ALPHA Networks Volunteers Explore Tongluo’s Cultural Landscape and Put Sustainable Co-Prosperity into Action

Under the gentle autumn sun, with the fragrance of chrysanthemums in the air, the BenQ Foundation joined hands with the ALPHA Networks volunteer team on an experiential learning journey to Tongluo, Miaoli. Volunteers entered the flower fields to assist with harvesting Hangju chrysanthemums, visited the roasting facilities, and strolled through the historic railway district and rural irrigation channels. Immersed in the seasonal rhythms and cultural heritage of this Hakka township, they transformed volunteer service into genuine care for the land through hands-on engagement.

Cultural Walk: Discovering the Historical Texture of Tongluo

Near Tongluo Railway Station stands a century-old warehouse that once faced demolition, now reborn as the Tongluo Bay 1895 Cultural Living Hall, a hub preserving local history and industrial stories. Guided by Lai Shih-jo (Lai-san), curator of Micro Light Book Journey, volunteers traced the narrative from the Yiwei Anti-Japanese Resistance, Hakka literature, and Qing-era irrigation systems, walking along the railway to Chongguang Clinic and Tianyang Canal. The journey revealed the continuity of local culture and the quiet beauty of everyday life.

Harvest in the Fields: Experiencing the Resilience and Warmth of the Land

Stepping into fields of blooming Hangju chrysanthemums, volunteers were greeted by a light, lingering aroma. Farmer Fu Tzu-hua personally guided them in selecting mature blossoms and shared the challenges posed by climate change and delayed flowering seasons. Bending under the sun, volunteers turned sweat into respect, gaining firsthand appreciation for farmers’ hard work and the land’s generosity. At noon, a local master chef prepared authentic Hakka cuisine, allowing flavors and emotions to intertwine at the table and creating moments of heartfelt connection.

Craftsmanship and Dedication: Understanding Sustainability Through Tea

In the afternoon, the group visited the Autumn Beauty Hangju Roasting Center, where team leader Chang Huan-wen introduced the brand story and detailed production process. Mastery of temperature and timing in the roasting room relies entirely on years of experience and refined intuition. Behind each cup of delicately fragrant Hangju tea lies a craftsman’s dual commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. At the same time, the DOC Mini Market was held on site, bringing together eco-friendly agricultural products and small-scale farming brands from across Miaoli. Through conversation and purchases, volunteers supported local sustainable agriculture, turning the concept of “green living” into concrete action.

Learning with Young Farmers: Nature-Inspired Handcrafted Weaving

During a straw-weaving workshop, young farmer Yang Chen-cheng (A-Cheng) shared his motivation for protecting the land through eco-friendly farming. He guided volunteers in crafting handmade “patting sticks” using rice straw from his own fields. From combing and twisting to binding and shaping, the rhythm of handcrafting allowed participants to experience the patience and dedication behind agricultural work, forging a tactile connection between hands, nature, and culture.

Walking with the Community: Putting the Spirit of Sustainability into Practice

From cultural walks to field harvesting, from hands-on crafting to exchanges with local artisans, ALPHA Networks volunteers gained a holistic view of Tongluo—where history, culture, and industry coexist in balance. Through tangible action, they embodied the principle of “co-prosperity with the community,” extending the company’s sustainability commitment into local neighborhoods and making care a part of daily life, and impact a lasting force.

This initiative not only helped small farmers strengthen their technical chain from harvest to market, but also supported rural communities in cultivating distinctive local industries, grounding sustainability in everyday practice. The program is estimated to benefit more than five local farmers and generate over NT$200,000 in economic value, injecting new momentum into the local economy.