On 20 May 2015, as per past practice, the Taipei Business Association in Singapore (TBA SG) hosted a dinner to commemorate the inauguration of the 14th President and Vice President of the Republic of China (Taiwan).  Mr. Chen Cheng-min, President of the Taipei Business Association in Singapore, invited Representative and Mrs. Ta-Ting J. Chang to grace the dinner which saw the attendance of advisers and commissioners from the Overseas Community Affairs Committee, office bearers from the Hakka Affairs Advisory Committee and prominent Singapore personalities including Mr. Thomas Chua, President of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI) and Nominated Member of Parliament; Mr. Chng Jit Koon, former Senior Minister of State Ministry for Community Development; Mr. Chuang Shaw Peng, former Nominated Member of Parliament; Mr. Chua Chim Kang, Managing Editor of the Chinese Media Group of Singapore Press Holdings; and Professor Eddie C. Y. Kuo, Director of UniSIM Centre for Chinese Studies at SIM University with his wife. In all, over 300 guests comprising those from the political, academic and commercial spheres, officials from the Taipei Representative Office and visiting officials from the Department of Archives, Information Management and Telecommunications of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of China (Taiwan) were present at the dinner.

In his address, Representative Chang recounted Dr. Ma Ying-jeou’s achievements during his eight years as the President of the Republic of China.  He also gave an overview of President Dr. Tsai Ing-wen’s background and profile, and highlighted the five key policy objectives outlined by President Tsai in her inauguration speech. Representative Chang emphasized that the election of Dr. Tsai as the first female president in a Chinese society as well as the rotation of ROC’s ruling parties amply demonstrate the maturity and stability of Taiwan’s democratic development.  Representative Chang also took the opportunity to state that it is his honor to serve as Representative of the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore and expressed his gratitude to all Taiwan compatriots and Singaporean friends for the warmth and friendship extended to him during this time.

Mr. Heman Chen, Commissioner of the Overseas Community Affairs Committee, complimented President Tsai Ing-wen on her wide ranging speech.  He hoped that the goodwill toward Beijing in President Tsai’s inaugural address would help to maintain peaceful and cooperative cross-strait relations. In addition, he looked forward to President Tsai leading the people of Taiwan towards greater democracy, freedom and prosperity.

As highlights of President Tsai Ing-wen’s inauguration speech and the swearing-in ceremony were played on the screen, the audience paid close attention.  The screening was followed by a string ensemble and song performance.  Officials from the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore also went on stage to sing two songs-  “Tomorrow will be Better” and “Ai Piah Cia Eh Yia” (爱拼才会赢), winning thunderous applause from the audience. The dinner program ended with Representative Chang and VIP guests going onstage to toast to the long-lasting prosperity of Taiwan.