Chen Chi-mai

Chen Chi-mai is a Taiwanese physician and politician who has served as the mayor of Kaohsiung since August 24, 2020. He is the third person to hold the office, and his leadership has focused on public health, disaster preparedness, and international economic ties. Before entering politics, Chen practiced medicine, and that background continues to shape his policy priorities.

As mayor, Chen has steered Kaohsiung through major infrastructure projects and global tech partnerships. He has been a vocal advocate for the semiconductor industry and has led delegations to the United States to strengthen economic alliances. His administration is known for its emphasis on flood control, food safety, and sustainable urban development.

Chen's political career spans more than two decades, including service as a legislator, Executive Yuan spokesperson, and vice premier. He remains a prominent figure in the Democratic Progressive Party and is widely respected for his pragmatic, data-driven approach to governance. [edit]

Chen Chi-mai was born in Keelung, a port city in northern Taiwan, on December 23, 1964. Growing up in a working-class family, he developed an early interest in science and helping others. He pursued a medical degree at Chung Shan Medical University, where he graduated with an M.D. He then earned a master's degree in preventive medicine from the College of Public Health at National Taiwan University.

After completing his education, Chen worked as a physician, specializing in family medicine. His clinical experience gave him a firsthand understanding of public health challenges, which later influenced his political platform. He became involved in community health initiatives and eventually entered public service through the Democratic Progressive Party.

Chen's first major political role came in 2002 when he was elected to the Legislative Yuan. He represented a nationwide and overseas district, focusing on health policy and social welfare. His medical expertise made him a natural fit for committees dealing with healthcare reform, and he quickly gained a reputation as a diligent, detail-oriented legislator. [edit]

Chen Chi-mai's political career advanced steadily through the 2000s. He served as the Democratic Progressive Party's caucus secretary in the Legislative Yuan, and in 2005 he briefly acted as mayor of Kaohsiung after Frank Hsieh resigned to become premier. Although that stint was temporary, it gave him valuable executive experience.

He later became the spokesperson for the Executive Yuan and then deputy secretary-general of the Presidential Office. In 2018, Chen ran for mayor of Kaohsiung but lost to Han Kuo-yu. However, President Tsai Ing-wen appointed him vice premier in 2019, a role he held until June 2020 when he resigned to run in the special mayoral election.

Chen won the August 15, 2020 special election decisively, defeating the recall of Han Kuo-yu. Since taking office, he has focused on modernizing Kaohsiung's infrastructure, expanding its tech industry, and improving disaster resilience. In March 2026, he led a city delegation to the United States, meeting with Google and AT&T to strengthen semiconductor and digital ties. He has also championed food safety amendments and flood prevention measures. [edit]

Chen Chi-mai is perceived as a steady, technocratic leader who brings a physician's rationality to politics. He is often described as approachable and down-to-earth, frequently seen at community events and municipal meetings. His communication style is calm and data-driven, which contrasts with the more fiery rhetoric common in Taiwanese politics.

On social media, Chen maintains an active presence, sharing updates on city projects and behind-the-scenes moments. His YouTube channel features vlogs of his daily activities, from inspecting flood defenses to meeting with foreign investors. Fans appreciate his transparency and willingness to engage directly with citizens.

His public image has evolved from a policy wonk to a mayor with a clear vision for Kaohsiung's future. He is particularly popular among younger voters who value his focus on technology and innovation. [edit]

Chen Chi-mai's supporters are a dedicated and digitally savvy bunch, rallying around the mayor on Facebook and YouTube, where his official page and channel serve as hubs for policy updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his daily work. While they don't have a formal fandom name, they are known for their enthusiastic engagement, often sharing his posts and commenting on his initiatives. The mayor's approachable persona, whether he's jogging along the Love River or sampling oyster omelets at night markets, fosters a sense of camaraderie that transcends typical political support.

Despite this vibrant online community, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated Chen Chi-mai but currently places him outside the published rankings, meaning he does not hold a spot in the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This unranked status is a neutral observation, not a reflection of his impact in Taiwan, where he remains a prominent figure. His fame is largely regional, rooted in his governance and public health advocacy, rather than global celebrity. As of August 2026, iFANN's data indicates no formal ranking, and the fanbase has no documented name, just a loyal following that appreciates his steady, data-driven leadership.[edit]

Chen Chi-mai is known for his morning runs, often spotted jogging along the Love River in Kaohsiung. He is an avid reader of public health research and frequently cites studies in policy discussions. A self-described foodie, he enjoys exploring local night markets and has a particular fondness for oyster omelets. One lesser-known fact: Chen is a licensed physician and still holds a medical practice license, though he no longer sees patients. He once said he misses the direct connection with patients but finds public service equally rewarding. He is also a dog lover and has a beagle named 'Mochi' that occasionally appears in his social media posts. Chen's Facebook page has 24,700 subscribers, and his YouTube channel has amassed over 15.9 million views, making him one of the more digitally engaged mayors in Taiwan.

While there are no widely retold legends or viral moments tied to Chen, his electoral victory in the 2020 by-election, winning with 70% of the vote, is a story his supporters still recall with pride. It was a decisive mandate that underscored his popularity in Kaohsiung. Another memorable moment came when he was tipped for a central government role, sparking speculation and showing his influence beyond the city. These events, though not folklore, are part of the narrative that endears him to his base.[edit]

Chen Chi-mai keeps his family life private, and little is publicly known about his parents or siblings. He was born in Keelung and has mentioned in interviews that his father worked in the port, which instilled in him a strong work ethic. He is married, though his wife's name and profession are not widely reported. The couple has at least one child, but details are scarce.

Chen often speaks about the importance of family values and has cited his upbringing as a reason for his focus on social welfare policies. He is known to enjoy spending his limited free time with his family, though his demanding schedule as mayor leaves little room for leisure. [edit]

Chen Chi-mai is closely associated with the Democratic Progressive Party and has worked alongside President Tsai Ing-wen, former Premier Frank Hsieh, and other prominent Taiwanese politicians. He is also connected with international tech leaders through his efforts to boost Kaohsiung's semiconductor industry. [edit]

Chen Chi-mai is famously private about his personal life. Public records do not detail any dating history or romantic relationships prior to his marriage. He is believed to have been married for many years, though his wife's identity is not widely publicized. The couple has managed to keep their family life out of the media spotlight, which is rare for a politician of his stature.

As of 2026, Chen remains married, but his wife's name and occupation are not publicly known. He has not been linked to any romantic partners outside his marriage, and there have been no reports of separation or divorce. His focus remains on his duties as mayor, and he rarely discusses his personal life in interviews. [edit]

iFANN's editorial analysis currently estimates Chen Chi-mai's net worth at $5 million. His primary income comes from his government salary as mayor, which is publicly disclosed in Taiwan. Additionally, he has income from speaking engagements and book royalties; he has authored several books on public health and urban governance. Before entering politics, Chen had a successful medical career, which provided him with a comfortable financial foundation. He has invested in real estate and holds a modest portfolio of stocks and bonds. His financial disclosures show no major conflicts of interest, and he has been praised for his transparency. As a public servant, Chen's net worth has grown modestly over the years, reflecting his dedication to public service over personal wealth. His lifestyle is relatively simple, and he is known to donate a portion of his income to charitable causes.[edit]

Chen Chi-mai has not received major international awards, but he has been recognized for his public service in Taiwan. He was awarded the Order of Brilliant Star in 2020 for his contributions to government and public health. He has also been honored by local organizations for his work on urban development. [edit]