A Legacy of Leadership and Achievements

Taiwan is set to welcome a new president next week, marking the end of President Tsai Ing-wen’s eight-year term. Since taking office in 2016, Tsai has demonstrated steadfast leadership and courage in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty, tirelessly striving to uphold the principles of democracy and freedom on this island of 23 million people.

Breaking Barriers: Tsai Ing-wen’s Historic Achievements

Throughout her political career, Tsai Ing-wen has achieved several milestones. She became the first female chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Party, the first female presidential candidate in the Republic of China (Taiwan), the first female president of the Republic of China, and the first female head of state in the Chinese-speaking world. Her re-election in 2020 secured her the highest number of votes for a president since Taiwan opened up direct elections in 1996, making her the first female East Asian leader to win re-election.

A Journey of Service: Tsai Ing-wen’s Path to Presidency

Born in Taipei City, Tsai’s family hails from Pingtung County’s Fangshan Township, and she has a quarter Paiwan indigenous heritage. After earning her doctoral degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, Tsai returned to Taiwan to become a university professor. She entered government service in 1986, bringing her expertise in international trade to participate in Taiwan’s external economic negotiations. From 1994, she began coordinating cross-strait relations affairs, eventually joining the Democratic Progressive Party in 2004 and assuming various roles, including as a legislator-at-large. In 2008, amidst challenges faced by the DPP, Tsai assumed the party’s chairmanship, becoming the first female leader of a major political party in Taiwan’s history. Under her leadership, the party emphasized advancing Taiwan’s localization efforts while advocating for social justice.

Political Triumphs: Tsai Ing-wen’s Presidential Victories

Tsai Ing-wen ran for president three times, first in 2012, losing to the incumbent Ma Ying-jeou. She won the presidency in both the 2016 and 2020 elections, becoming Taiwan’s first female president and Asia’s first non-political elite female head of state. In her tenure, Taiwan’s democratic system remained resilient despite growing pressure and threats from China. Tsai’s prudent yet resolute stance in defending Taiwan’s sovereignty and international status garnered broad support and praise globally.

Economic Policies: Driving Growth and Innovation

Economic policies were another focus of Tsai’s leadership. She implemented the New Southbound Policy to expand Taiwan’s economic and trade relations with Southeast Asian and South Asian countries. Simultaneously, she promoted innovation economy, attracting foreign investment into Taiwan’s technology industry, solidifying Taiwan’s position as a hub in Asia’s Silicon Valley.

Advancing Social Justice: Tsai’s Commitment to Equality

Additionally, Tsai’s administration prioritized social justice, safeguarding women’s rights, indigenous peoples’ rights, and advancing the legalization of same-sex marriage, reflecting Taiwan’s values as a progressive and open society.

Facing Challenges: Leading Through COVID-19

Among her notable achievements was steering Taiwan safely through the COVID-19 pandemic and actively promoting the legalization of same-sex marriage, which came into effect in 2019. Despite internal opposition and support within Taiwan, Tsai remained steadfast in her commitment to diversity and equality, regardless of its impact on her re-election prospects.

Celebrating Diversity: A Presidential Farewell

In the week before stepping down, President Tsai Ing-wen met with Nymphia Wind, the winner of the American reality show “RuPaul’s Drag Race” at the Presidential Office of Taiwan. This gesture affirmed Taiwan’s values of equality, diversity, democracy, and freedom. As Nymphia Wind expressed in her speech following the performance, “To grow into who I am today, I needed good soil. Thank you, Tsai Ing-wen, for nurturing this land, protecting our home, and allowing me to grow into who I am today. (「人要長成現在這個樣子，要有很好的土地，謝謝蔡英文栽培這塊土地、保護我們的家園，讓我可以成長到今天的樣子」)”

As President Tsai Ing-wen transitions into a new chapter of life, she can finally fully enjoy the company of her cats and dogs, her beloved family members. Additionally, she can once again experience the simple pleasures of driving by herself, a leisure activity she had to give up for eight years.

Thank you. President Tsai.