The Evergreen Group was honored with "The Corporate Social Responsibility Award" on 8 September at a gala dinner staged in the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The event was attended by many leading figures in the shipping industry who gathered for the presentation of the 2009 Lloyd's List Global Awards.

Since the establishment by Dr. Yung-Fa Chang on 1st September 1968, Evergreen has successfully weathered economic downturn over four decades and retain the position as a global transportation giant with comprehensive land, sea and air networks. Dr. Chang believes most strongly in the concept of giving back to society and is committed to helping people to lead a better life.

Mr. Maurice Storey, Honorary Chairman of Evergreen Marine (UK), commented after the acceptance of the award: "On behalf of Dr. Chang and the Evergreen Group, we are honored to receive this award, which has recognized the activities of which we are most proud: "Our commitment to a better world."

The award recognizes the leadership demonstrated by the Evergreen Group for the bold vision and the efforts aimed at safeguarding the environment. Besides, Evergreen provides disaster relief and other welfare programs through the Chang Yung-Fa Foundation and supports cultural promotion and educational initiatives through Evergreen Symphony Orchestra and Evergreen Maritime Museum.

The Group's most recent dedication concerns Typhoon Morakot, which swept through southern Taiwan in August and caused the worst flooding on the island in half a century. Evergreen Group Chairman Dr. Chang mobilized all his companies to offer relief efforts for the victims. He personally donated NTD 100 million with another NTD 420 million from the Evergreen Group. Dr. Chang stressed that even faced with current economic adversity, Evergreen should still fulfill social responsibilities and seek to help the people in need.

In the 21th century, the Evergreen Group is pressing ahead, responding to the many changes that concern the population of the world today. Its commercial drive is still as strong as ever but time and resources are also being committed to environmental and social matters.