At the awards ceremony, senior executives of multinational corporations, industry leaders, entrepreneurs from start-ups and SMEs, renewable energy experts, sustainability advocates, and organisations committed to education, healthcare and social innovation all gathered under one roof. From technology and manufacturing to healthcare, retail and cultural brands, a diverse range of business models and perspectives intersected, presenting a forward-looking vision of how Asian enterprises are responding to global transformation.

The significance of this event lies not only in the remarkable achievements of the finalists and winners but also in the international influence of its organiser. As one of the most prominent platforms bridging Taiwan and the United Kingdom, BCCTaipei works closely with government-level partners, including the British Office Taipei. This partnership ensures that the judging criteria for the Better Business Awards are grounded in international governance standards and global sustainability trends. For participating companies, being shortlisted or winning at this event is not only an honour but also a symbol of international recognition.

In an interview with《The Icons》, Vicki Wu, Executive Director of BCCTaipei, emphasised that the Better Business Awards have never been a competition but a profound dialogue about corporate values. Through this initiative, she hopes companies will reconsider their place in the world and adopt a perspective that goes beyond revenue and scale.

“We are not only seeking successful companies,” Wu said, “but also standing alongside those committed to doing the right thing.”

A Connecting Point Between Taiwan and the International Community

To understand why the Better Business Awards hold such strong credibility and international influence in Taiwan, one must first recognise the unique positioning of the British Chamber of Commerce in Taipei (BCCTaipei). Unlike many chambers that primarily serve commercial or member-driven interests, BCCTaipei functions as a non-governmental organisation while maintaining a close partnership with the British Office Taipei. This balance of neutrality and access to global resources makes it a vital bridge connecting policy, industry and international trends.

Many companies initially view the Chamber as merely a networking platform for British businesses in Taiwan, but those who engage more deeply soon realise that BCCTaipei operates as a high-level strategic community. It brings together visionary leaders and globally minded enterprises, facilitating not only business cooperation but also meaningful policy participation, cross-border dialogue and sustainability initiatives.

According to Vicki Wu, BCCTaipei’s Executive Director, the Chamber’s strength lies in its neutrality. Because it is not driven by profit or specific industry interests, companies are willing to share their genuine challenges, allowing the Chamber to cultivate deeper and more meaningful conversations rather than superficial exchanges. Many newcomers assume the Chamber’s value lies in business matchmaking; however, once involved, they discover that its true focus is guiding the direction of industries—discussing where companies, and indeed entire sectors, are headed.

“We are not here to do public relations for anyone,” Wu explained. “We are here to think together about where businesses should go. The Chamber’s value is not about helping companies make more money, but about helping them become more meaningful. If we want to drive change, we cannot just follow the market—we must lead it with values.”

In this spirit, BCCTaipei is not only connecting resources but also shaping a new kind of corporate civilisation. From collaborating with the UK government on sustainability policy to helping companies understand frameworks like the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and ESG reporting, and facilitating cross-sector dialogue across education, healthcare and energy, BCCTaipei’s role has long transcended that of a traditional chamber of commerce. It provides Taiwanese companies with a gateway to international engagement while showcasing Taiwan’s maturity and innovation to the world.

“Taiwan should not remain merely a node in the global supply chain,” Wu emphasised. “It should become a voice in defining global value. The Better Business Awards are our way of advancing that vision—ensuring that companies worthy of recognition are not just participating in the market, but actively shaping the future.”

The Awards Are Not the Goal, but a Catalyst for Businesses to Rethink Why They Do What They Do

Since its founding, the Better Business Awards has never been a competition focused on financial data or market share. What makes this award unique is that it does not ask “how much did you earn,” but instead asks “how did you earn it, why do you do it this way, and are you willing to take responsibility for the long term?” This perspective sets it apart from conventional business awards from the very beginning.

According to Vicki Wu, Executive Director of BCCTaipei, as a non-profit organisation, the Chamber itself is not driven by commercial interests. Therefore, when designing the award mechanism, it intentionally removed thresholds related to investment size, market share, or available resources. What she aims to build is a platform of values, where companies of all sizes, stages, and industries—so long as they have clear principles and genuine action—can stand on the same stage and be recognised.

“The spirit of the Better Business Awards lies in whether companies are willing to take one step further for society, not in how many resources they have.” To ensure credibility, each year’s judging panel is composed of industry experts, academics, multinational executives, and sustainability professionals with international backgrounds. They not only assess results but also examine the decision-making process and whether actions are sustainable and replicable. For example, a short-term ESG campaign, no matter how visible, will not be favoured, while an initiative that may still be developing but is embedded in the company’s core strategy will be highly valued.

More importantly, the evaluation process itself becomes a dialogue. Many companies, during their applications, systematically review their sustainability strategies and social impact for the first time—often discovering strengths or values that had never been articulated. Some even realise, through conversations with judges, that they can do more and choose to adjust their direction. As a result, the awards are not merely a competition but a mirror that helps companies see where they truly stand.

“Many companies only realise after applying that they have already done so much meaningful work—they just never organised it before.” The essence of the Better Business Awards, Wu emphasised, is not to single out the best company, but to guide enterprises toward a deeper question: What kind of company do we want to become? What matters most is not the outcome, but whether the process inspires self-awareness and a long-term mindset.

“We hope companies don’t change just to win an award, but become award-worthy through the process of change.” In a fast-changing global market, this approach has made the Better Business Awards one of Taiwan’s most forward-looking and internationally connected business benchmarks. It does not reward superficial figures but recognises genuine growth, determination, and accountability. It does not seek fleeting moments of glory but encourages the steady accumulation of long-term value.

Vicki Wu: Companies Are Beginning to Redefine What Truly Deserves to Come First

Reflecting on the 2025 applicant and finalist list, Vicki Wu observed a critical shift—one that goes beyond year-to-year change and reflects a deeper transformation in how companies prioritise what truly matters.

In previous years, proposals related to diversity made up a significant portion of entries. From gender equality and inclusive workplaces to multicultural team building, many companies actively showcased their organisational values. However, in 2025, the visibility of such topics declined. Some interpreted this as a waning focus on diversity, but the reality is far more nuanced.

As the global political climate shifts—particularly with a more conservative tone in the United States on social issues—multinational companies have become more cautious about taking public stances. Operating across multiple markets means every statement can be magnified, potentially affecting partnerships, investments and brand positioning. As a result, many firms have chosen to uphold their values in quieter, more internal ways.

“Some companies haven’t abandoned diversity; they’re simply implementing it more intelligently and steadily,” Wu explained. While diversity efforts have become more internalised, another issue has rapidly moved to the forefront—sustainability and ESG development.

This change is not a passing trend but the result of policy pressure, supply chain demands and structural shifts in global markets. With the 2050 net-zero target fast approaching and mechanisms such as carbon taxes and border adjustment policies on the horizon, international corporations are demanding higher environmental and governance standards from their partners. These forces are compelling businesses to re-evaluate their operations, integrating sustainability into cost structures, strategies and even product design.

“Sustainability is no longer a slogan—it has become the key to whether a company can continue doing business.” In this year’s submissions, BCCTaipei noted numerous in-depth cases: companies outlining concrete carbon-management plans, building recycling systems, adopting renewable energy, extending product lifecycles and developing platforms that connect upstream and downstream players to drive broader industry change. More importantly, sustainability is no longer treated as a departmental project; it has entered the core of corporate governance, influencing decision-making and organisational culture.

Wu also pointed out that participating companies are now speaking a shared common language. “When businesses shift their mindset from immediate profit to the kind of value they want to leave behind ten years from now, the entire ecosystem begins to change.” Sustainability has become the foundation for long-term resilience, expanding beyond environmental issues into operations, resource allocation and governance. Diversity, while less visible, has been deeply embedded into everyday practices and company culture, forming a quieter yet more authentic driving force within organisations.

From an Awards Ceremony to a Collective Evolution of Corporate Values

The reason the Better Business Awards has taken root in Taiwan for nine years lies not in its scale or form but in the clarity and rarity of the role it plays. For companies, it serves as a mirror that reflects their true state and position, a stage that amplifies worthy efforts to a global audience, and a driving force that encourages progress, fuels industrial transformation and redefines corporate value.

According to Vicki Wu, Executive Director of BCCTaipei, Taiwanese companies were once seen primarily as part of the global supply chain. Today, however, more businesses are building brands, creating new business models, adopting sustainability strategies and even leading in social impact. The purpose of the Better Business Awards is to bring these forward-looking enterprises to the forefront, allowing them to serve as benchmarks for others and to generate collective progress. “A company’s true competitiveness,” Wu noted, “comes from the values it creates, not from the resources it possesses.”

Looking ahead, BCCTaipei aims to use the Awards and its broader platform to foster greater international exchange and industrial collaboration, enabling Taiwanese enterprises to engage with their UK and global counterparts on equal footing. Together, they will address core issues such as sustainability policy, green supply chains, digital transformation and talent development. At the same time, the Chamber plans to introduce international standards and resources, helping Taiwanese businesses move beyond the role of learners to become active participants, and even contributors to rule-making on the global stage.

Wu emphasised that the Better Business Awards has never regarded the event itself as the destination. Instead, it is part of an ongoing effort to build an ecosystem where companies grow continuously, collaborate meaningfully and rise together. This ecosystem values influence over scale and pursues co-created value rather than one-time visibility.

“The true measure of a company’s stature lies not in its financial figures but in what it leaves behind for society,” Wu said. When businesses engage with social issues, contribute to cultural connection and invest in talent development, what they create transcends business results, it becomes a legacy of enduring value. This is the essence of the Better Business Awards: to pursue longevity, create meaning and drive evolution.

In a rapidly changing market, the leaders are never those with the most resources but those who can adapt, evolve and embrace change. Wu believes that Taiwan possesses this very energy, and BCCTaipei’s mission is to make it visible and elevate it to the global stage.

“The Better Business Awards is not an endpoint but a long-term choice. As more companies take this path, Taiwan will not merely participate in the global landscape, it will help shape the future.”

Recommend for you:

BCCTaipei Better Business Awards: The True Measure of a Company Lies Not in Its Size, but in Whom It Influences and What It Leaves Behind!

CAMentrepreneurs Taiwan Forum: From Their Stories, Exploring the Innovative Journey from Local Resilience to the Global Stage

The post 2025 Better Business Awards – How Can Sustainability Become the Common Language of Business? BCCTaipei Executive Director Vicki Wu: Confidence Comes from a Commitment to Society first appeared on The Icons.

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.

Recommend for you:

CAMentrepreneurs Taiwan Chapter Launches: Turning Every Local Connection into Part of a Global Whole

Stepping Beyond the Clinic — DR.HAO Academy: Shaping a Personal Narrative Space

The post CAMentrepreneurs Taiwan Forum: From Their Stories, Exploring the Innovative Journey from Local Resilience to the Global Stage first appeared on The Icons.