Asia-Pacific Sustainability Action Awards-The Outstanding Chief Sustainability Officer Award:
Ms. Yu-Wen Hung, Chairperson, Nonprofit Organization of Lelin Food Bank, Taiwan
Ms. Yu-Wen Hung, Chairperson, Nonprofit Organization of Lelin Food Bank, Taiwan
I. Strategic Vision
As Founder and CSO of the Le-Lin Food Bank, I have transitioned rural welfare from traditional charity to Systemic Social Engineering. Facing hidden poverty and food insecurity (SDG 2), I adopt a “Resource Integrator” leadership approach to dismantle silos and foster Industry–Government–Academia–Research collaboration, transforming technology into a warm, intelligent, automated, and dignified welfare system.
II. Evolution & Milestones
From 2019–2020, the initiative was rooted in southwestern Changhua, where fieldwork across 370+ households identified welfare gaps and hidden poverty. During 2021–2023, it evolved under the pandemic into a “Dual-Track System” combining food banks and community fridges, with “Point-Based Governance” to restore recipient agency. In 2024–2025, it received TSAA Gold (SDG 2) and APSAA Gold (SDG 8), expanded to 10+ townships, and served ~2,000 monthly beneficiaries with over 15,000 kg of supplies. In 2026, the Smart Material Collection Machine (SMCM) enabled 24/7 stigma-free access.
III. Academic & Technological Empowerment
My dual master’s degrees provide an interdisciplinary foundation. Social Work (Nanhua) integrates Empowerment Theory for capability-building, while Smart Design (YunTech) enables digital transformation through donor transparency systems and SMCM infrastructure, ensuring decentralized and dignified delivery.
IV. The Five-in-One Ecosystem
The system collaborates with 15+ partners, including MediaTek and ITRI. CSR supports the “Chuan-Ai Workshop” for women’s economic empowerment, while joint R&D enhances logistics, automation, and food preservation, strengthening resilience and scalability.
V. Global Resilience & Circular Impact
Inspired by Japan’s “Rolling Stock” model, the system strengthens SDG 11 resilience. The “Grant a Child’s Dream” program has fulfilled 1,500+ wishes, reinforcing social cohesion. Surplus food is upcycled into value-added goods, advancing SDG 8 and SDG 12 circular economy practices.
Conclusion
The Le-Lin Model integrates Social Work, Smart Design, and cross-sector collaboration into a scalable, dignified, and resilient governance system for sustainable rural development.