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Opening a Path of Philanthropy in the U.S.:
The Founding and Spirit of ACFI
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[Cover Story] In the United States, the Alliance Cultural Foundation has a little-known sister organization, the Alliance Cultural Foundation International (ACFI) whose mission is to support educational and cultural activities in Asia and the U.S. This year marks the tenth anniversary of its establishment.
ACFI was founded to support Junyi School of Innovation’s Junyi Innovative Study Abroad Program (JISAP), accompanying students on an overseas education pathway that allows them to “change lanes and move ahead.” To date, 40 Junyi students have graduated from or are currently enrolled in two-year U.S. community colleges, United World Colleges (UWC), or four-year universities.
Chairman Stanley Yen has always believed that “the more resource-constrained a place is, the more it needs internationalization as a driving force.” By opening doors to the world, children are able to expand possibilities for the future of their hometowns.
In recent years, ACFI has further established a mentorship system, working closely with Junyi’s teaching team to support students at different stages—when they first begin considering studying abroad, when they are clarifying their decisions, and before and after they go overseas—helping them prepare step by step.
This connection across the Pacific has also led many overseas Chinese living in the United States to travel to Hualien and Taitung through ACFI, witnessing firsthand the vitality and transformation of the region. We invite you to step into the story of ACFI. Read more.
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Learning the Craft in the Kitchen
Internship at Shin Yeh for Chenggong Commercial & Aquaculture Vocational High School
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[The Alliance Cultural Foundation] Beginning in 2023, the Alliance Cultural Foundation facilitated a collaboration between National Chenggong Commercial & Aquaculture Vocational High School and the Shin Yeh Restaurant Group, establishing a Japanese cuisine specialty program. The program integrates instruction by industry professionals with in-school faculty and provides students with internship opportunities at Shin Yeh restaurants.
During the winter break, four students from the Restaurant Service Department of Chenggong Commercial & Aquaculture Vocational High School traveled from Taitung to Taipei to intern at Shin Yeh Japanese Cuisine – Jiankang Branch and Guanqian Branch, taking a critical step toward experiencing the real pace and demands of the culinary industry.
Under the guidance of master chefs, students participated in ingredient preparation, food service, and quality control, gaining firsthand experience of the foundations of professional dining operations: strict food safety standards, efficient workflow design, and seamless teamwork. Every dish served to guests reflects long-term discipline and a strong sense of responsibility.
Last year, two students who completed internships have since continued working at the Guanqian Branch through a formal apprenticeship program, taking on increased responsibilities. For some, the experience reinforced their career direction; for others, it prompted a reassessment of their expectations. Amid the fast-paced and high-intensity environment, this dialogue with oneself has helped students take a steady first step toward exploring future career possibilities before graduation.
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When Jinzun Meet Jazz
Stacey Wei Jazz Trio
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[Paul Chiang Arts & Cultural Foundation] In January, the Art Center welcomed the jazz trio Improv., performed by Stacey Wei (trumpet), Guras Batu (piano), and Yu-Jia Liu (double bass). The performances ran for two consecutive days, with no pre-set repertoire and no repeated content. Prior to the concerts, the three musicians toured the Art Center, immersing themselves in the light, shadows, and atmosphere of the space, allowing the music to become an authentic response to the environment.
The performances were filled with surprises. Batu incorporated melodies from traditional Atayal work songs into jazz rhythms. Wei’s composition Hualien carried the essence of the ocean and the surrounding landscape. Another piece, Paul 205, was created the night before the performance by Wei and his 12-year-old son, Qian Wei, inspired by their impressions of the Art Center. The father composed the music, the son wrote poetry, and Qian Wei even recited his own poem live during the performance.
At the end of the second concert, the musicians invited Batu’s son and Wei’s student, Le Hsu, to join them on stage. Two generations made music together, creating a memorable moment. One audience member shared that although he was not a jazz fan, yet he felt an unprecedented sense of openness and flow during the performance—“free-spirited” being the most fitting description. Artistic inspiration converged within the Art Center, allowing visitors to encounter beauty unexpectedly. Watch concert highlights Facebook
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Climbing Mount Jiemaos
Challenge and Gratitude Along the Way
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[Junyi School of Innovation] Sixth-grade teachers and students embarked on the “Mount Jiemaos Outdoor Hiking Challenge.” Beyond integrating academic learning, physical training, and life skills during the challenge, the 18 students also strengthened their willpower through walking and gained a deeper understanding of love.
To prepare for the journey, the students underwent three months of rigorous weight training and equipment learning. From initial difficulty to growing confidence, they gradually developed the ability to take care of themselves in the wilderness. On Christmas Eve morning, accompanied by Paiwan parents’ blessing chants and the sound of conch shells, the team officially set off on a three-day, two-night challenge. They overcame demanding trials such as icy river crossings, night hiking, and descending slippery trails in the rain.
Reaching the summit of Mount Jiemaos (2,502 meters) was only part of the journey. Reading letters from home and expressing gratitude to one another brought warmth to the students, while their initiative to carry down trash left by others on the descent reflected Junyi students’ character and commitment to environmental stewardship. The joy of reaching the summit was infused with gratitude, resilience, and a sense of responsibility toward both people and nature. View more activity photos
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Grade 11 Annual Theater Production
An Endless Matilda!
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[Junyi School of Innovation] Twenty Grade 11 students from the Contemporary Arts Program, under the guidance of teachers Yen-Ting Wu, Hui-Ci Wan, Ching-ju Wei, and Andrew Phillips, took on the challenge of performing the 90-minute, fully
English-language musical An Endless Matilda!.
After two months of intensive training, students overcame the pressure of extensive English dialogue, singing, choreography, and stage movement. Behind the scenes, the JUNYI TECH team (see note below) simultaneously carried out precise technical coordination. Facing the high-intensity challenge, one student, Huang, stated firmly: “Once you’ve chosen it, you can’t back down. What matters more than excellence is learning how to face difficulties within yourself.”
Director Wu Yan-Ting, reflecting on the students’ rehearsal journey—marked by moments of discouragement followed by repeated returns to the spotlight—shared emotionally: “An Endless Mathilda!” suggests how hard it is to reach the finish line, but does learning truly have an endpoint?” This performance was more than a show; it was a practice in resilience. When the curtain call applause rang out, the tears on stage said it all—through mutual support and perseverance, they truly made it. View more activity photos
Note:
The JUNYI TECH team provides after-school theater technical training. To balance onstage, backstage manpower and production apprenticeship, the program expanded recruitment to include high school students from different academic tracks this year. The team maintains 15–18 members to ensure ample hands-on opportunities for each participant. Through interdisciplinary training, the program not only cultivates in-school technical talent but also offers students a platform for diverse exploration.
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