Controversy Over Chiang’s Overseas Exchange Placement: Chiang Wan-an Says He Will Reject Public Subsidy

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said his son, Chiang Te-li, will give up the public subsidy attached to a yearlong overseas student exchange after the placement sparked controversy over possible conflicts of interest.

Chiang Te-li, known by the nickname “Dabao,” passed the Taipei Department of Education's international exchange student program and qualified for support to study in the United States or Canada. The controversy centered on whether the family had adequately avoided a conflict of interest.

In a Facebook post, Chiang Wan-an said his son applied under the same publicly announced rules as other students and went through the formal selection process. He said he had not intervened at any stage. Chiang Te-li, he added, met the eligibility requirements and followed the required procedures.

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I am proud of him.

The mayor said his son had received no special treatment because of his family and had earned the place through his own efforts. After discussing the matter with his wife and son, he said, the family decided that Chiang Te-li would not take the education department's subsidy.

Chiang Wan-an said public figures should accept the strictest scrutiny, but argued that his son's prospects should not be restricted simply because his father is Taipei's mayor. Chiang Te-li plans to take a year away from school to see the world, and his parents said they would respect and support that choice.

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I am willing to accept all scrutiny.