Search Results

The Coast Guard Foundation's New York Salutes the Coast Guard dinner honored maritime leader Dr. James S.C. Chao and the crew of Cutter William Chadwick, with a keynote from The Honorable Elaine Chao. Pier 61 New York City October 11, 2025 Read Dr. James S. C. Chao's Remarks : Read President Chairman Thomas Allegretti’s introduction of Dr. James S. C. Chao: Read The Honorable Elaine Chao's Keynote Address at: Last night, a sold-out house of maritime industry leaders and Coast Guard supporters gathered at Chelsea Piers for the  New York Salutes the Coast Guard  dinner. Hosted by the Coast Guard Foundation, the event celebrated the dedication of Coast Guard personnel and honored a titan of the maritime community. The event did not include the usual heavy presence of Coast Guard national leadership and local members due to the ongoing government shutdown.  President of the Coast Guard Foundation Susan Ludwig explained in her remarks, “I spoke with the Acting Commandant Admiral Lunday and Vice Commandant Admiral Allan yesterday. They were heartbroken that the government shutdown is keeping Admiral Lunday and our Coast Guard members from attending,” she said. “They thanked all of us, in advance, for all the morale and resiliency support that we can give their crews during this tough time. Admiral Lunday and Admiral Allan, we are humbled to stand beside you and behind you in support of your mission,” she continued. Dr. James S.C. Chao accepts the Coast Guard Foundation award from Coast Guard Foundation Chairman Tom Allegretti at the New York Salutes the Coast Guard event on October 9, 2025. Dr. Chao is accompanied by his daughter Elaine Chao. Dr. James S.C. Chao Receives Honor A major highlight of the gala was the tribute to Dr. James S.C. Chao, a revered figure in the global shipping industry. Dr. Chao was presented with an award celebrating his lifetime of visionary leadership and his profound impact on maritime commerce and philanthropy. His company, Foremost Group, stands as a testament to his dedication and business acumen. In his acceptance speech, Dr. Chao said, “thank you for this extraordinary honor. The motto of Foremost Group is honor, integrity and performance. The United States Coast Guard exemplifies these ideals. I am humbled to be recognized by the Coast Guard Foundation. Your mission is one we embrace at Foremost Group, and we are proud of our affiliation with the Coast Guard.” The Honorable Elaine Chao Delivers Inspiring Keynote Address The keynote address was delivered by The Honorable Elaine Chao, who served as the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor. Secretary Chao graciously stepped in for Admiral Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant of the Coast Guard, who was unable to attend due to the government shutdown.   Secretary Chao’s remarks captivated the audience as she spoke on the importance of the U.S. Coast Guard to national security and Dr. James S.C. Chao’s inspiring journey from a young navigation student to the youngest ship captain of his time at the age of 29 to founding a world leading shipping company. She also noted how the values of the Coast Guard and the Foremost Group complimented each other and it was fitting that the dinner honored them both. “The Coast Guard Foundation deserves our gratitude for its steadfast commitment to supporting the men and women of the United States Coast Guard,” said Secretary Chao. “This evening is also very special because we are honoring the vision and contributions of Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder and Chair of Foremost Group. His life has been dedicated to the sea and to the people who serve on it. His contributions and achievements reflect his commitment to operational excellence, safety on the seas, environmental stewardship and the adoption of new sustainability and environmental technologies,” she continued. All proceeds from the  New York Salutes the Coast Guard  event fund the Coast Guard Foundation’s essential support programs,  which include: Scholarships for Coast Guard children. Morale, wellness, and recreation programs for service members. Support for families of fallen heroes. Emergency relief for Coast Guard families in times of crisis. The Coast Guard Foundation is grateful to dinner sponsor  Foremost Group , reception sponsors  McAllister Towing  and  Lockheed Martin , and major sponsors  ABS, Chevron, Enstructure, MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company , and  Statue City Cruises , and all who sponsored and attended the event. The success of the evening reflects the maritime industry’s community spirit and respect for the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard who serve alongside them in our ports and waterways. Source: https://www.coastguardfoundation.org/news/coast-guard-foundation-event-in-nyc-honors-dr-james-s-c-chao-and-coast-guard-features-keynote-by-elaine-chao

Webb Institute Glen Cove, New York October 24, 2025 Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/dr-james-sc-chao-honored-webb-institute-531565 Read Dr. James S. C. Chao's remarks: Read President Mark Martecchini's introduction of Dr. James S. C. Chao: Read Marine Link's news report: Webb Institute proudly awarded Dr. James S.C. Chao, Founder and Chairman of the Foremost Group, an Honorary Doctor of Science degree on Friday, October 24, 2025, in recognition of his extraordinary lifetime contributions to maritime excellence, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to education and sustainability. The ceremony took place on Webb’s waterfront campus in Glen Cove, NY. Among the distinguished guests were members of the Board of Trustees, faculty, students, and Dr. Chao’s eldest daughter, the Honorable Elaine Chao, who is the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation and the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor. A Journey of Perseverance and Vision Dr. Chao’s life story is one of remarkable resilience and entrepreneurial success. Growing up in a small farming village in China , his childhood was shaped by wars and hardship , yet his parents’ belief in education led him to major in navigation at a top Chinese university. At age 29, he became one of the youngest sea masters of his time. Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Chao addressed Webb: When I was growing up, I never expected my life to turn out the way it did.  As you embark upon your lives, change will always be present, occurring faster and faster, and your life will turn out in ways you may never have imagined. My childhood was shaped by wars:  the Japanese invasion and then occupation; World War II; and the civil wars that went on for almost 40 years. But my parents believed in education and they sacrificed and saved to send me to school. Dr. Chao scored No.1 on a national examination, breaking a record that had stood for hundreds of years and providing the opportunity to come to the United States alone. After three years, he was able to bring his family to America. Though he had initially hoped to attend Webb Institute, he went on to earn his MBA from St. John’s University and founded the Foremost Group in New York in 1964. Leading the Way in Dry Bulk Shipping Under Dr. Chao’s leadership, Foremost Group became a global leader in dry bulk shipping. The New York-based international shipping company is celebrated for its high ethical standards, innovation, and environmental stewardship. Decades before environmental protection became a global priority, Foremost pioneered energy-efficient ship designs and sustainable technologies, making it one of the world’s most eco-friendly fleets. The company’s motto is Honor. Integrity. Performance. Inspiring the Next Generation In his remarks, Dr. Chao reflected on the importance of the maritime profession – naval architecture and marine engineering to global trade and connecting peoples and nations. Dr. Chao offered words of encouragement to the students: “Never be afraid of challenges. In every difficulty lies an opportunity”. He emphasized that while subject area expertise is necessary , the ability to “think broadly and creatively” and to “adapt, and to innovate” will make them stand out in a world facing changes from technology and AI. Webb Institute President Mark Martecchini stated, We honor Dr. Chao and celebrate the enduring impact of Dr. Chao and his family on the maritime world. Dr. Chao and his family exemplify the industry’s highest ideals: honor, resilience, and a deep commitment to the public good. A dedicated philanthropist, Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have supported educational institutions globally, including through the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center at the Harvard Business School, and have provided thousands of scholarships. Webb Institute itself provides a full-tuition scholarship to every student in its top-ranked undergraduate program in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering.

Asia Society Cipriani 25 Broadway, New York October 15, 2025 Learn more about Asia Society Game Changer Award: https://asiasociety.org/asia-game-changer-awards Good evening! It’s wonderful to be back at the Asia Society Game Changers Award ceremony where I once introduced the champion Afghan Women’s Robotics team. As a Board member, I am proud to have been a part of the opening of the Tokyo Center at I-House and to watch my former colleagues, Danny Russell and Wendy Cutler build the Asia Society Policy Institute into the go-to think tank on the most important issues of the day – from trade and energy security to great power politics shaping the region. Not to mention the leadership of my Ambassadorial counterpart His Excellency Prime Minister Ambassador Dr Kevin Rudd – as he likes his close friends to call him. My own time in the Asia Pacific was the most meaningful of my life. Not only did I learn much about the region and the challenges ahead, but I also learned about the United States. I saw first – hand how President Kennedy’s call to service, and his vision for America still resonates around the world . I heard over and over that America is still the place people want to be – and I gained a deeper appreciation for the contributions that generations of Asian and Pacific Islander immigrants have made to the United States. No one embodies that spirit, or that history better than the Chao family. As U.S. Ambassador to Japan, I was privileged to attend the christening of one of Foremost’s newest greenest ships with Dr Chao and Secretary Chao at a shipyard near Nagasaki. I was struck by their commitment to excellence and the deep respect and long-term relationships they had built with their Japanese partners and shipyard workforce. The deep love and immense pride that father and daughter took in one another was familiar to me having grown up in a family where work and family were intertwined inseparable. Dr Chao’s belief that his daughters could do anything was shared by his extraordinary wife, Ruth. Together they raised six talented and amazing women – and made sure that every student privileged to attend HBS knows the power of love and of giving back by naming the Executive Education and Student Center after their beloved matriarch, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. As the video will show, Elaine arrived in New York as an 8- year-old girl and was the first to become an American success story in every field of endeavor- business , non-profit and philanthropy, politics and government . She became the first Asian American woman to serve as a Cabinet Secretary - and not once but twice. She led the way for her five younger sisters and for generations of little girls who have followed their own dreams. I got to know Elaine through my uncle Senator Edward Kennedy. They worked closely together on issues that were close to his heart and central to his career – building bridges internationally through Peace Corps, helping the American workers through the Labor Department, celebrating the arts at the Kennedy Center, and inspiring the next generation to enter public service through the Harvard Institute of Politics. Teddy admired Elaine’s judgement, experience, intelligence and effectiveness and understood her power as a role model for young women. In return, she always referred to him as My Chairman. Although their lives were very different, they shared a devotion to family, a pride in our immigrant heritage, a belief in the power of government to make life better, and a commitment to the American Dream. At a time when those values are under attack, and the contributions of our immigrant communities are being denigrated and destroyed, I am honored to present the Asia Society Game Changer Award to the extraordinary father and daughter, Dr James Chao and Secretary Elaine Chao. Now, let’s turn to the video.

On April 23, 2025, at the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Annual Meeting held at the New York Yacht Club in New York City, Dr. James S. C. Chao, Founder and Chair of the Foremost Group, was honored with the prestigious Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award. In recognition of his decades of leadership, contributions to maritime safety, environmental stewardship, and service to global trade, Dr. Chao delivered the following acceptance remarks. Dr. James S. C. Chao, Founder and Chair of Foremost Group, receives the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award from ABS CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki, joined by members of the Chao family at the 2025 ABS Annual Meeting in New York City. Acceptance Remarks by Dr. James S. C. Chao, Founder & Chair, Foremost Group Recipient of American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)  Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award ABS Annual Meeting Wednesday, April 23, 2025 New York Yacht Club, New York City   Chris, Board of ABS, friends:  What an honor it is for me to be here with you to accept this Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award on behalf of myself and the Foremost Group!   When I first started my career, I never could have imagined where I am today.  My simple dream in life was to contribute to society and to be a good person.   ABS is known as one of the world’s leading classification societies.  To be honored by ABS as the inaugural recipient of the Lifetime Achievement award is one of the highlights of my life.  I am very humbled and it is beyond my dreams.    Being a former captain and seafarer myself, safety on the seas has personal relevance for me.  I have sailed on ships for over a decade and I want my seafaring and onshore colleagues to emphasize safety and be safe.    Foremost has also always emphasized our responsibility to be stewards of the environment in the oceans.    In a constantly evolving industry with new emerging changing technology, ABS works alongside its partners to tackle the most pressing technical, operational and regulatory challenges so the marine industry can operate safely, securely and responsibly.  We appreciate that.   I am grateful to my parents and my alma mater for shaping my abilities and values; I am also grateful to my family, especially my wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao who is the foundation of our family; I also want to thank my colleagues, it is because of everyone's diligence and teamwork that Foremost has achieved what it has today. I am even more grateful to the Lord, because it is the grace of the God that allows me to have everything I have today!    Foremost contributes to improving the overall welfare in the world – moving needed cargoes to feed countries, fuel economic growth and increase standards of living.    Society has given my beloved wife and me so much and thus it has always been our objective to give back to Society.   This award is a great encouragement to Foremost and to me to continue to help make the world a better place through our continue adherence to our mottos:   Honor.  Integrity.  Performance.   Thank you so much.

The article was original posted on ilfnational.org The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) held its 2024 Annual Leadership and Business Conference at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C., on the morning of July 25; ILF Chairman Dr. Paul Hsu gave a welcoming speech and kicked off the 25th-anniversary series of events, which included a panel discussion with Congresswoman Judy Chu, Congresswoman Grace Meng, and Congressman Ted Lieu encouraging Asian youth and students to get involved in public service, serve the community, run for office, and speak out for the Asian community. This year, 47 Civic Fellows from top colleges and universities across the U.S. and high school students from the 2024 Youth Leadership Training Program enrolled in Leadership Foundation’s Public Affairs Internship Program and were presented with certificates of completion at the annual luncheon. Certificates were also given to the presidents of ILF chapters throughout the U.S. and to elite supporters of the Foundation. International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Founding President Chiling Tong said it was meaningful for ILF to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and also introduced the new book Doors of Opportunity, which records the 25the year history of the ILF and inspires young people to pursue opportunities, dreams, and hopes that they will become successful leaders in their respective fields. International Leadership Foundation (ILF) Founding President Chiling Tong said it was meaningful for ILF to celebrate its 25th anniversary this year and also encourage young people to pursue opportunities, dreams, and hopes that they will become successful leaders in their respective fields. In an afternoon fireside Chat with Dr. James S. C. Chao and Secretary Elaine Chao, young people were encouraged to pursue their potential and contribute to serve society. They also talked about recent biographies written about them: Elaine Chao A Trailblazer’s Discovery: The first Asian American woman in the President’s Cabinet , and Riding the Waves: Shipping Magnate Dr. James S. C. Chao & Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao’s philosophy of Life and Their Legacy . More than 500 officials, business leaders, and young leaders from all over the United States gathered together to celebrate the 25th Anniversary and honor 11 community leaders from all over the United States who have made outstanding contributions in the field of public affairs and community service: Dr. Chao Legendary Leader & Legacy Award Dr. Chao, the founder and Chairman of the Foremost Group, which is headquartered in New York City and celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024. Over 60 years, Dr. Chao has built Foremost into a global leader in the shipping industry, noted for its fleet of environmentally sensitive and technologically advanced bulk carriers. Foremost motto is: “honesty, integrity & service”. Dr. Chao made remarks after receiving the award, “I remember when I was coming here in the 1950s. Asians were only 1% of the population; today, Asians comprise 7% of the population. But we are still a minority. So, we need to get together, especially in this good society, this democratic system. We need a voice. The voice is from the people. Remember again, we are a minority, so we need to have ideas and offer them to society and offer them to this nation.” “We are making many contributions to America and to Society. Let the Mainstream American people understand this. We are of Chinese origin. But now, we are also Americans and we are contributing lots to the country.” (Applause) Looking back from today’s glory, Dr. Chao grew up in a time of war and turmoil, arriving in Taiwan from Shanghai in 1949, becoming Taiwan’s youngest ocean-going captain at age 29, and a first prize winner in Taiwan’s special examination for captains at age 30. However, he gave up his high salary to go to the U.S. for further study. In the U.S., he received a lower salary than others during the day and handled more shipping duties; at night and on weekends, he served dishes in restaurants and endured the ridicule and bullying of others. After much difficulties getting into a university because his transcripts were locked behind in the Mainland, Dr. Chao graduated with an MBA at the age of 38. Unable to find a job at that old age, Dr. Chao established Foremost Corporation. He faced many adversities. Even though he fell into debt, and lost all his ships as his partners withdrew from the business due to the oil crisis, he remained calm and continued to buy and build ships. Today, his company has one of the world’s largest fleets of environmentally-friendly bulk carriers. Dr. Chao emphasized family education, combining the values and strengths of both Chinese and Western cultures, and educated his six daughters, four of whom graduated from Harvard, all of whom are outstanding. In the 3rd generation, four of his granddaughters are studying at Harvard. Grateful for his blessings and wanting to help less fortunate students like himself access opportunities, his many foundations have donated tens of millions of dollars in education, established the Chao Chu Mulan Scholarship Fund for Chinese students, and built the Chao Chu Mulan Center at the Harvard Business School, where more than 10,000 international executives exchange ideas yearly. In Taiwan, he provides annual scholarships for outstanding graduates in shipping-related disciplines to study in the U.S. and work as interns in the Foremost Group. On July 18, 2024, National Taiwan Ocean University dedicated the Mulan Ocean and Maritime Education Building in honor of Dr. James S. C. Chao’s beloved late wife. The environment is always full of challenges. Dr. Chao faced the pressure of survival, language barriers, culture shock, and spiritual isolation. Still, he was determined and optimistic, never giving up, and created his value and status in the highly competitive American mainstream culture. He donated the first building named after an Asian-American and a woman in Harvard’s 400-year history. With his spirit of never-ending self-realization and keeping up with the times, Chao has always given his best in every challenging circumstance. His family is known as the “Legacy of the Chinese-American community,” including his eldest daughter, Elaine L. Chao, who was the first Chinese-American recruited by five U.S. presidents to serve in their administrations, and the first female Asian American Cabinet Secretary. Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have dedicated their lives to education and philanthropy. Their family story is marked by challenges, adversities, but also hope, optimism, faith and love. Dr. James S. C. Chao is an inspirational leader, altruistic and serving the public welfare and society. He is most deserving of the Lifetime Legacy award. Washington, D.C. – The International Leadership Foundation (ILF), along with the Coalition of Asian American Business Organizations (CAABO), hosted the 2024 ILF Leadership and Business Conference. The conference was held on Thursday, July 25, 2024. Featured speakers included the Honorable Elaine L. Chao, 18th Secretary of Transportation and 24th Secretary of Labor; Dr. James S.C. Chao, Chairman and Founder, Foremost Group; Dr. Ming Wang, Director & Surgeon at Wang Vision Institute. Over 500 guests attended, including distinguished Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business and community leaders, entrepreneurs, and ILF Civic Fellows. The Gala recognizes leaders in the AAPI community who have contributed significantly to the advancement and representation of AAPIs. Honorees included: Legacy Award Dr. James SC Chao Business Leadership Award: Dr. Limin Hu, Chairman, Global Monte Jade Science and Technology Association Dr. Rose Maria Li, President and CEO, Rose Li and Associates Global Business Leadership Award: Mr. Che-Sheng Su, CEO, HeiHong Investment Educational Leadership Award: Dr. Rose Y. Tseng, Chancellor Emerita and Professor, University of Hawaii at Hilo Civic Leadership Award: Mr. Ben Wu, Former Deputy Secretary of Commerce, MD Department of Commerce Dr. David Yee, Commissioner, CA Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs Ms. Pauline Huang, Co-Founder, United Customs Service Community Leadership Award: Ms. Teresa Lai, Founder, Little Tree Montessori International School Mr. Ebrahim Maghsoud, Former Chair, Asian McDonald’s Association Ms. Amanda Negron, CEO, HSU Educational Foundation The Leadership and Business Conference & Gala aims to create opportunities for AAPI small business owners. To that end, the global awards ceremony serves to recognize outstanding members in the AAPI community who have provided exceptional services to their communities. Awardees also serve as positive role models for next generation AAPI leaders. The conference included a fireside chat, “A Trailblazer’s Discovery” between the Honorable Elaine L. Chao and Dr. James S.C. Chao. ILF is a non-profit organization that promotes civic engagement, leadership, empowerment, and economic prosperity of the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community to enhance diversity in our country. The mission of ILF is to cultivate civic-minded future AAPI leaders. Founded in 2000, ILF has provided scholarships, leadership training, and educational programs to over 10,000 AAPI students. The list of distinguished speakers at the 2024 event included: U.S. Representative Ted Lieu (CA-36); U.S. Representative Judy Chu (CA-28); U.S. Representative Grace Meng (NY-6); U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-40); U.S. Representative Amada Radewagen; U.S. Representative Vince Fong (CA-20); MD Secretary of State Susan C. Lee; Dr. Paul Hsu, ILF Chairperson; Rose Y. Tseng, Chancellor Emerita and Professor of Leadership, University of Hawaii at Hilo. See original post at https://www.ilfnational.org/international-leadership-foundation-celebrates-25th-anniversary-and-bestows-lifetime-legacy-award-to-dr-james-s-c-chao-founder-chairman-of-foremost-group-in-new-york/

Two new kindergartens named after Ruth Mulan Chu Chao opened in Qili and Siyang, within China’s Lai’an county, Anhui province, on October 15, 2015. The Chao Family Foundations donated more than USD$1 million to the kindergartens, where approximately 1,000 new students will learn and be inspired by the legacy of Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. The dedication ceremony was a joyful event attended by members of the Chu Chao family, as well as the community’s many happy parents, grateful for the opportunity given to their children through the generosity of the Chao family. Joining the Chao family patriarch, Dr. James S.C. Chao, were his daughters: former US Secretary of Labor, Elaine L. Chao, and Deputy Chair of the Foremost Group, Angela Chao. Secretary Chao lamented that since her mother’s passing in August, 2007, not a day has gone by that she has not been missed. She said that even though many years had passed, her mother’s attachment to Anhui province, where she was born, never diminished: “…she never forgot the land of her birth and her roots.” Ruth Mulan Chu Chao was born in 1930 in Anhui. She received her secondary education at Ming-Teh Girls’ High School, located in Nanjing. She joined a select group of girls who were privileged to receive a formal education in those days. Wars and other events interrupted her studies, but her commitment to education never wavered and at the age of 53, she obtained her Master’s degree in Asian Literature and History from New York’s St. John’s University. She and her husband Dr. James S. C. Chao, founder of the Foremost Group, devoted their lives to philanthropic endeavors, especially those that would enrich educational opportunities for students in the U.S. and China. These two kindergartens in her native land are a recent example of the Chao family’s belief that education is the ultimate route to achieving success in life. Secretary Chao spoke about her mother’s emphasis on education. “My mother always believed in the Chinese people’s philosophy that education is a key factor in survival and development.” In fact, she noted that her parents faced many challenges upon their arrival to America—a foreign culture and land, but with optimism, determination, hard work, fearlessness and a loving attitude, they forged ahead, building a new home, raising a large family, founding a successful international business, and becoming ambassadors and philanthropists. Angela Chao said that she hopes that the children attending the new kindergartens will feel her mother’s spirit, be inspired and also strive to succeed, each in his or her own way. She hopes that later in life they will make contributions to the world at large and follow in the path of her mother, who was devoted to educational achievement and stewardship of the world. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao’s love for education, enthusiasm for her homeland and the fulfillment of her life’s purpose made it only fitting that the Chao Family Foundations should make a donation to open these two kindergartens, to carry forward her name and light the torch to be carried by the next generation of Chinese students.

The Chao family was awarded the 2010 Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) Legacy Award. This was the first time that a family, rather than individual, was awarded such an honor and it reflects the Chao family’s lifelong gifts to the Chinese-American community.

The Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is one of China’s finest higher education and research institutions, offering undergraduate, graduate and post-graduate degrees in a large number of disciplines. It enjoys a world class reputation for leadership in research and technological advancement in the disciplines of engineering, science and marine technologies, attracting students and faculty from across the globe. Angela, Elaine and James Chao at Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building Jiao Tong University The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building was constructed in honor of Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, late and beloved wife of SJTU alumnus Dr. James S.C. Chao who also has served as the University’s American Alumni Association’s chairman. The building is a memorial to Mrs. Chao with whom he invested countless hours and resources in improving access to higher education for deserving Chinese and American students, as well as supporting initiatives designed to strengthen and sustain relations between the US and China. The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building at SJTU consists of three adjoined buildings and ten floors of classroom, research and administrative space. This building complex of 360,000 square feet of space houses SJTU’s School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering. The School, which opened in 2003, is well known around the world for its excellence in disciplines such as international shipping administration, mechanics, hydraulic and architecture engineering, naval architecture and ocean engineering and coastal and harbor engineering. It is China’s premier university in the fields of ocean and naval engineering, attracting an international body of students, as well as collaborations with leading research institutions in other countries, including the United States of American. SJTU’s School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering is a perfect fit with the Chao family’s years of leadership in the international shipping industry. SJTU, more than a 100 years old, is recognized as a premier education and research institution. There are 31 schools, five well-developed campuses offering students undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees in medicine, law, engineering, management, the arts, economics, literature, and agriculture. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Building at Shanghai Jiao Tong University

In Autumn 2007, months after the passing of Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, the Foremost Foundation, under the direction of Dr. James S.C. Chao, established the Mulan Marine Simulation Memorial Building at Shanghai Maritime University in loving memory of Mrs. Chao. Angela Chao and her father, Dr. Chao were very pleased to see the tremendous impact the marine engine and navigation simulator was having on the quality of education and training received by the University’s students. During their various site visits to Shanghai Maritime University since its opening, they have been able to tour the Mulan Marine Simulation Memorial Building, experience first-hand some of its simulation exercises, and hear from University. Administrators and the student body about Shanghai Maritime University’s increasing stature in the arenas of international education, scientific research and professional training. Shanghai Maritime University (SMU) was founded in 1959. Approximately 15,000 students from America, Europe, Asia, and Africa are diligently engaged in high-level learning in a large number of academic disciplines, including: liberal arts, economics, sciences, and law. While many are focused on shipping management, economics and technologies, students at SMU matriculate with internationally recognized degrees from many academic areas of study, preparing them to be the scientific, engineering, and maritime leaders of their countries. In 1984, Dr. and Mrs. Chao established the Shanghai Mulan Education Foundation which provides qualified, needy students the opportunity to secure the outstanding educational offerings available at SMU.

In honor of the family’s beloved Mother and her lifelong mission to improve higher education, the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center is being built on Harvard Business School’s campus. Striving to produce the next generation of leaders, the Chao family along with the HBS community, take great pleasure in this addition to the campus. The ceremony marking the start of the project was held on April 24, 2014 with a number of distinguished guests in attendance. Included in the attendees was China’s ambassador to the United States the Honorable Cui Tiankai, Senator Ed Markey of Massachusetts, former Prime Minister of Australia Kevin Rudd, among others. Representing the Chao family was Dr. James S.C. Chao, whose dedication to the pursuit of higher learning has made this new endeavor possible. The new center which aims to serve the 10,000 students in the Executive Education program has been made possible through the generous efforts of Chao Family Foundations. The new building at the center of the Harvard Business School campus will replace the facilities of Kresge Hall, giving students a new range of services. The groundbreaking ceremony comes as HBS marks its 50th anniversary of admitting women through its doors. As the first building on the Harvard campus to be named for both a woman and an American of Chinese descent, this project truly breaks down barriers with its celebration of progress at HBS. The decision to embark on the building of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center was sparked from the Chao family’s continued dedication to the mission of Harvard Business School. The family has developed a strong relationship over the years with the HBS community, with four of the Chao family’s daughters having attended the institution. The Chao women to have been graduated from HBS are the Honorable Elaine Chao who served as the U.S. Secretary of Labor, Ms. May Chao former New York State Commissioner of the Consumer Protection Agency, Dr. Grace Chao who went on to earn her PhD at Columbia in Anthropology, and Angela Chao who is the Deputy Chair of the Foremost Group, the international shipping firm founded by Dr. and Mrs. Chao. The Chao family is proud to have taken part in the establishment of this new building honoring the late Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao. As a strong supporter of the value of higher education, Mrs. Chao was a driving force in pushing her daughters to strive for greatness through academic achievement. In celebrating the heritage of the land of her birth and her connection with the United States where she raised her family and made her life, Ruth was a constant advocate for strengthening ties between the two countries. By sponsoring institutions of higher learning through the Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu and Dr. James S.C. Chao Family Foundation, the Chao family honors the blessed memory of their beloved wife and mother through the patronage of great educational works both here in the US as well as in China and all over the world. To celebrate the Chao’s generous gift to the Harvard Business School, a website was designed by portraying a timeline of the family’s history. Rare photographs, that go back generations, are displayed for public viewing. Speaking on the significance of the Chao family’s connection with the HBS community, Angela Chao told attendees that, ‘My family and Harvard Business School have had a remarkable relationship spanning four decades. We are so pleased to be able to further the School’s work of educating leaders who make a difference in the world while at the same time honoring our mother—the woman who inspired us with her selflessness and courage.’

At the end of July, 2015 World Journal sat down with the International Leadership Foundation (ILF) and The Honorable Elaine L. Chao, to discuss the organization’s recent awards to Dr. James S.C. Chao, founder of the Foremost Group, and his daughter, Angela Chao, Deputy Chair of the Foremost Foundation. Dr. Chao was honored for his organizational excellence and philanthropic leadership and Angela Chao was honored with the Inspirational Leader award. As neither were able to be present at the ILF’s gala, Elaine Chao accepted the awards on their behalf. She shared with World Journal her reflections on the vast accomplishments of her parents, who came to America from China and successfully navigated through the difficulties of learning and integrating into a new culture. Elaine Chao said that she hopes that the story of her parents’ struggles will serve as an inspiration to new Chinese immigrants and young Asian Americans who may be facing challenges today. Elaine noted that she was the first born of six daughters, and that Angela was the last born, with 20 years between them. The result is that Angela Chao has the experience of being born and raised completely within American culture, yet she is fluent in Chinese and well-versed in Chinese philosophy. Elaine said of her sister that she is a good example of their parents’ teachings about combining the best of East and West. Angela Chao has fully embraced mainstream American culture, as evidenced by her service to various philanthropic institutions, such as the Metropolitan Opera and Lincoln Center, as well as chairing the NYC Opera Gala. Yet at the same time she has made a point of learning about her Asian roots and making her own mark on the improvement and solidification of Asian-American cultural and economic relationships. From the perspective of the ILF, it was an honor to be able to bestow awards upon Dr. James S.C. Chao and Angela Chao, who have been and continue to be trailblazers in the areas of education and philanthropy, and who have contributed so much to strengthening the fabric of the Asian-American community.

The EPIC Achievement Award at the Teachers College , Columbia University recognizes individuals who experience the EPIC journey: the recipient exemplifies a willingness to admit and accept failure along the way, to use the information offered by failure to make better decisions, and to embrace innovation in response to their failure. Link to full article http://epic.tc.columbia.edu/awards/