An administrative investigation has determined that Huai-Shing Yen, the former Associate Research Fellow at the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research (CIER), experienced workplace bullying. This conclusion marks a delayed but significant measure of justice for Yen. Da-Nien Liu, Senior Deputy Executive Director of the CIER, argues that society must look beyond individual accountability. The real challenge is preventing institutional failures from repeatedly driving away exceptional talent.
Yen dedicated her career to international trade negotiations, mastering global trade rules and interagency coordination. International negotiations rely on more than just tactical skills; they require long-term accumulated expertise in law, economics, industry, and policy research. Developing a seasoned negotiator often takes over a decade. Their true value lies not only in finalizing a single agreement but in building international trust and enhancing a country’s institutional competitiveness.
The global trade landscape has shifted rapidly in recent years. Competition has expanded beyond tariffs and market scale to encompass digital trade, AI, supply chain resilience, investment screening, and economic security. Nations are now competing on institutional quality and governance capabilities as much as industrial strength. Therefore, establishing a stable, professional trade negotiation team has become critical for boosting national competitiveness.
Senior Deputy Executive Director Liu noted that Yen remained deeply committed to Taiwan’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). Joining the CPTPP is about more than lowering tariffs. This illustrates Taiwan’s integration into high-quality global trade standards, which strengthens its market position and fosters ongoing institutional reform. It also demonstrates a commitment to a free and open economic order. However, CPTPP accession is not a one-time negotiation. It is a systematic process that demands cultivating specialized talent, refining institutional frameworks, and sustaining international cooperation.
This incident underscores Taiwan’s urgent need to accelerate the development of a comprehensive trade negotiation framework. First, the government must establish a national-level talent cultivation mechanism that offers clear career paths, cross-agency experience, and practical international training to maintain a stable talent pool. Second, it must strengthen interagency coordination to improve policy integration and ensure continuity in major negotiations. Third, Taiwan must deepen its research on global trade rules by pooling resources from the government, industry, and think tanks, ultimately enhancing its ability to shape international standards. Finally, authorities must foster an administrative culture that respects professionalism and ensures fairness, improving workplace support and grievance procedures to create an environment that retains and nurtures talent.
True justice for Yen should not end with an investigation report or individual disciplinary actions. It requires using the lessons of this event to drive institutional reform and build a stronger trade governance system. Taiwan can only transform its unfinished vision into long-term national progress by continuously cultivating negotiation talent, refining its institutional design, and steadily participating in global trade. These efforts will ensure that future professionals dedicated to public service can work in a supportive environment that values their expertise.
Author: Da-Nien Liu, Senior Deputy Executive Director, Center for International Trade Policy, CIER
Date: July 1, 2026