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Shaoyi Lai

Shaoyi Lai

Table of Contents

Introduction
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Shaoyi Lai is a Psychological Operations Officer and former dedicated Public Affairs Officer, skilled at enhancing the military’s public image through innovative communications, including press releases, print materials, and digital resources. He excels in building strong relationships with media professionals and social influencers to effectively communicate defense policies.

In addition to his communication expertise, Shaoyi is highly knowledgeable in PRC’s Influence Operations and Operations in the Information Environment, leveraging his analytical and strategic skills to counter disinformation and shape public perception in complex geopolitical contexts. His insights into these fields reflect a deep understanding of the dynamic and evolving nature of modern information warfare.

Beyond his professional roles, Shaoyi enjoys exploring his creative side as an amateur website and graphic designer and occasionally dabbles in music, though he humbly acknowledges his limited talents.

📢 Pronounced Shàoyì in Mandarin

 Research Interests

  • Operations in the Information Environment
  • Information Advantages and Psychological Operations
  • Public Affairs and Media Relations
  • China Influence Operations
  • Public Opinions on Defense Policies
  • Media Literacy and Public Perception
  • International Relations and Regional Security

 Languages

  • Taiwanese Mandarin (Native)
  • Taiwanese (Fluent)
  • English (Advanced to Fluent)
  • Japanese (Rudimentary)

 Skills

  • HTML and CSS
  • PHP and MySQL
  • Data Visualization
  • Graphic Design
  • Typesetting
  • Localization

Education
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  1. National Defense University

    Aug 2014 - Jun 2016

    M.A. in Journalism

    GPA: 3.9 out of 4

    Thesis: Examining the User Attitudes toward Recruitment Center of National Armed Forces with Technology Acceptance Model

    Advisor: Wencheng Fu

    Extracurricular Activities

    • Served as the Chief of Multimedia Products at the 2015 MND News Summer Camp for High Schoolers, overseeing the production of multimedia content
    • Translated Chapter 4, “On the Move”, of the book “Computing without Computers” (Taiwanese Mandarin title: 不用電腦學程式), adapting complex concepts for local readers
    • Localized the video game “Gone Home” by The Fullbright Game Company into Taiwanese Mandarin, making it accessible to a broader audience
    • Adapted “Firefly”, a personal finance management application built on Laravel, for Taiwanese Mandarin speakers, enhancing user experience and accessibility

  2. National Defense University

    Jun 2008 - Jun 2012

    B.A. in Journalism

    GPA: 3.5 out of 4

    Extracurricular Activities

    • Served as the Intern Political Warfare Officer in the Cadet Corps, leading various strategic initiatives from Feb. 2011 to Feb. 2012
    • Acted as the College Flag Bearer in the Color Guard, representing the college in numerous ceremonial duties from Jul. 2011 to Jan. 2012
    • Participated in the 2012 University Communication Basketball Cup as a member of the departmental basketball team in May. 2012
    • Represented the Cadet Corps in visits to three prestigious U.S. military institutes (VMI, USMA, The Citadel) in Aug. 2010, enhancing international military relations
    • Led the Rock n’ Roll Club as Director, organizing events and managing club operations from Jul. 2010 to Jul. 2011
    • Participated as an assistant performer in the opening ceremony of the 2009 Summer Deaflympics at Taipei Stadium, Taiwan, in Sep 2009
    • Participated as a member of the Fu Hsing Kang Choir, performing in diverse venues from Oct. 2008 to Jun. 2009

Publications
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  • Shu–Min Hou, Wen-Cheng Fu, Shao–Yi Lai. “Exploring Information Warfare Strategies during the Russia–Ukraine War on Twitter.” The Korean Journal of Defense Analysis, 35(1): pp.19 - 44. DOI
    artificial intelligence
    hybrid war
    information warfare
    Twitter
    Russia–Ukraine war
    social media
  • Su-Yu Chou, Shaoyi Lai. 2015. “The influence of virtual presence—Internet word-of-mouth and the image of the army in disaster relief.” The Third Military News Forum.
  • Shaoyi Lai, Wenchun Kuo, Jenwei Wei, Chiahou Hung. 2015. “The current development and future recommendation to the online version of Youth Daily News.” The Third Military News Forum.

Experience
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  1. Psychological Operations Officer

    Sep 2024 - Now

    Army Command Headquarters

    Responsibilities

    • Coordinating international subject-matter experts exchanges
    • Mandarin Chinese and English Interpreter
    • Produce multimedia psychological operation products
    • Edit and compose governmental publications

  2. Battalion Counselor

    Aug 2023 - Sep 2024

    Army Command Headquarters

    Responsibilities

    • Mental health and career path consultant at the Service Battalion
    • Civil affairs and public relations within the area of operation
    • Media strategist for strengthening a positive military image

  3. Battalion Counselor

    Jul 2022 - Aug 2023

    3rd Regional Support Command

    Responsibilities

    • Mental health and career path consultant at the Medical Battalion
    • Organic and non-organic medical resources integration
    • Assist medic-related military training courses

  4. Public Affairs Officer

    Sep 2019 - Jun 2022

    Ministry of National Defense

    Responsibilities

    • Maintain information advantage and superiority
    • Engage with and coordinate civilian news outlets
    • Plan administrative affairs and comptroller budgets of the institute
    • Integrate Information and digital systems
    • Assist manager and campaigns developer with social media platforms
    • Aide-de-camp to the spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense

  5. Psychological Operations Officer

    Jul 2016 - Aug 2019

    Political Warfare Bureau

    Responsibilities

    • Produce multimedia psychological operation products
    • Edit and compose governmental publications
    • Serve as an interpreter in seminars, exercises, and subject-matter expert exchanges
    • Provide counseling and aid to active duties facing challenges of civil-to-military adaptation
    • Assist the commander in achieving their operational intentions
    • Assist international exchange programs

  6. Company Counselor and Platoon Leader

    Jul 2012 - Aug 2014

    Army 257th Infantry Brigade

    Responsibilities

    • Assist with basic military training for the Army and the Air Force
    • Produce multimedia products for significant events such as Parental Weekends, promotion ceremonies, unit documentaries, and service newspapers
    • Assist the commander in fulfilling their operational intentions

  7. Intern Correspondent

    May 2011 - Jun 2011

    The China Post

    Responsibilities

    • Compose captions and take photographs at significant political, entertainment, religious, and liberal arts events
    • Administrative supports

Military Certification
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  • Program on Terrorism and Security Studies, George C. Marshall European Center For Security Studies
  • Psychological Operations Qualification Course Certification, USAJFKSWCS - Jun 2018 [The Summary Report]
  • American Language Course, Defense Language Institute - Apr 2018
  • Captain Career Course, Political Warfare Education and Training Center - Dec 2017
  • Fire Manager Training, Army Engineering School - Nov 2012
  • Advanced Summertime Training, Army Infantry School - Aug 2010
  • Basic Summertime Training, Army Infantry School - Aug 2009
  • Basic Military Training, Army Infantry School - Aug 2008

Volunteer Activities
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  • Volunteer at Yunshui Community Development Association, Chiayi, Taiwan from Aug 2018 to Present
  • Music performer at Da-Wo Veterans Home in Jan 2012
  • Music performer at Banqiao Veterans Home in Jan 2011
  • Music performer at Taoyuan Veterans Home in Sep 2010
  • Documentary producer and community service at Da-Ai Indigenous Tribe in Aug 2009

Footprints
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🇹🇼Taiwan

🇯🇵Japan

🇺🇸United States

🇩🇪Germany

🇦🇹Austria