Health Minister Chen Shih-chung, one of Taiwan’s most popular politicians, has been in the spotlight over the past few months. Since the first case of COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China late last December, Chen has been charged with containing the viral pneumonia outbreak in Taiwan. Thanks to his efforts, the government has succeeded in keeping the novel coronavirus at bay. To date, Taiwan has reported 449 confirmed infections in total, of which only seven have been fatal. 

Before the outbreak was brought under control in early June, Chen and his team gave a press conference every day, updating the public on the latest developments. The dentist-turned-politician was on TV, in the newspapers, and on social media as well. He went weeks on end without a single day off. Chen’s tireless efforts have not only won him praise from the public, but have also turned him into a rising political star. 

A poll done on behalf of Taiwan Brain Trust, a group with ties to President Tsai’s Democratic Progressive Party, showed in early May that Chen is the most popular government minister, with a 94% approval rating. The public views him favorably because of his work containing the COVID-19 pandemic.