He earned a master's degree in public administration and policy at National Chung Hsing University and taught at multiple elementary schools.

[5] Chien was first elected to the Legislative Yuan in 2008 with 26.86% of the vote, to serve alongside Kao Chin Su-mei and Kung Wen-chi [zh] in the three-member Highland Aborigine district.

[14] Upon appeal in January 2019, Chien's penalty was reduced, and he was acquitted in April of that year by the Kaohsiung branch of the Taiwan High Court.

[15] Chien did not run in the 2020 legislative elections, and was succeeded in office by Wu Li-hua in 2020, who contested the seat on behalf of the Democratic Progressive Party.

[16] Chien coauthored an amendment to the Mountain Slope Conservation and Utilization Act in 2012 that led to criticism from many aboriginal rights groups.

[28] Chien Tung-ming, who had required regular kidney dialysis late in his life, died at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital on 11 March 2024, at the age of 72.