【Translator： Ya-Hsin Wan】

【Text and Photos: Ching-Ju Kang, Secretary of the Executive Management Training Center】

【Promotion of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) series】

2024-11-08 From October 30 to November 3, 2024, the National University of Kaohsiung EMBA program, led by the program director, conducted a five-day "Academic and Industrial Exchange Visit" in Da Nang, Vietnam. The delegation visited several renowned local enterprises, including Caesar Sanitary Ware, Cheng Shing Piston Company, and Uni-President (Vietnam). They also held discussion forums with members of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Da Nang and local alumni. Through this comprehensive, on-site learning experience, the program provided participants with valuable opportunities for cross-border industrial insights and collaboration.

The first scheduled stop of the trip was a visit to Foxlink Vietnam, a globally renowned manufacturer of electronic components specializing in high-tech products such as precision connectors, wireless communication, and optoelectronic integration. However, due to Foxlink's unexpected maintenance of its IT systems, the company was unable to host the delegation, which was a source of some regret. Additionally, the trip faced challenges from heavy rains in Da Nang, adding complexity to the itinerary. Nevertheless, the participants remained determined and enthusiastic, fully engaging in the subsequent visits.

The rest of the itinerary included visits to companies in the sanitary ware, manufacturing, and food and feed industries, providing an in-depth understanding of these sectors’ development strategies in the Vietnamese market. Through discussions with senior executives, participants gained clearer insights into Vietnam’s industrial environment and economic trends, conducted market evaluations, and achieved significant learning outcomes.

Next, the participants visited Caesar Sanitar, a leading player in Vietnam's sanitary ware industry. Known for its exceptional product design and quality management, Caesar has steadily grown its presence in the Vietnamese market. During the visit, company representatives shared Caesar's market strategies and provided an in-depth analysis of local consumer preferences and trends in the sanitary ware industry, offering participants valuable insights into the potential of Vietnam's domestic market. 

At Cheng Shing Piston Company, participants observed the complete manufacturing process of precision pistons. As one of Vietnam's key suppliers of automotive components, General Manager Chen explained the company's efforts in enhancing product quality and advancing technology. He also shared insights into the future development trends of Vietnam's automotive industry. The visit allowed participants to appreciate the dedication of traditional manufacturing industries to technological innovation and quality management.

Finally, the participants visited the Uni-President (Vietnam)'s Quang Nam plant, a leader in the food industry. The company specializes in producing aquatic feed, livestock feed, flour, and instant noodles, boasting a comprehensive product line and exceptional quality. During the visit, Manager Xin-Bi Wang not only introduced the production processes but also guided the participants through a hands-on tour of the production line. He provided an in-depth analysis of market demand and competitive advantages in Vietnam's food processing industry. The visit offered participants fresh perspectives on leveraging local market analysis and product positioning to enhance business competitiveness.

During the visit, the EMBA participants engaged in discussions with Zhi-Cheng Xu, President of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in Da Nang, board members, and alumni of the National University of Kaohsiung in Vietnam. The discussions covered local economic development and industry trends. Alumni shared their hands-on experiences in the Vietnamese market, including investment evaluation, regulatory risks, industry challenges, and future prospects, providing valuable insights for the participants. 

President Xu also shared the lessons learned from years of Taiwanese business development in Vietnam, emphasizing the market’s potential and the importance of local collaboration. This gave participants a deeper understanding of the unique characteristics and opportunities within the Vietnamese market. The exchange sparked numerous valuable insights and opened up new possibilities for academic-industry collaboration.

The visit coincided with typhoons affecting both Taiwan and Vietnam, but faculty and students persevered through the challenging weather. After thorough safety assessments, the group successfully completed the itinerary as planned, demonstrating a "confidence in the storm" mindset. This experience gave participants a profound appreciation for the resilience and adaptability required in business operations while highlighting the enthusiasm for learning and determination to broaden international perspectives that Kaohsiung University EMBA students embody. 

A notable highlight of the trip occurred during the return flight. As the plane prepared for takeoff, a surprising announcement came over the cabin speakers: “This is your co-pilot for today’s flight, Bo-Xun Zhan…” The announcement sparked excitement among the participants, as Bo-Xun Zhan was a distinguished alumnus from the inaugural cohort of the Taitung EMBA program at NUK. The students felt immense pride and honor in returning to Kaohsiung aboard a flight co-piloted by one of their own.

Despite being carried out amidst challenging weather and unforeseen circumstances, the corporate visit was filled with learning opportunities and delightful surprises. This experience underscored that NUK's EMBA program is not only a platform for academic growth but also a lifelong network for collaboration and mutual advancement. 

The program emphasizes not just theoretical learning in the classroom but also the development of practical skills through international industry visits. This trip showcased the core value of the NUK EMBA—integrating academics with industry. It provided participants with firsthand insights into the international market, broadened their horizons, and enhanced their capabilities.

The NUK EMBA Center welcomes ambitious individuals who aspire to become outstanding senior management professionals to join our program. We are currently accepting applications for the 114th academic year’s Master’s EMBA Management Class and EMLBA Legal Management Class. Our program offers a comprehensive platform for further education, along with the opportunity for lifelong free learning after graduation. We invite you to join us and maintain your competitive edge by staying up-to-date with the times!

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