“Chang is a highly committed and respected member of the Cabinet with a proven track in the private sector,” Presidential Office spokesman Charles Chen said. “After commencing duties Feb. 1 on the same day the new Legislature is sworn in, he will ensure everything runs smoothly until President-elect Tsai Ing-wen takes office May 20.”
Some of Chang’s accomplishments as vice premier include implementing key economic policies spanning big data, cloud computing, government open data, Internet of Things and third-party online payment. “His capabilities are widely recognized and appreciated by society,” Chen said.
Chang replaces Mao Chi-kuo, who led the Cabinet in an en masse resignation Jan. 16 after the ruling Kuomintang lost the legislative and presidential elections the same day. Sources familiar with the issue tip National Development Council Minister Duh Tizz-jiun, also minister without portfolio and governor of Fujian Province, to become vice premier.
In a news conference following his appointment, Chang said the government will spare no effort in serving the people. “All members of the Cabinet will remain at their posts and do their duty to the best of their ability.
“I expect my team to perform well in the coming for months, and create an environment conducive to cross-party collaboration. It is important the government’s successful policies remain in place after the new administration assumes office.”
Chang has held a variety of posts in the government such as minister of science and technology, minister without portfolio and director-general of the National Center for High-Performance Computing. He also worked for Acer Computer Inc. and Google Inc. from 2000 to 2012. (SFC-JSM)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw