Christina Katsuse Student Ambassador Program

Imagine being seated at a round table with your own private room, and served delicious food to top it off. That’s exactly how today’s lunch proceeded, but even better: we were able to speak with Mr. Jason Lin, the executive vice president of the Formosa Plastics Corporation.

With a very dignified presence, Mr. Lin spoke to us about his job and his views about leadership and Taiwan. We were regaled with the history of how he managed the first Formosa plant in Texas, and how Taiwan now stands as one of the more accomplished countries in the world. Honesty, he stresses, is crucial to a leader and one of the most important characteristics one must have.(“But,” he winks, “no need to be too honest!”)

The lunch concluded, we gathered for a group photograph.

Integrity, honesty, professionalism, neutrality, efficiency, and excellence:these are the six traits that the individuals of Taiwan’s Examination Yuan emphasize, and we were also lucky enough to be able to meet with these great leaders today, including Mr. David Yea-Baang Hwang, Jame J.S. Lee, and Mr. Kuan Chung, the president of the Examination Yuan.

The interview was conducted in a very posh room; everyone had microphones and a very cushy chair!

Our interview started off with the classic question: What is your definition of a leader? The reply encompassed both the past and the present; “the leaders of the past ruled with power and authority, while the leaders of the present work together with others to bring out the potential in everyone else. The definition of a leader shifts across the ages.”  Also, encouragement for developing leaders was emphasized. Leaders should both receive and give out encouragement. Helpful advice was given to the children of the new generation: Stay healthy, seek a happy mind and heart, be thankful towards your family, and think about the future.

Our second interview was with Mr. Kao, the general manager of the Coca-Cola branch in Taiwan. With a very affable and energetic nature, Mr. Kao was a very vibrant presence in the meeting room. (We were allowed one drink each, with our choices varying from Fanta to the classic Coke.) Mr. Kao’s definition of a leader is one who starts from the basics and builds upon a solid foundation. Also, leaders must have perseverance, a strong vision, and a taste for challenge. “If you’re given three project choices, with project A very easy, project B slightly harder, and project C which is the most challenging of all, take challenge C!” Mr. Kao recommends letting yourself experience many facets of life to discover your calling, similar to Dr. Covey’s 8th habit: finding your voice. We wrapped up the interview with a photo session, similar to the others.

Overall, today was a very successful day for CKSAP.