Concerned with the limited world-views held by young people, the late professor had also envisioned founding a Formosan School of Global Studies to cultivate and broaden students' views.
But his death has left his dreams unfulfilled and his loved ones see his loss as a serious blow to the nation.
"He has with great confidence exchanged ideas with his overseas counterparts in fluent French and English, a rare caliber for Taiwan. But it's a pity that he never had the opportunity to serve his country," Chen Wen-hsian (
Chang Wei-chia feared that his late brother's contacts in global academics established over the decades would be buried with him as well.
"What my brother accomplished was academic diplomacy. ... His relations with many international academics were established not one or two years ago -- they were the result of decades of friendship," Chang Wei-chia said.
Many attending a memorial ceremony for Chang Wei-penn in downtown Taipei on Saturday morning vowed to continue his devotion to boosting ties with Europe.
"Although our teacher has passed away, he would have expected to see his students in all walks of life follow in his footsteps," said Chen Hsing-chi (陳信吉), a student who attended at the ceremony.
Chang's widow spoke of ways to remember his passing.
"Let's continue to support ECSA-Taiwan and to boost ties between Europe and Taiwan. Have faith in Taiwan as a beautiful country. This is the best way to remember Wei-penn in one's heart," Chen Shu-yen (陳淑燕) said at the ceremony.
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