FIABCI Friendship: Lily Chang, Treasure Dragon Group, and the Bonds That Shape Global Business

The most valuable outcomes of international business organizations are often measured beyond contracts, transactions, or investment deals. Over time, genuine relationships become the foundation for collaboration, trust, and opportunities that span borders and generations. That reality came into focus once again during the 76th FIABCI World Congress in Vienna, where I had the pleasure of reconnecting with a long-time friend and respected colleague, Lily Chang of Taiwan.

As a member of the FIABCI Asia Pacific leadership community and a long-time participant in FIABCI’s global network, I have witnessed how friendships formed through the organization frequently evolve into meaningful professional partnerships. Among those relationships, my friendship with Lily Chang stands out as one of the most memorable.

Our reunion in Vienna brought back years of shared experiences, professional exchanges, and mutual support. More importantly, it highlighted what makes FIABCI unique: its ability to connect people from different cultures through a shared commitment to responsible real estate development, sustainable cities, and international cooperation.

FIABCI Friendship Across Borders

Founded in Paris in 1951, FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation, has grown into one of the world’s most influential global real estate networks, connecting professionals from more than 70 countries and representing developers, investors, architects, brokers, legal experts, and policymakers. FIABCI also maintains consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), reinforcing its role in global urban development discussions.

Within this international community, relationships often develop over decades rather than years. The FIABCI friendship that many members experience extends far beyond annual congresses and board meetings.

For me, Lily Chang exemplifies this spirit.

Throughout the years, she has consistently demonstrated generosity, professionalism, and a sincere commitment to helping colleagues from around the world. Her willingness to share knowledge, introduce connections, and support international cooperation reflects the values that have helped FIABCI remain relevant for more than seven decades.

Reconnecting in Vienna at the 76th FIABCI World Congress

The 76th FIABCI World Congress in Vienna provided a fitting backdrop for our reunion.

Vienna itself represents a city where history, culture, architecture, and business intersect. Against this backdrop, FIABCI members gathered to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and strengthen relationships that continue to drive international cooperation.

Meeting Lily again reminded me how enduring friendships often become one of the greatest rewards of participating in global organizations.

Despite her demanding international responsibilities, Lily continues to maintain the same warmth and accessibility that I experienced years ago. Her ability to balance leadership with genuine personal connection has earned her widespread respect across the FIABCI community.

Today, that respect extends far beyond Taiwan.

Lily Chang’s Historic Leadership Journey

Lily Chang currently serves as FIABCI World President for the 2026–2027 term, becoming the first woman to hold the position in FIABCI’s more than 75-year history. Before assuming the presidency, she served as FIABCI World Vice President during 2024–2025 and World President Elect during 2025–2026.

Her leadership journey reflects decades of dedication to both the real estate industry and international cooperation.

She previously served as President of FIABCI-Taiwan and held several important positions within the federation, including President of the World Council of Developers and Investors. Her work has contributed significantly to strengthening Taiwan’s visibility within the global real estate community while promoting sustainable development and affordable housing initiatives.

A Memorable Visit to Taichung

One of my most cherished memories with Lily comes from my visit to Taichung, Taiwan.

During that visit, I experienced firsthand the hospitality for which she is known among international FIABCI members. From introducing local culture and architecture to facilitating meaningful business discussions, Lily demonstrated extraordinary generosity with her time and knowledge.

Her guidance allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of Taiwan’s real estate market, urban development philosophy, and the unique characteristics that have helped Taiwanese developers achieve international recognition.

The experience reinforced an important lesson: successful international business relationships depend on trust, mutual respect, and personal connection.

Those qualities cannot be created overnight. Instead, they develop through years of consistent engagement and shared experiences precisely the environment that FIABCI encourages.

Treasure Dragon Group: Building Communities, Not Simply Properties

Any discussion about Lily Chang would be incomplete without highlighting the remarkable achievements of Treasure Dragon Group.

Founded in Taichung in 1989, Treasure Dragon has earned a strong reputation for residential development focused on quality, architectural excellence, environmental responsibility, and long-term community value. The company is widely recognized for prioritizing residents’ quality of life and integrating thoughtful design into every project.

Unlike developers focused solely on rapid expansion, Treasure Dragon has built its reputation through meticulous attention to detail and customer satisfaction. The company has pioneered innovations ranging from community gardens and green construction-site practices to resident engagement programs that continue long after project completion.

This philosophy aligns closely with global trends shaping the future of real estate.

According to United Nations projections, nearly 68% of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050. As cities continue to expand, developers increasingly face demands for sustainability, community integration, wellness-oriented design, and environmental responsibility. Treasure Dragon’s long-standing approach positions the company well within these emerging priorities.

Why Treasure Dragon Matters for Indonesia

Indonesia’s urban population continues to grow rapidly, creating significant opportunities for knowledge exchange between Taiwanese and Indonesian developers.

Several aspects of Treasure Dragon’s approach hold particular relevance for Indonesia:

Sustainable Urban Living

Indonesia’s major metropolitan areas increasingly seek development models that balance growth with environmental stewardship. Treasure Dragon’s emphasis on ecological design and community-centered planning offers valuable insights for future residential projects.

Community-Oriented Development

As Indonesian cities expand, creating stronger social connections within residential communities becomes increasingly important. Treasure Dragon has demonstrated how developers can actively foster long-term community engagement rather than simply delivering buildings.

International Collaboration

FIABCI provides a platform where Indonesian and Taiwanese industry leaders can exchange ideas, explore partnerships, and share best practices. Treasure Dragon’s international perspective creates opportunities for deeper regional cooperation throughout Asia-Pacific.

The Human Side of Global Business

The true value of FIABCI friendship becomes apparent when viewed through relationships like the one I have been fortunate to share with Lily Chang.

Business organizations often focus on statistics, investments, and transactions. Yet behind every successful partnership are people who trust one another, share knowledge openly, and support each other’s success.

Lily has consistently demonstrated those qualities throughout her career.

Whether serving her local community in Taiwan, representing her country internationally, or helping colleagues visiting Taichung, she approaches every interaction with professionalism and genuine kindness.

That combination explains why she has become one of the most respected figures in the international real estate community.

Friendship as a Global Asset

As I reflect on our reunion in Vienna, I am reminded that the greatest strength of FIABCI lies in its people.

The organization creates opportunities for business growth, investment, and professional development. Yet its most enduring contribution may be the friendships that emerge across cultures and continents.

Lily Chang’s leadership, generosity, and commitment to excellence embody the values that have made FIABCI a respected global institution for more than seventy-five years. Through her work with Treasure Dragon Group and her historic service as FIABCI World President, she continues to demonstrate how business success and meaningful human relationships can advance together.

For those of us privileged to call her a friend, her journey serves as a powerful reminder that lasting partnerships often begin with a simple conversation and grow into relationships that enrich both business and life.

RL