TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) honored 10 people with the title of ambassador-at-large, 27 with senior presidential adviser, and 76 with national policy adviser at the Presidential Office on Monday (Oct. 7).
Ambassador-at-large designations are for work across different territories, not bounded by a single country. Among the appointments was former Digital Affairs Minister Audrey Tang (唐鳳), whose title of ambassador-at-large will apply to cyberspace.
President Lai said the appointments would help Taiwan overcome challenges, such as the expansion of authoritarianism, climate change, digital transformation, and the threat of emerging infectious diseases. Lai said his mission is to safeguard the country's survival and protect the lives and property of Taiwan’s 23 million people, per CNA.
Lai said all of the roles appointed are honorary, unpaid positions. Each appointed individual has made contributions in their particular field and upheld the spirit of putting their country first, Lai said.
Tai Tzu-ying (戴資穎), the first Taiwanese female badminton player to be ranked No. 1 globally, became the youngest ambassador-at-large in Taiwan's history. Tai said she would do her best to cultivate future generations of badminton players.
Other ambassador-at-large appointees include Wu Yung-tung (吳運東), former president of the Taiwan Medical Association; Chen Jen-ran (陳正然), president of the Digital Transformation Association; and Sophiyah Liu (劉柏君), the first female baseball umpire in Taiwan.
Rounding out the list of appointees include Eugene Chien (簡又新), chairman of the Taiwan Institute for Sustainable Energy (TAISE); pastor David Wu (芙厄阿布達爾); Pusin Tali, professor at Yu-Shan Theological College and Seminary; Wang Bao-zong (王寶宗), chairman of Holy Glory Temple; and Sung Guang-fu (宋光夫), chairman of Chi Mei Frozen Food Co.
