Glyn T. H. Ing embarked on a career in civil engineering in China in 1936, and arrived with his family in Taiwan in 1948. Through his work and travels, he became increasingly aware of certain social issues. He wished to grow his understanding by consulting experts from around the world, recognizing that while such problems may seem universal, their causes are rooted in specific contexts. The first step toward solving such issues is therefore to identify appropriate interventions on an individual basis.

Established in 1978, Mr. Ing’s Hao Ran Foundation initially supported literature and the arts, but later expanded and shifted its focus to education. With its founder’s guidance, Hao Ran held a series of workshops between 1990 and 2001, designed to bring together young professionals and leading scholars. Lectures and discussions centered on current issues, including modernization, macro problems, and socioeconomic, cultural, and technological development across Asia.

As the World President of FIABCI (the International Real Estate Federation) from 1988 to 1989, Mr. Ing proposed and sponsored humanitarian research, including preliminary studies on world squatter conditions, environmental preservation and the real estate industry, and housing for senior citizens. These were followed, in 1993, by another study on the environmental impacts of the property industry and, in 1994, by a collection of articles by 16 journalists on the topic of homelessness.

Mr. Ing’s approach to social problems in both developed and developing countries emphasized not only the need for solutions, but also the importance of first understanding the underlying causative factors involved. In an increasingly connected world, Mr. Ing wished to bring contemporary issues of vital concern to light, realizing that though the scope of such problems would extend beyond his generation, they would have to be addressed sooner or later. His interest in creating a favorable environment for the future provides the basis for our foundation’s continued growth, as we encourage individuals to take an active role in shaping the world around them with respect and compassion.