Taipei: Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has paid tribute to Taiwan's late deputy representative to India, Hsieh Bor-huei, who passed away on December 12 in New Delhi after falling unconscious during a public event. Hsieh was 52 years old.

According to Focus Taiwan, Lin visited Hsieh's family in Tainan on Monday, where he honored Hsieh's contributions by presenting his father with three medals: the Exemplary Medal for outstanding public service, a Professional Medal of Diplomacy, and a Second Grade Service Medal for his over two decades of government service. Lin emphasized that these commendations recognized Hsieh's lengthy and dedicated service to Taiwan and its diplomatic efforts.

Known affectionately as Robert, Hsieh experienced nausea and then a seizure while hosting an event in New Delhi on December 12. The occasion was to celebrate the team behind "Demon Hunters," a collaborative film project between Taiwan and India. Unfortunately, Hsieh later died in the hospital despite attempts to revive him.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Hsieh's family have opted not to disclose the cause of death, citing privacy concerns. In a separate Facebook post, Lin lauded Hsieh as an exceptional and professional diplomat. Hsieh's career included two postings in Vietnam, a tenure as deputy chief of MOFA's Department of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and leadership of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association. He was proficient in English, Vietnamese, and Japanese, and was learning Hindi prior to his sudden passing.

Hsieh's father shared with Lin that his son was also a talented pianist who performed during Taiwan's National Day celebrations in New Delhi in October. Furthermore, Hsieh played a pivotal role in the establishment of Taiwan's Mumbai office in late 2024.

Lin assured that despite Hsieh's untimely death, his legacy and contributions would not be forgotten.