Dr. James S.C. Chao

Dr. James S. C. Chao is the Founder and Honorary Chairman of Foremost Group, an American shipping company based in New York known for its integrity, reliability and service. He grew up in an educated family in a small farming village outside of Shanghai. Early in his career, he advanced rapidly through the ranks to become one of the youngest sea captains at the age of 29. He took the national Master Mariner Examination and achieved the highest score ever recorded. This achievement gave him the opportunity to pursue further studies in the United States.

After earning his MBA from St. John’s University, Dr. Chao founded Foremost Maritime Corporation which later expanded to Foremost Group. An early adopter of green technology, Foremost Group has incorporated fuel-efficient designs and technology in its fleet, which is ranked among the world’s most eco-friendly bulk carriers. For his outstanding contributions to the international maritime industry, Dr. Chao was inducted into the International Maritime Hall of Fame at the United Nations.

Dr. Chao and his late wife, Mrs. Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, have devoted their lives to promoting education and philanthropy. To commemorate Ruth’s legacy of faith, family, and philanthropy, generous gifts have been made to scholarships and institutions benefiting thousands of students. Dr. Chao and a Family Foundation endowed the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center as part of a generous gift to Harvard University that also supports the Ruth Mulan Chu and James Si-Cheng Chao Family Fellowship fund. The gift was in celebration of Harvard University’s 375th anniversary and 50th anniversary of admission of women to the Business School; the building is the first to be named after a woman and Asian Pacific American in Harvard’s history.

Dr. Chao has been recognized with the Ellis Island Medal of Honor as well as the Horatio Alger Award of Distinguished Americans at the Supreme Court. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recognized Dr. Chao as an Outstanding American by Choice. The Museum of Chinese in America honored Dr. Chao with its Inaugural Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award. He was also presented the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award by the Chinese American Academic & Professional Society. St. John’s University, Niagara University, Nyack University, Fu Jen University, National Chiao Tung University, National Taiwan Ocean University and Massachusetts Maritime College bestowed Honorary Doctorate Degrees on Dr. Chao. Seamen’s Church Institute conferred upon Dr. Chao its highest honor. The Chinese Institute of Engineers, USA presented its Centennial Medal to Dr. Chao for his leadership in adopting energy-efficient and eco-friendly ship design and technology. Columbia University awarded Dr. Chao its inaugural EPIC Achievement Award. SUNY Maritime College awarded Dr. Chao its Admiral’s Award. Lloyd’s List presented its Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Chao and his beloved late wife are the subject of best-selling biographies: FEARLESS AGAINST THE WIND; CALM AMIDST THE STORMS; and RIDING THE WAVES: SHIPPING MAGNATE DR. JAMES S. C. CHAO & MRS. RUTH MULAN CHU CHAO’S PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE & LEGACY.