On February 4th, Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC arrived at Vancouver International Airport to welcome Mrs. Ma the First Lady of Taiwan’s arrival to Vancouver. Taipei Economics and Cultural Office in Canada Representative Lee, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Vancouver Director Chou, many Commissioners and many officials were also there to greet Mrs. Ma with a warm welcome.
S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Chinese Family Association 16th Annual Party
On January 23rd, President Christina Chang of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in British Columbia attended The 16th Annual Party held by S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Chinese Family Association at Radisson President Hotel in Richmond. Many TCCBC directors and former President Daphne Wu attended this Annual Party as well. TCCBC members had the chance to socialize with others and everyone’s participation has put a joyful ending to the party.
The 7th TYPEABC Mentorship Program
The Mentorship Program has reached its 7th year under the collaboration of Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC and TYPEABC. This year, Mentorship Program organizes a series of business seminars and corporate visits.
The aim of Mentorship Program is to encourage young Taiwanese people to commence their own business in Canada and further to stabilize in the mainstream society.
One January 7th, the Opening Ceremony of 7th Mentorship Program took place at Walton College in Richmond. Many VIP guests such as Director Karen Wang from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, Commissioner Jacob Lai and former President Alex Fan have come to demonstrate their supports. President Christina Chang of Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC and former President David Lin were invited as guest speakers to the first seminar. The topic was on ‘How to find your own interests and further develop them into business.’ President Chang and former President Lin have shared their own valuable experiences with audiences and provided some insightful advises.
Many young professionals were attracted by the curriculum of this Mentorship Program. There were 105 young professionals attended the ceremony. The 7th Mentorship Program is a four-month event and every seminar will invite various mentors from different industries to share their valuable experiences. We believe that this Mentorship Program will enhance young professionals’ insights regarding beginning their own business.
President Chang Attended TESTT 2010 Gala
On January 9th, President Christina Chang of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in British Columbia attended the 2010 Gala held by Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society Taipei / Toronto.
Many VIP guests such as Mr. David Lee from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada; Director General Wang and Director Myra Wu from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto; Executive Director Kevin Wei from Taiwan Trade Center in Toronto; President Andrew Fang from Taiwan Entrepreneurs & Investors Association of Canada; President Kirk Lin from The Taiwan Merchants Association of Toronto; President Cindy Fan from Taiwan Entrepreneurs Society Taipei / Toronto and our former President Daphne Wu attended this Gala as well.
President Chang has sincerely invited every VIP guests to attend TCCBC Global Friendship Invitational 2010 and Annual Gala Dinner in May. Many VIP guests confirmed their attendances and expressed their enthusiasms about participating in TCCBC events. The confirmed attendances of VIP guests have elevated the anticipation for TCCBC's upcoming major events.
TCCBC Christmas Party 2009
TCCBC 2009 Christmas Party was held at Shiang Garden in Richmond on December 18, 2009 (Fri) starting 7pm. Many honorable guests were invited as VIP, including MLA Alice Wong, Director General Chou, Ms. Karen Wang, Ms. Sophia Chuang of TECO Vancouver, and Mr. Scott Yang of Taiwan Trade Centre. Excellent performances, such as Chinese zither solo, saxophone duet, Samba and Rumba, were brought by talented performers.
Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC appreciates the support from all members and always welcomes new addition to our big family. President Chang welcomed the new members and conferred their membership status by presenting them with TCCBC pin and pendant.
The main highlight of the night was gift exchange. Each person was given a red envelope which consists of a piece of paper with a word printed on it and each guest needed to find the other person whose red envelope consists of the matching pair to exchange the gift with. The guest who had the best costume of the night was given a special prize prepared by Director General Chou. The fun continued till almost midnight. President Chang announced that the Gala Dinner of 2010 will be held on May 29th and she hopes to see everyone again!
A Round Table Discussion Held at TCCBC With Mr. Daniel Holton of DFAIT
A round table discussion was held at the office of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC on Monday December 14 about how the economical relationship between Taiwan and Canada can be further developed. The participants were Mr. Daniel Holton of Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT), Director Scott Yang of Taiwan Trade Centre Vancouver, President Christina Chang, and many former presidents and current directors of the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce in BC.
During the discussion, Mr. Holton expressed that the biggest market right now is in Asia-Pacific while DFAIT acknowledged that Taiwan plays an important role in the economic development. He also mentioned the “Economic Consultations” that Canada and Taiwan hold every year, where high-level officials get the opportunity to discuss priority issues and opportunities. Next year, the meeting will be held in Taipei on January 12, 2010 and Mr. Horton hoped that great businessmen, such as the members of TCCBC, can participate. Business opportunities and strong relationships often develop during the event, which stimulates the business activity between Taiwan and Canada.
To sum up, Mr. Holton encouraged everyone to contact him if there is anything that DFAIT can do to help Taiwanese-Canadian businesses and he would be happy to serve as the catalyst. A luncheon followed at Shanghai Chinese Bistro as a courtesy of Taiwan Chamber of Commerce. Both Director General Chou and Director Abraham Lin of Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver were present.
Albert Tseng's Comment on China's Approved Destination Status
Albert Tseng, current director of the TCCBC and the current president of Canadian Inbound Yourism Association (Asia Pacific) recently wrote about the potential effect of China passing their Approved Destination Status (ADS) to Canada.
Mr. Tseng believes that while ADS will result in more tourists from China, three consequences must be taken into account. First, there will be an inevitable increase in competition for the tourists, which means turning a profit is not a guarantee for most businesses. Second, the Chinese way of conducting business differs from foreigners, as they value efficiency over pure profit.
Thus, domestic businessmen should be extra careful when dealing with the influx of Chinese tourists. Finally, Mr. Tseng believes after two-to-three years, what began as an All-Canada access tour will evolve into more specialized trips, exclusively targeting Canada's scenery such as the Arctic and Rocky Mountains. Mr. Tseng believes that recognition of the three points are crucial for local businessmen to take full advantage of the ADS.
President Chang's Meeting with Commissioner Jacob Lai
On December 2nd, President Christina Chang and Commissioner Jacob Lai met to discuss the future of the Taiwanese community in Vancouver of the next three years. Commissioner Lai knows that although he is busy these days, he is still capable of helping his fellow Taiwanese compatriots. However, he recognizes the difficulty in maintaining a more solid relationship with the Canadian governmentThus, Commissioner Lai believes the various forms of communication. From the internet
, to television, are all good ways to establish relationship with the government. He places significant expectation on the role of Taiwan Macroview TV.
Mr. Jack Lee to visit China with PM Stephen Harper
Mr. Jack Lee is scheduled to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Stephan Harper in China to discuss the food industry as a way to foster relationship between the two countries. He also plans on opening several of China’s more famous restaurants in Canada and is expecting good news to come.
As a co-founder to the T&T market, Jack Lee is currently the Special Advisor for one of Canada’s biggest supermarket, Loblaw. He was invited by the prime minister last week to accompany him to China for the meeting.
Commissioner Jacob Lai Honoured By TCCBC
On Sunday November 29th, former President Richard Lin, on behalf of Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in British Columbia, awarded Mr. Jacob Lai with a plaque of recognition for being appointed the commissioner of Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission.
The 22th TCCNA Director Meeting
On November 19th, President Christina Chang of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in British Columbia went to Dallas, Texas for the 2nd meeting of the 22nd Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce North America conference. President Chang went with Mr. Ken Lin, Mr. Allan Wang and Mr. T. Yang.
The conference assembled Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce throughout numerous North American cities to discuss the following topics:
1. Establishing a charity organization.
2. Establishing a supervising committee.
3. Turning the annual yearbook into an e-book.
President Chang also presented information regarding TCCBC to the committee:
1. British Columbia’s newly proposed HST and how TCCBC has handled the issue.
2. How the “Greater Vancouver Taiwanese Community Typhoon Morakot Relief Committee” handled Typhoon Morakot.
3. The purpose of the “e-Generation Root and Culture Searching Journey,” which is scheduled to take place next year from March 20th to March 30th.
President Chang also invited many other Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce members to attend the scheduled Golf Tournament and GALA next May, as well as informing them about the newly created TCCBC English website (http://www.tccbc.ca)
Welcome Back President Bill Kung
The Taiwan Chamber of Commerce warmly welcomed Mr. Bill Kung, past president of the TCCBC, in his return to Canada. Mr. Kung has promoted and supported all of the recent TCCBC events and activities, especially the Greater Vancouver Taiwanese Community Typhoon Morakot Relief Committee.
Director Karen Wang Receiving the Cheque from President Christina Chang
Director Karen Wang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver accepted the donation cheque of $6114.63 CAD on behalf of Ministry of the Interior, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China. The no tax receipts donation was from the Typhoon Morakot Relief Donation event held at Aberdeen Center booth. President Christina Chang personally gave the cheque to Director Wang as a sign of sincerity.
Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce The 1ST Entrepreneur Scholarship
Applicant Criteria:
i) Demonstrate a basis for financial need. II) For high school applicants, a minimum average of 80%. For university applicants, a minimum GPA average of 3.0. III) Exhibit interest in the activities of TCCBC or related associations.
Winners will receive their awards at the TCCBC GALA May 2010.
Scholarship Application Form can be downloaded from www.tccbc.ca or call 604-771-8585 Wendy Lee for further information.
TCCBC Welcomes Mrs. Ma's Arrival 
