On the evening of Aug. 8, 2011, the Chinese Association of Trinidad and Tobago (CATT) officially launched the Dai Ailian Foundation at a grand ceremony held in Port of spain.

Madam Dai Ailian, known as "Mother of Chinese Modern Dance", who founded the Beijing Dance Academy, is a world renowned dance artiste and dance educator. She was born in Trinidad in 1916. The Foundation was set up in honor of the outstanding artiste by CATT with the support and assistance from the Chinese Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.

H.E. Mr. Yang Youming, Chinese Ambassador to Trinidad and Tobago, made remarks at the launching ceremony. He offered his heartfelt congratulations on the setting up of the Dai Ailian Foundation in her birth place. He spoke highly of her artistic achievements and remarkable contributions to the art of dance of China as well as of the world. He hailed her as the pioneer of the cultural exchanges between China and Trinidad and Tobago. Ambassador Yang wished the Foundation would grow tall and strong in the future and play an increasingly more important role in the promotion of the cultural exchanges and friendship between the two countries. He pledged that the Embassy and himself would continue to provide full support and assistance to the Foundation.

Madam Jennifer Jones, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of the Arts and Multi-culturalism and Mr. Albert Allum, President of CATT also spoke at the ceremony and extended their warm congratulations on the establishment of the Foundation.

A delegation from the Beijing Dance Academy came specifically for the ceremony and provided two full scholarships to the Foundation. Professor Zhang Ping, Director of the Centre for International Cooperation and Exchange of the Academy , presented certificates to the two awardees.

The event was hosted by Mrs. Christine Cambridge and attended by over 200 guests from all circles of the society, as well as from the Chinese community and Chinese companies based in Trinidad and Tobago.

The main local media, including TV stations, radios and newspapers covered the event.