Self-made businessperson pays back dorm fee 50 years overdue, and more
National Cheng Kung University in Tainan recently received a donation of NT$500,000 from an alumnus who graduated 50 years ago. The donor is Hsieh Ming-jiing, who said he’s only returning the NT$450 dorm fee he could not afford back then, as a student from an underprivileged family at the time. Taking into account inflation over the years and that the amount owed was 50 years overdue, he believed NT$500,000 was a fair amount to return.
This piece of cardboard dates back 50 years, authorizing residency at the student dorms of National Cheng Kung University. It belongs to an alumnus, Hsieh Ming-jiing. But why has he kept it for so long?
Hsieh Ming-jiing
NCKU alumnus
When I was sorting out my documents I found this thing from 50 years ago. I had not paid for the forms, but the university never sent me any payment reminders. So I owed money for 50 years, and thought to myself, “It’s really time to repay the university properly.”
While in his third year as an undergrad, Hsieh lived in the dorms for a semester so that he could meet up with classmates and study together more conveniently. Lodging cost NT$450 then, but Hsieh could not afford it at the time. The university never followed up on the amount owed. After fifty years, Hsieh decided that taking into account inflation over the years, he ought to return NT$500,000.
Hsieh Ming-jiing
NCKU alumnus
A bowl of plain noodles cost NT$3 back then. At NT$60 now, that makes it 20 times more expensive. NT$450 times 20 equals NT$9,000. And NT$9,000 for 50 years, that’s NT$450,000. I threw in another NT$50,000 to round it up. That’s how I’m giving back to my most respected alma mater.
After graduating, Hsieh got his first job at a shoe factory. Later on he helped his brother found the luggage brand “Eminent,” which has since become a listed company. After retiring, he began doing bike tours around the world and raise money for charity, helping disaster victims and underprivileged schoolkids. Now, he’s paying it forward at his alma mater.
Hsieh Ming-jiing
NCKU alumnus
The money’s useless if I keep it to myself, so I’m helping current students that would benefit. I’m returning this sum just before the 50th year since I’ve graduated.
Student
NCKU
If it’s a few thousands, it would still be helpful to students from economically disadvantaged families.
Student
NCKU
It’s quite generous of him. Even if money isn’t worth as much anymore, NT$500,000 can still be quite helpful to the university.
The self-made businessperson has come back to settle the sum he believed he should repay, making up for the debt and also paying it forward to younger students.
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#charity #philanthropy #repayment #heartwarming #taiwan #scholarship
2025-11-05
