The "Taiwan Ireland Association" held a Golden Year of Rat Luncheon at the Royal Marine Hotel in Dun Laoghaire on February 1, 2020. Representative Yang attended with his colleagues from the Taipei Representative Office. In his speech, Representative Yang first wished everyone a happy Lunar New Year in the Irish language: “Athbhliain faoi mhaise duit”.
Acting President Tina Jan delivered a speech on behalf of the Association, welcomed the Taiwanese in Ireland to attend the luncheon and thanked the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) and the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland for supporting the Association in handling various activities. She also promised that the Association would continue to unite the overseas Taiwanese to show their passion for Taiwan and promote Taiwan, as well as assist youths who come to Ireland to study or attend working holiday programme and new immigrants, etc. to integrate into Irish life.
Representative Yang expressed his hopes that the Taiwanese in Ireland will "love Taiwan” on the one hand, cherishing their home country and introduce Taiwan to their Irish friends; and on the other hand, as members of Irish society, the Taiwan community should also exert creativity and vitality to make Ireland better.
Representative Yang said that from the beginning of 2020, the world is faced with a new challenge of the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which has originated from Wuhan, China. Taiwan is at the forefront of the epidemic, and its impact is huge. The government is working hard to fight the epidemic and protect Taiwan, but in the era of globalization, the spread of the epidemic must be tackled seamlessly and closely by all those that it affects. The WHO (World Health Organisation) should not exclude Taiwan’s participation, not only for its own protection but in the interest of helping others. Representative Yang reminded the Taiwanese present to pay special attention to their health and safety during this period, and to win the support of all sectors of Ireland for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
The day's activities included puppet show performances, sending red envelopes, quizzes, and a lottery, to name but a few. The organizer also sent on-site exquisite monthly calendars and rat lanterns provided by the OCAC, accompanied by an atmosphere that was lively, warm, and celebratory.
