“As we step into early 2025 and look back, amidst the dual pressures of global market volatility and accelerating technological innovation, ‘digital transformation’ and ‘sustainability’ have undoubtedly become the two essential pillars for corporate success. How to find opportunities in uncertainty and build a competitive edge with long-term strategies is a pressing challenge for every business leader.”
Bella Wang, Executive Director of the Taiwan Digital Enterprise Alliance (TDEA), leverages her professional expertise and keen insights to provide comprehensive support for next-generation entrepreneurs. Acting as both a companion and a driver of change, she leads businesses to tackle challenges, overcome bottlenecks, and realize sustainable value creation.
In an interview with《The Icons》, Bella Wang shared, “What I enjoy most is simply being there to support.” She not only helps businesses address the technical challenges of digital transformation but also focuses on creating an ecosystem that connects industries, government, and academia. Her vision ensures that every emerging entrepreneur finds a stage for growth within TDEA.
“Digital transformation and sustainability are not two separate paths but an integrated ecosystem that must advance together.” To Bella Wang, TDEA’s mission is not just about solving technical problems; it is about building a collaborative platform that empowers businesses, integrates resources, and drives innovation. From guiding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through digital upgrades to helping Taiwanese companies enter international markets, she firmly believes that collaboration is the key for businesses to navigate disruptions and emerge stronger.
Through its partnership with TDEA, many next-generation entrepreneurs have transitioned from traditional models to digitalization and taken on more active roles in sustainability initiatives. Together, they have paved a clear path for Taiwanese enterprises toward globalization and sustainable development:
“Business transformation is like rowing against the current—standing still means falling behind. In this rapidly changing world, digital transformation delivers efficiency and innovation, while sustainability establishes long-term social responsibility and core values for businesses. Only by combining the two can companies break through competition, set benchmarks in the market, and generate lasting growth and impact.”
Solutions to the Challenges of Transformation: Bridging Talent and Funding Gaps
The challenges of digital transformation lie not only in technology but also in integrating internal and external resources to maximize overall effectiveness, a critical issue for SMEs. Bella Wang points out that businesses often face dual bottlenecks of talent and funding, which can only be overcome with tailored solutions.
Mr. Fossil Co., Ltd. serves as a typical example. This traditional fossil restoration team previously relied on manual techniques, limiting efficiency and making market expansion difficult. TDEA’s intervention helped them introduce 3D modeling and printing technologies, significantly enhancing restoration efficiency and digitalizing their data, paving the way for innovation through virtual and physical integration. They further ventured into the new commercial realm by launching dinosaur-related NFT products.
However, beyond technological breakthroughs, funding remained a major challenge. TDEA introduced a “limited partnership model,” releasing partial equity to investors while enabling the team to focus on core operations and achieve flexible capital utilization. “For instance, the triceratops fossil discovered in the United States was successfully acquired and restored through this model, offering investors potential returns of 40% to 60% in the future.”
Additionally, TDEA has focused on talent cultivation, helping businesses establish internal training systems and collaborating with academic institutions to address the shortage of technical talent. “Funding and talent are complementary key factors in the transformation process. Only by integrating external resources can businesses progress steadily,” Wang emphasized.
Innovative Promotion: The Breakthrough Path for Small E-commerce Businesses
Amid the wave of digital transformation, small and medium-sized e-commerce businesses often face challenges such as limited resources and intense competition. For Vege King Co., Ltd., a platform specializing in vegetable and meat sales, these obstacles once hindered its growth. However, with the guidance of mentors from the Business Transformation Institute under TDEA, Vege King made a remarkable breakthrough in 2024, becoming a noteworthy case study.
“Like many small e-commerce businesses in Taiwan, they initially lacked a standout feature,” said Bella Wang. With TDEA’s guidance, Vege King reorganized its entire e-commerce operations, optimizing supply chain management and experimenting with short video marketing tools to increase brand exposure. “These innovative approaches made their sales strategy more agile and aligned with modern consumers’ shopping habits,” Wang explained.
The results of this transformation were impressive. Vege King not only achieved significant business growth but also became a finalist in a prestigious annual e-commerce competition, competing alongside established giants like Yahoo and PChome. “This recognition was not only an honor but also a testament to their hard work and determination,” Wang added.
Behind Vege King’s success lies the comprehensive support of TDEA for emerging entrepreneurs. From technology adoption to operational strategy refinement, the tailored solutions provided by experienced mentors enabled the company to maximize efficiency with limited resources. “This transformation demonstrated the tangible impact of mentorship and revealed the potential and resilience of small e-commerce businesses,” Wang concluded.
Deepening Collaboration to Build a Comprehensive Transformation Ecosystem
When discussing future plans, Bella Wang revealed that TDEA will advance with a dual-brand strategy featuring “Zero⁺ College” and the “Business Transformation Institute” to create a comprehensive transformation ecosystem for enterprises. Zero⁺ College focuses on digital optimization and low-carbon management, while the Business Transformation Institute aids businesses in exploring innovative business models and accelerating growth through capital strategies. “The future ecosystem development will address three major pain points in business transformation—lack of talent, technology, and capital,” she explained. TDEA aims not only to resolve immediate challenges but also to provide long-term support for sustainable growth.
To address talent shortages, TDEA actively collaborates with regional universities, assisting companies in drafting sustainability reports while offering students hands-on platforms. “Many SMEs face challenges in data organization and report writing. These collaborations solve urgent issues for businesses while providing students with practical experience, benefiting both parties.”
For technological advancements, TDEA underscores the importance of resource integration by facilitating partnerships between member companies and academic institutions to develop data analysis models and patented technologies for commercialization. For example, a manufacturing member, through TDEA’s connections, successfully partnered with a renowned technical university to upgrade its factory automation, increasing production efficiency by 30% and significantly reducing carbon emissions. “This model of technological cooperation will continue to evolve, driving innovation within the ecosystem.”
To address funding gaps, TDEA offers diverse solutions, linking businesses to government subsidies, low-interest loans, and capital operation strategies to alleviate financial pressure. For instance, a member company developed an AI supply chain management system with TDEA’s guidance, securing policy funding that greatly enhanced operational efficiency. “TDEA acts as a bridge between businesses and resources, ensuring every dollar maximizes value to support continuous innovation.”
Bella Wang emphasized that the ecosystem’s construction aims not only to help businesses sustain operations but also to drive upgrades across the entire industrial chain. “Through ecosystem collaboration, businesses no longer operate in isolation but join forces with like-minded partners to explore greater possibilities.” This collaborative model not only fosters synergy across industries but also attracts new-generation entrepreneurs to join TDEA’s platform, propelling industries toward higher levels of international competitiveness:
“Digital and sustainable ‘dual-axis transformation’ requires more than individual technologies; it demands an ecosystem of integrated resources and coordinated development. Only by combining talent, technology, and funding can businesses navigate uncertainty and achieve sustainable long-term growth.”
The Next Step in Globalization: The Key Lies in Team Effort
Facing the rapid changes in global markets, Bella Wang pointed out that Taiwanese businesses often miss opportunities on the international stage due to insufficient resource integration. “Korean companies have successfully entered global markets through supply chain integration and a team-based approach, whereas Taiwanese businesses are still accustomed to fighting solo. This is something we must change.”
To address this, TDEA actively connects resources between Taiwan and ASEAN markets to promote the concept of team-based strategies. For example, plans are underway to organize an industry exploration tour in Vietnam. This initiative aims to help member companies gain deeper insights into the local industry and policy environment while facilitating connections with Taiwanese organizations and potential partners in the region. “Vietnam, with its large population, strong consumption potential, and robust manufacturing foundation, is an important market for Taiwanese businesses to explore,” Wang emphasized.
Additionally, TDEA strongly supports the adoption of holding company models to integrate resources, reduce administrative costs, and enhance international competitiveness. “In the past, businesses participated in trade shows individually with limited results. Through holding companies, businesses can share marketing resources, establish a unified brand image, and negotiate with greater leverage,” Wang noted. This approach not only alleviates the burden on SMEs but also significantly enhances the exposure and competitiveness of entire industries in the international market.
Wang stressed that globalization is not just about “going abroad” but about creating value through multi-faceted connections. “We must move past the mindset of fighting alone. By adopting team-based strategies, more Taiwanese businesses can secure a foothold in global markets.” She believes that integrating resources and collaborative strategies are the keys to overcoming existing barriers.
Wang highlighted that by 2022, the GDP of ASEAN countries had reached 4.8 times that of Taiwan and is set to surpass Japan’s within five years. “This wave of industrial relocation is a critical opportunity for Taiwanese businesses. From supply chain collaborations to co-building brands, TDEA will assist companies in seizing this momentum, promoting the export of Taiwan’s manufacturing technologies, and even exploring local M&A opportunities.”
Globalization requires not only professional expertise but also integrated thinking and team strategies. By sharing resources and fostering industry cooperation, Taiwanese businesses can leverage their strengths and establish a strong presence on the international stage.
Looking Ahead to COP30: The Critical Opportunity for Zero-Carbon and Digital Integration
COP30, as a global focal point for climate change, not only represents the international community’s efforts toward carbon neutrality but also offers Taiwanese enterprises a platform for showcasing achievements and exploring collaboration opportunities. Bella Wang emphasizes that this milestone “COP30” conference serves as a pivotal moment for integrating zero-carbon initiatives with digital transformation.
“Carbon reduction and digitalization must be viewed as one cohesive strategy to truly enhance a company’s global competitiveness,” she explained.
Over the past few years, TDEA’s “Zero⁺ College” initiative has supported companies in conducting carbon footprint audits and integrating digital technologies into their processes, ensuring data transparency and systematization. “This not only aligns businesses with international sustainability standards but also empowers them to confidently showcase their achievements on the global stage while unlocking new commercial opportunities.”
With COP30 on the horizon, Bella Wang sees a promising role for Taiwanese enterprises, describing it as a critical juncture for fostering international collaboration. “Taiwanese companies should seize this opportunity to establish partnerships with international organizations and foreign enterprises, exporting technology and expertise to jointly advance carbon reduction goals,” she urged. Businesses must transcend the role of participants to become solution creators, making meaningful contributions to global climate challenges through innovative actions.
The significance of COP30 lies not just in dialogues but in actionable outcomes. “We need to transform the ideas and strategies discussed during the conference into concrete business practices. This is the key to demonstrating a company’s influence in the global market,” Wang stated. TDEA is committed to helping companies identify effective strategies and partners, ensuring that sustainability becomes a cornerstone of their competitive edge.
Co-Creating the Future of Industry to Achieve Greater Impact
In the wave of global economic and technological transformation, every step a business takes resembles a journey upstream—progress is essential, or risk falling behind. Bella Wang firmly believes that only through continuous innovation, upgrading, and transformation can companies not only stand firm in turbulent environments but also lead the change. “Taiwanese companies have unlimited potential. Our responsibility is to help them turn that potential into tangible achievements and amplify their voices on the global stage.”
Looking ahead, TDEA plans to deepen the construction of its ecosystem, from digital transformation to sustainable development, offering businesses a more comprehensive support system. By integrating industrial resources, expert consulting, and innovative capital, TDEA aims to not only help enterprises overcome current challenges but also achieve long-term competitiveness. “We hope every company can become a driving force for changing industry norms—not only succeeding in local markets but also building deep partnerships with international collaborators to expand Taiwan’s influence globally.”
TDEA’s efforts have not only enhanced internal capabilities for businesses but also facilitated the realization of multiple cross-border cooperation models. By sharing resources and co-building brands, TDEA member companies have demonstrated unprecedented competitiveness and synergy in regional markets. In a short time, these companies have not only significantly increased their market share but have also successfully entered international arenas, including ASEAN and emerging markets. “This is not an individual battle but a collective advancement of the industry,” Wang emphasized. Only through unified strength can Taiwanese companies gain greater voice and achieve collective industry upgrades in the global market.
Bella Wang believes that future industry leaders must possess not only an innovative vision but also a collaborative mindset and international ambition. “The global market is filled with opportunities and challenges. Only by co-creating can we find certainty in an uncertain future.” For TDEA, supporting each company in achieving a blend of digitalization and sustainability while helping them shine on the global stage is both a responsibility and a mission:
“The strength of Taiwanese enterprises lies in cooperation and innovation. We must be part of the global solution rather than mere spectators. In the future, only by empowering one another and moving forward together can Taiwan’s influence extend beyond today, shaping future generations and becoming a key driver of global industrial progress.”
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