On September 15, 2025, the Overseas Community Affairs Council of the Republic of China Commissioner General Hsu Chia-Ching visited the global headquarters of the STUF Foundation, praising the foundation for its longstanding efforts in international charity and United Nations-related issues. She emphasized the need for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to focus more strategically in order to demonstrate tangible results given limited resources.
Established in 2009, the STUF Foundation has implemented charitable projects in 36 countries across five continents, covering areas such as public health, aid for the underprivileged, cultural arts, and education. Recent noteworthy projects include the “Aid to Ukraine Program,” constructing water wells in Haiti and Ghana, and facilitating international exchanges for musicians with disabilities. Since 2023, the foundation has been promoting the “UN Go” initiative to enhance Taiwan’s visibility on the international stage through its special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council.
Commissioner General Hsu highlighted the foundation’s core values of “sharing, trust, unity, one world” aligning with the goals of the Overseas Community Affairs Council. She commended the foundation’s efforts in engaging youth, such as involving young people in the “Dream Project” and organizing artistic activities for youth at Concordia Manor to foster global youth exchanges.
Drawing on her experience in both NGOs and government work, Commissioner General Hsu cautioned against NGOs undertaking too many projects simultaneously with limited resources. She cited Taiwan’s robust civil society as an example, emphasizing the importance of clear positioning and strategic thinking to address international challenges effectively.
Reflecting on her recent visits to overseas Chinese communities in South America, Commissioner General Hsu noted the contrast in resource abundance and industrious populations but identified political factors causing significant development disparities. She underscored Taiwan’s ability to maintain effective governance and democratic institutions amidst multiple challenges as a result of long-term efforts by its people. She emphasized the need for continuous improvement in Taiwan to prevent erroneous decisions from impacting future development.
In recent years, the STUF Foundation has actively engaged in side events at the World Health Assembly to promote Taiwan’s healthcare system experience, attracting professionals from Europe, Africa, and beyond. Board Director Zhang Yuhua reflected on the foundation’s efforts in Geneva over the past three years, noting its progression from international visibility to international recognition and acceptance, serving as a crucial platform connecting Taiwan with the international community.
The foundation is also advancing initiatives in life education, youth ambassadors, and the Empathy Cafe program to attract the participation of the new generation through innovative approaches and dialogue in local languages with mainstream society to enhance its influence.
Chairman Chen Qiugui expressed gratitude for the recognition from the Overseas Community Affairs Council and pledged to continue efforts to achieve more in public welfare and international cooperation. APAC Center Chairman Lin Jing Lun highlighted the foundation’s commitment to sustainable development and climate action, with plans to expand cooperation in countries like Brazil.
Commissioner General Hsu concluded by urging the foundation to position itself clearly as an “American NGO,” leveraging the Taiwanese-American community base, and utilizing cultural connections with Taiwan to exert greater influence in American society.
During the meeting, STUF Foundation Chairman Chen Qiugui expressed appreciation for Commissioner General Hsu’s recognition and reiterated the commitment to strive for greater achievements. The attendees included STUF Foundation CEO Lin Zhi-Ming, Secretary-General Huang Yi-Miao, Deputy CEO Chen Qi-Geng and Wei Zheng-Yu, Co-Director Chung Wen-Chung, Director Wu Yi-Ming, Online Supervisor Zhang Yuhua, APAC Center Chairman Lin Jing Lun, Life Education Project Manager Su Shu-Rong, Overseas Community Affairs Commissioner Chu Yue-Mei, National Taiwan University of Arts Associate Professor Huang Li-Xiang, Curator Zheng Man-Ling, and Hello Taiwan co-founder Diana Lee, among others. Wang Yi-Ru, Director of the New York Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Service Center, Deputy Director Wang Yu-Qi, and Overseas Affairs Department Chief Huang Li-Xuan also attended the symposium.