In August 2009, Typhoon Morakot devastated the Hualien-Taitung (Huatung) region of Taiwan. Numerous religious and charity organizations promptly responded, providing significant donations of money and supplies. However, these resources only offered temporary relief and did not address the underlying problems or lay a foundation for sustainable future development and recovery.
Huatung needs beyond monetary aid; it requires volunteers committed to implementing systematic, lasting changes that can alleviate economic hardships in underserved communities. There's also a critical need to effectively pool resources, talents, and experiences from nonprofit organizations to maximize their impact for the common good.
On December 28, 2009, Chairman Stanley Yen, alongside a group of visionaries, founded The Alliance Cultural Foundation (ACF). This nonprofit organization acts as a platform for public interest projects. Our mission is to connect the right resources with the appropriate projects, and we aim to be pioneers, experimenting with alternative solutions to develop successful models for sustainable economic development in Huatung.
Our focus spans five primary development areas: education, arts and culture, tourism, industry guidance, and resource integration. In every aspect, we commit to being deeply attuned to the local community, listening to local voices, and addressing the cultural nuances of working with diverse communities. We strive to foster sustainable businesses and create opportunities in Huatung, enabling young people to find employment in their hometowns. Our goal is to work with Huatung residents maintain their family units while participating in the region's economic revitalization.
We firmly believe that Huatung's future is closely intertwined with Taiwan's future. Although a remote region—comprising 10% of Taiwan's landmass but only 1% of its population—Huatung is home to one-third of its aboriginal population, encompassing seven distinct indigenous tribes. Its rich cultural diversity and stunning natural beauty represent some of the finest aspects in Taiwan. We are committed to preserving these qualities for our children, giving them the opportunity to express their cultural identity and showcase their talents. Together, we aspire to be the catalyst for a better society.
