Congratulations to TECO Group Chairman Theodore Huang
Recipient of Japan’s Spring 2025 Decoration — the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star
Chairman Theodore Huang has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star in Japan’s Spring 2025 Decorations. He received the honor at the Conferment (Presentation) Ceremony held at the Imperial Palace on May 9. The Order of the Rising
Sun is conferred by the Japanese government each spring and autumn; the Gold and Silver Star is the second-highest class below the Grand Cordon. It is awarded primarily to individuals who have made significant contributions to economic, social, and cultural
exchanges between Japan and Taiwan, and it is also the highest class commonly bestowed upon foreign nationals.
In recent days, the eighth floor of TECO’s headquarters has been filled with congratulatory flowers, and hundreds of letters from friends in Japan have poured in. During the 9th meeting of the 1st Board of Supervisors of the Republic of China East Asia
Economic Association, Supervisor Chair President Lin Ching-Po specially prepared a cake to celebrate. In his remarks, Chairman Huang noted that he had declined the honor several times out of humility, and joked that “one has to be old enough to qualify.” Attendees
unanimously agreed the award was richly deserved. Citing the East Asia Economic Association as an example, Chairman Huang encouraged all present to continue advancing governmental, economic, and people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
Media reports have highlighted Chairman Huang’s efforts to promote Taiwan–Japan ties during his service as Chair of the Chinese National Association of Industry and Commerce and Vice Chair of the Three-Three Business Leaders Association, as well as his
contributions as Chair of the East Asia Economic Association toward the signing of private-sector Taiwan–Japan investment agreements. He has also made notable contributions in Taiwan to promoting Japanese food culture and service excellence. In fact, acting
in his capacity as head of the TECO Group, Chairman Huang has actively facilitated exchanges in culture, youth study in Japan, local government cooperation, and business interactions between Taiwanese and Japanese enterprises—freely giving both time and resources
without seeking return, taking pride in serving the nation and community.
Through assisting the secretariat work of the East Asia Economic Association, Taiwan Creative Industry Development Association, and Taiwan Think-Tank Association, we have come to appreciate how personally and diligently Chairman Huang involves himself
in public-interest affairs. He consistently mobilizes the resources around him to advance the common good in Taiwan–Japan relations, taking joy in the effort. Especially when organizing events, the Chairman insists on doing things to the highest standard,
which is why corporate exchanges between the two countries are so frequent and vibrant. After such events, he often remarks with satisfaction: “See—wasn’t that worth it?” At the first Executive Committee meeting in May, amid congratulations from senior managers,
he also explained how highly the Japanese regard their decorations and the importance of what this honor signifies for the company’s credibility and reputation.
A Mission of Public-Interest Stewardship and Succession
In recent years, many advanced countries have promoted corporate social responsibility, and Taiwan is no exception. Financial donations are in fact the simplest form of contribution. To give selflessly, work tirelessly, uphold public-interest values as
a personal calling, and act with integrity—on these counts Chairman Huang is beyond reproach. Even when association financial reports contain only modest figures, he scrutinizes every detail and draws a clear line between public and private matters, ever mindful
that inadvertent lapses by staff might tarnish the organization’s good name. He often reminds us that public affairs require extra caution so as not to betray the public trust.
Lately, the Chairman has spoken even more frequently about succession. Not long ago, at his direction, we convened a symposium of the East Asia Economic Association of the Republic of China. While carrying out the secretariat work, we gradually understood
the Chairman’s intent for the second term: to refresh the organization by adding Youth, Events, and Association Affairs Committees—with the aims of expanding the organization, cultivating young successors, and strengthening service delivery. This proactive,
responsible, and forward-looking approach makes even those of us who have twice received Model Civil Servant medals feel humbled—he truly embodies excellence in every role he undertakes.
“The succession of public-interest work” is a weighty topic—one that touches on ideals, capability, willingness, time commitment, and unwavering dedication, as well as the cultivation and mentoring required before handing over the baton. While the Chairman’s
decoration is the highest honor for him and his family, it also represents an intangible asset of TECO’s public credibility and social capital—something truly worth continuing and passing on. At this year’s spring banquet, the Chairman jokingly cautioned everyone
to stay sharp, noting that after an active golfing holiday in Australia he was full of energy and able to keep a close eye on the management team for many years to come. This is precisely the right moment to nurture new talent for public service. The inclusion
of a Youth Committee in the association’s structure echoes the Chairman’s commitment to passing on the torch of public-interest endeavors.
There is no shortage of successful business leaders, but those who achieve extraordinary results in public service are rare. This is a reminder for TECO’s younger generation to reflect and recommit. Once again, heartfelt congratulations to Chairman Huang,
Madam Huang, and the entire family, as we at TECO share in this distinguished honor.
(Content reprinted from First-Class Monthly*.)*
