Three Meanings Behind Cheng Chao-fang's Hsinchu County Run: Lai Ching-te Says He's Determined to Walk a 'Path to Heaven'

(Central News Agency, reporter Yeh Su-ping, Taipei, 10th) The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) officially nominated Zhubei City Mayor Cheng Chao-fang to run for Hsinchu County Magistrate on the 10th. President Lai Ching-te, who concurrently serves as DPP chair, said that Cheng's candidacy carries three layers of significance: first, acting as a crucial bridge between modern technology and traditional culture; second, assisting young families in county governance; and third, promoting balanced urban-rural development across Hsinchu County. 'Cheng Chao-fang is determined to walk a path to heaven,' Lai stated.

The DPP held a nomination press conference for the Hsinchu County Magistrate election in the afternoon, where Lai personally placed the campaign sash on Cheng.

Lai noted that Cheng is an outstanding Hakka descendant born and raised in Hsinchu County. He graduated from Hsinchu Senior High School and the Department of Law at National Taipei University. He has served as the director of the DPP's Hakka Affairs Department and as a party spokesperson, as well as an advisor to the Executive Yuan and a counselor to the Presidential Office. He is currently the mayor of Zhubei City, with remarkable achievements.

Lai described Cheng as a multi-talented individual, having served as a host for programs on Beautiful Life TV and Universal Radio. He is a Golden Bell Award winner, a Hakka singer nominated for the Golden Melody Award, and a perfumer who won first prize in a Canadian brand's perfumer competition.

Lai emphasized that beyond his artistic and cultural talents, Cheng possesses strong administrative skills, as evidenced by his tenure as Zhubei City Mayor. Cheng has developed a unique 'aesthetic governance' philosophy that combines the rigor of law, the modernity of technology, and the beauty of art and culture, transforming Zhubei into a resilient and livable city where science and humanities coexist, and industry and life thrive together. Lai stated that this is the result of Cheng's four years of hard work, and Zhubei has now gained recognition across Taiwan.

Lai elaborated on the three meanings of Cheng's candidacy. First, Hsinchu County is Taiwan's technology hub and a homeland of Hakka culture. As a Hakka descendant who understands the importance of modern technology, Cheng, if elected, would serve as a 'vital bridge between modern technology and traditional culture.'

Second, Hsinchu County, as a technology hub, attracts many young people. Young families need efficient administration and good living facilities. Cheng's urban construction in Zhubei fully demonstrates his ability in this area, enabling him to provide the best county services for young families.

Third, Cheng is determined to walk a 'path to heaven.' While Hsinchu County is a technology hub, it still faces urban-rural disparities. Although Cheng is the mayor of Zhubei, he was born and raised in Zhudong and is well aware of the gaps between different townships in Hsinchu County. Bridging this gap requires not only deep understanding but also strong administrative experience and determination.

Lai revealed that Cheng told him one of his key goals in running for county magistrate is to level the urban-rural gap in Hsinchu County, ensuring that all residents receive the best services from the county government, and that every township can thrive with development plans tailored to their unique characteristics.

Lai mentioned that this path is very difficult. Cheng specifically called it a 'path to heaven,' but he is determined to use his past experience and his record in Zhubei to successfully complete this journey. Cheng's goal is to enable the entire Hsinchu County to flourish.

Lai made a special appeal to the people of Hsinchu County to fully support Cheng, stating, 'The number-one mayor of Zhubei, Cheng Chao-fang, will not let you down.' (Editor: Lin Ke-lun) 1150610