Taiwan election: Foxconn founder Terry Gou taps star-powered running mate to boost sluggish presidential bid
- Singer and actress Tammy Lai recently appeared in hit Netflix drama that helped spark #MeToo movement in Taiwan
- 60-year-old’s lack of political experience could be a drawback as Gou struggles to gain traction, expert says
Tammy Lai, a 60-year-old singer, author and actress who starred as a presidential candidate in a popular Netflix drama, will join Gou as he pursues the independent ticket in a four-way contest in which he trails all his opponents.
Calling her a multifaceted person who had enjoyed success as a performer as well as her new career as a popular life coach, Gou, who announced his bid to run as an independent last month, said in a news conference on Thursday that Lai was his clear choice in the race.
“I will rely on her female perspective to create a more equitable and balanced gender culture in Taiwan,” Gou said of Lai, who has a PhD in law from Jinan University in the Chinese mainland city of Guangzhou, and is a graduate of Harvard Kennedy School’s executive leadership programme.
“I will also leverage her expertise … to foster a peaceful and compassionate society in Taiwan,” Gou said, adding he could also lend Lai’s communication skills to build a consensus on the politically divided self-ruled island.
He said if elected, their team-up would “bring a fresh and new perspective to Taiwan.”
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Foxconn billionaire Terry Gou announces Taiwan presidential run as independent candidate