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LCY Chairman Bowei Lee was awarded an honorary doctorate in engineering by National Cheng Kung University on December 26, 2023, becoming the university's 44th honorary doctorate recipient. The honor was presented by NCKU President Meng-Ru Shen, who praised Lee for his outstanding personal and professional achievements. The ceremony was attended by members of the Lee family, including Lee's wife, Christine Young, and family representatives. T.H. Hong, Chairperson of LCY Chemical Corp. was also present to witness the occasion. During the event, Stanley Yen, Chair of the Alliance Cultural Foundation, delivered a speech commending Lee’s illustrious contribution to the industry and society.

"At the 30-year mark, a company needs to transform itself," said Lee. Lee, the Chairman of LCY Group (hereinafter referred to as LCY), holds a master's degrees in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master's degree in business administration from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business. He began his career with LCY upon his return to Taiwan in 1982 and assumed the role of CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, LCY has experienced remarkable growth, increasing twenty-fold over two decades. This transformation has not only shifted LCY from the conventional petrochemical industry to the realm of materials science but has also extended its global footprint, establishing the company as a world-class entity. In addition, Lee takes active steps to promote the global engagement of Taiwan's chemical industry. Under his leadership, the Taiwan Chemical Industry Association (TCIA) was granted permanent observer membership in the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA). This remarkable achievement enhances Taiwan's competitiveness in the chemical sector.

In his keynote speech, Lee acknowledged NCKU's rich history of nurturing top talent in the chemical industry since its founding during the Japanese colonial era. Reformed as a national university in 1971, NCKU is proud to be one of the four institutions participating in the Global Taiwan program under the Ministry of Education's Higher Education SPROUT Project. NCKU's recent performance in Times Higher Education's 2023 Impact Rankings is noteworthy. Out of more than 1700 universities worldwide, NCKU secured the 24th position in the world and claimed the top position in Taiwan. Impact Rankings, based on the United Nations' 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), recognize NCKU's top ranking in Taiwan in areas such as "sustainable industry and infrastructure," "affordable and clean energy," "clean water and sanitation," and "partnerships for the goals." These focus areas closely align with LCY's core development interests in industrial sustainability, infrastructure, renewable energy, and water treatment facilities. Beyond existing collaborations in semiconductor and sustainable development projects, there is potential for further collaboration with NCKU. The synergy between NCKU's research excellence and industry collaborations is poised to significantly advance progress in these important areas.

Lee also spoke about his family's ties to NCKU: "It's a tremendous honor to receive this honorary doctorate. I would have loved to share this news with my father!" In 1945, his father, Kun-Chih Lee, was admitted to the then Tainan Technical College (now NCKU). Unfortunately, the upheavals of the war thwarted his educational pursuits. Later, when he started a family, he became the unwavering pillar of support for his children and had high hopes for their future. Ultimately, Lee accomplished his father's unfulfilled aspirations.

Shen highlighted Lee's expertise in chemical engineering and business management, underscoring his deep commitment to the sustainable development of materials science and talent cultivation. Lee has spearheaded LCY's transition to a low-carbon economy with sustained efforts in ESG (environmental, social, and governance). In particular, LCY has undertaken research and development of the EIPA Dual-Cycle Circular Economy Model for recycling waste from semiconductor processes, aiming for a zero-carbon future in line with broader environmental goals. Lee's commitment extends to various initiatives, including the establishment of the Bowei Research Conference (BRC), the provision of scholarships for graduate students, the recognition of young professors, and the sponsorship of emerging talents in table tennis and tennis. These efforts underscore Lee's unwavering commitment to cultivating and nurturing future talent.

In addition to the honorary doctorate from NCKU, Lee has received an accolade of prestigious awards. In 2012, he was honored with the 8th Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award. Demonstrating his global influence, Lee served as a panelist at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2016. In addition, he took on a pivotal role as a speaker and panelist at the SelectUSA Investment Summit in 2022. That same year, his contributions were recognized when he was named the 51st Laureate of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI). Over nearly four decades, Lee has played an integral role in advancing the industry and making significant contributions to society.

Looking ahead, Lee emphasized: "Nurturing talent is critical, not only for the sustainability of the industry but also as the foundation for Taiwan's economic and sustainable growth." As he makes advancements in the materials industry and strives for a low-carbon economy, Lee is dedicated to fostering industry talent and making meaningful contributions to society and the environment.