Written by Pohjoo Tan & Daphne Liu
Translated by Diana Chang
Edited by Adriana DiBenedetto
On February 8th, 2020, the Joint Alumni Association of Chinese Universities and Colleges in Northern California held their 36th Annual Conference, wherein attendees enjoyed an event overflowing with excitement as innovations abounded.
“With a full head of gray hair, am I handsome in these sunglasses?” asked Minjhing Hsieh, Executive Director of Tzu Chi USA’s Northwest Region, as he held up his sunglasses. “This is called 3R, meaning these sunglasses were created from a triple recycling process,” he explained. The crowd of 400 guests applauded immediately after hearing the introduction. In addition to the sunglasses, Minjhing Hsieh and Tzu Chi volunteers also introduced other DA.AI Technology products — like warm clothing and blankets. The message and technology behind these sustainable products received praise from several entrepreneurs.
When Technology Meets Environmental Protection
Executive Director Minjhing Hsieh introduced the achievements of Tzu Chi’s environmental missions within the past 30 years as illustrated by DA.AI Technology’s eco-innovations, which prioritizes a compassionate, low-impact production.
In addition to the nearly five million dollars in monetary aid provided during the 2018 wildfires in Northern California, Tzu Chi also distributed eco-blankets and crucial winter supplies to survivors that were crafted through DA.AI’s environmentally-conscious process.
Tzu Chi volunteers embraced the role of modeling DA.AI Technology’s sustainable clothing: Lishan He and Hsiuyu Weng wore traditional Chinese style clothing as they appeared on stage with eco-friendly suitcases, revealing how Tzu Chi created their durable products from recycled plastics. The process surprised many entrepreneurs who’d never seen finished products of this kind. They were impressed by Tzu Chi’s commitment to environmental protection, as well as how that sincere commitment influenced environmentally-driven manufacturing methods.
Joseph Ma, Director-General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, praised Tzu Chi’s commitment to environmental protection, explaining that he was most impressed by what he’d learned from the DA.AI Technology fashion show. After the presentation, Joseph approached the volunteers to inquire about the material and comfort of the clothing. Representatives from various companies, including China Airlines, EVA Air, and the Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce, all acknowledged that Tzu Chi’s environmentally-conscious products serve as an excellent example for today’s society. And, indeed, there are opportunities to collaborate in the near future. Lily Mei, the mayor of Fremont, California, mentioned that the headquarters for Tesla is located in Fremont, and hopes to introduce DA.AI Technology’s products in the future. Although waiting for the COVID-19 outbreak to subside, she also expects to someday visit Tzu Chi and DA.AI Technology in Taiwan.
Tzu Chi is promoting environmental protection and is driving a positive trend. I would like to do my best to introduce DA.AI Technology's products into our community.
Tzu Chi, Attracting Attention
At the annual conference, a promotional video for DA.AI Technology was presented — it was the first time that more than 400 guests witnessed the acts of environmental protection carried out by three generations of Tzu Chi volunteers in Taiwan. Volunteers had worked steadfastly for over 30 years to achieve the results on display, and still do. Also shown was a disaster relief video wherein Tzu Chi volunteers had mobilized for emergency assistance in Northern California, which touched the hearts of many entrepreneurs and technologists. By the end, the conference had brought all who were gathered closer together, and encouraged the businessmen who have selflessly supported Tzu Chi’s humanitarian missions to continue to give their love.
Volunteers were deeply grateful to have been invited to the Joint Alumni Association of Chinese Universities and Colleges in Northern California by Poyin Chu and Weichi Sun, both of whom are consultants for DA.AI Technology in the United States. We look forward to attending more events such as this one to raise awareness for Mother Earth, and to inspire more outstanding Chinese entrepreneurs in Northern California to work together for the benefit of the planet.
