At the joint banquet with the TCCNA on the evening of January 16, the OCAC honored Chun Lin Chiang, President of the TCCNA, with the Hai-Hwa Honored Medal, presented by Minister Chia-Ching Hsu personally, to recognize Chiang for his dedicated philanthropy and service to the overseas community in the New York area. The award also acknowledged his significant contributions to the renovation project of the Culture Center of TECO in New York.
Minister Hsu noted Chun Lin Chiang's substantial contributions to New York over the years. In addition to his successful career, Chiang has been dedicated to serving the overseas community, notably as the President of the TCCNA from 2019 to 2021. During the severe outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in 2020, Chiang led efforts twice to respond to the government's "Taiwan Can Help" initiative. He successfully procured 50,000 Taiwan-made protective masks for the Taiwanese Chambers of Commerce of New York (TCCNY) and actively participated in the TCCNA’s "Ten Million Masks, Ten Million Hearts" campaign, raising $35,000 in a short period. This endeavor resulted in the donation of 2,000 medical-grade masks and 2 cartons of N95 masks to Elmhurst Hospital, not only exemplifying the altruistic spirit of Taiwan-US but also fostering connections between the overseas community and local society. Chiang's commitment to gratitude and giving back to the community has gained recognition in American society, and in 2021, he was honored with the "The President's Lifetime Achievement Awards," a testament to his admirable contributions.
In 2022, Chiang took on the role of the 36th President of TCCNA. During his leadership, he swiftly responded to the TECO's initiative: "Sending Love to the Molokai Disaster Victims Joint Fundraising Campaign." Chiang rallied the business community, raising a total of $145,528, which was promptly donated to the government of Hawaii. This aid not only demonstrated the genuine friendship between Taiwan and Hawaii in times of adversity but also encouraged global communities to collaborate in the face of disasters. It showcased tangible international engagement, providing crucial support to Hawaii.
Under the leadership of Chun Lin Chiang, the TCCNA and the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASMEs) jointly hosted the "Taiwan-U.S. Collaboration for Mutual Success - MOU Signing Ceremony and Exchange of Taiwan-US Economic and Trade Trends." Focused on “Cooperation and Connection,” the event included the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the development of Taiwanese businesses in the United States and foster opportunities for business. In August 2023, President Biden signed the " the United States-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade First Agreement Implementation Act," initiating a new phase in Taiwan-US economic cooperation. In December of the same year, Taiwan and Canada signed the "Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA)," further facilitating bilateral economic and trade investments. These achievements were made possible through the proactive collaboration and advocacy efforts of Chun Lin Chiang and the Taiwanese business community, working closely with the representative office to garner support across various sectors.
“I want to extend my gratitude to Chun Lin for leading his team in aiding the renovation of the Culture Center of TECO in New York,” mentioned Chia-Ching Hsu. The Culture Center was established in 1986 and relocated to its current location in 2008. The interior of the building has become quite outdated, and the Council is fully aware of the pressing need for renovation.
Chun Lin Chiang, the proprietor of a construction company, promptly took the lead in supporting the Culture Center's renovation. Alongside his wife, they devoted numerous hours to design and oversee the construction. Their initial commitment inspired local overseas compatriots to contribute materials and furniture, turning what seemed initially daunting into a reality. After the renovation, the Culture Center now features optimal spatial flow and upgraded facilities, catering to a diverse range of activities for overseas groups and youth. The addition of a cultural bookshelf showcasing 50 works by Taiwanese-American authors, including novels and recipes, depicts the outline of Taiwan. Along with the Mandarin learning materials provided by the Culture Center, this transformation has turned the center into a Taiwan Image Gallery. Minister Hsu encourages visiting compatriots to explore the Taiwan Bookshelf for a unique photo opportunity. The unsung heroes behind this achievement include Chun Lin Chiang, his team, and the supportive overseas community, all contributing to the success of this meaningful endeavor.
Chun Lin Chiang expresses his gratitude to Chia-Ching Hsu and the OCAC for awarding him with the Hai-Hwa Honored Medal. He also extends his thanks to the entire overseas communities for their unwavering support and encouragement. "Because of all of you, I am able to receive the Hai-Hwa Honored Medal. This is everyone's achievement, not just mine," he emphasized. Chiang recognizes the medal as a symbol of collective efforts in advancing compatriots affairs, public diplomacy, and enhancing the national image. "I want to dedicate this award to each and every one of you. Thank you all," he concluded.
