據不完全統計，全球潮籍人士約近五千萬人，其中，旅居海外者過半之多。國際潮團總會(前身為國際潮團聯誼年會)於1980年春夏由香港及星馬泰等東南亞潮團倡議成立，自此每兩年輪流在世界各地舉辦年會，影響深遠。隨著社會的不停進步，如何傳承潮汕文化及促進世界各地潮團潮人可持續發展，將成為未來發展的關鍵。
總會不忘與時俱進，致力改革創新，藉以加強會員間的聯繫，建立緊密的溝通橋樑，為促進中國和海外潮人所在地區的經濟貿易及文化發展，推動中西方文化及經濟交流及全球化的發展。同時，為適應時代發展的需求，進一步整合全球潮人的資源與力量，建立了新的組織架構，國際潮團總會下設四大直屬板塊，分別是國際潮學研究會、國際潮商經濟合作組織、國際潮籍博士聯合會、國際潮青聯合會。其中，「潮學」聚焦潮汕文化、傳統與歷史的研究，傳承潮人文化與精神；「潮商」為全球商務合作，資源對接搭建平臺；「潮博」聯係與凝聚海內外潮籍博士和專家學者，推動學術交流，人才與科技流通；「潮青」為青年一代搭建溝通交流及資源對接平臺，同時培養潮團接班人。
本人於2019年3月17日第二十屆第三次常務理事暨理事聯席會議上通過決議，委任為國際潮團總會執行主席，任期5年，以長期且持續地推動各項會務的開展。這絕對不是一個簡單的任務，未來讓我們一起攜手邁進，為潮團潮人的發展譜寫新篇章！
According to incomplete statistics, there are nearly 50 million Teochew people in the world, and more than half of them live overseas. The International Teochew Federation (formerly known as the Teochew International Convention) was founded in 1980 by the Teochew groups from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand. Since then, a major convention was held at different locations around the world every other year, with thousands of delegates attending. With the continuous progress of society, how to have a sustainable development of Teochew culture and tradition around the world has become the key challenge.
The International Teochew Federation is always keeping pace with the times, committed to reform and innovation, strengthen ties between members, establish close communication networks, promote business, trade and cultural development of the Teochew people globally, and serve as a bridge between East and West. Moreover, to meet the needs of the development of the era, the Federation has realigned the resources of the Teochew people to establish a new organizational structure with four affiliated institutions: The International Society of Teochew Studies, Teochew International Economic Cooperation Organization, International Teochew Doctors Association, and International Teochew Youth Federation. “Teochew Studies” focuses on the studies of Teochew culture, tradition and history, and further the spirit of Teochew people; “Teochew Economic Cooperation” builds a platform for global business cooperation and connection; “Teochew Doctors” connect Teochew doctors, experts and scholars worldwide to develop a platform for academic exchanges, talent and technology resources sharing; “Teochew Youth” builds a network for the younger generation, with an aim to develop and nurture succession to the Teochew group.
On March 17, 2019, a resolution was passed at the Third Session of the 20th Joint Meeting of Executive Directors and Directors, and I was appointed as the Executive Chairman of the International Teochew Federation. The term of office is five years with a mandate to develop the 4 major areas of activities as identified. This is a very demanding undertaking. Let us work together for a better future for the development of the Teochew people.
