Chen Chien-jen Assumes Role as New Academia Sinica President as Tsai Attends Ceremony

Taiwan's Academia Sinica held its 13th presidential inauguration ceremony on June 18, 2026, as Chen Chien-jen officially took office succeeding outgoing president Liao Chun-chi. The ceremony, held in the International Conference Hall on the third floor of Academia Sinica's Humanities Building, was presided over by Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and attended by President Tsai Ing-wen. The event drew approximately 300 academicians, former academy presidents, and government representatives, reflecting the institution's significance.

Security at the ceremony was tight, with substantial police and national security personnel present. Senior officials including Tsai Ing-wen, Hsiao Bi-khim, Chen Chien-jen, and Liao Chun-chi were seated on the platform, while former president Lee Yuan-tseh and other dignitaries occupied the main hall. Media coverage was restricted to designated areas. Both outgoing and incoming presidents delivered lengthy speeches, each lasting approximately 20 minutes.

Chen Chien-jen, aged 75, will serve as president until June 20, 2031, with the formal seal of office transferred during the ceremony. Chen's background includes service as Vice President under Tsai Ing-wen and ties to the ruling Democratic Progressive Party. His father, Chen Hsin-an, was a former Kaohsiung County magistrate and founder of the Kuomintang's "White Faction" in the county. In his inaugural remarks, Chen emphasized his commitment to advancing Academia Sinica along four key directions.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim highlighted artificial intelligence as a critical global challenge, noting that rapid AI development raises substantial concerns regarding ethics, privacy, human rights, and social governance. She emphasized the need to prevent digital divides from widening and ensure that AI benefits are shared equitably across regions, nations, and marginalized communities. Hsiao announced plans for the government to collaborate with Academia Sinica's research capabilities and resources from education and digital departments to establish an AI governance framework balancing innovation with social responsibility.

Chen Chien-jen outlined Academia Sinica's future direction, stressing the pursuit of academic excellence through deeper integration of humanities and natural sciences research, support for high-risk and original long-term projects, and strengthened cross-disciplinary collaboration. He also emphasized enhancing international competitiveness by expanding partnerships with leading research institutions globally, positioning Taiwan as a thought leader rather than merely a participant in international academic networks, and improving talent cultivation and international recruitment systems. The organization, founded in 1928 and re-established in Taiwan in 1954, continues to serve as a leading research institution.