A few months ago, the Deputy Minister for Taiwan’s National Development, Kao Shien-Quey, opined that the scope of collaboration between India and Taiwan in areas of emerging and critical technologies, including manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics equipment, is huge. Subsequently, the Taiwanese companies are getting ready to build their plants in India with huge investments as a part of their China plus one strategy. With the recently granted approval for a $1 billion boost to the Apple India plant, Foxconn has now invested more than $2.7 billion in India.

However, India is responding more welcomely than ever toward this trend. The government frequently invites and assures companies to invest in India. Indeed, India recently awarded the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Taiwanese technology giant Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), Young Liu, with the Padma Bhushan. Young Liu has been an advocate for India's potential in the electronics manufacturing sector.

Padma Bhushan is the third-highest civilian award in India, preceded by the Bharat Ratna and the Padma Vibhushan, followed by the Padma Shri. It is a well-deserved award as Young is a serial entrepreneur who founded three companies a motherboard company in 1988 known as Young Micro Systems; a Northbridge and South bridge IC design company in 1995 focused on the PC chipset and an ITE Tech and an ADSL IC design company, ITeX in 1997. In this yearly special issue of CEO Insights, we turn our attention to the leadership arena of Taiwan. Do let us know about your thoughts.