Taiwan enterprises up efforts for charity

2014-09-03

Leading Taiwan enterprises are pioneering forces in charitable causes, setting an example for their private sector peers in disaster relief and recovery participation.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. is at the vanguard of corporate social responsibility. Headquartered in Hsinchu Science Park, the firm played an instrumental role organizing housing and infrastructure reconstruction following the July pipeline explosions in southern Taiwan’s Kaohsiung City.

“The company decided not to waste time with detailed planning, but instead take immediate action to help those affected by the explosions return to their normal lives,” said Jung Yi-hung, TSMC coordinator in the disaster zone.

Teaming up with collaborator Fu Tsu Construction Co. Ltd., TSMC launched a systematic operation within a week of the incident, repairing victims’ houses and building access roads for reconstruction.

The task force finished 353 recovery assignments in the first-phase project and, beginning Aug. 25, included care services for low-income households and senior citizens living alone in the affected area.

Chang Yung-fa Foundation, established by Evergreen Group in 1985, is equally devoted to furthering good causes, notably in the fields of education and the underprivileged. Jhanghu Elementary and Junior High School of Ecology in Yunlin County’s Gukeng Township is one of the educational institutions receiving support from the foundation.

Following Typhoon Morakot in 2009, the school was rebuilt from the ground up in its present location. Of the NT$234 million (US$7.8 million) spent on reconstruction, NT$63 million came from the Ministry of Education while the CYFF funded the rest.

In the 12 months since it opened for classes, the school’s enrollment jumped from 78 to 138. Jhanghu’s natural environment, modern facility and unique curriculum focusing on self-guided learning and ecological education have attracted students from all over the country.

“We encourage students to become independent learners, and the results have exceeded our wildest expectations,” said Acting Principal Chen Ching-chun. “With CYFF’s support, Jhanghu has risen from the ashes and developed into a mountain stronghold of education celebrated equally for innovation and scenic beauty.”

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=221239&CtNode=413)