NCTU National Chiao Tung University President Lecture Series – Speech – CFF

The honorable Elaine L. Chao, U.S. 24th Secretary of Labor and the honorary doctor of the National Chiao Tung University, and her father Dr. James S.C. Chao, the founder of the Foremost Group, arrives NCTU on the 12th October. The honorable Elaine L. Chao gives a speech on “Finding your purpose in life” and by sharing her father’s life story to inspire more people.

The Honorable Elaine L. Chao moved to the US with her parents when she was eight years old.

Under the influence of both eastern and western education, she received her masters degree from Harvard Business School. In 2001, she was nominated as the US Secretary of Labor by President George W. Bush. She was the first Asian-American Secretary and the first Asian-American woman in US history to be appointed to a US president’s cabinet. In addition to her influence in politics, The Honorable Elaine L. Chao also has made great contributions to the non-profit sector. She has been awarded honorable doctorate degrees from 35 universities and also received the “Six Outstanding Women”, “Ten Outstanding Young Women” and “Outstanding Immigrant Award”.

The honorable Elaine Chao stresses that it is because of her father that she can stand here today. She shares her father’s story to young people frequently and his story of not having anything when he was young but his confidence that made him look like he had the whole world. She especially adores her father’s self-confidence and intellectuality. It is because of his personality and character that gave her father the ability to face challenges and always full of energy and an ability to keep a positive attitude and a hope for the future.

The honorable Elaine Chao mentions that her mother, Ms. Mulan Chao, was a rarely educated woman of her generation. Her mother always showed a mother’s pride and determination. Her parents planted bamboo in their backyard to remind their children of their culture and where they came from.

The honorable Elaine Chao says her father always attributes his achievement to the study at NCTU and says the connections he built up at that time are for life long relationships. The honorable Elaine Chao says “life is to face challenges, to overcome and be persistent. You have to find something that you are willing to fight for. In this competitive and diverse world, finding what you have passion for is the only way to be successful.” She also says “the meaning of life is not wealth. The treasure my father has is love from family and respect from friends, and also making contributions to society. Don’t forget Dr. James Chao’s story when you are looking for a direction for your life in the future.”