How did two women from Taichung gain global attention? What new international developments will FIABCI reveal in Taiwan this September?

First Chinese woman! Chang Lily, President of Treasure Dragon Construction, takes over as World President of the World Federation of Real Estate; Lu Shiow-Yen strongly supports local sustainable construction companies in urban governance.

Photo/Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen (center left) personally attended the FIABCI World President handover ceremony in Vienna, Austria, to congratulate Chang Lily (center right), President of Treasure Dragon Construction, on officially assuming the position of World President, and invited global real estate leaders to visit Taichung this September to experience the strength of Taiwan's architecture and urban development. (Provided by Treasure Dragon Construction)

On June 12, 2026, Vienna, Austria, became not only a stage for the global real estate industry but also a pivotal moment for Taiwan's construction industry to write a new chapter in its history. Chang Lily, President of Treasure Dragon Construction, officially assumed the position of World President of the Federation of Real Estate Associations of the World (FIABCI), becoming the first Chinese woman to hold this position since FIABCI's inception. That same evening, Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen personally led a delegation to the event, extending an invitation to global real estate leaders to gather in Taichung in September. This handover ceremony, seemingly a simple transfer of personnel within an international organization, actually underscores Taiwan's new positioning in construction, urban governance, ESG sustainability, affordable housing, and local diplomacy. As cities worldwide seek solutions to the housing crisis, net-zero transition, and smart city initiatives, how did Chang Li-li manage to move from Taichung to the FIABCI world stage? And how will Taiwan leverage this historic appointment to allow the world to rediscover the sustainable vision of Asian cities?

The Federation of Real Estate Associations of the World (FIABCI), a major global platform for real estate and urban development, held a handover ceremony for its World President in Vienna, Austria on June 12. Taiwanese businesswoman Chang Lily, President of Treasure Dragon Construction, officially succeeded Antonio Campagnoli, the 75th World President from Italy, becoming the first Chinese woman to hold the position since FIABCI's inception and marking a new chapter in the history of Taiwan's real estate industry.

This historic appointment is not only a significant milestone for Chang Lily, who has dedicated herself to the construction industry and international affairs for many years, but also symbolizes the first time that Taiwan's real estate industry has stood on the global decision-making stage.

In the future, as she leads FIABCI in promoting international cooperation and sustainability initiatives, Taiwan will also have the opportunity to play a more active role in global issues such as architecture, urban governance, and real estate development, providing the international community with more practical experience and sustainability perspectives from Taiwan.

Photo/Treasure Dragon Construction President Chang Lily officially assumed the position of World President of the Federation of Real Estate Associations of the World (FIABCI), becoming the first Chinese woman to serve as World President since the founding of FIABCI, symbolizing Taiwan's real estate industry's formal entry onto the global decision-making stage. (Provided by Treasure Dragon Construction)

Therefore, the handover ceremony was filled with warmth and blessings, and representatives from branches in the United States, Malaysia, Germany, Italy and other countries expressed their high praise and congratulations to Chang Lily.

Meanwhile, a delegation of nearly 200 people from Taiwan, comprised of chairpersons of local associations across the country, second-generation builders, and industry representatives, traveled to Vienna to witness this historic moment. This massive support not only demonstrated the unprecedented unity and cohesion within Taiwan's construction industry but also signified that Taiwan's construction and real estate industries are taking firmer steps towards international recognition.