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At its university-wide commencement ceremony on June 6, Feng Chia University conferred the degree of Honorary Doctor of Engineering upon Lung-Shi Yang, Distinguished University Advisor and Honorary Professor, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to urban planning, infrastructure development, and spatial information technologies, as well as his decades-long dedication to the University's growth and development.
During the ceremony, Cheng-Shu Kao, Chairman of the Board, personally delivered the citation. He emphasized that the honorary degree not only recognizes Dr. Yang’s individual achievements but also celebrates the collaborative spirit that defines Feng Chia University. Addressing the graduating class, Kao encouraged students to uphold the values of kindness, teamwork, idealism, integrity, and meaningful action as they embark on their professional journeys. He also wished them lasting friendships and supportive colleagues who would help them pursue and realize their aspirations.
Feng Chia University formally conferred the Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree upon Distinguished University Advisor Lung-Shi Yang during its university-wide commencement ceremony on June 6.
President Vey Wang, Chairman Cheng-Shu Kao, and faculty members, friends, and colleagues joined together to celebrate this distinguished honor.
In his acceptance remarks, Dr. Yang described the honor as a reflection of the Feng Chia spirit. He shared that when he joined the University forty years ago, he came with two goals—both of which have since been fulfilled.
The first was to join the newly established Department of Land Management and help expand its focus from traditional land administration to real estate management, making it the only academic program of its kind in Taiwan at the time.
His second goal was to establish the Geographic Information Systems Research Center (GIS Research Center). Recalling its humble beginnings as a small research unit, Dr. Yang expressed gratitude that, under the leadership of current Director Tien-Yin Chou, the Center has grown into one of Taiwan’s most influential GIS research institutions, with more than 400 researchers. Over the past four decades, the Center has also undertaken 122 research and industry-academia projects funded by Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council and the Ministry of Education, achievements he attributed to the University's long-term support.
Reflecting on the development of Feng Chia University's Shui-Nan Campus, Professor Yang described the process as a long and challenging journey. From acquiring the site in 2018 to inviting internationally renowned architect Kengo Kuma to design the Virtuosi Building, the project faced numerous obstacles, including labor and material shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war. Thanks to the collective efforts of the University community and project team, however, the building was completed successfully.
Professor Yang also highlighted his role in the early planning of the Shui-Nan Economic and Trade Park. In 1998, he led a feasibility study evaluating the relocation of Shui-Nan Airport to Ching Chuan Kang Airport. The study's recommendations ultimately facilitated the airport's relocation, removing longstanding development restrictions from central Taichung and releasing more than 200 hectares of valuable urban land for future development. Later, he also played an active role in promoting industrial clustering and environmentally sustainable development during the establishment of the Central Taiwan Science Park, helping shape what has become the Greater Taichung Technology Corridor.
In his remarks, Lung-Shi Yang repeatedly expressed gratitude for Feng Chia University’s support over the past four decades, describing his profound connection with the University as one of the greatest blessings of his life.
After earning his Doctor of Engineering degree from Nihon University in Japan in 1986, Professor Yang returned to Taiwan and joined Feng Chia University the following year. Over nearly four decades of service, he has held numerous leadership positions, including department chair, dean, chief of general affairs, and vice president. He also served for many years on urban planning committees of both the Ministry of the Interior and the Taichung City Government, consistently advocating a balanced approach that values both humanistic concerns and environmental sustainability.
As a graduate of Nihon University, Professor Yang has also played a key role in strengthening academic exchanges between Taiwan and Japan. Through his efforts, Feng Chia University has maintained close partnerships with institutions including Nihon University and Ryukoku University, fostering collaboration in fields such as sustainable forestry, green energy development, and architectural design while expanding international learning opportunities for students.
Over the course of his distinguished career, Professor Yang has received numerous honors, including the National Science Council Research Award, the Ministry of the Interior Land Administration Contribution Award, the Taiwan Provincial Government Outstanding Architectural Design Award, and the Taichung Urban Design Award. Nominated by the College of Construction and Development, the Honorary Doctor of Engineering degree recognizes his achievements in infrastructure planning and engineering, architectural design, land information systems, environmental planning, land-use planning, and remote sensing.
Feng Chia University stated that Professor Yang has dedicated his academic expertise to advancing urban development and promoting the public good through education. The University expressed its deepest gratitude for his enduring contributions and noted that the honorary doctorate represents its highest tribute to his remarkable legacy.
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