In celebration of the Lunar New Year of the Dog, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Toronto (Toronto TECO) hosted its gala party “2018 Taiwan Night” on February 23 at its Culture Centre in Scarborough. The focus of the party was Taiwanese young talents. They lighted up the night and entertained the guests with their wonderful performances. About five hundred guests attended the event, including dignitaries of Canada’s three levels of government, representatives of Canadian business and academic community, police forces and leaders of local Taiwanese communities.
In her welcome remarks, Catherine Y. M. Hsu, Director General of Toronto TECO, expressed her appreciation for all the supports given to her office, elaborated on Taiwan’s efforts in deepening democracy and liberty, and highlighted Taiwan’s better-than-expected economic growth last year. On top of that, DG Hsu also thanked Canadians friends and local Taiwanese communities for expressing sympathy and solicitude for the victims of the recent Hualien earthquake. During the event, several Canadian politicians gave their best wishes and congratulations for the New Year and expressed their supports to Taiwan. They also praised members of the Taiwanese communities for their contributions to Canada.
The party opened with the performance of Ho Deng Music Ensemble’s (禾登樂團) drum array. George Liang (梁秩傑), the young Taiwanese dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, was invited by Toronto TECO to present a special performance, along with music of duo violin played by Lin Yong-yu (林咏瑜) and Hou Heng-han (侯亨翰), both of whom are Ph.D. students in the University of Toronto. Taiwanese exchange students from National Kaohsiung University of Hospitality and Tourism (NKUHT) in Humber College also presented a Taiwanese aboriginal dance combined with the theme song of Universiade 2017 held in Taipei. Young dancers from Toronto’s“White Tiger Dance Troupe (白虎舞團)” performed lively Kpop dance. Their performances captured the spirit of youth and led the guests to immerse themselves in the diverse styles of the party.
Last but not the least, the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China (Taiwan) also handed out certificates of honorable appointment to the leaders of Taiwanese community during the event. With all the guests having a wonderful taste of the Taiwanese cuisines, the event was grand and lively, ending in a high note.
DG Hsu shares a group photo with all the VIPs of the 2018 Taiwan Night.
George Liang (梁秩傑), the young Taiwanese dancer of the National Ballet of Canada, presents a special performance.
NKUHT students showcase their talents in their performance of Taiwanese aboriginal dance.
The 2018 Taiwan Night opens with the performance of Ho Deng Music Ensemble’s drum array.
Around 500 guests show up for the 2018 Taiwan Night
DG Hsu gives her welcome remarks.
DG Hsu joins representatives of the Toronto police force in a group photo.
DG Hsu poses with members of the local community.
The atmosphere is happy and lively.
Ms. Lee Shu-ling, Director of Toronto TECO’s Cultural Centre, poses with Monica Lin, representative of the EVA Air (left).
DG Hsu and Director Lee present certificates of Commissioner, Overseas Community Affairs Council.
DG Hsu and Director Lee present certificates of Senior Adviser, Overseas Community Affairs Council.
DG Hsu and Director Lee present certificates of Adviser and Coordinator,
Overseas Community Affairs Council.
Local Taiwanese groups present donation for the Hualien earthquake
Local Taiwanese groups present donation for the Hualien earthquake
Masters of Ceremonies Jack Lo and Joey Wang。
The U of T Ph.D. students Lin Yong-yu (林咏瑜) and Hou Heng-han (侯亨翰) play violins.
Young dancers from Toronto’s“White Tiger Dance Troupe(白虎舞團)”perform Kpop dance.
Members of the Ho Deng Music Ensemble play Chinese musical instruments.
NKUHT students serve foods during the event.
The staff members of Toronto TECO gather for a group photo.