A Historic First: NY Teochew Youth Inaugurates Its Founding Board
More than 800 Teochew community leaders, business figures, and young elites from across the U.S. and Canada gathered in Flushing to witness the founding of the New York Teochew Youth Federation Association.
Uniting youth, carrying forward the Teochew spirit.
On April 12, 2025, the inauguration ceremony of the 36th Board of the New York Teochew Association and the first Board of the New York Teochew Youth Federation Association was held with great ceremony in Flushing, New York. More than 800 Teochew community leaders, political and business representatives, and young elites from across the United States and Canada gathered to witness this historic moment.
Setting sail: uniting a new generation to build the future.
In her inaugural address, founding President Queenie Ma said the establishment of the New York Teochew Youth Federation Association is a pivotal step by the Teochew Association to meet the needs of the times and advance generational succession. "This ceremony marks not only the official launch of our youth association, but also carries our shared hope — that young Teochew find belonging here, unlock their potential here, and realize their dreams here. Through this platform, we hope to deepen our connections, advance our cultural heritage, foster professional growth, and give back to society, adding to the pride of the Teochew people."
President Ma extended special thanks to the senior leaders of the New York Teochew Association — Permanent Chief Adviser Chuhan Liu, Permanent Honorary Presidents Dadao Yang, Yuzhao Chen and Hanqiang Li, and President Zhangxing Lan — for their steadfast support, and pledged to lead the younger generation in carrying forward the Teochew spirit of "daring to strive, destined to win" — innovating within tradition and contributing to community prosperity and China–U.S. friendship.
A gathering of the diaspora: tradition meets innovation.
The ceremony was warm and lively. Congresswoman Grace Meng; Jasper Diaz, representing NYC Mayor Adams; Council Member Sandra Ung; Assembly Member Grace Lee and other elected representatives; and, from the Chinese Consulate General in New York, Deputy Consul General You Yize and Consul for Overseas Chinese Affairs Li De each offered remarks, congratulating the new board of the New York Teochew Association and the first board of the New York Teochew Youth Federation Association.
New York Teochew Association President Zhangxing Lan noted that the association has served the community for seventy-two years, and that the founding of the youth association will further energize the organization. He called on the older generation to continue supporting youth development, together safeguarding the spirit that "all Teochew people under heaven are one family."
The youth mission: innovate, develop, walk forward together.
The founding board of the youth association brings together outstanding young representatives from finance, technology, culture, and beyond. Guided by the principles of "unity, heritage, innovation, and development," the association will focus on six core directions:
1. Unite young Teochew across America — building fellowship, connection, and mutual support.
2. Preserve and promote Teochew culture — its language, art, cuisine, and festivals.
3. Foster international cultural, educational, and economic exchange among youth.
4. Encourage participation in public service and community work, cultivating leaders and positive influence.
5. Build a business and entrepreneurship platform to help youth grow their careers and global outlook.
6. Strengthen ties with other Teochew associations and international organizations to expand opportunities for exchange and cooperation.
Amid the joyful sound of gongs, drums, and a lion dance, the ceremony closed with blessings of "the spirit of the dragon and horse" and "may all things go as you wish." The founding of the youth association is not only a milestone in the renewal of New York's Teochew community, but also a testament to the enduring cohesion of the overseas Teochew people, passed from generation to generation.
