Sydney Glory Fellowship Association held the 21st Chairman and Director’s Inauguration Ceremony and Celebration. The Director of the Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney, Wu Zhengwei, together with the Director of the Sydney Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Center, Shi Boxiang, and the Director of the Sydney Taiwan Trade Center, Cai Yingxiang, were present as witnesses. Ye Yishen, an overseas Chinese affairs committee member, and a representative from the “Australian Chinese Community Memorial Committee and Veterans Association,” Dr. Zeng Lingde, were also invited to attend the grand event.
Firstly, the newly elected Chairman, Xu Zhanwei, expressed gratitude for the well-wishes received from various domestic officials, including Minister Han from the Legislative Yuan, Director Feng from the Guidance Council, Chairman Zhu from the Kuomintang, Mayor Zhang and Speaker Qiu from Taoyuan City, and former Legislator Tong. He also thanked many members and close friends for their support and reassured that the activities would proceed as scheduled. In the future, they will fully cooperate with veterans’ support policies, take care of the welfare of veterans and their families, and promote the development of the association.
Subsequently, Director Wu Zhengwei from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney delivered a speech, affirming the new Chairman’s commitment to expanding the fellowship association’s reach. He welcomed the representatives from the “Australian Chinese Community Memorial Committee and Veterans Association” to the event and believed that the new Chairman would continue to build friendly ties with other organizations, enhancing the friendship between Taiwan and Australia. Director Wu also highlighted the importance of the newly appointed Veterans Affairs Commission Chairman, General Yan Defa, who has held significant positions such as Chief of the General Staff, Minister of National Defense, and Secretary-General of the National Security Council, indicating the new government’s emphasis on overseas veterans and their families.
Director Wu expressed gratitude to like-minded democratic partners such as Australia for their support of Taiwan and their concern for regional peace and stability. Collaborative efforts between nations like Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, as well as recent meetings like the Australia-Korea “Foreign and Defense Ministers (2+2) Meeting” and the Foreign Ministers’ Meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) have reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait to global security and prosperity. The U.S. Congress has shown tangible support by passing the “Indo-Pacific Security Supplemental Appropriations Act,” allocating $8 billion for Taiwan’s defense and strengthening U.S. regional security in the Indo-Pacific.
At the same time, Taiwan has demonstrated a strong commitment to self-defense by adjusting military structures to enhance the “total defense” strategy. Tangible progress has been made in indigenous defense manufacturing in terms of aircraft and naval vessels, marking significant milestones. In the future, Taiwan will continue to collaborate closely with allied countries like Australia to safeguard security in the Taiwan Strait.
Director Shi Boxiang praised the spirit of the Glory Association, emphasizing perseverance in overcoming obstacles to successfully organize events, akin to the never retreat attitude symbolized by the kangaroo and emu in the Australian coat of arms. With 43 Glory Fellowship Associations worldwide caring for veterans and their families, he encouraged exchanges with veterans’ organizations from various countries.
Director Cai Yingxiang expressed hope for increased support for the Taiwan Trade Center’s efforts in trade promotion and defense product capabilities, fostering stronger connections between the Trade Center and the Glory Association.
Guests gathered for a group photo to celebrate birthdays from January to June, shared birthday cake, and participated in a lucky draw. Future efforts will focus on enhancing community interaction and communication, with a commitment to continue organizing a variety of activities. The new Directors and Supervisors are welcomed to work together over the next two years to support the military, veterans, and overseas organizations dedicated to support and guidance. Gratitude was expressed for the tremendous support of all team members. Thank you!