Chung Shan Medical University (CSMU) has named 14 recipients of its 2026 Distinguished Alumni Awards, recognizing achievements spanning public health policy, international law enforcement, orthopedic medicine, sports rehabilitation and sustainable industry.

The recipients represent five award categories covering national service, academic achievement, contributions to the university, professional and community service, and a special recognition from the alumni association. They will be honored at the university’s anniversary ceremony on November 14.

Chiang Chih-kang, director-general of Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration and a 1996 medical graduate, received the special award for contributions to national service. The first physician to lead the agency, Chiang previously headed the blood purification division at National Taiwan University Hospital and the Institute of Toxicology at National Taiwan University, where he also served as associate vice president for academic affairs.

His work has advanced science-based food and drug safety regulation, international regulatory exchanges and food safety risk communication. In nephrology, he helped develop an AI-powered guidance system for peritoneal dialysis that received a National Innovation Award.

The academic achievement award went to Su Wei-jen, a 1990 medical graduate who heads the sports medicine division at National Cheng Kung University Hospital and serves as a distinguished professor of orthopedics at the university’s College of Medicine. A former president of Taiwan’s arthroscopy and knee surgery association, Su has published extensively in international journals indexed in the Science Citation Index over the past five years. He has also received university awards for excellence in teaching and clinical education.

Two alumni were recognized for their contributions to CSMU. Kao Keng-yao, a 1989 medical graduate and head of his namesake clinic, has encouraged alumni in southern Taiwan to take part in university anniversary celebrations. He has also contributed to the university development fund and purchased tickets to support the alumni choir’s concert at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts, known as Weiwuying.

Huang Chuan-en, who earned his dentistry degree in 1985 and doctorate in 2015, is the lead dentist at Yu Ren Dental Clinic. He has devoted 30 years to clinical teaching in CSMU’s dentistry program and has supported the university through educational donations.

Nine recipients received service awards, reflecting the wide-ranging contributions of CSMU graduates.

Yang Li-ching, a 2003 life sciences graduate serving in the international criminal affairs division of Taiwan’s Criminal Investigation Bureau, was recognized for her work in international law enforcement. Drawing on her forensic expertise, she has helped escort major fugitives back to Taiwan and investigate major fraud and smuggling cases involving Taiwan and the United States. Her achievements were recognized on the American Institute in Taiwan’s website. She also became the first foreign law enforcement officer to receive the Best Overseas Law Enforcement Partner Award from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations in two consecutive years.

Chen Hsing-yu, a 2001 physical therapy graduate, has repeatedly served as a team physical therapist for Taiwan’s national youth baseball teams, supporting players who won U18 and PONY world championships.

Tsai Hsiao-ying, a 1984 nursing graduate and professor at Sonoda Gakuen University in Japan, was honored for pioneering research in East Asian nursing ethics. A recipient of the Lee’s Caring Scholar Award, she has also helped promote exchanges between CSMU and Kumamoto University in Japan.

Other service award recipients were recognized for their contributions to clinical care, professional education and community health.

Huang Fu-jen, a 1986 medical graduate and former president of the Taiwan Society for Reproductive Medicine, has worked to improve the quality of assisted reproduction services.

Chen Fu-le, a 2009 dentistry graduate, founded the D.LAB education center and has supported dental outreach in underserved communities as well as teaching equipment for CSMU.

Chen Chiao-wen, a 1994 dentistry graduate and former president of Taiwan’s oral laser and holistic medicine association, has represented Taiwan at international conferences.

Shen Ming-te, a 1997 graduate of the occupational therapy track in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, serves as president of the Taipei occupational therapists association and has worked extensively in long-term care and community dementia services.

Niu Fang-tse, a 2009 optometry graduate, was recognized for his commitment to continuing professional education and professional association work.

Lai Chen-chu, who earned a master’s degree from CSMU’s College of Health Care and Management in 2023, was recognized for her contributions to entrepreneurship and community service. She founded an alumni association for the university’s graduate program in international business and serves as chair of Ching Shan Biomedical, CSMU’s first spin-off startup. She has devoted 38 years to volunteer service and received honorary membership recognition from the Phi Tau Phi Scholastic Honor Society.

The alumni association’s special award for social service went to Chang Chi-nan, who earned his doctorate from CSMU’s Institute of Oral Sciences in 2025 and chairs Ji Xiang Resource Technology. His work combines environmental technology with circular economy practices and has received multiple Golden Peak Awards and Taiwan Circular Economy Awards.

Chang has also collaborated with CSMU’s Institute of Oral Sciences on materials for hard tissue repair and advised the university’s affiliated hospital system on reducing medical waste and advancing environmental, social and governance practices.

The university said the awards celebrate alumni whose professional achievements and public service offer examples for the next generation. By recognizing their contributions, CSMU hopes to encourage students to pursue excellence and make a lasting difference to society and their alma mater.