# Stan Shih

Stan Chen-Jung Shih (Chinese: 施振榮; pinyin: Shī Zhènróng; Wade–Giles: Shih Chen-Jung; Tâi-lô: Si Tsìn-îng; born 18 December 1944) is a Taiwanese businessman and engineer who is the co-founder and honorary chairman of Acer Inc.

## Early Life

Stan Shih was born on December 18, 1944, in Lukang, Changhua County, Taiwan, which was under Japanese rule at the time. His father passed away when he was three years old, and he was primarily raised by his mother, Chen Hsiu-Lien. To support the family, Chen ran a small business selling stationery items, duck eggs, lottery tickets, and incense candles, with Shih assisting from a young age.
As a child, Shih was reserved and introverted. Initially, he showed a stronger interest in the liberal arts but did not excel academically. However, his focus shifted after he won first place in a science and mathematics competition during high school, which encouraged him to pursue those subjects more seriously. He graduated from high school in 1962 and later enrolled at National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), where he studied electronic engineering at the Electronic Engineering Research Institute.
During his time at NCTU, Shih became more outgoing and actively participated in campus activities. Despite opportunities to study abroad, he chose to remain in Taiwan to stay close to his mother, eventually obtaining a bachelor’s and master's degree in 1971.

## Involvement in Acer

Originally named Multitech in 1976, Acer was co-founded by 32-year-old Stan Shih, who would serve as both CEO and Chairman. Under his leadership, Acer grew into a global powerhouse dominating computer hardware and electronics, reaching a valuation of $5.8 billion by 1996. Shih drew inspiration from companies like Sony for their creativity and Philips for their journey from a small country to international success.
Unlike the traditional Chinese model of family-owned businesses, Shih emphasized a decentralized approach within Acer. In 1992, he introduced the “fast-food model,” where Acer branches would assemble Taiwanese products locally.Additionally, he implemented a “client-server” structure, granting subsidiaries autonomy. These subsidiaries had their own stakeholders—often with local management as the majority—and made independent decisions, while Acer’s headquarters in Taiwan functioned as the "server," providing an overarching strategy.
After retiring in 2004, Shih returned to Acer to lead its restructuring efforts following a disappointing quarterly performance in November 2013, during which he proposed reducing the workforce by 7 percent to mitigate losses. He officially retired for a second time in June 2014.
Shih remained active in charity work during his retirement, including serving as Taiwan's Special Envoy in the APEC Australia 2007. In November 2013, Shih returned to Acer after being reinstated as president and chairman. He serves on the boards of Acer Inc., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Nan Shan Life Insurance Co., Ltd., Taiwan Public Television Service Foundation and Chinese Television System. He is the Chairman of Cloud Gate Culture and Arts Foundation, the Head of Taiwan Connection Fun Club, One Song Orchestra Fun Club, the Convener of the Cultural Tech Alliance, Taiwan and the Chairman of CT Ambi Investment and Consulting Inc.

## Awards and achievements

Stan Shih made many notable contributions to both the technological landscape and International business community throughout the length of his career, landing him a variety of awards and achievements. In 1981, Shih was honored as The Most Outstanding Young Engineer in Taiwan in acknowledgement of his excellent potential in the field of engineering. Five years prior to this, Shih was named 1 of the 10 Most Outstanding Young Persons in Taiwan, furthering his reputation and achievement. This title was truly distinguished in 1983 when Shih received the distinguished title of First of the 10 Most Outstanding Young Persons in the World.
In addition to these, a most notable achievements was Shih's special feature in Time Magazine article "60 Years of Asian Heroes," that emphasized Shih's role as pivotal in transforming Taiwan into the modern powerhouse in computer manufacturing it is today. Shih is still recognized as a key figure in the rise of Asian international technological force. He also received the Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon in October 2011 and the 1st Industrial Technology Research Institute Laureate in 2012. Most recently, he was awarded by the Ministry of Culture an award titled the "Taiwan Cultural Collaboration Medal."

## Personal Social Responsibility: Career, Philanthropy, and Advocacy

Stan Shih deeply values Confucian principles, shaping his lifelong commitment to Personal Social Responsibility. This term envelops the idea that one individual must act accordingly for the betterment of the future or the larger community/society through stable leadership.
Whether throughout his business endeavors or after retirement, Shih continues to give back to the community. His commitment to PSR is evident even in his leadership, as the article quotes that the reason he took a heavy pay cut along with his senior colleagues was due to "his personal social responsibility, not his investment.” For Shih, this decision was a moral obligation, a way to uphold his duty to ACER employees, clients, and broader stakeholders, ensuring the company’s growth and success.
Shih’s passion for social good continues to drive his philanthropic efforts. For instance, he has established the “Stan Shih Foundation” which fosters initiatives aimed at social impact and community development in Taiwan. His commitment extends beyond local development, as he views it his responsibility to aid in reducing carbon dioxide for further global warming. Stan Shih crafted a proposal called the Green APEC Opportunity Initiative. This proposal is dedicated to uplifting green energy initiatives for reducing the rampant effects of global warming. Shih’s commitment to Personal Social Development is evident in all parts of his life from his career to philanthropy and advocacy.