TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's President-elect William Lai and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang are among TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2024. Lai is listed in the Leaders category, while Huang is recognized as an Innovator.
The profile on Lai was penned by Jon Huntsman, former U.S. ambassador to China and Russia and governor of Utah. Huntsman noted that Lai is set to take office in May, becoming Taiwan's next president.
Presidential Office spokesperson Lin Yu-chan said TIME's recognition of Lai as one of the year's most influential figures, introduced as "Taiwan's next President," affirms the democratic achievements the Taiwanese have collectively strived for.
Lin pointed out that President Tsai Ing-wen was also selected in 2020, with her recommendation written by U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.
The spokesperson stated that Lai will bear the responsibility of defending Taiwan's democracy in the future, maintaining regional peace, stability, and prosperous development in collaboration with like-minded countries.