Kao Hsi-chun, Founder of Commonwealth Group, Passes Away at 90: Confirmed by Gaze — A Model of Scholar Serving the Nation, A Paragon of Gentleman Leadership

Renowned economist and founder of the Commonwealth-Cultural Enterprise Group, Dr. Kao Hsi-chun, passed away this morning (6th) at the age of 90. Gaze Magazine confirmed the news via a Facebook post, stating that Dr. Kao devoted his entire life to education, publishing, media, and public policy, serving as a 'model of a scholar serving the nation and a paragon of gentleman leadership.'

Gaze Magazine announced that Professor Kao Hsi-chun, the founder of Visionary‧Commonwealth Culture, renowned economist, educator, and publisher, passed away on the morning of August 6, 2026, at the age of 90, concluding a life of dedication and departing in peace.

Gaze emphasized that Dr. Kao left behind a spiritual legacy of progressive ideas for the Chinese-speaking world. He dedicated his life to education, publishing, media, and public policy, truly embodying the 'model of a scholar serving the nation, the paragon of gentleman leadership.' His passing is a significant loss for the intellectual and publishing communities in the Chinese world, yet the profound thoughts and earnest aspirations he left behind will forever illuminate and guide our path forward.

According to reports, Dr. Kao was born in 1936 in Nanjing and moved to Taiwan with his family in 1949. In 1959, he went to the United States for advanced studies, earning a Ph.D. in economic development. Throughout his life, he received numerous awards, including three Golden Tripod Awards for publications, three honorary doctoral degrees, and the Second-Class Order of Brilliant Star conferred by former President Ma Ying-jeou, all testifying to his outstanding contributions to the nation and society.

Dr. Kao earned his Ph.D. in economic development from Michigan State University in 1964 and was appointed assistant professor in the Department of Economics at the University of Wisconsin. Seven years later, he was promoted to full professor, subsequently served two terms as department chair, was elected one of America’s most distinguished educators, and received the University of Wisconsin Distinguished Professor Award. He retired from the University of Wisconsin in 1998 and was appointed 'Professor Emeritus.'

The report noted that since 1969, Dr. Kao has wholeheartedly contributed his academic expertise to Taiwan, serving as an advisor to various councils of Taiwan’s Executive Yuan and as a visiting professor at the College of Business, National Taiwan University. In 1981, he co-founded CommonWealth Magazine with media professionals Yin Yun-peng and Wang Li-hsing. In 1982, he co-founded Commonwealth Culture Publishing with Wang Li-hsing and Chang Tso-chin. In 1986, he founded Gaze Magazine.