Originally published on 2024/10/05 at 10:38:43 by Economic Daily
Second-generation entrepreneur and Chief Strategy Officer of Promate Group, Andy Chen, has a pioneering spirit. Over the past five years, he has engaged in continuous learning through the Taiwan Digital Enterprise Association (TDEA), frequently exchanging insights with other second-generation business owners. This collaborative environment has sparked new ventures and business models, helping him leverage synergies to develop a “second growth curve” in his succession journey.
Building the “2G Pandemic National Team”
During the pandemic, Andy Chen and five other second-generation entrepreneurs rapidly formed a team and pooled their respective professional expertise and resources—no matter the cost—to boost production of COVID-19 testing equipment for LabTurbo Biotech Corporation. This unprecedented “2G Pandemic National Team” drew widespread acclaim.
Building on this success, Andy Chen teamed up once again with second-generation leaders at LabTurbo Biotech Corporation and Transway Plastic to develop an upgraded version of the testing equipment within two years. Capitalizing on his technical skills, Chen quickly took inventory of the necessary rapid-test machine components, then redesigned and optimized costs. This upgraded equipment successfully received funding support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs this year.
From Electronics Distribution to R&D and Beyond
Promate Group first rose to prominence by distributing and selling electronic components. In 2000, the company formed an R&D team, and in 2013, it established subsidiary Promate Electronic, led by Andy Chen—who relishes creating new things—to delve into design services and manufacturing. These efforts have since expanded into medical, fitness, and other industry sectors.
Upon joining TDEA’s “Zero Carbon University,” Chen became acutely aware that global momentum for net-zero transformation is accelerating amid climate change and rising electricity costs. Many fellow second-generation entrepreneurs are similarly focusing on energy conservation and carbon reduction. Recognizing a strong market demand, Chen declared his intent to develop smart meters—elevating Promate’s design capabilities into full-fledged solution services.
Multiple companies represented by Zero Carbon University participants have already adopted the TROPOX branded smart meters and cloud-based energy consumption decision-making system developed by Promate Electronic. These include Anko Food Machine, Dawushan Egg Farm Technology, HAI LU JYA HE, ChienFu-Tec, among others. With the recent 14% electricity rate hike for industrial users, many of Promate Group’s large-scale clients are now prime candidates for TROPOX solutions.
Expanding TROPOX into Intelligent Greenhouses
Concurrently, Chen collaborated with TDEA Founding Chairman James Chen in the emerging field of perovskite solar technology, further broadening TROPOX’s applications. Together, they developed a fully transparent smart greenhouse, successfully growing various vegetables while integrating energy-saving, energy generation, and energy storage requirements—perfectly aligning with the nation’s vision of net-zero emissions.
“Building a ‘sustainability brand’ is a core responsibility for any successor. The world is changing so rapidly that a static business model risks being eliminated by the market,” Chen emphasized.
“To achieve outstanding results, you have to be willing to take bold, seemingly impractical steps!”
From forming the pandemic national team to creating the TROPOX brand, Chen credits the TDEA platform for supplying resources and support that smoothed each phase of transformation and upgrade. He encourages all second-generation entrepreneurs to break free from conventional frameworks, tap into collective resources through cross-industry collaboration, and help one another succeed in their own transformational journeys toward innovation.