Oliver Lin


Taiwan Design Research Institute


Taiwan (Chinese Taipei)


Promotional Member

As a VP at TDRI, I have successfully bridged the gap between government bodies and industrial entities, promoting circular design principles and contributing to Taiwan’s progress in achieving the UN’s SDGs. As a WDO Board Member, I bring valuable experience to foster global collaboration, innovation, and strategic development. Together, we can drive the design community towards transformative breakthroughs and meaningful contributions to the solutions economy and the UN SDGs.

My strong partnership with WDO is demonstrated by notable collaborations, such as co-organizing the prestigious 2011 IDA Congress and leading World Design Capital Taipei 2016 as the chief director. These experiences have showcased the power of design as a catalyst for positive change. And I have fostered partnerships between government bodies, private enterprises, educational institutions, and young talents.

I will leverage my extensive network and international experiences to strengthen connections with the global design community. TDRI’s MOUs with 52 design-related organizations worldwide provide ample opportunities for collaboration and multidisciplinary approaches. Drawing on the expertise of my team at TDRI, we will advance design policy, conduct groundbreaking research, and spearhead transformative initiatives that align with WDO’s mission.

  • Chief director of the World Design Capital® (WDC) Taipei 2016
  • Chief director of 2011 IDA Congress in Taipei
  • Manager, Taipei Design Center, Tokyo & Osaka Branch Office
  • Advisor of Industrial Design-Driven Innovation Project, EX: ACER, Carrefour, Pegatron
  • Jury for Demark Award (Thailand), IGDS (Indonesia), Design Excellent Award (India), Craft Design Award (Japan), Vmark Award (Vietnam), Multiple Design Award in China & Hong Kong
  • Vice President of Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI)
  • Vice President of Taiwan Design Alliance (TdA)
  • Chief director of 2025 World Expo @ Osaka, Taiwan Pavilion
  • Chief director of the 2023 International HAKKA EXPO
  • Adjunct professor at Tatung University
  • Distinguished Alumni of Tatung University (Industrial Design), Taiwan, 2017
  • Master of Design, University of Cincinnati, USA,1991-1993
  • Bachelor of Industrial Design, Tatung University, Taiwan, 1982-1986
  • Mandarin
  • English
  • Japanese