Chairman Chou, Young Friends from Congo, Malawi and South Africa, Ladies and Gentlemen, Good morning.
First of all, on behalf of the government and people of Taiwan, I would like to extend my warmest welcome to all the young friends who come from far away, and to share this joyous moment with our friends from World Vision Taiwan. I had the pleasure to visit Malawi in July this year, and I have also visited South Africa some years ago. I was greatly impressed by the friendship and warmth from the African people. And I hope Taiwan would offer the same to all our young guests and singers. I am sure the hospitality and friendship of the Taiwanese people would leave all of you with fond memory.
World Vision Taiwan was established in 1964. In the first twenty years, with the help of international funding, it actively involved in assisting orphans, leprosy patients and aboriginal children. From the 1980s the organization has enjoyed a stable development and started to help set up some orphanages and hospitals. It also supported the work of famine relief in Ethiopia through the "Love Loaf Program". In the 1990s, Taiwanese started to join the child sponsorship program and offer help to those children and families in war-ridden area as well as areas with economic difficulties. World Vision Taiwan also continues to expand its service and offers emergency relief programs both domestically and internationally. Moreover, it also channels the love and compassion of the Taiwanese people to the world through various fund-raising activities.
There is an old saying. "When one drinks water, one must not forget where it comes from." In the past, Taiwan has received much international assistance, in terms of funding, resources, knowledge and know-how. Such assistance has enabled Taiwan to develop itself and make further progress. Now that Taiwan is a developed country, it is our obligation and responsibility to reciprocate to the international community and to help enhance the happiness of all mankind.
I am very pleased to meet with all the young friends here today and let me extend my heartfelt welcome once again and thank you for singing for us. It is such a pleasure and delight to see your happy faces and listen to your beautiful voices. Also, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude and admiration for World Vision Taiwan. It is because of your long-term dedication and hard-work that has made our society more aware of those who are less fortunate, and allow us to take concrete actions to realize our ideals to help those in need. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a pleasant stay in Taiwan. I wish all of you every success and good health. Thank you very much.