NCKU and Volando Group Partner to Protect Native Orchids and Promote Sustainable Collaboration-國立成功大學永續發展SDGs

Taiwan’s orchids are renowned worldwide. To promote the sustainable development of Taiwan’s orchid industry, the Institute of Tropical Plant Sciences and Microbiology at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) has joined hands with Volando Hotels & Resorts to launch a cross-sector initiative for the restoration of Taiwan’s native orchids. Together, they are pioneering the nation’s first industry-academia collaboration model that integrates plant conservation, cultural heritage, and tourism. The signing ceremony took place on the morning of June 9 at NCKU’s Li-Hsing Campus, with Wen-Chieh Tsai, Director of the Institute, and Chun-Lin Chiang, Chairman of Volando Hotels & Resorts, representing the two parties.
The event brought together representatives from industry, academia, and research sectors, as well as civil society groups such as the Orchid Breeders Association and community development associations—highlighting a shared commitment across sectors to orchid conservation and cultural promotion in Taiwan.


Combining scientific research, education, and the social responsibility of both universities and enterprises, this collaboration extends beyond on-site restoration efforts to launch the "Planting Love, Blooming Hope" community program. The initiative will promote orchid restoration and science education at various Volando properties and in the Daguang community of Hengchun, Pingtung. On the morning of June 9, Volando donated NT$100,000 to the NCKU Institute of Tropical Plant Sciences and Microbiology as a fund for orchid conservation. It is hoped that Volando’s pioneering efforts will sow the first seed of hope and inspire broader engagement in building a vibrant orchid culture in Taiwan. At the event, not only was the elegant fragrance of orchids on full display, but orchid-themed desserts and beverages also delighted and impressed attendees.


Chun-Lin Chiang, Chairman of Volando Hotels & Resorts, stated that this collaboration marks the beginning of an innovative industry-academia-research partnership, and he hopes to invite enterprises from various sectors to join the initiative. In the future, the group plans to use its hotels as platforms to showcase orchid-inspired themes—integrating the expertise of orchid breeders, scientific research capabilities, and hospitality services to create a five-sense experience centered around orchids that promotes relaxation for both body and mind. The goal is for guests to be able to see, smell, taste, and even use orchids during their stay. Chiang also expressed the vision of spreading the spirit of the International Orchid Show throughout the island—cultivating a year-round orchid culture that blooms from Taiwan’s southernmost tip to its northernmost point.


Wen-Chieh Tsai, Director of the Institute of Tropical Plant Sciences and Microbiology at NCKU, remarked that NCKU has long emphasized the integration of theory and practice in its educational approach. The Institute has a strong foundation in both fundamental and applied research in plant and microbial sciences, with proven cross-disciplinary capabilities and close collaboration with orchid breeders. This partnership with Volando not only bridges academic innovation and real-world application but also provides a valuable platform for hands-on learning and exchange for both faculty and students. It is hoped that research outcomes can truly take root in the land, engage with communities, and align with industry needs. Moving forward, the two parties will collaborate on native orchid restoration projects, educational program development, field internships, and personnel exchanges—jointly cultivating agricultural and biotech talents with global perspectives and a strong sense of sustainability, while continuing to advance the university’s critical role in social and environmental development.


Volando’s properties span from the southernmost location in Kenting, Pingtung County, to the northernmost in Wulai, New Taipei City. Since 2013, Volando Hotels have been honored as a member of Relais & Châteaux, Taiwan’s prestigious boutique hotel association. In 2024, Volando was awarded the Luxury Lifestyle Awards 100, recognizing it as one of the world’s top 100 luxury lifestyle brands, thanks to its strong international visibility through art and local cultural features. Historically, the ancient name for Hengchun in Pingtung—“Langqiao” or “Langjiao”—was changed to “Hengchun” after the Qing Dynasty, reflecting its pleasant climate and year-round spring-like weather. This area was once the original habitat of Taiwan’s white butterfly orchids; 400 years ago, the land was covered with orchids. “Langqiao” is an indigenous term meaning “land covered with white butterfly orchids,” making it historically significant to promote the restoration of Taiwan’s native orchids here. Taiwan is known as the “Island of Orchids.” This collaboration with Volando embraces the concept of local revitalization, focusing on green, natural, and cultural themes that resonate with sustainable development. It aims to open the door for the domestic orchid market and attract both local and international attention.


“When people understand, appreciate, and embrace orchids, these flowers will gradually become part of our daily lives.” Taiwan’s orchids are world-renowned, but to truly live up to this reputation—and to increase both domestic and international visibility, as well as boost production and economic value—it is essential to make orchids a regular part of Taiwanese daily habits and culture.
This collaboration plays a vital role in that effort. Unlike previous restoration projects that focused solely on returning plants to their natural habitats, this initiative integrates education, academia, industry, lifestyle, and cultural heritage in a multifaceted approach. We believe it will usher in a new era of sustainable brilliance for Taiwan’s orchids.