The discussions centred on critical themes including advanced materials, low-carbon technologies, energy infrastructure and next-generation semiconductor manufacturing. Leading research institutions and industry figures from across Europe and Asia gathered to exchange insight and explore new models of cooperation.

During the forum, Dr. Jiunn-Yih Chyan, Chief Operating Officer of DEUVtek, was invited to deliver a keynote address. He shared perspectives on the silicon carbide materials revolution, sustainable manufacturing and the future trajectory of advanced packaging technologies. His insights drew significant interest from European research bodies and global industry stakeholders.

As the forum’s media strategy partner, the London editorial team of the British publication The Icons conducted an in-depth interview with Dr. Chyan at the Entopia Building, capturing his views on the global semiconductor ecosystem, sustainable production models and the innovation pathways shaping the industry’s future.

The Turning Point in Materials Technology: From Industry Pain Points to Innovation Momentum

When discussing the founding vision of DEUVtek, Dr. Chyan did not shy away from the realities of the industry. Instead, he addressed the core issues with a distinctly strategic perspective. He noted that the rapid expansion of AI, electric vehicles, 5G and low-Earth-orbit satellites has pushed global expectations for semiconductor materials and energy efficiency into a new era.

Traditional silicon is no longer sufficient for the demands of emerging technologies. While silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN) offer significant performance advantages as next-generation compound semiconductors, their extreme hardness, corrosion resistance and processing challenges have created structural bottlenecks for the industry—particularly in achieving mass production and reliable yield rates.

In the interview, Dr. Chyan outlined this technological inflection point with clarity: “Breakthroughs in materials do not automatically translate into value. If manufacturing processes cannot keep pace, material revolutions will never truly enter the industry.” His analysis reflects a growing consensus across the semiconductor sector: the next decade of competition will hinge not only on material innovation but also on whether manufacturing processes can accommodate new materials and build a stable supply chain.

“DEUVtek was established on the basis of these industry realities,” he emphasised. “What I want to highlight is that companies must begin with the structural pain points of the value chain and grasp the challenges shared across global markets. Only then can they define their position in the next wave of technological evolution.”

DeepThinning: A Technical Breakthrough Reshaping Silicon Carbide Manufacturing

When discussing DEUVtek’s core DeepThinning technology, Dr. Chyan spoke with the precision of a scientist, outlining both its technical significance and its broader industrial implications. He explained that while silicon carbide offers unparalleled advantages in energy conversion efficiency, voltage resistance and thermal conductivity, its extreme hardness and corrosion resistance have made traditional machining methods—such as mechanical grinding and gas etching—reach their limits in efficiency, yield and consumable costs.

DeepThinning replaces these consumable-intensive processes with an innovative optical-laser mechanism that enables entirely non-contact manufacturing. This dramatically reduces wafer breakage and significantly increases processing speed. “When a process no longer relies on mechanical force, the issues of material stress and wafer breakage can be solved at their root,” Dr. Chyan noted. “This is not just an improvement in efficiency; it is a fundamental redefinition of the logic behind silicon carbide processing.”

In measurable results, DeepThinning has reduced breakage rates from the industry norm of around 3 percent to below 0.1 percent, enabling stable mass production of ultra-thin wafers below 50 micrometres. With consumables essentially eliminated, overall manufacturing costs fall by roughly 20 percent. The process also removes diamond grinding wheels, oil-water cleaning and consumable waste streams—major sources of carbon emissions—ushering silicon carbide production into a genuinely sustainable model.

According to Dr. Chyan, the technology has attracted significant attention from research groups at Cambridge precisely because it delivers three forms of high-level global impact: a restructured cost model, enhanced industrial scalability and a practical pathway for embedding sustainability into next-generation semiconductor manufacturing.

The Taiwanese Model of Sustainable Manufacturing: Systemic Resilience Built Within Constraints

When speaking about sustainable manufacturing, Dr. Chyan analysed Taiwan’s position through a broad structural lens. He pointed out that Taiwan is not only a global centre for advanced semiconductor manufacturing, but also one of the first regions to confront the constraints of limited water, electricity and land resources, alongside intensifying international pressure on carbon emissions. The fact that Taiwan continues to maintain the world’s highest yield rates and the most complete supply chain under these conditions reflects what he describes as a form of “systemic resilience”: the ability to keep innovating despite multiple constraints.

During the interview, he emphasised: “Taiwan’s strategic importance does not rest solely on technological leadership, but on its ability to practise sustainable manufacturing under resource pressure.” This form of sustainability is not an optional add-on, but an embedded element of Taiwan’s entire production logic.

Dr. Chyan explained that DeepThinning fits squarely within this context. By reducing carbon emissions, eliminating consumables and improving production stability, the technology becomes a key component of Taiwan’s strategy for a sustainable global supply chain. It enables silicon carbide manufacturing to achieve both environmental benefit and industrial competitiveness—an advantage that will shape Taiwan’s role in the next generation of semiconductor development.

International Expansion: Europe as the First Proving Ground for Technology and Policy

When asked why Europe was chosen as the starting point for DEUVtek’s international expansion, Dr. Chyan offered a clear, strategy-driven explanation. Europe, he noted, is simultaneously the global architect of sustainability regulations, a major centre for compound-semiconductor research and the region with the most ambitious energy-transition policies. Just as crucial is the continent’s shift toward a “local for local” production model in response to geopolitical tensions and a fragmented supply chain. Under this model, companies that can demonstrate sustainable processes, high reliability and the ability to build localised operations gain trust and market access far more rapidly.

He also highlighted the pivotal role of the National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR): “NIAR provides the practical mechanisms that connect Taiwan directly with Europe’s research institutions, policy networks and technological ecosystem.”

Through instrument-sharing frameworks, cross-disciplinary projects, international research agreements and overseas research hubs such as the ACDRC (Advanced Chip Design Research Center, established by Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Czech Republic), Taiwanese companies can integrate swiftly into Europe’s technology system and validate their innovations under some of the world’s strictest standards.

According to Dr. Chyan, this approach is not only about expanding markets; it is, more fundamentally, about gaining “access to the arena of international technology governance.”

Becoming a Driving Force in the Global Reconfiguration of the Semiconductor Supply Chain, Not Just an Equipment Provider

Looking ahead, Dr. Chyan observed that the global semiconductor industry is shifting from a “process-scaling race” to a “system-performance race”. Heterogeneous integration, 2.5D and 3D packaging and the rise of chiplet architectures will define the next phase of industry development, and Taiwan sits firmly at the centre of this transition. With its dense technical capability and fully developed ecosystem in advanced packaging, Taiwan is uniquely positioned to shape the global chiplet landscape.

Against this backdrop, DEUVtek’s role is becoming increasingly distinct: to serve as a pivotal equipment provider in advanced packaging and new-material manufacturing, while using its R&D base in Taiwan to establish trusted technological footholds across Europe and the United States.

“Our aim is not to chase scale, but to become the most reliable technological partner amid the uncertainties of the global supply chain,” Dr. Chyan emphasised. “This strategic model will enable DEUVtek to act as a system-level force in the reconfiguration of the global semiconductor supply chain, rather than merely a supplier of individual equipment.”

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The forum convened leaders from across the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Singapore, Czechia, Portugal, the United Arab Emirates, and Finland. Entrepreneurs, industry pioneers, academics, and policymakers came together to craft what was, in essence, a knowledge symposium spanning continents and pointing towards the future.

The scale and stature of the gathering were evident in its participants. Global enterprises such as Nvidia, Intel, ARM, and Bosch joined forces with leading institutions including the University of Cambridge, the London School of Economics, the University of Helsinki, and the Czech Technical University. Professional bodies such as the British Standards Institution and the Royal Academy of Engineering lent further weight. For several days, the Entopia Building was transformed into a global stage, where the languages of technology, industry, academia, and policy converged to sketch a shared blueprint for sustainable R&D.

Yet the true value of the forum extended well beyond the walls of Cambridge. Media outlets across multiple nations continued to track its outcomes, while institutions pursued follow-up discussions and new collaborations. Bilateral research projects, international talent exchanges, and pilot programmes in emerging markets began to take shape. What started as a forum is now evolving into a dynamic network stretching from Cambridge to Prague, from Taipei to Singapore, and onwards to Lisbon and Helsinki. This momentum has not only aligned Taiwan’s technological capabilities with Europe’s policy and research frameworks but has also elevated sustainability itself—from a technical subject to a diplomatic language, a cultural dialogue, and a strategic choice.

As the forum’s official media partner, The Icons subsequently held in-depth interviews with three pivotal figures: Dr Mei-Yu Chang, Director of the International Affairs Office at NIAR; Sam Laakkonen, Senior Director at CISL; and Professor Radek Holý, Director of the Advanced Chip Design Research Centre in Czechia. From the perspectives of science diplomacy, innovation culture, and strategic balance, each offered distinct insights. Yet all converged on a singular conclusion: when technology, diplomacy, culture, and strategy intersect, sustainability innovation becomes the driving force capable of reshaping the world’s future.

Dr Mei-Yu Chang: Science as Diplomacy, Innovation as a Global Responsibility

“We follow the principle of leveraging our national strengths to address global needs.” With this opening statement, Dr Mei-Yu Chang, Director of International Affairs at Taiwan’s National Institutes of Applied Research (NIAR), distilled the very spirit of the forum. For her, science is not confined to laboratory results; it is a language the world can read. And innovation is no longer just technical progress—it is an assumption of international responsibility.

She outlined three fields of collaboration that emerged from the dialogue. In the net-zero transition, Taiwan showcased capabilities in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and high-performance computing for carbon-negative research. These complemented Europe’s advances in cement-sector decarbonisation technologies, creating tangible opportunities for synergy. In built environment resilience, Taiwan’s expertise in seismic retrofitting, disaster early warning systems, and AI-driven smart city applications resonated directly with Europe’s pursuit of ESG-driven property data platforms. In semiconductors, Taiwan’s silicon carbide wafer processing and low-power AI chip design extend far beyond industrial gains, forming an indispensable cornerstone for global sustainable transformation.

She stressed that what underpinned these collaborations was not mere “technology transfer” but a deeper alignment of values. “Science is diplomacy, innovation is responsibility.” Examples from the forum illustrated this point: joint projects between Taiwanese startups such as Microip, DEUVtek and Light Momentum with the Czech Technical University, together with NIAR’s formal agreements with international partners and ongoing exchanges with global experts. “Through bilateral research programmes, technology transfer mechanisms, and participation in international forums,” she explained, “Taiwan’s scientific achievements are increasingly embedded into other countries’ systems and industries, becoming gateways to bilateral and even multilateral cooperation.”

Dr Chang also placed emphasis on the strategic importance of talent mobility. NIAR oversees seven national laboratories with a vision of “pursuing global excellence while creating local value.” It has long promoted professional training to help students bridge into industry, upgrade in-service professionals, and enable academic exchange through visiting scholars and overseas placements. “Talent is the true key to turning research into international influence. Only by enabling young people to cross borders can scientific cooperation move beyond paper agreements and endure through generations.”

At the close of our interview, Dr Chang elevated her perspective further: “Taiwan does not wish to be seen merely as a link in the global supply chain. We want to be recognised as a partner that stands alongside the world in addressing shared challenges. What we aspire to is not simply the demonstration of technology, but the assumption of greater responsibility.”

Sam Laakkonen: From Local Contexts to a Shared Global Destiny

“Cross-border collaboration is essential. We can not only learn from each other’s innovation cultures but also share practical experience.” Sam Laakkonen, Senior Director at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), began his reflections by lifting the value of sustainability innovation to the level of cultural context. For him, innovation is not merely a methodology—it is shaped by the institutions, geography and history of a place.

He drew particular attention to the power of policy. “In Europe, sustainability innovation is often policy-led.” For decades, Europe has led the world in drafting sustainability regulations and standards. Though sometimes seen as onerous, these frameworks provide innovators with foresight, signalling where global policy directions are likely heading. In his words, this “institution-first” culture defines the European innovation landscape.

By contrast, Asia—Taiwan in particular—faces different realities. “Taiwan’s environmental challenges are more acute, from extreme heat to natural disasters. The way Taiwan confronts these issues can inspire European innovators.” For Laakkonen, what Asia grapples with today may well foreshadow Europe’s future. Taiwan’s solutions are therefore not parochial but serve as rehearsals for Europe—and perhaps the wider world.

Yet Laakkonen’s focus is not on high-level agreements or macro frameworks but on grassroots practice. “I firmly believe in the power of grassroots exchange. We must encourage direct interaction and engagement, so that entrepreneurs and researchers can collaborate and co-create across borders.” In his view, real innovation rarely originates in conference rooms or policy texts; it emerges from experiments by entrepreneurs and researchers on the ground.

That is why he sees grassroots exchange as decisive. “Entrepreneurs often take learnings from these exchanges directly into their solutions.” In other words, cross-cultural dialogue does not remain rhetorical but becomes tangible in the form of products, services, and market-ready responses to social needs.

In this process, Cambridge and NIAR play a catalytic role. “They are not arbiters standing above the process, but enablers who create the platforms where innovation can intersect.” For Laakkonen, their greatest contribution is to unlock spaces where grassroots energy can be sparked and amplified.

His concluding remark carried both clarity and urgency: “We cannot operate in silos. To understand another region’s context is often to understand our own future.” For him, the ultimate goal is to lift sustainability challenges from regional concerns onto the trajectory of a shared global destiny. And in that trajectory, cross-national innovation is not an option—it is an imperative.

Radek Holý: Semiconductor Collaboration Between Europe and Asia Must Transcend Technology

Professor Radek Holý, Vice-Rector of the Czech Technical University and Director of the Advanced Chip Design Research Centre (ACDRC), views technology through a strategic lens. “I see the role of ACDRC as a crucial bridge between Europe’s ambition for technological sovereignty and Taiwan’s global leadership in semiconductor innovation.”

For him, ACDRC is not merely a research institution but a hub connecting industry, policy, and geopolitics. “ACDRC has the potential to become a centre of excellence, linking Europe’s strong research capacities with Taiwan’s practical know-how and industrial expertise—particularly in chip design, where Taiwan clearly leads.” Such a fusion, he explained, will not only accelerate technological breakthroughs but also serve Europe’s geopolitical imperative: reducing reliance on external suppliers and strengthening strategic autonomy.

When speaking of collaboration with NIAR, his tone was both resolute and optimistic. “This cross-continental partnership marks a new era.” He elaborated: “Taiwan brings distinctive expertise and global market experience, while Europe contributes robust research infrastructure, a stable regulatory framework, and an increasing political will to invest in strategic technologies.” For Holý, this is the essence of European technological sovereignty—not isolationism, but the ability to build balanced and respectful partnerships with global leaders.

Yet what excites him most lies beyond the technical. “What inspires me most is the resonance of values: our shared commitment to research freedom, an openness to innovation, and a long-term vision of sustainable technological growth.” He pointed out that Czechia’s strong academic foundations, paired with Taiwan’s agility in technological leadership, offer the potential not only to advance semiconductors but also to educate the next generation of engineers and scientists capable of thriving on the global stage. “These new generations will not only compete internationally but will create new value globally.”

In his closing reflections, Professor Holý balanced the voice of an educator with the realism of a strategist. “From what we have witnessed at this forum, the future is not merely about cooperation across borders; it is about building a value-based research community.” In his vision, semiconductor collaboration between Europe and Asia will no longer be confined to technical coordination, but will emerge as a stabilising and enduring force within the global order.

The Collective Force of Sustainability Innovation Is Redefining Global Standards

The Cambridge forum opened a new corridor between Europe and Asia, bringing Taiwan’s science diplomacy, Europe’s policy culture, and the strategic imperatives of semiconductor cooperation into one shared conversation. Dr Mei-Yu Chang framed Taiwan’s role with her dictum, “Science is diplomacy, innovation is responsibility.” Sam Laakkonen urged that innovation must be grounded in lived context and grassroots practice. And Radek Holý combined education, strategy, and values to point towards a research community built on cooperation.

From different vantage points, the three leaders ultimately converged on a single truth: sustainability innovation is no longer optional—it is a global responsibility of our age.

As the official media partner of the forum, The Icons observed that this was far more than a gathering of experts. It was a living testament to how Europe and Asia can co-create the future together. From Cambridge to Taipei, from Prague to Singapore, and onwards across the globe, the momentum of sustainability innovation is crossing the frontiers of industry, academia, and diplomacy. This momentum is not only accelerating technological advancement but is also reshaping the very standards and principles of international collaboration.

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On the afternoon of 7 August 2025, “The Compass, the Flame, and the Future She Shapes” forum was held at the British Office Taipei. Organised by the University of Cambridge’s global alumni network, CAMentrepreneurs, and co-hosted by the Cambridge Taiwan Alumni Association, Oxford Taiwan Alumni Association, the British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCTaipei), and UK-based global entrepreneurship media《The Icons》, the event brought together leading figures from academia, industry, venture capital, and sustainability. Through the deep insights and dialogues shared by the speakers, participants collectively mapped out a path towards the future, one defined by both courage and wisdom.

Professor Huey-Jen Jenny Su, Honorary President of NCKU: Respect the Truth, Value Education, and Cherish Professionalism

The forum opened with a speech by Professor Huey-Jen Jenny Su, the first female Honorary President of National Cheng Kung University (NCKU), who began by focusing on how to bring more support to the new generation. Addressing the theme of “leadership,” she shared heartfelt reflections drawn from her own journey through challenges.

As the first female president in nearly a century at NCKU, and notably someone with neither an engineering background, alumni status, nor a large clinical discipline affiliation, Professor Su candidly described herself as “the president the university was not prepared to meet.” This unexpected role meant her leadership path was challenging from the very beginning, yet it also forged a leadership philosophy of remarkable clarity:

“Leadership comes without a personal agenda. Its essence lies in ensuring collective respect for truth, valuing education, and cherishing professionalism. I believe that as long as one’s convictions remain steadfast, time and circumstances will ultimately offer fairness and goodwill. In my own development, what has always guided me is a foundation in evidence and facts. Especially when facing formidable challenges, truly respecting professionalism is the hardest, yet most crucial, thing to do.”

This conviction became her compass in moments of crisis. From the devastating Weiguan Building collapse in southern Taiwan to the global COVID-19 pandemic, she led NCKU through one historical test after another. When confronted with challenges she had “never experienced and never anticipated,” she consistently chose to anchor her decisions in respect for professionalism and commitment to facts. Over time, these principles crystallised into resilience, a force that she regards as the core of her leadership ethos:

“When we talk about leadership, what we can demonstrate is not only the gentle resilience often associated with women, but also the strength to uphold truth in times of chaos, to build consensus in moments of crisis, and to find direction amid uncertainty. It is this strength that allows diverse voices to converge in wisdom, to open new paths through challenges, and to see the many possibilities that the future may hold.”

NYCU Associate Professor Grace Chan Hsiao: When AI Meets Life’s Vision, It Becomes a Moment to Find Your True Self

If President Huey-Jen Jenny Su set the grand compass for leadership during the forum, Associate Professor Grace Chan Hsiao of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) turned her gaze toward the inner flame that fuels it all, which is personal vision. Standing at the crossroads of education and technology, she posed a question that strikes at the heart of our times: As AI takes on more and more tasks, what remains that it can never replace?

This question stems from a decade of in-depth conversations with leaders, a journey that has left her continually drawn to one insight: every remarkable instance of leadership springs from a strong and clearly defined inner sense of purpose. Yet, in an era awash with information and competing values, discovering one’s own “true north” has become more challenging than ever.

“For the past ten years, all my life’s inquiries have revolved around one central question: What is the true vision for my life? I have found that while AI can accomplish many things, it cannot determine your unique vision. Dreams may be a word for the young, but a true vision must be rooted in your authentic nature and deep-seated motivation. It is not fantasy, but a blueprint that drives you to act,” she explained.

Based on this understanding, Grace Chan Hsiao is developing an innovative AI-powered education system designed not to hand out standard answers, but to serve as a guide. The journey begins with a deep exploration of the user’s authentic self, uncovering core values and motivations. From there, the AI generates three possible “future vision” scenarios as starting points for reflection. Finally, the system helps transform the chosen vision into a tangible “vision story” that can be seen, felt, and shared.

For Grace Chan Hsiao, this is more than a technological experiment in education. It is a profound response to the fundamental questions Who am I? and Why am I here? “Only when a person sees their vision clearly can they possess the most powerful and authentic form of leadership and entrepreneurial drive in a world defined by change.”

NYCU Associate Professor Sirirat Sae Lim: Demonstrating an Entrepreneurial Spirit Begins with Embracing “Constructive Failure”

After a series of inspiring talks, Associate Professor Sirirat Sae Lim of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), speaking via a pre-recorded address while on an overseas business trip, offered a sharp observation about a deep-rooted paradox in Taiwan’s innovation education.

Citing the OECD PISA report, she noted that among 75 participating countries and regions, Taiwan ranked first in the “Fear of Failure Index,” with 89% of students worrying that failure would invite criticism or be seen as a denial of their talent and future. Yet in the real world of entrepreneurship, failure is almost inevitable, with more than 90% of startups unable to succeed with their initial business model.

“In a culture that strongly avoids failure, how can we teach students to face the setbacks that inevitably come with entrepreneurship? Education should not only teach knowledge but also courage, curiosity, and the ability to remain composed in uncertainty. We need not just classrooms that aim for success, but environments where students dare to try and dare to venture.”

To address this, she proposed a “Constructive Failure” teaching model, where failure is not only permitted but expected. Students take on real-world challenges, attempt, stumble, and then reorganize their strategies through reflection. She acknowledged that the process can be unsettling, emotionally intense, and occasionally chaotic, but it is in such conditions that learning becomes profound and transformative.

Her philosophy is best illustrated by one of her former students who co-founded a business during university. Starting from nothing, the company now generates over NT$100 million in annual revenue. One of his designs a pen became the only Taiwanese product listed among TIME magazine’s 200 Best Inventions worldwide. Despite his busy schedule, he still returns to her class each year to share his real-life journey of drawing strength from repeated failures.

“The courage to embrace failure is an indispensable fuel for igniting the next generation’s spirit of innovation. I believe entrepreneurship education today should be recalibrated toward a new direction, one that guides young people onto a truly fearless and boldly innovative path.”

CISL Head of Innovation Programmes Viola Jardon: From Cambridge to Taiwan, Transforming Local Innovation into Global Sustainability Solutions

Viola Jardon, Head of Innovation Programmes at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL), opened her talk with a steady yet engaging tone, immediately drawing the discussion back to her deep connection with Taiwan. “This is not only a conversation about sustainability, but also a two-way dialogue between my homeland and the world,” she said.

Her story is one of a journey from Tainan to the global stage. “When I was shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards in the UK, what I felt was not personal glory, but the excitement of finally bringing Taiwan to the world. At that moment, my thought was, I have made Taiwan visible to the world. This honour does not belong to me alone, it belongs to Taiwan,” she recalled.

For Viola, collaboration has never been a one-way transfer of resources. She noted that Taiwan excels in many areas, citing the achievements of President Su at National Cheng Kung University as an example that has moved people both at home and abroad. “What I want to share here is that the greatest strength of CISL lies in its ability to connect governments, regulations, finance, industry, and academia across countries. I also hope that through this non-political platform, the world will see that Taiwan is not only about semiconductors, but also has diverse and powerful innovation capabilities,” she said.

She further shared that global beauty leader L’Oréal has launched a €100 million sustainability innovation investment programme, with CISL serving as its global delivery partner to identify top tech start-ups capable of solving supply chain challenges. “L’Oréal has already listed over one hundred technical needs. We will select twelve to fourteen start-ups from around the world, and those chosen will enter pilot collaborations with L’Oréal. This is a golden ticket to the global market. I sincerely hope that the final list will include companies from Taiwan.”

As a sustainability innovation leader who has travelled from Taiwan to the world stage, Viola Jardon is not only telling a personal story. She is building a bridge that directly connects Taiwan’s most promising innovations with the world’s most urgent sustainability needs. Her sincerity and drive not only energised the room, but also made it clear to participants that the path from local to global is closer than they might imagine.

The Connection Between the UK and Taiwan Runs Deeper Than Most Imagine

As one of the co-organizers, Executive Director of the British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCTaipei), Vicki Wu, delivered a speech that broke the stereotype of international chambers as overly formal and revealed the vast, opportunity-filled ecosystem behind it.

“Many people in the past may have thought that the role of an international chamber was limited to networking, but the relationship between the UK and Taiwan runs deeper than most imagine. Taiwan is the third-largest market in the world for UK whisky exports, and this connection is so strong that when Scots hear ‘Taiwan,’ they roll out the red carpet. All the alumni here are important partners in achieving our mission, and we hope everyone can work together to expand this platform.”

This vision of transforming a traditional organization into an open platform was further elaborated by Ali Ying-Che Hsieh, President of the Cambridge University Taiwan Alumni Association and Professor at the Institute of Technology Management, National Tsing Hua University. He emphasized that this year, the association has placed special focus on breaking down barriers and fostering a more inclusive community:

“We are working to transform the alumni association from being merely a social gathering into an open platform. The Cambridge Alumni Association not only serves alumni but also welcomes anyone interested in sustainability, innovation, and entrepreneurship to find opportunities for collaboration and resonance here. What we aim to build is a space where all participating organizations and individuals can thrive together.”

Harry Hsu, Lead Organizer of CAMentrepreneurs Taiwan, Secretary-General of the Cambridge University Taiwan Alumni Association, and CEO of《The Icons》, an international entrepreneur media based in the UK, highlighted the concept of “Cambridge Plus”:

“Cambridge Plus is the key force behind why CAMentrepreneurs forums can flourish in so many countries. We open the doors to all like-minded partners, bringing together the depth of academia, the strength of industry, and the fusion of global vision with local passion. CAMentrepreneurs organizations and alumni associations across countries often meet online to explore ways for entrepreneurs worldwide to truly engage in each other’s lives. In the future, we will share more cross-sector exchange initiatives, and we welcome all interested friends to join us.”

Building the “Cambridge Plus” Ecosystem to Shape the Future Together with Women

The forum titled “The Compass, the Flame, and the Future She Shapes” not only brought together a line-up of exceptional female speakers, but also highlighted the rise of a new leadership paradigm – one that blends resilience, empathy, authenticity, and inclusivity.

As profound reflections on leadership, vision, courage, and action converged, the discussion returned to the driving catalyst behind it all – the core spirit of CAMentrepreneurs, “Cambridge Plus.” Founded in 2016 by Cambridge alumnus Richard Lucas, the CAMentrepreneurs global network has since ignited the spark of innovation in over 63 cities worldwide.

Its success lies in the team’s deep understanding of “platform thinking,” moving beyond the traditional model of an exclusive alumni club. By breaking down the walls of elite institutions and transforming them into open, co-creative spaces, “Cambridge Plus” has come to embody limitless possibilities and connections.

This forum in Taiwan was more than just an exchange of ideas – it was a declaration of the future. When local resilience meets global innovation, an infinite horizon unfolds, and that future will be shaped by these women, alongside all those they have inspired.

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