Lesley Wei-chung Ma

Ma Weizhong, born in 1980, is the daughter of former Taiwanese leader Ma Ying-jeou and his wife Chou Mei-ching. She received her education in the United States, studying at Harvard University’s Department of Life Sciences, where she earned a master's degree. Afterwards, she stayed in the U.S. and attended New York University’s Museum Studies program, specializing in the field of art.

In her professional career, Ma Weizhong has worked as a project manager and interpreter at the studio of internationally renowned explosion art expert Cai Guoqiang. In May 2005, she participated in curation work at the Chinese Pavilion of the Venice Biennale with Cai Guoqiang, establishing herself in the international art scene. In October 2006, she accompanied Cai Guoqiang on a visit to Taiwan to assist in creating explosive sketches for Cloud Gate Dance Theatre’s piece “Wind Shadow.” In 2008, she participated in Taiwan’s “New Century Election” voting. Although she did not attend her father Ma Ying-jeou’s inauguration, her low-key demeanor drew widespread attention.

In 2022, according to Japanese media reports, Ma Weizhong was appointed as the first associate curator of Asian art at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, working within its Contemporary Art Department. She was expected to officially assume the position in April 2022. This marked an important step in her career development within the international art community.

Regarding her family background, Ma Weizhong is the eldest daughter in her family and demonstrated outstanding language talent from a young age. During her secondary school years, she repeatedly won first place in English speech contests in Taipei and excelled academically. Her father, Ma Ying-jeou, previously served as Taiwan’s Minister of Justice, focusing on anti-corruption efforts. Ma Weizhong leads a simple life, has a fondness for traditional Chinese culture, and often wears plain clothing such as jeans with flats, embodying a humble and modest style.

In the public eye, Ma Weizhong is regarded as a talented woman and a role model. Her beauty and talent were once ranked by Japanese magazines as the “Fourth Most Beautiful Heiress in the World.” During her studies at Harvard and in New York, she actively pursued academic and artistic endeavors, refusing to leverage her father’s political influence, and demonstrating an independent and professional attitude.

Regarding her personal life, Ma Weizhong married Harvard classmate Cai Peirang in 2012. After marriage, they reside in Hong Kong. She held a low-profile wedding in Taiwan, deliberately not inviting her father to avoid political overtones. Cai Peirang, born August 5, 1980, is also a Harvard graduate and works in finance in Hong Kong. The couple maintains a low profile and a good family relationship.

Additionally, Ma Weizhong has faced some online threats in Taiwan, with her safety being highly safeguarded. The public generally recognizes her for her low-key, simple image and regards her as an exemplary figure among children of political figures.