On June 27, the newly appointed director of the Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Service Center in New York, Wang Yiru, embarked on her first public schedule after taking office. She visited the New York Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (known as the Chinese Public School) and the seven major overseas Chinese organizations in Chinatown, demonstrating her importance to the Chinese community in New York. Director Wang stated that her main tasks include deepening the connections within the overseas Chinese community, promoting Chinese language education, nurturing the overseas Chinese community, and strengthening communication with overseas Chinese and the Chinese Public School along with major overseas Chinese organizations.
On Friday afternoon, Wang Yiru and her team first arrived at the Chinese Public School situated in the central area of Chinatown, where they were warmly welcomed by the Chairman of the Chinese Public School, Zhu Chaoran, along with representatives from the seven major overseas Chinese organizations, council members, and community leaders. Chairman Zhu expressed that since its establishment in 1883, the Chinese Public School has been a strong supporter of serving overseas Chinese and promoting Chinese culture. He welcomed Director Wang’s appointment and looked forward to further collaboration with the Overseas Chinese Center to advance the development of the overseas Chinese community.
During her speech, Director Wang expressed her honor to serve in New York for the first time. She reflected on her over 20 years of experience in the Overseas Chinese Affairs Committee and highlighted her wealth of practical experience accumulated while serving as the Vice Director of the Overseas Chinese Education Center in Washington, D.C. She emphasized the importance of seeking advice from senior figures in the New York overseas Chinese community and actively listening to the community’s needs, stating, “I am deeply moved when I walk on the streets and see the flag of the Republic of China. The overseas Chinese community’s recognition and support for the Republic of China are admirable.”
In a media interview, Director Wang further elaborated on her three main policy directions for the future: (1) strengthening communication and collaboration with overseas Chinese organizations to promote community cohesion; (2) continuing to promote the establishment and enhancement of the Taiwan Chinese Language Learning Center (TCML); (3) encouraging the participation of second and third-generation young people through policy tools, language study classes, English service camps, and other programs to enhance their connection and sense of identity with Taiwan.
After the meeting at the Chinese Public School, Director Wang immediately began her visits to the seven major overseas Chinese organizations, paying respect to the Leung Hon Bun United Association in the Eastern United States. She conveyed her respects to the association and stated, “New York is the capital of the world, the energy and cultural heritage of the overseas Chinese community are abundant, and I look forward to more exchanges and cooperation in the future.”
Wang Yiru stated that the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission will continue to maintain close cooperation with the Chinese Public School and various overseas Chinese organizations, and will actively invite overseas Chinese individuals to visit Taiwan in the future to deepen bilateral relations.