Advisory Board Member: Leo Chen, Taiwan
Leo Chen: Advancing Financial Literacy Through Leadership and Education
Leo Chen, Certified Financial Education Instructor (CFEI®), holds a Master’s degree in Management from Webster University along with PMI-PMP® and ACP® project management certifications. A retired LTC military officer; native of Taichung, Taiwan; and CEO/Cofounder of LiYang International Education Consulting (立洋國際教育顧問有限公司), Leo feels a strong commitment to bringing the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC)’s evidence-based financial education model to the Asia-Pacific region. He recognizes the growing need for financial education in this market and hopes to bridge those gaps through collaboration with the NFEC.
Leo developed his passion for personal finance education after observing firsthand how lack of financial literacy affects people’s lives – from crippling debt, to fraud, to uninformed life decisions. He believes financial wellness is more than simply managing money; it’s about empowering people to make confident decisions that secure their futures and allow them to live with purpose. Chen’s primary niche is delivering financial education for children aged 5-17 and their families in Taiwan’s Taichung and Changhua regions.
Military Leadership Inspiring Financial Education
Leo Chen brings decades of leadership, service, and global perspective to the mission of advancing financial literacy worldwide. A retired military officer, Chen served in a variety of leadership roles throughout his distinguished career, including three years in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he represented Taiwan as an overseas defense attaché.
His international experience provided firsthand insight into the factors that contribute to strong, resilient communities and prosperous nations. During his service abroad, Leo observed how financial education empowers individuals to make informed decisions, build economic stability, and contribute to long-term national resilience. These experiences helped shape his belief that financial literacy is not simply a personal skill – it is a foundational life competency that benefits families, communities, and society as a whole.
Addressing the Need for Financial Literacy in Taiwan
Leo became dedicated to financial education after identifying a significant challenge within Taiwan’s education system. Despite 12 years of compulsory education, many Taiwanese students graduate without receiving structured financial literacy instruction. As a result, young adults often enter college or careers without the practical money management skills needed to navigate the budgeting, saving, investing, credit, debt, and long-term financial planning decisions they’ll face as young adults.
Recognizing this gap, Leo became committed to helping families and young people develop the financial knowledge and behaviors that promote lifelong success. His goal is to ensure that future generations have access to financial education tools and resources that empower them to make confident financial decisions. His mission is simple: to give every child and teen the financial foundation that schools never taught. “Financial capability is not a privilege, it is a right,” Chen says.
Leo Chen: Advancing Financial Literacy Through Leadership and Education
To help expand access to financial education in Taiwan, Leo co-founded LiYang International Education Consulting alongside his wife, Queena, an experienced children’s financial literacy instructor and the organization’s lead educator.
Together, they have created a family-centered approach to financial literacy that emphasizes practical application, engagement, and developing positive financial habits. Their shared vision is to make financial education accessible and enjoyable with maximum impact for learners of all ages.
Building Financial Literacy Programs for Children and Families
Since founding LiYang International Education Consulting in 2026, Leo and Queena have established a growing presence within Taiwan’s financial education community. Their programs are designed to help children and families develop essential money management skills through interactive and experiential learning. Highlights of LiYang’s accomplishments include:
Rather than relying solely on traditional classroom instruction, LiYang financial literacy programs incorporate hands-on financial experience games, educational board games, and engaging financial literacy presentations. This approach helps participants connect financial concepts to real-life situations while developing capability to make confident, informed financial decisions.
The organization’s programs focus on building healthy financial habits, encouraging critical thinking, and helping participants understand the long-term impact of everyday money choices. By making financial learning interactive and memorable, Leo and Queena help transform complex financial concepts into practical life skills.
A Vision for the Future of Global Financial Wellness
Leo Chen remains dedicated to advancing financial literacy in Taiwan and supporting efforts to equip young people with the financial knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly complex economic environment. Through LiYang International Education Consulting, he continues to advocate for greater awareness of financial education, empowering children, families, and communities to build stronger financial futures.
His unique combination of military leadership, international experience, and commitment to education positions him as a respected advocate for financial literacy and a driving force in expanding access to meaningful financial education opportunities throughout Taiwan.
International Financial Educators Council Board Details
The International Financial Educators Council Advisory Board Members drive our push to build sustainable, scalable economic empowerment programs that affect people’s lives at the community level. Our Advisory Board Members share their knowledge and expertise to guide financial wellness programs and donations to community members.
Our Board Members are professionals who have successfully passed a rigorous selection process and have proven their commitment to supporting the growth of sustainable financial wellness programming in their communities. Board members possess these traits:
Dedication
A demonstrated deep passion for raising financial wellness, empowering people, and strengthening whole communities with financial education.
Contribution
Minimum contributions of time, active participation, and communication are required of individuals and organizations selected to serve on the Advisory Board.
Integrity
Board members are individuals with a proven history of providing ethical, honest service in their local communities and maintaining strong professional values.
