The villagers, some of whom have become full-time employees or temporary workers for the company, have become his friends, and in some cases more than that. They often bring him homemade cured meat and free-range eggs, and sometimes even invite him, as a respected elder, to family gatherings, such as when a young man introduces his prospective bride for the first time.

Kuo has set up free canteens for elderly residents in the villages and organizes birthday parties for them.

In February 2021, a grand gathering was held in Beijing, announcing China's complete victory in its fight against absolute poverty. Kuo's company was among 1,501 organizations honored with the title of poverty-fighting models at the gathering.

Earlier this year, Kuo was named to the 2025 annual list of model figures in agriculture, rural development and rural people-related affairs released by China's Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, becoming the third individual from Taiwan to receive the honor in the past 20 years.

"It's like watching a baby growing up," Kuo said, reviewing his farmland journey. "It is the people here who have accomplished all these, and they have also helped my dream come true."