President and Mrs. Lee, former President and Mrs. Fukushima, Chairman and Mrs. Huang, Distinguished Guests: Good afternoon!
In Taiwan, Lions Clubs International is a highly respected global association with strong and solid traditions. Its members have committed themselves to public welfare activities around the world and cared for the disadvantaged in need, demonstrating the brightness and nobleness of humanity. I am most pleased that Lions Clubs International President Tae-Sup Lee and officials from other Lions clubs have come to Taiwan to attend the 42nd OSEAL Forum. On behalf of the government and 23 million people of Taiwan, I would like to take this opportunity to extend my sincere welcome to each of you.
President Lee has participated in the organization for thirty years and made remarkable contributions to its development. President Lee also has an impressive academic and career background. He holds a doctorate in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from the United States and was the leader in Punghan Textiles, Daewoo Engineering, and Korea Steel Chemical Company, among other Korean companies. He also served as the Korean Minister of Political Affairs, Minister of Science and Technology, and four terms as National Assembly member. All these demonstrate his capability, wisdom and leadership. I believe that under President Lee's outstanding leadership, the International Association of Lions Clubs will attain greater achievements and write another chapter for the organization's glorious history.
A few local Lions Clubs members have brought to my attention the staunch support that President Lee has for the title rectification of Taiwan's Lions Clubs membership. Last year, in his capacity as the First Vice President, he stood behind former President Fukushima to rename the membership of Taiwan as "MD300-Taiwan". During the International Convention this past October, International Director Ching-Li Lee proposed to formally change the title to “Taiwan”, which was unfortunately not passed. But, I am aware that President Lee remained supportive to our members in the process. Including this issue on the Convention agenda has given our representatives an opportunity for full communication and discussion. Because of this, I would like to express my appreciation to President Lee, former President Fukushima and other Lions Clubs members from around the world who have supported the proposal.
The Taiwan Lions Clubs members have been actively participating in the Club's activities and have also made generous donations to the International Association. I am convinced that to rectify their title the Association will respect and support the will of Taiwan's members based on the principles of justice and equality, in collaboration under a correct name, together for a warmer and brighter world.
It is my understanding that President Lee's theme for this year—“Innovation is the Gateway to Our Future”- calls for respecting diversity and embracing change because innovation is an unlimited resource for the development of the Lions Clubs International. I feel this is indeed an important issue for any individual, organization or country to reflect upon. Be it Korea, Dr Lee's motherland, or Taiwan, both countries have experienced conflicts between the old and new values as well as drastic transformation in the political, economic and social systems.
Faced with the new challenges of a new era, we must not only free ourselves from obsolete ideology but also encourage and realize new visions, so as to help our organizations and society overcome the current predicaments and walk a new road. In this context, I think a leader should exemplify innovative thought and ideas so that he can offer a gateway to the future for the organization or the country that he serves. I know that given his many years and practical involvement in the political and economic areas, President Lee is well aware of the importance of innovation. I am most confident that under the advocacy of innovation by President Lee, the Lions Clubs International will surely have a remarkable performance.
President Lee's last visit to Taiwan was just last February, however, I believe that this visit to Taiwan will surely give an even greater in-depth understanding and insight to Taiwan and its Lions Clubs members. Once again, I would like to extend to you my warmest welcome, and I wish you great success to the 42nd OSEAL Forum and continued prosperity to the Lions Clubs International. Thank you.