National Taiwan University receives $20 million donation from Garmin founder to attract, retain top academic talent

National Taiwan University (NTU) has announced a generous $20 million donation from Min Kao, founder of the satellite navigation and wearable technology brand Garmin. This donation will establish a named professorship fund and assist in the construction and renovation of faculty housing, supporting NTU’s efforts to attract and retain top talent.

In a press release today, NTU highlighted Min Kao’s background as a 1971 graduate of the Department of Electrical Engineering. After completing his military service, he pursued further studies in the United States, where he eventually co-founded Garmin. Through the Kao Family Foundation in the US, he has recently donated $20 million (approximately NT$630 million) to his alma mater to establish the “Garmin Distinguished Professorship and Scholar Award Fund” and the “Garmin Faculty Housing Construction and Maintenance Fund.”

NTU President Chen Wen-Chang remarked that upon learning about the university’s centennial plans, Min Kao proactively inquired about NTU’s needs, expressing his hope that the donation would help elevate his alma mater to new heights as it approaches its 100th anniversary.

President Chen noted that Min Kao recognized the university’s need to attract and retain talent. In addition to supporting faculty through the establishment of the professorship fund, Kao specifically increased the donation amount to assist with the construction and renovation of faculty housing, creating a more comprehensive support package.

Through NTU, Min Kao emphasized that faculty is the core competitive advantage of a university, with compensation being a critical factor. He aims to create 22 Garmin Distinguished Professorships through the endowment, paired with new, well-located housing to ensure the sustainability of this initiative.

According to NTU’s plans, recipients of the Garmin Distinguished Professorship and Scholar Award will receive an annual stipend of $30,000, with a three-year term renewable once. Additionally, $6.25 million of the total donation will be allocated to the construction and related maintenance or renovation of the “Garmin Faculty Housing.”

Info: https://my.ntu.edu.tw/professorships/professorships11.html