[Faculty Spotlight] Inspiring Students to Explore the World and Accompanying Them to the End: Associate Professor Chih-Yuan Wang Honored with Taiwan’s Top Teaching Award

Congratulations to Associate Professor Chih-Yuan Wang from the Department of Business Management at National Sun Yat-sen University (NSYSU)! Professor Wang has been named a recipient of the 2025 National Excellent Teacher Award (師鐸獎) by the Ministry of Education—one of the highest honors in Taiwan’s education system. This recognition reflects the College of Management’s unwavering belief in the transformative power of education and Professor Wang’s compassionate, steadfast commitment to guiding students through life’s challenges.

The Ministry of Education established the Excellent Teacher Award to recognize educators at all levels who demonstrate outstanding dedication and professionalism. This year, Professor Wang’s moving story of mentorship stood out among the honorees.

According to media reports, Professor Wang once mentored a student—referred to as “Xiao Yuan”—who was on the verge of academic dismissal due to failing more than half of their courses. Lost and uncertain about the purpose of university, Xiao Yuan was encouraged by Professor Wang to travel abroad and experience a broader world perspective.

After returning from overseas, Xiao Yuan transformed completely—speaking up actively in class, independently studying personal finance, and showing a renewed commitment to learning. However, midway through the semester, Xiao Yuan suddenly stopped attending classes. Professor Wang contacted the student’s family and learned the devastating news: Xiao Yuan had been diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer.

Despite the illness, Xiao Yuan returned to campus to continue studying with Professor Wang’s encouragement. As the condition worsened, Professor Wang remained by the student’s side—visiting frequently and offering strength to both Xiao Yuan and their family. Although Xiao Yuan ultimately passed away, Professor Wang found solace in having accompanied the student through their final chapter.

Professor Wang’s story is made even more extraordinary by his personal resilience. After losing all four limbs to a rare disease, he has continued to fight against adversity with unyielding spirit. Drawing from his own life experience, he inspires students with courage and empathy. Over the years, he has received numerous accolades at NSYSU, including multiple Distinguished Teaching Awards, and has left a profound impact on all who cross his path—with both his dedication to teaching and his unwavering will to live.

— Content adapted from media reports / Edited by the College of Management Media Team

Praised by students as “a teacher who teaches with his life,” Associate Professor Chih-Yuan Wang from NSYSU’s Department of Business Management was honored with the Ministry of Education’s 2025 Excellent Teacher Award.Image — Praised by students as “a teacher who teaches with his life,” Associate Professor Chih-Yuan Wang from NSYSU’s Department of Business Management was honored with the Ministry of Education’s 2025 Excellent Teacher Award.

Recognized for his outstanding teaching, Professor Wang was invited by the College of Management to share his insights on curriculum design at a faculty seminar on teaching philosophy and methods.Image — Recognized for his outstanding teaching, Professor Wang was invited by the College of Management to share his insights on curriculum design at a faculty seminar on teaching philosophy and methods.

Known for his passion for teaching and care for students, Professor Wang is pictured here with his students. (Photo courtesy of NSYSU News)Image — Known for his passion for teaching and care for students, Professor Wang is pictured here with his students. (Photo courtesy of NSYSU News)

Professor Wang’s story has touched not only the academic community. In 2023, he was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a game between the Uni-Lions and Rakuten Monkeys. Uni-Lions General Manager Tai-An Su remarked, “We hope that by inviting Dr. Wang—an inspirational fighter—to this event, more people will learn about his story and spirit, spreading the power of perseverance and transformation.” (Source: media coverage)Image — Professor Wang’s story has touched not only the academic community. In 2023, he was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch at a game between the Uni-Lions and Rakuten Monkeys. Uni-Lions General Manager Tai-An Su remarked, “We hope that by inviting Dr. Wang—an inspirational fighter—to this event, more people will learn about his story and spirit, spreading the power of perseverance and transformation.” (Source: media coverage)

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