Next-Gen Leaders Power Industrial Transformation at ATIT
Life Center / Comprehensive Report
The Association for Taiwan Transformation and Innovation (ATIT) held its second General Membership Meeting today (14th). President Lai Ching-te made a special appearance to engage in in-depth discussions with more than 180 industry, academic, and research leaders from across Taiwan. ATIT’s membership spans northern, central, and southern Taiwan, covering industries such as plumbing hardware, hand tools, fasteners, surface treatment, and machinery equipment, forming the nation’s most comprehensive ecosystem for the broader metal and electromechanical industry.
President Lai Ching-te (front center), ATIT Chairman Chang Chia-Lieh (front left second), Legislator Chen Su-Yueh (front right second), Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-Mei (front left first), and second-generation business successors demonstrate strong innovation momentum and a thriving collaborative ecosystem. (Photo / ATIT)
More than just a key platform for industrial networking, the association stands out because over 50% of its members are second-generation business leaders. Their strong digital mindset and succession momentum have become a driving force behind the transformation of traditional industries toward smart manufacturing and sustainability.
Next-Generation Leadership and Digital DNA Foster Cross-Industry Collaboration
ATIT Chairman Chang Chia-Lieh stated that since its establishment, the association has adhered to the vision of “Transformation Through Collaboration, Prosperity Through Ecosystems.” President Lai expressed strong support for this mission and remarked during his speech, “Innovation is the essential path to enhancing competitiveness across all industries.”
The President also humorously shared with entrepreneurs that if companies want to create greater business opportunities, they should make full use of government resources and embrace artificial intelligence to accelerate both digital and green transformation.
President Lai emphasized the government's commitment to supporting SMEs and unveiled the vision of the “New Ten Major AI Initiatives,” aiming to elevate traditional metal and electromechanical industries to new levels of smart manufacturing while strengthening Taiwan’s global brand image. (Photo / ATIT)
Presidential Commitment to Stable Energy Supply and Technical Support
Addressing industry concerns regarding production costs and stable power supply, President Lai provided a direct and positive response. He stated, “Regarding the energy supply issues that have concerned many people in recent years, the government will address them properly. Please rest assured.”
To accelerate industrial transformation, the President noted that organizations such as the Industrial Development Administration (IDA) and the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) have been actively engaging with industry stakeholders and responding to frontline needs. He emphasized that the government will not only assist businesses in meeting international carbon reduction requirements such as CBAM but will also work toward making Taiwan an “AI Island,” enabling traditional industries to benefit from advancements in high technology.
ATIT Chairman Chang Chia-Lieh delivers remarks during the meeting, highlighting the association’s commitment to cultivating the broader metal and electromechanical industry ecosystem and strengthening collaboration among industry, government, academia, and research institutions. (Photo / ATIT)
Industry, Government, Academia, and Research Unite to Elevate Taiwan’s Global Brand
Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-Mei and Legislator Chen Su-Yueh also attended the event. Magistrate Wang noted that the county government has secured funding to support local industrial transformation, while Legislator Chen expressed hope that the association would serve as an effective bridge connecting SMEs with the government’s AI policies.
In his closing remarks, Chairman Chang stated that the President’s support serves as a powerful backing for the industry. To further strengthen technological capabilities, the association announced plans to co-host the “Cross-Industry Empowerment × Smart Manufacturing Future” Technology Seminar by the end of 2026 together with the Changhua Plumbing Hardware Development Association and the Taiwan Spring Technology Association, helping members seize opportunities in the digital era.
Resilient Succession Showcases Taiwan’s Intergenerational Vitality
The meeting concluded successfully with representatives from industry, government, academia, and research sectors in attendance. Chairman Chang remarked that the President’s presence not only affirmed the importance of industrial transformation but also provided strong encouragement for the younger generation courageously taking on leadership roles. Throughout the succession process, the steady experience of the first generation and the creativity of the second generation have come together in a remarkable synergy. This is not merely the transfer of skills but the passing on of a mission.
When traditional metal and electromechanical industries meet a new generation equipped with digital capabilities, the resulting energy from cross-disciplinary collaboration reveals a resilient Taiwan. It demonstrates that Made in Taiwan (MIT) is more than a commercial label—it is a symbol of intergenerational unity and a source of enduring brilliance on the global stage.
