Executive Yuan Deputy Secretary-General Chien Tai-lang has been appointed a new minister without portfolio, officials announced today. Chien will be assuming the position vacated by Huang Kuang-nan, who departs to pursue personal career interests.
Chien comes with a wealth of administrative experience that began with civil affairs-related work at the Taiwan Provincial Government and the Kaohsiung City Government. He also served as director of population affairs at the Ministry of the Interior (MOI), secretary-general of the Central Election Commission, as well as administrative and political deputy minister of the MOI.
After qualifying in Taiwan's civil service examination, Chien worked his way up as a public servant accumulating experience in various fields of administration. At one time he was elected by the people to serve as a representative at the Third National Assembly.
During Premier Jiang Yi-huah's term as interior minister, Chien was Jiang's right-hand man, helping to manage and conduct various MOI operations. Jiang once praised Chien as the "MOI's walking dictionary" for his keen knowledge of the nation's affairs and for his comprehension of the working relationships between government agencies.
During his present post as deputy secretary-general of the Executive Yuan, Chien accompanied Premier Jiang to all parts of the country to hear from the people and learn of their difficulties. When the documentary Beyond Beauty: Taiwan from Above raised the nation's awareness about the importance of land conservation, Premier Jiang immediately instructed Chien to form a Cabinet-level task force that would monitor related efforts of numerous government agencies.
After he takes over as minister without portfolio, Chien will be responsible for such interior matters as civil affairs, population affairs, land administration, military conscription and immigration. He will also oversee coast guard operations, veterans' affairs and post-disaster reconstruction efforts.