The China Development International Student Regional Revitalization Volunteer Group is a pioneering initiative providing international students with an exceptional opportunity to engage with Taiwan's local communities and environments. This program, a collaboration between CDIB Capital Group (CDIB), a subsidiary of KGI Financial Holding, and the China Development Foundation, aims to deepen international students’ understanding of Taiwan through hands-on volunteer work focused on environmental protection and regional revitalization.
Building on KGI Financial Holding’s "Inclusive Vision,”—which promotes intergenerational collaboration, supports the elderly, aligns with the disadvantaged for the common good, and fosters harmonious coexistence with the environment—CDIB has introduced the “Regional Revitalization Volunteer Tours” to its employees to enhance its impact. The China Development Foundation, a long-standing supporter of education and talent development in Taiwan, has offered various initiatives aimed at cultivating local students. The “China Development International Student Regional Revitalization Volunteer Group” marks the first collaboration between the two entities to link regional revitalization groups with international student communities.
Since its inception, the initiative has garnered support from esteemed institutions such as National Taiwan University, National Taiwan Normal University, and PAPAGO Study Village. Michelle Yu, the executive director of the foundation, believes that participation in volunteer activities will foster a deeper appreciation for Taiwan among international students, potentially inspiring them to pursue long-term career opportunities within the country. This, in turn, could attract more global talent to deeply engage with Taiwan’s society and industries in the long run.
The inaugural team for the "China Development International Student Regional Revitalization Volunteer Group" is being recruited by the Overseas Chinese and Mainland Chinese Students Advising Division of National Taiwan University’s Office of Student Affairs. This cohort includes students from China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. On October 5, 2024, Ren-Hong Peng, founder of "Goldfish Space" in Toucheng, facilitated a stone rubbing experience with the renowned calligraphy “Kang Family”, providing students insights into Toucheng’s rich cultural heritage. He also guided the students to the famous "Sishierjia Wetlands" for a volunteer activity focused on wetland conservation and local environmental protection issues.
Following the activities in Toucheng, a volunteer event in collaboration with the Office of International Affairs at National Taiwan Normal University will commence in November. This event will include tea picking and an exploration to the historic Pinglin Old Street, focusing on local tea culture and environmental issues related to river basin recovery. Additionally, in partnership with PAPAGO Study Village, Japanese students will be recruited to visit "Nature’s Wisdom Food Lab," a team selected and supported by CDIB’s Project of Rewarding Regional Revitalization Practice in 2023. There, they will engage in artistic creation using agricultural waste, learn about the contributions of the regional revitalization team to the local community, and discover pathways to sustainable operations.
This year marks the inaugural launch of the "China Development International Student Regional Revitalization Volunteer Group." With a focus on education and talent cultivation, the initiative is integrated into the KGI Financials’ "Inclusive Vision", setting a precedent to inspire businesses to tackle critical issues of environmental protection and regional revitalization for a sustainable future.
