Growing up at an auto repair shop run by her parents, her family background instilled her with the spirit of small and medium-sized enterprises – professional, dynamic, resilient, and hard working.


Dr. Tsai began her tenure on Taiwan’s trade negotiation delegation in the late 1980s.  She was on the front lines of the process during key negotiations in her capacity as Chief Legal Advisor and played an important role in the history of Taiwan’s economic transformation.


She is the first female head of state in Taiwan’s history.  She is also the first female head of state in Asia who was not born into a political family.


During a dinner event on International Women’s Day this year, a 14-year old girl asked her about leadership and how to lead when you lack resources.


Her answer was “even without resources, you still have yourself.  As a leader, you may not be the smartest person or the most resourceful, but you need to be the person to get along with the others the best.  You need to cultivate your capability to observe others, understand their mindset, utilize their strengths, and create a powerful team.  Therefore, you are your most important resource.


For her, serving as President of Taiwan is like walking a tightrope in a highly complicated and sensitive international environment.  She has been very prudent and low profile with the aim to lead Taiwan people with peace, democracy and freedom. 


— Gloria Kao