The Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in the United States (TECRO) hosted the 2026 Taiwan Alumni Association (TAA) event on Friday, June 26, bringing together recipients of Taiwan-related exchange programs, Taiwan alumni, and friends of Taiwan to celebrate their shared experiences and connections with Taiwan.
Deputy Representative Andrea Yang warmly welcomed attendees on behalf of Ambassador Alexander Tah-ray Yui, expressing appreciation for their continued support and contributions to Taiwan-U.S. educational and cultural exchanges. She highlighted Taiwan’s vibrant culture, democratic values, and the long-standing friendship between Taiwan and the United States. She also emphasized Taiwan’s dynamic cultural diversity, including the rich heritage and traditions of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples, which together contribute to Taiwan’s unique cultural landscape and global appeal.
The event featured inspiring sharing sessions from Taiwan program alumni and distinguished guests. Gloria Dent, President of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, shared how her experiences in Taiwan inspired her vision for global education, intercultural competency, and future collaboration. Dr. Christy Pichichero, Associate Professor and Special Advisor to the President on Internationalization at George Mason University, and Benjamin Sando, Research Fellow at the Global Taiwan Institute, also shared their insights on Taiwan’s culture, society, and international connections.
Taiwan alumni also shared personal stories through short video presentations, reflecting how their experiences in Taiwan have influenced their academic, professional, and personal journeys. Participants included alumni from the Taiwan Fellowship, Taiwan Scholarship, Huayu Enrichment Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship (CLS), Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, and National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) programs.
In her closing remarks, Deputy Representative Andrea Yang encouraged Taiwan alumni and friends to continue sharing their Taiwan experiences and introducing Taiwan’s warmth, diversity, and spirit to more people around the world. She concluded the event on a heartfelt note by referring to the song “Love To You Taiwan” by American singer-songwriter Lobo, expressing her hope that all participants would continue to promote Taiwan and share the wonderful memories and meaningful connections they have gained through their journeys in Taiwan.
The Taiwan Alumni Association event provides an important platform for alumni, scholars, and friends of Taiwan to exchange experiences and strengthen lasting connections. To promote global engagement among Taiwan alumni, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established 94 Taiwan Alumni Associations around the world, fostering a growing network of people who share meaningful connections with Taiwan.
