On July 23, the South Bay Overseas Chinese Education Center hosted a banquet to welcome Vice Chairman Ruan Zhaoxiong of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission to the Bay Area. During the banquet, Vice Chairman Ruan Zhaoxiong personally sang two songs, elevating the atmosphere to a climax.
Despite the scorching heat with temperatures soaring up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit in Milpitas that day, the passionate Overseas Chinese community’s enthusiasm could not be dampened. Approximately 300 guests attended the banquet, including Director Lai Mingqi from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, Overseas Chinese Affairs Advisory Commissioners Cui Jingqian, Lin Gui Xiang, as well as Overseas Chinese Affairs Commissioners Chung Chen Qian, Lee Wenxiong, Lee Han Wen, Wei De Zhen, Wu Yiming, and Lin Zhengyuan among many other Overseas Chinese leaders.
The banquet kicked off with a lively performance by the Three Princes Dance group. Chung Chen Qian, the chairman of the banquet organizing committee, delivered the welcoming remarks. He mentioned that this was Vice Chairman Ruan Zhaoxiong’s first visit to the Bay Area, and many Overseas Chinese were not yet familiar with him.
Chung then detailed Vice Chairman Ruan’s background: Vice Chairman Ruan holds a master’s degree in Agricultural Economics from National Taiwan University, a master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy from National Taipei University, and a bachelor’s degree in Public Communication from Shih Hsin University. He has served as a lecturer at Shih Hsin University, a spokesperson for the Democratic Progressive Party Central Headquarters, and a Taipei City Councilor for the 11th, 12th, and 13th terms.
Chung added that Vice Chairman Ruan interacts closely with his constituents in his district, advocating for many benefits. Two years ago, he transitioned to Overseas Chinese Affairs work, frequently traveling abroad to promote Overseas Chinese affairs development and care for the well-being of Overseas Chinese. Today, representing the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, he welcomed Vice Chairman Ruan’s visit to the Bay Area and wished him a smooth and successful visit.
Director Lai Mingqi expressed a warm welcome to Vice Chairman Ruan’s first visit to the Bay Area. Apart from participating in Overseas Chinese community activities, Vice Chairman Ruan also hoped to hear feedback from the Overseas Chinese community and encouraged everyone to seize this rare opportunity.
He mentioned his upcoming completion of four years in this position and reflected on his active participation in 1,728 events, over half of which were Overseas Chinese community activities. Thus, he deeply felt the energy and vitality of the San Francisco Overseas Chinese community. Director Lai emphasized that the Bay Area Overseas Chinese community is the true diplomatic extension of the Republic of China’s overseas diplomatic efforts.
Vice Chairman Ruan Zhaoxiong thanked the Bay Area Overseas Chinese for their warm reception. He highlighted that as a tech hub, San Francisco Bay Area has numerous opportunities for close cooperation with Taiwan in the future. More importantly, through the strength of the Overseas Chinese community, he aimed to garner broader recognition for the Republic of China within the local mainstream society. He stressed that this would be a key focus of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission’s future work, requiring collective effort from the Overseas Chinese community.
Subsequently, amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, Vice Chairman Ruan Zhaoxiong took the stage and sang Yeh Chi-Tian’s “Hometown” and Mayday’s “Suddenly Missing You,” earning rounds of applause. The event also featured dance performances such as “Dreamers,” musical shows like “Happiness is Good,” and “Love Cha Cha.” Finally, all guests joined Vice Chairman Ruan Zhaoxiong in a collective singing of “Work Hard to Win” and “Friends,” marking a perfect end to the banquet.