Leading towards a sustainable future with innovative technology

        Since its establishment, Far Eastern Group has always adhered to the spirit of innovation and practice. Starting from the textile industry, it has gradually expanded into industries such as polyester, petrochemicals, retail, cement, transportation, finance, telecommunications, education, and healthcare, achieving today's global layout and covering various livelihood needs. To commemorate the contribution of the founder of the Far Eastern Group, Mr. Yu Xiang Hsu, to industrial innovation and to continue his philanthropic philosophy of giving back to society, Far Eastern Group affiliated enterprise jointly donated funds to establish the Far Eastern Y.Z. Hsu Science&Technology Memorial Foundation in 2001, which was registered as the first private foundation under the National Science Council.

                The Yu Xiang Hsu Foundation is established with the aim of "technology and innovation", and has long held various scientific research promotion activities. It is committed to rewarding outstanding scholars, nurturing young talents, and promoting industry academia exchanges and international cooperation. Since its inception 23 years ago, the Y.Z. Hsu Scientific Award has awarded a total of 522 awards, with a total prize of over NTD 220 million, making it an important indicator honor in Taiwan's scientific research community. The research achievements of previous award winners not only open up new academic fields, but also substantially contribute to industrial development and enhance Taiwan's position in the global technology industry.

        Technological Innovation and Global Challenges

        In recent years, the global situation has undergone drastic changes, and geopolitical and tariff policies have posed challenges to industries in various countries. Taiwan's manufacturing and research and development system must be more flexible, through technological upgrades and value chain extensions, in order to win in international competition. In this situation, technological innovation is not just a subject of academic discussion, but a core strategy for countries and enterprises to move towards sustainability development. At the same time, the rapid development of digital and intelligent technologies also provides Taiwan with new opportunities for transformation. Generative AI has demonstrated disruptive applications in fields such as drug design, material simulation, intelligent diagnosis, and content generation; Smart robots and automation systems drive a leap in manufacturing and logistics efficiency, helping companies maintain competitiveness.

        In addition, from green processes to recycled economy, carbon reduction and resource reuse have become global industry trends, and the combination of enterprises and scientific research is even more important. Far Eastern Group affiliated enterprises also continue to invest resources and actively respond. Far Eastern New Century Corporation, as a leader in green polyester materials, possesses a strong recycled economy capability. Through vertical integration and cross disciplinary cooperation advantages in the polyester industry, it transforms waste into high-quality recycled products, becoming an important driving force for the development of the global recycled economy. Based on the core technology of polyester, combined with capacity expansion and innovative applications, not only does it create growth momentum for the company, but it also accelerates the promotion of green transformation and practices sustainable goals.

        Asia Cement Corporation is a sustainable pioneer in the cement industry, promoting multi-faceted carbon reduction strategies in processes, energy, products, and governance, such as converting waste into alternative raw materials, reducing carbon emissions, and saving costs; Develop low-carbon and negative carbon materials, establish carbon footprint data, and promote carbon capture and reuse technology to lead the industry towards net zero. The continuous practice has made Asia Cement Corporation the only company in the industry to achieve its SBTi carbon reduction commitment every year.

        Cultivate new scientific research talents and work together with all sectors to create a better future

        The Yu Xiang Hsu Foundation firmly believes that talent is the foundation of technological innovation. Therefore, the foundation has extended its research promotion to the high school stage and has been collaborating with the Physics Department of National Taiwan Normal University for 17 consecutive years to hold the "Yu Xiang Hsu Cup Physics Debate Competition". Every year, it fully sponsors and supports outstanding students to form a Taiwan representative team to participate in the IYPT International Competition. With the silver medal won this year, it has accumulated 2 gold, 7 silver, and 6 bronze medals over the years. More importantly, students are expanding their international perspective and aligning Taiwan's science education with the global community.

        In recent years, the foundation has also actively promoted the "Youxiang Innovation Forum", inviting previous Y.Z. Hsu Scientific Award winners to share their research history and latest knowledge with the younger generation, helping young students cultivate an interest in exploring science and imagining the future world, which has been warmly received by top high schools in various counties and cities.

        Technology must keep pace with the times to meet the demands of the times; Innovation can open up new values and choices. Future technological innovation must combine digitization and intelligence to lead society towards an infinite future. Far Eastern Group and Yu Xiang Hsu Foundation will continue to think about how to promote emerging technology issues and foster collaboration among government, academia, and industry to jointly propel Taiwan towards a sustainable and beautiful new generation.

        #