CTCI Foundation was established in 1959 as a non-profit organization to serve the greater good by training technical talents as well as improving industrial and national productivity. For international graduate students, CTCI Foundation has been arranging visits to Taiwan’s prominent enterprises which are representative of their industries and also in need of international talents. The main goals of the visit are to foster a deeper understanding about prospects of Taiwan’s corporations and working environments, and bring together positive interactions between corporations and international students. It is hoped that through learning business philosophy and vision of Taiwan’s representative corporations and industry development, international students will make plans to pursue careers and join these corporation in Taiwan so as to foster a win-win situation for all parties. 2014 had marked the first attempt of Enterprise Visit activity by CTCI Foundation. Up until 2017, a total of 353 international graduate students from 36 countries had applied for the activity, and a total of 155 graduate students have visited various representative corporations in Taiwan. The tremendous effort by CTCI Foundation has gained a wide recognition and notice by both corporations as well as international graduate students. For the year of 2017, the Enterprise Visit activity received applications from a total of 143 distinguished graduate students from 20 different countries what are studying in 19 universities in Taiwan. In short, these 61 Ph.D. students along with 82 Master students have to compete for just 60 available slots. For students studying in the related fields of science or engineering, the Tier One arrangement for 2017 enterprise visits includes TECO Electric & Machinery Co., Shihlin Electric & Engineer Corporation, Fortune Electric Co., Ltd., Taiwan Hon Chuan Enterprise Co., Ltd., and Fair Friend Enterprise Co., Ltd.. All of these companies have developed great technological advancement and are representative of high-tech and manufacturing industries. On the other hand, the governmental agency of InvesTaiwan Service Center walks students through investment options and useful Points System for Foreign Graduates. It is hoped that through learning of vision, business philosophy, core value, and product strengths of corporations, Q&A session interaction, and actual walk-through of factory operation, these international graduate students can connect academic learning with actual industrial realities as well as operations in an effort to broaden their mindset and understanding. From another point of view, this also helps them to anticipate what actual working criteria and conditions might apply if they were working as the staffs. As for the corporations, they get to observe student participants’ attitudes and potentials during the visit. As corporations search for suitable candidates, they also get to promote reputation and brand names of their companies world-wide. To help foster an understanding of Taiwan’s beautiful scenery and local artistic developments, activities on the third day of Tier One include special visits to Earthquake Museum of Taiwan, Taichung Rainbow Village, and Hexing Train Station. These sites represent aspects of Taiwan’s natural beauties and the appreciation for the land that we live in. For now, let us refer to the feedbacks from Tier One international graduate students of 2017 trip.

TECO is a great and the largest manufacturer of heavy power in Taiwan. It manufactures high performance motors as main products and has a global market share in more than 30 countries. InvesTaiwan Service Center (ITSC), a government agency, helps companies in needs of international talents to recruit and also provides consulting services. ITSC representative demonstrated the online registration procedure and explained the steps to apply for a working permit. Shihlin Electric focuses on manufacturing power-related products, such as vehicle electric equipment, heavy power products, industrial products, and automation equipment. Fortune Electric is a leading domestic power transformer manufactures. Hon Chuan manufactures integrated beverage packaging. Fair Friend Group (FFG) is the third largest CNC machine tool maker with three major divisions of business, such as machine tool, industry equipment, and green energy division. My favorite company is FFG, because of the brilliant strategy by Chairman/Founder Jimmy Chu to merge many companies in order to expand production scales and market shares in the world. Specifically, FFG implements high technology on their products as complicated as airplane wings and components of High Speed Rail. And for the last day, we travelled to the Rainbow Village located in Taichung. It is a state-of-art, rainbow grandpa paints on the house wall and the street with colorful cute pictures from flowers, trees, birds to a variety of other animals. I hope CTCI Foundation will continue organizing meaningful and enjoyable trip like this.

TECO Electric impresses me much as it is a big manufacturer of all kinds of motors from big sized industrial machineries to small sized electrical appliances. InvesTaiwan Service Center provides a very useful platform as matchmaker between job seekers and companies. The factory visit of Shihlin Electric gives me a new perspective for Taiwanese manufacturing factories. The one that impresses me the most is the size of transformers. It could be produced with large scale used for wind turbine. The company does not always depend on machines, as it still needs workers to do some parts of the work. Fortune Electric is my favorite company, since the factory is large, clean, and well-organized which specialized in production of big transformers. This is my first time to see large transformers, and learn that in order to ship to overseas customers, the biggest transformers which must to be sent in parts. However, for the transformer’s core, it must be well-sealed with waterproof materials and it is impossible to dismantle and send in parts. The visit gives me a new perspective on how transformer is being produced in a professional and great factory like this in Taiwan. When I see Taiwan Hon Chuan’s production process, it is high tech and specialized in mass production of different kinds of beverages in bottles. Fair Friend Enterprise has many kinds of production uses for machinery and transportation. It also applies high tech system to organize and run metal production such as transformers. It is truly an unforgettable enterprise visit activity I ever participated.

“The product that wins is the one that bridges customers to the future, not the one that requires a giant leap” (Aaron Levie, co-founder of Box). From the enterprise visit, we learn about “real business” and engineering management through observation of operation of the company and plant. It is a practical opportunity to learn about factory production and work-related opportunities and information. One of the leading manufacturers of power-related products, Fortune Electric Corporation, is committed to connect worker and industry 4.0, as well as carefully balance operations, profitability and sustainable development. On the other hand, Shihlin Electric has successfully signed a long-term exclusive contract with leading American manufacturers to represent their interests in vehicle electrical equipment. In addition, it is also an important supplier of Taipei 101. Both of these are collaborated under guidance of Taiwan Power Company (TPC). As well, Fair Friend Group (FFG) is consisted of CNC machine tool factory with Green Energy development. This company has created intelligent machine tools with concepts of “new”, “renewable”, and “energy”. To provide the best products and services, TECO Corporation is on the cutting edge of renewable energy technology to help change the world. The InvesTaiwan Service Center (ITSC) offers an integrated window to provide more business-friendly services and attract international firms to invest in Taiwan. This system is the result of coordination mechanism and joint effort by various county governments.

The enterprise visit was great. The companies on the list are big and famous. The company HR also introduced these corporations in a clear and easy to be understood way to all foreign participants. The itinerary for last day was awesome. Visiting earthquake museum was an interesting activity and it really opened my eyes to a new kind of domain as I acquired new-found knowledge about earthquakes. As well, the rainbow village is as beautiful as a memorable place for visitors. I will recommend this activity to all my friends and juniors, to take part for next visit, thanks!

The company personnel of TECO were friendly. Their presentation was very helpful in providing a comprehensive overview of the company operations. At InvesTaiwan Service Center, the presentation given by the hosts was informative and helpful to foreigners. Besides giving information for entrepreneurs looking to invest in Taiwan, the center could also try to include information on how to go about initiating startup and fund-raising in Taiwan. At Shihlin Electric, the representatives of the company gave a good explanation of the ongoing manufacturing processes and answered technical queries proficiently. The representative from Fortune Electric gave a very good presentation and the visit through the transformer manufacturing plant was a very useful learning experience. At Taiwan Hon Chuan Enterprise, the presentation was useful in providing us with a good idea of company operations. At Fair Friend Enterprise, the presentation was professional, impressive and gave detail information regarding company's vast operations. Their virtual factory setup, real-time monitoring of facilities abroad and fully connected online management system were very remarkable. To be a mechanical engineer, there were a lot to learn in the plant. For students looking for research-based jobs, the corporations could consider including an introduction to their R&D projects. Having a visit to R&D facility would help us gain an understanding of the research environment in the industry. This trip has given me a valuable glimpse into Taiwanese industry that could potentially affect my future career direction.

本次企業參訪中對宏全的in-house創新商業模式帶來的思維衝擊和印象最為深刻，與理工科領域常接觸到的技術為王的思路不同，宏全以外延思維連結上下游，化繁為簡，減少對接環節成本，創造了雙贏，在密切合作關係的基礎上，進一步拓展了自身的業務版圖。在技術以外還有更廣闊的世界，這是宏全給我最大的啟示。第三天的觀光，徜徉在彩虹眷村的美好中，我想到的是，你的價值具備不可替代性，這個世界將為你保留一片天地。於我，頭一次如此密集且連續地跟外國朋友接觸，英文口說有打通任督二脈之感。返校歸舍，我的印度室友聽完我的見聞，扼腕於當時沒有留意到中技社的活動資訊，建議在經費允許的狀況下，可適當投入新媒介平臺的經營，一者提升這項活動在青年族群中的傳播效率，二者可在平臺上即時發布活動照片等，令貴社的公益形象更為鮮活親切。一別三日，餘韻未了，好懷念跟大家在一起的三天。

I appreciated the opportunity and enjoyed the visit very much. The enterprises are all great for this trip. The hospitality from CTCI Foundation and dedication from the CTCI team are impressive, and these make me think the Taiwanese society is special. Besides I am studying in field of Biotechnology, I heard the government of Taiwan places a great effort on biotech and biomedical industries, and therefore my comment for future visit is that it could be helpful to add some biotech companies. I will look forward to hearing future information or update from CTCI. Thank you for the support for foreign students.

感謝中技社規劃安排這次境外生企業參訪活動，讓我們有機會了解一些台灣的國際企業，了解沒有機會接觸到的領域，收獲新經驗及新知識，結交新朋友，品嚐當地特色料理，參觀新打卡景點，在中技社貼心照顧下，讓我們有三天難忘的旅程。這次參訪特別安排了三家不同的電機廠參觀，通過連續參觀兩家生產變壓器的電機廠，使我對變壓器的製備和構造有了更進一步的了解，從課本中的理論圖走出對應實際的設備，一開始還覺得有些抽象，但在每家企業的工作人員詳細介紹後慢慢地開始理解了機器每個部分的功能和作用。除了電機廠，我們還參觀了宏全公司自動化飲料的塑膠包裝過程，和友嘉集團的機械零件產品，都受益匪淺。最後一天下午的大雨是旅程的小遺憾，但不會影響我對整體行程的正向評價。真心推薦中技社企業參訪活動，真的很棒！

The CTCI Enterprise Visit of 2017 helps me to know more about the prospect of working and establishing career in Taiwan. We have visited five companies and all of them play important roles in industrial productions. For example, TECO’s motor products such as air conditioners and other kinds of motors are mostly used in Taiwan. Moreover, these companies’ products are exported to places around the world. Some of their branches and sales offices are not only in Taiwan, but also in other countries. During the factory tour, we were guided and explained about how products were designed and produced from beginning to the end with a chance for up close and personal observation during the process. All company staffs welcomed us to join their company as foreigners who would be graduating from universities in Taiwan. Although I was not interested in a few of the companies, the visit itself was still a valuable experience in my life. All of these companies care about employees’ welfare, environmental friendliness, and efficient management. After my graduation in 2018, I will try to find a job in Taiwan as my first career. There is also a good possibility that perhaps I can still work with one of those companies’ subsidiary in my country of Indonesia. The third day sightseeing arrangement is also one of my favorite parts about this trip. In these three days, I met new friends who are very talented and I will keep in touch with them.

The three day trip was a great experience for me to learn what job opportunities are available in Taiwan, and the criteria for foreigners to be recruited by Taiwanese companies. Unlike movies, the trip gave me the real time exposure at factory. It is my first time experiencing advanced technology of Industry 4.0 with virtual reality. I am much impressed by Shihlin Electrics, Fair Friend Group and THC. I learned a lot of practical ideas about transformer manufacturing and other interesting things. The session at ITSC with the government agents helped to clarify many previous doubts about VISA process, permit, and other formalities. I was worried about my career in Taiwan before attending the visit, but now I am feeling somewhat relaxed that a lot of options are available for international students. Students like me benefitted from the enterprise visit. I was pleased to learn about job and entrepreneur options which are available to international students. As well, I got to meet people coming from different countries and cultures. I am very thankful to the CTCI Foundation for the wonderful arrangement. Please kindly continue this type of enterprise visit activity for international students.

Thank you so much for providing enterprise visit activity. It was interesting and I felt excited to meet friends from different countries, cultures, and traditions. While I have studied about Industry 4.0 in university, I acquired new knowledge when I could see factory operation up close and personal. Taiwan is known for its manufacturing industry. Through this visit, I realized Taiwan is also quite developed with high tech, Industry 4.0, and green industries.

Thanks much to the CTCI Foundation and staff for organizing this trip and providing a wonderful experience for foreign students! In my opinion, it is already a good thing that foundations such as CTCI are proactive in organizing these trips and encouraging foreign students to stay in Taiwan after graduation. Many foreigners that I have met in Taiwan are under the impression that Taiwan, in general, does not provide a welcoming work environment for foreigners. Trip such as this shows that there are government entities that are working to make it more welcoming for international talents. Even though the visit is designed for related fields of science or engineering students, I would recommend either making sure the trip includes a variety of companies, or targeting the trips for specific majors (i.e. engineering, marketing, sales, business). For example, the first trip could be for the aforementioned majors, and the second trip could be for other students from different degrees and interests. Thus, non- science or non-engineering major students can benefit from it too.

The company visit provides opportunity for international graduate students studying in Taiwan universities, to develop practical experience and get first-hand information for running industry-based researches. It also helps to connect students to high-tech companies with recruitment needs for international talents. TECO’s high standard technology with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certificates as well as energy efficiency certificates makes me want to have such TECO branches in my home country too. Shihlin Electric & Engineer Corporation manufactures electrical and power transformers, switch gear, controls and automotive electrical devices. Every year, it goes through design re-development and market enhancement for continuous improvement. Fortune Electric makes products similar to those of Shihlin Corporation. THC Company specializes in packaging automation. As we have seen from the trip, it is going beyond labor-intensive stage and working to be environmental friendly. Fair Friend Enterprise Corporation is a wonderful company that engages in machine tool, PCB, industry equipment, and green energy businesses. Generally speaking, the trip was successful with wonderful memories. Industrial visit activity created possibility for having a job in Taiwan, which I am looking forward to after graduation. My personal suggestion is perhaps we could increase the number of participants in the future. Since many students want to join the visit and work in Taiwan, but do not have such opportunity yet.

My thanks go out to the CTCI Foundation and staff for organizing this 2017 Enterprise Visit. At first, I am eager to learn about how these leading companies operate in Taiwan, as well as how they run factories. Unlike pictures from textbooks, products in different factories are carefully designed, planned, and then manufactured through production stages as the end products. As I am still trying to connect my research to real business model, the 3-day enterprise visit is really inspiring as it gives me precise pictures to build up my own business in Taiwan, and motivates me to conduct my research more actively. My suggestion is that perhaps we could consider visiting two more companies on the third day. And it might help to include nano technology or biotech industries on the visit list, aside from manufacturing giants, since this might be quite interesting to participants. Other than that, information from InvesTaiwan is helpful and insightful.