Chen Shu-chu, a vegetable vendor in Taitung County who has donated nearly NT$10 million (US$324,675) from her modest earnings over the years to various charitable causes, was announced as the winner of the Reader’s Digest’s Asian of the Year Award Nov. 25.
The magazine commended Chen for her dedicated work over a lifetime to helping those less fortunate than herself.
“Chen's work has been more remarkable because she doesn't fundraise or seek donations, but rather she goes without, in order to save the proceeds of her meager earnings to donate to worthwhile causes,” according to the magazine.
When asked about being honored by Reader’s Digest, a humble Chen brushed off the news, saying “Whether or not I win an award is not important, I’m still going to continue doing what I do.”
Dora Cheok, editor of the magazine’s English-language Asia edition, praised Chen as an example of "ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” She said the award is presented to individuals who best embody and convey the values of Asia and who through their activism help shape Asia’s future.
Recipients of the award are selected by a panel of eight Reader’s Digest editors in the Asia-Pacific region. Past winners included Thai pharmaceutical consultant Krisana Kraisintu for providing access to life-saving AIDS medicine to disadvantaged people around the world, and Nepalese eye surgeon Sanduk Ruit for his charitable work.
This past April, Chen made Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. “The miracle of Chen’s deeds lies in their simplicity and generosity,” renowned Taiwan-born director Ang Lee said in the magazine. (SB)