How the Times Changed Course: Tsai Ing-wen and Eight Years of Taiwan's Transformation

　　Over the past eight years, the world has experienced upheaval and immense changes.
　　Taiwan has also undergone fundamental transformations and growth.
　　Have we, in this era, written our own narrative?

　　Interviews with over thirty political aides, political appointees, and people from various sectors
　　Presenting the individuals and stories during this period of transition.

　　"Her greatest strength is that she is different from everyone else."
　　Described by a veteran French journalist as an "unconventional politician," and by her aides as a "policy wonk."

　　In the summer of 2009, she initiated discussions on the "Ten-Year Policy Blueprint," covering economic transformation, pension reform, long-term care, health and welfare, new agriculture, national defense, and foreign affairs. By 2016, over 200 scholars and experts had contributed ideas, and 60 to 70 scholars actively participated in writing the white papers. At that time, Taiwan faced challenges such as a low-wage structure, difficulties in industrial transformation, an aging society, impending bankruptcy of the pension system, an urgent need to balance urban and rural infrastructure, and the impact of international geopolitics.

　　After the change in ruling parties, everyone wondered: Where would such a president lead Taiwan?
　　And would Taiwan's vibrant social forces since the lifting of martial law have the opportunity to shape an ideal nation?

　　Pension reform, Forward-looking Infrastructure, energy transition, marriage equality, indigenous submarine development... Each reform was like completing a mission in a difficult war zone, progressively opening new chapters and achieving results. Furthermore, Taiwan delivered economic growth amidst a pandemic that ravaged the world for several years...

　　"Have you noticed? What is the subject of her speeches? It's 'we'."

　　Eight years are coming to an end, and Taiwan has undergone many transformations. However, this book is less a report card of her achievements and more about the changes collectively brought about by many people, and the stories behind these changes—it's like stepping behind the scenes of her administration, observing the dynamics behind events, and understanding these transformations within the context of a larger global stage and historical backdrop.

　　In a world of constant change, this is the story of eight years that we have collectively experienced on this island.

　　These eight years represent the "Grand Planning Era" of democratic Taiwan.
　　Scholars, political appointees, aides, social activists, grand justices... and you, who are reading this text,
　　We have all, in our respective positions, collectively participated in shaping the future.

　　List of interviewees for "How the Times Turned: Tsai Ing-wen and Eight Years of Taiwan's Transformation" (in order of stroke count of surnames):
　　Yu Mei-nu, Wang Fa-chuan, Shih Che, Chiang Chun-nan, Lu Hsin-chieh, Lee To-tsai, Lee Chun-yi, Lee Hou-ching, Lee Huai-jen, Shen Jong-chin, Lin Chuan, Lin Wan-yi, Lin He-ming, Wu Ye-min, Joseph Wu, Hua Ching-chun, Shih Ke-ho, Sun You-lien, Chen Chi-chung, Chen Shih-chung, Chen Chun-lin, Huang Chung-yen, Huang Li-chun, Chang Chen-ya, Chang Ching-sen, Chang Sheng-han, Pan Wen-chung, Liu Chien-hsin, Cheng Yi-lin, Cheng Li-chun, Hsiao Bi-khim, Frank Hsieh, Chung Ru-yu, Chu Hsin-yi, Lo Jung, Kung Ming-hsin