The world shipping magnate who founded the ROC’s import-export industry’s international position, “Chang Yung-fa” Chairman, recently passed away. His remarkable lifetime truly represents a rare business model for Chinese enterprises. Young Chairman Chang spent over a decade ranging the seas before eventually founding Evergreen Group—a vast maritime and air empire—through single-handed bootstrapping in Taiwan.
During his ninety remarkable life years, Chairman Chang Yung-fa realized seven key lessons to leave us:
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Whatever one does, whether sincere or not, others sense it. You must be genuinely sincere!
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A Taiwanese saying goes “meetings are fated,” whatever you do, you should leave others room to maneuver.
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Throughout life, everyone receives others’ help in varying degrees. We should all appreciate kindness in our hearts, owing others one share means seeking to repay ten shares worth.
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Life is mysterious. Things you miss most are likely not money-bought. Sometimes no matter how big your business gets, most you want is simple taste and genuine treatment.
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I’ve had chances meeting world leaders and witnessing various nations’ trade and social policies, happily sharing insights with my government. When officials ask, I speak freely, often talking so much my mouth runs dry—yet honest advice often offends.
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These years offering suggestions isn’t as important as starting from moral foundations. When government officials have moral hearts, they naturally consider citizens and listen to public opinion. When entrepreneurs have morality, profits come through proper means.
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“Bold thinking and careful execution, courageous risk-taking” is entrepreneurship’s most vital success key. If facing difficulties you constantly change course, you’ll ultimately achieve nothing. Business ventures also absolutely cannot stop halfway. After deciding direction, find ways to complete it.