-- Joe Chang
CHAIRMAN OF TAIWAN WOODWORKING MACHINERY ASSOCIATION

Additionally, future trends such as net-zero emissions, ESG requirements for businesses, and the growing influence of AI will play a crucial role in the future development of the woodworking machinery industry.  Furthermore, the rise of woodworking machinery in mainland China has already impacted the global proportion of woodworking machinery exports (China's exports surpassed Taiwan's in 2008, accounting for approximately 7% of the global export proportions. By 2014, they exceeded Italy's, reaching around 18%.  In 2020, China's woodworking machinery exports surpassed Germany's, and it has constituted approximately 26% of the global export proportions in 2023).

Facing these various trends and challenges, the future of Taiwan's woodworking machinery industry requires strategic considerations. In addition to revisiting the suggestions made at the beginning of 2023 (1. Identifying the company’s core values and “niche markets".  2. Implementing effective "knowledge management" extended to "lean management" and "digital transformation". 3. Maintaining a mindset and concept of "continuous improvement" and "customer satisfaction"). I believe we should focus on several key developments:

1. Utilize "digital tools," such as chatGPT, for tasks like drafting development letters, press releases, meeting records, customer visits, and data consolidation. The use of digital tools can enhance the integration of "knowledge management" and reduce the workload of relevant personnel.

2. Integrating "digital marketing" with "physical exhibitions" aims to optimize the marketing processes of "pre-exhibition," "during the exhibition," and "post-exhibition" at a lower cost. While customers may feel more assured seeing physical machines at exhibitions, digital marketing can precisely promote the exhibition, connecting with potential clients and significantly reducing transaction times.

3. Being attentive to trends, policies, and information related to net-zero emissions will enable the company to respond promptly when called upon to act.

4. Addressing the challenges of Taiwan's declining birthrate and labor shortage by collaborating with the government's policies for attracting foreign talent and seeking the necessary expertise for our own companies.

These are irreversible trends. Adequate preparation will better position us to adapt to the unpredictable future, and our collective pursuit should be focused on achieving "high net profit" rather than merely “high turnover."