[ Media Coverage ] Edward Yang Awarded Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from NCHU
2024-1-5 Alumni Center, NCHU
On January 5, 2024, Edward Yang, chairman of GOODWAY Group, was awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering from National Chung Hsing University in recognition of the outstanding entrepreneur's selfless contribution to society and his alma mater, and in recognition of his more than 50 years of dedication to the machine tool industry and his efforts to boost the international competitiveness of Taiwan's machine tool industry.
Edward Yang earned his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from National Chung Hsing University in 1969, as a member of the department's second graduating class. He later obtained his EMBA master's degree from the same university in 2013, maintaining a connection with the institution for nearly six decades. Chairman Mr. Yang, a self-made entrepreneur, founded GOODWAY in 1975. Applying his academic knowledge, he established the GOODWAY Group in 2008, which includes AWEA and EXTRON. The group is now one of Taiwan's largest machine tool manufacturers. Additionally, he previously served as Chairman of the Precision Machinery Development Association and the Taichung Industrial Park Manufacturers' Association. In 2007, he rallied industry peers to establish the TMBA, serving as its founding chairman to elevate Taiwan's machine tool industry in the global market.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Edward Yang proactively complied with the government's prevention policies. He leveraged GOODWAY group's resources to voluntarily participate in the task of producing mask machines. Subsequently, the group was awarded honors such as the “Executive Yuan Epidemic Prevention Medal” and the “Mask Anti-Counterfeiting Roller Team Hero Award.”
President Dr. Fuh-Jyh Jan of NCHU stated that Dr. Edward Yang has annually sponsored the capstone competition for “Precision Machine Tools and Intelligent Manufacturing Technology” for his alma mater over the past decade. He also donated NT$50 million to help the university build the “Smart Machinery Technology R & D Center”, benefiting younger students and providing faculty and students with a top-notch environment for research and study. His dedication to giving back to society and mentoring the next generation is truly admirable. His outstanding contributions to the machinery industry and his efforts in safeguarding public health during the pandemic serve as a remarkable role model for all faculty and students at NCHU. Therefore, the university is awarding him an “Honorary Doctor of Engineering” to recognize his extraordinary achievements.
In his address, Dr. Edward Yang expressed his gratitude for the recognition from his alma mater, pledging to continue contributing to society. He shared that his lifelong interest in mechanical structures led him to the machine tool industry over 50 years ago. He believes his entrepreneurial journey has been a mix of luck and hard work, suggesting that doubling one's efforts can double the chances of success. He encouraged young people to persevere in their goals, emphasizing that persistence overcomes all difficulties.
Taiwan's export value once ranked fourth globally. In recent years, due to factors such as geopolitics, customs unions, exchange rate fluctuations, and the rise of emerging economies, its ranking has fallen to seventh. Dr. Edward Yang suggests that to enhance industrial competitiveness, should focus on several areas: industry-academia collaboration, vocational education, intelligent machine, incorporating net-zero carbon emission awareness, and formulating appropriate industrial policies. His greatest wish is for industry peers to collaborate for mutual prosperity, enabling Taiwan's machine tools to achieve world-class competitiveness, much like TSMC.
