Professor Kuang-Shih Yeh
RuDao Book Co-Editor · Ph.D. in Organization Theory, Carnegie Mellon University · Chair Professor, Chung Hua University
China has a long and profound commercial tradition. The Shang Dynasty, founded over three thousand years ago, was the earliest Chinese dynasty with written records. The word "Shang" itself stands for business, commerce, and merchants. It is said that the ancestors of the Shang people were highly adept at business and trade, which is how the dynasty came to be named "Shang".
Over two thousand years ago, the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji) — the first book to systematically document Chinese history — included a dedicated chapter titled "Biographies of the Money-makers" (Huo Zhi Lie Chuan). Its core content focused on the path to wealth and the management wisdom of prominent historical merchants.
On the other hand, throughout successive dynasties, Confucianism and Taoism — the two most influential schools of thought shaping Chinese culture — have placed immense value on fundamental human principles and the philosophy of life. Chapter Two of this book, titled "The Eight Virtues," explores the essential ethical values familiar to every Chinese person. In traditional Chinese values, a respected and successful entrepreneur is honored as a "Confucian Entrepreneur" (Ru Shang). A Confucian Entrepreneur is not merely someone skilled at making money, but rather an individual who firmly upholds traditional Confucian core values while managing a business. I am delighted to see the author explain this concept of the "Confucian Entrepreneur" so clearly.
The author, Tony Tong, has received a complete education in both Western and Chinese traditions, possesses a deep understanding of cutting-edge technology, and brings a wealth of successful business experience. It can truly be said that he is a respected Confucian Entrepreneur himself.
By integrating the fundamental values and wisdom of Confucianism and Taoism into the modern business world, he emphasizes "co-opetition" rather than "zero-sum," proving that traditional Chinese wisdom remains fully applicable to today's complex commercial landscape. In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, complex dynamic environments, and geopolitical volatility, a guiding North Star is increasingly vital for business leaders. I am deeply grateful for Tony Tong's contribution in clearly articulating the wisdom of Confucian Entrepreneurs in this book. These insights serve as the North Star guiding us forward, making this a work well worth studying, whether or not you are actively engaged in the business world.
Professor Kuang-Shih Yeh 2026 / 10
About the Co-Editor
Professor Kuang-Shih Yeh holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from National Taiwan University, a Master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Delaware, and a Ph.D. in Organization Theory from Carnegie Mellon University. He currently serves as an Independent Director of Fubon Financial Holding Co., Ltd. and Clientron Corp, a Director of Pintrust Technology and Everjoy Health Group (Shanghai), Ltd., a Chair Professor at Chung Hua University, Honorary Chairman of the Taiwan Future Society, and Honorary Chairman of the Asia-Pacific Public-Private Partnership Association.
He has previously served as a Professor and Department Head of the Department of Business Management, Director of the Institute of Communication Management, Director of the Institute of Healthcare Management, and Executive Director of the EMBA program at National Sun Yat-sen University; Professor at the Institute of Technology Management and Intellectual Property Right at National Chengchi University; Visiting Professor at the School of Public Policy and Management, Tsinghua University (Beijing); and Visiting Professor at the School of Management, Fudan University (Shanghai). From 2008 to 2015 he also served in the public administration of the Taiwan region of China, including as Deputy Minister of the Research, Development and Evaluation Commission (RDEC), Political Deputy Minister and Minister of Transportation and Communications, first Chairman of Taoyuan International Airport Corporation, and later Vice Mayor of Kaohsiung City.
Additionally, he had served as an Independent Director for several companies, including Bank of Taiwan and Synnex Technology International Corp., Chief Operating Officer of Pacific Digital Media, and Vice Chairman of Shihlien Chemical Industrial Corp. He is the author of six management books, and has three times received the Golden Book Award from the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs.