Chen Yu-hsiu Speaks at San Francisco Cultural Exchange, Praises Taiwanese People for Making the Island Shine

Central News Agency Report

(CNA reporter Chang Hsin-yu, San Francisco, July 12) — San Francisco and Taipei marked the 57th year of their sister-city relationship with the first major cultural exchange event since the pandemic. Former Council for Cultural Affairs Chairperson Chen Yu-hsiu delivered a keynote speech, introducing the theme of 'Diamond Taiwan' and emphasizing how the dedication, resilience, and execution power of the Taiwanese people have elevated Taiwan into a shining island on the global stage.

The cultural exchange event, hosted by the San Francisco-Taipei Sister Cities Committee, took place at the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco.

San Francisco and Taipei established their sister-city relationship in 1969. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the committee regularly organized cultural and artistic exchange events, including lectures by prominent figures such as Lin Hwai-min, founder of the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre, in San Francisco.

Today’s event marked the first large-scale cultural exchange since the pandemic. Attendees included San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman, Supervisor Chyanne Chen, City Attorney David Chiu, and other officials. Wu Chih-hsiang, Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, expressed his delight at seeing the two cities embark on a new chapter.

Joyce Tsou, Director of Public Affairs for San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie’s office, attended on behalf of the mayor. In her remarks, she noted that both San Francisco and Taipei serve as global innovation engines and expressed hope for future collaboration to create more opportunities.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an sent a congratulatory video message, stating that Taipei continues to develop as a hub for artificial intelligence and innovation, while San Francisco has long been a global leader in technology. He expressed anticipation for further exploring cooperation between the two cities.

With Taiwan’s rapid advancements in AI and technological innovation, both cities are now expanding their collaboration beyond culture into the tech sector.

This year, Chen Yu-hsiu, former Chairperson of the Council for Cultural Affairs and current Chair of the National Cultural and Arts Foundation, was invited to deliver the keynote speech. She introduced the concept of 'Diamond Taiwan,' highlighting how Taiwan’s unique ecological diversity and multiculturalism have shaped it into a sparkling gem.

Chen elaborated on how cultural and creative policies have transformed 'Diamond Taiwan' into 'Charming Taiwan.' She emphasized the importance of local culture and regional characteristics, introducing successful cases from Yilan County, Kaohsiung City, Tainan City, and Hsinchu City.

Chen stated that Taiwan faces challenges such as a lack of natural energy resources and geopolitical pressures. However, when confronted with difficulties, the Taiwanese people choose to face and overcome them. 'The reason Taiwan has become what it is today lies in the people of Taiwan,' she said. 'A raw diamond is just a mineral—it only shines after being polished by human hands. It is the dedication, resilience, and execution power of the Taiwanese people that have elevated Taiwan into a shining island.' (Edited by Wei Shu) 1150713