Source: All Taipei newspapers

July 15, 2014

 

Education Minister Chiang Wei-ling (蔣偉寧) is allegedly linked to academic paper irregularities involving Chen Chen-yuan (陳震遠), a former associate professor at National Pingtung University of Education, who falsified peer reviews to facilitate the publication of his articles in the Journal of Vibration and Control (JVC). During a press conference held yesterday, July 14, Chiang announced his resignation. Chiang stated that after having contemplated the entire night, he decided to resign to protect his reputation, and so that the ministry could continue to implement important policies, as well. The Presidential Office and the Executive Yuan (Cabinet) both later issued statements expressing their full understanding of Chiang’s decision.

 

Chiang served as Education Minister for more than two years and five months, making him the longest-serving education minister under the Ma administration. Chiang said that “Being a minister is like running in a relay. I’ve completed my part. I have no regrets.” Chiang said that he would return to his teaching position at National Central University, where he had previously served as president for three years. 

 

In addition, Chen Chen-yuan (陳震遠) told the press that he would not make any public statements until the Education Ministry and prosecutors began their investigations, adding that he was willing to be investigated. Since fabricating peer reviews involves document forgery, a criminal offense, Pingtung District Prosecutors Office reportedly assigned prosecutors yesterday to handle the case.