"Yu was more than willing to offer the young and inexperienced opportunities to express their creativity and follow their ambitions. Anyone with novel ideas and a solid work ethic will be treated very well at the China Times," Chiang has said.
However, Yu was also criticized for his cruelty in driving people away after they had burned out.
Aside from the achievements of his career, he was a role model for the paper's employees because of his charisma, strong will, curiosity and dedication to learning.
Intrepid example
When Yu was discovered to have cancer six years ago, in spite of his old age, he quickly decided to undergo surgery to eliminate the tumors.
He returned to work after one month, continuing to hold an editorial meeting every day.
The disease kept relapsing. Yu received numerous treatments over the years, but the disease didn't keep him from working.
He went back to the office whenever the disease was under control. Whenever he returned, the subordinates would stand up and clap their hands to welcome him.
"Ordinary people would lose their composure if they were struck by cancer twice. But that was not the case for Yu," Huang Chao-song once said.
The Internet version of the China Times was launched in September 1995 on Yu's strong recommendation.
In his 80s and early 90s, Yu was fascinated by computer technology. He took computer courses and was often seen by his employees to hit the keyboard, send e-mails or read books about high technology.
On March 25, President Chen Shui-bian (
Although ill, Yu stood up to welcome Chen and shared his views about national affairs and cross-strait relations with the president.
"If I had been given more time, I could have done so many other things," Yu was quoted as saying after he realized his days were numbered.
"Yu Chi-chung won the public's admiration because he was ambitious and always progressing," a senior journalist said.
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