A flag-raising ceremony and Mandarin Speech Competition were held on 9 October in the Leinster Cricket Club, Dublin. The events were part of celebrations for the 105th National Day of the Republic of China (Taiwan). His Excellency Representative Simon Tu was joined by 150 expatriates from Taiwan and their Irish friends. All joined in chorus for a rousing rendition of the national anthem as the flag of the ROC (Taiwan) was solemnly raised.
In his opening address, Representative Tu expressed the resolve of Taiwan’s Government to uphold its sovereignty and adhere to the principles of democracy, freedom and openness. He outlined Taiwan’s social and economic achievements in recent years, saying that citizens have every reason to be proud of their home country. By OECD measurements, for example, Taiwan ranks 16th in the world for standard of living, while also ranking as the third most competitive economy in Asia. The flag-raising ceremony was also an occasion to outline the policy agenda of the recently elected Government. Finally, Representative Tu presented a certificate from the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission to the Taiwan Ireland Association Chairman, Frank Lu, appointing him as first official Coordinator for Ireland.
Following the ceremony the inaugural Mandarin Speech Competition was held, with a variety of young contestants partaking, including both local Irish students and the children of overseas Taiwanese. The panel of judges included Mrs. Tracy Tu, a former university lecturer in Chinese literature, and Evan Furlong, Principal of the Dublin School of Mandarin Chinese. An award was presented along with certificates of participation.
Representative & Mrs. Tu with Frank Lu , Evan Furlong and members of the Taiwanese community
The National Day flag-raising ceremony
Representative Tu makes his address before the Mandarin Speech Competition
Frank Lu receives his certificate from the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission from Representative Tu
A young contestant in the Mandarin Speech Competition
The winner of the Mandarin Speech Competition receives her award
Representative Tu, Frank Lu and Evan Furlong with young contestants
