Lai Shin yuan

Education

Dr. Lai was educated at the London School of Economics and Political Science, earning an M.A. from its Department of International Relations. She then went on to study at the University of Sussex, earning an MPhil and a DPhil in Development Studies.

Academic career

She previously taught at Shih Hsin University (1997–98) and Tamkang University (1997–2008) as an adjunct professor.

Political career

Lai served as a senior adviser on the National Security Council in the Chen Shui-bian Administration from 2000-2004. From 2005-2008, Lai was a Legislator in the Legislative Yuan, with the Taiwan Solidarity Union party.

ROC Mainland Affairs Council Ministry

Lai was selected to head the Mainland Affairs Council by President Ma Ying-jeou starting on inauguration day of the administration, May 20, 2008. During her office term, Lai oversaw the normalization of relations between Taiwan and the special administrative regions of the PRC which are Hong Kong and Macau. Reciprocal offices were established in the three areas.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau

On 19 July 2011, Lai officially unveiled the renaming of ROC representative office in Macau from Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in Macau to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Macau, bringing it in line with the rest of ROC representative offices around the world. The office renaming would give the ROC government better opportunities to promote Taiwan in Macau. The official renaming was made on 4 July 2011.

Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong

On 20 July 2011, Lai preceded the ceremony to rename the ROC representative office to Hong Kong from Chung Hwa Travel Service to Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Hong Kong, bringing it inline with other ROC representative offices naming around the world. This renaming possibility was considered a milestone in the improved cross-strait relations between Taipei and Beijing. The office is located at Lippo Center building.

Macau Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei

On 13 May 2012, Lai celebrated the opening ceremony of Macau representation office in Taiwan. Lai was accompanied by Cheong U, Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture of the Macau SAR. Lai added that the office establishment resulted from the principle of goodwill and reciprocity held by both sides and it was considered a milestone in the development for bilateral relation between ROC and Macau. The office is located in Taipei 101 building.

Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei

On 15 May 2012, Lai oversaw the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Economic, Trade and Cultural Office in Taipei. The office is located at President International Tower (統一國際大樓) building in Xinyi District. She added that bilateral relations between Taiwan and Hong Kong are close and hoped that the reciprocal office establishment between the two sides can serve as platform for interaction what will expand the promotion of interaction and cooperation. Also present during the opening ceremony was John Tsang, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR. He said during his opening note that Taiwan and Hong Kong have made substantial progress in the area of economic exchanges, cultural exchanges, financial supervision cooperation, bilateral transportation arrangement and cargo transshipment.