Li Kwoh-ting was born in Nanjing in 1910. In 1926, he began studies at National Central University in Nanjing, majoring in mathematics. He passed examinations for study abroad in 1933 and was admitted to England's prestigious Cambridge University. But in 1937 came the outbreak of open war between China and Japan. Li, armed with ideas of saving the nation through science, returned home and entered the Air Defense Academy to contribute to the war effort.

After the war, Li was involved in the construction of a steel mill and a shipyard, and he spent the rest of his days in public service. In 1958, he was named secretary general of the Council for US Aid. He later served as economic affairs minister, finance minister, minister without portfolio and senior presidential advisor. He dedicated his life to working for his country and its people.

Few, if any, ministers have had a more profound impact on Taiwan. Over the past 50 years, no other individual has been appointed to ministerial posts overseeing all three areas of economic, financial and technological development affairs. During his long tenure guiding economic and financial policy, he nearly single-handedly planted the seeds for the development of Taiwan's information industry. In a half century, Taiwan has made the transition from agrarian to industrial to high-tech society and leads the "Four Asian Tigers" in many areas. The contributions of Premier Sun Yun-suan's "Technology Cabinet," which included Li, and former Board of Foreign Trade director Wang Yi-ting, cannot be overstated.

Beginning in 1953 when Taiwan's first long-term economic development plan was drafted, Li focused on improving the conditions for industrial development, aggressively assisting local businesses in cutting costs and improving Taiwan's competitiveness in international markets. In the 1960s, he began to actively promote his ideas for developing external trade and investment ties in order to attract more foreign investment, expand exports, earn foreign exchange and put an early end to reliance on the US. His vision was to encourage Taiwanese companies to take over import-dependent industries, such as the manufacture of bicycles, umbrellas and shoes, for export to global markets.

The passage of the Investment Incentive Statutes and the establishment of export processing zones proved to be a watershed event in the expansion both of Taiwan's exports and foreign currency holdings, as well as a crucial factor in the rapidly rising standard of living.

During Li's tenure as economic affairs minister, with the end of US assistance and in the face of collapsing world sugar prices, he secured Japanese and US loans for the construction of the Second Kaohsiung Harbor, the Tsengwen Reservoir, power plants and other critical infrastructure. With timely policy measures skillfully executed, not only was economic crisis averted following the halt in US aid, but export figures actually continued to swell annually.

After being named minister without portfolio, ever the visionary, Li undertook the important task of promoting the development of key technologies. His efforts culminated with the establishment in 1980 of the Hsinchu Science-based Industrial Park, Taiwan's "Silicon Valley." He played a crucial role in the establishment of the information industry and the development of technical expertise in Taiwan, both actively and behind the scenes. Twenty years later, the information industry has become the lifeblood of Taiwan's economy and it seems only fitting that the monikers "Father of Technological Development" and "Architect of the Economic Miracle" have been bestowed upon him. Those in the information industry are quick to acknowledge his contributions to the industry's development.

And Li's fame was not limited strictly to Taiwan. His voice was influential around the world. During the busiest period of his public life, he assisted a number of countries in drafting economic development plans, including Jordan and South Korea. Mainland Chinese leader Jiang Zemin is even said to have once asked Li the secret of Taiwan's success.

While he dedicated his life's work to economic and technological development, he did not forget the importance of raising educational standards, narrowing the gap between urban and rural citizens and controlling population growth, and these were not overlooked in the promotion of his new ideas. With so much concern over declining ethics in modern society, many fondly recall Li's advocacy of the so-called "Sixth Ethic" movement, with its emphasis that a new society needs a new spirit of morality and order.

Li Kwoh-ting and others of his generation helped create a land of opportunity in Taiwan. In remembering him, we should remember that his passing signals the end of an era. More to the point, we should ask of ourselves: "How can I carry on the selfless, broadminded spirit of the previous generation to help create a more hopeful future?"

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The memorial service for Li Kwoh-ting, on June 16, was attended by President Chen Shui-bian among others. Former economics minister Chao Yao-tung, Academia Sinica president Lee Yuan-tseh, Examination Yuan president Hsu Shui-teh and TSMC chairman Morris Chang draped the flag over Li's bier. (photo by Jimmy Lin)