Holder of a master's degree in business administration from the University of Minnesota, Chang joined Chinatrust Commercial Bank (
As executive vice president of the bank's information management department, Chang, now in her early 50s, was notified of her new position in the first quarter last year.
Although she was one of the team members the bank sent on a tour in 2005 to learn from other countries' lotto businesses, her position still represents a tremendous challenge to her.
To stimulate sales, the firm plans to launch more marketing campaigns and a series of new products, in the hope that this year's sales can reach the NT$80 billion mark, she said.
This will be an uphill battle, as lotto sales declined last year to NT$74 billion, lower than the average NT$82.3 billion over the past five years.
In addition, as the firm has to pay NT$2.09 billion a year -- 10 times the floor price -- to the finance ministry, it will have to push the sales figure to at least NT$96 billion annually, the estimated break-even point.
Taiwan Lottery's performance during the next seven years will closely affect the livelihood of nearly 5,000 computerized lotto ticket vendors and 10,000 instant ticket sellers, as well as Chinatrust Financial's image.
Asked about future challenges, Chang replied philosophically.
"Luckily I have strong Christian beliefs, which will help support me through the difficult times," she said.
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