Charles Y. Yen Shares How Education Becomes the Starting Point for Change at the Humanities and Technology Grand Lecture Series

Feng Chia University’s Humanities and Technology Grand Lecture Series invited the widely admired “Lion‑hearted CEO,” Charles Y. Yen, to deliver a keynote speech titled “The Starting Point of Change” on November 13. At the age of 60, Yen stepped away from his business career to devote himself entirely to public service. Currently serving as Chairman of the CommonWealth Education Foundation, he continues to show deep care and high expectations for Taiwan, society, and young people, embodying what it means to lead by example.

During his inspiring two‑hour lecture, Yen emphasized that the true starting point for change is a return to the essence of education. He passionately advocated that no one should ever stop learning and that cultivating the ability to think critically is essential.

Chairman Charles Y. Yen visited the university to deliver a speech titled “The Starting Point of Change,” encouraging everyone to engage in continuous learning so as to become modern citizens equipped with critical thinking and universal values.

His legendary life story has long been cited as a powerful source of motivation. Yen became General Manager of American Express at just 28 and President of The Landis Group at 32. In 1997, he published The Heart of the Lion‑hearted CEO, which quickly became one of the best‑selling management and inspirational books in Taiwan’s publishing history. He later released multiple widely discussed works, including Riding the Wind, The Future I See, Be an Angel in Someone’s Life, You Can Be Different, Education Should Be Different, Planting Hope in the Land, and The Civilized Life I Long For. Though each book touches on different themes, every page reflects his sharp insight and deep affection for Taiwan and its people.

Now at the age of 76, Yen’s energy and dynamism belie his age. Despite having every reason to enjoy a quiet retirement, he continues to lead a life of profound service—establishing Junyi Academy, supporting Junyi Experimental High School, and serving as Chairman of the Yilan Waldorf School Foundation. Through these roles, he selflessly shares his experience and expands his positive influence.

During the lecture, Yen remarked that if people do not wish to be overtaken by the rising tide of AI or drowned by rapidly shifting global trends, they must begin by transforming themselves through education. Only then can they inspire those around them and gradually influence broader communities. He noted that the three years of the pandemic disrupted the world’s stability, but they also created a rare opportunity for us to reinvent ourselves—an important moment of “growing up.” Education, he emphasized, remains the best means for strengthening one’s abilities.

Yen outlined four essential directions for learning:

1. Understand technology. AI is evolving rapidly and has long surpassed human intelligence in many areas. We must learn to utilize it rather than be controlled by it.
2. Develop communication skills. This includes both communicating with oneself and engaging effectively in two‑way communication with others.
3. Cultivate resilience. The ability to adjust and adapt mentally when facing difficulties is key to discovering one’s life purpose.
4. Maintain passion. Live with vitality and brilliance rather than becoming stagnant with age.

After the lecture, students enthusiastically raised questions. Yen encouraged everyone to embrace change, reminding them that only through education can individuals elevate themselves. Education, he stressed, is a lifelong pursuit—one he himself continues to uphold to this day.

He concluded his talk by offering a powerful message to all faculty and students present:

“Don’t let your passion die before you die.”

A belief that he says keeps him forever young.

Through the coordination of Chair Professor Kung‑Yee Liang (second from left), the university invited Chairman Charles Y. Yen (third from left) to deliver a keynote speech on campus. President Wei Wang (third from right), Vice President Eric Kuo‑Hao Tang (second from right), and Dean of Student Affairs Hui‑Kuang Yu (first from right) were all present at the event.

※ The full recording of the lecture has been uploaded to the university’s Self‑Learning Courses section on the Jixue Online Platform, under “2023–24 Humanities and Technology Grand Lecture Series.” All faculty and students are welcome to watch it online.