Speech by Ambassador John Chen of the Taipei Economic and Trade Office in Indonesia

Press Conference for "Love connecting Taiwan and Indonesia--Transnational Presentation of the Fervent Global Love of Life Medal to Indonesian Afghan Refugee - Karate National Player Meena Asadi"

Today, I am honored to present the "26th Fervent Global Love of Life Medal in 2023" to Afghan national karate player Ms. Meena Asadi. Ms. Asadi sets a good example of “ live your best life”. She called on refugees from various countries stranded in Indonesia to cast away the shadow of negative experiences and lighten their lives through exercise and fitness. Therefore, she was able to stand out among the 3,124 candidates from all over the world and awarded the "Love of Life Medal".

Ms. Asadi had once represented Afghanistan, Pakistan and Indonesia in competitions and won Afghanistan's first women's karate international medal. In order to break the gender barrier, Ms. Asadi disregarded the intimidation and threats of extremists and represented Afghanistan in the "South Asian Karate Championships" held in India in 2012 and won two silver medals. This has also driven the enthusiasm of girls all over Afghanistan to learn karate. Indeed, Meena herself has become an inspirational example for countless Afghan girls to bravely pursue their dreams.

In order to bring hopes to refugees from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and other countries stranded in Indonesia, Ms. Asadi founded the "Cisarua Refugee Shotokan Karate Club" by herself, and gave free lessons to refugees from various countries stranded in Indonesia. In addition to the opportunity for refugees to keep fit and acquire self-defense, they can also learn a skill and gain hope and value from living out their best life. It is understood that all expenses such as the rent of the karate gymnasium, training equipments, and other essential costs are solely borne by Ms. Asadi herself. She has been trying her best to maintain the regular operation of the gymnasium ever since. This selfless act truly reflects the humanitarian care spirit of the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation and is worthy of admiration and being promoted.

Finally, on behalf of Taiwan government, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation for its continuous promotion on the "Global Love of Life Activities" for 26 years. So far, 416 fearless fighters who love life have been awarded medals and 310,000 vulnerable child patients with cancer have received attentive care. It is remarkable that the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation has been praised by countries all over the world, and hailed as the "Nobel Prize for Life".

Today is the third day of the Chinese Lunar New Year. May I take this opportunity to wish all distinguished guests good health, good luck and prosperity in the Year of the Rabbit. Thank you all.