TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended the National Day lighting ceremony at the Presidential Office on Tuesday evening.

Lai praised the annual light show for showcasing Taiwan’s cultural creativity and the historical splendor of the century-old Presidential Office, introducing this year’s theme, “Stay Tuned, Taiwan!,” which celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Golden Bell Awards. He said the annual event, now in its ninth year, reflects Taiwan’s open and democratic society, per CNA.

This year’s light show draws upon more than 80 classic Taiwanese films and television productions, taking visitors on a nostalgic journey through six decades of broadcasting history. 

Lai recalled how his generation eagerly returned home after school to watch news, dramas, puppet shows, and variety programs with their families, describing TV as a shared part of Taiwan’s collective memory.

Lai also drew attention to one part of the light show that displayed “Hualien, Go!,” a tribute to victims of the Hualien flooding disaster. Lai wished survivors a speedy recovery and thanked the 370,000 volunteers who joined clean-up efforts over the past two weeks.

Lai and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu (韓國瑜) also expressed appreciation for veteran television personalities Shen Chun-hua (沈春華) and Chen Ya-lan (陳亞蘭), who later performed at the event.

Thanking the nation’s television stations and production teams, Lai said their dedication has allowed Taiwan’s audiovisual industry to flourish and bring joy to generations of viewers. He urged continued efforts to “let the world see the beauty of Taiwan.”

The National Day light show will illuminate the Presidential Office nightly every 30 minutes from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Friday.