廖聰明回饋祖國

貢獻僑務有目共睹

Tom Tsong-ming Liaw Devotes Himself to His Homeland and

Makes Contribution to the Overseas Chinese Community

He is a distinguished figure in Los Angeles.  His gray hair shows the wisdom accumulated with the passing years, his vibrant eyes express his earnest devotion to improving the lives of overseas Chinese immigrants.  Mr. Tom Tsong-ming Liaw, who is currently served as the advisor for the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission(僑務諮詢委員), not only an outstanding alumni from Tan Kiang University in Taiwan, winner of golden eagle award, but also a talented person and one of the leading professionals well-respected by the Chinese community of Los Angeles.

Born in the town of Ying-Ge of Taipei county, he came from a humble mining family background.  But young Tom who was industrious in his studies, also worked part time diligently as a newspaper delivery boy while attending school.  He earned several awards as a good student.

The hardship during grown-up years, produced a personality of strong will power and the willingness to offer a helping hand when needed.  He also learnt to handle things with thoughtfulness, therefore he’s able to succeed in his chosen fields and be the role model to many people.

People who have worked for Taiwan government know the fact that only those who acquire the top examination scores can get a position in the City of Taipei.  After Tom graduated from the Dept. of International Trade of Tan Kiang University, he passed the exam for taxation specialist with good score in 1961, and got a job from Taipei Revenue Service Office.  He worked there for 16 years. In 1973, he immigrated to the United States.  After he established himself as a successful businessman, he devoted his time to serve the community, he has involved with a lot of public service activities and his achievements have been highly appraised    

◆ As an outstanding alumni, the Golden Eagle Award of Tan Kiang University was bestowed to him

At the time he worked for the Ministry of Public Finance in Taipei, financial law regulations in Taiwan were much fewer than that of the United States.  As Mr. Liaw was quite familiar with the law, he presented his knowledge in this field at work.  Due to his achievements, he received the first award as “Outstanding Member of Staff at the Ministry of Public Finance”. The gold medal was bestowed to him by Minister Kuo-Ting Lee(李國鼎), which is a great honor for his alma mater .

In the Chinese community in the States, Mr. Liaw always tries to mentor his alumnus.  He was a board member of the alumni association of Tan Kiang University, both in New York and in Southern California.  He gave advices and guidance to schoolmates’ investments.  He’s enthusiastic to interact with the alumnus and helps out not only by sharing experiences but also offering financial aid.  He made donations to Tan Kiang Foundation and the alumni association   Therefore he was chosen to be the 24^th winner of the golden eagle award

Convinced by some relatives, he decided to follow the trend. He gave up the good employment in Taiwan and came to the States with his wife Hui-mei Tsai(蔡惠美), who had nurse training background.  Looking back, Tom said: “It was very hard, I did not bring sufficient funds and mentally I needed to forget what I had accomplished in the past and started all over again.”  He picked up what he had learnt at college and went back to international trade.  But the uncertainty of international trade made him switch field to hotel business in 1989.  Currently he still owns two hotels near Disneyland in Southern California.  He began his hotel business from ground zero and his accomplishments are now apparently witnessed by many.

   Mr. Liaw is well respected by his unique vision.  He foresaw in early days that hotel business would be related to many other trades.  Investing in the hotels is not only a tool to make a living, but also a way of generating profits by owning the land and receiving rental income.  By following the footsteps of successful people and managing business the right way, hotel business will provide endless profit.  Mr. Liaw is a broad-minded person.  He does not believe in “two of a trade never agree”.  Instead, his motto is “helping others to make money is much more joyful than making money itself.”  He used his expertise to participate in the “Taiwan Hotel Association of Southern California”  After joining this group, he has helped a lot of people engaging in hotel business make money, solve various problems, handle labor disputes and conflicts, also safeguard their rights and interests with American government. What he has done was widely reported by the World Journal, the largest Chinese newspaper in the States.  

◆ Advising the Hotel Association to purchase its own office space with his unique vision

“Taiwan Hotel Association of Southern California” (南加州台灣旅館同業公會)has established for over 30 years.  Many successful hotel business owners have been very active to promote the wellbeing of this organization, and the homeland where they came from.  Furthermore, they actively involve in the affairs of the main stream American society.  Therefore this association is well regarded as one of the five major civil societies in the Chinese community.  Most hotel business owners came from Taiwan.  With the supervision of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, they continue to interact nicely with their home country.  Among the many societies, those who are running hotel business have the highest income, therefore they have played an important role in the community.  Mr. Liaw’s vision is truly unique, he appealed to purchase a property for the association.  Later it became one of the few societies which have its own office.

In Southern California, especially in greater Los Angeles and San Diego, the number of hotels is on top of the world, whether it’s small motel or big international tourist hotel. When Mr. Liaw served two terms as the president of the “Taiwan Hotel Association of Southern California”, it was a period of economic recession.  He and all board members made every effort to help those who encountered financial crisis. They also organized many meaningful functions to unite the overseas Chinese community.  By doing so, the good image of Taiwanese hotel businessman is readily recognized.

◆    He was referred to by World Journal as a “Hotel Doctor”

Tom Tsong-ming Liaw stated that during his term as the president of Hotel Association, he founded the “Chain Operation Special Service Committee” (聯鎖經營特別處理委員會)to strive for rights and interests, and to change the unreasonable regulations.  During recession time, he went back to Taiwan to consult with Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission and the United Bank to get “Overseas Credit Funds”, in order for overseas hotel business owners to get loans.  As a result, their properties were saved from being foreclosed.  His hard work was greatly appreciated by the fellow hotel owners.  He also strived for improving the quality of hotel management.  In addition, he made connection with American owned hotel business so that valuable information could be exchanged.  All these efforts were fruitful and useful.  No wonder the leading Chinese newspaper “World Journal” complimented him and referred to him as a “hotel doctor”, meaning that he could cure complications.

Mr. Liaw always tries his best to be of help with enthusiasm.  When he abdicated from his position as the leader of the hotel association, he felt the most rewarding thing is that all members, from small inn with only 12 rooms to big 5-star tourist hotel with 1200 rooms, are united to work for mutual interests and benefits.  In the 30^th memorial edition of hotel business yearbook, Mr. Liaw is listed as the major benefactor behind the 10 accomplishments of the hotel business.              

Besides his careers in the international trade field and later in the hotel business, Mr. Liaw has engaged in charity works and social clubs.  With his ability to lead and to organize, he has assisted people to make investments and has guided many a protégé.  Gradually he earned the reputation as the leader of the Chinese community and was assigned the position as the Commissioner of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission.  This rank is an appointment equal to head of a Taiwan government department.  It is also regarded as the highest honorable position for the overseas Taiwanese . This job serves as the bridge between the Taiwan government and the overseas Chinese immigrants.

◆ Completion of 10 projects made him the major benefactor of the hotel association

Commissioner Liaw was elected as the president of Hotel Association, from 1993 to 1995 for two terms.

    The 10 projects are as follows:

1.      Getting loans for hotel business owners to solve financial problems.

2.      Bring the unreasonable regulations to court so that the business can run

    smoothly.

3.      To connect with main stream hotel business for mutual benefits.

4.      Encourage fellow hotel businessmen to join chain operation to increase

  profits.

5.      Providing educational courses to better the quality of hotel management.

6.      Treat everyone equally, no matter the size of the hotels.

7.      The founding of “Chain Operation Special Service Committee” to safeguard

  the rights and interests of hotel owners.

8.      Members information and the association’s data are all computerized

9.      Adjust the meeting time to avoid traffic hours, so that more efficiency can

 be reached.

10.  Expand members’ knowledge and broaden their horizons, build up good

relations with each other to increase business opportunities.

◆ Initiating an event entitled “Dinner Banquet Attended by Thousands and Million Dollars Collected” to fund the building of Taiwan Center of Greater Los Angeles.

Although living the States permanently, Mr. Liaw never forgets where he came from.  He goes back to Taiwan to visit friends and relatives three or four times each year.  He raised funds for the flood of August the 8^th, and the earthquake of September 21st. Many times, he made the donation first in order to bring people’s attention to offer help.  Many times, the donation amount in greater Los Angeles is the highest among all regions.  He was awarded with certificates and plaques by Minister Jen-ho Chiao(焦仁和) and Minister Ying-yi Wu (吳英毅) respectively.

He’s good at fund raising.  As he did not join any political parties, he was able to

reach out to all people.  When Mr. Kuei-jung Wang (王桂榮) donated a piece of land to build the “Taiwan Center of Greater Los Angeles”, Mr. Liaw was highly inspired by his generosity and within three months, he initiated an event by the name of “Dinner Banquet Attended by Thousands and Million Dollars Collected”. As the executive secretary of the planning committee of this event, Mr. Liaw actively called for the participation of the Chinese community in Southern California.

More than 50 clubs and associations took part in this event. Mr. Wang later said:  “If not for Mr. Liaw, this center would not have become true so quickly.”

Many Taiwanese immigrants reside in the City of Cerritos.  Mr. Liaw belongs to The Evangelical Formosan Church of  Cerritos.  He felt that they ought to have their own church and launched a fund raising event.  He donated the first sum of money and purchased a church building with U.S.$800,000 now valued at over millions of dollars.  Every church member is pleased with Mr. Liaw’s capability.

   Ever since Taiwan’s presidential election, to encourage overseas Taiwanese immigrants to go back to vote, he organized such groups as Friends of Teng-huei Lee (李登輝), Friends of Chan Lien(連戰), Friends of Ma and Wu(馬吳之友會), etc.  He took on the job as executive secretary for these groups and actively promoted the importance of voting.  He is considered as the role model of patriotism, for he truly showed his love and loyalty to his homeland.

   Several Taiwan presidents visited Central America via Los Angeles, Mr. Liaw always called the community leaders together to welcome the leader of Taiwan at the airport.  He does not have any prejudice concerning provincialism and ethnic groups. Instead, he is friendly with different political parties and always tries to build a tunnel of communication.

   Another commendable accomplishment is to organize a centennial celebration of Republic of China.  When Minister Ying-yi Wu (吳英毅) gave the opening remarks at the event by the name of “Night of Taiwan”, he touchingly stated that there were three performances during that time, but Mr. Liaw’s event was so attractive that it was a full house, the tickets were all sold out, the Taiwan government appreciated it so much……” Many award-winning entertainers gave their best performances and touched the soul of all audiences.  This is an event to be remembered for many years to come.     

◆ The two centennial celebrations of Repulic of China in Los Angles and Taipei were unrivaled

The centennial celebration of Republic of China event was so successful that

On Nov. 8^th in 2011, the same type of celebration was inspired to be performed in Taipei.  This performance is one of the highlights in the “Global Conference of Overseas Commissioners”.  They came from all over the world along with their families to attend the show.  2800 seats were all filled in Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall.  It was a majestic sight.

Commissioner Liaw stated that there were nearly one thousand clubs and associations in greater Los Angeles.  They belong to different political parties.  With the coordination of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and the Culture Center of Taipei Economic and Culture Office in Los Angeles, all these groups are able to maintain a harmonious relationship.  Together they make efforts to support the Republic of China.

Commissioner Liaw’s belief is to give constructive suggestions concerning the development of Taiwan.  Each group should be open-minded and interact with peaceful attitudes.

    Ever since Taiwan’s presidential election, there has been a gap between different political parties.  For over 10 years, this gap seemed unbridgeable.  Minister Wu had brought up a concept “A Unified Chinese Community” which was carried out by

Commissioner Liaw.  He established “Chinese Community Union” to unite all Chinese immigrants, no matter what the political view is and despite how long the length of time living in the States is.  We shall befriend with each other as long as we all support the Republic of China.  Commissioner Liaw treats everybody equally with love and understanding, and the coherence toward Taiwan government is strengthened.  Even some conservative Taiwanese club members have softened their ways of thinking.

◆    Assist Chinese immigrants to connect with the main stream American society

Mr. Liaw lives in the States for over 40 years.  After he achieved success in

his career, he made earnest efforts to promote public welfare.  He was awarded with

appreciation certificates by American congressmen and California councilmen, as he often supports the election fund-raising banquets.  The purpose of attending these banquets is to have American officials get to know more about Taiwan..  His mission is to assist Chinese immigrants to connect with the main stream American society.  With his wide connection, he also helped many Chinese Americans to run for office. To name a few, he assisted in the election of Monterey Park Mayor Judy Chu(趙美心), and worked as election secretary-general for Cerritos Mayor Yen-yen Hu(胡張燕燕), who won the election with the highest votes.

   He also encourages training on the leadership skills for second-generation Chinese youngsters, which is very well received by the parents.

 Mr. Liaw was assigned the position as the Commissioner of the Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission, due to his outstanding contribution to the Chinese community.  His friendly personality and easy-going attitude made him the peace maker among different social organizations.

Former Chairman of Kuo Min Party Teng-huei Lee(李登輝), former Director of Foreign Affairs Council Neng-chang Wang(王能章), former Secretary-General Po-hsiung Wu(吳伯雄) have all awarded him with appreciation certificates.  The post of the Commissioner of Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission was granted to him directly by President Ma(馬總統).

◆He is the driving force to build a communication bridge between new and old Chinese community

   Mr. Liaw believes in the equality of man, so he can get along with everybody.  He was involved with many organizations in order to erase the divide between native Taiwanese and mainlanders.  “Chinese Consolidate Benevolent Association” was the organization which led him to be familiar with the Los Angeles Chinese community.

Therefore as the leader of native Taiwanese immigrants, he often attended the functions hosted by this organization.  His contribution was also appreciated and recognized.  On April 17^th, 2014, he invited 8 former leaders of this organization to a spring celebration banquet held at Golden Dragon Restaurant.  The invited guests are: Jing-chuan Huang(黃金泉), Su-Jung Ma(馬樹榮), Ze-hao Chang(張自豪),Chin-chun Wu(伍競群), Shang-chi Wu(伍尚齊), Yung-tai Liang(梁永泰), chien-Pang Chen(陳建邦), Kuo-wei Ma(馬國威).  Even the most respected big boss Jing-chuan Huang attended the gathering with pleasure, The trust between this authoritative organization and Mr. Liaw is vividly seen through this occasion.

   There are 27 associations under the leadership of this organization.  They always work closely together to promote the rights and interests of the Chinese immigrants.

Mr. Liaw is highly impressed with their devotion.  He says he has learnt a lot from

“Chinese Consolidate Benevolent Association”.  In return, this organization also

supports Mr. Liaw’s activities, such as the success of the two centennial celebrations of Republic of China in Los Angles and Taipei, this organization played the role of an important driving force.

   Mr. Liaw is also the founding chairman of an organization called “Southern California Chapter of Distinguished Citizens Society International”(南加州國際傑人會).  With his many achievements, he was also elected as the leader of the American chapter of this society, and as the vice chairman of  “Distinguished Citizens Society International world Headquarters”.  The mission of this society is not only to promote the accomplishments of its members, but also to cultivate people with potential.

In addition, Mr. Liaw served as the president of “Evergreen Club for Senior Citizens”(南加州蓬萊長青會) for several terms.  The morality of this club is an old Chinese saying: “to take care of one’s own aged parents first and then extend the same care to other elderly”.  There are about 1000 members.  Ambassador Chien-sheng Yuan (袁建生), former Director of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles Wu-lien Wei (魏武煉)were both amazed by the size of this club and were pleased with the programs designed for senior citizens.  They said that there should be more clubs like the one headed by Mr. Liaw be established.

◆    Set up foundation to educate young people with leadership skills

In L. A., Commissioner Liaw has several “first”s.  “Ruei Hua Culture and

Education Foundation”(瑞華文教基金會) founded by him and his comrades is the first group to initiate leadership training classes.  He stated that many Chinese students did very well in academic performances, but seldom involved with outside-curriculum activities and rarely became leaders of any clubs or associations.  In order to have a promising future, Mr. Liaw feels that young people should not only concentrate on the academic scores, but also should be exposed themselves to the many aspects of life.  Therefore the above mentioned organization was founded to educate young people about this.  As a result, he has guided them to the right direction in order to face the many challenges of life.

   “The Republic of China Golf Club of Southern California” (南加州中華民國高爾夫球聯合會)was founded by him as well.  In early years, the officials from Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles wished to talk with Taiwanese groups with different political views, but were unable to find a communication channel.  After serious consideration, Commissioner Liaw organized the golf club.  It is a fine way to build the bridge to begin peaceful dialogue.  Nowadays, tournaments for National Day of Republic of China and for Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Los Angeles are still being held every year.  Although different political views still exist, the communication channel has opened up.

◆Conveying his messages through written articles

Commissioner Liaw is talented in many ways.  He writes articles, giving speeches and does the work.  He belongs to many organizations and social clubs, he also writes for such renowned newspapers as “the World Journal”, “China Times” and “Macro View Weekly” published by the Ministry of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Council.  He has received wide recognition for his achievements from various organizations.

He’s good at organizing associations.  He helped with drafting by-laws for these associations, including: “Taiwan Hotel Association of North America”, “Southern California Chapter of Distinguished Citizens Society International”, “Taiwan Center of Greater Los Angeles”.

He stood by Taiwan government policy to dissolve opposition among different political parties and tried to convey his messages through written articles.  Many former ministers of Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission including Hsiao-yen chiang(蔣孝嚴), Zi-ying Chu(祝基瑩), Zen-ho Chiao(焦仁和), Fu-mei Chang(張富美), Ying-yi Wu(吳英毅) etc. have all awarded him with appreciation certificates.  Fellow Chinese immigrants often say Mr. Liaw’s real job is “Professional Chairman”.   

   Besides his business expertise, he is good at writing classical Chinese poems, which shows his solid literary study.  These poems are often published in the yearbooks of “Evergreen Club for Senior Citizens”.

   He has received a poem commenting on him.  The 4-sentence poem reads as follows:

“He is the proud son of Liaw family,

   with various talents and profound knowledge in many fields.

   He set up high goals for himself,

   and achieved much success in the land of America.”

   While traveling with Evergreen Club members, Overseas Chinese Legislator Yen-shan Tseng(曾燕山) composed a poem for him, in which he wrote:

   “Free flowing thoughts fill his meticulous mind,

magnificent sights are vividly described by his mastering pen,

If ancient poets like Li Pai and Tu Fu were living today,

they would have been very impressed with his works.”

Moreover, Mr. Liaw’s calligraphy is well liked and is collected by many people or organizations

In 2013, sponsored by “Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission”, “Overseas Chinese Immigrants Research Society” and “Taiwanese Intellectuals Society” ,the international conference entitled “ New Thoughts of Overseas Compatriot Affairs Under Globalization” was held in Taipei at the International conference Hall in Taiwan University Medical Center .  Specialist and scholars were invited to brain storming new ideas.  Commissioner Liaw’s report on the subject of “The influences the Challenges of structural changes of the overseas compatriots” analyzes the situation and brings up suggestions.  It’s an honor granted to him to be one of the Los Angeles delegates selected by “Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission”.

◆    Minister Ying-yi Wu instructed the “Hua Guang” Medal be awarded to Commissioner Liaw

   Commissioner Liaw’s numerous patriotic deeds are all well recorded in the files of various government offices.  Every time when there is a meaningful function or a sudden calamity, he is always the first to offer a helping hand.  His patriotism towards his home land, and his compassion towards his fellow countrymen are highly praised.  Former Minister Ying-yi Wu(吳英毅) had referred to him as the much needed capable person and a “Hua Guang Medal” (華光獎章,meaning Taiwan’s pride) should be awarded to him.  But Mr. Liaw is very humble and has been too busy to provide the required documents.

In order to promote the peaceful coexistence, Commissioner Liaw formed an “ Overseas Taiwanese Hotel Businessmen Observation Delegation” (旅美台灣旅館業主投資考察團)which consisted a group of over 20 people.  They visited several famous major cities in China and warmly welcomed by the Chinese government with state dinner.

    He is also influential among Chinese businessmen.  The yearly convention “World businessmen summit” (世界華商高峰會)sponsored by Macau special district government always invites him as the honorable guest.  This is not a fund-raising event, has nothing to do with politics, and thus is highly regarded by Chinese businessmen around the globe.

◆    Positions held by Tom Tsong-ming Liaw in the Chinese community over the years

- Advisor for “Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission”

- Commissioner for “Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission”

- Chairman of the Board of “PLG Hotel Investment Company”

- Chief of “ Overseas Taiwanese Hotel Businessmen Observation Delegation”

- Head of the committee and vice secretary-general for “The centennial

  celebration of Republic of China event”

- President of “California Chinese Immigrants Union”

- President of “Ruei Hua Culture and Education Foundation”

- Vice President of “Chinese Businessmen Union”

- President of “Evergreen Club for Senior Citizens”

- Founding Chairman of “Distinguished Citizens Society International”

- 18^th and 19^th president of “Taiwan Hotel Association of Southern California”

- Overseas Develop Executive of “Democratic Republic of the World’s Freedom Alliance”