“For the past 30 years, Taiwan’s businesses have thrived globally by being ‘faster and cheaper’,” says Bella Wang, CEO of the Taiwan Digital Enterprise Alliance (TDEA). “But now the rules of the game have changed. Carbon regulations have arrived, values are being redefined, and trust must be rebuilt. Upgrading alone is no longer enough—you must also answer the question, ‘Who am I?’”

“Many people treat ESG like homework, but it’s actually the beginning of redefining a company’s reason for being,” Wang explains, her tone urgent. “The Business Transformation Institute 2.0 was born from this context.”

What exactly is the Business Transformation Institute 2.0?

“It’s not just an upgraded MBA program,” Wang clarifies. “It’s an industry logic redesign project.” Transitioning from a simple “learning platform” to an ecosystem that drives “collective action,” companies are no longer just coming to learn, but to act—and to do so together.

She pauses, as if organizing a crucial thought. “True sustainability isn’t just about survival,” she says, her voice firm. “It’s about redefining the roles and influence our generation of entrepreneurs should bear.” She adds: “The future of industry doesn’t belong to those who are merely ‘good at adapting.’ It belongs to those who dare to redesign themselves.”

Not Just Learning, but Redefining “Who Am I”

From the very beginning, the Business Transformation Institute never intended to compromise. It wasn’t designed to solve the immediate operational challenges of a single business, but rather to tackle an entire generation’s anxiety around industrial transformation. Here, there’s no place for “rookie entrepreneurs” or “heirs waiting to take over.” Its true goal is to serve those at the crossroads of continuity and reinvention—some choose to break away and create their own stories, while others choose to stay within family businesses but aim to turn everything upside down.

The former are the “first-generation creators,” and the latter are the “second-generation creators,” but at their core, they share the same drive: an unwillingness to settle for the status quo. Their common thread isn’t age, capital, or industry; it’s a deep restlessness—a dissatisfaction with the present and a vision for the future. That’s why the Alliance is nothing like the “training programs” you might imagine:

“We don’t teach you how to win; we ask you if you’re willing to redefine yourself.” That’s the provocative challenge Bella Wang, Executive Director, delivered during a closed-door discussion. She said, “Learning strategy is easy, but learning to design the right problems is the real skill. Only when the problem is defined by yourself can the solution truly be powerful.”

Then came the Business Transformation Institute 2.0. This wasn’t just an upgrade—it was a complete redesign. The original “mentor accompaniment” model was too gentle; the new model evolved into a “co-learning task force” that transcends generations, disciplines, and hierarchies. Strategy design? Check. Practical simulations? Check. On-site business diagnostics? Check. But even more important are the “off-the-curriculum” elements: deep conversations over private dinners, strategic matchmaking with international alliances. The Alliance is no longer just a training base for corporate transformation; it’s an “action-oriented industrial accelerator” that dives straight into the heart of enterprise operations:

“True sustainability isn’t just about whether you can survive—it’s about whether this era deems you worthy of staying.” Bella Wang sees transformation as a cultural consciousness reshaping, not just a technical maneuver. “When a company can articulate its own sustainability language and make its own value commitments,” she adds, “it’s no longer just ‘continuing’—it’s creating a new meaning for the next decade.”

Bangkok’s Late-Night Business Miracle: When Trust Becomes Collaboration

In early 2025, in Bangkok, a group of teachers and students from the Business Transformation Institute originally just went for a study tour. Unexpectedly, during a few late-night dinners and impromptu discussions, they unintentionally gave birth to an international travel agency called “Accomy.”

This wasn’t a long-planned startup, but a business collaboration sparked by trust. Throne Property’s resources in Thailand and Vietnam, combined with Singapore’s Accomy technology platform, created a disruptive corporate travel solution. From booking flights and hotels to expense management, permission control, and financial settlement, the process became fully cloud-based and intelligent, significantly reducing labor costs and operational friction, enabling even small and medium-sized enterprises to “gracefully” participate in cross-border market operations.

But the highlight wasn’t just another new startup. The key was that its “generative logic” was completely different. In the past, entrepreneurship often centered around “individual heroism,” but now it’s about “collective trust networks,” and that’s exactly what makes the Business Transformation Institute’s platform so unique.

“It wasn’t that some mentor gave an instruction, or that a student came up with a brilliant idea,” Bella Wang recalled those Bangkok nights, her eyes gleaming. “It was just that in the course of chatting, we suddenly realized: we could collaborate, and even create something far greater than what any of us could have achieved on our own.”

The same magic also happened at Wanbao Marketing. Originally a brand planning company focusing on local events and street culture, they saw an opportunity with 3×3 basketball being included in the Olympics. But the key wasn’t just catching the opportunity—it was redefining their role.

From being “event organizers” to becoming “urban culture reshapers,” Wanbao Marketing started collaborating with local governments, using sports to rewrite the brand narrative of city culture and recreate urban identity.

Can traditional consulting firms teach that kind of mindset shift? Can standardized courses produce that? Impossible.

Metastar Airlines is even more audacious. They directly target the private mobility market for Asia’s wealthiest individuals, integrating a network of private airports, high-end customized itineraries, and corporate charter solutions, building an entirely new “aerial lifestyle chain.”

They’re not aiming to challenge traditional airlines, but rather to fill a highly fragmented and underserved regional aviation market, offering a corporate solution from Taiwan. Even more crucially, they have the full support of the Business Transformation Institute ecosystem behind them—from business model analysis, potential user introductions, to holistic strategy mentorship and development. This isn’t a capital-intensive burn battle; it’s a competition of ecosystem integration.

Accomy, Wanbao Marketing, and Metastar Airlines may seem like three separate stories, but they actually share the same logic behind the scenes: they’re not driven by isolated resources but born from a network of trust. “We’re not just helping them start businesses; we’re enabling them to see each other’s value,” said Bella Wang. She firmly believes that real transformation doesn’t rely on systems or technology alone but on turning trust into a manageable asset.

“It’s only when collaboration is built on trust that it won’t devolve into short-term transactions; only business models that emerge from authentic dialogue can survive market trends and policy cycles,” Bella emphasized. “The real value of the Business Transformation Institute is not just in training but in creating consensus—a genuine platform for generating shared understanding.”

Don’t Fight Alone! Let the World Understand Taiwan’s Sustainable Language

“Everyone is talking about technology upgrades and management innovation, but the real challenge is not there; it lies in redefining oneself within the global context.” So what’s TDEA’s solution? A dual-core operating system—one to guide the mind and one to guide the hands.

“Zero⁺ College” handles the strategic foundation: digital optimization, carbon accounting, and decarbonization management; while the “Business Transformation Institute” focuses on practical implementation: organizational restructuring, business model innovation, and cross-sector alliances.

“We want to teach companies how to speak their own sustainability language,” Bella Wang vividly explained. “You need to be able to converse with the supply chain, the international market, and policymakers. Only when others understand your sustainability language can true transformation begin.” She calls this “reconstructing the sustainability context.”

“Sustainability is not just about KPIs or reports—it’s a language,” she emphasized repeatedly, and this has gradually become a collective consensus among all platform members. TDEA’s support ecosystem isn’t meant to stay only in Taiwan; it’s meant to become a globally recognized Taiwanese solution. Under Bella’s leadership, TDEA plans to establish substantive engagement with Japanese local governments, launching hands-on dialogues and exchanges for the new generation of entrepreneurs. At the same time, it’s proactively entering the Dubai, Singapore, and ASEAN markets, laying the groundwork for collaboration with local governments, businesses, and accelerator organizations.

This is not traditional investment promotion or a solo run by individual companies—it’s a conscious collective expansion, aiming to redefine the rules of international collaboration. In this endeavor, Bella calls on companies to stop passively following the supply chain and instead to proactively choose trusted partners and build new regional alliances.

“It’s not just TSMC or Foxconn that can go global—small businesses, if united properly, can be just as influential,” Bella said warmly and firmly. “What we’re doing is making sure that those who are still hesitant know: you are not alone.”

“Not being alone” isn’t just a comforting slogan—it’s a tangible, systematic safety net. Bella believes that in an increasingly volatile and risky global economic order, companies that know they have someone to help design carbon reduction strategies, adjust business models, translate market languages, and even find cross-border counterparts won’t be left at the mercy of reality. Instead, they’ll have the space to redefine their place in the world.

Bella Wang: True Transformation Is Not a Solo Journey, but a Collective Walk

The “Business Transformation Institute 2.0” is not just a course, nor is it merely a matchmaking platform—it is a collective, evolving action design. It tailors a path of co-learning, co-feeling, and co-creating for Taiwan’s industries: companies no longer just see each other; they begin to truly understand one another and choose to move forward together.

Here, companies are no longer passive learners but become co-creators of transformation narratives. Through hands-on learning, resource sharing, cultural dialogues, and trust-building, they transform “sustainability” from a slogan into an internal language; “innovation” is no longer just technological upgrades but is embedded in the DNA of the enterprise.

Behind this transformation stands TDEA as a key driver. Under the leadership of Executive Director Bella Wang, TDEA is building an action-based ecosystem that is both thoughtfully designed and supportive, redefining how enterprises face growth and transformation.

From the institutional strengthening of “Zero⁺ College” to the collaborative learning incubator of the “Business Transformation Institute”; from domestic industry-government-academia partnerships to international expansion in ASEAN, Japan, and Dubai; from internal organizational renewal to rebuilding trust across entire industry value chains—TDEA is mapping out a new, sustainable economic blueprint for Taiwan.

Looking ahead, this action blueprint will become even more multidimensional. Bella Wang put it this way: “Our role is not to act as agents, consultants, or simply answer-givers. What we do is create a space where people can think about the future together, and we’re willing to walk that path with them.” This is not an easy road. It has no standard procedures, no set models, and no one to lead from the front. It requires a group of people who trust one another, who are willing to explore together—making mistakes, learning, and moving forward along the way.

Bella Wang chose to stand on this road not to lead, but to accompany. She never claims to have all the answers, nor does she attempt to design the endpoint. What she does is facilitate conversations, bring people together, and give trust a chance to take root. What TDEA designs is never a shortcut, but a path that can truly be walked—a path that begins in Taiwan, looks to the future, and allows the world to see us as we see ourselves, enabling us to walk our own unique path.

Bella Wang firmly believes: “We don’t provide ready-made answers; we work with businesses to design futures that have not yet been spoken, even those that have yet to be imagined. Because we believe the most important thing is not knowing how to walk the path, but being willing to walk it together. It’s okay to go slowly, and it’s okay if it’s tough—but we can no longer walk alone. That is the reason TDEA exists: to make this path less lonely, so Taiwan’s industries have the chance to walk their own collective journey.”

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The post ESG is Not Just a Box to Tick, but a Re-definition of Our Value! Bella Wang, CEO of TDEA: A Quiet Revolution is Transforming Taiwanese Enterprises first appeared on The Icons.

In 2007, the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) established a dedicated department to promote 3×3 basketball, officially including it in the Olympics in 2020, drawing worldwide attention. With its fast-paced, compact matches and its roots in street culture, 3×3 basketball quickly gained traction as a new force in global sports, even being hailed as a modern innovator in the game of basketball. The impact of 3×3 has grown beyond the confines of street sports, becoming a global phenomenon that not only advances sports culture but also fosters commercial opportunities. Taiwan, in particular, has seen unprecedented prospects at the crossroads of culture, sports, and business as part of this global trend.

Against this backdrop, Michael Wu, Chairman of Wanbao Marketing, has partnered with Cheng Chih-Lung, known as the “Doctor of Basketball,” to propel Taiwan’s 3×3 basketball onto the international stage. In an interview with《The Icons》, Michael Wu shared:

“Our goal is to raise awareness of 3×3 basketball in Taiwan. While 5-on-5  basketball has its place, 3×3 is better suited for Taiwan to shine in international competitions. Beyond our efforts, we hope to inspire more entrepreneurs to join us in changing public perceptions of basketball, encouraging greater participation in the sport.”

Michael Wu’s Basketball Dream: From Business Tycoon to 3×3 Basketball Champion

As a rising force in Taiwan’s basketball culture, Michael Wu comes from an unconventional background. Raised abroad, he holds multiple degrees and has amassed extensive experience in management within his family’s diverse business empire, which spans industries from infant products to vehicle parts and healthcare, with significant influence in international markets. Yet, Wu wasn’t content to rest on his laurels. Driven by a personal mission, he aims to introduce more diverse cultural and commercial elements to Taiwan, accelerating its path to internationalisation.

“We chose 3×3 basketball because it not only embodies the freedom and innovation of street culture but also has the potential to shine on the global stage,” Wu explained. “3×3 basketball appeals to people of all ages. Compared to traditional 5×5 basketball, it requires fewer resources, yet its impact is undeniable.” Wu has long been devoted to promoting 3×3 basketball, not only because of its rapid global rise but also due to its unique format and strategic advantages, which align closely with the strengths of Taiwan’s basketball scene.

Unlike 5-on-5 basketball, 3×3 places greater emphasis on speed, flexibility, and versatility – attributes in which Taiwanese players excel, making it easier for them to stand out in international competitions. “The pace of a 3×3 match is incredibly fast – a game can be decided in just over ten minutes. This high-intensity format gives us more opportunities. Unlike 5-on-5, 3×3 doesn’t require towering players; it’s about being well-rounded and quick to react, which gives Taiwanese players a competitive edge on the global stage,” Wu noted.

To push 3×3 basketball onto the international platform, Wu has teamed up with Cheng Chih-Lung, known as the “Doctor of Basketball.” Together, they are committed to elevating Taiwan’s international standing in the sport:

“Partnering with Cheng Chih-Lung to promote 3×3 basketball is a critical step in our international ambitions, significantly boosting Taiwan’s position in the sport. Through this collaboration, we not only hope to bring Taiwan’s 3×3 basketball to the global arena but also to change public perceptions of the game, inspiring more young people to get involved and making the sport more widespread in Taiwan.”

Wu emphasises that Taiwan already has a solid foundation in 3×3 basketball, making it well-positioned to quickly integrate into international competitions and enhance its exposure and opportunities. “3×3 basketball is highly unpredictable and entertaining, making it a perfect fit for the Taiwanese market. With minimal investment, we can achieve substantial international influence through this sport,” he said. Wu also sees great commercial potential in 3×3 basketball, viewing it not just as a sport, but as a platform for promoting Taiwan’s basketball culture and facilitating international exchange.

Olympic Dreams: The Dual Challenges of the Ranking System and International Competition

Michael Wu understands that achieving the goal of competing in the Olympics is no easy feat. The Olympic ranking system requires teams to participate in enough international events to accumulate points, posing a significant challenge for the team’s preparation and strategy.

“We need to carefully select tournaments, not just based on their quality but also on how they maximise our points. That’s why our strategy focuses on high-point events such as the FIBA 3×3 World Tour and the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, ensuring we perform well in each competition,” Wu explained. He emphasised that this strategy requires not only consistent team performance but also meticulous planning and execution.

Formed in 2024, Taiwan’s first international 3×3 professional team, 3X3 Taipei Wanbao, currently ranks 38th globally. Wu views this as just the beginning of a much larger goal:

“Our international performance has already gained some recognition, which motivates us to move forward. But we also know that this ranking is not enough to meet Olympic standards. We need to continue improving our points in upcoming tournaments to ensure a smooth path to the Olympics,” Wu said, remaining cautious with each decision.

“Every game is an opportunity. We’re not just participating for the sake of it—we’re making sure that each match contributes towards our Olympic dream.”

Strategic Planning for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics

In the process of promoting the development of 3×3 basketball, Michael Wu has consistently regarded the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics as the ultimate goal, striving to bring Taiwan’s 3×3 basketball team to the Olympic stage. This journey is not only a test for the players but also a comprehensive examination of the team and strategic planning:

“Competing in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is our long-term goal, and for that, we’ve developed a comprehensive strategy. From player selection and training to ranking improvement, every aspect is carefully planned.”

When it comes to training, Wu emphasises the importance of technical refinement, physical management, and medical support. He notes that the team has already designed a customised training plan to ensure the players’ physical condition is well-maintained during high-intensity matches, minimising the risk of injury. In addition, Wu mentioned that they plan to integrate their own medical expertise to conduct professional medical assessments, addressing nutritional deficiencies or other health issues early on:

“Through medical testing, we can strengthen the players’ physical condition. If they’re lacking any nutrients, we’ll supplement them immediately, preventing problems before they arise. This ensures better health and performance, enhancing muscle endurance and even growth.”

In terms of strategy, Wu places great emphasis on nurturing young talent. He believes that the Olympics is a long-term strategic goal rather than a short-term competition, and thus, it is crucial to continually recruit and develop promising young players to prepare for the Olympics. These young athletes will become the core of the team over the next four years, raising the team’s competitive level and laying the foundation for achieving their Olympic dreams. Wu is confident that the development of this new generation of talent will be the key to Taiwan’s breakthrough on the international 3×3 basketball stage.

Wu firmly believes that with continuous effort and by staying on the right path, Taiwan’s 3×3 basketball team is destined to shine at the Los Angeles Olympics. “Our goal is not just to participate in the Olympics, but to showcase Taiwan’s basketball prowess on the Olympic stage, letting the world see our potential and determination. This is not only the players’ dream but the mission of our entire team.” These precise strategic deployments and comprehensive support systems demonstrate Wu’s passion and vision for Taiwan basketball, paving the way for Taiwan’s 3×3 team to achieve their Olympic dream.

Businesses and Government Join Forces to Elevate Taiwan’s Basketball Culture

In the process of promoting 3×3 basketball, Michael Wu has faced challenges from both the government and businesses. Some government officials and corporate leaders have questioned the connection between the team’s name and the city it represents. In response, Wu argued that the team’s performance on the international stage draws far more global attention, helping to elevate Taipei’s international profile. This kind of exposure, he noted, has a far greater impact than local competitions, effectively putting Taipei on the world map:

“Our team isn’t just competing; every appearance is an opportunity to showcase Taiwan to the world. It’s a unique chance to raise Taiwan’s global visibility, and this is far more valuable than mere sponsorships or advertising. We participate in international competitions not only to compete but to promote Taiwan’s image through action. This cultural export grabs international attention in a way that local games simply can’t, truly allowing the world to understand Taiwan.”

Wu believes that for Taiwanese basketball to achieve greater success internationally, the support of both businesses and the government is crucial. Sports, he stressed, are an essential part of a nation’s overall strength, beyond just economics and military power. Businesses can enhance the influence of basketball through branding partnerships and creative marketing, while also encouraging more young people to get involved in the sport. The government, on the other hand, should provide institutional support, such as considering the elevation of the Sports Administration to a Ministry of Sport, to further prioritise and support athletic development.

To drive the future growth of Taiwanese basketball, Wu calls for collaboration between businesses and the government. Such partnerships, he explained, would not only strengthen athletic prowess but also help create a cultural emblem that represents the spirit of Taiwan, with 3×3 basketball becoming a key voice for Taiwan on the global stage. “The influence of sports goes far beyond the games themselves; it’s a vital tool for showcasing a country’s soft power.” He is confident that with collective efforts, Taiwan’s 3×3 basketball can not only achieve great results in competitions but also demonstrate Taiwan’s innovation and vitality in international cultural exchanges:

“I hope businesses and the government recognise the potential and value of 3×3 basketball and take tangible actions to support the growth of this sport. Through this cooperation, Taiwan’s 3×3 basketball can become a shining card on the international stage, not just for the sake of competition but to tell Taiwan’s story to the world.”

From Transformation to Leadership: TDEA’s Business Transformation Institute Paves the Way for a New Future for Enterprises

In the process of promoting 3×3 basketball on the international stage, Michael Wu emphasises that beyond the team’s strength and strategic planning, support from various sectors is crucial. Wu has been involved with the Taiwan Digital Enterprise Alliance (TDEA) and its “Business Transformation Institute,” which serves as a transformative amplifier that blends tradition with innovation, helping businesses find new growth momentum during key moments of succession and transformation. This has significantly contributed to the development of 3×3 basketball.

“The Business Transformation Institute has played a vital role in our efforts to promote 3×3 basketball. Not only has it provided resources and professional advice, but it has also helped us discover more collaboration opportunities by integrating resources from various fields,” Wu explained. He pointed out that the institute’s support in resource integration has given the team greater confidence in facing challenges.

TDEA’s Business Transformation Institute encourages next-generation entrepreneurs to leverage internal and external entrepreneurial experiences and resources, fostering the integration and development of “first-generation” and “second-generation” entrepreneurs. This model not only offers businesses a growth platform but also acts as an innovation amplifier, guiding companies to find their unique path of transformation amidst change.

As a second-generation entrepreneur himself, Wu also calls on other second-generation business leaders to join this transformative movement. He believes this is not just his individual effort but one that requires collective action:

“I hope other second-generation entrepreneurs can use their influence and join us. This isn’t just about promoting 3×3 basketball—it’s about empowering Taiwanese businesses to unite on the international stage, rallying more support for Taiwan’s basketball and showing the world our strength.”

Wu further emphasised that true leadership lies in resource integration, inspiring teams, and guiding everyone towards a common goal. “Leadership is not just about management and decision-making, but about unleashing the potential of every team member, making them feel like part of a greater vision.” This is precisely the effect Wu hopes to achieve through collaboration with the Business Transformation Institute, attracting more partners to drive the growth of Taiwan’s 3×3 basketball on the global stage:

“We are not just aiming to win every game, but to showcase Taiwan’s strength and spirit to the world. Through the internationalisation of 3×3 basketball, we want to prove that Taiwan not only has a place in global competition but can also become a leader. This is not just a victory for sports, but a victory for Taiwan.”

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In the highly unpredictable world of 3×3 basketball, Cheng Chih-Lung, Vice Chairman of Wanbao Marketing and known as the “Doctor of Basketball,” sees tremendous potential in the 3×3 basketball industry. He has been actively planning the U23 Basketball League, leading teams to participate in major international tournaments, and delving into the 3×3 basketball sector. His goal is to give Taiwan the opportunity to shine on the global stage and secure its place in the international sports arena.

In an interview with《The Icons》, Cheng reflected on his lifelong passion for basketball: “From the moment I first picked up a basketball in middle school, it has been with me throughout my life. For me, basketball is an indispensable part of my daily life, and I’ve always treated it as my most beloved career.” With Taiwan’s economic rise and increased funding from the military, government, and private sectors, the training conditions and treatment of basketball players have significantly improved. Following the footsteps of Taiwan’s national team, Cheng travelled across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. These experiences broadened his horizons and further strengthened his belief that basketball is his lifelong passion:

“Basketball is not just a sport, it’s an industry with immense potential. Beyond keeping fit and having fun, basketball, much like the cycling industry, has established a vast industrial chain, involving many specialised fields such as protective gear and medical services. It supports countless people in related professions.” This realisation led Cheng to ponder the potential commercial value that could be found within the basketball industry.

“Great leaders succeed not because of their own brilliance, but because they inspire others to unlock their potential. As a leader in 3×3 basketball, my responsibility is not to have everyone follow my plans, but to help them achieve their own goals, then unite these efforts to move the team forward together.” Cheng’s philosophy of harnessing collective strength is not only driving the progress of Taiwanese basketball but is also painting a hopeful future for 3×3 basketball.

A Basketball Dream Beyond Borders: Writing a Career with Steadfast Determination

Cheng Chih-Lung was born in 1969, during a time of great upheaval and change within Taiwan’s sports industry. Growing up amidst this period of transformation, he witnessed the immense power of sports and its potential for development. Reflecting on his early experiences, Cheng passionately recalls, “I’ve always dedicated myself to basketball because I believed that this path could become a way of life.” Cheng started playing basketball during middle school and admits that during training, he realised he was resilient and more passionate about basketball than academics, which led him to pursue the sport further. The hardships of basketball training didn’t deter him; instead, they fuelled his determination. He channelled his passion into strength, fully committing to basketball and gradually discovering his niche.

As Cheng matured, Taiwan’s sports scene began to gain support from governmental and military bodies. By the time he entered high school and university, private enterprises had also started investing, improving athletes’ conditions and training environments. “After going through constant challenges and hard work, I found that basketball was my true passion, and I realised this was the lifestyle I wanted, something I’d dedicate myself to for life.”

“I was fortunate to be selected for the national team and participated in numerous key events, both at home and abroad. These experiences truly made me understand the saying, ‘Travelling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books,'” Cheng reminisced about his time with the national team.

“These international competitions not only improved my technical skills but also gave me the opportunity to immerse myself in various cultures, sample local cuisine, and explore cities I would never have seen if I had stayed in Taiwan. This sport taught me to view basketball from a broader perspective.”

For Cheng, basketball is more than just a sport; it’s a cultural exchange. “Basketball is a form of cross-cultural communication that connects people from different backgrounds. As a bridge between nations, it fosters cultural interaction and has the potential to become a global language.”

What may seem like a simple industry is, in fact, composed of many intricate layers. “I believe basketball is not just an activity or a culture, but an industry. Every aspect requires a significant amount of expertise and human resources,” Cheng explained. The basketball industry extends beyond the game itself, encompassing peripheral sectors such as protective gear, specialised clothing, and health services. These elements form a stable economic foundation, supporting countless families. “The success of this industry made me wonder whether basketball could, like other sports industries, offer further avenues for growth.”

Drawing Inspiration from Global Experience, Unleashing the Limitless Potential of Taiwan’s 3×3 Basketball

Before the outbreak of the pandemic, Cheng Chih-Lung had spent many years developing his basketball career in China, accumulating a wealth of experience and building strong connections. However, when the pandemic struck, he was forced to return to Taiwan. This change prompted him to reconsider how to establish his basketball business in his homeland, turning his experiences in China into new opportunities.

“After returning to Taiwan, I initially started by focusing on 5-on-5 basketball. Later, when I moved to Kaohsiung, I met Michael Wu, Chairman of Wanbao Marketing, who had once managed the Kaohsiung Steelers basketball team. We discussed how the 5-on-5 basketball market had become quite mature, with significant capital investment involved. However, as the basketball market evolved, in 2018, China began promoting 3×3 basketball, backed by Japan and the Asian Basketball Federation, and started expanding the market to regional sectors.”

After analysing market data and holding discussions with Chairman Wu, Cheng realised that 3×3 basketball had immense potential as a future sport, further solidifying his belief in the path ahead. Drawing on his experience, Cheng began nurturing young basketball players across Taiwan, giving them opportunities to compete in international tournaments. “Participating in international competitions not only enhances players’ skills but also deepens their interest and passion for the sport. When these young athletes get the chance to perform on a bigger stage, their horizons broaden, and their understanding of basketball deepens.”

In terms of team management and training, Cheng ensures that training is carried out efficiently and that the team remains competitive in matches. Each year, the team selects around 10 to 20 new players from universities, seeking individuals with an interest and potential in 3×3 basketball for specialised training. “The talent pool ultimately comes from universities. That’s why we choose universities as the starting point. University basketball is not only the place where many young players first learn the game but also serves as a springboard for them to advance to higher-level competitions.”

Thanks to Cheng’s efforts, the basketball community has begun recognising the international development benefits of participating in 3×3 basketball, and its crucial role within the broader basketball ecosystem. He has also turned his attention to professional 5-on-5 players in Taiwan: “We invited two local players from other teams to participate in 3×3 basketball tournaments. After playing in two games, they genuinely became interested in the sport. For them, it was a brand-new experience. In 5-on-5, there may only be a handful of international matches in a year, but the very nature of 3×3 basketball is constant competition with international teams.” He explained that while 5-on-5 basketball undoubtedly garners media attention and prestige, providing players with a sense of security and comfort, they found a refreshing sense of novelty in 3×3 basketball that 5-on-5 couldn’t offer.

Through the U23 League, Taiwan’s 3×3 Basketball is Gaining Global Recognition

Looking forward to the international development of Taiwanese basketball, Cheng Chih-Lung has proposed the idea of establishing the U23 League, an important strategic move for the future. The U23 League is a competitive platform designed for players under the age of 23, not only to enhance their skills but also to discover and nurture potential athletic talent. Through intense, real-world experiences, the league helps players adapt to the pace and demands of professional play, laying a solid foundation for their future careers while also supplying fresh talent for the national and professional teams. Cheng emphasised that the establishment of this league is not just about increasing the number of teams but, more importantly, providing young players with a platform to participate in international competitions. He hopes to officially launch the programme next year and increase basketball participation through the U23 League.

However, the process of engaging with businesses and the government has not been without its challenges. “Within the current system, the government and businesses don’t understand 3×3 basketball; they only have the concept of 5-on-5. This has often been a bottleneck when organising the U23 League,” Cheng explained. Discussions with these groups have typically framed 3×3 within the context of 5-on-5 basketball, which has created significant challenges and resistance in promoting the 3×3 format. But Cheng believes that 3×3 is more like the touring model of tennis or golf, a global league concept rather than a traditional, location-based sport: “Although both 3×3 and 5-on-5 are basketball, they differ significantly in terms of rules, ball size, and court dimensions.”

Cheng is currently in deep discussions with various relevant organisations to prepare for the launch of the U23 League next year. “The primary target for the U23 League is university students, with some graduate students possibly participating as well. We’ve already received initial support from several universities, and these schools are willing to send their best players to compete in the league, which has brought us one step closer to making the U23 League a reality.”

Through cooperation with businesses and the government, recruitment of new talent, and active planning, Cheng hopes to introduce more people to the unique charm of 3×3 basketball. “This is a point-based competition, much like badminton, tennis, or golf. As long as the points are high enough, you can enter international competitions. The threshold for participating in FIBA (International Basketball Federation) competitions has been lowered compared to the past. The national team’s ranking system now depends on the scores of 25 players, but this may be reduced to 20 in the future, which is great news for Taiwan’s international aspirations.”

Building and maintaining a team is full of challenges, but Cheng is confident that he is on the right path. He explained that the ultimate goal of participating in FIBA competitions is to eventually qualify for the Olympic 3×3 basketball tournament. With the establishment of the U23 League, the team will accumulate experience and points through FIBA tournaments, striving for Olympic qualification, which not only showcases the team’s strength but also builds a solid foundation for realising the Olympic dream.

Respecting Team Consensus, Leading Taiwan’s Basketball World into a New Era

“After coming up with the idea of establishing the U23 League, I became even more convinced of the saying ‘Travelling thousands of miles is better than reading thousands of books,'” said Cheng Chih-Lung. Players who have competed internationally and travelled to different countries have experienced the excitement of facing foreign teams and gained unique inspiration from diverse cultures. Cheng hopes that through the U23 League, his teams can secure international support from governments and corporations, helping to cultivate more internationally competitive young talent in Taiwan.

As a leader in the 3×3 basketball industry, Cheng is keenly aware that the real key lies in respecting and supporting the ideas of the team: “As the leader, the key is not to have everyone carry out my ideas, but rather to help everyone realise what they want to achieve. My role is to integrate those ideas and lead the team forward.” He believes that only when each individual can excel in their passion can the team come together, working towards a shared goal.

“In these young players, I see a reflection of my own relentless efforts on the international stage back in the day. The U23 League has made me more certain that what we are doing now is the right path!” As he works to promote Taiwanese basketball on the global stage, Cheng’s vision goes far beyond winning titles in international competitions. For him, it’s not just a contest, but a vital opportunity to showcase Taiwan’s innovation and vitality. He firmly believes that this emerging platform of 3×3 basketball can inject new energy into Taiwanese basketball while also demonstrating Taiwan’s potential and competitiveness in sports development to the world.

Teamwork is the fuel that drives people towards a common vision, allowing ordinary individuals to achieve extraordinary results. Cheng’s vision is not just about advancing Taiwanese basketball but is a broader push for the entire development of sports in Taiwan:

“Through 3×3 basketball, I hope to show Taiwan’s young players that they can shine on the international stage, earning respect and recognition for Taiwan. This is not only my goal but also a new standard for Taiwanese basketball, one that will showcase our strength to the world!”

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The post From the Court to the Global Stage, “Doctor of Basketball” Cheng Chih-Lung: 3×3 Basketball is Putting Taiwan on the World Map! first appeared on The Icons.