Li-Heng Chen, the founder and president of Franz Porcelain, was invited to deliver a talk entitled “The Power of Culture” at the Zhong Zheng Hall on May 18, 2016.

President Chen has demonstrated entrepreneurial and artistic talent as a company founder. Devoting himself to the international gift industry for nearly 30 years, his Hai-Chang Group is one of the largest OEMs in the world. Realizing that OEMs only manufacture parts used in other companies’ end products, Chen decided to create Franz Porcelain in 2001. “Franz,” which is President Chen’s German name, means “free” and “creative.” Using “Franz” as the name for his brand, he hoped to integrate his dreams into the design of Franz Porcelain products. The seagull on the logo represents a messenger delivering ideas, as Franz Porcelain products “soar” around the world and spread ceramic aesthetics and culture worldwide.

Discussing the importance of self-enhancement through culture and creativity, President Chen used many examples to show how the power of culture can change the world. He emphasized that each person is a brand with its own importance. He quoted the movie “Spirited Away”: “If my name is taken by others, I will never find my way home.” Citing the core of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism, President Chen urged everyone to adopt “benevolence” as their standard of behavior, pursuing the highest level of “truth, goodness, and beauty.”

In addition, President Chen covered the concept of “art as innovation.” True art satisfies four requirements: it is deeply moving, inspires imagination, enriches lives, and expresses what others cannot express. After a series of interactions with the students during the Q&A time, President Chen encouraged the students to possess a grander vision, to be true to themselves, and to dedicate themselves to accomplishing their dreams, because perseverance leads to new opportunities.

To conclude, CPU President Tiao highlighted that CEO Chen’s porcelain products capture people’s hearts, making them willing to purchase, collect, and appreciate these works of cultural power. This power has enabled Franz Porcelain, currently distributed through 6,000 outlets, to spread worldwide. In addition, President Chen discussed the concept of entrepreneur spirit, which means benefitting people worldwide. This concept shares similarities with the fundamentals of police work, which balances maintaining order while serving the public. Finally, President Tiao pointed out how CPU’s motto of “honesty” and the school’s core values of “country, justice, and honor” could be combined with the meaning of “truth, goodness, and beauty,” thereby achieving its ultimate expression.