Since the late 20th century, the world has undergone dramatic shifts — economic upheavals, geopolitical unrest, and a rising sense of collective anxiety. At this critical crossroads of human civilization, Dr. Joyceman Chang, founder of the Kazuo Inamori Philosophy Cultural Association, chose a path less taken. Anchored in the philosophy of “Respect for the Divine and Love for People” and guided by the principle of altruism, he began his journey in Taiwan, extended across Asia, and reached the Southern Hemisphere — transforming philosophy into a driving force for corporate sustainability and social contribution.
Today, amid global uncertainty, Dr. Chang is advancing a far-reaching revolution of the heart. In an exclusive interview with《The Icons》, he reflects on over two decades of promoting Inamori’s philosophy and shares how personal cultivation can be deeply intertwined with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Through the founding of the “Sheng TSE Association,” he has created a global network of like-minded individuals to chart a spiritual roadmap for our time:
“The world needs more light — and that light is not power or wealth, but the genuine kindness and altruism that comes from within. Only when the human spirit is elevated can we achieve true sustainability.”
Encountering Philosophy, Forging the Soul: From Engineer to Seeker of the Spirit
In the early 2000s, during a time of rapid technological expansion, Joyceman Chang was at the forefront of internet telecommunications and satellite multimedia. With a strong technical background, he was involved in numerous multinational ventures. It was through one of these that he encountered Japan’s second-largest telecom company, KDDI, and its founder, Kazuo Inamori.
What followed was an unexpected awakening. One day, while flipping through Inamori’s Kyocera Philosophy, Chang was struck by a profound spiritual resonance. Unlike the business theories and management frameworks he was familiar with, Inamori’s writings spoke of sincerity and ethics rooted deep within the human heart.
“At first, I just found it interesting. But gradually, this philosophy became a compass for how I live and act,” he recalled. Though he didn’t speak Japanese, Chang read the English translations, and even through the language barrier, Inamori’s message of “putting the heart at the center” left an indelible impact. This was not abstract theory, but a grounded, accessible code of conduct for everyday life.
Beginning in 2000, Chang committed himself to self-study of the Inamori Philosophy. In 2009, he became one of the co-founders of the Taiwan Seiwajyuku (盛和塾), and in 2015, he stepped up as its chair, dedicating himself to expanding the reach of this philosophy.
The deeper his study went, the more he realized that the true value of the Inamori Philosophy lay not in eloquence or management techniques, but in its return to fundamental human values—morality and ethics. For Chang, these were not optional accessories in business or life, but foundational pillars:
“Everyone talks about ethics, but few truly live them out. The hardest part of philosophy is not knowing—it’s doing.”
In countless public talks, he often reminds himself and his audiences: “When you feel like you’re saying something too simple, you’re probably finally getting to the essence.” For him, the ideas that truly change the world aren’t esoteric—they’re humble truths that are hardest to consistently uphold.
To Joyceman Chang, discovering the Inamori Philosophy was more than an intellectual pursuit—it was a spiritual discipline. From a technical professional to a philosophical seeker, he chose a path that is difficult but meaningful. In refining his soul, he has also kindled a quiet light for others to follow.
From Seiwajyuku to the Kazuo Inamori Philosophy Cultural Association
On the path of promoting Inamori Philosophy, Joyceman Chang has undertaken a journey filled with challenges and deep cultivation. During his time as Chairman of Seiwajyuku Taiwan, he did not confine his efforts to the local sphere—instead, he expanded his vision across the entire Chinese-speaking world. He personally visited over 250 cities in China and helped establish more than 20 Seiwajyuku chapters across Mainland China and Singapore. From Guangzhou to Chengdu, Beijing to Xi’an, he humbly shared Inamori’s core teachings of “heart-centered leadership” and “respect for the divine and love for people” as a senior peer.
“Promoting philosophy should not be driven by profit, but by mission,” he emphasizes. Throughout his journey, he upheld a strict principle—never charging fees for his lectures. For him, promoting philosophy is not a commercial endeavor, but a spiritual practice grounded in belief. He firmly believes that only through sincerity and selflessness can one truly touch others’ hearts and allow the seeds of philosophy to take root across cultures and backgrounds.
However, as times changed, Kazuo Inamori himself recognized that the study of philosophy could not remain confined to reading groups and organizational activities. It needed to be applied in daily life. In 2019, Inamori officially announced the completion of Seiwajyuku’s mission, and the organization was formally dissolved.
Rather than feeling lost, Joyceman Chang responded to this change with openness. He founded the Kazuo Inamori Philosophy Cultural Association in Taiwan. Unlike the former structure which primarily targeted business leaders, the new association opened its doors to society at large. Students, professionals, even homemakers—anyone willing to study philosophy and practice altruism—could join.
He firmly believes that Inamori Philosophy should not be limited to a spiritual tool for the few, but should become part of a universal value system embedded in the daily choices and actions of ordinary people. The shift from Seiwajyuku to the Philosophy Cultural Association represents more than just a change in format—it is a profound commitment to the socialization and normalization of philosophy.
Looking ahead, Joyceman Chang has taken a further step by founding the “Shengze Society” as a new starting point to connect global Chinese communities and like-minded individuals. Through this initiative, he hopes to foster international dialogue and the practical application of Inamori Philosophy, spreading the values of “reverence for the divine, love for people,” and altruism to every corner of the world—empowering individuals, transforming businesses, and becoming a vital force for global sustainable development.
Southern Hemisphere Blueprint: A New Spiritual Home
Amid an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape, Joyceman Chang has chosen to sow the seeds of philosophy in the Southern Hemisphere, launching a brand-new base for philosophical outreach. Starting in New Zealand, he initiated the Kazuo Inamori Sustainable Campus project — a vision to create a spiritual home rooted in philosophical values on a land known for its relative peace and stability.
This sustainable campus is not designed for a single purpose, but envisioned as a holistic ecosystem centered on whole-person education and spiritual cultivation, connecting diverse development initiatives. The site will house a global training center for Inamori Philosophy, welcoming learners from around the world to deeply study Inamori’s management and life philosophy. Additionally, Chang plans to establish an interfaith learning zone, breaking down religious barriers to encourage shared human reflection and ethical exploration across faiths.
The campus will also include a comprehensive life education center—offering guidance from birth to life’s end—providing a continuous path of moral and emotional development. Chang is especially committed to youth education, planning to merge moral and technological learning at the primary and secondary school levels, ensuring children grow up in an environment where ethics and science coexist. Alongside this, he is building research and enterprise incubation platforms, aiming to transplant Taiwan’s technological strengths into the Southern Hemisphere, creating a hub for innovation and philosophical integration.
This is not just about constructing a campus, Chang notes. It is about building a space where the soul can settle, thought can flourish, and responsibility to society can take root.
This blueprint signifies not only geographic expansion, but also a deeper integration of philosophical values into modern civilization. In July 2025, a key milestone will unfold as Joyceman Chang hosts the First Kazuo Inamori Philosophy and Business Dialogue Forum in Auckland, New Zealand, formally launching the Sheng TSE Association in the Southern Hemisphere. The forum is more than an exchange of ideas — it is a declaration of action, guiding business leaders in the region toward inner awakening, and reframing the role of the enterprise through altruism and sustainability.
Through the Sheng TSE Association, Chang plans to scale the spirit of the sustainable campus globally. By connecting like-minded thinkers and doers, this international platform will seed initiatives not just in New Zealand, but around the world. His vision is to make the core values of Revere Heaven, Love People and altruistic leadership a shared force across cultures and continents.
The Southern Hemisphere may be the starting point — but the ultimate destination is a world where spiritual sustainability becomes a universal language for humanity’s future.
SDG Sustainability Connection: Advancing Global Responsibility Through Philosophy
In Joyceman Chang’s vision, the philosophy of Kazuo Inamori is not only a guide for personal cultivation, but also a profound response to the spirit of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). He believes that true sustainability must begin from the human heart, not just from institutional frameworks.
In the field of education, he actively promotes the widespread adoption of philosophy and ethics, reintegrating moral education into the school system—aligning with SDG 4: Quality Education. He believes that only by nurturing children’s humanistic literacy from a young age can society build a future grounded in conscience.
In the business and economic sectors, he advocates for altruism as the driving force behind corporate growth, encouraging companies to prioritize responsibilities to employees, customers, and society alongside profits—echoing the spirit of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
On the societal level, he draws on Inamori’s emphasis on morality and ethics to support SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, striving to foster an atmosphere of integrity, fairness, and transparency to strengthen social resilience.
At the global level, he connects Chinese-speaking communities worldwide through the Sheng TSE Association, promoting cross-border cooperation and cultural exchange. This fulfills the vision of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, enabling moral cultivation and intercultural understanding to serve as a bridge for global sustainability.
“True sustainability is not about labels and slogans—it is about an internal sense of responsibility and action.” In his worldview, philosophy is not merely a tool for self-cultivation, but a genuine force that drives the sustainable future of our planet and the advancement of human civilization.
The Management of the Heart: The Invisible Force Behind Business Success
In the eyes of Joyceman Chang, the long-term success of a business does not lie solely in capital strength or technological excellence, but in an often unseen yet essential force—the hearts of its employees. For him, the sustainable growth and cohesion of an organization stem from each member’s deep internal alignment with the company’s mission, not just dependence on financial compensation.
“A leader must be a role model in the hearts of their employees, not merely a manager,” Chang says. Through his years of promoting philosophy and guiding enterprises, he has helped numerous companies transform from crisis to resurgence. He understands that when a company is facing collapse, the key to recovery isn’t just financial restructuring or technological upgrades—it’s about reawakening the shared sense of purpose among employees.
He often shares a personal case: a mid-sized manufacturing company on the verge of bankruptcy had failed to recover even after several rounds of financial reorganization. When he stepped in, he asked the leadership to begin with something simple—daily morning meetings where they would honestly communicate the company’s situation, direction, and the importance of each employee. Within months, the internal atmosphere shifted significantly. Employees were no longer working just for a paycheck; they rediscovered a sense of participation and shared mission. Within two years, the company returned to profitability and was re-listed. “A truly strong company is one where employees work with belief and responsibility, not just for money,” he explains.
In his philosophy, “leading with heart” is not a slogan—it’s a practical management strategy. When leaders open their hearts with sincerity, and employees feel respected and trusted, an organic cohesion forms. This internal force not only drives long-term business growth but also becomes a vital source of positive change in society.
Joyceman Chang firmly believes that the future of business competition will be a competition of character. Only leadership rooted in the heart can transcend market fluctuations and shifts in time, evolving into an enterprise capable of making a truly lasting and positive impact on the world.
Refining the Mind, Igniting the Future: Philosophy as the Deepest Power of the Young Generation
To Joyceman Chang, true philosophy is not an abstract discipline perched on a pedestal, nor is it a nostalgic reflection reserved for the older generation. Rather, it is a spark for the future. He understands deeply that for philosophy to take root in modern society, it must begin with the younger generation. That’s why, through the Kazuo Inamori Philosophy Cultural Association, he has designed a program that interprets philosophy in the language of youth—daily reading, sharing, and practice—transforming it from rigid doctrine into a way of living. “Real philosophy is not for the old to reminisce; it is fuel for the young to move forward.”
In this intergenerational movement, James Lin, Executive Director of the Sheng TSE Association, plays a vital bridging role. As a representative of the younger generation, he translates the core values of Inamori Philosophy into contemporary language and action, making this classic and profound wisdom accessible beyond academics and relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds.
Joyceman Chang believes that once young people begin to “learn philosophy for themselves,” society will no longer be solely driven by speed and profit, but will rediscover depth and direction.
For him, meaningful change does not arise from fleeting passion, but from deep awareness and continuous inner cultivation. When asked what value he most wishes to pass on in life, he answers without hesitation: the purpose of life lies not in external achievements, but in the refinement of one’s inner self. Whether it’s a business, a society, or a nation, the path to true sustainability is not built on resources or technology, but on the advancement of individual character and heart.
Looking ahead, Joyceman Chang plans to use the Kazuo Inamori Sustainable Park in the Southern Hemisphere as a launchpad to further promote the “practicalization of philosophy,” “democratization of education,” and “global partnerships.” He envisions structured training for the youth, introducing moral and ethical education into all levels of schooling, and establishing more Inamori-inspired learning platforms worldwide—unifying like-minded individuals to build a new era of awakened minds and altruistic spirit.
To him, this is more than an educational initiative; it is a profound revolution for the future of humanity. He firmly believes that by continuously igniting the fire within each individual’s soul, the world can move from darkness to light, achieving both spiritual and social sustainability:
“True sustainability is not just about protecting land and resources—it is about protecting the light within. When each person chooses to refine their soul with an altruistic heart, the world will no longer be a battlefield of competition and destruction, but a shared home filled with kindness, collaboration, and hope.”
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