On April 12, 2025, the Department of Computer Science at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) held its annual “CS Alumni Homecoming” during “NCTU Day.” The event invited distinguished alumni to return to their alma mater to share their success stories and celebrate the Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony, recognizing graduates who have achieved excellence in diverse fields.

The event not only provided valuable networking opportunities for alumni and faculty but also broadened the career horizons of current students, showcasing the Department’s rich alumni network and its long-standing contributions to cultivating outstanding talent.

 

Keynote Speeches by Distinguished Alumni

Ching Hsiao— The Path of Challenge and Excellence

 

Mr. Ching Hsiao, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1975 of the Department of Control and Computer Engineering at National Chiao Tung University, is currently Chairman and CEO of WITS . With the strong technical foundation he developed at NCTU and his sharp business vision, he chose not to produce products but to focus on customized software services, leading his company to expand beyond Taiwan and into the global software and IT services market.

 

In his speech, Mr. Hsiao shared not only his management strategies and future outlook but also his personal journey—from a rural high school student to studying at NCTU. He candidly recalled that he once ranked last in his class, but through perseverance, active participation in various student clubs, and academic dedication, he graduated with a full scholarship from Purdue University. Having achieved great success in the software industry, he urged students to embrace challenges and pursue excellence continuously. He emphasized the importance of “knowing oneself clearly” to achieve “aptitude-based excellence.”

 

“Only when you truly understand yourself can you play to your strengths and find real joy in what you do,” he said.

 

Mr. Hsiao concluded by acknowledging NCTU’s profound influence on his career and expressed his hope to strengthen future industry–academia collaborations with NYCU. He envisions helping Taiwan’s software industry—still full of untapped potential—transform into a world-class industry, cultivating international talent and ultimately turning Taiwan into a “software empire.”

 

Sean Pien — The Growth Mindset

 

Mr. Sean Pien, a distinguished alumnus from the Class of 1994 of the Department of Computer Science, is currently General Manager of Microsoft Taiwan. He shared his journey from a child growing up in a military dependents’ village to studying at NCTU, emphasizing that receiving this award was not only an honor but also a significant responsibility—a reminder to keep contributing to Taiwan’s tech industry.

 

He expressed his goal of integrating Microsoft’s global resources and technologies into Taiwan’s tech ecosystem, leveraging the nation’s hardware strengths to connect with the international market—and, in turn, bringing global results back to Taiwan. He also pledged to support talent cultivation, software ecosystem development, and technology localization, helping to enhance Taiwan’s international visibility in the tech world.

 

Reflecting on his 30 years in the fast-changing ICT industry, Mr.Pien attributed his success to staying adaptable and maintaining a growth mindset. He encouraged students to stay imaginative and fearless in facing challenges:

 

“Opportunities don’t come to those who are merely prepared—they come to those who take the first step and dare to embrace challenges.”

 

He concluded with heartfelt gratitude to NYCU:

 

“The true giant is NYCU. We are simply standing on the shoulders of this giant—looking outward to new possibilities and inward for self-improvement—to achieve greater things.”

 

Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

 

This year, nine alumni were honored for their outstanding achievements across academia, industry, and society:

 

Jin-Ping Chu (M.S. in Computer Engineering, Class of 1994) – Co-founder of AutoCount Sdn Bhd in 1996, developing ERP solutions for SMEs. Today, AutoCount is Malaysia’s leading business management system and was listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange in 2023. He recalled his entrepreneurial journey—from early losses to success in scalable financial software—highlighting persistence and strategic focus.

 

Victor Shen (B.S. in Computer Science, 2003; M.S., 2005) – Currently General Manager, Google Technical Consulting. Formerly co-founder and CTO of Ubitus, recognized among NVIDIA’s Top 5 Tech Value Companies. Speaking via video, he shared his passion for mentoring startups and building global AI connections, hoping to strengthen the alumni network in North America.

 

Ben-Yi Chou (B.S. in Computer Engineering, Class of 1990) – Partner at GRC Ventures, with 25 years in venture capital. Having helped over 30 companies go public or be acquired, he credited his NCTU training—especially logical thinking and interdisciplinary friendships—as invaluable to his success in investment.

 

Chun-I Fan (M.S. in Computer Engineering, 1993) – Currently President of the Institute for Information Industry (III) and Distinguished Professor at National Sun Yat-sen University. Recognized among Stanford University’s top 2% of global scientists, he urged continued collaboration to achieve “AI transformation across industries.”

 

Pen-Yuang Chang (M.S. in Computer Engineering, 1986; Ph.D. in Computer Science, 1995) – General Manager, Chunghwa Telecom Enterprise Business Group, integrating ICT services across seven domains, including smart government, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing, steering Chunghwa Telecom toward becoming a digital ecosystem leader.

 

Bin-Hsien Liang (B.S. in Computer Engineering, 1991; M.S. in Computer Science, 1993) – Chairman and CEO, Flowring Technology Co., Ltd. Founded in 1999, the company became a BPM software leader and later established the Taiwan IoT Association in 2011. He has received numerous industry awards, including the IT Matters Talent Award.

 

Bin Chen (B.S. in Computer Engineering, 1988; M.S. in Computer Science, 1990) – General Manager, Financial Information Service Co. (FISC). He led the development of key banking systems such as core accounting, internet banking apps, and Taiwan’s cross-store and cross-border mobile payment systems. His motto:

 

“Diligence compensates for limitations—lifelong learning leads to contribution.”

 

Sophia Tong (B.S. in Computer Science, 1993) – CEO, T and T Consulting Services, Inc. She led the company to annual revenues exceeding US$37 million, serving 25 U.S. federal agencies. She was also named a Model Overseas Chinese Entrepreneur by the ROC government.

 

Richard Tsai (B.S. in Computer Science, 1992; M.S. in Computer Science, 1994) – Founder and UX Strategy Coach, InsightX Digital Consulting. A pioneer in Taiwan’s user experience (UX) field, he also founded the HPX Community and serves as an expert committee member for ITPS under the Joint Commission of Taiwan.

 

Alumni Association and Departmental Development

 

Following the awards, Vice President of the Alumni Association, Rock Tsai, expressed gratitude for alumni support and announced the official establishment of the Japan and North America Chapters. Both new chapter presidents shared video messages outlining their vision to strengthen local networks and foster mutual support among overseas alumni.

 

Mr. Tsai encouraged more alumni to join the association and participate in upcoming events to expand its reach and impact. He also shared the Department’s latest research and industry collaboration initiatives, expressing confidence that NYCU CS will continue to lead globally in information technology research and innovation.

 

The 2025 NYCU CS Alumni Homecoming was filled with warmth, gratitude, and inspiration. It allowed distinguished alumni to reminisce about their university days, share their professional journeys, and motivate current students to embrace future challenges. The event not only strengthened ties between alumni and their alma mater but also inspired a new generation of students to carry forward the Department’s legacy of excellence.