Guests from the World League for Freedom and Democracy (WLFD) and the Asian Pacific League for Freedom and Democracy (APLFD) visited Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (TSMC) at Hsinchu Science Park today (October 6th). The delegation was then invited by Hsinchu County Magistrate Yang Wen-Ke to a welcome party where local Hakka cuisine was presented and information about Hsinchu’s culture, features, and high-tech industries was provided to introduce guests to the county. The magistrate interacted with visitors from all over the world during the party, hoping to leave a good impression of Hsinchu County. On the eve of National Day, several visitors also wished a Happy Double Ten Day to the Republic of China.
In a speech delivered prior to the party, Magistrate Yang gave a hearty welcome to the delegation led by Mr. Tseng, Yung-Chuan, President of the R.O.C. Chapter of the WLFD. The APLFD was founded in 1954; with a history of 69 years, it is the oldest international non-governmental organization (NGO) in the Asia-Pacific region, and has chapters in more than 20 countries. In 1966, the Executive Board of the APLFD passed a resolution to found the “World Anti-Communist League” as an expansion of the APLFD. This organization was renamed the “World League for Freedom and Democracy” in 1991, and became an official NGO member of the United Nations in 1993.
Magistrate Yang pointed out that the WLFD and the APLFD have made important international contributions in opposing communism and pursuing freedom and democracy. He expressed hope that a friendship link can be established between Hsinchu County and the WLFD/APLFD in the future for the two parties to jointly endeavor to enhance human wellbeing and maintain world peace. Magistrate Yang pointed out that in addition to being a base for industrial clusters that focus on semiconductors, information and communications technology, and biomedicine, Hsinchu County also serves as an important Hakka cultural center in Taiwan. The average age of county residents is 40.25 years old, and the average income is NT$1.395 million. As indicated by the magistrate, Hsinchu County is notable for being young, energetic, and high-income. Hakka cuisine and Taiwan Beer were presented at today’s party, giving guests an opportunity to enjoy local dishes and drinks.
Bruce F. Knotts, President of the Citizens for Global Solutions (CGS) and Chair of UN’s NGO Committee on Disarmament, Peace, and Security, stressed in his speech that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights, which is highlighted in UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Likewise, the APLFD and the WLFD are also focused on helping the public realize that regardless of social status or ethnic group, all human beings deserve equality in human rights and dignity.
In an interview, Lord Dennis Rogan, Deputy Speaker of House of Lords, UK and President of the WLFD UK Chapter, commended Hsinchu County’s commitment to developing technology industries and promoting Hakka traditional culture, art, music, and cuisine, which add uniqueness to the city. Lee Wan-Tang, a WLFD Overseas Development Committee member currently living in Spain and serving as a part-time professor at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, stated that many members of the delegation were very impressed after visiting TSMC. As a citizen of Taiwan, he was very proud of this enterprise and its well-deserved reputation of being a “Guardian Mountain” for the country. Lee Wan-Tang also shared Hakka culture with WLFD and APLFD members, explaining that Hsinchu County is not only a technology-focused county but also one of the centers for Taiwanese Hakka groups, and he is proud not only of his Taiwanese identity, but also his Hakka origin.
Axel Fischer, former member of the German Bundestag and President of the German chapter of the WLFD, praised Hsinchu County as a very important city that is not only a hub of high-tech development, but has also combined freedom and democracy with technology through people’s efforts. He expressed hope that Hsinchu will be seen by people in many places and various fields. Additionally, he was very impressed with Hsinchu County’s humanities features, music, and culture. He was very happy to visit Hsinchu and to see Magistrate Yang’s advocacy of freedom and democracy, and wished a sincere Happy Double Ten Day to the Republic of China.
The WLFD and the APLFD have members in many countries around the world, including Australia, Cambodia, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, Palau, and the Philippines in the Asia-Pacific region; France, Germany, Ireland, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Spain, and the United Kingdom in Europe; and Argentina, Belize, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, the United States, and dozens of other countries in the Americas.