Chung Yuan Christian University held the “Chief Technology Advisor Appointment Ceremony” on the afternoon of March 10, 2025, officially appointing alumnus Lin Chien-Nan, former Chairman of Formosa Plastics Group and Academician of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, as the “Chief Technology Advisor.” With extensive industry experience, Lin has long been dedicated to the development of petrochemicals, green energy, and artificial intelligence technologies. In this role, he will assist his alma mater in advancing technological innovation, deepening industry-academia collaboration, and enhancing talent cultivation, ensuring that Chung Yuan Christian University continues to shine in the global wave of technological development.
Lin Chien-Nan graduated from the Department of Chemistry at Chung Yuan Christian University in 1966. In 1967, he joined Formosa Plastics’ Kaohsiung Qianzhen Plant, starting from the grassroots level and gradually rising through the ranks to become Chairman and CEO of Formosa Plastics Corporation, a position he held until his retirement in 2024. His contributions to Taiwan’s petrochemical and green energy industries have been significant. In 2019, he was honored as the 8th Academician of the Industrial Technology Research Institute, making him not only the first-ever ITRI Academician from Formosa Plastics Group but also the first among Chung Yuan Christian University alumni.
During his tenure, Lin played a key role in expanding Formosa Plastics’ global presence, leveraging vertical integration and industrial cluster synergies to drive the company’s international growth into a new era. In recent years, he has led Formosa Plastics in fully implementing Industry 4.0 and incorporating artificial intelligence technology, optimizing production processes through AI, promoting green energy, and driving technological innovation in response to the rising global awareness of environmental protection. Additionally, he facilitated Formosa Plastics’ involvement in funding the establishment of the “Taiwan AI Academy,” laying a strong foundation for AI talent cultivation and enhancing Taiwan’s competitiveness in the field.
Chairman Chang Kuang-Cheng of Chung Yuan Christian University stated during the appointment ceremony that alumnus Lin Chien-Nan was honored with the university’s “Outstanding Alumnus” award in 2011, recognizing him as a model of “holistic education.” Lin has long been dedicated to supporting the university’s development, contributing both his expertise and resources.
In 2022, Chung Yuan Christian University collaborated with Fujitsu Taiwan and Formosa Plastics Group to establish the DA Quantum Computing Center, creating an industrial chain for quantum technology applications. Behind this initiative was Chair Professor Chang Ching-Jui of the Quantum Information Center, and the key figure who facilitated this collaboration was none other than Lin Chien-Nan. His efforts have greatly contributed to the university’s advancement in quantum technology education.
President Lee Ying-Ming, in his speech, highlighted that alumnus Lin Chien-Nan possesses extensive practical and managerial experience. His appointment as the university’s Chief Technology Advisor will significantly contribute to the advancement of Chung Yuan Christian University in semiconductor education, quantum technology, and thin-film industry-academia collaboration.
For instance, Professor Chang Yung from the Department of Chemical Engineering founded PreBio Science, the first campus-derived company in Taiwan to be publicly listed. During its expansion, Lin Chien-Nan, then Chairman of Formosa Plastics Group, provided critical support by leveraging the company’s production capabilities. This collaboration led to the successful establishment of Taiwan’s first automated decolorization filter production line, benefiting the biomedical industry.
President Lee expressed his hope that Chung Yuan Christian University can break the boundaries between industry and academia, becoming a global talent bank for industrial knowledge. He emphasized that the guidance and support of alumni are essential to achieving this vision.
Upon receiving the prestigious title of Chief Technology Advisor from his alma mater, alumnus Lin Chien-Nan expressed that it was the greatest honor of his life. He humbly stated his willingness to return as a student, learning alongside faculty and students, and contributing in whatever way he can to Chung Yuan Christian University.
Lin commended the university for its strides toward becoming an “enterprise-oriented university”, integrating academic research with industry demands to provide education aligned with market trends. He emphasized that this approach will be crucial for future talent development.
Alumnus Lin Chien-Nan further emphasized that Chung Yuan Christian University has upheld the spirit of “Faith, Hope, and Action” and the mission of “Holistic Education”, diligently advancing its academic endeavors. Through the relentless efforts of the chairman, president, faculty, and students, the university has earned a strong reputation in society, leading to its remarkable achievements today.
As a proud Chung Yuan alumnus, now honored with the new title of Chief Technology Advisor, Lin expressed his deep expectations and hopes for the university. He pledged to continue dedicating his efforts to supporting Chung Yuan Christian University in advancing technological development and talent cultivation.
