The San Jose Taiwanese Association held an end-of-year celebration and president handover ceremony at the South Bay Overseas Education Center on December 28th. The new president, Di Peihua, received the official seal from outgoing president Ma Qianjun.
The event drew over two hundred enthusiastic overseas compatriots, with distinguished guests including Lai Mingqi, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, and his wife Yun Wenzhen, Zhuang Yashu, Director of the South Bay Overseas Education Center, Overseas Community Affairs Commissioners Li Hanwen, Li Wenxiong, Wei Dezhen, Lin Zhengyuan, Overseas Community Affairs Advisory Commissioners Lin Guixiang and her husband, Lu Yuzhen, Lin Meilian, Vice President of the Taiwanese Association of America Zhang Jinjuan and her husband, and Saratoga Mayor Zhao Yan, among others.
Outgoing president Ma Qianjun humbly stated that although she did not do much in the past two years, the San Jose Taiwanese Association has always been committed to unity and harmony, striving to create a better future together. She believes that the incoming president will work even harder to create a brighter future.
Director Lai Mingqi made a special appearance with his wife during their vacation to attend the event. He mentioned that since its establishment in 1978, the Taiwanese Association of America has played a crucial role in promoting Sino-American relations, steadfastly supporting the government of the Republic of China and actively assisting members in integrating into the local mainstream society. The association has always placed caring for Taiwan at its core belief and will continue to be a strong support for the government in the future.
Director Zhuang Yashu expressed that the San Jose Taiwanese Association has long been an essential supporting force for the government of the Republic of China, especially thanking President Ma for leading the association in supporting activities of other overseas groups and promoting Taiwanese healthcare. She also looks forward to the new president continuing to promote the development of the association and supporting the country.
With witnesses Director Lai Mingqi and Director Zhuang Yashu present, outgoing president Ma Qianjun handed over the official seal to new president Di Peihua. Director Zhuang Yashu read out a letter of appreciation from the Overseas Community Affairs Commission Chairman Xu Jiaqing to Ma Qianjun and a congratulatory letter to Di Peihua.
New president Di Peihua expressed gratitude for everyone’s support, especially thanking President Ma Qianjun for laying the foundation for the association. She stated that she will work hand in hand with everyone to continue serving the Bay Area compatriots’ spirit and welcome the new year.
The event featured a rich and colorful program, with Mrs. Yun Wenzhen emotively singing “Non-existent Lover” and “Heartbroken Pacific,” an evening gown fashion show displaying elegance, the American California Line Dance Association’s vibrant performance, and an exciting raffle segment that added numerous highlights to the entire event.