Encouraging Academia to Accelerate Technological Research, Development and Innovation

Y.Z. Hsu Science Award

Far Eastern Y. Z. Hsu Science and Technology Memorial Foundation is founded on the mission to promote “technology and innovation.” Since 2002, the foundation has been presenting Y. Z. Hsu Science Award to encourage academia for dedication to innovative research and development in the technological fields. The foundation consistently exerts efforts and resources into the cause, making Y. Z. Hsu Science Award one of the most prominent awards in scientific research in Taiwan. As this award marches into its 22nd year in 2024, it is now one of the most significant technology awards in Taiwan and the number of applications reached 299. Over 250 scholars and experts participated in the peer review and chose 28 winners for Science Chair Professor, Science Paper Award, Yuan Ze Chair Professor and Outstanding Professor Award. Among them, winners of Y. Z. Hsu Science Chair Professor received NT$14.4 million. Over the 22 years of the award history, 495 awards have been presented with NT$200 million in prize money, which is a remarkable record.

After devoting decades of effort and resources, the Y. Z. Hsu Science Chair is now one of the prominent science awards in Taiwan. Among past awardees, many went on to become the academicians of Academia Sinica, the most prestigious honor in the academic field, including academicians Lih-Juann Chen, Chung-Yuan Mou, Shie-Ming Peng, Li-Chyong Chen, Pan-Chyr Yang, Huey-Kang Sytwu, Soo-Chen Cheng, Ann-Shyn Chiang, Chien-Hong Cheng and Shang-Cheng Hung.

FAR EASTERN Y.Z.HSU FOUNDATION (Chinese)

Improving Quality of Medical Service with Medical Institutes

Far Eastern Memorial Hospital/Far Eastern Polyclinic

In the 1970s, Y. Z. Hsu, founding individual of Far Eastern Group (FEG), became aware of the lack of modern hospitals in New Taipei City. Back then, patients suffering major injuries or acute illnesses had to seek medical treatments in Taipei City. The distance often caused delayed treatment and ultimately tragedies. To prevent such unfortunate occurrences, FEG made donations to establish Far Eastern Medical Foundation, which was founded upon the missions to build hospitals; incentivize medical research; provide emergency and medical care as well as free clinics for underprivileged patients. The Group went further by building Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in Banqiao in 1981 and Far Eastern Polyclinic in Taipei City in 1988.

Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) has officially begun its 42nd year of service. It is the first medical center in New Taipei City and has grown over the years. FEHM currently offers 81 medical specializations, 1,415 beds and 150,000 monthly out-patient appointments with two medical centers. Its dedication to patient service is acknowledged by the National Quality Award as well as Disease Specific Care Certification.

In April 2024, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) and the New Taipei City Government signed the Hospital Sustainability Accord. FEMH’s actions, such as providing environmental, social and community care as well as addressing these needs for its internal and external customers brought the hospital the first Sustainable Hospital Award ever presented at the New Taipei City Medical Public Welfare Awards. The recognition has encouraged FEMH to commit fully to reach net zero 2050. FEMH has aggressive measures in place to promote the recycling and reuse of biomedical and general waste. Among the medical waste generated at FEMH, plastics are collected by waste management companies, treated with thermal sterilization, and then recycled and remanufactured as consumer and industrial plastics. Waste diapers are recycled and reused through partnerships with qualified suppliers. FEMH also collaborates with AstraZeneca and an environmental printmaking workshop on a program where during artist-led sessions, patients are encouraged to create commemorative prints using materials such as medicine boxes and consumer medical information leaflets. Working collectively towards carbon reduction with employees and the public, FEMH was awarded the Circular Economy Practice Award at the Taiwan Health Sustainability Awards under Taiwan Corporate Sustainability Awards.