Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou honored Evergreen Group founder Dr. Chang Yung-Fa with a posthumous commendation in recognition of his contributions to international transportation and social welfare during a memorial service.

Taiwan’s Education Minister and the Minister of Transportation and Communications also offered homage to Chang with the First-Class Professional Education Medal and First-Class Professional Transportation Medal.

Evergreen Group held the memorial services for Chang at the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation in Taipei through February 5. Thousands of mourners came from around the world to pay respects to Chang, including his close friends, government officials, representatives of business partners, shipping industry, aviation, and travel trade in addition to Evergreen Group’s local employees and delegates from its overseas affiliates. Many more attending are those who have benefitted from Chang’s charitable work and generosity.

Chang established Evergreen Marine Corporation in 1968. The global container carrier’s service network facilitated exports from East Asia and especially for Taiwan, an island that relies on foreign trade for economic development. The shipping line’s unprecedented success in launching Asia-Europe service opened the door to the booming European market for exporters in Taiwan and many parts of Asia.

Evergreen’s North America headquarters are in Jersey City, New Jersey.

Chang formed EVA Air in 1989. The airline’s innovative service has attracted international passengers and driven the growth of Taiwan’s travel industry. Now a Star Alliance member, the airline has won numerous awards for service excellence and flight safety from aviation and travel organizations. Its consistent recognition has helped promote Taiwan’s image in the global community. Evergreen Group has also diversified into aircraft maintenance, engine overhaul and manufacturing of aircraft parts, playing an important role in building Taiwan’s burgeoning aviation supply chain.

With its business expansion, Evergreen Group has established overseas affiliates across a global network of more than 110 countries. These investments have driven growth and development for numerous related industries, including container shipping, aviation and hotels, etc. Evergreen’s steady growth over the past few decades has also enhanced Taiwan’s economic exchanges with other countries and paved the way for bilateral relations.

Chang believed in giving back to society. In 1985, he founded the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation, an organization committed to providing emergency and medical aid, promoting education and culture and elevating moral standards. The Foundation formed the Evergreen Symphony Orchestra, launched Morals Monthly, a free magazine distributed in more than 30 countries, and also operates the Evergreen Maritime Museum, an institution dedicated to preserving maritime heritage.