From switchboard operator in foreign company to President of Treasure Dragon Why Chang Lily become FIABCI World President despite having no achievements? All because a sentence from her father-in-law

▲Treasure Dragon Construction President Chang Lily (second from right) takes over as FIABCI (International Federation of Real Estate). Photo courtesy of FIABCI Taiwan Chapter

 

After a 37-year hiatus, the 76th FIABCI (International Federation of Real Estate Associations) was held again in Vienna, Austria. On June 12, Lily Chang, President of Treasure Dragon Construction and Chairperson of the Real Estate Association of the Republic of China, took over the position from the former president, Italian Antonio Campagnoli, becoming the first Chinese woman to serve as the World President.

 

FIABCI is a UN-recognized non-governmental organization (NGO) with a leading position in the global real estate sector. Taking over as World President is not only a significant milestone in Chang Lily's personal career, but also marks the first time Taiwan's real estate industry has entered the core of international decision-making, transforming from a participant into a co-creator of rules and trends within the global architecture and urban development system.

 

More than 200 people, including chairpersons of local associations across the country and second-generation builders, came to the scene to show their support. Among them were many well-known construction companies, including chairpersons of associations from various counties, cities and provinces such as Chin Mei, Fengyi, and Shuntian. Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen personally led a delegation, bringing with her various bureau chiefs to attend the inauguration ceremony.

 

"I, Lily Chang, hereby solemnly swear that I will fulfill the duties entrusted to me as the World President of the FIABCI International Real Estate Federation with the same loyalty, prudence and caution; I will perform my duties and regulate my conduct in accordance with the best interests of the Federation and all its members..."

 

On the evening of June 12, Chang Lily, dressed in an iron-gray gown, walked into the Vienna Sofiensale with a beaming smile. That night, she was the most eye-catching leading lady.

 

 

She dedicated her life to helping Taichung host FIABCI in 2013

 

When Antonio Campagnoli officially announced her appointment as the World President of FIABCI, hundreds of attendees rose to their feet and applauded. In her address, Chang Lily said, "On the occasion of FIABCI's 75th anniversary, I am honored to embark on my journey as World President, and I also feel a great sense of responsibility. I embrace this role with a strong sense of mission."

 

This handover ceremony was grander than ever before, with many former world presidents traveling long distances to congratulate her. In a pre-departure interview, she smiled and said, "I have a very deep friendship with them. Several of them sent me messages saying they would definitely attend my inauguration."

 

▲Chang Lily has a very close relationship with FIABCI members, and many of them came to Vienna specifically to celebrate with her. Photo/Provided by the Taiwan Chapter of the International Federation of Real Estate

 

Prior to the handover ceremony, FIABCI held two days of events and lectures. Although she had not yet officially taken office, she had already demonstrated the aura and popularity of a world president. Whenever she appeared, members from various countries would familiarly approach her to exchange pleasantries. All of this stemmed from Chang Lily's efforts in 2013 to secure the FIABCI World Annual Meeting to be held in Taichung. The then-mayor of Taichung, Hu Zhiqiang, was a diplomat and gave his full support.

 

To ensure the event's success, she personally advanced a deposit of ten million yuan. "Many people said that Chang Lily's hair-washing project had to be a success; it couldn't fail," she said with a wry smile, adding that she was putting her life on the line. That year, Treasure Dragon Construction didn't cancel any projects, devoting all her energy to this event.

 

"The Taichung City Government, the Construction Development Association, the Construction Management Association, and other real estate-related businesses united for that year's annual meeting. Their performance left a deep impression on friends from all over the world. I am able to have this halo today because that annual meeting was so successful."

 

▲A group photo of the Taiwan delegation at the FIABCI (International Federation of Real Estate Associations) awards ceremony in Vienna. Photo courtesy of FIABCI Taiwan Chapter

 

A suitcase full of Taiwanese flavor; Taiwan's name was officially changed in 2017.

 

To ensure that foreign visitors experience that "Taiwan's most beautiful scenery is its people," she spared no effort to ensure they had a rewarding experience. When FIABCI was held in Taichung, a protest occurred at the venue, and she didn't hesitate to stand up and handle it. Her actions were witnessed by the foreign guests, who highly praised her performance and decisiveness.

 

When planning the event, she made thorough arrangements. After nearly a week of activities, the foreign guests had a very good impression of Taiwan. "They even thought it was the best annual meeting ever held." At the same time, they also visited her construction projects in Taichung and were very impressed with her meticulous planning. "They thought I was very representative of the Taiwanese construction industry, and I felt a great force supporting me."

 

After the annual meeting, she began to have some ambition. "I started thinking about increasing Taiwan's international visibility." From then on, Lily Chang never missed a single FIABCI annual meeting. Every time she attended, she would bring a suitcase full of Taiwanese souvenirs to give as gifts. Lily Chang gradually began to make a name for herself internationally.

 

"I went to Luxembourg in 2014, Malaysia in 2015, Panama in 2016, and Andorra in 2017. I got to know most of the people there." In 2017, she ran for "Chairperson of the Developers and Investors Council" and was successfully elected. In the same year, she successfully changed the name of the Taiwan branch from "Chinese Taiwan" to "Taiwan".

 

▲Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen (third from right) and real estate developers showed their support for Chang Lily (left) by attending her inauguration ceremony in Vienna. Photo courtesy of the World Federation of Real Estate Taiwan.

 

In 2016, the organizer of FIABCI invited her to run for election as "Chairman of the Developers and Investors Council". Not only was she successfully elected, but she also served for 6 consecutive years.

 

"They didn't specify the term of office, but they found out that I was always the chairperson, so they changed the rules and stipulated that the term of office could not exceed two years." In 2023, she was further invited to serve as the chairperson of the finance committee. "This position is appointed, usually the backup position for the vice president, and then the president."

 

Founded in 1951, FIABCI is a United Nations-recognized non-governmental organization (NGO). In 1988, Yin Zhi-Hao, the founder and chairman of Continental Engineering Corporation, served as the world president. He was a key figure in propelling Taiwan's construction industry onto the international stage.

 

He stepped down as World President in Vienna in 1989, the same year Longbao Construction was founded. 37 years later, Chang Lily took over as World President in Vienna. This historical coincidence struck her as quite unbelievable.

 

 

FIABCI has a global influence, which strengthens the bonds between its members

 

What does Chang Lily want to do after taking office as the World President of FIABCI? She pointed out that FIABCI's greatest advantage lies in its unique global influence and strong local foundation. "I believe that our role is to build a bridge - connecting ideas, talents and opportunities - so that every member can grow and develop."

 

"For me, FIABCI is not just an organization, but a lifelong journey of love and sharing. It is a platform for building relationships, creating trust, and turning ideas into reality."

 

Looking ahead, she pledged to work hand in hand with members to fully support the Board's work, making FIABCI more connected, transparent, and influential. At the same time, she committed to continuously enhancing the value for each member and the entire real estate industry through digital transformation, strengthened communication, and the building of global partnerships.

 

▲Chang Lily (2nd from left) hopes that the relationship between members will become closer under her leadership. Photo/Provided by World Real Estate Federation Taiwan Branch

 

She does everything personally, believing himself to be a "reincarnation by vow."

 

Chang Lily's first job after graduation was as a switchboard operator at a foreign company. Coming from a humble background, she became the President of Treasure Dragon Construction, consistently managing the business with the user's perspective in mind. Because of her meticulous attention to detail, Longbao is not a large-scale construction company; in its 37 years of operation, it has only completed 24 projects. "In its early years, it averaged one project per year, but things paused after 921."

 

Chang Lily puts her heart and soul into every case, handling everything personally, big or small. Coupled with her active involvement in domestic and international architecture, aesthetics, design, and art-related organizations, she is constantly on the go. She even puts her company's operations on hold to ensure the success of events; for example, Longbao Construction did not launch any projects in 2013.

 

"An art curator asked me, 'Why do you do so much?' I couldn't answer." This emotionally rich woman even cried in the bathroom because of this question. She later realized that "it was my birthright to do this, it was only natural."

 

She recalled the year the US and China severed diplomatic ties. She and her husband had already immigrated to the United States. "When I saw President Carter announce the severance of diplomatic relations with Taiwan on TV, Peter and I both grabbed our briefcases, drove to my in-laws' house, and asked if we could go back to Taiwan. We were very angry with the US for betraying Taiwan."

 

▲After decades of hard work, Chang Lily finally fulfilled her promise to her father-in-law by becoming the World President of FIABCI, enabling her to do something for Taiwan. Photo courtesy of the Taiwan Chapter of the International Federation of Real Estate Associations.

 

Their father-in-law's words made them stay. He said, "If you go back now because of your emotions, what can you do for Taiwan? You might as well wait until you are capable before doing anything for Taiwan."

 

After decades of hard work, at the age of 72, she became the World President of FIABCI, taking a voice on the international stage for real estate professionals in Taiwan and around the world. She said emotionally, "Dad, I did it!"

 

"I want to do a good job with Treasure Dragon Construction. There are so many details and challenges. Everyone in the industry is competing with all their might. Where do I have extra time to do this (holding a position at FIABCI)? It will not bring any benefit to sales or performance."

 

"I never thought I would walk this path; it must be a mission in my life."