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繁 During the summer of 2025, Yuan Ze University’s international volunteer team, “HuaXiang Dream,” once again set off to Taiping, Perak, Malaysia for a two-week service program. This year's project integrated AI education with cultural experience courses, continuing the collaboration with Hua Lian High School and expanding for the first time to the local orphanage, Anning Children’s Home. The initiative aimed to build bridges of friendship between technology and humanistic care.
Led by Chen Xin-Lin, Head of the Counseling and Career Center at Yuan Ze University, the team included members from Yuan Ze University’s international volunteer group, Taoyuan Youth Volunteers, and ASUS volunteers. Together, they conducted 20 diverse classes, serving over 800 students at Hua Lian High School and 11 children at Anning Children’s Home. Course topics ranged from AI practical applications, brain maze activities, big data analysis, cybersecurity and ethical hacking, plastic reduction and sustainability, YouTube video editing and production, to Taiwanese bubble tea DIY—blending innovative knowledge with hands-on experience.
This year’s courses followed the highly praised format from the previous year. Enrollment was enthusiastic, with many classes reaching full capacity early. Volunteers even added extra sessions in response to demand, reflecting the local students’ strong interest in emerging tech knowledge. The team also designed a special course on "Interpersonal Relationships and Communication Skills" for junior high students, helping them explore self-awareness, practice expression and active listening. The classes were filled with laughter and offered a refreshing learning environment.
Hua Lian High School hosted a grand opening ceremony to welcome the volunteers. In his remarks, Principal Wang Ming-Yu said, “It is a great honor to welcome Yuan Ze University once again. Last year’s collaboration created wonderful memories. This reunion is not just a continuation—it is a deepening.”
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Yang, a first-year junior high school student, said that the "AI Life Assistant" class made her realize AI can be a selfless helper, making life easier. Chen, a senior student, learned about white-hat and black-hat hackers in the cybersecurity class and was inspired to become a cybersecurity engineer in the future to help prevent online scams.
For the first time, the team also brought love and cultural experiences to Anning Children’s Home. Activities included making dumplings and bubble tea, indigenous bead crafts, and traditional Taiwanese toys. The children enjoyed a heartwarming and surprising time. Director Cai of Anning Children’s Home said that the children’s eyes sparkled with excitement and their faces glowed with smiles—proof that the volunteers’ presence was filled with love and strength. Additionally, thanks to sponsorship from ASUS, three refurbished laptops were donated to help high school students gain access to their own learning devices, symbolizing a dual gift of technology and compassion.
Yee-Ching Chiu, a student from the English-taught Program in the College of Management and team leader of the volunteer group, shared that it was her first time leading the team to Malaysia. The children’s enthusiasm deeply touched her. “Even though we were tired, we were happy to hold additional sessions. When a student told me, ‘You are my guiding light,’ I truly felt the value of our efforts and the deep friendship that transcends borders.”
Yuan Ze University stated that it would continue to promote international volunteer service, leveraging professional expertise and cultural exchange to deepen local connections and enhance the global impact of shared educational resources.
