Mr. Francis Kuo-Hsin Liang, the Republic of China (Taiwan)’s new representative to Singapore, arrived in the city state to take up his post on 13 December 2016. Over 50 persons, including the commissioners and advisers of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, the office bearers and members of Taiwanese community groups such as the Taipei Business Association in Singapore, the United Chinese Library, the Alumni of Taiwan Universities & Colleges, the Singapore branch of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women, the Singapore Taiwanese Hakka Association and the R.O.C. Veterans Association in Singapore, and officials from the Taipei Representative Office in Singapore were at the Changi Airport to receive Representative Liang.
In his short address, Representative Liang conveyed his appreciation to all compatriots for their warm welcome. He also outlined the longstanding relationship between Taiwan and Singapore. Both countries face similar external challenges and enjoy mutually beneficial cooperation. Additionally, Singapore’s spectacular development since its independence in 1965 offers many lessons that are instructive for other countries.
Having previously served as Taiwan’s chief trade negotiator for the Agreement between Singapore and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu on Economic Partnership (ASTEP) from 2011 to 2013, Representative Liang has had the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Singapore and to also make many Singaporean friends. As Taiwan’s new representative to Singapore, he looks forward to living up to the expectations of President Tsai Ing-wen and the Taiwanese people by spearheading the New Southbound Policy and further strengthening bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, tourism, education and culture between the two countries.
In an atmosphere of warm camaraderie, Representative Liang took photos and shook hands, in turns, with the Taiwan compatriots at the airport.
Taiwan compatriots receiving Representative Francis Kuo-hsin Liang (sixth from right) at the Changi Airport.
Representative Liang (third from left) received at the Changi Airport by leading personalities among the Taiwanese community in Singapore.