Greater Vancouver Taiwanese Association Celebrates 60 Years; Chen Hui-chung Honored for Promoting Taiwanese Music

The Greater Vancouver Taiwanese Association held its 60th-anniversary celebration, with over 250 people sharing the joy of a legacy passed down for six decades. Chen Hui-chung, founder of the Vancouver Ton-Lin Institute and a long-time promoter of Taiwan-Canada cross-cultural exchange, was awarded the annual 'Outstanding Taiwanese Canadian Award.' She has brought Taiwanese music and culture into Canada's diverse society, hoping to connect different generations and ethnic groups.

The 60th-anniversary event was attended by numerous dignitaries. Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) Minister Hsu Chia-ching flew to Vancouver to witness the occasion. Many Canadian politicians, past presidents of the Taiwanese Association, and community representatives were also present. President Lai Ching-te sent his blessings via a video message from across the sea.

President Lai thanked the association for its 60 years of dedication to speaking up for Taiwan's democracy and freedom, helping to expand international exchanges, and protecting Taiwanese people in Canada. He also stated that Taiwan showed the world the spirit of 'Taiwan Can Help' during the pandemic and that in the future, it must let the international community see the strength of 'Taiwan Can Lead.'

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, through Federal Liberal MP Wade Chang, sent a congratulatory letter, commending the Taiwanese Association for its long-term contributions to Canadian society.

Federal NDP MP Jenny Kwan emphasized that while Canada is actively diversifying its trade, values such as democracy and human rights must not be ignored in economic and trade relations, and that Taiwan is a trustworthy partner.

BC Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport Anne Kang and several provincial MLAs expressed their admiration for Taiwan's large impact despite its small size. They noted that although the Taiwanese population in BC is not large, it demonstrates immense vitality and resilience, making significant contributions to society.

Over the past sixty years, countless overseas compatriots have worked hard in Canada while also continuing to protect their homeland, Taiwan. At the 60th-anniversary celebration, three individuals were specially recognized for their immense contributions to Taiwan-Canada exchange and dedication.

Chen Hui-chung, the founder of the Vancouver Ton-Lin Institute who has long promoted Taiwan-Canada cross-cultural exchange, received the annual 'Outstanding Taiwanese Canadian Award.' Lucy Ee, who has selflessly assisted the severely injured Taiwanese girl Wang Feng after a car crash incident at a Vancouver Filipino festival, and Pastor Hsieh Ta-li, who has dedicated years to community care and preserving historical memory, were both awarded the 'Taiwanese Canadian Community Contribution Award.'

In 1986, Chen Hui-chung led the Yuan Dao Choir to perform on the stage of the Vancouver World Expo, singing songs of Taiwan. For 40 years, she has brought Taiwanese music and culture into Canada's diverse society. Today, she is the main driving force behind the Taiwan lily pins worn at 228 Memorial events, hoping to connect different generations and ethnic groups to cherish freedom, democracy, peace, and justice together.

Lucy Ee is the first-ever non-Taiwanese recipient of the 'Taiwanese Canadian Community Contribution Award,' but everyone praised her as a proud 'good friend of Taiwan.'

After the tragic car crash in Vancouver, Lucy accidentally learned that Wang Feng was her neighbor. Although she had never met Wang Feng, she extended the warmest of hands. As a native-born Canadian, Lucy was familiar with Canada's emergency resources, which enabled the severely comatose Wang Feng to quickly receive help with a series of issues including medical care, compensation, and immigration.

Lucy said she was just doing what she was supposed to do and never expected to meet so many good friends from the Taiwanese community as a result.

Wu Ching-kuei, president of the Greater Vancouver Taiwanese Association, said the association is a place full of love, tolerance, and resilience. For 60 years, it has united the feelings of the Taiwanese people and actively engaged with mainstream society to showcase the culture and customs of Taiwan. She said, 'We have walked together for a full cycle of sixty years and will continue to march towards a century.'