Tao Chun Liu in Taiwan

In this new blog series, I’d like to ask some questions to people from different countries, backgrounds, professions, and genders who have all one thing in common: volunteering. I hope you’ll get inspired by their journeys and take the leap into volunteering.

Notice: The positions, views and information contained published here are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily represent my views or opinions.

Tao Chun Liu is a global project management leader, educator, and AI advocate based in Taiwan, with strong ties to both Taiwanese and Canadian communities. With over 15 years of project experience—nearly 9 years in Agile transformation and 8 years applying AI in professional settings—he bridges strategy, innovation, and impact. He is a PMI Global Summit 2024 Speaker and PMI AI Subject Matter Expert who has delivered more than 50 GenAI workshops and over 40 international talks focused on the future of AI in project management. In 2025, he has taken the stage in Malaysia, New Zealand, and Indonesia to share real-world insights on AI-powered project delivery. He also actively contributes to ProjectManagement.com and has presented virtually to a growing list of global audiences, including Singapore, Uganda, Mongolia, the UK, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Malaysia, Canada, and beyond. Tao Chun is also co-developing EduVersa with Heriot-Watt University—an AI-driven platform designed to empower students and educators—showcasing how AI agents can serve both business and society.

Connect with Tao Chun on Linkedin to know more:

How did you begin to volunteer?

My first step wasn’t traditional volunteering. I began by working on international affairs, developing educational materials—especially gamified content—to promote engagement in learning. I wanted to use project management as a bridge between cultures and ideas.

I saw a unique opportunity to help both Taiwan and Canada shine by contributing through education and global collaboration. That naturally led me to PMI, where I found a global platform that aligned perfectly with my mission. Volunteering didn’t feel like an obligation—it felt like a continuation of what I already believed in: building value across borders.

Why did you continue volunteering?

Because volunteering gave me something far greater than recognition—it gave me lifelong friendships and global belonging.

Through PMI, I’ve built deep relationships across continents. Work connections can fade, but volunteering introduced me to people who share my values and energy. Together, we’ve created real impact—through cross-chapter campaigns, AI knowledge sharing, and mentoring initiatives.

One project that stands out was the global Valentine’s Day campaign. I served as project manager, gathering 10 PMI chapters to highlight the human side of project management—powerskills like empathy and resilience. It was more than an event—it was a shared message, crafted with heart, by a global team.

How has volunteering helped you in your career? Could you share two examples/stories, please?

Volunteering has not only opened doors—it’s redefined how I lead.

One example is that same Valentine’s Day powerskills campaign. Coordinating 10 global chapters challenged me to lead across cultures, time zones, and communication styles. It was a masterclass in facilitation and storytelling—and it reminded me that project management is about people first.

Another milestone is my collaboration with Heriot-Watt University on EduVersa, an AI-powered educational platform designed to provide personalized learning experiences. Working on this made me think deeply about how AI agents can uplift students, not just streamline business. It reshaped my view of AI—not as a set of tools, but as a transformative partner in education and society.

These experiences helped me grow as a cross-disciplinary leader, blending technology, empathy, and global collaboration into everything I do.

Would you encourage other people to volunteer, and if so, why?

Absolutely—and not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it changes you.

Volunteering teaches you how to lead without authority, collaborate with humility, and solve problems with real-world impact. Whether you’re co-organizing an event or mentoring the next generation, every action builds leadership muscle.

It’s also a gateway to something bigger. Through volunteering, I’ve stood on stages across Asia, partnered with global universities, and helped shape how AI is understood in project management. I’ve had the honor of representing both Taiwanese and Canadian values—showing that innovation, kindness, and leadership can go hand in hand.

So yes—volunteering is where leadership starts, friendships form, and impact begins.