Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for 98% of all enterprises in Taiwan, representing undeniable potential in driving the country's economic development. National Chung Cheng University and the Agency for SMEs and Startups have long focused on the future development of SMEs. Therefore, from October 11th to October 13th, the university held an international seminar with the theme "Towards New Southbound: Technology Applications and Brand Sustainability," accelerating SMEs' digital transformation and sustainable development to enhance their competitiveness. This event promoted deep collaboration between Taiwan and six Southeast Asian countries in the field of SME development, exploring global opportunities for transformation.

This year marks the 15th session of the seminar, which can be traced back to the first national "SME Seminar" held 30 years ago, organized by Dr. Ho Yong-ching, the founding dean of the university's business management department, with the support of the Small and Medium Enterprise Administration of the Ministry of Economic Affairs. This platform has played a crucial role in promoting the development of SMEs in Taiwan. This year’s seminar is a milestone event as it expands the seminar to the international level for the first time. This internationalization not only deepens the exchange between global academia and industries but also signifies an important step in the digital transformation and internationalization of Taiwan’s SMEs. Scholars and industry experts from six Southeast Asian countries—Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore—representing more than ten universities and overseas enterprises—collaborated with Taiwanese industry elites to present seven key topics. These discussions focused on digital transformation, AI applications, local revitalization, and sustainability, a topic of global concern.

Experts and scholars from various countries presented their research and offered perspectives on key issues on October 11th and 12th. The event was hosted by Dean Lian Yahui of the College of Management at Chung Cheng University and officially opened with a welcome by President Tsai Shaw-Jenq of National Chung Cheng University and Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Zhangliang, greeting foreign guests. Dr. Jiang Zhenwei, Director of the Chiayi County Economic Development Department, gave a keynote speech on how Chiayi County integrates its agricultural and technological industries with global trends, helping foreign guests understand the county's vision for industrial development. Following this, Deputy Director Tsao Jingxiang from the Industrial Technology Research Institute explained the critical role of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry in the global market. A key sponsor of the event, MiTAC Advance Technology Corp (a subsidiary of MiTAC Information Technology Corporation), shared practical case studies on the development and application of Taiwan’s drone industry, aligning with Chiayi County’s strategic blueprint for drone industry development. Over the two-day seminar, 28 academic and industrial forums were held, featuring discussions on various exciting topics. Nearly 300 distinguished guests from Taiwan and abroad attended. On October 13th, 70 guests from Southeast Asia visited Alishan in Chiayi County to observe the development of local revitalization projects and experience the unique Tsou culture. This allowed foreign guests to gain insight into Taiwan’s local industries and served as a prime example of citizen diplomacy.

New Southbound Market: Prospects for Taiwan and Southeast Asia Collaboration 
This seminar focused on Southeast Asian markets. According to the 2023 Southeast Asia Digital Economy Report, the digital economy of the region is expected to reach $363 billion by 2025. With the rise of digital payments and e-commerce, Southeast Asia has become a target region for Taiwanese companies looking to expand. The young population, rapidly growing middle class, and future consumption potential in these emerging markets are key drivers for SMEs to explore new blue ocean opportunities.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) reports that digital cooperation with Southeast Asian countries can provide Taiwanese companies with valuable market insights and technological support. Particularly in the field of fintech, cooperation between Taiwanese and Southeast Asian companies is deepening, with both sides benefiting from shared innovative digital solutions and regional economic cooperation.

Chiayi – A City of Growth and Unlimited Potential 
Chiayi County and City governments have actively supported local development and paid special attention to this event. County Magistrate Weng Zhangliang noted that Chiayi County, being an agricultural powerhouse, relies on agriculture as its economic lifeblood and needs further innovation to improve farmers’ livelihoods. The county is actively promoting the digital transformation of agricultural product distribution to create a sound system for the production and marketing of agricultural goods. With its strategic location at the crossroads of northern and southern Taiwan, and its proximity to multiple high-tech industrial parks, Chiayi has abundant resources and is emerging as a focal point for future development in Taiwan. Meanwhile, Chiayi City, rich in culture and forestry resources, has embraced creative industries and digital transformation in recent years, blending business with art to elevate the city’s forests into cultural treasures through innovation.

The seminar also showcased the outcomes of local revitalization projects, sharing how local communities and traditional industries have leveraged local revitalization to drive economic recovery. Chiayi County is actively pushing to establish a drone supply chain alliance, taking advantage of its open airspace and central position within Taiwan’s Western Technology Corridor. How to effectively link upstream and downstream resources was a key topic in this seminar, highlighting Chiayi County’s diversity and innovation in modern industrial development.

College of Management’s Commitment to Talent Cultivation 
Chung Cheng University is committed to talent cultivation and regularly hosts events to invite domestic and international experts to share their experiences from various perspectives. The goal is to inject new thinking into southern Taiwan and provide opportunities for SMEs in Taiwan to align with international trends. Attendees will learn about practical applications of digital technologies, and trend forecasting, and will have the chance to network with Southeast Asian industry leaders, laying the groundwork for future international cooperation to help Taiwan’s SMEs thrive. Key supporters of the event include the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, Y.S. Educational Foundation, the Ministry of Education, Chiayi County and City governments, CSKM Global Learning Center, Taiwan Stock Exchange and Futures Exchange, Taipei Exchange, and E.SUN Bank.

Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration Promotes Digitalization and Internationalization
The Agency for SMEs and Startups has long been dedicated to promoting the digitalization and internationalization of Taiwan's SMEs. At this seminar, successful case studies from Southeast Asia provided valuable insights for the future development of Taiwanese enterprises.

Y.S. Educational Foundation: Bridging Business Development and Education Resources 
The Yu Xiu Foundation has been a major supporter of this event, particularly through the efforts of its founder, Mr. Miao Fengqiang, who firmly believes that the integration of education and practice is key to promoting digital transformation and sustainable development for enterprises. The foundation’s long-term support for the development of SMEs and education has been instrumental in the success of this seminar.

Ministry of Education Promotes the New Southbound Policy to Enhance International Exchanges 
The Ministry of Education aims to promote cross-border academic and industry collaboration through its New Southbound Policy, facilitating the exchange and development of SMEs between Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

Government Support Showcasing Chiayi County’s Industrial Strength
The governments of Chiayi County and City are actively promoting local revitalization. Through this seminar, they showcased advances in smart agriculture and industrial technology, aiding the growth of SMEs.

CSKM Global Learning Center Enhances International Competitiveness
The center has long focused on cultivating talent and enhancing the international competitiveness of businesses. This seminar fostered exchanges between business leaders from Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

Taiwan Stock Exchange and Futures Exchange Strengthen Capital Market Connections
Taiwan’s Stock Exchange and Futures Exchange have provided vital support for this seminar, helping SMEs and startups raise capital and manage risks, supporting their digital transformation and international expansion.

Taipei Exchange Supports SME Financing 
The OTC Center aims to enhance the efficiency of capital operations, helping SMEs expand into international markets and promoting cooperation along the industry chain.

E.SUN Bank Supports SME Innovation and Growth 
As an important partner for SMEs, E.SUN Bank has long supported their innovation and growth. It provides many solutions to help SMEs accelerate their entry into Southeast Asian markets.