"Don't give up on yourself." This principle has guided Thai young entrepreneur Kuei-Ming Chang since he took over his family business, Thai Tien Pao Manufactory Co., Ltd. (Thai Tien Pao), a decade ago. As a second-generation Taiwanese entrepreneur in Thailand's traditional manufacturing sector, he has integrated cultural and creative thinking with sustainable practices, steering the company toward an evolution in branding and corporate responsibility.
An Upbringing that Fostered a Global Outlook: Starting the Succession Journey from the Ground Up
Kuei-Ming Chang was born in Taiwan. His parents began doing business in Thailand early on and founded Thai Tien Pao in 2008. Kuei-Ming has since traveled frequently between Taiwan and Thailand and also studied at Thai-Chinese International School, giving him an educational journey that spanned both countries. Engaging with people from diverse national and cultural backgrounds broadened his global outlook and strengthened his fluency in Mandarin, English, and Thai, all of which later proved invaluable in his professional career in Thailand.
Growing up, Kuei-Ming had little understanding of the plastic manufacturing business run by his parents. He majored in financial management in college, seeing it as a field with strong prospects and social status. It was not until he joined Thai Tien Pao a decade ago, working in areas such as procurement and quality control, that he realized how his financial expertise could be applied to the family business. He came to appreciate that "every choice at each stage of life is preparation for the future." After gaining a deeper understanding of business operations and market dynamics, he found it much easier to tackle issues related to human resources, finance, and production management.
Thai Tien Pao mainly manufactures food packaging containers—such as plastic cups, bento boxes, paper cups, and paper boxes—using materials including PP, PET, OPS plastics, and different types of paper. The company currently employs over 400 people in Thailand, generates annual revenue of around 2 billion Thai baht, and operates a manufacturing facility in Shenkeng District, New Taipei City. Its major suppliers include well-known domestic and international companies such as Nan Ya Plastics, Far Eastern New Century, CPC Corporation, and Sipchem.
Cross-Disciplinary Integration and Cross-Border Learning: Injecting New Thinking into Traditional Industries
Kuei-Ming's exposure to the cultural and creative industries during his university years taught him about marketing, event planning, and brand management. These experiences later became invaluable for running a traditional manufacturing business. He has integrated creative-industry thinking into Thai Tien Pao's operations, using strategies such as sponsoring cultural events or beauty pageants to enhance brand visibility. "Audiences are first drawn to the event, and that creates an opportunity for the brand to be noticed, which in turn raises brand awareness," he explained. In his view, businesses that rely on a single resource are easily eliminated by the market. To stay competitive, cross-disciplinary integration, creative marketing, and maintaining a planning-oriented mindset are essential.
As a second-generation Taiwanese entrepreneur, Kuei-Ming not only found breakthroughs in marketing for a traditional industry but also returned to the fundamentals of production quality. Building on Thai Tien Pao's ISO international certification obtained in 2008, he actively pushed for certification from the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) after taking over the company in 2014, successfully securing it in 2023. At the same time, he recognized that energy conservation and carbon reduction have become key concerns in manufacturing. "Taiwan is moving faster on these issues, and it's uncertain when Thailand might also implement stricter policies on plastics and paper products," he noted. To respond to global ESG trends and potential policy changes, he began researching plastic recycling early on, with the goal of building a circular system.
This April, Kuei-Ming returned to Taiwan to attend the Overseas Community Affairs Council's "Green Competitiveness Program for Overseas Compatriot Entrepreneurs." He described it as a form of advanced study, noting that gaining broader perspectives on the circular economy has helped him better anticipate future development needs in the plastics industry.
Slowing Down and Letting Trust Lead the Way
In shaping business strategies and future development, Kuei-Ming draws on observations from different markets and lessons learned from Taiwan. He also became aware that business operations and personal growth inevitably hinge on the challenge of human relationships.
Kuei-Ming shared that one of the hardest adjustments when he first joined the company was working with local employees. To many long-serving staff, he was seen as an "outsider parachuted in," which naturally bred caution. Combined with the generally slower working pace in Thailand, Kuei-Ming's results-driven approach often left him feeling that progress was too slow and communication inefficient. Yet pushing too hard also risked undermining trust with employees.
This adjustment period taught him the importance of empathy and perspective-taking. Rather than trying to change local work habits outright, he learned to pause, understand first, gradually adjusting his communication style. "Being impatient doesn't help. I have to earn their trust before things can move forward," he said.
This understanding was strengthened through his participation in various Taiwanese business community activities. Whenever he hit a low point, he learned to step back from day-to-day operations and reflect. Events and courses organized by chamber of commerce or OCAC, along with conversations with senior Taiwanese business leaders and fellow young entrepreneurs, often provided timely encouragement and fresh perspective.
From Participation to Responsibility: An Unplanned Path into the Overseas Compatriot Community
Outside the company, Kuei-Ming found new connections within the overseas compatriot community. His participation in business associations started informally, such as through friends' invitations or filling in when help was needed. Sports, event organizing, and social gatherings soon deepened his involvement, eventually leading him to roles such as deputy secretary-general and board director. Along the way, his mindset shifted from attending gatherings to taking responsibility. "Once you become an officer, responsibility follows," he said. To him, a title carries an obligation to do the work well.
Through this unplanned journey, Kuei-Ming came to appreciate how business associations bring together resources and networks, building connections across industries and generations. Now he serves as Vice President of the Thai-Taiwan Business Association (TTBA) and is set to assume the role of President of the Lat Krabang Taiwan Association, continuing to deepen his engagement in the overseas compatriot community in Thailand.
Encouraged by senior members within the business community, Kuei-Ming applied for the 2025 Global Young Entrepreneur Stars Award. After receiving the recognition, he reflected on what he calls the "second-place philosophy," gaining greater courage to face future challenges. "You don't have to push yourself to the front, because your value always exists, and life is far more than that." He also encourages second- and third-generation Taiwanese entrepreneurs, as well as young startup founders, to engage more actively with business associations to build networks and expand resources.
