TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The International Astronomical Union (IAU) approved the naming of asteroid number 597966 as “Lai He” (賴和), after one of Taiwan’s most famous poets.

National Central University (NCU) President Chou Ching-yang (周景揚), Laiho Cultural and Educational Foundation Chair Wu Chao-tsung (吳潮聰), Lai He’s grandson Lai Yueh-yen (賴悅顏), and Vice President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) were present at the naming ceremony, per CNA.

Lin Chi-sheng (林啟生) of NCU’s Institute of Astronomy and Ye Quanzhi (葉泉志) of the University of Maryland jointly discovered the asteroid on Jan. 12, 2008. Later, retired head of National Changhua Senior High School’s library Lu Hsing-chung (呂興忠) and teacher Yu Ta-li (游大立) worked together with NCU to name the asteroid after Lai He, per CNA.

Dubbed the “father of Taiwan’s new literature,” Lai He (also “Lai Ho”) was an influential figure in the New Taiwanese Literature Movement during the Japanese colonial period (1895-1945), reported Taiwan Panorama. He wrote in the vernacular and non-violently protested against Japanese rule.

Speaking at the ceremony, President-elect Lai said Lai He made significant contributions to the development of Taiwanese literature and was a pioneer in the democracy movement. “Lai He had participated in petitioning groups in the Taiwanese parliament with Chiang Wei-shui (蔣渭水) and was involved in the establishment of the Taiwanese Cultural Association,” he added.

“He could be described as a healer of the nation, benefiting the people, and influencing the country’s direction,” Lai said.

The Laiho Cultural and Educational Foundation presented Lai with a baseball bat, a reference to one of Lai He’s works, hoping that he would continue to defend Taiwan after assuming the presidency.