President Tsai Ing-wen honored the late Taiwanese historian Chuang Yung-ming (莊永明) , conferring a presidential citation upon him, which was accepted on Chuang's behalf by his eldest daughter, Chuang Shu-ting, at a memorial service held at the Taipei Zhongshan Hall on Aug. 23. Minister of Culture Lee Yung-te also attended the service.
Chuang, one of the most informative Taiwanese historians and a prolific writer, passed away at the age 78 on Aug. 7.
At the memorial service for Chuang , President Tsai said that she came to present the citation in person out of her enormous gratitude and respect for Chuang, thanking him for all his efforts and contributions to this land. Chuang Yung-ming had dedicated his life to in-depth study of the development of Taiwanese society, writing numerous books recording Taiwanese life and culture and winning many awards and much recognition for his work, she added.
Starting from his first book, "Taiwan No. 1," Chuang had written earnestly and diligently to introduce the development of Taiwanese society, in order to make people better understand their own history and culture. As such, many called him an "encyclopedia of Taiwan," considering him a pioneer in Taiwan's "public history" research, said President Tsai.
Chuang showed just as much passion for the promotion of local culture, the president continued. Growing up in Taipei's old neighborhood Dadaocheng, Chuang had served for long years as cultural and historical guide for people attending walking tours in the area. More than 10,000 people learned the colorful culture of Dadaocheng through his elaboration, according the President.
While Chuang Yung-ming once described himself as a "simple worker," he played an important role as a story-teller. The President pointed out, without him to write down these stories, many events and shared memories of Taiwanese would potentially be lost.
President Tsai went on to say that while Chuang may have left us, she believes that the stories he leaves behind will undoubtedly help many more people understand Taiwan's history. Chuang Yung-ming's spirit and passion for this land will live on among us, and he will always be with us, she added.