Honorees
Overview & Purpose
Founded in 2014, the Taiwanese American Scholarship Fund (TASF) began awarding scholarships to Taiwanese students with financial need in 2015. From the very beginning, TASF also recognized outstanding Taiwanese American philanthropists and innovative leaders at its annual ceremony — so that TASF student awardees could learn from their example and be inspired to give back to their own communities.
The Four Award Categories
🌟 Category 1: Global Icon Award
The highest honor — reserved for Taiwanese Americans whose name, story, and achievements transcend borders and have made a lasting mark on the world stage, bringing pride to the entire Taiwanese American community.
Rationale
Some Taiwanese Americans achieve a level of recognition that is genuinely global — figures who are household names not only in the United States but across Taiwan and beyond. Their stories carry a unique bicultural power: they represent the best of what Taiwanese Americans can achieve on the world’s largest stages. This award is the pinnacle of TASF’s recognition program and will be presented selectively, only when a truly deserving honoree is identified.
2026 Honoree
| Honoree | Title / Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Wei-Yin Chen | MLB Pitcher; Taiwanese baseball icon | 2026 |
Past Honorees
| Honoree | Title / Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Chen | Co-Founder, YouTube | 2022 |
| Debby Soo | CEO, OpenTable | 2021 |
🌱 Category 2: Philanthropic Spirit Award
Honoring Taiwanese Americans whose generosity and commitment to giving back have transformed lives, communities, or causes — and who embody the spirit of selfless service.
Rationale
Philanthropy is one of the most powerful expressions of community values. This award recognizes Taiwanese Americans who have used their resources, time, or influence to lift others — reflecting the deep cultural tradition of giving and care that defines the Taiwanese American community. Carrying the Wang family name, this award itself stands as a testament to what transformational generosity looks like.
2026 Honoree
| Honoree | Title / Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Robert Tzeng, MD | Philanthropist | 2026 |
Past Honorees
| Honoree | Title / Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Kenjohn and Jacqueline Wang | Founder, Kenjohn and Jacqueline Wang Foundation | 2016 |
🏛️ Category 3: Civic Leadership Award
Recognizing Taiwanese Americans in elected office, appointed positions, or community leadership who have made a meaningful impact on public life and civic engagement.
Rationale
Taiwanese Americans have quietly built remarkable careers in public service — from state treasurer to Congress to local elected offices. This award shines a light on those who have chosen to serve the public, represent diverse communities, and strengthen democracy. It also inspires the next generation of Taiwanese Americans to pursue civic roles.
2026 Honoree
| Honoree | Title / Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Tony Chou | Mayor, City of San Marino, California | 2026 |
Past Honorees
| Honoree | Title / Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| John Chiang | Former California State Treasurer | 2015 |
| Ted Lieu | U.S. Congressman, California | 2017 |
🚀 Category 4: Innovation & Achievement Award
Celebrating Taiwanese Americans who have built influential companies, platforms, or institutions that have reshaped industries and inspired future generations of innovators.
Rationale
Taiwanese Americans have been architects of some of the most consequential technology and business platforms of our time — from video to restaurant discovery to film culture. This award recognizes those who have demonstrated extraordinary entrepreneurial vision and built lasting institutions with global impact. It serves to inspire TASF students to aim boldly in their own careers.
2026 Honoree
To be announced / carried forward from previous honoree pool as appropriate.
Past Honorees
| Honoree | Title / Role | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Lee | Co-Founder, Rotten Tomatoes | 2021 |
| Joseph Fan | President, Brighton Management | 2018 |