JAN 9, 2015 PROGRAM:
Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang
Gary C.K. Huang is Rotary's first Chinese president. Growing up in Taiwan, Huang was encouraged by his father to get involved in activities and clubs -- and not simply focus on grades. Helping others, his father said, would help him become a better leader.
Huang is an adviser for Wah Lee Industrial Corp. and Bank of Panhsin, and is director of Federal Corporation and Sunty Development Co. Ltd. He previously was president of Malayan Overseas Insurance Co. and chair of Taiwan Sogo Shinkong Security Co. Ltd.
A Rotarian since 1976, Huang has served RI as vice-president, director, Foundation trustee, International Assembly group discussion leader, regional session leader, task force member and coordinator, committee member and chair, and district governor. He also was chair of the 2014 International Assembly Committee; adviser for the Permanent Fund Committee for Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong; and PolioPlus advocacy adviser for Taiwan.
He has been instrumental in membership development throughout Asia. As a Rotary Foundation trustee, Huang set the goal of recruiting 100 new Major Donors in Taiwan to celebrate Rotary's centennial; the result was the addition of 106 Major Donors in 2005 and 103 in 2006, who contributed more than $2 million to the Foundation's Annual Fund.
Huang wrote about his experiences in business and Rotary in his book, "Finding Solutions, Not Excuses." He received the Civic Service Award of the Federation of Non-Profit Associations and the Outstanding Community Service Award from Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior. In 2001, when the Rotary International Convention was held in San Antonio, Texas, USA, he was named the city's honorary mayor.
Huang is a recipient of the Rotary International Service Above Self Award and Presidential Citation and The Rotary Foundation's Citation for Meritorious Service and Distinguished Service Award.