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CPA Australia Survey: Practical AI adoption and easier financing drive Taiwan SME confidence to a five year high
The survey found that 53 per cent of Taiwanese small businesses grew in 2025, slightly below the 57 per cent recorded in the previous survey. Looking ahead, business sentiment strengthened notably. In 2026, 63 per cent of respondents expect their business to grow, while confidence in the local economy also improved, with 61 per cent anticipating economic growth, the highest level recorded since Taiwan was first included in the survey in 2018.
Taiwan’s small and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs) continue to play a vital role in creating new jobs. In 2025, 31 per cent of SMEs increasing staff numbers, while 44 per cent plan to hire additional employees in 2026.
With rising costs identified as the biggest challenge facing Taiwan’s SME in 2025, many businesses identified cost control as the most positive contributor to business performance last year.
Mr Elic Lam FCPA (Aust.), Honorary Taiwan Advisor at CPA Australia, said Taiwan’s economic fundamentals continue to support small business resilience, “Rising global demand for semiconductors and AI related chips continues to create opportunities for exporters and suppliers across Taiwan’s value chain,” Mr Lam said. “While geopolitical tensions and intensifying competition are adding uncertainty, government support measures for SMEs, including targeted subsidies and tax incentives, together with Taiwan’s resilient domestic demand, are helping to lift business confidence.”
Technology adoption, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is becoming increasingly widespread among Taiwanese small businesses. The survey found that 33 per cent of small businesses identified AI as the technology they invested in most heavily invested in 2025, up from 29 per cent in the previous year.
Cyber risk among Taiwanese small businesses fell markedly. The share of small businesses reporting losses of time or money due to cyber incidents declined sharply from 59 per cent in 2024 to 27 per cent in 2025, reflecting stronger awareness and the uptake of basic protective measures across the sector.
However, the survey also indicates there is room to strengthen the returns from digital investment. Only 40 per cent of respondents reported that their technology investment in 2025 improved profitability, compared with the survey average of 56 per cent.
Mr Lam noted that Taiwan’s SME sector is undergoing a generational transition that is influencing technology adoption patterns, “Many SMEs in Taiwan are moving from first generation ownership to second or third generation leadership, and technology adoption remains cautious and practical,” he said. “The increase in AI investment reflects both external drivers, such as changing customer expectations and government policy support for digital transformation, as well as internal factors, including younger owners’ familiarity with AI tools and rising operating and staffing costs.”
“To improve profitability, SMEs should focus on applying digital solutions in areas with the greatest impact. For example, as rising costs were identified as the most negative factor affecting performance in 2025, investing in ready-to-use and AI enabled accounting or financial management tools can help reduce operating expenses and lift productivity.”
Access to finance is another notable finding. Financing conditions in Taiwan improved significantly in 2025, even as borrowing softened. Two-thirds of businesses (66 per cent) I said it was easy to access external finance, placing Taiwan among the top three surveyed markets and representing a sharp increase from 28 per cent in 2024. Looking ahead, financing conditions are expected to remain supportive, with 63 per cent anticipating easy access to finance in 2026.
Despite the marked improvement in financing conditions, demand for finance was more subdued. In 2025, 54 per cent of SMEs sought external finance, down from 72 per cent in 2024.
“The Taiwan government has expanded inclusive and guaranteed financing mechanisms to support SMEs, including higher guarantee ratios under the SME Credit Guarantee Fund and preferential loans offered through state affiliated banks,” Mr Lam said. “These measures have made bank financing more accessible for small businesses.”
“Even so, many SMEs remain cautious about taking on new debt. In a stable domestic environment, businesses can maintain steady growth, but external uncertainties drive them to take a prudent approach to borrowing. This aligns well with the government’s policy focus on gradual and resilient SME transformation rather than rapid, high risk expansion.”
Lam concluded, “To navigate international uncertainty and intensifying market competition, Taiwan’s small businesses should make better use of government policy support to upskill their workforce through AI adoption, foster innovation, and diversify export markets by strengthening online sales channels.”
The Asia Pacific Small Business Survey 2025–26 gathered views from 4,166 small businesses across 11 markets in the region, including Singapore, Chinese Mainland and Australia. The Taiwan survey sample comprised 311 small businesses.
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About CPA Australia
CPA Australia is Australia’s leading professional accounting body and one of the largest in the world. We have more than 176,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,500 members in Greater China. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. A CPA is a Certified Practising Accountant. More at 
cpaaustralia.com.au
At this year’s awards ceremony, Academician Zhang Boli of the Chinese Academy of Engineering received the Global Chinese Lifetime Achievement Award, while actress Sylvia Chang received the Global Chinese Special Tribute Award. Academician Pan Jianwei of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lu Chaoyang, Chair Professor at the University of Science and Technology of China, picture-book illustrator Cai Gao, Chinese freestyle skier Xu Mengtao, Gao Du, professor at the Beijing Dance Academy, and actress Xin Zhilei received the Global Chinese Award.
In his speech, Xu Wei, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Phoenix TV, said: “Each generation of Chinese people has its own responsibilities. The older generation worked hard with their roots in their homeland, while the younger generation embraces innovation and the world, becoming connectors between different cultures.” Phoenix TV will continue to serve as an on-the-ground reporter of major global events, an international storyteller of Chinese culture, and a platform builder for international exchange, enabling audiences around the world to see more of the vibrant and diverse achievements of Chinese people.
The tribute section of the ceremony opened with an immersive children’s picture-book theatrical performance based on classic works including The Story of the Peach Blossom Spring and Bao’er. Both works were created by Cai Gao, who received the Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration in April this year. During the ceremony, the host recalled the children’s song Cai sang at the Andersen Award ceremony, prompting her to smile and sing “The Cuckoo” once again.
Upon receiving the Global Chinese Award, Cai Gao said that the splendid and outstanding artistic heritage of China has been a source of inspiration for her work, and that she has a deep love for the culture of this land. Seeing so many Chinese people achieve remarkable accomplishments in different fields has also given her spiritual strength. Quoting the phrase, “As long as life goes on, the struggle continues,” she encouraged herself to keep creating with passion and curiosity. “Life and creation require dedication and perseverance. I am willing to devote myself to them, as I always have.”
Joining the ceremony via video link, Lu Chaoyang shared his joy and said that the honor belongs to all Chinese researchers who have climbed, generation after generation, along the long and steep road of quantum science. Looking to the future, he offered this message: “The quantum world is very small, so small that it cannot be seen with the naked eye; but China’s dreams in science and technology are immense. Through fundamental innovation, we should illuminate a farther future for human civilization.”
In her acceptance speech, Xin Zhilei said she particularly liked the phrase “YOU BRING CHARM TO THE WORLD.” “Everyone is a unique ray of light in this world. Through our efforts and down-to-earth dedication, we each make our own small contribution to the beauty of the world. As an actress, what I can do is put my heart into every role and bring to the world a little bit of the unique color that belongs to me.” Lu Yang, director of Brotherhood of Blades II: The Infernal Battlefield, also sent his congratulations via video, expressing hope for continued collaboration and for the creation of more outstanding Chinese-language stories.
“If the dance steps of a people disappear, that chapter of history will also lose its voice.” Over the past 50 years, Gao Du and his team have traveled across more than 20 provinces and autonomous regions throughout China, venturing deep into remote mountains and visiting people’s courtyards and fireside gatherings. They learned from local communities dances that had no names, no stages and sometimes not even an audience, devoting themselves to the creation of the Chenxiang series.
Gao Du said he would continue dancing, both in the classroom and on larger stages, bringing folk dance traditions rooted in the land to the world and fostering dialogue among different cultures, so that the world can see the beauty of the East.
Wu Qingcai, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of China News Service, presented Xu Mengtao with the Global Chinese Award. Xu shared that August 13, 2026, marked exactly 24 years since she began competing in the aerials discipline of snow sports. She hopes everyone can create something extraordinary through perseverance and dedication. “In the future, I will once again stand on the starting platform and set off again. See you again at the summit.”
As one of the creators of the song Tomorrow Will Be Better, Sylvia Chang said that she and fellow Chinese-language singers hope to use music to build a bridge for peaceful communication. She expressed gratitude for being able to continue pursuing a career she loves and for having a wonderful family. “I hope to share this gratitude and these blessings with everyone.”
At the ceremony, the host recounted the eight-character motto that Academician Zhang Boli has followed throughout his life: “Uphold virtue to broaden its influence; use medical skills to serve humanity.” Now approaching 80, Zhang Boli continues to see patients at a clinic every week. When patients have difficulty walking, he takes the initiative to go downstairs and see them in their cars.
Zhang Boli said that the concepts of traditional Chinese medicine—including health preservation, wellness and preventive treatment—represent one of the best practices of “proactive health management.” Looking to the future with the compassion of a physician, he said: “Let traditional Chinese medicine benefit Chinese people around the world, and let traditional Chinese medicine benefit people everywhere. The world will be healthier because of traditional Chinese medicine.”
It is reported that the “YOU BRING CHARM TO THE WORLD — Global Chinese Awards” was initiated by Phoenix Media Group in collaboration with China News Service and numerous Chinese-language media organizations in China and overseas. Together, they select and honor outstanding Chinese people who have achieved excellence and made a global impact in different fields, helping to amplify the achievements of exceptional Chinese individuals and inspire more generations to come.
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NINGJI Takes Centre Stage at KLCC, Strengthening Its Position as a Benchmark for Southeast Asian Expansion Through Five Key Localization Strategies
During the event, Dato’ Liew Bin, President of the Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA), visited the NINGJI booth. The two parties exchanged views on NINGJI’s brand development, product offerings and expansion plans in the Malaysian market.
Backed by a proven store model and a comprehensive overseas support system, NINGJI attracted strong interest from high-quality investors throughout the event. Over the three-day exhibition, the brand successfully signed agreements for 20 new stores, bringing its total number of contracted stores in Malaysia to 82. Potential partners across multiple regions also expressed interest in establishing strategic partnerships with the brand, demonstrating NINGJI’s growing appeal in international markets.
Through product tastings and immersive interactive experiences, NINGJI also strengthened its connection with local consumers. The event generated several thousand new member registrations, building a valuable base of first-party customer data for future localized marketing initiatives.
As one of China’s leading new-style tea brands, NINGJI began its global expansion at the end of 2024. To date, the brand has signed agreements for more than 150 overseas stores across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and other markets.
In Malaysia, NINGJI currently operates nine stores, with more than ten additional locations in development. Its network is steadily expanding across key commercial districts, while the brand continues to strengthen its influence throughout Southeast Asia.
Five Localization Strategies for Malaysia, Ningji’s Anchor Overseas Market
With its young and diverse population, well-established food and beverage sector, and year-round tropical climate, Malaysia provides highly favourable conditions for refreshing fresh fruit and lemon tea beverages.
Against this backdrop, NINGJI has identified Malaysia as one of its core overseas markets and is systematically advancing its localization strategy across five key areas: store network development, supply chain infrastructure, product portfolio, organizational capabilities and brand marketing.
Expanding Across Key Commercial Districts and Empowering Every Store Through Digital Intelligence
NINGJI will use Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru as two strategic hubs, drawing on its proven store operating experience to establish a more refined system for site evaluation, store development and project management.
The brand has built strong digital capabilities, including an end-to-end digital system covering site selection and daily operations, as well as four AI-powered agents that provide franchise partners with integrated, data-driven support.
While steadily expanding its store network and market coverage, NINGJI remains equally focused on store-level operating quality and long-term profitability. The brand aims to build a high-quality retail network that reaches a diverse range of commercial districts and serves a broad customer base.
Strengthening the Local Supply Chain with a Forward Warehouse in Malaysia
Supply chain capability is the lifeline of any new-style tea brand. In China, NINGJI operates seven warehousing centres, manages more than 2,000 mu of lemon orchards. These capabilities have laid a solid foundation for the brand’s continued expansion.
NINGJI believes that genuine localization means combining the capabilities of its headquarters with local market resources. The brand plans to establish a forward warehouse in Malaysia by the end of the year.
Once operational, the facility will enable efficient “T+1” delivery across Malaysia’s key regions, helping stores reduce the risk of stock shortages while significantly lowering the amount of capital franchise partners need to commit to inventory. It will also provide strong logistical support for the continued expansion of NINGJI’s store network.
Balancing Classics and Innovation to Create Products for Local Tastes
NINGJI’s menu centres on fresh fruit lemon beverages paired with whole-leaf tea. Its use of fresh ingredients and made-to-order hand-shaken preparation gives the brand strong cross-cultural appeal and makes its products naturally suited to international markets.
In Malaysia, NINGJI has chosen not to simply replicate its existing menu. Instead, the brand has adopted a “signature products for customer acquisition plus localized innovation” strategy.
On the one hand, proven bestsellers led by Superior Taste Award-winning YaShiXiang Lemon Tea have launched in Malaysian, on the other hand, NINGJI continues to refine its ingredient transportation and storage solutions while developing products tailored to local flavour preferences and market conditions.
In addition to its consistently popular core products, NINGJI has already launched its new pineapple series in Malaysia. The well-received Lemon Milk Series is scheduled to make its official debut in October.
Moving forward, the brand will maintain a quarterly product launch cycle and continue using localized flavours and product innovation to energize the market.
Establishing a Regional Headquarters and Building a Professional Local Team
Local talent is essential for any brand seeking to establish deep and lasting roots in an overseas market.
NINGJI has already assembled a professional team in Malaysia covering local site selection, store development and operational management, and the team continues to grow. This will further enhance the brand’s responsiveness throughout the entire store development journey, from preliminary site selection and opening preparations to daily operations.
NINGJI also plans to establish a regional headquarters in Malaysia and further strengthen its partner support system across staff training, marketing and operational management.
By working alongside local franchise partners who share its commitment to long-term growth, NINGJI aims to expand the market and create greater opportunities together.
Communicating Across Cultures Through Localized Design and Marketing
NINGJI aims to become part of the everyday lives of Malaysian consumers.
In terms of visual presentation, the brand retains its signature yellow and green colour palette while incorporating local aesthetic preferences. Through its “one store, one design” approach, NINGJI creates open and comfortable social spaces tailored to different locations and communities.
From a marketing perspective, the brand will continue to engage with local festivals and cultural trends while collaborating with Malaysian KOLs and KOCs. By connecting social media content with offline experiences, NINGJI seeks to build an emotional relationship with consumers that goes beyond the products themselves and genuinely become part of the local lifestyle.
During its Kuala Lumpur market launch, for example, NINGJI invited Elyn Leong, a Malaysian member of the girl group Gen1es, to serve as “Store Manager for a Day.” Supported by extensive social media promotion, the “Lemon Tea for the Whole City” campaign generated more than one million views and tens of thousands of user-generated interactions across Xiaohongshu, Instagram and Facebook.
Committed to Long-Term Growth, NINGJI Creates Multidimensional Cultural Dialogue Through Localization
NINGJI believes that true globalization is not about simply replicating an existing model. It is a process of deep integration, continuous learning and ongoing refinement.
The brand continues to adapt its products, operations and communications to the consumer characteristics of each market, moving beyond simply “going global” towards becoming genuinely embedded in local communities.
A representative of NINGJI’s overseas business division said:
“Malaysia has a young, diverse and dynamic consumer market and is an important part of NINGJI’s international growth strategy. In the second half of 2026, while steadily expanding our store network, we will further advance the localization of our products, operations and brand communications. We will also continue strengthening our local team and supply chain infrastructure while building long-term relationships with more partners who understand the Malaysian market.”
Looking ahead, NINGJI will continue to build on its product strength and in-store experience while exploring diverse forms of collaboration with local business organizations, content creators and industry partners.
Starting with a cup of fresh fruit lemon tea, NINGJI aims not only to become part of Malaysian consumers’ everyday lives, but also to work alongside local partners to unlock new growth opportunities in the freshly prepared beverage market.
Hashtag: #NINGJI
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About NINGJI
NINGJI, a leading new-style tea brand featuring fresh-fruit lemon and original-leaf tea, dedicated to multi-category beverage R&D, digitalized management and operations.
NINGJI opened its first store in Changsha, China, on 8 February 2021. July 2021, the company completed a Series A financing round worth tens of millions of RMB, with investment from ByteDance and Shunwei Capital.
January 2022, NINGJI completed a Series A+ financing round worth hundreds of millions of RMB, led by Tencent, with existing investors also oversubscribing.
Through its distinctive contemporary design and refreshing tea beverages, NINGJI communicates a youthful, flavourful and playful brand philosophy, as well as a more creative and trend-driven approach to everyday life. This positioning has earned recognition and support from consumers across different age groups.
NINGJI began its global expansion at the end of 2024. To date, the brand has signed agreements for more than 150 overseas stores across Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia, Cambodia and other markets.
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Powering the Future – Greenworks Power Takes Center Stage at North American Dealer Meeting, Opening a New Chapter in Global Battery-Powered Tools
Rather than a product line, Greenworks Power strategically unifies products, technologies, applications and global capabilities.
From Tools to a Broader Energy Ecosystem
Greenworks is expanding “Power” from outdoor equipment to power tools; from residential to professional and commercial markets; and from conventional products to intelligent automation, electric mobility and energy solutions. Its unified technology foundation turns product innovation into scalable platform capabilities.
“Greenworks Power marks our evolution from product innovation to a platform-based ecosystem. With clean-energy and intelligent technologies, we will expand product and application boundaries, connect more products, scenarios and users, and create long-term value for global markets,” said Yin Chen, CEO of Greenworks.
24V PowerAll Pro: Redefining Professional Platform Value
For professionals, 24V PowerAll Pro unites more than 200 power tools and lawn and garden products in one battery ecosystem. From construction and maintenance to landscaping, one platform supports more products and tasks. Performance, quality, efficiency and ecosystem breadth deliver wider applications and greater long-term value.
New Products Expand Application Boundaries
Greenworks launch the all-electric Optimus UTV, extending its new-energy power systems into utility vehicle applications, while Optimus CUBE expands battery technology into energy storage, supply and management. Meanwhile, AiMowbot combines RTK positioning with wire-free intelligent mowing for mapping, navigation and autonomous operation.
Technology and Channels Support Global Growth
The ecosystem is supported by Greenworks’ battery, motor and electronic-control expertise, plus innovations including GaN charging. Greenworks integrates global R&D, smart manufacturing, supply chain, channel and brand resources. Retail, dealer, professional, e-commerce and DTC channels connect users and partners worldwide, while consistent brand messaging and localized offerings address regional needs.
From North America to global markets, Greenworks Power strengthens channel collaboration, brand momentum and long-term growth, expanding the boundaries of “Power” to create value for users and the industry.
Greenworks Power — Powering the Future.
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