The Taipei Representative Office in Singapore celebrated the Republic of China’s 105th Double Tenth National Day with a noon reception at the Shangri-La Hotel. The event was attended by over 750 friends and well-wishers from the political, business, academic and diplomatic community in Singapore.
In his address, Deputy Representative James C. L. Huang highlighted the longstanding and close partnership relations between the Republic of China and Singapore. In the area of trade, Singapore and Taiwan’s two-way trade amounted to US$38 billion in 2015, making them each other’s 6th largest trading partner. Since the ASTEP Agreement was signed between the two countries on 7 November 2013, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Singapore has witnessed steady growth and Singaporean investment in Taiwan for the period from 2015 up to July this year saw an increase to the amount of US$238 million.
Deputy Representative Huang also underscored the close cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Taiwan and Singapore. Various Taiwan cultural performing groups continually take part in festivals and cultural events at the invitation of Singapore. Visitor arrivals from Singapore to Taiwan reached over 390,000 in 2015, a growth of 5 per cent compared to the preceding year. Conversely, visitor arrivals from Taiwan to Singapore reached 320,000 in 2015, a jump of 14 per cent compared to the preceding year.
At the close of his remarks, Deputy Representative Huang hoped that Singapore and Taiwan will build on their existing foundation to set a new milestone in bilateral ties.
Among those present at the reception were heavyweight personalities in Singapore’s business and industry groups as well as veteran and senior members of Taiwan compatriot associations. The screening of a video documenting Taiwan’s humanitarian and diplomatic efforts at the reception not only left a deep impression on the guests but also further affirmed Taiwan’s contributions to the international community.
Accompanied onstage by the advisers and commissioners from the Overseas Community Affairs Committee and office bearers from the Taipei Business Association in Singapore, Deputy Representative Huang cut a birthday cake, and led in the singing of the birthday song to celebrate the Republic of China’s 105th birthday. Amidst applause and three loud Singapore-style cheers of “Yam Seng”, everyone raised their glasses to the joyous and memorable occasion.
Group photo of Deputy Representative Huang (center) and VIP guests offering their birthday wishes to the country at the ROC 105th Double Tenth National Day reception.
