[Finance] Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh's 'Impossible Mission' 10 Years Ago Upon Returning to Taiwan; Tsai Ing-wen: 'It's Good to Have You Home'

The Academia Sinica held a handover ceremony for its 13th outgoing and new president today (18th). Outgoing President Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh stated in his speech that taking office felt like executing an 'Impossible Mission,' but it has now become 'Mission Incredible.' Former President Tsai Ing-wen thanked Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh for deciding to 'come home to help' back then, emphasizing, 'It's good to have you home.' #Listen to reporter Yang Wen-chun's report# Academia Sinica held its presidential handover ceremony on the 18th. In his speech, outgoing President Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh recalled that when he was invited back to Taiwan to take over Academia Sinica in 2016, he faced multiple challenges including high societal expectations, intensifying international scientific research competition, and the transformation of the academic environment. At the time, he even felt it was almost like the movie 'Mission Impossible.' However, completing this mission required many 'Mission Invisible' efforts behind the scenes, including institutional reforms, conceptual innovation, and long-term projects for transforming research culture. Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh stated that over the past decade, Academia Sinica has promoted reforms in its evaluation and promotion systems, introduced narrative-based resumes, strengthened interdisciplinary research and international cooperation, and actively deployed in cutting-edge research fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and net-zero transitions, while also completing the construction of its southern campus. Looking back today, Academia Sinica has become 'Mission Incredible.' He said: '(Original sound) If taking on the presidency 10 years ago felt like facing a 'Mission Impossible,' then looking back today, the most gratifying aspect is seeing many of those seemingly 'impossible missions' gradually take shape and become Academia Sinica's 'Mission Incredible.'' Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh also announced that he will return to Academia Sinica's Institute of Biochemistry as a distinguished research fellow, continuing his academic research and supporting the development of Academia Sinica in a different capacity. In her speech, former President Tsai Ing-wen recounted Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh's significant achievements during his tenure. She emotionally recalled that when Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh decided to return to Taiwan to take over the presidency 10 years ago, he said it was 'a family matter, coming home to help,' demonstrating the integrity of scholars stepping up when the nation needs them. She thanked Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh for his contributions over the past decade. She said: '(Original sound) So today, I want to say to President Yeh, 10 years ago you said it was a family matter, coming home to help; 10 years later, we want to say it's good to have you home. Thank you for your commitment and selfless dedication over the past 10 years.' Tsai Ing-wen also humorously remarked that seeing Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh's now gray hair made her feel somewhat guilty. She specifically confirmed with the incoming president, Chen Chien-jen, whether Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh had any gray hair when he first arrived at Academia Sinica. Upon receiving the answer, 'only a little bit of gray hair back then,' she felt she owed Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh even more. She also expressed hope that Academia Sinica and Taiwanese society can continue to benefit from Leon Chien-Chuan Yeh's participation and assistance in the future.