Premier Sean Chen on July 10 recommended Steven S.K. Chen, acting secretary-general of the Executive Yuan, to fill the position of secretary-general, which had been vacant since Lin Yi-shih's resignation from the post on June 29. President Ma Ying-jeou approved the premier's nomination soon after.
Chen, 60, started his civil service career in the Executive Yuan. He has worked in the Kaohsiung city government, and in the Taipei city government as deputy secretary-general and as director-general of the Social Welfare Bureau. He has also served as a director-general at the Cabinet-level Overseas Compatriot Affairs Commission.
In addition to government service, Chen also worked for non-profit organizations for six years, devoting himself to the public good as secretary-general of the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee and later as secretary-general of the Red Cross Society of the Republic of China.
He returned to the public sector in 2010, when he was named deputy minister of the Sports Affairs Council. He was appointed deputy secretary-general of the Executive Yuan in February 2012.
Officials said Chen has a wealth of administrative experience and outstanding communication skills, having been an important administrative leader in many government agencies and private organizations. He is also familiar with the major policies and administrative procedures of the Executive Yuan. This knowledge and experience led the premier to nominate him as the new secretary-general.