Dr. Samuel Yen-Liang Yin, founder of the Tang Prize Foundation, distinguished entrepreneur, and dedicated educator, passed away at approximately 4:00 a.m. today (May 26) at Taipei Veterans General Hospital at the age of 76.
Upon receiving the sad news, Chairman Chung-yao Yin, the Board of Directors, and all staff members of the Tang Prize Foundation expressed deep sorrow and profound gratitude for Dr. Yin’s lifelong dedication to educational philanthropy and his outstanding contributions to the promotion of Chinese culture.
In December 2012, Dr. Yin personally endowed the Tang Prize with a donation of NT$3 billion (approximately US$95 million), establishing four award categories—Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Through the Prize, he sought to recognize and encourage outstanding individuals around the world who devote themselves to addressing the critical challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. Through groundbreaking academic achievements and influential social engagement, these laureates help advance the sustainable development of human civilization.
Dr. Jenn-Chuan Chern, CEO of the Tang Prize Foundation, noted that the establishment of the Tang Prize represented one of Dr. Yin’s most important lifelong educational aspirations. For more than 37 years, Dr. Yin remained deeply committed to advancing education and academic development. Through scholarship programs, he supported more than 163,000 students and helped numerous universities establish colleges and academic programs, exemplifying his steadfast belief that education has the power to shape a better future.
The Tang Prize Foundation will continue to uphold the founding vision and ideals established by Dr. Yin. Through its professional and independent selection process, the Foundation will continue to recognize laureates whose innovative achievements and far-reaching contributions have made a meaningful impact on the world, regardless of race, nationality, gender, or religion. In doing so, the Tang Prize will continue to serve as a force for advancing human civilization and enhancing human well-being, fulfilling the vision and aspirations of its founder.
Dr. Yin’s passion for education, reverence for scholarship, and enduring concern for the future of humanity will continue to live on through the Tang Prize, inspiring generation after generation to pursue truth and contribute to a better world. The Board of Directors and staff of the Tang Prize Foundation extend their deepest respect and heartfelt remembrance to Dr. Yin. Guided by the spirit upon which he founded the Prize, we will continue to illuminate the world through knowledge and benefit humanity through innovation, ensuring that the values and mission of the Tang Prize endure for generations to come.
About the Tang Prize
Since the advent of globalization, humanity has enjoyed unprecedented benefits from advances in civilization and science. Yet a multitude of challenges, such as climate change, the emergence of new infectious diseases, the widening wealth gap, and moral degradation, have surfaced along the way. Against this backdrop, Dr. Samuel Yin established the Tang Prize in December 2012. It consists of four award categories: Sustainable Development, Biopharmaceutical Science, Sinology, and Rule of Law. Every two years, four independent and professional selection committees, comprising many internationally renowned experts, scholars, and Nobel laureates, choose Tang Prize laureates who have made substantive contributions and generated a far-reaching impact on the world, regardless of race, nationality, gender, or religion. A cash prize of NT$50 million (approximately US$1.6 million) is allocated to each category, with NT$10 million (approximately US$320,000) of it being a grant intended for research or educational outreach programs to encourage professionals in every field to examine mankind's most urgent needs in the 21st century, and become leading forces in the sustainable development of human society through their outstanding research outcomes and active civic engagement.
