On June 6, Citibank Taiwan Ltd marked its 21st Citi Global Community Day, bringing together employees and their families to support conservation efforts along the Xindian River in Greater Taipei. Volunteers took part in hands-on initiatives to enhance river biodiversity, including creating safe upstream passage for migrating crabs and removing invasive plant species. New Taipei City Water Resources Department Director Sung De-ren (宋德仁) attended the event in support.
“Citi has been deeply rooted in Taiwan for many years. Beyond delivering comprehensive financial services and supporting Taiwanese companies in expanding globally, we are equally committed to giving back to the communities we serve," Citi country officer for Taiwan and Citibank Taiwan chairwoman Christie Chang (張聖心) said.
Photo courtesy of Citibank Taiwan Ltd
"Around the world, many great cities are defined by the rivers that sustain urban life and carry cultural heritage. This year, we are channeling our volunteer efforts into protecting the ecosystem of the Xindian River. As the river continues to flow through Taipei, witnessing the city’s growth and transformation, it reflects Citi’s long-standing commitment to supporting Taiwanese enterprises. We remain a steadfast partner across changing economic cycles and industries,” Chang said.
The mitten crab is an important migratory species that travels upstream each year from estuarine areas to freshwater habitats to reproduce. As June marks the peak migration season, Citi volunteers helped the crabs overcome elevation barriers at the Bitan Weir along the Xindian River.
By installing burlap bags and rope pathways along the weir, they created a crab-friendly passage to support safe upstream migration. In addition, volunteers, guided by ecological experts, worked along the riverbanks to remove invasive plant species, which have crowded out native vegetation. These efforts help restore space for indigenous plant life and support the regeneration of the river’s ecosystem.
Citi’s commitment to Taiwan extends beyond a single day of volunteer service and is reflected in the Citi Foundation’s long-term investment in local communities. Since 2004, the Citi Foundation has contributed more than NT$385 million (USD$12 million) in Taiwan, partnering with local nonprofit organizations to support financial education, youth employability, and programs serving underserved populations.
In 2025, Taiwan-based nonprofit One-Forty was selected as a recipient of the Citi Foundation’s Global Innovation Challenge for its efforts in enhancing the employability of Southeast Asian migrant workers in Taiwan over two years by building a comprehensive offline-to-online learning system, powered by AI career development tools.
In 2024, the Citi Foundation named Yo-Wash Care Association as a recipient of the Global Innovation Challenge to address homelessness, connecting individuals experiencing homelessness in Taiwan with professional development training, employment opportunities and mental health support for preparing their comeback to society.
Citi Global Community Day is a flagship annual initiative of Citigroup. From early efforts focused on providing essential supplies to vulnerable families, to more recent initiatives including overseas shoe donations, therapy dog programs, food security, marine debris cleanup, and now river ecosystem conservation, Citi Global Community Day continues to evolve in response to Taiwan’s social and environmental needs—demonstrating Citi’s long-standing commitment to growing alongside the communities it serves.
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