The decision by President Ma Ying-jeou to finally accept the resignation of Wong Chi-huey, the President of Academia Sinica, marks a somber end to a period of unprecedented controversy for Taiwan’s highest research institution.
Wong, a world-renowned scientist, became embroiled in the OBI Pharma scandal, where allegations of insider trading and conflict of interest involving his family’s shareholdings surfaced. While Wong maintained his innocence, the public perception of the integrity of Academia Sinica was severely damaged.
Ma’s acceptance of the resignation, though delayed by Wong’s initial refusal to step down and his subsequent “leave of absence” in the US, was a necessary step toward restoring the institution’s credibility. It reinforces the principle that those who lead our most prestigious academic bodies must be above suspicion, not just in their scientific work but also in their ethical conduct.
The “Wong Chi-huey incident” serves as a warning about the blurring lines between high-level academia, corporate interests, and political power. When academic brilliance is used as a shield for questionable financial dealings, the entire foundation of public trust in expertise is undermined.
As Wong departs, Academia Sinica faces the difficult task of soul-searching and reform. For the Republic of China, it’s a reminder that no amount of international prestige can compensate for a lack of transparency and accountability at home.
Postscript: Wong Chi-huey was later acquitted of all charges in 2018, but the debate over the intersection of science and business ethics continues.