Expatriate Division, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Japan

To strengthen connections among overseas compatriot young entrepreneurs and promote business exchanges and technological collaboration, the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) organized the 2025 OCAC Global Young Entrepreneurs Visiting Program from September 29 to October 1. This year's program was held in conjunction with the 2025 Global Young Entrepreneur Stars Award Ceremony, aiming to bring together the energy of young entrepreneurs and foster connections through the experience-sharing of award winners and emerging domestic business leaders. OCAC Deputy Minister Yen Hui Lee hosted the welcome luncheon, the plenary discussion, and the farewell dinner, engaging face-to-face with 28 young entrepreneurs from 21 regions across five continents to explore opportunities for global business collaboration.

This year's visiting program focused for the first time on the regional revitalization industry and traditional industry transformation. The three-day program included visits to several Taiwanese companies and two thematic seminars, providing young entrepreneurs with an in-depth understanding of Taiwan's current industrial development.

Deputy Minister Lee emphasized that the leadership renewal among young overseas entrepreneurs forms the cornerstone of sustainable overseas compatriot organizations. To carry out the "Move to Next Generation" initiative, the OCAC actively supports young overseas entrepreneurs in starting and growing their businesses, regularly organizing diverse training programs such as the Global Young Entrepreneur Stars Award Program, Global Young Entrepreneurs Visiting Program, and Overseas Chamber of Commerce Elite Program.

Deputy Minister Lee also expressed her hope that the young entrepreneurs would bring the insights and experiences gained from this program back to their communities—not only to inject new momentum into their businesses, but also to take an active role in serving chamber of commerce and overseas compatriot organizations. She emphasized that the sustainable development of these compatriot communities is essential for helping Taiwan's industries expand into international markets.

"A brand's power comes from its local identity," shared Johnson Yeh, the delegation leader from Sydney, Australia. During this program, he got to engage with five Taiwanese brands—including Shin Tay Yuan International Development, HC Distillery, REWOOD Forest Circulation / Dawoko, SMART FISH, and FU WAN CHOCOLATE—which helped him deeply appreciate the equal importance of 
product quality and storytelling.

Johnson Yeh stated that to showcase a brand's value, sustainability and innovation are undoubtedly the way forward. He observed how these Taiwanese companies create unique flavors using local ingredients, while also supporting local farmers and industries, as a means of practicing sustainable business. For example, HC Distillery brews liquor with Taiwanese fruits and sweet potatoes; FU WAN CHOCOLATE insists on using cocoa sourced from Pingtung; and SMART FISH uses locally sourced seafood, creating triple benefits for the brand, the community, and the environment.

"This is an opportunity for cross-industry collaboration," emphasized Johnson Yeh. He saw how industries no longer operate in isolation—craftsmanship integrated with tourism, and food and culture connected. He hopes to turn the insights from this visit into action, uniting young entrepreneurs from Taiwan and abroad to showcase to the world a Taiwan that is richer in stories and greater in influence.

Deputy Delegation Leader Lisa Tseng, from Chicago, USA, was delighted to meet young entrepreneurs from around the world as well as outstanding business leaders from various industries in Taiwan. Over the three-day visit, not only did she broaden her horizons, but she also found mutual inspiration through exchanges and came to appreciate the importance of support and collaboration among young entrepreneurs.

Lisa Tseng also encouraged young entrepreneurs to continue participating in OCAC and chamber of commerce activities. She believes that these connections and the energy generated will open up more future possibilities.