Chen Chien-Jen at NTHU: Leadership Rooted in Service and Critical Decision-Making
2026.04.14
Former Vice President Chien-Jen Chen was invited to speak at NTHU's Su Chun-hwai Lecture on April 13, where he delivered a talk titled “Pursuing Excellence, Transcending the Self, and Advancing the Common Good,” that shared the key principles of successful leadership.
National Tsing Hua University (NTHU) in Taiwan hosted the Su Chun-hwai Lecture on April 13, featuring former Vice President Chien-Jen Chen as keynote speaker. The lecture drew a large audience of students, faculty, and external participants. Under the theme “Pursuing Excellence, Transcending the Self, and Advancing the Common Good,” Chen shared insights from his distinguished career in academia, public health, and government service, explaining how leaders make critical decisions, exercise influence, and create societal value.
Chen emphasized that leadership is not defined by position, but by the ability to make sound judgments and exert influence at pivotal moments. Drawing on his own experience, he noted that in both scientific research and public service, leadership centers on evaluating evidence, making value-based trade-offs, and communicating effectively with society. In times of uncertainty, leaders must integrate interdisciplinary knowledge and diverse perspectives to reach decisions that balance professional expertise with the public good.
With over three decades of contributions to epidemiology, Chen led Taiwan's long-term cohort study on hepatitis B, significantly influencing global research and clinical practices with respect to chronic liver disease. He also directed groundbreaking research on chronic arsenic exposure, which informed drinking water standards set by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
During the SARS outbreak, Chen was appointed as the Minister of Health and Welfare at a critical juncture, leading Taiwan to have the World Health Organization's travel advisory lifted in a short period of time. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he contributed to national response strategies as Vice President, helping Taiwan maintain a relatively low mortality rate.
Reflecting on these experiences, Chen noted that they all involved making critical judgments under uncertain conditions. “A crisis is a combination of danger and opportunity,” he said, underscoring that true leadership lies in the ability to build consensus and guide teams through complexity.
Chen summarized effective leadership as being grounded in three pillars: pursuing excellence, transcending the self, and advancing the common good. He stressed that excellence is not a single act but a sustained habit rooted in attention to detail, professional ethics, and integrity. He encouraged students to step beyond their comfort zones, build resilience by dealing with setbacks, and shift their focus from attaining personal success to creating value for society.
On the concept of the common good, Chen referenced Pope Francis, emphasizing that leaders must remain close to the people they serve— “bearing the smell of the sheep.” He noted that true success lies in leading a group to reach shared goals, and that trust is built through communication and empathy, ultimately linking individual achievement to sustainable societal development.
In his remarks, NTHU President W. John Kao pointed out that the Su Chun-hwai Lecture is not only a platform for distinguished speakers, but also a reflection of the university's commitment to cultivating future generations. He shared his long-standing connection with the lecture's founder, alumnus Chun-hwai Su, and praised his dedication to education. He also mentioned that Su had previously told him that the key to nurturing future talent lies not only in professional achievement, but also in holistic education.
President Kao further noted that leadership is an essential challenge students will face in their future careers, whether leading small teams or taking on greater responsibilities. He expressed gratitude to Chen for sharing his experiences and encouraged students to carry these leadership insights forward—embracing responsibility and striving for the common good.
During the Q&A session, the discussion focused on career choices, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public service. Chen advised students not to measure life solely by income, but to pursue what they are truly passionate about, encouraging them to “choose what you love, and love what you choose.” He also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration among Taiwan's academic and research institutions to enhance collective competitiveness. Reflecting on his commitment to public service, he emphasized that life's purpose extends beyond oneself, and calls for contributions that bring meaningful change to society.
The Su Chun-hwai Lecture was established through a donation from NTHU mathematics alumnus Chun-hwai Su , former Chief Statistician of New York City and current Overseas Community Affairs Council advisor. He is also the father of AMD CEO Lisa Su. In a recorded message, Su stated that the lecture series was established out of a deep concern for Taiwan and its education, with the goal of inviting accomplished figures from all walks of life to share their experiences. He expressed hope that the lectures will inspire young people to develop integrity, vision, and a strong sense of purpose.
Su has entrusted his nephew, Chen-chouTsai, Chairman of Sinho Investment Management Consulting Co., Ltd., to preside over the lecture series, with the expectation that his international financial expertise will support the program's development. Since its launch in 2025, the lecture series has featured distinguished speakers from diverse fields, including environmental advocate Li-Yi Tseng, Venerable Guo Kai, and tennis champion Yen-Hsun Lu, with the sessions also available via livestream.
Director of the Department of Mathematics, Jin-Cheng Jiang, noted that the university will continue to expand the lecture series, with the aim of fostering an interdisciplinary platform for dialogue that offers students diverse perspectives and inspiration.
Former Vice President Chien-Jen Chen greets the audience during the Su Chun-hwai Lecture at National Tsing Hua University on April 13.
NTHU President W. John Kao expressed his gratitude to Chien-Jen Chen for sharing his insights at the university and he encouraged students to carry the leadership perspectives they learned into their future endeavors.
NTHU Secretary-General Hong-Lin Chan (left) presented a commemorative plaque on behalf of the university to Chen-chou Tsai, Chairman of Sinho Investment Management Consulting Co., Ltd., and host of the Su Chun-hwai Lecture.
NTHU held the Su Chun-hwai Lecture on April 13, inviting former Vice President Chien-Jen Chen to speak on leadership. The lecture attracted a large audience of faculty, students, and members of the public.
Chen-chou Tsai, Chairman of Sinho Investment Management Consulting Co., Ltd., presented a commemorative plaque to former Vice President Chien-Jen Chen.
Founder of the Su Chun-hwai Lecture and NTHU alumnus Chun-hwai Su, currently based in the United States, delivered remarks via video, noting that the lecture series was established out of his deep commitment to Taiwan and education.
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