Taichung mayor to visit Singapore amid 2028 buzz

TAICHUNG (TVBS News) — Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen is set to lead a city government delegation to Singapore on Wednesday (April 3), marking her first overseas visit in four years. The three-day exchange trip is expected to conclude with her return to Taiwan in the early hours of April 6.

When asked who she would meet during her visit to Singapore, Lu responded on Tuesday (April 2), "All necessary meetings and discussions will take place." Many see her visit as a precursor to a potential presidential run in the 2028 elections.

Lu had previously visited the United Kingdom and the Netherlands in September 2019, but the COVID-19 pandemic hampered her efforts to continue city diplomacy.

During her visit to Singapore, Lu plans to discuss various topics, including The Great Singapore Sale (GSS), large-scale event planning, sustainable development, renewable energy, and disaster resilience.

"Singapore is a good friend of the Republic of China, and we have a deep and close relationship," Lu said. She expressed gratitude for the assistance of the Singaporean government, noting that all travel arrangements have gone smoothly.

Other potential candidates for the 2028 presidential election, including Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an, Taiwan People's Party Chairman Ko Wen-je, New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih, and President-elect Lai Ching-te, have all visited Singapore during their mayoral terms.