How a Workplace Café Supports Student Education in China

When you picture a workplace perk, free coffee might come to mind—but how about a coffee shop that also funds children’s education? In China, one insurance company reimagined its office space to serve both employees and students in need.

The ‘Cathay Café’ opened in May 2012 as a dedicated in-office café at Cathay Life Insurance Zhejiang Branch. Fully funded by the company, it serves as both an employee benefit and a hub for supporting a rural primary school—channeling voluntary staff contributions directly to educational programs.

A Coffee Shop with a Cause

Launched with a formal ceremony on May 12, the Cathay Café isn’t just about lattes. The event featured special guests from Qiukeng Township Primary School in Chun’an County, highlighting the café’s dual purpose. While the company covers all operational costs, employees are encouraged to contribute voluntarily. These contributions are earmarked to regularly fund teaching resources at Qiukeng Township Primary School, creating a sustainable link between the workplace and local education.

Community Partnerships and Student Enrichment

The launch event underscored the café’s role in broader community initiatives. Cathay Life’s General Manager, Huang Shifang, and Qiukeng Township Primary School Principal Qian Peng signed a formal ‘Cathay Café Agreement’, marking the start of an ongoing partnership. Renowned singer Ai Ge performed to advocate for the cause, engaging attendees in the philanthropic mission.

Beyond the café, Cathay Life organized a two-day enrichment program for Qiukeng students. Activities included a collaborative painting session with students from Hangzhou, part of the 2012 Cathay Life Children’s Painting Competition. Organized by the Hangzhou Young Pioneers Committee, Hangzhou Youth Activity Center, and Cathay Life, the event paired Qiukeng students with local peers to co-create artwork—a creative way to broaden rural students’ horizons.

Cathay’s Longstanding Commitment to Social Responsibility

The Cathay Café embodies the company’s founding philosophy: ‘Sincere Trust, Love That Follows.’ By integrating a café into its office space, Cathay Life extended its ‘Employee Care’ and ‘Social Responsibility’ values into a tangible, everyday experience. This initiative pioneers the concept of an ‘office café’ tied to philanthropy, demonstrating how corporate spaces can foster both employee well-being and community impact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Cathay Café?

The Cathay Café is an in-office coffee shop established by Cathay Life Insurance Zhejiang Branch in May 2012. It serves as a staff benefit area and a platform for corporate philanthropy, fully funded by the company.

How does the café support education?

Employees are encouraged to make voluntary contributions, which the company uses to regularly fund teaching materials and educational programs at Qiukeng Township Primary School in Chun’an County, China.

What happened at the café’s opening ceremony?

The launch included a signing ceremony between Cathay Life’s General Manager and the principal of Qiukeng Township Primary School, along with a performance by singer Ai Ge, who advocated for the charitable initiative.

Did the café organize any student activities?

Yes, Cathay Life arranged a two-day program where Qiukeng students collaborated with Hangzhou peers on paintings for the 2012 Children’s Painting Competition, hosted by multiple local youth organizations.

What is Cathay Life’s corporate philosophy?

Cathay Life operates under the principle of ‘Sincere Trust, Love That Follows,’ which emphasizes social responsibility and employee care—values extended through initiatives like the Cathay Café.

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