Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te sent out appointment letters to the members of the National Policy Advisory Group, the National Strategy Advisors, and the Ambassadors-at-Large on October 7th at the Presidential Office. Among them, Taiwanese badminton star Tai Tzu-ying, at the young age of 30, has become the youngest Ambassador-at-Large in Taiwan’s history, aiming to assist in expanding Taiwan’s foreign relations.
President Lai Ching-te expressed his gratitude towards all the members of the National Policy Advisory Group, National Strategy Advisors, and Ambassadors-at-Large during his speech. He emphasized the importance of their roles in advising on national policies and assisting in promoting foreign relations, contributing wisdom and experience to the country’s development and people’s well-being. He believes that their contributions will greatly boost government initiatives and continue Taiwan’s steady progress.
Tai Tzu-ying expressed her happiness at being invited to serve as an Ambassador-at-Large, highlighting that the duties of an Ambassador-at-Large align with what she does regularly, such as displaying competitiveness on the court to attract audiences and garner support from both local and foreign spectators, ultimately ensuring Taiwan is recognized on a global platform.
Looking to the future, Tai Tzu-ying mentioned her hope to utilize her influence to nurture the next generation and improve Taiwan’s sports environment, even beyond her active sports career.
In his address, President Lai Ching-te acknowledged the various challenges Taiwan currently faces, including authoritarian expansion, climate change, digital transformation, and threats from emerging infectious diseases. He reiterated that, as the president, his mission is to safeguard the country’s survival and development, protect the lives and properties of all citizens, and enhance the lives of Taiwan’s 23 million people.
President Lai Ching-te emphasized the need to strengthen national defense, foster economic development, support vulnerable groups, enhance societal resilience, and stand with democratic partners to uphold the democratic values and shield democratic nations from the threat of authoritarian expansion.
President Lai Ching-te stressed the collaborative effort required for these crucial tasks, highlighting the significance of not only the government’s dedication but also the collective efforts of professionals in various fields to ensure policy initiatives are comprehensive and responsive to public demands. To incorporate diverse opinions from society into national decision-making, a total of 27 members were appointed to the National Policy Advisory Group, 76 to the National Strategy Advisors, and 10 as Ambassadors-at-Large to assist in government’s international affairs.
President Lai Ching-te emphasized that the roles of the National Policy Advisory Group, National Strategy Advisors, and Ambassadors-at-Large are honorary positions held for the benefit of the nation. He lauded them as essential opinion leaders across different fields, advocating for a spirit of prioritizing the nation’s interests and contributing wisdom and experience for the country’s advancement. President Lai Ching-te expressed his deepest gratitude on behalf of the Taiwanese people.
He expressed confidence that with everyone’s counsel and assistance, Taiwan’s governmental initiatives will receive significant support, enabling the country to continue its stable progress. He urged everyone to strive together in shaping a better future for Taiwan. Subsequently, President Lai individually presented the appointment letters to the members of the National Policy Advisory Group, National Strategy Advisors, and Ambassadors-at-Large.