Presidential Office Concert reflects on democratic journey; audience moved, saying 'We are not alone'

According to the Central News Agency, the Presidential Office Concert took place today at the Pingtung County Gymnasium. Marking the 30th anniversary of direct presidential elections, the event was themed 'Democratic Taiwan, Warm Songs of the South Wind,' reflecting on the journey of democratic development. Audience members expressed feeling that Taiwan is not as isolated as they imagined. The concert was co-hosted by the Presidential Office and the General Association of Chinese Culture. Nearly 2,000 people watched inside, with many more watching the broadcast outside. Zeng Ding-kai, a Hakka youth representative from Pingtung who sat next to President Lai Ching-te, said he was deeply moved by the government's promotion of diverse ethnic development. An audience member from Kaohsiung, surnamed Xu, who attended with her 7-year-old son, shared that her husband, a Chinese national, learned the value of democracy by 'jumping the firewall' to access information, inspiring her to ensure her child grows up in freedom rather than receiving 'brainwashing education.' The program featured five main themes, showcasing indigenous, Hakka, and new immigrant music. The finale featured 'You Are Our Treasure,' celebrating the spirit of democracy.