Teochew Youth Shine in New York: A Global Welcome Dinner

As the familiar Teochew blessings — "Prosper! Flow! Flourish!" — rang through the Millennium Seafood Restaurant on April 11, 2025, the "Global Teochew Business Representatives Welcome Dinner" got underway, jointly hosted by the New York Teochew Association and the Philadelphia Teochew Association. The banquet not only set the stage for the inauguration ceremony of the 36th Board of the New York Teochew Association and the first Board of the Youth Federation Association the following day, April 12, but also brought nearly 200 Teochew compatriots from around the world together to renew ties and pursue shared growth.

The New York Teochew Youth Federation Association took an active role in co-organizing the dinner, showcasing the energy and responsibility of a new Teochew generation. Founding President Queenie Ma said, "Helping to organize this is the best training for us, and a wonderful chance to learn from our elders. The younger generation must carry forward the 'red-head boat spirit' — and bring fresh, innovative energy to the Teochew cause."

The hall was filled to capacity, with representatives of Teochew associations from the U.S. and Canada, China, Singapore, Vietnam, and Cambodia joining business leaders and community luminaries in a brilliant gathering.

In his remarks, New York Teochew Association President Hanqiang Li said, "No matter where we are, the unity of the Teochew people never changes. I hope everyone will exchange ideas throughout the coming events, and together advance Teochew cultural heritage and business cooperation."

Philadelphia Teochew Association President Xiang Chen said that as co-host of the evening, the Philadelphia association had worked hand in hand with the New York association, and that the two cities would continue to partner in building a broader platform for Teochew compatriots.

Receiving guests' congratulations ahead of his own installation, President-elect Zhangxing Lan said, "Thank you to our brother associations for your sincere congratulations and warm expectations — they encourage us greatly. Every member of the new board will uphold the Teochew spirit of unity and striving, and break new ground in cultural heritage, community service, and business cooperation, so that we do not fall short of the trust placed in us."

Amid fine food and wine, hosts and guests toasted and mingled. Familiar Teochew dialect, warm toasts, and rolling waves of cheer filled the banquet hall with deep hometown feeling. New York association directors toasted table by table, catching up with compatriots from every corner; on stage, traditional Teochew music and impromptu songs from the floor carried the atmosphere to its peak. Guest after guest came up to pose for photographs, recording an unforgettable night.

This welcome dinner was more than a warm reunion — it symbolized the close bonds of the global Teochew network. "Seeing the younger generation carry Teochew culture forward with such care fills us with comfort," said one Teochew business representative from Thailand, praising the youth team's work. "They respect tradition yet dare to innovate — this is exactly what keeps the Teochew spirit alive."

Amid deep hometown feeling and laughter, the welcome dinner drew to a close. With the 36th inauguration ceremony of the New York Teochew Association and the first board of the Youth Federation Association held in grand style the next day, the standing of the Teochew community in the United States and worldwide is set to reach a new level, with the youth association building a bridge for dialogue across generations. Guests said they look forward to Teochew youth across America opening a more diverse and innovative chapter, led by New York's pioneering youth group.

We also warmly invite ambitious young people to join the New York Teochew Youth Federation Association. Together, let us carry forward the Teochew spirit — and write the story of the Teochew people!