Dedicated to the Development of Antibiotics for Children, the Integration of Northern American Alumni Associations, and the Establishment of South Taiwan Science Park
/ Mou-Ying Fu / Chair of Fulu Foundation
During her employment at Abbott Pharmaceuticals in the United States, Dr. Mou-Ying Fu developed a new type of antibiotics to alleviate the suffering of child patients. While free from work, Fu cared about the development of her alma mater. She founded the Cheng Kung University Alumni Association North America (CKUAANA), and promoted the establishment of the South Taiwan Science Park in Tainan to facilitate a balanced development of the technology industry between northern and southern Taiwan.
Pursuing Advanced Education Based on Solid Fundamental Knowledge of Science
Dr. Fu studied at the Department of Chemistry from 1962 to 1966. “The study was tough. We had a quiz every Friday, notoriously known as ‘Black Friday’ to contemporary students,” Fu, now a retiree, smilingly told the story of her college days. After graduation, she furthered her study in the U.S. and obtained her master’s and doctoral degrees. Not until then did she realize the importance of a solid foundation in Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, which were also the emphasis of NCKU. A good foundation is beneficial to future studies.
She is grateful for the instruction and guidance of her professors. She was moved to tears when she received a wedding gift from the then Department Chairman Li-Tsoung Lee. She has kept a close relationship with the department in the years since.
Numerous Patients Benefitting from New Antibiotics with Multiple Purposes
The schooling laid a solid foundation for Dr. Fu to pursue success in her professional field in the future. In her early years, she made a greater effort to study the effects of collagen on artificial skin and medical materials. During her service at Abbott Laboratories, she focused her research on new polymer drug delivery systems. One of the most successful projects was on antibiotics for children. As a result of her research, Biaxin, a new drug more effective against bacteria than the existing antibiotics, was developed. Biaxin has been in high demand since it went on the market, and it has been an extremely great contribution to the health of children. Later, Biaxin has also been used to treat stomach ulcers and AIDs, benefiting even more patients.
Selfless Devotion to Integrating Alumni Associations and Promoting the Establishment of South Taiwan Science Park
Though now living abroad, NCKU is a cherished memory for Fu. She has been invited by various domestic academic organizations as a speaker, and she always offers advice on technology development. She integrated more than 20 Cheng Kung University Alumni Associations in the U.S. into CKUAANA to strengthen the communication of the alumni with NCKU. In addition, Fu has also devoted herself to promote the establishment of the University Center for Bioscience and Biotechnology at NCKU.
From 1991 to 1995, CKUAANA participated in the establishment of South Taiwan Science Park. “We encountered a lot of obstacles as we managed to deal with a wide range of issues from the search for supporting documents, land acquisition, talent recruitment, holding conferences, and meetings with the parties concerned. It took about 4 to 5 years to finalize the location in Tainan,” Fu recalled.
“We do not seek fame,” she said sincerely, “Our motive is simple. We are a group of NCKU alumni who are far away from home but want to contribute to our alma mater. It is best that South Taiwan Science Park be located in Tainan, so as to facilitate closer communication between academia and industry, and between NCKU and local communities. We also hope to achieve a balanced development of the technology industry between northern and southern Taiwan.”
In Fu’s view, NCKU alumni believe in “collective success,” being sincere in interpersonal relationships, exerting one’s best in doing everything, keeping one’s feet on the ground, and having no desire for fame. As a scientist, Fu is committed to developing new drugs that ease patients’ pain. In addition to her career, she has also devoted herself to NCKU. Fu fully embodies “selflessness.”
(Photo courtesy of Mou-Ying Fu)
NCKUer ｜
Class ｜
Honors and Achievements ｜
Mou-Ying Fu
Department of Chemistry, Class of 1966
・Holds 23 biotechnology patents in the U.S. and the world, author of more than 150 scientific papers and book chapters.
・Selected as the Distinguished Alumni of NCKU in 1997.
・Selected as one of the International Investment Outstanding Industry Members by Illinois Government for three consecutive years from 2013 to 2016.
・Since 2010 she has served as Chair of Fulu Foundation, a charity committed to child protection. She is also a licensed representative for abused children at juvenile courts of Illinois, in the United States.
Mou-Ying Fu / Department of Chemistry, Class of 1966
・Holds 23 biotechnology patents in the U.S. and the world, author of more than 150 scientific papers and book chapters.
・Selected as the Distinguished Alumni of NCKU in 1997.
・Selected as one of the International Investment Outstanding Industry Members by Illinois Government for three consecutive years from 2013 to 2016.
・Since 2010 she has served as Chair of Fulu Foundation, a charity committed to child protection. She is also a licensed representative for abused children at juvenile courts of Illinois, in the United States.
Department of Foreign Languages and Literature,
Class of 1964
Diane Ying
Founder of CommonWealth Magazine Group
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Class of 1967
Ho Show-Chuan
Yuen Foong Yu Group
