Kuo Tien-kuei, Former Kaohsiung City Government Secretary-General, Appointed New Chairman of iPASS Corporation

iPASS Corporation issued a press release today (the 11th) announcing that its extraordinary board meeting has appointed Kuo Tien-kuei, who recently retired as Secretary-General of the Kaohsiung City Government, as its new chairman. Kuo will lead iPASS in expanding its payment applications and shaping a new era of digital finance.

The previous acting chairman, Liao Tai-hsiang, Director of Kaohsiung City's Economic Development Bureau, has concurrently stepped down from the role.

Kuo Tien-kuei brings extensive public sector experience, having served as Director-General of the Maritime and Port Bureau at the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, CEO of Taiwan Port Corporation, Chairman of Kaohsiung Port Land Development Company, and Deputy Director of Kaohsiung City's Cultural Affairs Bureau. His deep understanding of government regulations, personnel systems, and administrative operations is expected to support the integration and sustainable development of stored-value cards and electronic payment accounts across sectors such as social welfare, public transportation, carbon reduction and sustainability, public health, venue management, commercial district marketing, and fee payments.

During his tenure at institutions including the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, port land development companies, and the Kaohsiung Music Center, Kuo accumulated rich experience in coordinating central government resources, managing commercial spaces, and integrating cultural events with economic activities. Notably, he played a key role in facilitating the establishment of the Asia Asset Management Center’s Kaohsiung Special Zone by coordinating various municipal departments. His comprehensive background is expected to accelerate iPASS’s cross-sector collaborations, expand usage scenarios, integrate public and private resources, and help design forward-looking financial products and innovative services.

iPASS Corporation will leverage Kuo’s cross-domain governance and industry expertise to enhance its brand influence, positioning iPASS as an indispensable player in smart cities, financial innovation, and sustainable development. The company aims to strengthen its role as a foundational payment infrastructure and deepen its presence in Taiwan’s diverse payment market.

In his statement, Kuo expressed appreciation for Liao Tai-hsiang’s leadership. Since assuming the role on August 25, 2022, Liao successfully advanced iPASS’s digital transformation and sustainability initiatives. With his deep municipal and industry experience, keen market insights, and strategic foresight, he strengthened iPASS’s partnerships across sectors and expanded its payment applications and business opportunities.

Under Liao’s leadership, iPASS emerged as one of Taiwan’s leading electronic payment brands by user count, surpassing 7.25 million users—a 40% increase. The number of issued stored-value cards exceeded 54 million, growing by approximately 33%.

A major milestone was the independence of the iPASS MONEY electronic payment service. The iPASS MONEY app successfully integrated stored-value card and e-payment functions into a comprehensive mobile payment platform. In January of this year, the team achieved full operational independence for iPASS MONEY, no longer relying on LINE’s infrastructure. This marks 2026 as iPASS’s 'Year of Electronic Payment Independence,' launching a new era of autonomous, stable, and diversified digital financial services.