The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan joins Yunus Social Business Centers (YSBCs) to create social impact together.

(中央社訊息服務20240314 11:00:18)

The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan (“the Foundation”) held the 2024 YSBC Reunion on International Women's Day, 8 March, at the Illume Taipei and invited all YSBCs of universities and colleges in Taiwan to discuss the outstanding results of promoting social businesses and sustainable actions in 2023, as well as the future road maps. The Foundation hopes to actively cultivate sustainable talents through alliances with more universities, rooting in Taiwan and bridging them internationally.

YSBC was established by the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus hoped to promote social businesses through the innovative thinking of young people in colleges and universities and strive to achieve the 3ZERO Visions of zero net carbon emissions, zero poverty, and zero unemployment. Ms. Philippa Tsai, President of the Foundation said, “The Foundation looks forward to serving as a platform for all YSBCs in Taiwan to jointly implement the SDG17 multi-partnership to promote sustainability goals. Currently, there are 106 YSBCs in universities around the world, 13 of which are from Taiwan and also the highest density of YSBC in the world. Colleges and universities joining the YSBCs may have the opportunity to present papers in international academic seminars and allow teachers and students to integrate the international participation stage, and form partner institutions in the world. The YSBC of each university is also the best platform for the integration of industry, government, academia, and research in the fields of social enterprise, the 3Zero Goals, and ESG and USR.”

Dr. Mao Chi-guo, the former Prime Minister and Honorary Consultant to the Foundation, emphasized the importance of education in cultivating students to care more about their future and engage in the Three Zeros actions in extreme climates. Professor Hui-Mi Hsu, Chancellor of National Dong Hwa University mentioned the university's active promotion of green energy, earning recognition from the Ministry of Education, practicing the concept of zero carbon emissions. Professor Chen Chu-lung, Chancellor of Chihlee University of Technology stated that the university not only encouraged the establishment of social businesses but also integrated the three zeros goals into the curriculum to nurture students' engagement in social responsibility. Dr. Chiu Jong-jen, the former Director-General of the Department of European Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, former ambassador, and Honorary Advisor to the Foundation, commended the foundation for staying true to its commitment to developing social welfare and creating a future through social businesses.

Ms. Juno Wang, CEO of the Foundation expressed sincerely in her speech, mentioning the upcoming invitation to Nanhua University to become the 14th YSBC, continuing to expand the social impact and develop successfully in Taiwan. The fourth Taiwan Yunus Innovation Award will also be officially launched in mid-March, with separate categories for social and student groups, offering a total prize of NT$650,000. We hereby invite people to form students and social groups across Taiwan to participate enthusiastically.

Each university's YSBC shared its annual achievements at the joint conference. Director Deng Mei-chen of YSBC of National Chin-Yi University of Technology shared her experience in investing in food and agriculture education and local revitalization through the resources of the Foundation, and mentioned 'not waiting for opportunities, but working hard to get opportunities.' Professor Chun-You Ko, Director of YSBC of Soochow University, explained how the university cooperated with students’ clubs to promote social businesses and the development of the 3ZERO Vision. Professor Hong Ta-shiang, Director of Chihlee University of Technology mentioned his international experience of joining the Social Business Day Conference in Malaysia with the Foundation in 2023. Professor Lorna Yen-chen Yen, Director of National Taipei University of Business inspired students to conduct research in the field of social innovation through organizing social business forums. Professor Ming Yen Lee Director of YSBC of Chung Yuan Christian University shared fruitful results in empowering the Shuan Lien Pear social business. The Foundation also hoped for universities to exchange ideas and create innovative solutions for public welfare.

It is worth mentioning that Professor Yunus greatly values the annual gathering of Taiwan's YSBC. Despite being in Bangladesh, he sent blessings and encouragement for the event from afar. The 2024 YSBC Reunion concluded successfully, with a gathering of distinguished guests and attendees including Dr. Mao Chi-guo, Honorary Consultant of the Foundation, Dr. Chiu Chung-jen, former Ambassador, Chairman Charles Chung-sheng Lin, and Professor Fan Yang-song of the Foundation; Professor Hui-mi Hsu of Chansellor of National Dong Hwa University, Chen Chu-lung President of Chihlee University of Technology, Director Huang Xin-xuan of the Youth Development Bureau of the Ministry of Education, Professor Chen, Ho-Wen, Director of Sustainable Development Office of Donghai University, Chen Chi-wei of the Director Department of Public Administration at Tamkang University, Director Liao Ying-kai of the International Bachelor's Program at Nanhua University, Deputy Executive Director Wang Ya-ping of the Social Responsibility Office at National Taiwan University, Professor Jiang Ming-xiu of the Department of Public Administration at National Taiwan University; Representatives of YSBC from universities such as National Taipei University of Commerce, National Chin-Yi University of Technology, National Taichung University of Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, National Dong Hwa University, National Quemoy University, Chihlee University of Technology, Soochow University, Chung Yuan Christian University, and other distinguished guests gathered to exchange ideas. The Foundation for Yunus Social Business Taiwan will continue to promote social enterprises, actively involving universities and young students in the Three Zeros activities to expand the positive impact for the common good.