Lin Rong-San (Chinese: 林榮三; pinyin: Lín Róngsān; 1939 – November 28, 2015) was a prominent Taiwanese media mogul, businessman, and real estate developer. He was best known as the founder and chairman of the Liberty Times Group, one of Taiwan's largest media conglomerates, and the Union Bank of Taiwan.
Born in 1939, Lin Rong-San began his career in real estate, building a significant fortune through property development. His ventures later expanded into banking and, most notably, media.
Media Empire
In 1981, Lin founded the Liberty Times (自由時報), which grew to become one of Taiwan's three major daily newspapers. Under his leadership, the Liberty Times Group also expanded to include other publications and media outlets. The Liberty Times is known for its pro-localization stance and is generally supportive of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan's political landscape, often taking a distinct editorial line from its main competitors, the United Daily News and the China Times. His influence significantly shaped public discourse in Taiwan.
Financial and Real Estate Ventures
Beyond media, Lin Rong-San was also a significant figure in Taiwan's financial sector. He founded the Union Bank of Taiwan (聯邦商業銀行) in 1992, which became a prominent commercial bank. His early success in real estate continued to be a core part of his business empire, making him one of Taiwan's wealthiest individuals for many years.
Legacy
Lin Rong-San passed away on November 28, 2015, at the age of 76. His media and financial enterprises continue to be run by his family. He left behind a legacy as a powerful figure whose businesses significantly influenced Taiwan's media landscape, economy, and political dialogue.