Efficiency, quality of services, honesty and accountability are the standards by which this government will be judged. These are also the fundamental standards upheld by our city government’s civil servants. Our team of young, energetic city workers is determined to transform Taichung into a dream city where people can enjoy the best quality of life. Their efforts have already been recognized. Last summer, the City of Taichung was selected the Most Livable City in Taiwan in a poll conducted by Commonwealth, a prestigious business magazine. Why is Taichung considered the most livable city of Taiwan? First, this city is blessed with a mild, beautiful climate--it seldom rains here and we enjoy an average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. This allows many outdoor concerts almost all year round. Taichung has also been labeled by the very popular English radio station, ICRT, as the Live Music Capital of Taiwan. Second, the City of Taichung is located in Central Taiwan, making it extremely accessible from all corners of the island. It has traditionally been the gathering point for different cultural, political and commercial activities in Taiwan. This is also why Taichung enjoys a reputation for creativity and great originality, especially in terms of different lifestyles. Almost all the popular fads in Taiwan's fascinating consumer culture originated in Taichung City. Here, a blending of art and beauty is integrated into everyday life. Here, we find garden cafes, garden tea houses, pearl milk (boba), ice tea restaurants and many more. Recognizing Taichung's enormous potential for the future, I was able to gain the support of Taichung's great citizens. All I had to do was point out how Taichung is destined to be a great cultural city. We have long-term goals of becoming a city of "Culture, Prosperity and International Attractions". Towards fulfilling this ultimate goal, we made serious efforts to bring the Guggenheim Museum to Taichung. We would have built its first Asian branch, which was to be designed and constructed by the 2004 Pritzker Award winner Zaha Hadid. She is the first-ever female architect to win this highest honor in the field of architecture. We are also the first Asian city to pass Guggenheim Foundation's Feasibility Studies. In spite of the fact that, in the end, the project did not materialize due to several complex reasons, we feel that we have gained a lot of valuable experience while working with world-famous architects and curators. The city is now working on a substitute plan to build a city museum with the help of heavy international participation. Other grand cultural establishments under construction include a National Opera House and the first amphitheatre in Taiwan and Asia. We fully intend to fulfill our goal of offering city residents and visitors a vivid, diversified cultural life. On the other hand, at the threshold of this ever expanding "electronic" century, we, at the Taichung City Government, are also making every effort to provide the public with detailed and complete information through the Internet. Now that you are here with us, I would like to extend a big hearty welcome from Taichung. Just take a leisurely browse, check us out, and I promise you that you will fall in love with this beautiful sunny city.