TAIPEI (TVBS News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Pingtung Friday (Oct. 3) to highlight Taiwan's record-breaking stock market performance and highest economic growth among the Four Asian Tigers. Lai emphasized Taiwan's economic achievements during his temple visit, underscoring the island's financial resilience amid regional competition.
Lai visited Checheng Fu'an Temple (車城福安宮) to praise Taiwan's disaster resilience and community response. He thanked temple leaders for charitable contributions supporting recovery efforts after the Tainan earthquake and Danas typhoon. The president highlighted the temple's ongoing commitment to disaster relief across Taiwan.
Lai praised community response to Typhoon Ragasa (樺加沙), which devastated Hualien County. Volunteers nationwide mobilized for cleanup efforts, demonstrating Taiwan's unity and compassion according to the president. He noted international observers have commended this solidarity, believing it will drive continued national development and progress.
Lai pledged enhanced social welfare improvements including free childhood education, tuition-free high school, and private college subsidies. The president committed to upgrading Taiwan's long-term care system to version 3.0 while advancing economic development. These initiatives represent his administration's comprehensive approach to social progress.