The Department of Computer Science at NYCU has cultivated numerous alumni who have made meaningful contributions to the global tech industry. To foster stronger connections with its alumni network, the department's alumni association organized a corporate visit to WITS (Wistron Information Technology & Services) on December 27, 2024, featuring an exclusive interview with Mr. Ching-Chih Hsiao, Chairman and CEO of WITS. Mr. Hsiao's career bridges both the U.S. and Taiwan, built on a solid foundation in technology and management. Having witnessed and contributed to key developments in the tech industry, he offers unique insights into its evolution. His journey highlights an ability to adapt across roles and regions, ultimately leading him back to Taiwan, where he is now helping to drive innovation and growth in the local software industry.

Silicon Valley Experience: From NYCU to World-Class Companies

Mr. Ching-Chih Hsiao graduated from the Department of Computer and Control Engineering (now known as the Department of Computer Science) at National Chiao Tung University, Class of 1964. Due to his exceptional performance and dedication, he earned both his Master's and Ph.D. degrees in Computer Science from Purdue University in the United States, which broadened his academic and professional horizons.

After earning his Ph.D., he joined AT&T's Princeton Research Center, specializing in database systems and algorithms for complex problems. During his time there, he also pursued management and business courses at their education center. This unexpected opportunity not only expanded his perspective but also became a significant turning point in his career.

He later took on senior management roles at Valid Logic Systems and Integrated Systems, where he worked extensively in electronic design automation (EDA) and embedded systems. He then joined Telerate, a division of Dow Jones, where he led the development of financial trading systems—bringing together real-time data processing, system architecture, and business strategy to build a high-performance financial information platform. At the time, these Silicon Valley firms were among the global leaders in their respective industries.

Mr. Hsiao possesses a unique combination of technical and managerial skills, enabling him to tackle challenges from an engineering perspective while also generating market value through strategic management. His career journey, which spans from Taiwan to the United States, has included positions in both technical research and development as well as management decision-making. This diverse experience has provided him with a solid foundation for future success.

Returning to Taiwan: Building a Software Service and Talent Development Ecosystem

While working in Silicon Valley, Mr. Hsiao received several notable invitations. One of these was to join a national development initiative launched by President Chiang Ching-kuo. He also had the opportunity to help establish the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at National Sun Yat-sen University. During the peak of the Dot-com boom, he made the bold decision to return to Taiwan and launch his own venture. His focus was on providing online securities trading services and advancing innovative software technology applications in the financial sector.

In 2004, he accepted an invitation from Mr. Simon Lin, Chairman of Wistron Group, to join Wistron Software. At the time, the company had been struggling with consecutive years of losses. However, under his leadership, Wistron Software turned profitable within just two years and quickly evolved into an international company, with more than 80% of its revenue coming from overseas.

Unlike many Taiwanese companies that concentrate on hardware manufacturing and product development, Mr. Hsiao has strategically positioned Wistron ITS to focus on Information Technology Services (IT Services). By harnessing skilled IT professionals and robust technical support, the company provides high-quality, stable, and dependable services to businesses worldwide.

When it comes to talent strategy, Mr. Hsiao takes a dual approach that blends internationalization with localization, moving away from the traditional model of deploying Taiwanese managers abroad. This approach enables Wistron ITS to build strong, locally rooted teams around the world, ensuring consistent and responsive technical support. On the service side, Wistron ITS positions itself as a customer-centric technology partner, forming specialized teams tailored to each client's needs and delivering integrated solutions that span cloud computing and AI applications.

"Taiwan has already established a strong global edge in hardware manufacturing," says Mr. Hsiao, "but truly innovative, software-driven services have yet to fully emerge." He envisions Wistron ITS leveraging its technological strengths to deepen its role in key industry value chains, accelerate the advancement of Taiwan's software sector, and build a software services company with global competitiveness.

Advice to Younger Students: Find Your Strengths and Enjoy the Journey of Problem-Solving

After building a diverse international career, Mr. Ching-Chih Hsiao is now committed to sharing his valuable experiences with younger students. He admits that during his academic years, he had no clear direction for the future—just a vague desire to "do something meaningful." However, as he broadened his perspective and explored various opportunities, he gradually discovered his interests and potential, ultimately finding the path that best aligned with his career development.

"Find the right fit for your talents — only by being open to exploration and understanding yourself can you truly enjoy the work you're best at."

He recalls that during his time at AT&T, he made the most of his free time to learn about management and business principles. This allowed him to not only develop technical skills but also gain a deeper understanding of business models and decision-making processes. He emphasizes, "Technology is the foundation, but true value comes from the ability to solve problems." 

When he first began working in Silicon Valley, it was uncommon for Chinese professionals to hold management positions. As a newcomer, he swiftly tackled the company's technical bottlenecks and product management challenges, earning high praise for his efforts. As a result, he was entrusted with the responsibility of directly managing product development by the company's founder.

In addition to technical skills, he emphasizes the importance of communication and teamwork to younger students. He once received advice from a career consultant: "You are smart, but you need to work with people." This advice had a profound impact on him. He realized that success in the tech industry depends not only on individual abilities but also on the teamwork that truly drives progress. He encourages younger students to be bold in trying new things, to keep learning, and to enjoy the process of problem-solving. By doing so, they will uncover their potential and find their place in the industry.