President Tsai attends Junior Chamber International's Asia-Pacific Conference
During an appearance on the evening of June 2 at the 2016 JCI Asia-Pacific Conference in Taiwan's southern city of Kaohsiung, President Tsai Ing-wen praised the Junior Chamber International (JCI) for the contributions it has made over the years in enhancing international exchanges and encouraging young people to get involved in public affairs.
The president stated that Kaohsiung City has become one of the most rapidly progressing cities in Taiwan thanks to the coordinated efforts of Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chu (陳菊) and the entire staff of the Kaohsiung City Government. In recent years, a great many specialists in such fields as culture, science, and technology—particularly digital technologies—have elected to live and work in Kaohsiung, and to participate in the development of innovative industries here, she said.
The president remarked that Kaohsiung is changing, and said that the driving force for the change has stemmed from a reappraisal of the city's past approach to urban development—especially a re-think regarding industrial pollution. Similarly, Taiwan as a whole now finds itself at a crossroads. Taiwan's existing model of economic development is being tested. Its natural environment is under threat, and at the same time, the government must deal with challenges posed by demographic transition and the march toward a hyper-aged society. The government will boldly assess these structural issues built up over a long period of time, so that the country can have a better future. "When we squarely face challenges, we will see opportunities," said the president.
President Tsai stated that she was keenly aware after taking office on May 20 of this year that her administration's most important task is reform. The administration, she said, will pursue a New Model for Economic Development based on the core values of innovation, employment, and equitable distribution. It will also pursue energy transformation and sustainable development while simultaneously building a sound and comprehensive long-term community-based care system for the elderly so as to reduce the burden of care placed on families. In addition, new business models will emerge in response to changes in social and economic structures. Such situations are not just opportunities for national development; they are also new opportunities for industry.
The president noted that the JCI has cultivated countless young talent and exerted deep and long-lasting influence for many years in many fields. It has also devoted considerable effort to international exchanges, using the power of society to strengthen friendship among countries. In the future, the government will continue to support the JCI and other non-governmental organizations to empower young people to participate in public affairs. At the same time, Taiwan will continue to maintain a diverse range of in-depth economic, cultural, and social exchanges with other countries around the globe.
Commenting on the JCI motto—Just Act—the president said that, in light of current global conditions, now is indeed the time to "Just Act". There is an urgent need, for example, to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, protect the environment, carry out humanitarian aid, and prevent and treat diseases, all of which require that different countries act immediately and in concert. The president stressed that Taiwan is an important member of the international community, and that our government is willing to cooperate in various specialized fields with other nations—especially with friends from the Asia-Pacific region—to pursue greater regional prosperity, security, and stability.
Noting that Taiwan's society has vigorous social power and deep reserves of innovative energy, the president expressed hope that Taiwan can join with like-minded friends from abroad and work together to create a global civil society characterized by strong innovative capacity and a willingness to share and cooperate, thereby further resolving the problems that face all of humanity. This is our quest, and our responsibility, said the president.
Among those attending the event were JCI World President Paschal Dike, JCI ASPAC Conference Chairlady Jennifer Gracey, JCI Taiwan National President Gary Ko (柯智寶), Kaohsiung City Mayor Chen Chu, and Minister of Foreign Affairs David T. Lee (李大維).