This year’s Hsieh Nien Fan marked my first time attending as president of AmCham Taiwan. It gave me a perspective that brought into sharper focus both the scale of the evening and the role it plays within Taiwan’s business and policy environment.
The Hsieh Nien Fan has long been recognized as one of the most significant gatherings of Taiwan’s international business community. Each year it brings together senior government officials, industry leaders, and Chamber members in a setting that is at the same both formal and convivial. This year it also provided the opportunity to celebrate three important milestones: AmCham Taiwan’s 75th anniversary, the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, and 30 years since the consolidation of Taiwan’s democracy through the first direct presidential election.
And as always, the banquet was an occasion for AmCham to thank Taiwan’s government leaders and dedicated civil servants for their support and cooperation during the past year.
The banquet is often described in terms of the size of the room, number of guests, and the prominence of those in attendance. But what I found most impressive was the degree of teamwork and coordination required to make such an event possible and to ensure that the experience is both meaningful and enjoyable for attendees. My heartfelt thanks to the whole AmCham office for managing another very successful event.
The Hsieh Nien Fan is an evening for making connections. Most opportunities for engagement between business and government officials are highly structured, shaped by set agendas and formal discussion. At the Hsieh Nien Fan, in contrast, conversations unfold in a more open and casual way over the course of the evening, building personal contacts and deepening mutual understanding in ways that can serve to facilitate future professional dealings.
This level of accessibility cannot be taken for granted. The ability to connect directly with senior officials in an environment conducive to candid dialogue reflects a broader characteristic of Taiwan’s institutional culture: a willingness to engage, listen, and build relationships over time. These connections can provide the foundation for sustained collaboration throughout the year.
The positive tone of the evening was set by the keynote speakers. President Lai Ching-te and American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene delivered remarks that were substantive and forward-looking, emphasizing the importance of continued close partnership between Taiwan and the United States.
That emphasis on partnership resonated strongly with the audience. At a time when global dynamics are introducing uncertainty into conditions affecting trade, investment, and supply chains, reaffirmation of the tight alignment between Taiwan and the United States carries practical and welcome significance. It signals stability, strengthens confidence, and offers promise of a framework enabling businesses to plan and invest with greater certainty.
For AmCham guests, the video message from U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, further underscored the strength and continuity of U.S.-Taiwan economic ties. Her remarks highlighted how decades of bilateral collaboration continue to evolve into an even more strategically based partnership.
Reflecting on the evening, I’m struck by how effectively the Hsieh Nien Fan manages to combine formality and accessibility. It is at once a ceremonial occasion and a practical platform for communication. The ability to balance those two elements is what has given the event its lasting value.
If you have never attended this special event, it’s well worth the experience. I look forward to seeing you there next year.
