【國立臺灣大學 109學年度畢業典禮 貴賓致詞】
Commencement Address, National Taiwan University Commencement 2021
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巨大集團 羅祥安前執行長
Giant Group Former CEO Anthony Lo
管校長,羅副校長,各位貴賓,畢業生的家長跟朋友們,還有今天最重要的2021年臺大的畢業生,大家早安、大家好!
首先恭喜你們,今天從全世界最優秀大學之一的臺灣大學畢業了!
在過去幾年,在管校長,以「大學教改」和「國際化」的理念,率領全體師生的努力之下,臺大在全世界的能見度,和各項排名,都有顯著的進步,也讓身為校友的我們倍感光榮。
是不是我們大家一起鼓掌,給自己鼓勵一下好不好!
你們今天剛剛畢業,但是你們已經創造了臺大一項新的紀錄:第一次,沒有傳統畢業典禮的畢業生。這將是你們人生一個非常特別的回憶,也預表了你們未來將會有與眾不同的表現,和非凡的成就。
現在的世界,局勢是在東方跟西方的勢力,彼此對抗而動盪不安。而全世界的經濟活動,也因為科技的突破性創新,而受到很大的影響。不盡理想的、不盡公平的全球化,也將逐漸地變成 全球在地化。而COVID-19肆虐全球的結果,使得臺灣跟全世界,大家的生活型態、社會的結構、經濟活動的節奏都被打亂了,而必須要加以全面的整理跟重新的架構。這當然是一個危機,但是更是一個絕好的機會。所以,將你們迎面而來的,是無數的創新的機會,以及冒險卻令人興奮的全新挑戰。
因為臺灣,這是第一次跟全世界各個國家,同步的站在一個嶄新的共同起跑點上面。所以我要恭喜你們,你們躬逢其會,將要進入一個充滿希望、嶄新的時代。
我是1969年從臺大畢業的,所以我想今天就以我畢業之後的50多年,人生的一些學習和體會,來跟諸位分享,給諸位作個參考。
當我大學畢業的時候,我滿懷抱負,迫不及待地想要大展身手,我當時進入臺灣最大的貿易公司工作,但是我發現我所學的很多東西,只有一些國際貿易的實務跟英文有用,至於其他我所學習到的經營管理的很多知識,恐怕都要等到10年、20年之後,如果我有幸當上高級主管才能派上用場。
更諷刺的是,我是商學系畢業的,但是工作兩年後,我發現我真的不喜歡做商人,我也不喜歡做生意,我有興趣的是做事業。
後來,幸好我有聆聽我心裡面的微弱的聲音,決定踏進自行車業,放棄掉台北最好的貿易公司的金飯碗,而去參加在大甲一個只有38個人的小公司,來追求我的夢想。
那時候許多人認為我腦筋有問題,頭殼壞去,但現在回顧回來,我當時是做了人生一個非常好的決定。
創業的過程飽受艱辛,但是我也學到了很多寶貴的經驗:我首先學到的,是在做事之前,必須要先學做人。
人必須要誠信踏實,不能自私自利,而要利他共好。
要隨時心存感恩,尊重、關切別人。要熱愛這個世界,並且要了解到一個人的能力是有限的,而必須要去建立互信、互助的人際關係;要融入群體、要發揮團隊的精神。
在做事方面,一定要以正面積極的態度,認真努力去工作。 而且不要怕失敗,要勇於接受新的挑戰。因為如果有失敗了,那只是代表說你又更靠近成功一步了。要作中學,學中作,要虛心好奇的終身學習,開拓挑戰、追求卓越。
在這裡,我想要送給大家一個很特別的畢業禮物,就是兩個「成功的錦囊」。
第一個錦囊:不管你做什麼工作,不論你職務的高低,永遠都要站在顧客的立場,來為他們設想,還能做什麼,讓他們能夠得到更多的創新價值。
第二個錦囊:無論作什麼工作,不管你職務的高低,永遠都要站在經營者的角度來為公司設想,要做什麼,才能讓公司更健康,永續經營跟發展。
既使你們把我後面講的很多東西都忘記了,沒關係,但是這個畢業禮物你們一定要記得帶回去,因為這些「同理心」的兩個錦囊,在未來會給你們帶來意想不到的祝福!
其次我體會到,名跟利都是副產品。正產品是你成為什麼樣的人,成就什麼樣的事。當正產品是對的時候,名跟利都自然會來。
所以我鼓勵大家在找工作的時候,不要太計較開始的薪水和待遇。因為事實上,一個新人,在前面三年是很難有大的貢獻的,反過來只是公司發薪水來給你培訓而已。所以選擇一個有意義的行業,找一家你可以學習進步的好公司,這才是重要的。
第三,我學習到 知識不等於智慧。諸位都學有專精,有很多寶貴的知識,但這些知識必須要實際去做才能夠產生經驗,而累積的時候會有不同經驗的反省、學習、跟體會,尤其是從那些失敗的經 驗,才能夠漸漸地凝結成有用的智慧。
我的成長過程分成三段,開始我是一個「I」型的人,我擁有一些經營管理的基本的能力。後來因為工作的需要和我的好奇心,我漸漸地學習到技術開發、製造生產、品牌推廣、全球經營、以及行銷、服務等等寶貴的經驗,這樣漸漸地,我就形成一個「T」型的一個跨界的人才。但是到了我真正找到公司未來的使命跟方向,並且把它跟我的人生目標結合在一起,熱情的、積極去推動的時候,那時候我終於成為一個「十字架」型的一個領導者。
當公司發展得比較穩定之後,我就面臨要如何來替公司規劃願景、使命、定位,跟長期策略。在這個階段,我有一些新的體會:首先,你必須要能夠畫出一個「黃金正三角形」,正三角形是最穩定的,上面是戰略,中間是戰術,下面是戰鬥。先要有正確的戰略,才能衍伸出有效的戰術,再根據這個戰術去貫徹戰鬥的執行。換言之,戰略就是做對的事情,戰術就是對的方法,戰鬥就是用對的方法去把事情做對做好,並且不斷地去持續改善。
想要能夠思考出長期的戰略,就必須要有洞察力。
我很喜歡看地球儀,就是那種在一個架子上面,有一個可以轉動的地球模型。當你把地球轉動的時候,你看到上面每一個地方、每一個國家,它的地理位置、它的自然生態,以及你思考它的歷史的演變跟它的發展,這樣子你就能夠得出一個整體的,跟全方位的一個概念。
在思考長期戰略的時候,很不容易得出一個有突破性的一個創見,它的原因往往是因為「當局者迷」的關係。
所以當我考慮長期戰略的時候,我會把自己設想,好像從一個人造衛星上面,來觀看一個轉動的地球。以宇宙格局的高度,以全球視野的廣度,以歷史演進的長度,這樣子你就能夠以一個「旁觀者清」的姿態和角度,來正面、反面深入思考,這樣子你就可能得到一個突破性的一個解答。「世界的捷安特」跟「全球在地化」的品牌經營—這樣子的策略、願景就是這樣產生的。
另外一種洞察力,是如何推出給人們有創新價值的產品跟服務。這就要時時地站在人文跟科技的十字路口,仔細觀察它們的變化,然後活用科技的進步,為人文潛在的需求,適時地提供最佳的解決方案。捷安特的Cycling世界,就是用這種方法,不斷的推出創新價值的產品。
我們在經營上也有發展出一個特別的理念,那就是「不求第一,要作惟一」。全世界的人這麼多,但沒有兩個人的指紋是一樣的, 所以每一個人都是獨一無二、都是惟一的。可見當上帝造每一個人的時候,祂都有衪特別的計劃,而且也把成功所需要的能力跟要素,已經放在你的心中,等待你取用。所以每一個人不應該只是模仿別人,或者是按照別人的期望來生活,而應該要找出並且發揮自己的天賦,真正做自己,成為惟一,才能夠活出精采的生命。
企業也是一樣,不能隨波逐流,必須要找出什麼才是對的,什麼是合適你的,什麼才是有意義、對這個世界有貢獻的,這個才是惟一。當你精益求精,努力的想要成為惟一的時侯,你才能夠找到真正正確的目標,以及永續生存的價值。如果事事都想為第一,那麼你可能去追求很多不切實際的目標,而被你無法承受的巨大壓力所摧毀。或者,因為不擇手段,最後走上一些錯誤的道路。
在長期追求惟一的過程當中,我也得到兩個重要的體會:當你決心做一件對的事情,而且不屈不撓,勇敢堅持奮鬥的時候,全宇宙的力量都會起來幫助你。另外,把一件有意義的事情,用生命的力量把它作好,你就有可能改變這個世界!
我鼓勵你們,聆聽你們內心深處的微小的聲音,讓它引導你們,去尋找到你們的天賦,了解你們的命定。
不求第一,要作惟一。做你真正的自己,成為惟一。活出你精彩的生命,享受你幸福的人生!
很多人說,生長在臺灣的人,一輩子裡面一定要完成三項挑戰:登玉山、泳渡日月潭、還有騎自行車環島。我覺得這非常有道理。所以我建議大家在畢業以後,在去當兵、就業之前,不妨參加一個自行車環島的旅行團,用九天的時間,仔細的去體會、欣賞寶島臺灣的美好,用自行車的輪胎去親吻,這塊生你長你的美麗大地,就當作是送給你自己的一個畢業禮物吧!
那教授們跟家長們,可能會想說,啊!太可惜了,我畢業的時候沒有騎自行車環島,我現在已經五六十歲了。沒關係,你這個年紀正好來從事人生的壯遊。
我們臺大的校長-管校長,在今年的一月份,就勇敢的完成他夢寐以求的自行車環島的壯遊。我們給管爺一個掌聲好不好?
有人認為臺灣很小、沒有前途,真的是這樣嗎?世界經濟論壇每年都要把全世界的國家的實力做一個調查跟排名。讓我們來看一下臺灣的排名。全世界有235個國家,就面積來講,我們排名第137;就人口來講,第57;就經濟體來講,第21;就整體競爭力來講,排名第11;而創新力,臺灣排名第4。沒錯,臺灣的確不大,但是我們很強,我們可以很有前途!
可預見的,未來的世界將會成為美、歐、亞三區鼎力的這個新局面。就像三個圓圈,各自都以自己的利益為優先,並且彼此長期的競爭、對抗和抵制,但是同時又不得不相互的維持一些必要的連結。而在每一個圈裡面,它將持續的有很多劇烈的改變,就像一個暴風圈一樣。而這三個暴風圈連結在一起,就形成一個所謂完全風暴PERFECT STORM。
最近經濟學人雜誌,把臺灣當作封面,稱臺灣為地球上最危險的地方,但同時又是科技業最關鍵的地方。我個人倒認為,未來臺灣可能是處在一個最有利的地位,就在那三個暴風圈中間的那個颱風眼,也就是這三個圈圈彼此連結交會的中心點。這個地方看起來好像危險,其實是最安全、最有利、又是最關鍵的地方。
當三個暴風圈無可避免的,參與在一個長期的競爭、對抗、跟抵制-這樣一個零和的賽局裡面。那臺灣並不屬於任何一個圈圈,也不需要去參與這些競爭、對抗跟抵制。而可以去想說,我可以在這個關鍵的中心點,替這個世界來提供什麼樣子的創新價值的貢獻。
臺灣過去50年的努力累積了很多技術開發、製造管理、金融資本,社會資源,以及民主法治體制,這些稀有而寶貴的實力。而且如果以全世界作為舞台,那麼,能夠精通中文跟英文、能夠深切的了解東方西方的文化;有專業,又能跨界,謙卑而不自卑,自信而不自大的臺灣人,可能是全世界最優秀的人才。
未來無法被預測,但是可以被創造!30年前,有誰能夠預測到說臺灣會產生世界級的台積電跟捷安特?
台積電秉持著作惟一的理念,以全球晶圓代工的戰略,厚植實力,打造了優質高效的供應鏈,把臺灣變成一個科技島。以臺灣為核心,轉動引領全世界的半導體市場。
捷安特也秉持著作惟一的理念,以世界的捷安特,全球在地化的品牌戰略,帶領A-Team把臺灣變成全世界高級車的中心,又積極的推動Cycling的新文化,把臺灣發展成一個自行車島,以臺灣為核心,轉動引領全世界自行車的市場。
在這裡我也期許我們臺大,也能夠以作惟一這樣子的理念,轉動引領世界,變成全世界最優秀人才培養的最佳搖籃。
未來的50年,臺灣將迎來前所未有最大的機運!所以臺灣是不是應該要脫離過去單純競爭的心態,而來積極的謀求長期的未來生存之道,或者更進一步要問自己:臺灣可以為世界貢獻些什麼?臺灣不應該只是消極的「根留臺灣」,而應該更主動積極的「放眼全球、立足亞太、深根臺灣」。
臺灣過去的50年,那是一個非常艱辛跟特別的階段。很慶幸的,臺灣在那個階段裡面,是屬於勝利的這一組。
現在是應該到了必須要了解過去、深入現在、策劃未來,這個重要關鍵的時刻。要如何的以宇宙格局的高度、以全球視野的廣度、以及歷史演進的長度,衡外情,量己力,來為臺灣重新的定位,重新畫一個正確的戰略、戰術、戰鬥的黃金三角形。讓臺灣能夠真正發揮自己的長處,能夠打造創新價值的優勢,成為惟一、做Only One!要能夠創造一個更安全、更廣闊、更興盛-全新的藍海。臺灣必須要成為世界的好公民,繼續的為全世界做更多、更好的貢獻!
2021的畢業生們,在你們當中有未來國家的領導人、有全球企業的創造者、有在社會各行各業、方方面面的核心人才,所以臺灣未來50年的未來,就掌握在你們手中了。
最後,我想用一位著名科學家的名言來作結尾: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. 人生就像騎自行車,要保持你平衡最好的方法,就是繼續不斷地向前進。
你知道這是誰的名言嗎? 沒錯,就是愛因斯坦!
2021的畢業生們,請你騎上你人生的自行車,勇敢的向前邁進,去開創你獨一無二、精彩無比的新生命跟未來。再一次,恭喜你們,並且祝福你們每一位,將來都能夠有健康、幸福、精彩跟有意義的人生!
謝謝!
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President Kuan, Executive Vice President Luo, Distinguished guests, family, friends, and most importantly, the graduating class of 2021, good morning!
First of all, congratulations! Today, you are graduating from one of the best universities in the world – National Taiwan University!
Over the last few years, President Kuan led the university forward with his vision of “educational reform” and internationalization”. Together with all the faculty and students, NTU has made significant progress in both ranking and global visibility, making us, alumni, extremely proud.
I think we deserve to give ourselves a round of applause!
You are the graduating class of 2021 and already, you have set a new record for NTU: For the first time, there will not be a traditional graduation ceremony. Let this be a very special memory of your life and a sign of the difference you will make in your future with extraordinary achievements.
The world is now in a volatile state where the East and the West are confronting each other. The world’s economic activities are also greatly affected by the breakthrough and innovations in technology. The less-than-ideal and less-than fair globalization will gradually become global localization. And as a result of COVID-19, Taiwan and the rest of the world’s lifestyle, social structure, and economy have been disrupted, and must be comprehensively reorganized and restructured. This is certainly a crisis, but in the midst of every crisis, lies great opportunity. So, what lies before you are countless opportunities for innovation, and exciting new challenges.
Because, for the first time, Taiwan is standing with the rest of the world on a new race-track. Therefore, I would like to congratulate you, you are entering a new era full of hope.
I graduated from NTU in 1969. It has been more than 50 years and today, I would like to share some of my life experiences and insights.
When I graduated from college, I was filled with ambition. I couldn’t wait to make my mark. I joined one of the largest trading companies in Taiwan, where I quickly realized the only materials I learned in school that came in handy are a little bit of international trade practices and English. Much of what I had learned about business management would only be relevant 10 or 20 years down the road, if I was lucky enough to become a senior executive.
What’s even more ironic is that I graduated with a degree in business, but after working for 2 years, I realize I really don’t like being a businessman, and I don’t like doing business. What I am actually interested in is building an enterprise.
Fortunately, I chose to listen to the faint voice in my heart and decided to enter the bicycle industry. I left my position at the best trading company in Taipei to join a small company with only 38 employees in Dajia to pursue my dream.
At the time, many people thought I must’ve broken my skull and gone crazy, but looking back, I have made a great decision in my life.
The process of starting my own enterprise has been very difficult, but I have learned many valuable lessons. The first thing I learned is that before you can do anything else, you have to learn to be a person of good character.
We must be honest, down to earth, selfless, self-serving, and altruistic for the common good.
Be grateful, respectful and caring at all times. To love the world and to understand that one person’s ability is limited and that is necessary to build interpersonal relationships of mutual trust and support; to be part of a group and to play as a team.
When it comes to work, you must work hard with a positive attitude. And don’t be afraid to fail, be brave enough to accept new challenges. Because every time you fail, it just means you are one step closer to success. Learning is an active process. We learn by doing. We must stay open-minded and curious, aspiring to lifelong learning; to explore challenges and pursue excellence.
Here I would like to give everyone a special graduation gift, which are my two tips for success:
First, always put yourself in the customer’s shoes, regardless of what you’re doing or what kind of job title you hold. Think for them, think about what else you can do to create more value for the customers.
Second, regardless of what you’re doing or what kind of job title you hold, always think about the company from the proprietor’s point of view; what can we do to build a healthier company that’s sustainable.
Even if you are going to forget everything I say later, that’ ok. Just remember to take your graduation gift at heart, because these two tips on “empathy “are sure to bring you unexpected blessings in the future!
Later on, I realized that fame and money are merely byproducts. The real product is you, what kind of person you have become and what have you achieved. When the real product is identified, fame and money will come naturally.
So I encourage you, when you look for a job, don’t be too concerned about the starting salary and benefits. Because as a matter of fact, as a newcomer, it is very difficult to make a big contribution in the first three years, so really the company is paying to give you training instead. So choose a meaningful industry and find a good company where you can improve and grow, that’s what’s important.
Thirdly, I learned that knowledge is not the same as wisdom. All of you have learned a lot and have a lot of valuable knowledge, but this knowledge must be practiced in order to produce experience, and in the process of accumulation, there will be different experiences of reflection, learning and empathy, especially from failure, slowly and surely all these experiences will be condensed into useful wisdom.
My personal development can be divided into three stages. I began as a I-shaped person with some basic skills in business management. Later on, due to my job and curiosity, I gained respected experience in technology development, manufacturing, branding, global marketing, and service and thus gradually becoming a T-shape multidisciplinary professional.
However, when I combined the future mission and direction of the company with my life goals, promoting it enthusiastically and actively, that is when I finally became a X-shape transdisciplinary leader.
Once the company became more stable, I was faced with the challenge of planning the vision, mission, positioning, and long-term strategy for the company. At this stage, I had some new insights.
First, you must be able to draw a “golden triangle”, an equilateral triangle is the most stable shape with strategy on top, tactics in the middle, and operations at the bottom. In other words, the strategy is to do the right thing, the tactics is the using the right methods, and operations is using the right methods to excel on doing the right things while constantly improving them.
To develop long-term strategies, it is necessary to have insight.
I enjoy looking at the globe, yes, the spherical model of Earth that sits on a stand and can be rotated. When you rotate the globe, you can see every place and country on it, its geographical location, its natural ecology, and you can think about its historical evolution and development, so that you can come up with an overall comprehensive concept.
When thinking about long-term strategy, it is not easy to come up with a groundbreaking idea, because “men are often blind in their own cause”
Therefore, when I think about long-term strategy, I imagine myself as if I were looking at a rotating Earth from a man-made satellite. With the height of the universe, the breadth of global vision and the length of historical evolution, you will be able think about it from the perspective of an observer, and then you may have a breakthrough. This is how the strategy and vision of “GIANT for the World” and “glocalization” brand management came about.
Another kind of insight is how to introduce the products and services to create additional value to people. This requires standing at the crossroads of humanity and technology, observing their changes carefully, and then using technological advances to provide the best solutions for the potential needs of humanity in a timely manner. This is how GIANT’s Cycling World continues to introduce innovative values to its products.
We have also developed a special philosophy in our business, which is “don’t be the first one, be the only one”. There are so many people in the world, but no two people share the same fingerprints, making each person unique and one of a kind. God created each person with purpose and has gifted us with the abilities and elements needed for success. All of which is in your heart, waiting for you to take them. Therefore, we should not just follow each other’s footstep or live under the expectations of someone else. Instead, we should find and give reigns to our talents, to truly be ourselves, to become the only one and live a brilliant life.
The same applies to businesses, you can’t just go with the flow, we must find what is right and suitable and what is meaningful and contributive to the world, this is what it means to be the only one. When you strive for excellence and strive to be the only one, you will find the right goals and the value of sustainability. If you try to be first in everything, you may pursue many unrealistic goals and either be destroyed by unbearable pressure or resort to doing whatever it takes, and end up on the wrong path.
I have learned two important lessons in my long quest to be the “only one”. When you are determined to do the right thing and you are unyielding and persistent in your struggle, the power of the universe will rise up and help you. In addition, if you do something meaningful and do it well with the power of life, you may change the world.
I urge you to listen to the small voice deep within you and let it guide you to find your talents and understand your destiny.
Do not seek to be the first but to be the only. Be true to yourself and be the only one. Live your life to the fullest and enjoy your life to the fullest!
Many people say that growing up in Taiwan, you must complete three challenges in your lifetime: climb to the top of Jade Mountain, swim across Sun Moon Lake, and ride a bike around the island. I think this is very true. Therefore, I suggest that after graduation, before you go to the military or get a job, you might as well join a bicycle tour around the island and spend nine days to carefully experience and appreciate the beauty of Taiwan. As a graduation gift to yourself, let the tires kiss the beautiful land where you were born and raised.
All the professors and parents must be thinking in regret, “Ah! Too bad! I didn’t ride my bike around the island when I graduated and now I’m already in my 50s and 60s…” But that’s okay! You are actually at the perfect age to start your adventurous life.
Our President of NTU, President Kuan bravely completed his dream bike tour around the island in January this year. Let’s give President Kuan a round of applause!
Some people think that Taiwan is small and has no future. Every year, the World Economic Forum conducts a survey and ranking of the strength of countries around the world. Let’s take a look at Taiwan’s ranking. There are 235 countries in the world and we rank 137th in terms of landmass, 57th in terms of population, 21st in terms of economy, 11th in terms of overall competitiveness, and 4th in terms of innovation. It’s true that Taiwan is not big, but we are strong and we have a promising future.
In the foreseeable future there will become a new situation in which the United States, Europe and Asia will be the three focal regions. Just like three circles, each of which prioritizes its own interests and is in long-term competition, confrontation and resistance, but at the same time has to maintain some necessary links with each other. And in each circle, drastic changes will be endless, just like a storm circle. These three storm circles are linked together to form a so-called PERFECT STORM.
The Economist magazine recently featured Taiwan on its cover, calling it the most dangerous place on earth, but at the same time the most critical place for the technology industry. Personally, I think that Taiwan may be in the most favorable position in the future, right in the middle of the three storm circles, the eye of the typhoon, which is the center point where these three circles are connected. This place seems dangerous, but in fact it is the safest, most favorable, and most critical place.
When the three storm circles are inevitably involved in a long-term competition, confrontation, and boycott - a zero-sum game. Taiwan does not belong to any of these circles, nor does it need to participate in these competitions, confrontations, and boycotts. Instead, situated in this critical position, I should begin to think about what kind of innovative value I can provide to the world.
Taiwan's efforts over the past 50 years have accumulated many rare and valuable strengths in technology development, manufacturing management, financial capital, social resources, and the democratic rule of law system. If the world is our stage, Taiwanese people who are proficient in Chinese and English, who have a deep understanding of Eastern and Western cultures, who are professional, who can cross borders, who are humble but not inferior, and who are confident but not arrogant, may be the best talents in the world.
The future cannot be predicted, but it can be created! 30 years ago, who could have predicted that Taiwan would produce globally renowned TSMC and GIANT?
TSMC is committed to the concept of being the only one, and has built up its strengths with its global foundry strategy, creating a high-quality and efficient supply chain and turning Taiwan into a technology island. With Taiwan as the core, TSMC is leading the worldwide semiconductor market.
GIANT also upholds the concept of "Be the only one" and leads the A-Team to turn Taiwan into the center of the world's premium bikes with the brand strategy of globalization and localization, and actively promotes the new culture of cycling, developing Taiwan into a cycling island and leading the world's cycling market with Taiwan as the core.
Here I also hope that we, NTU, can also lead the world with the concept of being the only one, and become the best cradle for the cultivation of the best talents in the world.
In the next 50 years, Taiwan will have the greatest opportunity ever! Therefore, Taiwan should get rid of the simple competitive mentality of the past and actively seek the long-term survival of the future, or go even further and ask itself: What can Taiwan contribute to the world? Taiwan should not just "secure Taiwan" in a conservative way, but should be more proactive with global outlook and establish a foothold in the Asia Pacific.
The last 50 years, for Taiwan, has been very difficult and significant. Fortunately, Taiwan pulled through and came out as one of the winners.
Now is the crucial moment to understand the past, delve into the present, and plan for the future. We must take the height of the universe, the breadth of our global vision, and the length of historical evolution, weigh the external situation, and measure our own strengths to reposition Taiwan and draw the golden triangle of strategy, tactics, and operations. Taiwan should be able to give full play to its strengths, create innovative value, and become the only one! Taiwan must become a good citizen of the world and continue to make more and better contributions to the world!
Graduates of 2021, among you are the future leaders of the country, the creators of global enterprises, and the core talents in all walks of life, the future is in your hands.
Finally, I would like to conclude with a quote from a famous scientist: Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.
Do you know who this quote belongs to? That's right, Einstein!
Graduates of 2021, please get ready for your life adventure, get on your bikes and peddle courageously forward to create your own unique and exciting future. Again, congratulations and best wishes to each and every one of you for a healthy, happy, and meaningful life!
Thank you!
詳見:
https://www.facebook.com/NTUCommencement/posts/2718162161807541
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#臺灣大學 #畢業典禮 #NTUCommencement2021 #貴賓致詞 #羅祥安
small business today magazine 在 鴨頭 嘉人 Facebook 的最讚貼文
【メンターの正しい選び方】
昨日は大変な一日でした。
朝に、映画『えんとつ町のプペル』のオープニング主題歌(@HYDEさん)のミュージックビデオが公開したのですが、公開と同時にお客様は勿論のこと、関係者サイドもザワつきまして……いろんな連絡をいただきました。
https://youtu.be/StVsfO0lVok
端的に言うと、「とんでもねぇな!」ということでして、エンターテイメントに携わっている人が、あれをほっておくわけないんですね。
夜には緊急会議(という名の飲み会)が開かれて、そのままスタッフの皆で実花さんに行き、今後の作戦を立てました。
また、皆様の度肝を抜くような面白いものをご提供できるかもしれません。
結局、朝から晩まで仕事で走り回ったのですが、唯一やった「ハロウインっぽいこと」は、午後におこなった「撮影会」です。
プペルの本気の仮装をした西野と一緒に記念撮影ができるという限定200組の(コスプレ)撮影会なのですが、なんかファミリーで来てくださる方も本当に多くて、すっごい楽しかったんです。
コロナになって、ああいったリアルイベントって減っちゃったんですけど、「撮影会」だと、チケットを販売する段階から、お客さんの集合時間を分けることができて、かつ、1組1組ですから、蜜を避けれるんですね。
限られた人数ですので、勿論、受付で全員、消毒&検温することもできる。
この形のリアルイベントっていいなぁと思いまして、今朝、サロンの方に「ちなみにハロウィンじゃなくても、今回のようなコスプレ撮影会の需要ってあります?」と聞いたところ……「行きたい!」という声をたくさん頂戴しました。
というわけで、本日の二日酔いが片付き次第、準備に取り掛かって、「コスプレ撮影会 第2弾」を秒速で実現します。お楽しみに。
あと、ご報告としましては、クラウドファンディング「SILKHAT」内で募集しております『西野亮廣オンライン講演会 ~マーケティング講座【上級編】~』の受講者が3100名を突破しました。
(※参加はコチラから↓)
https://silkhat.yoshimoto.co.jp/projects/2158
こちらはタイトルそのまま、西野亮廣が手加減抜きで、自身のマーケティング事例を交えながら、お話しする会です。
経営者さんや個人事業主さんクリエイターさんは必見です。もったいぶらずに、トコトン喋ります。
宜しくお願い致します。
そんなこんなで今日の本題は、冒頭お伝えした「近況報告」と繋がる話なのですが……
実は『コスプレ撮影会』にしても、『西野亮廣オンライン講演会 ~マーケティング講座【上級編】~』にしても、どちらも映画『えんとつ町のプペル』の販促活動なんです。
『コスプレ撮影会』には前売りチケットが5枚、『西野亮廣オンライン講演会 ~マーケティング講座【上級編】~』にはオンライン前売り券が3枚ついてきます。
いわゆる「特典付きチケット」なのですが、これは映画だと、よくある手法で『鬼滅の刃』だと、たしか450万人に単行本が付いてきたり、『ポケモン』とかも、そういうのありますよね。
一人でも多くの方に映画館に足を運んでもらう為に、皆、あの手この手を繰り出しています。
僕らのような小さなチームは、付けられる特典があまりなくて、特典となると、どうしても「西野が稼働する何か」がメインになってくるんですね。
ドブ板営業は得意なので、そんなのは望むところですが、ただ、当初は、『コスプレ撮影会』も、『西野亮廣オンライン講演会 ~マーケティング講座【上級編】~』もやる予定ではなかったんです。
当初は、全国の映画館を行脚して、各映画館で映画『えんとつ町のプペル』のストーリーを喋って、その出口で、チケットを手売りする予定だったのですが……コロナでその計画が全て白紙になりました。
映画館は50箇所回る予定で、仮に、各映画館の出口でチケットが200枚売れたとしたら、200枚×50個所で、1万枚の前売りチケットがそこで捌けていた。
それがコロナで白紙になっちゃったわけですが、でも、よくよく考えてみてください。
コロナで映画館を回るイベントができなくなって、その代わりの打ち手として出した、たとえば今回の『西野亮廣オンライン講演会 ~マーケティング講座【上級編】~』には前売りチケットが3枚付いていて、今の時点で3100名の受講者が決まっています。
この時点で、9300枚の前売り券が売れているわけですね。
映画館を回るイベントは1年がかり。
一方、『西野亮廣オンライン講演会 ~マーケティング講座【上級編】~』は、90分程度です。
「コロナでやれなくなった代わりに」という施策は、この他にもたくさん打っていて、(変な言い回しですが)あのままコロナがなかったら、映画『えんとつ町のプペル』の前売りチケットは、今の10分の1も売れていなかった。
何が言いたいかというと、月並みですが、問題が起きてしまうことは大して重要ではなくて、その問題に対して、どう対処するかが重要だということです。
そして、その対処する力となるのは何かというと、「天才的なひらめき」などではなく、『知識』です。
クラウドファンディング、オンラインサロン、それらのハンドリングの知識がないと、対処法の選択肢が減る。
選択肢の欠乏は「焦り」を生み、焦りは判断ミスを生んでしまうので、とにもかくにも必要なのは『知識』です。
こういう局面では、「才能」なんて、何の役にも立ちません。
そんなこんなで、「『西野亮廣オンライン講演会 ~マーケティング講座【上級編】~』に是非」という告知をブチ込んでみるわけですが、勿論、僕の講演会だけじゃなくてね、他にもたくさんの人から知識を吸収した方がいいと思います。
じゃあ、「そういうことを教えてくれる人をどこで選ぶか?」という問題になってくると思うのですが、これはあくまで僕の選び方になりますが、「今現在、売れているモノを持っている人」がイイと思います。
「売れているモノ」の線引きは、その人本人が「これだけ売れています」と言っているものではなくて、「第3者が『売れている』と認識しているモノ」です。
自分で言う分には、数字なんて、いくらでも盛れるんで。
自称数字は参考数字にしない方がイイ。
あと、現在進行形のヒット商品を持っていない人の知識は、現在進行形のヒット商品を持っていない人の知識からの引用なので、ちょっと遅いです。
あんまり使いものにならない。
昨日、YouTubeで隔週で配信している「スナック西野」にメガネブランドのOWNDAYS代表の田中さんに来ていただいたのですが、田中さんの話とかは「ヒット事業を生み出している現場の話」なので、メチャクチャ勉強になります。
https://youtu.be/wr7QW72rBFg
やっぱ、そういう現役プレイヤーから学ぶのが一番イイと思います。
今日は「メンターの正しい選び方」というテーマで、お話させていただきました。
▼西野亮廣の最新のエンタメビジネスに関する記事(1記事=2000~3000文字)が毎朝読めるのはオンラインサロン(ほぼメルマガ)はコチラ↓
https://salon.jp/nishino
▼Instagram版はコチラ↓
https://nishino73.thebase.in/items/25497065
━━━
2020年12月25日公開!
映画『えんとつ町のプペル』
▼オンラインムビチケ(特典付き)の購入はこちら↓
https://mvtk.jp/Film/070395
▼上映館はこちら
https://theater.toho.co.jp/toho_theaterlist/poupelle.html…
[the right choice of mentor]
Yesterday was a rough day.
In the morning, the music video for the opening theme song (@HYDE) of the movie ′′ a no-Cho ′′ has been released, but at the same time, the customer is of course, and the side of the people involved is also the wa...... all kinds of contacts I got it.
https://youtu.be/StVsfO0lVok
In a nutshell, it's outrageous!" so people who are engaged in entertainment can't keep it hehehehe.
At Night, the emergency meeting (called drinking party) was held, and the staff went to Hana-San, and made a future operation.
We may also be able to offer you some interesting things that will make you stunned.
In the end, I ran around at work from morning to night, but the only ′′ Ha-ish thing ′′ that I did is the ′′ photoshoot ′′ that I did in the afternoon.
It's a limited 200-Group (Cosplay) photoshoot that you can take a commemorative photo with nishino, who did a serious costume of but there were so many people who came to the family, and it was really fun. I'm sorry.
I've been in Corona, and I've lost a real event, but it's a ′′ photoshoot ′′ and I'm going to separate the customer's gathering time from the stage of selling tickets, and I'm going to have a 1-group 1 pairs, so you can avoid nectar.
It's a limited number of people, so of course, you can also disinfect &'m all at the reception.
I thought it was good to have a real event in this shape, and this morning, I heard that the salon said, ′′ by the way, even if it's not Halloween, there's a demand for a cosplay photoshoot like this time?" I want to go I gave you a lot of voices called!"
So, as soon as today's hangover is over, I'm going to get ready, and I'm going to have a ′′ Cosplay Photoshoot no. 2 ′′ in a second. Look forward to it.
Later, we are looking for a crowdfunding ′′ Silkhat ′′ in the crowdfunding ′′ Silkhat ′′ ′′ ′′ Ryo Nishino Online Lecture ~ Marketing course [Advanced Edition ~" we have breached 3100 participants I'm sorry.
(* join here ↓)
https://silkhat.yoshimoto.co.jp/projects/2158
This is the title, and ryo nishino is a meeting to talk about with his own marketing cases.
A MUST-see for managers and personal business operators. I'm going to talk about a ton without a waste.
Thank you for your support.
This is how today's chase is a story that leads to the ′′ Status report ′′ that I told you about the opening......
In fact, even if it's a ′′ Cosplay photoshoot," it's a promotional activity for the movie ′′ a town of the town ′′ even if it's a ′′ Cosplay Photoshoot ~"
′′ Cosplay photoshoot ′′ has 5 advance tickets," ryo nishino online lecture ~ Marketing course [Advanced Edition ~" we have 3 online advance tickets.
It's the so-called ′′ ticket with special gift," but this is a movie, and it's a common method, and it's a ′′ DEMON SLAYER ′′ and it's a book for 450 million people, and it might be ′′ Pokemon," that's it There is, isn't it?
Everyone is taking another to carry their feet to the cinema for a lot of people.
A small team like us doesn't have a lot of perks to be put on, and when it comes to perks, it's going to be the main thing that nishino is going to work.
I'm good at the gutter business, so i want that, but at first, I'm going to have a ′′ Cosplay photoshoot ′′ and ′′ Ryo Nishino Online Lecture ~ Marketing course [Advanced Edition ~" I'm not planning to do it too I did.
At First, I went on a pilgrimage to the cinema across the country, and I was planning to talk about the story of the movie ′′ a in the town ′′ at each movie theater, and I was planning to sell tickets at the exit...... in corona The plan has all been blank.
The cinema is going to go around 50 places, and if you sell 200 tickets at the exit of each cinema, there are 200 x 50 places, and there are 1 million advance tickets there I was making money.
It's been a blank in Corona, but think about it well.
I couldn't do an event to go around the movie theater in Corona, and I put it out as a replacement hand, for example, this time, ′′ Ryo Nishino Online Lecture ~ Marketing course [Advanced Edition ~" I have 3 advance tickets for the ′′ Advanced Edition It's attached and 3100 participants are decided at the moment.
At this point, 9300 advance tickets are selling.
It takes 1 years to go around the cinema.
Meanwhile," Ryo Nishino Online Lecture ~ Marketing course [Advanced Edition] ~" is about 90 minutes.
The policy of ′′ instead of being able to do it in corona ′′ is hitting a lot of other things, and if there is no corona, the advance tickets for the movie ′′ a town ′′ are now I didn't sell 1 minutes of it.
What you want to say is a cliche, but it is not very important to have a problem, and it is important how to deal with the problem.
And the power to deal with it is not ′′ genius inspiration ′′ but ′′ knowledge,"
Crowdfunding, online salon, without the knowledge of those handling, the option of coping is reduced.
The deficiency of the option is ′′ impatience ′′ and impatience gives birth to a judgement mistake, so it is ′′ knowledge ′′ that you need to do it.
In this phase, ′′ talent ′′ doesn't stand for anything.
This is how I'm going to blow up the announcement of ′′ Ryo Nishino Online Lecture ~ Marketing course [Advanced Edition] ′′ come on ~" but of course, it's not just my lecture, but I'm going to have a good time. I think it's better to absorb knowledge from a lot of people.
So," I think it's going to be a problem where to choose someone who teaches me that kind of thing?" but this is my choice, but," now I'm selling it I think the one who has things is good.
The line of ′′ selling things ′′ is not what the person says ′′ this is only selling," the 3th person recognizes ′′ selling ′′ Here it is.
When you say it yourself, you can't get enough of the numbers.
Self-proclaimed numbers are better not to be a reference number.
Later, the knowledge of those who don't currently have progressive hit goods is a bit slow because it's a quote from the knowledge of those who don't currently have progressive hit goods.
I don't get too useless.
Yesterday, I came to Mr. Tanaka, a representative of the glasses brand owndays, on the ′′ snack nishino ′′ that was streaming on Youtube, but tanaka's story is ′′ the story of the site that produces the hit business ′′ I'm going to study so much.
https://youtu.be/wr7QW72rBFg
I think it's best to learn from that kind of active player.
Today we talked about the theme of ′′ the right choice of mentor ′′
▼ an article about the latest entertainment business of ryo nishino (1 articles = 2000 to 3000 characters) can be read every morning online salon (almost mail magazine) is here ↓
https://salon.jp/nishino
▼ Instagram version is here ↓
https://nishino73.thebase.in/items/25497065
━━━
Released on December 25, 2020!
The movie in a town ′′
▼ Buy Online Bangabandhu (with perks) here ↓
https://mvtk.jp/Film/070395
▼ here is the screening hall
https://theater.toho.co.jp/toho_theaterlist/poupelle.html#region7Translated
small business today magazine 在 AppWorks Facebook 的精選貼文
昨天台灣大哥大發布訊息,自 2019 年 4 月 1 日起將聘任 AppWorks 創辦合夥人 Jamie 林之晨為總經理,長期關心 AppWorks 的朋友,或許會有些疑惑。其實不是 Jamie 換工作,而是 AppWorks 將與台灣大一起,挑戰一個放大 10 倍的計畫。在此跟大家分享 Jamie 的聲明,有更完整的敘述。
#以下是_Jamie_聲明全文
稍早台灣大哥大發布訊息,自 2019 年 4 月 1 日起將聘任為我為總經理,我的朋友們,以及長期關心我與 AppWorks 的媒體,一定會有許多疑惑,請容我在此統一向大家說明。
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#EnglishBelow 稍早台灣大哥大發布訊息,自 2019 年 4 月 1 日起將聘任為我為總經理,我的朋友們,以及長期關心我與 AppWorks 的媒體,一定會有許多疑惑,請容我在此統一向大家說明。
首先,我不是接下了台灣大總經理的職位,而是接下了整合市值美金 120 億、營收美金 38 億的台灣大與市值美金 36 億、營收美金 25 億的 AppWorks Ecosystem,放大出 10 倍成果的任務。
這得從我的故事說起,如果您還沒聽過的話,我原本已經移民美國,和老婆小孩開心的住在紐約,2008 年,我在美看到 iPhone、Android 相繼問世,Facebook、Twitter 等社群媒體成為主流,意識到軟體的力量將越來越大,而硬體將越來越沒有價值,換言之,台灣的國際經濟地位將受到極大挑戰,因此決定舉家搬遷回台,推動台灣的轉型升級,以免我熱愛的福爾摩沙從世界經濟奇蹟變成失落的遺跡。
這是一個很大的決定,不僅我要放棄自己的美國夢,老婆、小孩都得跟著改變職涯、學涯,因此既然要做,就得發揮最大的 Impact。所以回台之後,我每天思考、決定、努力的,都是最大化我對台灣的貢獻。
因此這些年來我戴了很多帽子,表面看起來沒什麼相關性,但背後都有一個共同的目的,那就是推動台灣的改變。首先,我長期寫網誌、經營 Facebook 等網路社群、在《天下》等期刊寫專欄、出書、演講、接受採訪,心想的是分享新知、新觀念,散播進步需要的養分。
我與夥伴們成立 AppWorks,有系統的幫助年輕人創業,為的是培養千千萬萬帶領台灣前進的下一代生力軍。這也是為什麼 AppWorks 從 2010 年啟動半年一期的創業加速器,至今一直堅持免費提供。目前 AppWorks Accelerator 共畢業的 17 屆、925 位創業者,由他們成立的活躍企業高達 328 家,2018 年產值 760 億,提供 9,500 個工作機會,非常確切的為台灣貢獻一股向上動能。更重要的是,這些創業者們因 AppWorks 而相識相惜,形成一個緊密互助的網路,更是社會的長期資產。
當 AppWorks 在台灣站穩腳步,2014 年我們開始積極走訪東南亞,邀請優秀的東協創業者前來加入,希望透過串連跨國創業者網路,促進台灣的區域化,同時貢獻東協的數位發展。經過 5 年的推動,這個工作也有大幅進展,即將在 3 月進駐 AppWorks 的 33 組 AW#18 團隊,將有高達 19 組來自東南亞,包含他們在內,AppWorks 有 160 家企業在台灣以外的大東南亞市場有據點,形成一個真正區域化的網路。現在,來自台灣、香港、新加坡的 AppWorks 創業者要前往印尼、越南發展,可以很容易的找到 AppWorks 校友帶路,大大降低了區域化的門檻。
除了創業加速器,透過 AppWorks,我們同時努力創造更多台灣改變需要的新典範。以創業投資為例,我們 2012 年成功募集 3.2 億 Fund I,2014 年募得 15 億 Fund II,在 AppWorks 團隊的努力經營下,目前兩支基金的投資績效都是水準以上,其中 Fund II 至今的年化內部報酬率 (IRR) 達 29%,遠高於歐美同期創投基金的 Top Quartile (前四分之一) 指標。透過追求與國際一流基金同等的表現,我們希望促進台灣 LP (創投投資人的簡稱) 更有信心支持本土新興 GP (創投管理公司的簡稱),進而推動台灣創投業的復甦。
2016 年,我們出資成立 AppWorks School,每 4 個月一期,免費幫助年輕人透過實作學習程式、轉職工程師、加入成長中的數位行業,提升他們的職涯的同時,也為台灣貢獻人才。目前 School 已畢業 106 位學生,其中 85% 成功轉職,第一年起薪中位數達 67 萬。雖然杯水車薪,但我們希望拋磚引玉,刺激台灣教育的現代化,幫助年輕人準備好面對 AI 時代。
此外,AppWorks 雖然仍是中小企業,但受到的關注較多,因此也經常以身作則,為台灣業界示範新時代企業可以有的新思維。除了看齊國際優質創投的薪資獎金水準、年假無上限、自由選擇工作時間地點、新年假期長達三、四週外,我們更在日前啟動交棒計畫,讓年僅 30 歲的 Jessica 劉侊縈、40 歲的 Andy 蔡欣翰升任合夥人,希望激發台灣企業勇敢讓年輕人當家。
私部門之外,有機會推動台灣轉型的公領域活動,我也積極參與。2016 年,我從詹宏志先生手上接下 TiEA (台灣網際網路暨電子商務產業發展協會) 理事長,上任後便努力推動網路電商正名運動,成功說服了櫃買中心創立電子商務分類;2017 年起我開始擔任亞洲·矽谷民諮委共同召集人、數位國家諮詢委員、代表台灣參加每年四次的 ABAC (APEC Business Advisory Council) 會議,2018 年又奉總統之命擔任 APEC Vision Group 代表,與其他 20 會員國派出的先進,一起定義 APEC 未來的 20 年願景。這些雖然都是義務工作,但我都當作正職全力以赴,因為都有機會大大影響台灣的命運,以及在經濟領域的國際能見度。
最後,我去年決定再次舉家,準備遷往雅加達,同樣還是以為台灣貢獻出發。我觀察到 2.6 億人口的印尼正在快速崛起,短短 5 年內從有限的新創活動,到 4 隻本土獨角獸加 3 隻外來獨角獸的蓬勃景況,必須要幫助台灣抓住這個成長機會,但印尼商業生態與台灣大不相同,所以我決定進駐雅加達、深耕當地,希望能因此扮演帶領 AppWorks 新創進入印尼的嚮導,縮短我們與世界第四大國、東南亞第一大國的距離。這麼做得犧牲一些我在台灣的工作,但這些工作多半我的夥伴們可以承接,因此我便毅然開始行動。
講了這麼多,我其實只是希望您能了解,我大老遠從紐約搬回來的目的就是改變台灣,所以這些年來我做決定沒什麼懸念,因為不需要考慮自己的利益,只需要考慮在這個時間點,我做這件事情,是不是最能貢獻台灣。
如此我們便可以回到正題,這次的「台灣大 + AppWorks」專案。
不久前,蔡明忠董事長約我談話,詢問我有沒有興趣接下台灣大總經理的職位,一開始我其實是無法答應的,首先我已經決定搬去印尼,再來我也不確定接這個位子,跟貢獻台灣的關係。回去想了兩整天後,我有了答案,我跟蔡董事長說,必須有四個先決條件:
第一,結合台灣大和 AppWorks,用 AppWorks 生態系去幫助台灣大轉型為科技企業,同時以台灣大為平台去加速 AppWorks 新創的成長,因此創造更多成功的企業,為台灣示範成熟企業如何與新創實際合作;
第二,由 AppWorks 帶路,推動台灣大 + AppWorks 走出台灣,成為一個大東南亞科技集團,為台灣企業的區域化寫下典範,同時也成為能加速 AppWorks 新創區域化的大平台;
第三,以建立一個市值 1,000 億美金 (US$ 100B) 的科技集團為目標,創造第一個由台灣出發、真正達到國際級的非代工企業;
第四,所有因為台灣大 + AppWorks 集團未來的價值成長,公司依規定希望給予我個人的獎勵,要能全數由集團捐為公益使用,且專注在推動台灣的教育改革與電影工業上。
我跟蔡董事長說,如果以這四個目標為前提,那就值得我花 10 到 15 年的生命去推動。這基本上是我的夢幻清單,如果這麼做的話,能為台灣創造的貢獻,比 AppWorks 繼續獨立營運還會巨大許多,想不到蔡董事長毫不猶豫的答應。也因此,我回頭與 AppWorks 的夥伴們溝通,得到大家的支持後,我們決定一起接受這個挑戰。所以開頭我說,我不是接下了台灣大總經理的職位,而是接下了整合台灣大與 AppWorks,放大出 10 倍成果的任務。
當然,這不是一件容易的工作,發展新的商業模式,我或許有 20 年的創業、工作經驗作為後盾,但對於管理電信事業,對於領導一個 7,000 人的大集團,我有太多需要學習的地方,所以,我請蔡董事長務必持續扮演我的 Partner,在這個過程中一起確保電信本業的營運,好讓我們有最大的空間與時間,去爭取新事業的發展,為所有「台灣大 + AppWorks」的 Stakeholders,爭取最佳的長期利益。
未來幾年,將是電信業轉型的關鍵時期,去年 499 之亂加速電信用戶 ARPU (平均每戶營收) 的下滑,消費者換機時間拉長導致手機營收停滯,接下來資本支出是 4G 近 4 倍的 5G 即將到來,更讓電信長達 20 年紅利時代難以延續,AI、IoT、Blockchain、Cloud 等巨型典範轉移接連的到來,進一步逼迫電信業者不能繼續防守。
另一方面,電信業已經建立的品牌、長期客戶關係、大量用戶數據,卻是極有價值,可以更全面應用的資產。透過台灣大 + AppWorks 的結合,目前已經產生 760 億年營收的 AppWorks 的 328 家新創,以及未來將持續培養的更多新興企業,都有機會透過與台灣大的合作加速成長,而台灣大也能因此取得新的營收引擎,創造雙贏的局面。
所以,在可預見的未來,AppWorks 的方向不會改變,我們將持續邀請優秀的創業者加入,透過 AppWorks 原有的能量,以及新增的台灣大平台幫助他們。AppWorks 基金的營運也不會改變,事實上,加入了台灣大的能量,我們有信心能為 LP 們創造更好的財務、策略報酬。我的角色,除了新增台灣大總經理以外,也沒有改變,將持續擔任 AppWorks 的董事長、合夥人,戮力確保台灣大 + AppWorks 的整合能順利成功、長長久久,創造多贏。唯一改變的,大概是我的工作時間將會增加,因此要犧牲與家人的相處,在此先跟偉大的老婆、兩個可愛的兒子道歉,感謝他們對這個決定的支持與諒解。
至於搬遷至雅加達、引導更多 AppWorks 新創進軍印尼的計畫,很遺憾必須暫緩,所幸 AppWorks 的新任合夥人 Jessica (劉侊縈),已經承諾會扛起這個責任,相信在她的帶領下,AppWorks 的印尼計畫還是能夠大鳴大放、開花結果。
以上,就是針對此次台灣大 + AppWorks 的重大發展,向各位好友、媒體朋友的報告,懇求你們的支持。無論如何,我會持續為貢獻台灣而努力,希望我們這一輩的小孩們長大後,可以和我們一樣,以做台灣人為榮。
最後,預祝 您
新年快樂 諸凡順遂
助君張目 豬滿福保
Earlier today, Taiwan Mobile published an announcement communicating their intention to appoint me as the company’s general manager as of 4/1/2019. I’m sure this announcement may come as a surprise to many of my friends in the startup community, likely leaving you all with ample questions, concerns, and potentially even doubt. Let me take the opportunity to clarify the situation and explain the reasonings behind my decision for everyone.
Firstly, I must clarify that I am not merely taking over as GM of Taiwan Mobile, but taking on the bigger job of integrating Taiwan Mobile, a $12B market cap & $3.8B revenue company, and AppWorks, a $3.6B valuation & $2.5B revenue ecosystem, to amplify our impact by 10x.
But to adequately understand where we’re going, I think it’s important for everyone to know where we’ve come from. This begins with my story—for those of you that haven’t heard it before—which dates back to my time living in New York. It was around 2008 when I saw the launch of iPhone and Android, as well as the advent of Facebook, Twitter, etc, collectively catapulting social media into mainstream use. It was clear that software was increasingly taking over the world while the value of hardware was becoming more and more commoditized. This posed a dire existential threat to Taiwan, whose global economic contributions had been primarily driven by hardware and semiconductor manufacturing. This eventually prompted my resolve to move back to Taiwan and prevent our country from becoming a relic of the past.
This was by no means an easy decision. Not only did I have to give up my American dream, but my wife and child would have to completely uproot their lives, changing jobs and schools. It was a huge sacrifice on their end, so after moving back I dedicated myself to working hard every day to maximize my contribution to Taiwan and exert the greatest impact possible.
I have worn a lot of hats since, and it may seem that there is no correlation on the surface. But, there is indeed a common purpose behind them, which is to promote change in Taiwan. First of all, I have long written posts and columns in online communities such as my own blog, Facebook, and journals like “The Commonwealth Magazine,” while also giving speeches and interviews for a variety of outlets whenever possible. I see these activities as a way to share new knowledge, new ideas, and disseminate the nutrients needed for progress.
I set up AppWorks with my partners to systematically help young people start their own businesses and cultivate the next generation of business leaders that will steer Taiwan forward. That's why AppWorks started its semi-annual startup accelerator in 2010, and has been offering it for free ever since. With the addition of the latest batch AW#17, the AppWorks Ecosystem encompasses 328 active startups and 925 founders, having collectively generated US$ 2.5 billion in revenues and created 9,586 jobs—not an immaterial contribution to Taiwan’s economy needless to say. More importantly, we’ve created a tight-knit community where founders can form lifelong relationships, while seeking advice from both peers and mentors in good times and bad. I see that as a long-term value to society.
Once AppWorks took a firm foothold in Taiwan, we began targeting Southeast Asia in 2014 to invite outstanding ASEAN entrepreneurs to join us. We hope to promote Taiwan's regionalization through a network of international founders, and in turn, facilitate the development of SEA’s digital economy. We've made significant strides these past five years. AW#18 will kick off in March 2019, and consists of 33 teams, 19 of which hailing from countries across SEA and beyond. Spanning our entire ecosystem, AppWorks encompasses 160 companies currently operating in Southeast Asia, forming a truly regional network. Now, AppWorks founders from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore are expanding to Indonesia and Vietnam, and it is easy to find local AppWorks alumni to lead the way, greatly reducing the barriers for international expansion.
In addition to AppWorks Accelerator, we have been working hard to create more examples for a modern Taiwan. Taking venture capital as an example, we successfully raised US$ 11 million for Fund I in 2012 and US$ 50 million for Fund II in 2014. Under the efforts of the AppWorks team, the investment performance of the two funds is currently above the industry average, of which Fund II has achieved an annualized internal rate of return (IRR) of 29%. This is much higher than the top quartile of VCs in both Europe and the United States. By pursuing the same performance as international first-class funds, we hope to encourage Taiwanese LPs (short for venture capital investors) to be more confident in supporting local emerging GPs (short for venture capital management companies) and to promote the recovery and ultimate longevity of Taiwan's VC industry.
In 2016, we created AppWorks School with the aim of helping the younger generation pick up new skill sets, enhance their careers, and join the growing tech industry. The school offers four-month free programs and has now graduated 106 students, 85% of whom have secured jobs as software engineers, with a median starting salary of US$ 21,833. Although our scale is still tiny compared to larger institutes, we hope our efforts have inspired others to promote the modernization of Taiwan’s education system and equip young people with the necessary skills to thrive in the AI era.
In addition, although AppWorks is still a small to medium-sized enterprise, it has received a lot of attention. Therefore, it often leads by example and demonstrates how to apply new thinkings to modern corporate management. In addition to internationally-competitive salaries, our colleagues enjoy flexible working hours and locations, unlimited vacation days, and several weeks off around Chinese New Year. AppWorks also recently launched an internal promotion track, promoting two of our very own staff to partners, Jessica Liu (30) and Andy Tsai (40). We hope that this move will also create a ripple effect across traditional Taiwanese industries, inspiring more local enterprises to put their faith in younger leaders.
Alongside the private sector, I am also actively involved in promoting Taiwan’s transformation through public sector activities. In 2016, I took over as chairman of TiEA (Taiwan Internet and E-Commerce Association) from Mr. Hung-Tze Jan (詹宏志). After taking office, I have worked hard to promote our industry and successfully convinced government cabinet members to create a separate category for e-commerce companies, which didn’t previously exist in Taiwan’s stock market. Since 2017, I have been the co-convenor of the Asia-Silicon Valley Development Agency Advisory Committee, advisor of DIGI+ Taiwan, and the country’s member in ABAC (APEC Business Advisory Council). Most recently in 2018, I was appointed by the President to represent Taiwan in the APEC Vision Group, where 21 member states come together to define APEC's vision for the next 20 years. Although these are all voluntary work, I have treated them as full-time jobs because they produce opportunities that can greatly influence Taiwan’s future.
Finally, last year I was prepared to uproot my family again and move to Jakarta. With a population of 260 million people, I observed that Indonesia was a rapidly emerging economy, producing many areas where Taiwan and Taiwanese companies can contribute. In the span of just five years, Indonesia went from a barren startup landscape to producing four local unicorns and attracting the presence of three international unicorns. Although the opportunities are abundant, Indonesia’s ecosystem was much different from Taiwan’s, creating immense cultural, regulatory, and competitive barriers for Taiwanese companies. I had thus planned on relocating to Jakarta in hopes of better leading AppWorks startups into Indonesia and shortening our distance from the world’s fourth most populous country and GSEA’s biggest economy. I would have had to sacrifice some of my roles and responsibilities in my Taiwan, but I put faith in my partners and co-workers to fill the void.
With all that said, I want you to understand that the underlying mission to change Taiwan has never faltered. With this mission in mind, I’ve never hesitated in making decisions over the years because I’ve never needed to consider my own interests—but only the things I can do at the moment to best contribute to Taiwan and generate the most impact. It’s what prompted my resolution to move back from New York, my intent to move to Jakarta, and now my decision to take on this new opportunity with “Taiwan Mobile + AppWorks.”
Not long ago, the Chairman of Taiwan Mobile Daniel Tsai reached out and asked if I was interested in taking over as General Manager of Taiwan Mobile. At first, I was unable to take his offer because I was getting ready to move to Indonesia and I didn’t know how this would contribute to making Taiwan better. After allowing myself a few days to contemplate, I found an answer. I told Chairman Tsai that I would take on the position, but only if I can pursue these 4 ambitions:
First, leverage the AppWorks ecosystem to help transform Taiwan Mobile into a true technology company. At the same time, leverage Taiwan Mobile as a platform to accelerate the growth of AppWorks startups, thereby creating a successful collaboration template for other Taiwan & SEA large corporations to work with startups.
Second, with AppWorks leading the way, establish Taiwan Mobile + AppWorks into a regional technology group across Greater Southeast Asia, in turn, inspiring other Taiwanese companies to explore Southeast Asia as well as becoming a platform for startups to go regional.
Third, build Taiwan Mobile + AppWorks group to a market cap of US$ 100 billion and create the first non-OEM company that originates from Taiwan and truly reaches a global scale.
Fourth, throughout the process, all the bonuses I am entitled to shall be donated by the group to public welfare, focusing specifically on promoting education reform and the film industry in Taiwan.
I told Chairman Tsai if these are the goals, it’s worth dedicating the next 10 - 15 years of my life to achieve. This is basically my dream list. If I do this, the contribution to Taiwan and the GSEA region as a whole from the combined entity will be much greater than the continued independent operation of AppWorks. Chairman Tsai agreed on these four goals and gave me his promise, but it was still not a decision that I could make on my own--after all building AppWorks into what is it today was not something I did alone. Therefore, I went back to communicate with the AppWorks partners and team, and with everyone's support, we decided to accept this challenge together.
Thus, at the beginning of the post, I said, that I am not only taking over the position of Taiwan Mobile’s GM, but undertaking the task of integrating Taiwan Mobile and AppWorks to amplify our impact by 10x. Of course, developing a completely new business model is not an easy job. I may have 20 years of entrepreneurship and work experience under my belt, but I still have much to learn when it comes to managing a massive telecoms operation with over 7,000 people, most of whom are much more familiar with the industry than me. Therefore, I asked Chairman Tsai to act as my partner through the process to ensure the continued operations of the telecoms unit. This will enable more time and space to develop new businesses, benefiting all “Taiwan Mobile + AppWorks” stakeholders in the long run.
The telecoms industry will likely undergo a crucial transformation in the next few years. Last year’s “NT$499 war” accelerated the decline of telecom subscribers’ ARPU (average revenue per household). Longer replacement periods for smartphones have led to the stagnation of mobile phone revenues and the rollout of 5G will cost four times the capex as 4G. These factors all threaten the industry’s ability to maintain the fluid growth it’s experienced for the past 20 years. Furthermore, the arrival of paradigm shifting technologies such as AI, IoT, Blockchain, and Cloud have put all telecom operators on the defensive.
On the other hand, the telecoms industry has established brands, long-term customer relationships, and a massive amount of user data—all valuable assets that can be better maximized. Through the combination of Taiwan Mobile + AppWorks and the 328 startups that AppWorks has cultivated, all emerging startups will be able to look to the combined platform as a strategic engine for cooperation and growth. This is will also enable Taiwan to develop new sources of value creation--a win-win for both sides.
Therefore, in the foreseeable future, AppWorks will not change direction. We will continue to invite outstanding entrepreneurs to join our accelerator, staying true to the original ethos of AppWorks, while leveraging the new Taiwan Mobile platform to help them. The operation of AppWorks Funds will not change. In fact, with the backing of Taiwan Mobile’s resources, we are confident that we can create better financial and strategic rewards for LPs. My role at AppWorks will not change. I will continue to serve as a partner of AppWorks. I will ensure that the integration of Taiwan Mobile + AppWorks will be a successful, long-lasting win-win situation for all stakeholders involved. The only change is probably that my working hours will increase, effectively cutting into my family time. So first, I must apologize to my great wife and two lovely sons, and thank them for their continued support and understanding of this decision.
As for the plan to move to Jakarta and guide more AppWorks startups to enter Indonesia, regrettably it must be suspended. Fortunately, Jessica Liu, AppWorks’ newest partner, has promised to take up this responsibility. I believe that under her leadership, AppWorks' Indonesia initiative will still be able to make a big splash and develop fruitfully.
Hopefully, this post has provided you with all the relevant details regarding the Taiwan Mobile + AppWorks announcement. To friends and media, I sincerely appreciate your continued support. At any rate, I will continue to work hard to contribute to Taiwan. I hope that the children of our generation will grow up and be proud of being Taiwanese.
Finally, I wish everyone all the best. Have a wonderful and prosperous pig year!