As many overseas Chinese students are returning to campus for the new semester, the Overseas Chinese Student Guidance Section of TKU prepared a New Year dinner gala on last Wednesday (2/27) in a local restaurant to welcome them back. Several governmental dignitaries in charge of the affairs of overseas compatriots were present and so was Dr. Flora Chang, the President of TKU, to celebrate with the students amid great food, “red envelops,” and entertainment programs that included a lucky draw, dancing and singing.

The gala was kicked off by a traditional Chinese New Year custom, which is giving “red envelops” to youngsters from parents or relatives of an older generation. Usually the red envelop contains money to symbolize good luck and good fortune. In this case, the students received these envelopes from Dr. Flora Chang, and Mr. Cheng Tung-hsin, the Deputy Chair of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, who wished them all the best for the coming year. After dinner, real fun kicked in. Students from various countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong showed off their musical talent with some familiar popular songs as well as their own composition. Songs apart, a spontaneous “pole dance” broke out by Huang Pao Sheng, a junior from the Department of International Trade, who also acted as one of the moderators of the program. As audience urged him on, some people from the audience joined in, raising the atmosphere of the evening to a boiling point. Another highlight of the evening was the lucky draw at the end of the evening, as everyone had their eyes on the big prizes.

Most students who attended this event enjoyed the experience thoroughly. They believe that an occasion as such provides a wonderful platform for them to get to know one another better. ( ~Ying-hsueh Hu )