Celebrity Interview

Interview with Mr. Frank Yih

One of the important prospects of BioCraft is to alleviate social problems through the power of science. We believe in that there seems scarcely any limit to what could be done in the way of producing a good world, if only men would use science wisely, just as Russell said.

We are eager to know how to use science wisely and clearly keeping ourselves in the lab and working behind closed door helps nothing. So we decided to seek for answers by going out, obtaining advice from the sagacious predecessors and doing some social work first to understand what is in need and what can be done by us.

About HuaQiao Foundation

Fig.1 :The Logo of HuaQiao Foundation

HuaQiao is a Hong Kong registered non-profit organization which helped the poor with offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and others parts of world. It is founded by a group of committed, hands-on, and project-oriented professionals, many of whom are Rotarians living in China and the U.S..

The term HuaQiao is the English transliteration of two Chinese words meaning "China Bridge." It is also a homonym for "Overseas Chinese." HuaQiao believes strongly in the application of good business ethics and full accountability and transparency to charitable projects. HuaQiao has no paid executives. 100% of the donations will go directly into programs.

About Mr. Frank Yih, the Chairman of HQF

Fig.2 :Mr Yih relaxes on the balcony of O’Malley’s, which occupies the building where he lived 60 years ago

Mr. Frank Yih was born in Shanghai and received advanced education in the UK and the USA.

He pioneered the semiconductor industry in Southeast Asia after making first integrated circuits in Silicon Valley in 1962.

In 1992, he started to build Asionics Hi-Tech Center in Shanghai and founded Rotary Club of Shanghai in 1995.

In 2004, he founded HuaQiao Foundation, and devoted himself to charitable work helping the poor.

Frank is the winner of Rotary International “Service Above Self” Award in China.

The Interview Process

On Sep 21st, we had the honor to pay a visit to the Shanghai office site of HuaQiao Foundation and interviewed the chairman of HQF, Mr. Frank Yih.

HQF Shanghai site is located on the 9th floor of Asionics Techonology Building which Frank built twenty years ago. Although the place is kind of age-old, the whole space is very tidy and bright with a bunch of young people busy doing office stuff. Then we learnt that among the staff some are volunteers in their part time.

We finally met Frank in his commodious but simply decorated office and had an interview of about 30 minutes. He shared with us his charitable concept and rich experience in social service. His valuable suggestions for future development of BioCraft and appreciation for our ideolofical concept encouraged us to stick to our belief and put it into practice. (The Interview transcript can be downloaded here. Media:12SJTU_Intervier_with_Frank_Yih.pdf‎)

After the interview, Mr. Yih introduced us to Ms Veronique Qin who’s in charge of Medical&Health projects of HQF and two other student volunteers from Shanghai International Studies University. We discussed the future cooperation plan and agreed on making joint efforts to realize our ideal.

Fig.3 : Mr. Frank Yih is having a discussion session in his office with the founder of BioCraft Rui Xi(Sherry Xi) together with two stuff in HQF and other student volunteers