TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Deputy Chief Representative of the Office of Trade Negotiations, Yen Huai-shing (顏慧欣), passed away due to illness earlier this month.
Yen was 53 years old when she passed away on March 12, but news of her death was not made public until her funeral on March 22. Allegations have since emerged that she suffered mistreatment and workplace bullying from superiors, reported UDN.
Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) on Friday said the government will investigate reports of workplace mistreatment. A committee formed by the Cabinet’s Safety and Health Protection Committee will conduct the investigation and consult with Yen’s colleagues to deal with the emotional impact of her passing.
Colleagues at the Office of Trade Negotiations remember Yen as a talented professional who performed admirably in trade negotiations throughout her career, notably in last year’s negotiations with Washington to lower tariffs. In a social media post, the American Institute in Taiwan expressed condolences, noting Yen’s dedication to deepening the partnership between Taiwan and the US.
Before joining the Office of Trade Negotiations in May 2024, Yen worked as the director of the Taiwan-US Affairs Committee at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She submitted her resignation letter at the trade office over the Lunar New Year holidays, citing illness as the primary reason, per UDN.
Vice-Premier Cheng Li-chun (鄭麗君), who worked closely with her during negotiations in the US, was visibly distraught when asked by journalists about Yen. Cheng said she deeply respected Yen and is filled with sadness at the news of her death.
Chief Representative for Trade Negotiations Yang Jen-ni (楊珍妮) declined to comment on claims of workplace harassment targeting Yen, per UDN. Cho pledged that the Cabinet will make a public statement after the investigation is completed.
