Deputy Director-General of National Police Agency (NPA), Ms. Mei-Ling Liao, has been honored with the 2025 Leadership Award by the International Association of Women Police (IAWP). On September 8, 2025, Deputy Director-General Liao personally attended the IAWP Annual Awards Presentation held in Glasgow, United Kingdom, where she accepted the prestigious award as Taiwan’s highest-ranking female police officer. The ceremony was witnessed by over 400 law enforcement professionals and fellow awardees from around the world. Ms. Liao also delivered an acceptance speech at the event.
This year, nearly 200 nominees from across the globe were considered for the IAWP awards. After a rigorous selection process conducted by the IAWP Board and Awards Committee, Deputy Director-General Liao stood out among the nominees and was ultimately awarded the Leadership Award, marking a proud moment for Taiwan’s police force on the international stage.
According to the IAWP, the award recognizes women in law enforcement who play critical roles in policing, not only by ensuring public safety but also by demonstrating care and professionalism in community service. As the first female Deputy Director-General in the history of NPA, Ms. Liao has been a trailblazer in the field of law enforcement. Her steadfast and empathetic leadership has significantly advanced Taiwan’s efforts in women and children's safety as well as cybersecurity, contributing to a safer society overall. Her outstanding achievements and dedication exemplify the core values of the IAWP and serve as a source of inspiration for others.
In her acceptance speech, Deputy Director-General Liao emphasized that this honor belongs not only to her but also to all members of the Taiwan police force who work tirelessly to safeguard the nation. She reflected on her past experience in promoting women and children's safety, which reinforced her belief in the importance of inter-agency collaboration and community engagement. She cited “communication, listening, and mutual trust” as the key pillars of her leadership philosophy.
Amid rapid technological advancements, Liao has also been a strong advocate for digital transformation in policing and cybersecurity development, drawing upon international best practices to enhance Taiwan’s digital policing capabilities. Looking ahead, she expressed her commitment to supporting more women in public service, empowering them to take on leadership roles and contribute to a safer and more hopeful society.
