Opening a Path of Philanthropy in the United States: ACFI
The Alliance Cultural Foundation (ACF) has always believed that education can transform a child’s life. Only by cultivating independent thinking can young people walk a long and sustainable path in life.
In 2016, ACF established its U.S. sister organization, the Alliance Cultural Foundation International (ACFI) whose mission is to support educational and cultural activities in Asia and the U.S. Following this milestone, ACF launched the Junyi Innovative Study Abroad Program (JISAP) in 2017, encouraging well-prepared students from the Junyi School of Innovation—both academically and mentally—to venture beyond their comfort zones and gain broader global exposure.
One of ACFI’s activities is to orient JISAP students before and after they go abroad to help them acclimate to life overseas and build a healthy perspective toward learning and living independently. Since its inception, ACFI has continued to build a pathway of philanthropy to support children from rural and underserved areas, providing opportunities to those who need them the most. ACFI aims to build a more equitable world.
Chairman Stanley Yen’s U.S. Lectures: The Catalyst for ACFI
The origins of ACFI can be traced back to the previous century. In 1997, Chairman Stanley Yen published From Messenger to Manager—The Success Story of Stanley Yen (《總裁獅子心》), followed by several other books, including Being an Angel in Your Own Life and the Lives of Others (《做自己與別人生命中的天使》), all of which received widespread resonance in the United States. Years later, Julia Hsiao and Benson Liao, who would later serve successively as CEOs of ACFI, recalled that they first came to know Chairman Yen through these books. In 2011, Julia and Benson each took responsibility for organizing events in Northern and Southern California, inviting Chairman Yen to travel to San Francisco and Los Angeles as the keynote speaker, formally opening the door to mutual exchange.
That “An Evening with the CEO” series drew an enthusiastic response, with nearly 3,000 people in attendance. The Northern California NTU Alumni Association’s Azalea Night set a record for the earliest sell-out in its history—over 80 percent of tickets were sold by Thanksgiving, nearly half a year before the April event. “Even Taiwan’s representative to the United States flew from Washington, D.C. to San Francisco to attend,” they recalled. Nearly one out of every two or three attendees purchased a copy of From Messenger to Manager—The Success Story of Stanley Yen.
Many Taiwanese who left Taiwan between 1980 and 1995 to pursue education and careers in the United States had long hoped to give back to Taiwan but could not find an appropriate channel. Through years of steady cultivation by ACF, many overseas Chinese gradually became willing to join the path of philanthropy together. Julia shared that she feels a particularly strong alignment with rural education. “In the past, we believed we should cultivate elites, but only by reserving resources for children in rural areas can the world become more equitable.” Especially following Taiwan’s economic takeoff and significant progress in the humanities, rural education, and arts and culture, overseas communities feel deep gratitude toward those who continue striving in their homeland.
“After getting to know ACF, we realized that establishing a foundation that complies with U.S. nonprofit and legal requirements would allow us to do more,” Julia explained. As a result, ACFI began its preparatory work in 2016 and was formally established in 2017.
Becoming the Wind Beneath Their Wings: Helping Rural Students ‘Change Lanes and Overtake’
In response to the overseas study needs of Junyi’s first graduating high school class in the summer of 2018, JISAP was established as a preparatory initiative in 2017. The program encourages well-prepared Junyi students to study abroad by enrolling in high-quality two-year U.S. community colleges or United World Colleges (UWC). ACFI not only provides educational funding for students in need, but also builds local support systems. In 2023, it further developed the Mentorship Program / Local Angel Program, leveraging ACFI’s U.S.-based networks to provide students with emotional and daily-life support before and after going abroad. Currently, there are four mentors, with Arlene Huang serving as the driving force behind the mentorship system.
Junyi alumna Sandy Peng, who completed her community college studies in early childhood education, recalled that when she first began considering studying abroad, she was filled with uncertainty. “Then Ms. Arlene appeared,” Sandy said. “She asked me many critical questions that helped me clarify my thinking.” During this period, Arlene provided varying levels of guidance and support based on each student’s needs, maturity, and preparedness—from early exploration to final commitment and preparation. This included analyzing the pros, cons, risks and rewards of overseas study, as well as planning short-, mid-, and long-term goals. Alan Wang, who entered Durham College in Canada in Fall 2025, shared, “Ms. Arlene reminded me that risk must be managed wisely—it should always be recoverable, never a decision that leaves no room to turn back. Ms. Arlene emphasized the importance of understanding oneself and taking full responsibility for every decision made.”
Arlene observed that in her interactions with students in grades 10 through 12, most initially felt uncertain about the true meaning of studying abroad. Their early thoughts were often scattered and required thoughtful guidance. Mentors systematically accompany students as they reflect on the questions of ‘why,’ ‘what,’ ‘when,’ ‘how,’ and ‘where,’ helping them clarify their thinking and develop the capacity for independent and critical thought.
Another mentor, Dr. Shu-Ling Chen, who holds a Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Oregon and specializes in early childhood cognitive development and parenting education, explained that Arlene deliberately embraces the role of a strict yet caring mentor. “Only through this level of rigor can one truly discern a student’s determination to study abroad. A strong will is essential to face the many challenges that lie ahead.”
Following their weekly online English meetings, students prepare written meeting minutes in English and email them to Arlene. “Ms. Arlene encouraged us to think in English as much as possible. After I came to the United States to study, I realized how valuable that training was when communicating with professors and peer students,” Alan recalled.
He was especially impressed by the intensive online summer program held prior to departure: half-day sessions each day for one week. “The materials included Steve Jobs’ commencement speech, the film Forrest Gump, and one of Chairman Yen’s books. We discussed a different topic each day and completed a daily reflection essay in English.”
Additional topics—such as U.S. culture, time zones, climate, traditional holidays, campus safety, and drug prevention—were also covered, equipping students with practical knowledge for their future lives abroad.
“Our goal,” Arlene emphasized, “is to guide students to face themselves with honesty, take full responsibility for their decisions, recognize that JISAP opportunities are earned through dedication rather than granted lightly, honor their commitments, and remain grateful to everyone who supports them along this journey.”
After Sandy arrived in the United States, Dr. Chen traveled from California to Washington State to provide her with direct and warm support. Dr. Chen’s professional expertise in early childhood education also offered valuable academic assistance. Sandy shared that even after going abroad, mentors continued to hold monthly online meetings to discuss life experiences, learning progress, and skills still needed. “For me, living far from home, this companionship and support meant a great deal. It reminded me that I was not alone.”
Sandy noted that the most meaningful outcome of the process was a change in her outlook on life. “The mentors rebuilt my confidence. In the past, I sometimes suppressed myself when facing others, but they taught me to make independent judgments and to trust my ability to overcome difficulties.” Arlene added that she places particular emphasis on key indicators of readiness, including emotional maturity, self-management skills, openness to new learning environments, and the ability to navigate uncertainty and setbacks.
Originally from Hualien, Sandy graduated from Olympic College in June 2025 and is currently interning at a local preschool. She plans to transfer into a U.S. university’s junior-year program in Fall 2026. Dr. Chen reflected on Sandy’s transformation: “When I first met her, she was smiling, but she felt like a heavy-hearted child. After two years of experience and learning, she bravely stepped into change. Today, she is confident and outgoing, and has even begun supporting other Junyi students newly arrived in the United States. Her host family also feels reassured and is willing to continue offering support to future Junyi students.”
Since its activities began in 2018, JISAP has supported nearly 40 Junyi high school students who have chosen to pursue overseas education through self-funding or scholarships. In the years ahead, many more young lives will be transformed through this opportunity to change lanes and move forward.
A Philanthropic Connection Across the Pacific
Charity golf tournaments have become an important fundraising avenue for ACFI in Southern California, largely due to the efforts of Benson, former president of the Southern California Golf Association. Many members of the local overseas Chinese community have solid economic foundations. “Each year, we come together through golf to support philanthropy,” Benson shared. “And it’s not only for ACFI—we also invite local social welfare organizations to participate, so that even more people can benefit.”
Through repeated outreach by ACFI board members and volunteers, as well as four U.S. lecture tours by Chairman Yen to date, more local communities have come to understand the mission and impact of ACF and ACFI. As connections deepened, board members organized return visits to Taiwan, touring Junyi School in Taitung, the Paul Chiang Art Center, and partner businesses supported by ACF. Living in the United States, they were deeply moved by the vitality and transformation of eastern Taiwan. Many of these overseas Chinese in their sixties recalled that in earlier years, their impressions of the region were limited to places such as Taroko Gorge and the Amis people.
Preserving the Beauty of Hualien–Taitung Through Documentary Film
Many visitors to Hualien and Taitung leave with lasting impressions: pristine blue skies and seas, as well as artists, Indigenous communities, and dedicated local businesses. To help more domestic and international audiences understand the region and encourage them to visit in person, ACFI began sponsoring ACF’s documentary series, Focus Taitung, in 2021. The series preserves precious records of the region’s distinctive places and people.
After the films were released, they received enthusiastic responses. Some viewers followed the films’ leads to explore the region—staying at Chocolate Solo, purchasing products from Cotton and Hemp House, buying fashion bags woven by Indigenous mothers, trying handmade soaps from 9dulan made with plant extracts such as betel nut, tobacco, and millet wine, and tasting seafood from Meet Marlin harvested through ocean-friendly fishing practices. When Chairman Yen conducted his U.S. gratitude sharing tour in 2025, these documentary films were screened at the events, with images from Hualien and Taitung offering a recommendation more powerful than words.
Sustaining the Spirit of Philanthropy
Through the years, ACFI has served as an important platform, fundraising from overseas donors to support key educational and cultural foundations in Taiwan. It also supports performing arts groups such as the Aurora Percussion Group.
In 2025, Julia Hsiao stepped down as the CEO of ACFI. She was succeeded by Benson Laio. ACFI also transitioned from a Private Foundation to a Public Charity. This allows ACFI to expand its charitable activities through public support. Benson aims to establish long-term financial sustainability for ACFI and hopes that the organization can represent Taiwan’s spirit of philanthropy in the United States. ACFI aims to attract more partners and young people to engage in philanthropy, thereby deepen overseas communities’ philanthropic connections with Taiwan.
Looking ahead, ACFI plans to expand its role to include assisting small U.S.-based foundations with fundraising, promoting cross-border philanthropic collaboration, and carrying forward the spirit of philanthropy.
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* Aurora Percussion Group is Taiwan’s first mixed-ability percussion ensemble, comprising members with diverse physical and intellectual disabilities. Established more than twenty years ago, the group has consistently upheld professional and rigorous training standards. Through performances marked by passion and a high level of artistic excellence, the ensemble enables persons with disabilities to confidently shine on stage and express the vitality and dignity of life.
Focus Taitung Documentary Series
Directors: Hui-Lin Huang, Kuan-Yu Chen
Completed in 2025, the full series documents fourteen stories, including the creative work of artist Eleng Luluan; Bulareyaung’s Homecoming Project; Indigenous social movement pioneer Ara Kimbo; musician Suming and the internationally recognized Amis Music Festival; Lafin’s canoe-building project, a tribute to the Amis people’s oceanic spirit; Canadian artist Heidi Yip, who lives and creates in Taitung; and Father Eugster, founder of the Foot Reflexology Health Method.
Featured destinations worthy of visiting include: the Gao Shan Forest, which preserves Indigenous forest wisdom; Meet Marlin, a seafood restaurant in Chenggong that supports sustainable fisheries; Chocolate Solo, a guesthouse that emphasizes solo travel; Cotton and Hemp House, a fashion brand providing stable livelihoods for tribal communities; 9dulan, a handmade soap brand inspired by learning from plants; the city of Taitung, host to global triathlon and surfing events; and Dagedan House, an initiative dedicated to promoting sustainable tourism.
(Interview and text by Hui-Lin Huang)
