Update of 19th President - Michael Wu

I am thrilled to reflect on an extraordinary year since stepping into the role of President of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia (TCCA). Over the past 12 months, our vibrant and dedicated team has worked tirelessly to strengthen the Chamber’s role as a hub for collaboration, cultural exchange, and professional development.

Our team of office bearers has been instrumental in steering TCCA towards new heights. Andrew Cheng has excelled as Secretary General and Vice President, alongside Vice Presidents Peter Wang and Johnson Yeh. Tracy Chang has brought exceptional diligence to her role as Treasurer, while our Supervisor board, led by Sonia Chen with Bob Cheng and Paul Huang, has provided invaluable guidance. Our board of directors, consisting of Andy Lin, Charles Shiao, Elizabeth Yeh, Jeffery Wang, Jim Wong, Johnny Lee, Katherine Chang, Phil Chan, Thomas Ko, Vivienne Wang, and Yen Ho, has been a cornerstone of support and innovation. My vision remains aligned with TCCA’s core mission: fostering collaboration among Taiwanese business professionals, promoting cultural exchanges within Australia, and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. With a strategic mindset honed through my tenure as Chief Strategy Officer at Gomaji Taiwan and General Manager of Nature’s Care Global, I have sought to build upon the foundations laid by our predecessors while introducing fresh initiatives to propel our organisation forward.

The Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Australia (TCCA) has had a vibrant and impactful year, marked by events that strengthened our community ties, promoted Taiwanese culture, and fostered business and diplomatic collaborations.

On May 1, 2024, TCCA hosted the Legacy in Progress event, featuring speeches by Michael Wu, Wendy Huang, and Johnson Yeh, moderated by Jeffery Wang. This forum emphasized the importance of unity and vision within the Taiwanese-Australian community, leaving a profound impact on attendees. The Annual Members’ Meeting & Dinner followed on June 23, where President Michael Wu expressed gratitude for member support. Distinguished guests joined to celebrate the Chamber’s achievements, with the 19th Board of Directors meeting fostering collaboration and enhancing connections within the Chamber.

On July 15, TCCA live-streamed the Sydney Taiwan Charity Concert from The Concourse in Chatswood, showcasing Taiwanese musical talent and celebrating Taiwan’s cultural heritage. Around the same time, TCCA co-hosted the Taiwan Film Festival from July 18 to September 5, premiering Taiwanese films in Sydney, Canberra, and Melbourne, highlighting Taiwan’s global cinematic appeal.

On August 30, TCCA welcomed the International Friends of Chiang Society during their visit to Wu Property Investment Group and Nature’s Care, hosted by Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Michael Wu. This visit underscored Taiwanese-Australian collaboration and Nature’s Care’s innovative diversification strategies.

September began with the TCCAJC Business Forum at Fraser Suites Sydney, focusing on career development for young professionals. Organized by TCCAJC President Andy Lin, the forum brought nearly 100 attendees to hear from notable speakers, including Michael Wu, Daren Lin, and other industry leaders.

In October, TCCA participated in a series of National Day celebrations. On October 3, the 113th National Day Reception hosted by TECO at the Fullerton Hotel marked a diplomatic milestone. This was followed by the Double Tenth National Day Banquet on October 5 at Hilton Sydney, which combined cultural performances, a charity ceremony, and awards to celebrate Taiwan’s progress and Australian ties. On October 8, Ambassador Douglas Yu-Tien Hsu hosted a National Day celebration at the National Gallery of Australia, further showcasing Taiwan’s heritage and global engagement. On October 9, TCCA hosted an exclusive dinner with TCCO President Frank Chang, strengthening bonds between the two organizations. Additionally, the Double Tenth Basketball Championship on October 13 celebrated athletic talent and cultural exchange through spirited competition.

The Smart Cities and ESG Seminar on November 18 featured expert speakers Vivian Huang and Ben Hsu, delving into digital transformation and sustainability strategies. This event followed a visit to Wu Property Investment Group, exploring innovative approaches to urban development. Earlier in November, the 2024 AZABU TCCA Golf Cup on November 10 raised $27,600 for Ronald McDonald House Charities, combining spirited competition with charitable giving.

On November 25, the Taiwan Food Festival showcased Taiwan’s culinary arts, tea traditions, and artistic expressions at a vibrant event featuring live performances, art exhibits by Ruth Li, and chef collaborations. This festival highlighted Taiwan’s cultural richness, captivating all attendees.

The year concluded with the TCCA Christmas Party, a joyful celebration bringing together members, their families, and distinguished guests to mark the festive season. The event featured lively entertainment, delicious food, and heartfelt speeches, creating a warm and memorable evening that strengthened the bonds within our community.

Through these events, TCCA has continued to fulfill its mission of fostering social and cultural exchange, promoting Taiwanese heritage, and strengthening the professional and personal bonds within our community. We are proud of this year’s accomplishments and look forward to an even more fruitful year ahead.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and I look forward to the exciting journey ahead with all of you!

Yours Sincerely,

Michae Wu
President, Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in Australia