Donors of YCHCH: Chual-Hsin Teng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thin Chang Corporation; James C. Liao President of Academia Sinica, and NTU President Wen-Chang Chen (Left to right).
On March 22, 2024, National Taiwan University hosted the inauguration ceremony of the Ying-Shih Yu International Center for History and the Chinese Humanities (YCHCH) and a two-day commemorative symposium dedicated to the late Academician Ying-Shih Yu (1930-2021), one of the world's most respected and influential sinologists. Esteemed scholars from China and around the world gathered to pay tribute to Yu for his profound and far-reaching scholarly and intellectual contributions.
Widely regarded as one of the preeminent Chinese historians in history, Yu was awarded the prestigious John W. Kluge Prize for the Study of Humanity. Beyond his academic achievements, Yu was esteemed as a public intellectual deeply committed to promoting freedom and democracy. Ever since the 1970s, Yu maintained a significant and enduring relationship with Taiwan, offering invaluable insights into contemporary China.
On August 29, 2023, NTU formally approved the establishment of an international center for sinology research, aimed at perpetuating its academic legacy, foster global engagement, and advance humanities research and education in Taiwan. Prof. Jo-Shui Chen, Department of History, NTU, the first Director of the center, outlined plans to host a biennial lecture series in memory of Yu, facilitate scholarly research, and foster international academic exchanges.
NTU President Wen-Chang Chen expressed confidence that the center would elevate NTU's status as a leading international hub for sinology research. Chual-Hsin Teng, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Thin Chang Corporation, remarked that he was sincerely honored to contribute to the establishment of the center. President James Liao of Academia Sinica emphasized the center's significance for Taiwan's academic community, highlighting its commitment to humanities and the enduring legacy of Yu's advocacy for freedom and democracy.
The inauguration of YCHCH marks a significant milestone for NTU and the global academic community. With its dedication to advancing sinology research, fostering international collaboration, and honoring the enduring legacy of Academician Ying-Shih Yu, the center promises to serve as a nexus for international collaboration and a beacon of excellence in humanities studies for generations to come.
Domestic and overseas Scholars at the YCHCH inauguration ceremony.
Jo-shui Chen, Director of YCHCH (left), presenting a token of appreciation to Chern Jenn-chuan, CEO of the Tang Prize Foundation (right).
