The Taiwan Association Inc. Philippines (TAP) held its 45th to 46th presidential and supervisory board turnover ceremony on Jan. 18, 2026, marking a significant step in strengthening Taiwan-Philippines relations.
Jia Hsieh, a second-generation Taiwanese business leader, took office as TAP president, succeeding Tom Lin.
The ceremony was officiated by Taiwan’s Representative to the Philippines Wallace Chow and national policy advisor to the President Kai-min Lin, and witnessed by Minister Chia-ching Hsu of Taiwan’s Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC), reflecting the Taiwanese government’s strong support for overseas business communities.
Distinguished guests included three Taiwanese legislators—Chih-wei Chiu, Chia-pin Chung and Mong-kai Hung.
Philippine cabinet officials, members of Congress and senior representatives from the business sector, senior officials from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines were also present, along with representatives from various Taiwanese business associations across Asia, many of whom traveled to Manila specifically for the ceremony.
In her inaugural address, Hsieh outlined her vision for her two-year term, focusing on the “Taiwan Link” initiative which aims to strengthen connections among Taiwanese businesspeople in the Philippines, promote generational succession, and enhance youth participation.
The initiative was launched through an interactive networking session prior to the ceremony, facilitating connections among entrepreneurs.
Chow noted the steady progress in Taiwan-Philippines relations over the past year, with tangible achievements in trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation.
He lauded TAP for its long-standing role as a vital bridge between Taiwan and the Philippines, not only in economic engagement but also in cultural and community interaction, and expressed confidence that the new leadership would continue to expand bilateral opportunities.
Hsu emphasized the historic leadership transition, highlighting the importance of second-generation leadership within the overseas Taiwanese community.
On behalf of the Taiwanese government, she thanked overseas Taiwanese entrepreneurs for their long-term contributions to economic development and public diplomacy, particularly during times of global uncertainty.
Hsieh reiterated TAP’s commitment to economic cooperation and support for Taiwanese enterprises looking to invest in the Philippines, positioning TAP as an essential partner for bilateral development.
Founded nearly five decades ago, TAP is now led by a team largely under 50, signaling a vibrant and adaptive organization ready to promote collaboration between Taiwan and the Philippines.
