TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – An information warfare specialist from the military, Lieutenant General Chien Hua-ching (簡華慶), has been appointed deputy chief of Taiwan’s top intelligence agency, the National Security Bureau, reports said Saturday.

The appointment reflects the importance attached to cyber security and scientific warfare, per CNA. Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥) reportedly personally selected Chien to serve as his deputy because of the latter’s experience in the military.

The lieutenant general has had a long career in relevant fields in the armed forces, including as chief of the information training center at the Army. He also held a Ph.D. degree in applied physics from National Defense University, with experience in cyber risk management, and information technology research and development.

Chien also possesses practical know-how on how to respond to cyber attacks and understands how the national intelligence system works. Tsai reportedly wants him to improve cyber security and the efficiency of the collection and analysis of intelligence data.