Seventy-five Chabad shluchim representing 15 countries gathered in Taipei, Taiwan, for a regional Kinus Hashluchim marking four decades since Chabad established its first permanent presence in Southeast Asia.

The gathering brought together shluchim serving Jewish communities across Asia, where Chabad's presence has expanded from a single outpost into a network of approximately 60 centers.

The milestone dates back 40 years to the arrival of Rabbi Mordechai Avtzon in Hong Kong as Chabad's first shliach to Southeast Asia. Today, shluchim across the region operate Jewish schools, mikvahs, kosher services and communal programs while serving both local Jewish populations and travelers.

A notable part of this week's Kinus was a visit by dozens of the rabbonim to Taiwan's recently established Jewish cemetery. Until this summer, Jewish residents who died in Taiwan generally had to be transported abroad for burial. The new cemetery, located roughly 40 minutes from the Chabad Jewish Center of Taiwan, held its first burial on June 23.

The gathering also focused on the continued expansion of Jewish infrastructure across Asia, with discussions addressing Jewish education, security, kosher certification, community emergencies and the challenges faced by shluchim serving isolated Jewish populations.

Taiwan itself has experienced significant Jewish communal growth. When Rabbi Shlomi and Racheli Tabib arrived in Taipei in 2011, they had contacts for approximately 70 Jews. Today, they estimate that around 1,500 Jews live across the island.

During the Kinus, a new initiative — the Jeffrey D. Schwartz Asia Fund — was also announced to support new Chabad centers, additional shluchim, mikvahs and other Jewish infrastructure throughout the region.

The conference concluded with the traditional spirited dancing of the assembled shluchim before they returned to their communities across Asia.