Taiwan Foundation for Democracy celebrates 20th anniversary

Taiwan Foundation for Democracy celebrates 20th anniversary

2023-07-18

The Taiwan Foundation for Democracy marked its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, with an event that brought together democracy advocates from around the world. President Tsai Ing-wen spoke at the celebration, highlighting the strength of Taiwan’s democracy despite the Chinese threats. Also in attendance was the head of the U.S.’ National Endowment for Democracy, Damon Wilson, who presented Tsai with the Democracy Service Medal.

With the song “Stand Up Like A Taiwanese,” the band kicks off the 20th anniversary celebration of the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. President Tsai Ing-wen and foreign minister Joseph Wu were among the officials present.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
Taiwan has been confronted by increasingly aggressive threats from the other side of the Taiwan Strait. From military intimidation and economic coercion, to cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns. But even under these constant threats, the Taiwanese have never shied away from confronting the challenges of authoritarianism.

President Tsai stressed the Taiwanese people’s unwavering resolve to defend democracy, and she thanked partners around the world for their support. Also at the ceremony was the president of the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy, Damon Wilson, who presented Tsai with the organization’s Democracy Service Medal.

The award is conferred to people who have contributed to democracy. Its recipients include former President of Poland Lech Walesa and former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Damon Wilson
National Endowment for Democracy president
In recognition of President Tsai Ing-wen’s achievements and contributions to the advance of democracy and human rights in Taiwan and around the world. By honoring Presidents Tsai’s leadership we spotlight Taiwan’s democratic success and our commitment to the people of Taiwan so that they can determine their own destiny.

With democratic partners from all around the world, the Taiwan Foundation for Democracy celebrated 20 years of advocacy. Tsai shook hands with each of the attendees, each handshake further warming the ties forged by democracy.

台灣民主基金會20週年總統獲頒"民主服務獎章"

2023-07-18

臺灣民主基金會，是亞洲建立的第一個國家級民主基金會，今年來到20周年，舉辦慶祝會，蔡英文總統致詞，感謝臺灣人民對民主的堅持，如今面對強權侵擾也不會退縮。美國民主基金會主席威爾遜，更到場祝賀，還頒給小英總統"民主服務獎章"。

一首無名英雄，替台灣民主基金會第20年周年慶祝會，拉開序幕，總統蔡英文、外交部長吳釗燮等人，都到場祝賀。

[[總統蔡英文]]
“近年來臺灣受到越來越多的侵略，從台灣的另一邊，從軍事、經濟威脅到虛擬攻擊和假消息，但即使面臨著這些威脅，臺灣人民仍然不會退縮”

總統蔡英文強調，台灣人對民主奮鬥的決心從沒變過，也感謝國際夥伴支持。美國民主基金會主席也特別來台，親自頒獎"民主服務獎章"給總統蔡英文。

這枚獎章，歷年來頒發給全球對民主有貢獻的人，像是波蘭共和國前總統華勒沙、美國前國務卿歐布萊特等等。

[[美國民主基金會主席戴蒙．威爾遜]]
“我們肯定蔡總統的成就與貢獻，在台灣和世界各地民主對民主人權的貢獻，在蔡英文的帶領下，我們看見台灣民主的成功，讓台灣人民可以決定自己的命運”

來自世界各地的的夥伴，一同見證台灣民主基金會20周年里程碑，總統蔡英文也一一握手致意，每一雙手都加深民主自由的溫度。

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Right now in Europe, we directly supply to Porsche, Lamborghini, and Bentley. We can make everything on these cars. Early on, before people even had a clear idea – a clear idea of what car electronics are – we were already making them.

JET Opto Chairman Jerry Lin is a scion of the famous Lin family, which founded Tatung Company in 1918. He’s also the brother-in-law of singer Jolin Tsai. His wife, Jolin’s sister Jo Tsai, was there by his side during Lai’s visit.

Jerry Lin
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It was around 2010, after the financial crisis. My parents wanted to step back from business, so they told us younger folk to figure something out. So in 2010, I founded JET Opto. Why did I want to go into automotives? Because I’ve loved cars since I was small. I threw myself into the world of car displays. We’re preparing to go public next year.

Lai Ching-te
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JET Opto excels in every segment of its operation, so no wonder it’s hailed as the “invisible champion” of the in-car entertainment system industry. If its manufacturing base were outside of Taiwan, I’d give it a score of 80%. But it’s based in Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park, where it has a smart factory. So I will give it a full score.

Last year, JET Opto set up a factory in Kaohsiung’s Cianjhen Technology Industrial Park, as part of a wave of returning Taiwanese investment. Lai said he was confident in Taiwan’s economic future.

Lai Ching-te
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It is when the global situation changes that Taiwan has opportunities. So in the future, I very much hope for the chance to bring together talent from various fields. I want to direct us all toward building a future of hope and making Taiwan a country of democracy and peace, a country of innovation and prosperity.

From touring companies to blueprinting national strategy, Lai is working a full schedule to prove his political chops.

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Yunlin siblings take on family watch business and revitalization of rural economy

The watch industry has been through tough times in the last 20 years. Once a common accessory, the watch is now a niche interest. But two siblings are swimming against the tide to keep their family watch business afloat. They’re the third generation to manage the watch shop in Yunlin’s Tuku Township. Customers come in for repair services and a cup of coffee, and the Tings hope to make a creative case for the watch in 2023. Revitalizing the rural economy is a big interest for both. Let’s go to Yunlin to see how watches keep pace with the times.

Here on Zhongzheng Road in Yunlin’s historic Tuku Township, many special old businesses live on. One of them is this remarkable watch shop. Customers come here for a leisurely cup of coffee and a chance to admire the watches in their glass cases, taking a step back in time to a different era.

In 1948, Ting Ting-fang’s grandfather founded this, the first watch shop in Tuku. As the times changed, there were more and more places to buy watches, while demand for repairs shrank. Gradually, the industry withered, but Ting Ting-fang has come back to her old hometown to breathe fresh life into the family business. And in her repertoire is her own personal passion: coffee.

Ting Ting-fang
Third-generation clock industry owner
A woman of 60 or 70 asked me, “What’s this?” I said, “This is a coffee machine.” She said, “You’re making coffee…?! This is too complicated.” At first, people weren’t very positive about the coffee industry in this small town. It was kind of a novelty.

While Ting Ting-fang brews a cup, her brother Ting Chien-fu is in the back repairing a customer’s watch. The siblings used to watch and learn from their grandfather and father, learning the ropes of the watch industry as children. Ting Chien-fu even qualified as a watchmaker. They both moved back to Tuku after time away, hoping to offer their loyal customers immaculate service and attract new demographics to the shop.

Ting Chien-fu
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I guess you would say it’s the changing times. It’s an irreversible trend. Everyone is using smartphones and lots of digital products. So I was very lucky that my sister came back home, and by combining it with the coffee, we’ve got people more interested in what we’ve changed through our transition. We want to incorporate more unusual materials to create unique, creative clock products.

Job opportunities can be limited in the countryside, which makes many young people hesitate to settle in their rural hometowns after growing up. But the Tings have not only taken on the family business. They’re invested in revitalizing local culture, and want to encourage more people to join the community.

Ting Ting-fang
Third-generation clock industry owner
I think everything’s possible now. Coming home to the country, things aren’t as convenient, and information isn’t so advanced. But we’re in the internet age now, and the age of online retail. So many things are actually unlimited, without national borders. So I think there are opportunities for entrepreneurship wherever you go.

The brother and sister duo are finding innovative ways to make this traditional shop relevant. As third generation owners, they’re bringing a breath of fresh air into an old industry, and helping carve out a wholly new path for their community.

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Chiang Wan-an
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Huang Ching-ying
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During interpellation sessions at city council, I reminded Chiang Wan-an many times that he should respect the city government’s overall fiscal discipline and plans. I hope Mayor Chiang didn’t just hear me, but actually listened to me.

Councilors fear the gift will come at the expense of welfare programs. Just before leaving office, Ko had approved the reinstatement of a NT$1,200 gift. Mayor Chiang added another NT$300, bringing the total to NT$1,500. But where is the money coming from?

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei mayor
All the relevant budgets were approved by the city council. There’s no problem here, we won’t be getting into debt for this.

Chiang is bringing back the cash for his first Double Ninth Festival as mayor. But finding a balance between honoring seniors and juggling city finances will be a test for his administration.

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Lu Li-hui performs a move from the Indian spiritual dance tradition, Odissi. Her elegant movements match the magnificent sari she’s wearing.

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Lu Li-hui
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There are also different types of clothing for different festivals. Among three-piece sets, there is the Anarkali, which is a kind of long, wide skirt, which we normally call the Punjabi Suit.

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Lu Li-hui
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On the street, you see men and women wearing this kind of pure cotton clothing. This longer style is called the kurta.

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In India, women don’t want their bodies to be easily seen by men, so they wrap the scarf around themselves. If it’s too sunny, you can take the scarf and use it as a headscarf.

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