Freddy Lim's First Year as Representative in Finland Ushers in New Diplomatic Era; Taiwan-Finland Cultural Festival to Turn a New Page

(Central News Agency, Helsinki, July 3) Representative to Finland Freddy Lim has completed his first year in office. This unconventional diplomat, who bridges the international heavy metal scene and parliamentary halls, likens diplomatic work to "songwriting," emphasizing "wave operations" that involve prelude buildup and chorus explosion. Taiwan-Finland economic and trade relations have seen a threefold increase during his tenure, and he has facilitated the largest parliamentary delegation visit to Taiwan in the 37 years since the establishment of the representative office.

Speaking about his achievements over the past year, Freddy Lim, in an exclusive interview with CNA, eschewed official jargon, sounding more like a musician deconstructing a new song. He shared that diplomacy can be like creative work, with verses and choruses, and importantly, an intro. "Just like songwriting requires catching the right wave, you need buildup before hitting the chorus."

Freddy Lim revealed that when international media intensely covered his appointment in Finland last May, he deliberately "held back" several important interviews until the end of August. Releasing the arrows after the bow was fully drawn allowed him to coordinate with subsequent international forums and think tank events, making full-page reports in mainstream Finnish media his initial calling card. This strategy also successfully resolved many communication barriers caused by unpredictable external limitations.

Over the past year, he has been featured in print media such as "Helsingin Sanomat," "Maaseudun Tulevaisuus," "Keskisuomalainen," "Ilta-Sanomat," and "Iltalehti," as well as magazines like "Suomen Kuvalehti," Cyberwatch, and "Maailman Kuvalehti." He was also invited to national television programs including those on the national broadcaster Yle, the Swedish-language national broadcaster Svenska Yle, and the popular show Efter Nio.

Economic and trade achievements between Taiwan and Finland have also been fruitful. According to "Maaseudun Tulevaisuus," bilateral trade between Taiwan and Finland is expected to reach approximately 1.35 billion euros (about NT$50 billion) in 2025, a nearly threefold increase from the previous year. Taiwanese tourists visiting Finland exceeded 53,000, a 200% year-on-year increase.

This spring, major travel agencies such as Albatross Travel, Olympia, and Kymenmatkat have successively launched Taiwan travel packages, paving the way for future planned direct flights between Taiwan and Finland.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs continues to promote "Taiwan Culture in Europe 2026." On July 11, the General Association of Chinese Culture will once again head to Finland to host the second "F:F:F - Formosa : Finland : Fest." Taiwan-Finland Cultural Festival, which will also turn a new page.

This will be the first outdoor market with a Taiwan theme in Finland's history, to be held at Narinkatori Square in front of the Kamppi shopping center, a bustling transportation hub. The lineup includes the bands MeMeOn, Lily of the Valley, DJ Runi, as well as renowned and emerging Finnish bands, fostering cross-border exchange.

The accompanying market will offer classic Taiwanese delicacies such as grilled sausages and bubble tea. Combined with interactive night market games like ring toss and Mahjong Bingo, it aims to allow guests from all walks of life to experience Taiwan in a relaxed atmosphere through fun and soft approaches.

Freddy Lim said he will join the Taiwan-based band in Finland, Taiwania, to perform classic songs by Chthonic. He jokingly added that he would not take off his shirt during the performance.

From the bustling Wanhua district of Taipei to Helsinki, where the summer sun never sets and the winters are intensely cold, the cultural shock for Freddy Lim's family was not from the climate but from the Finnish people's "equality and balance."

He mentioned that in Taiwan, applying for internet service takes a few days to activate, but in Finland, "not having internet for two weeks is the norm." He also once queued for two hours at a bank to inquire about account opening progress, only to receive a cold response from the teller that no news meant they were still waiting.

Freddy Lim laughed, "Consumers here don't have as much leverage. The teller has their quality standards to maintain. This has taught me the Finnish philosophy of life and also adjusted myself not to send messages to colleagues outside of work hours."

On the international geopolitical chessboard, Finland has just joined NATO and is on high alert for threats from Russia. In the realm of information warfare, Freddy Lim often uses Taiwan's experience to remind Finland in interviews, speeches, and discussions.

He pointed out that Finnish society used to believe its unique language could defend against foreign cognitive warfare. However, Taiwan also believed more than a decade ago that it could identify fake news from simplified Chinese characters. But now, artificial intelligence can bridge language barriers, and media literacy must be established in advance because cognitive attacks have become precise and traceless. "Language is no longer a protective umbrella."

In addition, Freddy Lim facilitated the largest cross-party parliamentary delegation visit to Taiwan in 37 years since Finland established its representative office, led by Member of Parliament Mats Löfström, comprising seven Finnish MPs.

He and the staff at the representative office adopted a "customized diplomacy" approach, engaging in security dialogues with MPs who had national security backgrounds, and taking those with cultural and educational backgrounds to the "Da Gang Kai Chang" music festival and backstage to take photos with Finnish superstar Käärijä. He believes this practice of continuously "adding dishes" to the itinerary helps bring the MPs closer to Taiwan.

"Believe in Taiwan, and believe in what you love." This is Freddy Lim's advice to the next unconventional diplomat. Diplomacy does not require rigid official narratives; as long as one can discover their own areas of passion and transform Taiwan's story into sincere discourse, new frontiers can be opened for Taiwan's diplomacy beyond traditional frameworks. (Editor: Chou Yung-chieh) 1150703

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