Taiwan youth see mainland as land of opportunities

SERVE AS DRIVING FORCE

The past year has witnessed the busy life of Lai Yen-chun, a young instructor at Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in central China's Hubei Province, who juggles her roles as a teacher, a lawyer, a mediator, and a volunteer of law education.

Coming from Taiwan and having lived in Wuhan, capital city of Hubei Province, for 14 years, Lai received higher education at Wuhan University, where she was elected as vice president of the student union in the School of Law, the first Taiwanese ever elected to the position.

During her master's program, she passed the national judicial examination and became the first legal practitioner from Taiwan in Hubei.

She has since dedicated herself to public interest services, providing legal consultations and law education for Taiwan compatriots on the mainland.

"When I came to Wuhan alone to pursue my studies, I felt at first confused and frustrated since I was unfamiliar with the city," she said. "Thanks to the care and encouragement from my teachers, classmates, friends, and the local Taiwan affairs office, I overcame the challenges and reach where I am today."

In 2022, Lai was awarded the Hubei Youth May Fourth Medal, the highest honor for outstanding individuals in the province.

Now, Lai often shares her experience with youth in Taiwan through the media. "I would like to serve as the driving force behind every youngster in Taiwan," she said.