Taiwan's president has signalled a bigger national role ahead for Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai, a boost for the ruling party's bench ahead of upcoming elections.

• At a book launch about his six years running Kaohsiung, Chen was told by President Lai Ching-te that "a bigger microphone" awaits him once he leaves office.
• Chen dodged questions about his next job, saying his only goal is to finish his term properly and that career plans have never been predictable for him.
• The book frames Kaohsiung's turn from written-off industrial city to a tech hub with international links.
• The guest list read like a party roll call — former vice president Chen Chien-jen, Frank Hsieh, Chen Shih-chung, and the party's candidates for Taipei, New Taipei, and Chiayi.

Outlook: Expect Chen to be lined up for a senior national post or a bigger campaign role once his mayoral term ends.