2024 CS Alumni Reunion and Outstanding CS Alumni Ceremony
On April 13, 2024, the Department of Computer Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) celebrated "CS Reunion" as part of the NYCU Anniversary Celebration Day. This event welcomed distinguished alumni back to campus to share their insights and included an award ceremony recognizing individuals who excelled in various fields. It provided a valuable opportunity for alumni and faculty to connect, showcasing the department's strong alumni network and the exceptional talents nurtured within the department.
Distinguished Alumni Speech
Insights from Mr. Liang-You Lee on His Outstanding Achievements
Liang-You Lee, a graduate of the Institute of Electrical and Control Engineering at NYCU, has served as an independent director of ACE PILLAR. His exceptional technological industry accomplishments demonstrate his ongoing dedication to innovation and development. At 74 years old, Lee embodies a passion for technology and innovation; he not only stays up to date with current trends but also embraces a mindset of lifelong learning.
In his speech, Lee emphasized that a passion for technology and a commitment to lifelong learning are essential for success. He looked back on his time at NYCU, when the university had only four departments, noting how the field of computation and control he studied has since become a cornerstone of today’s smart manufacturing and Industry 4.0. He specifically mentioned that the foundational knowledge he gained enabled him to thrive in emerging technologies such as industrial automation and AI. With a sense of humor, he shared how he employed rapid learning techniques to excel academically and quickly adapt to new technologies throughout his career. Lee also stressed that problem analysis and resolution skills are among the most vital competencies in the technology industry—a theme that is central to his book, “Problem Analysis and Resolution.”
Lee reflected on the founding of the "Information Management Association" during a time when Taiwan's information industry was still emerging and the concept of information management was not widely recognized. Establishing the association amid martial law presented numerous challenges, but with the support of Mr. K. T. Li, it was successfully created, laying a crucial foundation for the future development of the industry. After 42 years of growth, the association has evolved into an essential organization for information executives, now led by Dr. Chi-Jen Chai, who continues to uphold its legacy.
Lee highlighted the significant influence of his education at NYCU on his career. In addition to acquiring strong technical expertise, he developed essential teamwork and leadership skills through his active participation in extracurricular activities. Serving as president of both the roller-skating club and the Star Voice club, he gained valuable experience in team organization and project management that proved crucial in his subsequent professional endeavors. He encourages younger students to fully embrace their time on campus, as these formative experiences not only shape their career successes but also profoundly affect their interpersonal relationships and overall development.
Mr. Shih-Yuan Chen's Path to Teamwork and Communication
Shih-Yuan Chen, a graduate of the Computer Science Department (CS 73), currently serves as the president and chairperson of Optoma Corporation. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep understanding and practical application of teamwork and communication skills. Having held key positions in various multinational companies, he has showcased outstanding leadership in areas such as technical development, product management, and crisis resolution. In his speech, Chen emphasized the critical role of soft skills in the workplace, sharing insights on how he successfully navigated crises and drove projects to completion through effective communication and collaboration, even in high-pressure situations.
Reflecting on a pivotal moment in his career, Chen recounted how he successfully guided his team through a significant product crisis while serving as the general manager of Coretronic Corporation's European Office. Just before launching the product, they encountered an unexpected quality issue that significantly impacted the company and its supply chain. Chen emphasized that when problems cannot be quickly resolved within the technical team, effective communication and collaboration are essential. To address the issues, he traveled to the United States to engage directly with key suppliers and propose swift solutions. He emphasized that debating who was right or wrong was irrelevant; the priority should be on uniting the team to resolve the problem quickly and ensure a successful product launch. This experience reinforced his belief that strong teamwork and communication skills can lead to remarkable outcomes, regardless of whether one is in a technical or managerial role.
Chen delved deeper into the importance of establishing effective communication channels within a team, emphasizing that individual abilities cannot rival the power of a united group. He urged students to not only to prioritize acquiring professional skills in school but also to develop their ability to collaborate effectively with others, as this will be foundational to their success in future careers. He pointed out that modern businesses face increasingly diverse challenges, and the rapid pace of technological advancement necessitates that everyone continually enhance their skills and work alongside professionals from various backgrounds to drive genuine innovation and breakthroughs.
Furthermore, Chen expressed his insights on the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization, asserting that these technologies will fundamentally reshape the global industrial landscape. He urged younger students to sustain their passion for learning, proactively tackle the challenges presented by digital transformation, and consistently develop both their professional and soft skills to be well-equipped for the evolving job market.
The speeches by Mr. Liang-You Lee and Mr. Shih-Yuan Chen not only highlighted their remarkable professional achievements but also conveyed their deep insights into the significance of continuous learning, teamwork, and effective communication. Their experiences and advice offered invaluable guidance for young students, illustrating how to stay competitive in a swiftly evolving technological landscape while consistently generating value in their careers.
Outstanding Alumni Award Ceremony
During the 2024 Awards Ceremony, the Computer Science Department honored ten remarkable alumni who have distinguished themselves in both academia and industry, making significant contributions to society.
Kee Ong (CS 78), CEO of Synnex Group, has leveraged his exceptional cross-cultural management expertise to drive the company's impressive success in the global market. During his talk, he shared valuable insights from his experience managing across diverse cultural contexts. He urged the younger generation to stay humble, commit to lifelong learning, refine their communication skills across cultures, and demonstrate strong leadership in the operations of multinational enterprises.
Vincent Ho (CS 79), currently the Deputy General Manager of ShareHope Medicine Co., is at the forefront of advancing smart healthcare. In his speech, Ho highlighted how digital health has emerged as a vital segment within the information technology industry. Reflecting on his early career in the media industry, he stressed the critical role of digital transformation in revitalizing traditional industries. He also shared how he has leveraged those experiences to drive innovation in the field of smart healthcare.
Benson Wu (CS 91), founder of CyCraft Technology, is a pioneer in AI-powered automation cybersecurity solutions that have been adopted by numerous companies worldwide. Reflecting on his academic journey at NYCU, Wu expressed deep appreciation for his strict yet nurturing professors, who played a key role in shaping his solid technical foundation. He also shared how the challenges of entrepreneurship drove him to continually enhance his problem-solving skills, ultimately leading his company to successful expansion in international markets.
Andrew Lu (CS 83), Business Development Manager at Google Cloud Taiwan, is dedicated to advancing digital transformation and AI-driven empowerment for businesses. Although he was unable to attend in person due to a prior commitment, Lu shared his insights through a video message, emphasizing his work in pioneering cross-industry innovation in the cloud business model. He encouraged the younger generation to embrace the opportunities of the digital age and harness emerging technologies to drive the transformation of traditional industries.
Anderson Liang (CS 83, CS M.S. 85, CS Ph.D. 92), Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of cacaFly, is the founder of Taiwan's first programmatic advertising system. Reflecting on his years at NYCU, Liang highlighted how his participation in extracurricular activities and research in the university’s labs were instrumental in shaping his problem-solving skills for the professional world. He also shared his journey to founding adHub Inc., discussing the entrepreneurial challenges he faced and underscoring the importance of learning how to secure a competitive advantage in the global market.
Tung-Shou Chen (CS 75, CS Ph.D. 81), the current President of the National Taichung University of Science and Technology, shared his wealth of academic experience through a video message. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Department of Computer Science at NYCU for playing a pivotal role in shaping his career. Chen emphasized that the rigorous academic training he received at NYCU not only enabled him to excel in his field but also provided him with the management skills and confidence necessary to lead and oversee university affairs effectively.
Hui-Chu Huang (CS M.S. 78), former General Manager of IBM Taiwan, was instrumental in driving digital transformation across businesses. Reflecting on her 35-year career, Huang shared valuable insights from her time at IBM, focusing on her pivotal contributions to the digitalization of the financial and manufacturing industries. Even after retiring, she remains actively engaged in the management of several companies. Huang encouraged everyone to not only strive for professional success but also to embrace a fulfilling and joyful life beyond the workplace.
Hey-Chyi Young (CS 76), currently the President of the Business Group at Chunghwa Telecom, shared her experiences in driving innovation at the company, with a particular focus on advancing digital services. In her speech, Young urged the younger generation to boldly embrace challenges and foster a mindset of continuous innovation in their career.
Jerry Cheng (CS 75), founder and CEO of LiveABC Interactive English Group and General Manager of Hebron Soft Limited, is a pioneer in the development of computer-based English learning systems in Taiwan. As the first to invest in the research and development of such systems, Cheng has showcased remarkable expertise in language education, information technology, and system integration. His innovative contributions to numerous interactive English teaching projects have played a pivotal role in advancing the industry.
Harrison Hsieh (CS 85), Vice President at MediaTek Inc., leads a high-performing development team that annually delivers 25 to 30 diverse chipsets, covering a wide range of technologies from mature process N28 to advanced process N3. These chipsets, powering products such as smartphones, TVs, Wi-Fi routers, and tablets, have consistently dominated their respective markets. In 2023, Hsieh was honored with the National Manager Excellence Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership. Widely acknowledged for his contributions to information technology innovation and entrepreneurship, his career serves as an inspiring model for young students, demonstrating the vast market potential that lies in technological innovation.
Alumni Association and Department Development
After the award ceremony, Alumni Association President Nathan Chiu took the stage to express his heartfelt gratitude to the alumni for their continued support. He emphasized the crucial role the Alumni Association plays in strengthening the connection between alumni and the university, urging more alumni to join and actively contribute to the ongoing growth and success of their alma mater. Next, Professor Jiun-Long Huang provided an update on the Department of Computer Science's recent developments, with a particular focus on its collaborative initiatives with the industry. He also shared insights into the department’s future research directions, expressing confidence that the department would continue to lead the way in the ever-evolving field of information technology. The atmosphere at the event was warm and inspiring, as alumni reflected on their time at NYCU and shared their professional achievements. Attendees remarked that this “Alumni Reunion” not only deepened the bond between alumni and the university but also served as a source of inspiration for current students, motivating them to face new challenges and opportunities confidently.
