Director-General, Water Resources Agency, MOEA

Yuan-Peng Lin

Director-General Lin Yuan-peng holds a master's degree in civil engineering from National Taiwan University and has over 30 years of experience in the water resources sector. Since being appointed Director-General of the Water Resources Agency in March 2025, he has focused on 'New Flood Control, New Water Supply, and Reduced Water Leakage' as his core objectives. He is dedicated to leveraging AI technology to strengthen Taiwan's water management and create a more resilient and sustainable future.

Throughout his career, Director-General Lin has held numerous key positions within the Water Resources Agency, including Deputy Director-General, Chief Engineer, and Division Director, demonstrating a deep commitment to the development of Taiwan's water resources.

Vice Minister Ministry of Economic Affairs

Dr. Chien-Hsin Lai

Dr. Chien-Hsin Lai, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, has over 30 years of public service and engineering leadership. Starting at the Water Resources Agency (WRA) in 1992, he served as Director-General from 2016 to 2024. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Conservation from National Chung Hsing University, and completed programs at UC Berkeley and Harvard Kennedy School. A licensed hydraulic and soil conservation engineer, Dr. Lai has led major national initiatives, including Taiwan’s net-zero strategy, renewable energy development, and critical drought responses in 2021 and 2023. His reforms to the Water Act and promotion of nature-based solutions highlight his commitment to resilience and sustainability. Recognized with the Presidential Innovation Award and Civil Service Outstanding Contribution Award, Dr. Lai also elevated the WRA to global leadership in carbon reduction, securing PAS 2080 certification. His vision and dedication continue to shape Taiwan’s sustainable future.

Board of directors, Executive Management,
International Water Association

Dr. Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy

Dr. Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy is a globally recognized expert in water resource management, specializing in urban water systems. With a strong engineering background and extensive international experience, he has worked closely with major organizations such as the World Bank, UN-Habitat, UNESCO, and the EU, leading numerous urban water projects worldwide.

Prior to leading the International Water Association, he was Deputy Director General at the International Water Management Institute and founding Dean of the Patel College of Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida. He has held academic positions at the University of Birmingham, UNESCO-IHE, and currently serves as an adjunct professor at IIT Madras.