“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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Bella Wang, CEO of TDEA: Leading the Dual Transformation of Digitalization and Sustainability to Expand Taiwan’s Global Business Influence

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.

Bella Wang, Executive Director of the Taiwan Digital Enterprise Alliance (TDEA), leverages her professional expertise and keen insights to provide comprehensive support for next-generation entrepreneurs. Acting as both a companion and a driver of change, she leads businesses to tackle challenges, overcome bottlenecks, and realize sustainable value creation.

In an interview with《The Icons》, Bella Wang shared, “What I enjoy most is simply being there to support.” She not only helps businesses address the technical challenges of digital transformation but also focuses on creating an ecosystem that connects industries, government, and academia. Her vision ensures that every emerging entrepreneur finds a stage for growth within TDEA.

“Digital transformation and sustainability are not two separate paths but an integrated ecosystem that must advance together.” To Bella Wang, TDEA’s mission is not just about solving technical problems; it is about building a collaborative platform that empowers businesses, integrates resources, and drives innovation. From guiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digital upgrades to helping Taiwanese companies enter international markets, she firmly believes that collaboration is the key for businesses to navigate disruptions and emerge stronger.

Through its partnership with TDEA, many next-generation entrepreneurs have transitioned from traditional models to digitalization and taken on more active roles in sustainability initiatives. Together, they have paved a clear path for Taiwanese enterprises toward globalization and sustainable development:

“Business transformation is like rowing against the current—standing still means falling behind. In this rapidly changing world, digital transformation delivers efficiency and innovation, while sustainability establishes long-term social responsibility and core values for businesses. Only by combining the two can companies break through competition, set benchmarks in the market, and generate lasting growth and impact.”

Solutions to the Challenges of Transformation: Bridging Talent and Funding Gaps

The challenges of digital transformation lie not only in technology but also in integrating internal and external resources to maximize overall effectiveness, a critical issue for SMEs. Bella Wang points out that businesses often face dual bottlenecks of talent and funding, which can only be overcome with tailored solutions.

Mr. Fossil Co., Ltd. serves as a typical example. This traditional fossil restoration team previously relied on manual techniques, limiting efficiency and making market expansion difficult. TDEA’s intervention helped them introduce 3D modeling and printing technologies, significantly enhancing restoration efficiency and digitalizing their data, paving the way for innovation through virtual and physical integration. They further ventured into the new commercial realm by launching dinosaur-related NFT products.

However, beyond technological breakthroughs, funding remained a major challenge. TDEA introduced a “limited partnership model,” releasing partial equity to investors while enabling the team to focus on core operations and achieve flexible capital utilization. “For instance, the triceratops fossil discovered in the United States was successfully acquired and restored through this model, offering investors potential returns of 40% to 60% in the future.”

Additionally, TDEA has focused on talent cultivation, helping businesses establish internal training systems and collaborating with academic institutions to address the shortage of technical talent. “Funding and talent are complementary key factors in the transformation process. Only by integrating external resources can businesses progress steadily,” Wang emphasized.

Innovative Promotion: The Breakthrough Path for Small E-commerce Businesses

Amid the wave of digital transformation, small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses often face challenges such as limited resources and intense competition. For Vege King Co., Ltd., a platform specializing in vegetable and meat sales, these obstacles once hindered its growth. However, with the guidance of mentors from the Business Transformation Institute under TDEA, Vege King made a remarkable breakthrough in 2024, becoming a noteworthy case study.

“Like many small e-commerce businesses in Taiwan, they initially lacked a standout feature,” said Bella Wang. With TDEA’s guidance, Vege King reorganized its entire e-commerce operations, optimizing supply chain management and experimenting with short video marketing tools to increase brand exposure. “These innovative approaches made their sales strategy more agile and aligned with modern consumers’ shopping habits,” Wang explained.

The results of this transformation were impressive. Vege King not only achieved significant business growth but also became a finalist in a prestigious annual e-commerce competition, competing alongside established giants like Yahoo and PChome. “This recognition was not only an honor but also a testament to their hard work and determination,” Wang added.

Behind Vege King’s success lies the comprehensive support of TDEA for emerging entrepreneurs. From technology adoption to operational strategy refinement, the tailored solutions provided by experienced mentors enabled the company to maximize efficiency with limited resources. “This transformation demonstrated the tangible impact of mentorship and revealed the potential and resilience of small e-commerce businesses,” Wang concluded.

Deepening Collaboration to Build a Comprehensive Transformation Ecosystem

When discussing future plans, Bella Wang revealed that TDEA will advance with a dual-brand strategy featuring “Zero⁺ College” and the “Business Transformation Institute” to create a comprehensive transformation ecosystem for enterprises. Zero⁺ College focuses on digital optimization and low-carbon management, while the Business Transformation Institute aids businesses in exploring innovative business models and accelerating growth through capital strategies. “The future ecosystem development will address three major pain points in business transformation—lack of talent, technology, and capital,” she explained. TDEA aims not only to resolve immediate challenges but also to provide long-term support for sustainable growth.

To address talent shortages, TDEA actively collaborates with regional universities, assisting companies in drafting sustainability reports while offering students hands-on platforms. “Many SMEs face challenges in data organization and report writing. These collaborations solve urgent issues for businesses while providing students with practical experience, benefiting both parties.”

For technological advancements, TDEA underscores the importance of resource integration by facilitating partnerships between member companies and academic institutions to develop data analysis models and patented technologies for commercialization. For example, a manufacturing member, through TDEA’s connections, successfully partnered with a renowned technical university to upgrade its factory automation, increasing production efficiency by 30% and significantly reducing carbon emissions. “This model of technological cooperation will continue to evolve, driving innovation within the ecosystem.”

To address funding gaps, TDEA offers diverse solutions, linking businesses to government subsidies, low-interest loans, and capital operation strategies to alleviate financial pressure. For instance, a member company developed an AI supply chain management system with TDEA’s guidance, securing policy funding that greatly enhanced operational efficiency. “TDEA acts as a bridge between businesses and resources, ensuring every dollar maximizes value to support continuous innovation.”

Bella Wang emphasized that the ecosystem’s construction aims not only to help businesses sustain operations but also to drive upgrades across the entire industrial chain. “Through ecosystem collaboration, businesses no longer operate in isolation but join forces with like-minded partners to explore greater possibilities.” This collaborative model not only fosters synergy across industries but also attracts new-generation entrepreneurs to join TDEA’s platform, propelling industries toward higher levels of international competitiveness:

“Digital and sustainable ‘dual-axis transformation’ requires more than individual technologies; it demands an ecosystem of integrated resources and coordinated development. Only by combining talent, technology, and funding can businesses navigate uncertainty and achieve sustainable long-term growth.”

The Next Step in Globalization: The Key Lies in Team Effort

Facing the rapid changes in global markets, Bella Wang pointed out that Taiwanese businesses often miss opportunities on the international stage due to insufficient resource integration. “Korean companies have successfully entered global markets through supply chain integration and a team-based approach, whereas Taiwanese businesses are still accustomed to fighting solo. This is something we must change.”

To address this, TDEA actively connects resources between Taiwan and ASEAN markets to promote the concept of team-based strategies. For example, plans are underway to organize an industry exploration tour in Vietnam. This initiative aims to help member companies gain deeper insights into the local industry and policy environment while facilitating connections with Taiwanese organizations and potential partners in the region. “Vietnam, with its large population, strong consumption potential, and robust manufacturing foundation, is an important market for Taiwanese businesses to explore,” Wang emphasized.

Additionally, TDEA strongly supports the adoption of holding company models to integrate resources, reduce administrative costs, and enhance international competitiveness. “In the past, businesses participated in trade shows individually with limited results. Through holding companies, businesses can share marketing resources, establish a unified brand image, and negotiate with greater leverage,” Wang noted. This approach not only alleviates the burden on SMEs but also significantly enhances the exposure and competitiveness of entire industries in the international market.

Wang stressed that globalization is not just about “going abroad” but about creating value through multi-faceted connections. “We must move past the mindset of fighting alone. By adopting team-based strategies, more Taiwanese businesses can secure a foothold in global markets.” She believes that integrating resources and collaborative strategies are the keys to overcoming existing barriers.

Wang highlighted that by 2022, the GDP of ASEAN countries had reached 4.8 times that of Taiwan and is set to surpass Japan’s within five years. “This wave of industrial relocation is a critical opportunity for Taiwanese businesses. From supply chain collaborations to co-building brands, TDEA will assist companies in seizing this momentum, promoting the export of Taiwan’s manufacturing technologies, and even exploring local M&A opportunities.”

Globalization requires not only professional expertise but also integrated thinking and team strategies. By sharing resources and fostering industry cooperation, Taiwanese businesses can leverage their strengths and establish a strong presence on the international stage.

Looking Ahead to COP30: The Critical Opportunity for Zero-Carbon and Digital Integration

COP30, as a global focal point for climate change, not only represents the international community’s efforts toward carbon neutrality but also offers Taiwanese enterprises a platform for showcasing achievements and exploring collaboration opportunities. Bella Wang emphasizes that this milestone “COP30” conference serves as a pivotal moment for integrating zero-carbon initiatives with digital transformation.

“Carbon reduction and digitalization must be viewed as one cohesive strategy to truly enhance a company’s global competitiveness,” she explained.

Over the past few years, TDEA’s “Zero⁺ College” initiative has supported companies in conducting carbon footprint audits and integrating digital technologies into their processes, ensuring data transparency and systematization. “This not only aligns businesses with international sustainability standards but also empowers them to confidently showcase their achievements on the global stage while unlocking new commercial opportunities.”

With COP30 on the horizon, Bella Wang sees a promising role for Taiwanese enterprises, describing it as a critical juncture for fostering international collaboration. “Taiwanese companies should seize this opportunity to establish partnerships with international organizations and foreign enterprises, exporting technology and expertise to jointly advance carbon reduction goals,” she urged. Businesses must transcend the role of participants to become solution creators, making meaningful contributions to global climate challenges through innovative actions.

The significance of COP30 lies not just in dialogues but in actionable outcomes. “We need to transform the ideas and strategies discussed during the conference into concrete business practices. This is the key to demonstrating a company’s influence in the global market,” Wang stated. TDEA is committed to helping companies identify effective strategies and partners, ensuring that sustainability becomes a cornerstone of their competitive edge.

Co-Creating the Future of Industry to Achieve Greater Impact

In the wave of global economic and technological transformation, every step a business takes resembles a journey upstream—progress is essential, or risk falling behind. Bella Wang firmly believes that only through continuous innovation, upgrading, and transformation can companies not only stand firm in turbulent environments but also lead the change. “Taiwanese companies have unlimited potential. Our responsibility is to help them turn that potential into tangible achievements and amplify their voices on the global stage.”

Looking ahead, TDEA plans to deepen the construction of its ecosystem, from digital transformation to sustainable development, offering businesses a more comprehensive support system. By integrating industrial resources, expert consulting, and innovative capital, TDEA aims to not only help enterprises overcome current challenges but also achieve long-term competitiveness. “We hope every company can become a driving force for changing industry norms—not only succeeding in local markets but also building deep partnerships with international collaborators to expand Taiwan’s influence globally.”

TDEA’s efforts have not only enhanced internal capabilities for businesses but also facilitated the realization of multiple cross-border cooperation models. By sharing resources and co-building brands, TDEA member companies have demonstrated unprecedented competitiveness and synergy in regional markets. In a short time, these companies have not only significantly increased their market share but have also successfully entered international arenas, including ASEAN and emerging markets. “This is not an individual battle but a collective advancement of the industry,” Wang emphasized. Only through unified strength can Taiwanese companies gain greater voice and achieve collective industry upgrades in the global market.

Bella Wang believes that future industry leaders must possess not only an innovative vision but also a collaborative mindset and international ambition. “The global market is filled with opportunities and challenges. Only by co-creating can we find certainty in an uncertain future.” For TDEA, supporting each company in achieving a blend of digitalization and sustainability while helping them shine on the global stage is both a responsibility and a mission:

“The strength of Taiwanese enterprises lies in cooperation and innovation. We must be part of the global solution rather than mere spectators. In the future, only by empowering one another and moving forward together can Taiwan’s influence extend beyond today, shaping future generations and becoming a key driver of global industrial progress.”

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The post Bella Wang, CEO of TDEA: Leading the Dual Transformation of Digitalization and Sustainability to Expand Taiwan’s Global Business Influence first appeared on The Icons.

“TDEA’s goal has always been clear: to help the second generation ‘transform’ and ‘move towards sustainability.'”

Years of accompanying young entrepreneurs and business growth have allowed her to build deep friendships with many business managers and successors. This has also given her various insights into different industries. Bella Wang has come up with the idea of integrating the first and second generations of enterprises to jointly face the intense international competition. Her concept includes assisting companies in planning sustainable “zero-carbon transformation” while undergoing “digital transformation.”

“To help businesses find the most suitable solutions in the dual challenges of ‘digital transformation’ and ‘zero-carbon transformation,’ and to stand out in fierce global competition, we established ‘Zero⁺ College’.” TDEA and Bella Wang, with this goal, lead second-generation business leaders to join the learning team personally and implement the latest management and operation strategies. As a result, “Zero⁺ College” has become an important incubator for business transformation and innovation.

“Dual-Axis Transformation” Has Become a Mandatory Path for Businesses at the Crossroads

For many years, TDEA has been actively promoting “digital transformation” and “zero-carbon transformation,” integrating expertise horizontally and vertically. By the end of 2021, TDEA had established the “Zero⁺ College,” bringing together resources from industry, government, and academia to assist businesses in achieving “dual-axis transformation” and laying a solid foundation for the future competitiveness of various brands. By 2024, nearly 44 companies had been nurtured, and the graduates of “Zero⁺ College” successfully held their graduation ceremony in early May.

The core mission of “Zero⁺ College” includes leading enterprises and supply chains in “business model technology innovation” and “industry transformation and upgrading,” and assisting in the development of enterprise-specific net-zero emission roadmaps. With the integration of over 30 industry mentors, the curriculum covers areas beyond “digital transformation” and “zero-carbon transformation,” including talent management, brand promotion, and corporate leadership strategies, providing comprehensive guidance and support for the students, especially helping young entrepreneurs in global market deployment.

“Sustainability issues are a mandatory course for today’s leaders. When businesses undergo ‘dual-axis transformation,’ they are already enhancing their international competitiveness. Therefore, at ‘Zero⁺ College,’ we emphasize not only how businesses should transform but also how the mindset of business leaders must be renewed and iterated,” said Bella Wang.

TDEA Mentors Empower “Zero⁺ College” Students to Rapidly Upgrade Businesses

In May this year, at the graduation ceremony of the second cohort of “Zero⁺ College,” graduates of “Zero⁺ College” and new students of the Business Transformation Institute gathered together, with media flashlights constantly capturing the moments. Since its establishment, “Zero⁺ College” has nurtured 44 leading companies from various fields. Under the guidance of TDEA mentors, business leaders have achieved new business breakthroughs, showcasing TDEA’s outstanding success in promoting “dual-axis transformation.”

As one of Taiwan’s professional all-terrain vehicle (ATV) manufacturers, Access Motor specializes in the independent development of ATV engines, starting with the 50cc cylinder engine and increasing by two new products each year, continuously improving quality and performance. General Manager Mei-Ching Huang stated, “During the one-year learning journey at ‘Zero⁺ College,’ I learned a lot, from industry integration and international expansion to carbon rights planning. The mentors at TDEA gave me many effective suggestions, and through exchanges with classmates, my perspective has also broadened.”

“Our previous market focus was more on Europe and the Middle East, but we are now looking to expand into the United States,” added Mei-Ching Huang. “The mentor assigned to me by Zero⁺ College is also a veteran in the automotive industry, with extensive experience in this field, greatly helping us in our market layout and strategy formulation for the U.S. market.”

Mei-Ching Huang mentioned that TDEA mentors also provided guidance on Access Motor’s blueprint from ATVs to electric ATVs, analyzing the differences between ATVs and regular cars, summarizing the pros and cons of various solutions, and considering different countries and terrains to assist in formulating consumer strategies for vehicle selection:

“The mentors have a deep understanding of the automotive industry and assist us in adjusting strategies during classes. Since our ATVs usually operate on rough terrains like mountains or riverbeds, unlike regular cars that only run on flat roads, different solutions are needed. Under TDEA’s guidance, we can more clearly understand and amplify our advantages, trying more different possibilities,” shared Mei-Ching Huang, General Manager of Access Motor.

“Zero⁺ College” Fosters Mutual Learning Between Teachers and Students, Accelerating Business Transformation with TDEA

After receiving guidance from the mentors at “Zero⁺ College,” the graduates have achieved fruitful results in their respective fields. In the new year, in addition to welcoming outstanding Zero⁺ College graduates, TDEA is elevating “transformation” to a new height by merging “Digital Transformation University” and “Zero⁺ College” into the “Business Transformation Institute.” Many students and companies are continuing their participation from “Zero⁺ College” to the “Business Transformation Institute,” including COMBIS SPORT Co., Ltd.

“TDEA’s assistance is very specific, such as understanding and executing various project subsidies. What I especially appreciate is how TDEA assigns suitable mentors based on the real situation of each company. Through exchanges with mentors and students, we can learn from the problems our company faces, gaining insights and extracting many ideas and strategies we hadn’t considered before,” shared Cheng-Ying Tsai, General Manager of COMBIS SPORT, about his experience at Zero⁺ College.

“We are dedicated to manufacturing and exporting high-end archery equipment and outdoor sports products. During the mentoring process, I also reinforced the concept of intelligent energy saving, allowing the team to incorporate these ideas and plans into our growth blueprint. Throughout these processes, I also learned how to collect and apply various data, which is very helpful for the company’s next steps.”

Yang Tzu-Yi, Senior Vice President representing COMBIS SPORT at the “Business Transformation Institute,” also shared his insights on interactions with other students: “During the learning journey at TDEA, leaders teach and learn from each other, learning how to become more influential. I like to use the heliotropism of sunflowers to describe the leadership I learned here. Influential leaders will have a large group of sunflowers under them, willing to grow with them. Eventually, the sunflowers will become suns themselves, influencing more sunflowers.”

Yang Tzu-Yi also mentioned that during the pandemic years, their customers faced high inventory pressures, and the company needed to readjust. “We restructured our organization and processes. The mentors were very attentive in their guidance and provided detailed suggestions for our issues. I must say, every company here is valued, which is one of the reasons we are willing to follow TDEA all the way.”

ESG Is Not a Challenge, Businesses Can Still Grow Revenue

Many businesses have achieved revenue growth through the empowerment of “Zero⁺ College.” Kuan-Jung Su, the IT Manager of SAINT PAUL, led the SAINT PAUL stores to a revenue increase of 11.8% and a 16.5% increase in average transaction value in March 2024 compared to the same period last year, thanks to the guidance of the mentors.

“In this year, I learned a lot of business strategies from the mentors, from the logic of retail display, to the nine-grid analysis of product gross profit and sales volume, step-by-step optimization of product structure, and analysis of business district characteristics. Strategies were formulated from multiple dimensions such as product, channel, and price, benefiting greatly in all aspects.” Su further explained that during his learning journey with TDEA, he not only enhanced the company’s operational efficiency but also improved the employees’ sensitivity and response speed to market dynamics.

Additionally, Si-Ke Chen, Chairman of NINGBO EXCELLENCE COMMUNICATED CONNECTOR Co., Ltd., particularly benefited from the carbon reduction topics: “Since the Industrial Revolution, people have realized that the high-carbon, high-pollution economic model has caused problems. The Taiwanese government is also promoting net-zero emission policies to encourage companies to undergo green transformation. Initially, our company only installed solar power and didn’t know other methods of carbon reduction. We wanted to save energy but lacked actual energy consumption data. Now, with the guidance of ‘Zero⁺ College’ mentors, we are continuously optimizing our strategy and becoming more confident in the sustainability path.”

To address the challenges companies face in green transformation, “Zero⁺ College” also provides a series of professional training and support. Pei-Tzu Huang, Executive Vice President of TIENKANG Co., Ltd., shared: “When implementing ESG, employees often resist or reject it, causing delays in our ESG progress. During the ‘Zero⁺ College’ program, I led my colleagues to understand ‘why we need to do ESG,’ deeply exploring the concrete benefits of this initiative for everyone. Despite various challenges, we successfully passed the ISO 14064-1 (greenhouse gas verification and certification for organizations) assessment in the first quarter of this year. At this moment, witnessed by TDEA partners, I also hope our efforts can benefit the whole society.”

In Effective Strategies, Challenges Become the Cornerstones of Transformation

“Zero⁺ College” has successfully played the role of the “best intermediary,” solving problems for businesses and helping leaders formulate long-term strategies for climate change and environmental protection. By achieving carbon neutrality and net-zero emissions, companies can find new business opportunities in the wave of sustainability, reduce their negative environmental impact, and enhance their brand value and market competitiveness.

During transformation, companies inevitably face many challenges, including technical issues such as data analysis, data security, and digital process optimization, which often require various forms of support. Bella Wang pointed out, “How to efficiently manage resources? How to improve productivity and reduce operational costs? How to tackle technical challenges? These are the ‘inner demons’ that many business leaders accumulate. ‘Zero⁺ College’ can help leaders overcome these ‘inner demons,’ address pain points, and assist companies in achieving effective transformation through comprehensive digitalization.”

After receiving training at “Zero⁺ College,” many business owners have learned to view problems more broadly and even turn challenges into cornerstones for revenue growth. Tsung-Yu Hsiao, Chairman of Mr.Fossil Co., Ltd., shared, “After discussing with the mentors at ‘Zero⁺ College,’ I redefined our transformation plan, starting with introducing 3D scanning and printing in the restoration department. We found that 3D scanning technology can preserve fossil textures perfectly, store files on computers without taking up space like molds did, and add more creative ideas to produce more innovative products.”

Chin-Tsan Ho, Associate Manager of OSCARMAX Co., Ltd., who graduated from “Zero⁺ College,” also pointed out that TDEA made him understand that “digital transformation” is no longer just a topic but a rigid demand. After a year of immersion, he reflected that as a business operator, he should have a comprehensive view and invest time and resources in areas with higher leverage:

“I have recently shifted my focus to talent development and training while keeping a close watch on the development of new technologies because I realized at ‘Zero⁺ College’ that there are no sunset industries, only sunset mindsets. It all depends on how we view the world,” said Chin-Tsan Ho. Graduates have not only demonstrated outstanding achievements in their respective industries but also made breakthroughs in “zero-carbon transformation,” setting examples for other businesses.

Bella Wang: Combining “Innovation,” “Upgrading,” and “Transformation” Can Rewrite International Market Rules

Facing fierce international competition, Bella Wang shared her perspective: “As everyone knows, when facing internationalization, topics such as language, cultural adaptation, and talent are essential. However, the most critical success factor is ‘resource integration.’ Leaders must understand that in international competition, you cannot fight alone. Walking together with a group allows you to go further. In other words, various talents and resources must be integrated, and this is precisely what TDEA excels at.”

Bella Wang particularly emphasized that TDEA understands that the relationship between the “first-generation entrepreneurs” and the “second-generation entrepreneurs” should not be competitive, and succession should not become a matter of friction. Successful succession sometimes just lacks a guiding transformation, and TDEA’s “Zero⁺ College” and “Business Transformation Institute,” established for young entrepreneurs, are empowering business leaders to continuously advance in this cycle, keeping them in leading positions in the market:

“From ‘Zero⁺ College’ to the ‘Business Transformation Institute,’ TDEA is integrating the best talents across generations in businesses, gathering collective strength to help business leaders shine on the world stage,” said Bella Wang. She highlighted three key elements: “Innovation” is the core for businesses to maintain competitiveness; “Upgrading” is crucial for businesses to continue progressing amid fierce competition; and “Transformation” is the deciding factor for businesses to adapt to market changes:

“Only by closely combining ‘innovation,’ ‘upgrading,’ and ‘transformation’ can businesses showcase stronger competitiveness on the international stage and even rewrite market rules!”

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The post Taiwan Digital Enterprise Alliance Leads Second-Generation Entrepreneurs to Thrive and Shine, Driving Business Operations to New Heights through Dual-Axis Transformation! first appeared on The Icons.