Lee Teng-Hui’s Book

Written by Linda Din

Former President Lee Teng-hui once said:

“Human beings need not only physical freedom, but also spiritual freedom.”

Drawing from his personal Christian faith, he encouraged others with the words: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

This reflects his belief that religion guides people toward goodness and that mutual respect for others’ beliefs is essential. He further remarked:

“If one can read the ‘Holy Bible’ at least once in a lifetime, it helps elevate ‘Quality Consciousness,’ eliminate inferior consciousness, and promote social harmony.”

Fig 1: Book “Christian Faith and Democratic Practice Lee Teng-Hui”

Mr. Lee was born on January 15, 1923, in Sanzhi Township, Taipei County, and would have turned 100 in January 2023. During a visit by Japanese friends, it was remarked that “Taiwan turned adversity into blessing because of Lee Teng-Hui,” while Japan, having struggled to failure handle the Asian Financial Crisis, experienced over two decades of stagnation. Upon learning that my thesis was titled "Christian Faith and Democratic Practice of Lee Teng-Hui," they showed great interest. Therefore, our social enterprise team worked day and night to compile it into an A5-sized book this week, hoping to widely promote the compassionate, faith-driven spirit of the former president.

Due to my grandmother, Venerable “Shi Chuan-Chi” (secular name Ding Wu-Ping), I became acquainted from a young age with monastics who later became revered masters. I have since practiced diligently, offering assistance and charity to those in need. However, after receiving the calling to develop “Innovative Industry” to solve structural unemployment, I committed myself to forging a path forward, overcoming countless obstacles. I completed the tools required for this innovation and secured international legislative support. Yet, at the critical moment of implementing this "Social Responsibility Investment" (SRI)—the “Rich Taiwan Plan”— waves of attacks surged.

At the brink of being consumed by dark forces, a radiant “Cross” appeared, and the silhouette of a shepherd holding a staff emerged in light, entering my body, mind, and spirit. I immediately sought His protection and, by grace, survived.

Fig 2: Proclaiming My "Rich Taiwan Plan"

Before my late mother, Ding Kuo-Hao, lost her mental clarity due to threats from dark forces, she once asked: “We are working for a Prosperous Taiwan — why are there so many troubles?” Soon after, she passed away.

Based on my innovation, I proposed “E-Commerce” while serving as a speaker at APEC 1998, receiving broad recognition. In 2003, I formally introduced the “Global Channel–TES,” a multinational trading system designed to meet the needs of SMEs and promote balanced regional economic development, earning recognition as a best practice. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the “cashless” system within TES achieved annual transaction volumes exceeding “USD 30 trillion” — likely attracting attacks due to the immense commercial potential.

Fig 3: 1998 APEC Proposal on “E-Commerce”

Confronting Corruption and Surviving the Abyss

At the 2006 APEC Summit, the Australian government —who had invited me as a speaker of APEC 2003 — asked about the progress of the “Best Practice.” After earnest prayer, we broke through multiple blockades and reached Hanoi. Upon learning the situation, international leaders were astonished and identified the attackers as “the Entities of Corruption.” A Peruvian representative even declared: “We must establish the Lima Anti-Corruption Declaration.” Nevertheless, the attacks from corrupt forces persisted relentlessly.

These corrupt forces had once threatened: “We will not let you live past 2004.”

On November 22, I collapsed — losing cognition, speech, and memory. Consciousness returned only months later. By divine grace, and through my family’s 24-hour care and prayer under siege, I emerged from the valley of the shadow of death. Tragically, my mother was not as fortunate — becoming the first to lose her life in the cause of the "Rich Taiwan Plan."

Though I was diagnosed as beyond medical treatment, I recovered from cognitive and speech loss solely through "reading scripture and prayer."

TES— A Tech-Economic System for the World

The invention I brought to the world— "TES" (Total Electronic Store System) — is a new technological-economic framework comprising numerous sub-inventions, including:

1) Power Chip,

2) Contactless Sensing Technology,

3) TranSmart Chip Card and Reader (TRD) for cashless,

4) RF Transmitter,

5) VAM & eStore,

6) TSCM,

7) ICT Control Center,

8) TES’s Interphone,

9) Contactless ATM,

10) Entry Security Device (ESD),

11) Electronic Toll Collection for transportation,

12) Micro Business,

13) Integration of 3C and EC,

14) Incubation Systems,

15) Hygiene initiatives, and

16) Satellite Support Initiatives.

However, the spread of “inferior consciousness” contributed to global crises such as financial meltdowns. Despite this, we were invited by leaders of two nations to contribute solutions for “Rebuilding the Global Economy” at APEC 2009.

Fig 4: My Invention of "Cashless System"

To Visit President Lee Teng-Hui

Through prayer, we again broke through barriers and reached Singapore to propose “IIA-TES” for rebuilding the global economy. The host, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, instructed: “When you return to Taiwan, please convey my regards to Mr. Lee Teng-Hui.”

Thus, on February 26, 2010, we visited Cuishan Villa in Shilin, Taipei. The first words spoken by former President Lee were: “Why have you only come to see me now?” He had long concluded that “Taiwan has no way out.”

However, upon receiving our book, he quickly flipped through it and said with delight: “Ah, this is exactly what Taiwan needs — an ‘Intelligent Industry’ where all participants can benefit.”

Reviewing our APEC proposal, he frowned slightly and asked: “Miss Din, can you explain what this is?”

After hearing the explanation, he responded immediately: “Ah, this is a major reform in fintech. Combined with a global channel, Taiwan can reach the entire world.”

Indeed, when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020, the vision I had hoped for over 30 years earlier —“working from home while earning income from the world”— became a reality as economies continued operating despite global lockdowns.

A Year Under a Mentor

After more than three hours of discussion, former President Lee, like a devoted shepherd, shared how he had navigated countless storms during his leadership — relying on prayer for inner peace and scripture for wisdom. This made me realize: “This is not a world governed purely by reason, but one that requires clear understanding of circumstances.”

He even invited me to join his "Leadership Training Program." When I said I was merely a social entrepreneur and did not understand politics, he replied: “To do public good is politics, because it involves the interests of the people.”

Thus, I was fortunate to receive a year of guidance and to complete the presidential-level research thesis: "Christian Faith and Democratic Practice of Lee Teng-Hui."

When former President Lee Teng-Hui personally came to teach the class, he stated: “Faith is the most important qualification for a leader.”

Fig 6: President Lee said, “Faith is the most important qualification for a leader.”

With faith comes moral character; when combined with capability, it enables the formulation of policies that truly benefit the people, allowing society to live in peace and prosperity. He recalled that upon confirming his election as the 8th President in 1990, he resolved to complete a series of reforms within six years.

First, he terminated the "Temporary Provisions Effective During the Period of National Mobilization for Suppression of the Communist Rebellion," allowing those who had come to Taiwan in 1949 to return home and visit their families.

Second, he realized the “National Health Insurance System,” which he had long envisioned since his tenure as provincial governor.

Then, in 1996, he accomplished the first direct presidential election, enabling the people — the true “bosses” of the nation — to choose their own leader, while also shortening the presidential term from six years to four, aligning Taiwan with advanced democracies.

After completing Taiwan’s “Political Liberation,” President Lee pointed out:

“Chinese people have a sense of ‘morality,’ but lack a sense of religion. Therefore, the Church should consider how to lead the people of Taiwan toward ‘spiritual redemption,’ liberating minds that have long been constrained, so that Taiwan may become a truly free nation.”

By this, he meant that human beings need not only physical freedom, but also spiritual freedom. He further said: “We are all created beings; only by breaking free from the bondage of decay can we attain the glorious freedom of the children of God.” (Romans 8:21).

Only in this way can people move beyond sorrow and walk toward a path of freedom and joy.

Leadership Training and Experiential Learning

The "Leadership Training Program" included not only indoor classes in Hongshulin, but also theological immersion at the Taiwan Theological Seminary on Yangde Boulevard, along with outdoor field learning. A graduation trip was arranged to Tainan, where participants experienced rural life firsthand.

Fig 7: Graduation Trip of the Leadership Training Program

Fig 8: Visit to Kunbin, the “No Rice Joy” Farmer in Houbi, Tainan

Fig 9: Experiencing Traditional Meals Associated with Taiwan Water Buffalo Culture

Fig 10: April 23, 2011 Graduation Ceremony, Where Former President Lee Personally Shook Hands with Each Participant

A Year of Transformation

After twelve months of intensive training, I was honored to receive 23 books personally gifted by former President Lee. Hearing firsthand his accounts of "how Christian faith shaped his democratic practice" provided invaluable primary material for my graduate thesis. More importantly, it confirmed that the missions I had pursued for decades—the “Rich Taiwan Plan, Social Responsibility Investment (SRI), and Social Enterprise" — are inherently linked to politics.

As President Lee said: “To engage in public good is politics, because it involves the interests of the people.”

From Revelation to Global Impact

What began as a simple calling — to develop “Innovative Industry” through self-reliance to solve structural unemployment — proved to involve far-reaching and complex dimensions.

In 1997, I presented my research results at the APEC in Vancouver, which deeply impressed international participants. Canada’s Minister of Industry, John Manley, described my invention as “A Door to the Global Market,” while a U.S. representative called it “the Most Powerful Business Model.”

As a result, the "APEC Technomart II" was successfully brought to the Taipei World Trade Center, allowing local participants on the island to engage in a major international event. This achievement earned commendation from Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs and led to my invitation as a speaker by the 1998 APEC host, Malaysia, where the "E-Commerce Initiative" was successfully advanced.

Fig 11: Award presented by the Minister of Economic Affairs

Toward a New Tech-Economic Era

At the time, policy recommendations were submitted to the highest levels of government, and President Lee responded promptly. This led to the proposal of the “Employment Incubation Program” at the Taipei City Government on May 24, 1999.

The “TranSmart Chip Card System” was later commercialized in 2002 under the name "EasyCard" within the Taipei Metro. Taiwan’s development in a new tech-economic system thus kept pace with advanced nations. Had this trajectory continued, it could have “captured the vast future,” positioning Taiwan to lead the global mainstream in the emerging tech-economic society.

Fig 12: May 24, 1999 proposal at Taipei City Government leading to TranSmart card commercialization

Due to strong endorsement from my friends on Wall Street, Mr. Jiang Zemin personally signed an invitation for us to attend the 2001 APEC meeting in Shanghai. After a series of negotiations, we signed a contract with the "Science and Technology Center" in August 2002, while simultaneously preparing for a listing on NASDAQ. The plan was to introduce "USD 12.5 billion" to establish an “ICT Control Center” in Taiwan, aiming to capture an emerging “USD 10 trillion” market opportunity.

This projection was later validated during the COVID-19 pandemic, when the annual transaction volume of the “Cashless” system alone exceeded "USD 30 trillion." If the government were to collect merely one-thousandth of this amount, it could fully fund school lunch programs, student loans, rural education, and numerous underprivileged sectors (including culture, arts, and the third sector). Through “Technologization of Traditional Industries,” industrial upgrading could be achieved, while “Intellectualization of Tech-industries” would enable rapid advancement. Taiwan’s national strength could thus expand indefinitely, positioning it to become one of the wealthiest nations in the world.

After hearing about the corruption-driven attacks that occurred after 2002, former President Lee Teng-Hui shook his head repeatedly and sighed, “What a pity!”

Nevertheless, he fully recognized the value of this new "Tech-Economic System" (TES). On June 19, 2010, he specifically arranged time during class for me to present: “Using TES to Increase Per Capita Income by US$10,000.” By divine grace, Taiwan’s per capita income during the pandemic period exceeded this projected increase. Built upon earlier e-commerce industrial policies, numerous new “unicorn” enterprises emerged, enabling Taiwan to leverage its strengths in key components and fulfill President Lee’s expectations.

Fig 13: Linda Din presenting “Increasing Per Capita Income by US$10,000” in class

Looking Forward: A Turning Point for a New Era

In summary, while the past is gone, the future remains to be pursued. This year marks another turning point for a new generation. The United Nations Convention Against Corruption, UNCAC, has called upon the island authorities to submit "Anti-corruption Progress Reports" — even non-member entities are required to comply. Under the growing dominance of the “Higher Quality Consciousness” advocated by President Lee over “inferior consciousness,” Taiwan still has the opportunity to choose a better path.

On July 30, 2020, former President Lee passed away, like the song “Becoming A Thousand Gentle Winds.” I still recall receiving, in 2013, his handwritten book at the age of ninety, "Where Should Taiwan Go in the 21st Century?" In it, he urged the Taiwanese people to abandon a “Drifting Mentality” and highlighted two key pillars:

1) Establish developmental autonomy through economic and trade independence.

2) Sustain growth momentum through technological advantage.

In 2014, he personally drafted a speech titled Launching the "Second Democratic Reform." On March 28, during his visit to Taichung, he first reviewed the “First Democratic Reform and Its Limits,” then proposed three priority directions for a second wave of reform, earnestly reminding us:

“Cherish the hard-earned achievements of democracy.”

Faith, Strength, and Continuation of the Mission

Today, the melody of “Sen no Kaze ni Natte” (“A Thousand Winds”) —a piece he cherished —still echoes. Though the great statesman is gone, his spirit endures.

As the Apostle Paul the Apostle wrote:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6–7).

Strengthened by faith, we must face all challenges with courage and perseverance, continuing the mission of "Social Responsibility Investment" (SRI) until the foundations of a "Rich Taiwan" are firmly established. We firmly believe that, over time, more and more people will remember former President Lee Teng-Hui. His legacy of “Love and Faith” will take root in people’s hearts and ultimately grow into a vast forest of enduring strength.

Fig 14: Compilation of Lee Teng-Hui’s Christian faith as manifested in democratic practice

Linda Din, the author, a social entrepreneur and industrial evangelist; inventor of “TES”— includes cashless transaction system and e-commerce industry framework; speaker at APEC 1998 and 2003, contributing to the advancement of legislation in E-Commerce, ICT, IPR, MB, and EI, laying the foundation for the development of AI, she was hailed as the "Mother of E-Commerce" by APEC.

【Copyrights reserved by Linda Din and K-Horn Science Inc.】

This article is taken from “Lee Teng-Hui's book,” dated March 12, 2023.