The Presidential Office of the Republic of China (Taiwan) held a press conference today (24th) to announce the flag-raising ceremony and the open house event on January 1st next year. Secretary-General Pan Meng’an welcomed all fellow citizens who care about Taiwan’s future development to participate in the activities and look forward to embracing brighter days ahead.
In his speech, Pan Meng’an expressed his excitement to participate in the January 1st flag-raising ceremony for the first time since taking office at the Presidential Office. He is delighted to welcome the first day of 2025 together with everyone. Following the flag-raising ceremony, the Presidential Office will also have its first open house event of the new year.
Pan Meng’an mentioned that apart from the organizing unit “Chinese National Industrial Zone Business Association,” other entities like the “Precision Machinery Research and Development Center” will also participate in the flag-raising ceremony. Over the past few decades, various industries have collectively worked to create Taiwan’s economic advantages and nurture many hidden champions, accompanying Taiwan through a century of economic development history, heading towards the world and the future. Everyone is looking forward to reviewing the process of Taiwan’s transition from manufacturing to the technology era.
On January 1st next year, following the flag-raising ceremony, the Presidential Office will open its doors for visitors from 9 am to 5 pm. Activities will include showcasing animated films at the Grand Hall of the Presidential Office, lectures on Taiwan’s modern history, music-related topics, agricultural and cultural creative markets at the North and South Yards, displaying shared memories of Taiwan’s journey from authoritarianism to a democratic society. In the morning, the President and Vice President will distribute couplets, red envelopes, and limited edition “Presidential Office Commemorative Pocky” on-site.
The spokesperson of the Presidential Office of the Republic of China, Li Wen, explained that the theme of the flag-raising ceremony that day is “Taiwan Intelligence Manufacturing Towards the Future,” symbolizing Taiwan’s industries leading the way, driven by smart technology for continuous upgrades. In the new year, the expectation is for economic development and industrial upgrades to invest in society, promoting Taiwan’s continuous progress and breakthroughs in various fields, enabling the benefits of industry progress and economic growth to be shared by all, benefiting society. Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, Taiwan’s industries, society, culture, and democracy move towards the future.
When addressing the audience, Chairman Lai Bosi of the “Chinese National Industrial Zone Business Association” expressed his hope that through the flag-raising event, Taiwan’s manufacturing industry’s abundance of strength and energy will be revealed to the public. Representatives leading the National Anthem will invite individuals like Zheng Chengkun, Chairman of Nanhuang Enterprises, Huang Qingyu, Chairman of Hongmao Environmental, Xu Zhining, General Manager of Fulong Hard Chromium, and Ye Zhanshuo, Chairman of Jianchun Industries, to showcase various sectors’ pursuit of innovation and quality. He hopes to drive dual-axis transformation with the government in the new year, boosting the international influence of industries, closely connecting the world with Taiwan.
Chairman Lai mentioned that the flag-raising ceremony that day will kick off with the Zhongjing Gaoshu Lo Yi Flag Team, which has won multiple national high school flag team competitions, displaying youthfulness and boundless energy. Heroes from various fields will deliver exciting music performances, including the Black Robe Band composed of Indonesian migrant workers and the Recycling Mr. Band formed by engineers from the Hsinchu Science Park. For the first time, a collaboration between professional theater dancers and manufacturers will present the “Taiwan Intelligence Manufacturing Show MIT Runway” with four major themes interpreting the spirit of Taiwan’s manufacturing industry, paying tribute to hidden champions in various fields.
Chairman Lai stated that the flag-raising ceremony of the Republic of China on January 1, 2025, is expected to open at 4:30 am on the day, with a limited distribution of small national flags, breakfast, souvenirs, welcoming the public to participate.
Chen Youxuan, General Manager of the Exhibition Hall, explained that traffic controls would be implemented in three stages starting from 9 pm on December 31 this year for the flag-raising activities. It is advised for the public and commuters to cooperate with relevant units. It is projected that the public will be allowed to enter from 4:30 am on January 1, 2025. The first performance on the Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office is scheduled to commence at 5 am, and the formal national anthem and flag-raising ceremony are set for 6:27 am.
Secretary-General Wen of the Presidential Office mentioned that from 9 am to 5 pm on that day, the Presidential Office will accommodate regular exhibition activities during the open house. Since the commencement of the exhibition in October, under the theme “Ark of Democracy: Taiwan’s Sustainable Progress,” covering Taiwan’s ecological diversity and the significance of technology on a global scale, as well as the values of democracy and freedom in Taiwan. Over twenty thousand visitors have toured the Presidential Office within just over a month.
Secretary-General Wen added that on January 1, 2025, the Ark of Democracy in Taiwan will continue to progress towards the future. In addition to planning markets, film screenings, and lectures, allowing visitors to explore the Presidential Office and the regular exhibition, they will have the opportunity to delve deeper into Taiwan’s democratic journey, savor Taiwanese agricultural food, and appreciate Taiwan’s creations.
On January 1, 2025, the Presidential Office Open Day will host four sessions of activities in the Grand Hall, necessitating prior reservation and registration. These will include morning sessions such as the screening of the movie “Magic Grandma” under the theme of “Inheriting the Future,” as well as afternoon sessions on “Building the Future,” “Taiwan Comic Future,” and “Democratic Future.” Registration for the activities will open from 6 pm on December 26, 2024. The public is encouraged to participate eagerly as each session has limited slots available, with details and registration information to be announced separately on the Presidential Office’s official website.