The Taiwan Alumni Association, Sydney, Australia (TAASA) recently held its annual meeting at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Sydney. The current president, the Hon. Chris Rath, MLC, attended in person.
The event began with two highlights reels showcasing TAASA’s activities over the past two years. Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu noted that the purpose of the annual meeting is to reflect on the past and look toward the future. DG Wu expressed special appreciation for President Chris Rath’s leadership—not only for hosting a forum in the NSW Parliament advocating Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, but also for joining numerous official and community events that have deepened Australian friends’ understanding of Taiwan. DG Wu further thanked Hon. Chris Rath for agreeing to serve a second term as TAASA President, expressing confidence that under his leadership, TAASA will continue to grow and further strengthen Taiwan–Australia cooperation and exchange.
President Chris Rath commended TECO’s dedication in promoting Taiwan’s cooperation and exchanges with NSW and Australia, and reaffirmed his support for Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and social progress. TAASA Vice President and NSW Young Liberal President Cooper Gannon, Dr. Mei-Fen Kuo and Roger Huang of Macquarie University, also offered remarks, sharing suggestions and voicing support for TAASA to continue organizing meaningful exchange activities. TECO also presented information on scholarship opportunities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Taiwan Scholarship and the Ministry of Education Scholarship, for TAASA members’ reference.
To give alumni in Australia a taste of authentic Taiwan, TECO prepared Taiwanese-style lunch boxes, drinks, and Taichung’s famous pineapple cakes, allowing everyone to enjoy delicious food while sharing fond memories of life in Taiwan.
TAASA was founded in October 2023 with the aim of providing Australian friends a platform for networking, information sharing, and community building. Worldwide, there are around 80 TAA alumni organizations. The newly elected presidents and members of Taiwanese student associations from major universities in Sydney were also invited to the event to encouraging greater interaction between Taiwanese and Australian youth, and further deepening Taiwan–Australia relations.
