americans. The federation is actively engaging young alumni to encourage their involvement, emphasizing the importance of passing on traditions while innovating to inject more energy into future developments.
Treasurer Huang Anli mentioned that 90% of the annual meeting tickets have been sold. Given the recent wildfires in Southern California, they are urging friends in the Bay Area to participate enthusiastically and have coordinated arrangements with hotels for accommodating excess attendees.
In the event of excess funds raised, the surplus will be donated to support disaster relief efforts in Southern California. The organizers appeal for support by actively purchasing tickets and raffle tickets for the annual meeting.
Coordinator Song Zhen stated that various major community groups and distinguished guests from the Bay Area have been invited to the annual meeting, receiving warm support and generous sponsorship from multiple Taiwanese sponsors.
She emphasized the significance of political representation and cited the example of Cupertino, where initiatives led by Chinese-American city councilors and school district board members resulted in the establishment of the first high school AP Chinese language course nationwide. This successful integration of Taiwanese Mandarin into the mainstream U.S. education system provides greater opportunities for Chinese-American descendants to learn about their heritage.
She also stressed, “Our next generation must delve deep into Chinese culture in order not to forget our roots.”
Secretary-General and President-elect Xi Zaoxun announced that this year’s annual meeting will feature an opening dance choreographed by teacher Peng Leyun. Participants, including the federation president, directors, and volunteers, will deliver a vibrant performance with enthusiasm and vigor despite not being professional dancers.
The exciting and diverse program of the annual meeting includes the presidential handover ceremony, keynote speeches, and anticipated raffle activities offering prizes such as two airline tickets provided by China Airlines and EVA Air, red envelope awards, and computer prizes.
Additionally, performances by the Love Forever Band, the California Line Dance Association, and activities like karaoke will add more highlights to the event.
The event is expected to attract around four to five hundred participants.
41st Annual Meeting of the Northern California Chinese Alumni Association Federation:
– Date: February 8, 2025, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm
– Venue: Santa Clara Convention Center, Mission City Ballroom, 5001 Great America Parkway., Santa Clara, CA
– Contact Persons: Richard Tsai, [email protected] or 408-674-6932; Janice Sung, [email protected] or 408-772-2920. ◇