Today, we remember the passing of King Liu, founder of Giant Bicycles., who died at the age of 91.

While many in Asia have long regarded him as the “ r of cycling”, much of the Western press has described him differently — as Taiwan’s cycling missionary. In many ways, that term captures something essential about his life’s work. He was not only building bicycles; he was spreading a belief in cycling as culture, as community and as a way of life.

Building More Than Giant — Building Taiwan’s Cycling Industry

When King Liu founded Giant in 1972, Taiwan was not yet synonymous with premium bicycles. Through determination, innovation and global ambition, he transformed the company from one of many bicycle contract manufacturers in Taiwan into the world’s largest bicycle manufacturer and a known cycling brand.

Yet his vision went beyond corporate success.

He initiated the industry-leading “A-Team” alliance, bringing together Taiwanese manufacturers and suppliers to collaborate on quality standards, operational excellence and global competitiveness. Rather than competing in isolation, he encouraged shared improvement.

The result was extraordinary: Taiwan evolved from an OEM manufacturing base into a globally respected centre of cycling innovation. He did not rise alone — he brought an entire industry with him.

A Missionary for Cycling Culture

King Liu often referred to himself as a missionary for cycling. He believed bicycles were not simply products, but instruments of health, sustainability and human connection.

At the age of 73, he famously cycled the entire circumference of Taiwan — nearly 1,000 kilometres — to inspire participation in cycling. Later, he rode from Beijing to Shanghai, demonstrating that age was no barrier to purpose.

His advocacy extended to infrastructure and public mobility. He played a key role in promoting urban cycling initiatives such as Taiwan’s YouBike, which has become a model for accessible city transport.

He also supported international racing and visibility for Taiwan, including the development of the Tour de Taiwan, helping position the country firmly on the global cycling map.

Global Recognition

In 2022, his lifelong dedication was recognised internationally when he received the “Special Lifetime Achievement Award” linked to World Bicycle Day, an initiative of the United Nations.

This honour acknowledged not just business success, but his global impact on sustainable mobility and cycling advocacy.

A Personal Inspiration

As a small start-up, we are extremely fortunate to collaborate with Giant as our R&D and manufacturing partner. They are a significant inspiration to us as a cycling brand — and to me personally, as a Taiwanese entrepreneur living in London.

King Liu demonstrated how a business can be built from nothing to become the world’s number one — not through narrow ambition, but through long-term vision and collective uplift. He showed that true leadership strengthens the entire ecosystem.

He made Taiwan visible to the world.

That philosophy strongly shapes how we see Mosa.

Our name comes from Formosa — the historical name of Taiwan. We chose it deliberately. It reflects a quiet ambition: that one day, in our own way, we might help make Formosa proud — just as Giant has done.

Success is not only about our own growth. It is about raising standards, building partnerships and contributing meaningfully to the global stage. It is about representing where we come from with integrity.

We are fortunate to work with Giant and to receive their support — a relationship we value deeply.

At Mosa, we will keep King Liu’s legacy firmly in mind. We will continue to build with integrity, collaborate openly and ensure that our impact reaches beyond ourselves.

Because the greatest businesses do not simply lead markets — they represent something bigger than themselves.