In a significant reshuffle of Taiwan’s top transportation leadership, Minister of Transportation and Communications Chen Shih-kai (陳世凱) on Wednesday announced that former Minister of Culture Shih Che (史哲) has been appointed as Chairman of Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC). He replaces James Jeng (鄭光遠), who will now take the helm at Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRA) as its new chairman.
🧩 Strategic Appointments Amid Rail System Expansion and Reform
These leadership changes are seen as a strategic move by Taiwan’s government to bring new energy and vision into its rail transport system, which is undergoing crucial infrastructure expansion and financial reform.
🔸 Shih Che’s Profile and THSRC Leadership Goals
Shih Che’s selection is rooted in his extensive public sector experience. Between 2016 and 2023, he served as Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung, where he oversaw multiple urban planning and infrastructure projects. Notably, he played a significant role in coordinating the Kaohsiung-Pingtung high-speed rail extension, making him a natural choice to lead THSRC during this critical expansion phase.
In addition to infrastructure, Shih is credited with promoting Kaohsiung’s global cultural profile, successfully attracting international performers such as Coldplay, Maroon 5, and Kylie Minogue. The Transportation Ministry believes his marketing and event management acumen could help elevate THSRC’s brand appeal, improve ridership numbers, and boost international visibility.
🔸 James Jeng to Oversee Taiwan Railway Transformation
Meanwhile, James Jeng, who had only assumed the THSRC chairmanship in February 2024, has been reassigned to lead the Taiwan Railway Corporation (TRA), which has been grappling with massive financial losses and undergoing a transformation from a government agency to a state-owned enterprise as of January 1, 2024.
Jeng’s robust experience in the transport industry is expected to be pivotal for TRA’s modernization. With a background that includes senior leadership positions at EVA Airways and Evergreen Marine, as well as his involvement in the early bid to construct Taiwan’s high-speed rail network, Jeng is viewed as a capable manager to lead the TRA through one of its most important reform periods.
TRA currently transports 650,000 to 700,000 passengers per day, far more than THSRC’s 220,000 daily riders, highlighting the importance of its national role. Minister Chen emphasized that turning TRA profitable and revitalizing its services will be one of Jeng’s most critical challenges.
👥 Other Key Appointments
📍 Bob Chen (陳惠裕), THSRC’s current Senior VP of Operations and Head of Maintenance, has been promoted to President of THSRC.
📍 Chen Yu-hsiu (陳玉秀), a board member of TRA and former Director of Songshan Cultural and Creative Park, will become Director-General of the Tourism Administration. She will be the first non-civil servant and former tourism industry professional to lead the agency — signaling a shift toward results-driven leadership in the tourism sector.
📊 Broader Implications and Outlook
These appointments are more than routine staffing changes; they signal a new phase in Taiwan’s transport and tourism governance, aimed at streamlining operations, boosting revenues, and making rail systems globally competitive.
This leadership shift comes as Taiwan grapples with rising passenger expectations, aging infrastructure, and a push for sustainability. Experts believe Shih’s cultural branding skills could help turn THSRC into not just a transport company but also a tourism platform, particularly as the country sees increasing post-COVID tourism demand.
TRA’s future, on the other hand, will depend on Jeng’s ability to cut deficits, upgrade stations, improve scheduling, and perhaps most importantly, win back public trust in a company long perceived as bureaucratic and outdated.
📌 FAQs
Why was Shih Che appointed as THSRC Chairman?
Shih brings infrastructure management experience and strong branding skills from his tenure in Kaohsiung, making him ideal for the HSR extension and customer engagement strategies.
What is the major challenge for James Jeng at TRA?
Jeng must modernize and financially stabilize TRA, which carries the bulk of Taiwan’s rail passengers but has long been loss-making.
How will this reshuffle impact Taiwan’s transportation policy?
It could mark a shift toward a more business-oriented, culturally sensitive, and performance-driven public transport sector.
Who will now lead THSRC operations?
Bob Chen, previously a senior VP at THSRC, will become the new President.
What is significant about Chen Yu-hsiu’s appointment to the Tourism Administration?
She is the first leader from the tourism business world, signaling a fresh, industry-savvy approach to Taiwan’s travel sector.
