Former Culture Minister Shih Che has been named the new chairman of the
Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation.

He replaces James Zheng, who has been appointed chairman of Taiwan Railway
Corporation.

Shih served as a Kaohsiung deputy between 2016 and 2023 and has been a
minister-without-portfolio since May 2024.

According to Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai, Shih was chosen for his
experience and will oversee the high-speed rail as its set to begin
construction of extensions, including a section from Kaohsiung to Pingtung.

Chen says he was picked for his ideas in marketing Kaohsiung, including
attracting global artists, such as Cold Play, Maroon 5 and Kylie Minogue, to
perform in city on their tours.

Meanwhile, James Zheng will be replacing Du Wei as head of the Taiwan Railway
Corporation after Du resigned from that post in March.