On 21 July 2016, the Taipei Business Association in Singapore hosted a farewell dinner for Representative and Mrs. Ta-Tung J. Chang. Present at the dinner were advisers and commissioners from the Overseas Community Affairs Committee, office bearers from the Hakka Affairs Advisory Committee and prominent Singapore personalities including Mr. Chng Jit Koon, former Senior Minister of State Ministry for Community Development; Dr. John Chen Seow Phun, former Minister of State for Communications; Dr. Ker Sin Tze, former Trade Representative in the Singapore Trade Office in Taipei; Dr. Wang Kai Yuen, former Member of Parliament; and Mr. Chua Chim Kang, Managing Editor of the Chinese Media Group of Singapore Press Holdings. The dinner saw a total attendance of over 250 guests comprising those from the political, academic and commercial spheres, and officials from the Taipei Representative Office.
In his address, Representative Chang recounted his vivid memories of his past one year in Singapore. He recalled especially the historic Ma-Xi meeting, which involved everyone at the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore working as one on an extremely tight schedule. Representative Chang also expressed his appreciation to friends, from all quarters, in Singapore for their hospitality and assistance, and hoped that everyone would render the same level of support to his successor, Representative Chiang.
In addresses by Mr. Chen Cheng-min, President of the Taipei Business Association in Singapore; Mr. Chung Shih Dah, Advisor cum Commissioner of the Overseas Community Affairs Committee; and Mr. Heman Chen, Commissioner of the Overseas Community Affairs Committee, it was apparent that everyone was most reluctant to see the departure of Representative Chang, who had steadfastly served Taiwanese compatriots in Singapore. All three expressed their admiration for Representative Chang’s wisdom, foresight and energy. They were very appreciative of Representative Chang’s consideration, and were particularly moved by Representative Chang’s willingness to support the many events, big or small, organised by the Taiwanese community.
In his address, Deputy Representative James Huang pointed out that beneath Representative Chang’s amicable exterior is a man who is both pragmatic and meticulous. Always early and leaving late, Representative Chang is a model for veteran and new members of the staff. During Representative Chang’s tenure, the political, economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and Singapore had both intensified and expanded. Deputy Representative Huang, therefore, hoped that when Representative and Mrs. Chang are home, they would seize the opportunity to visit the various scenic spots in Taiwan.
The evening saw Dr. John Chen Seow Phun, Singapore’s former Minister of State for Communications, and others spreading the joy with their singing of familiar and catchy songs. The warm and cosy atmosphere at the dinner came to a rousing end with Representative and Mrs. Chang joining all the guests in the singing the popular song, “Friends”.
