Taipei, Taiwan
Houston’s First Sister City
A partnership spanning over 60 years of cultural, educational, and civic exchange
Houston’s First Sister City
Taipei, Taiwan (1961)
Houston and Taipei officially established a sister-city relationship in 1961, marking the beginning of one of the city’s longest-standing international connections. This historic relationship was rooted in a shared vision of fostering mutual understanding, trade, and cultural exchange. In 1970, the Houston-Taipei Society was formed to manage ongoing programs and
maintain strong citizen-to-citizen ties.
Key Areas of Collaboration:
- Cultural Exchange: Annual Lunar New Year celebrations, exhibitions, and performances showcase Taiwanese traditions in Houston.
- Education & Youth Programs: Student exchanges and scholarship programs allow Houston students to experience Taiwan’s culture and educational system, while hosting Taiwanese students locally.
- Symbolic Landmark: The Houston-Taipei Friendship Pavilion in Hermann Park is a lasting symbol of the partnership, hosting events and civic celebrations for decades.
- Business & Innovation: Opportunities for collaboration in technology, trade, and industry are fostered through municipal and business connections.
Taipei Sister City Liaison
Dr. Greg Meyers
Dr. Greg Meyers earned a bachelor of business administration degree from Texas A&M University, with a double major in management and marketing, and a master of business administration degree from St. Mary’s University, with an emphasis in finance. Additionally, he received an Ed.D. in K-12 Leadership from the University of Houston.
Previously, Greg owned a dental sales corporation and sold it in 2010. He was elected to the Houston Independent School District Board of Education in 2004 and re-elected to subsequent consecutive terms until he resigned in 2016 after 12 years of public service. Greg served as board president in 2010. In his first year of service, he was appointed to chair the Board Monitoring Committee, which developed an expanded system for district accountability that was adopted as policy in August 2005. While board president, Greg led in developing the District’s Strategic Direction, which led to winning the prestigious Broad Prize for a second time in the history of Houston ISD. Soon after resigning from the Board in June 2016, he was the first American to receive the top education medal from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education.
Currently, he is working in the education field as Chief Operations Officer for Work and Learn Foundation as well as an adjunct professor at Houston Christian University and Lone Star College. Additionally, Greg serves as President of the Houston Taipei Society and is active in Taiwan affairs. Greg also has been active with the International Committee of Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 2023.
Notable Achievements / Stories:
- Hosting hundreds of students and cultural delegations over six decades.
- Major exhibitions at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston featuring Taiwanese artists.
- Ongoing civic projects connecting Houston and Taipei residents, from charity initiatives to joint city planning programs.
Impact & Community Engagement:
The Taipei partnership provides Houston residents with a window into Taiwanese culture and society, enriching the city’s diversity and global outlook. It also offers pathways for professional collaboration, international education, and people-to-people diplomacy.
