From Precision to Performance: Driving Metro Excellence in Taipei
From shaping major transport infrastructure projects to leading a world-class metro system, Chairman Shiao-Lien Chao has spent more than 30 years advancing urban mobility in Taiwan.
A graduate of the Institute of Transportation at National Chiao Tung University, he has held senior roles in high-speed rail and in transport departments within city governments, bringing together experience in transportation management and operations.
In this UITP Asia-Pacific Spotlight interview, Mr Chao shares reflections on the habits, motivations, and leadership mindset that underpin Taipei Metro’s reputation for safety, reliability, and continuous improvement.
What quality best describes you?
Dare to try, and pursue every goal with unwavering perseverance.
What is a stress buster for you?
For me, reading novels is the best way to recharge. I have a particular passion for historical fiction, ‘wuxia’, and detective stories — genres that constantly open my mind to perspectives and lines of reasoning I would never have arrived at on my own. This process of breaking free from habitual thinking is precisely what sparks my creative inspiration at work, and helps me form insights and judgements that are distinctly my own.
Which part of your daily routine do you look forward to?
The two hours I spend in the office each morning, when I arrive just after six o’clock, are the most treasured part of my day. Before the phones start ringing and the messages begin to pour in, the space belongs entirely to me. It’s a time to slow down and reflect — reviewing what could have been done better the previous week, mapping out priorities for the week ahead, and sometimes sketching out the longer-term vision for the organisation.
What keeps you motivated?
What keeps me moving forward is the deep sense of fulfilment that comes from turning a vision into reality — especially when that vision involves challenges others have never attempted, deemed impossible, or simply never imagined.
Which aspect of your organisation’s work culture do you value most?
Taipei Metro’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, and friendly transportation services while pursuing sustainable development. Every Friday, we hold a technical review meeting to examine each operational incident from the preceding week. We proactively conduct horizontal checks and rigorously investigate root causes to formulate effective improvement measures. It is this spirit of continuous improvement that underpins Taipei Metro’s ability to maintain world-class safety and operational performance.
