The Minister of OCAC, Ambassador Chen-Yuan Tung, attended the opening ceremony of the first ever in-person West Coast Senior FASCA camp on September 4th. The opening ceremony was held at Sonesta San Jose hotel. The camp was hosted by the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of FASCA and Culture Center Of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in San Francisco (Milpitas) with enormous support from the Overseas Community Affairs Council, Republic of China(Taiwan). Minister Tung made a special trip from Taiwan to visit, and specially made time in his busy schedule to attend the event.
All twenty-eight Senior FASCA members in attendance, local FASCA members, and staff were looking forward to Minister Tung's presence. He was warmly welcomed with singing, dancing, and plenty of applause. Local FASCA members presented Minister Tung with leis.
Minister Tung wished that the Senior FASCA members would continue to be ambassadors in the communities they learn and work in. He continuously praised Senior FASCA students for their excellence and efforts through the years. He mentioned many different programs that provide opportunities for Taiwanese, and wished everyone present with good health and prosperity.
"He was so passionate about what we do at FASCA, and even as Senior FASCA, it felt good to feel important.” Seattle Senior FASCA representative Audrey Qiu stated that she was glad that despite having already left the main FASCA group after graduating high school, hearing Minister Tung tell Senior FASCA that they can have an impact was extremely empowering.
Hailing from Orange County, Victor Kao felt humbled by Minister Tung's presence. "He showed us how much he cares about FASCA and Taiwanese overseas … he gives us a reason to keep striving to be the best we can be.”
Stella Lin from the Los Angeles chapter of FASCA told us that "Minister Tung showed us that our involvement as a high-schooler translated into something even more important even after we graduated from high school … grassroot movements from the bottom up are still very important in promoting culture. I hope to help Taiwan have a [stronger] standing on the world stage!”
Minister Tung wrapped up by telling everyone that he hopes to expand FASCA and Senior FASCA's horizons. For example, FASCA chapters can have more interactions with each other and help with the globalization of Taiwanese ideas. Minister Tung's message to Senior FASCA ended with him wishing to see everyone in Taiwan.
