Kimlan Engages the Youth in a Public Welfare Initiative and Launches New Maqaw Soy Sauce to Support Indigenous Communities

August 22, 2025 - In 2025, Kimlan Foods, located in Taoyuan's Daxi District, initiated the Call for Project Proposal from the Youth program to fulfill its corporate social responsibility. This program invites young people to collaborate in promoting community engagement. The first proposal selected for implementation is the Fragrance of Mountain Litsea project, proposed by young student Christian Draven Chung. The project has led to the creation of "Maqaw Soy Sauce," a product that combines indigenous spices with Atayal artistic design while supporting indigenous communities. Proceeds from the sale of the product will be donated to the Mustard Seed Mission to promote sustainable industrial development in Taoyuan's Fuxing District. Through this initiative, Kimlan empowers young people to preserve authentic indigenous flavors and develop products with cultural significance and social impact, exemplifying a model of shared prosperity between businesses and communities.

Young student Christian Draven Chung has proposed a creative project called "Fragrance of Mountain Litsea" to preserve authentic indigenous flavors. By utilizing the specialized brewing expertise of Taoyuan-based Kimlan Foods, the project celebrates and sustains the culinary heritage of the Atayal people. Maqaw Soy Sauce will serve as a medium for promoting indigenous culture. All proceeds from sales will be donated to charitable causes that support local development in indigenous communities.

Maqaw, a term from the Atayal language, symbolizes the circle of life and is a signature spice in indigenous culture. Kimlan Foods partnered with the KIRI International Indigenous Cultural and Creative Park to bring this youth-driven community engagement initiative to life. Using maqaw sourced from the indigenous restaurant "Big Chief's Shop," Kimlan successfully combined the spiciness of maqaw with the richness of soy sauce, creating a distinctive flavor unique to the Taiwanese mountains and forests.

To highlight cultural significance, Atayal artist Miru Hayung was invited to design the label for Maqaw Soy Sauce. The label features a hand-painted illustration titled Emerald in Mountains. Inspired by maqaw spice, the artwork incorporates shades of forest green, traditional diamond patterns, and mountain-shaped totems, along with graphics of animals such as the Formosan Muntjac and wild boar. This design symbolizes tribal life and ancestral beliefs while showcasing an artistic style that beautifully blends traditional values with modern aesthetics.

Kimlan’s Maqaw Soy Sauce, released in a limited edition of just 2,000 bottles, will be available in September. It can be purchased at the Taiwan Atayal store in the KIRI International Indigenous Cultural and Creative Park, as well as through Kimlan’s official online store. All proceeds will be donated to the Mustard Seed Mission to support industrial development in indigenous communities in Taoyuan’s Fuxing District. These efforts include encouraging young adults to return to their hometowns to start businesses, promoting cultural education, and preserving traditional skills and crafts. The Fragrance of Mountain Litsea project demonstrates the youth's commitment to cultural preservation, promotes industrial revitalization in indigenous communities, and contributes to local development through the creation of innovative products.

The KIRI International Indigenous Cultural and Creative Park is Taiwan’s largest hub for indigenous culture and creativity. Bringing together culture, creativity, food, and music, it serves as a vital platform for young people’s creative pursuits and corporate collaborations."We are pleased to see innovative products developed in partnership with indigenous peoples showcased at the KIRI Cultural and Creative Park, adding dynamic and innovative energy to the park," said Panay Mulu, Director of Taoyuan City's Department of Indigenous Affairs. The Fragrance of Mountain Litsea project exemplifies how the creativity of youth can bridge traditional cultures and modern industries, allowing them to coexist and thrive together. This sets a pioneering example for collaboration between the food industry and indigenous cultures.

Kimlan's Maqaw Soy Sauce is available through the following sales channels:1. The Taiwan Atayal store at KIRI International Indigenous Cultural and Creative Park (1-11, No. 100, Section 2, Dacheng Road, Dayuan District, Taoyuan City)2. Kimlan Foods Official Online Store: https://www.shopkimlan.com/products