Carrying a steadfast conviction of "never wanting to be poor again" throughout his life, En-Jie Zhang, an outstanding alumnus of Taiwan Tech and Chairman of Eris Technology Corp., has paved his way to establish his semiconductor business. Commencing with the agency sales of semiconductor wafers and chips, he strategically transitioned into the research, testing, and quality assurance of semiconductors. Over the course of 28 years, Eris Technology Corp. has evolved into a leading manufacturer specializing in rectifier diodes, boasting a remarkable profit margin of 40%. Upholding the pragmatic and practical spirit of Taiwan Tech, En-Jie Zhang steadily advanced in the field of semiconductor management, successfully reshaping his destiny. Recognized for his achievements, he was honored with the 13th Small and Medium Enterprise Administration's Small Giant Award and the 2015 "National Best General Manager Award" by the Chinese National Association of Managers, establishing him as an exemplary entrepreneur who started from scratch.

Dual Background in Business and Technology: Laying the Foundation for Entrepreneurship

Facing economic constraints in his early years, En-Jie Zhang harbored aspirations for entrepreneurship to improve his family's financial situation. After graduating from Hwa Hsia University of Technology with a degree in Electrical Engineering, he realized the significance of combining engineering expertise with business acumen to embark on the entrepreneurial path. Therefore, he shifted his focus to the Department of Industrial Management at Taiwan Tech, then known as Taiwan Technical Institute, for further studies. Despite the intense competition, with only 100 slots available for admission and 1300 applicants, En-Jie Zhang emerged successfully, taking a decisive step toward realizing his entrepreneurial dreams.

Reflecting on his academic journey at Taiwan Tech, En-Jie Zhang expresses gratitude to Professor Wang Rui-Chen for instilling the concept of quality management. "Quality is not made; it is designed," a profound statement from Professor Wang ignited his keen interest in quality management, a facet he continues to prioritize to produce industry-leading products. En-Jie Zhang also acknowledges the university's cultivation of a pragmatic spirit and rigorous learning, enabling him to apply acquired concepts and theoretical foundations to practical entrepreneurial endeavors. Beyond academic pursuits, he seized opportunities to serve as the president of the Management Society, organizing various activities that enriched his campus life. These diverse experiences during his student years have become the nourishment leading to the fruition of his entrepreneurial journey.

Upholding Convictions, Transforming Crisis into Opportunity

To reduce expenses, En-Jie Zhang’s first job after graduation was with a nearby light-emitting diode (LED) company. Starting from a position in production management, he gradually advanced to handle European regional business, establishing valuable connections in the process. Nearly three years later, he made the bold decision to venture into entrepreneurship, leveraging his previous collaborations with German clients to secure agency rights from Eastern European manufacturers. Choosing to commence with non-LED products to avoid conflicts with his former employer, En-Jie Zhang officially founded Eris Technology Corp. in August 1995. Starting with the initial phase of agency sales, he progressively expanded the business scope, eventually delving into the research and manufacturing of rectifier diodes. In 2012, Eris Technology Corp. went public, marking a significant milestone in its journey.

Over the course of 28 years, En-Jie Zhang's entrepreneurial path was far from smooth, navigating through several critical moments on the verge of closure. Fortunately, resilience prevailed in times of adversity, consistently transforming crises into opportunities. En-Jie Zhang believes in the adage "God helps those who help themselves," emphasizing the vital role of unwavering self-belief in achieving success. Entrepreneurship is an irreversible path, demanding not only the sacrifice of holidays and minimal sleep but also making it challenging to return to the days of being an employee. In times of difficulty, perseverance becomes the key to realizing one's convictions, compelling entrepreneurs to persist and strive continuously.

Initiating a Second Transformation, Continuously Expanding the Business Horizon

Statistically, startup companies typically encounter business cycle bottlenecks within approximately three years. Failure to adapt to industry trends during this period may lead to market elimination. In response, En-Jie Zhang led Eris Technology Corp. through continuous transformations. In 1998, he introduced German technology, initiating the foray into chip structure design. In 2003, the company entered the diode outsourcing and packaging market. Following the acquisition of the operational rights of Aixin Technology in 2018, Eris Technology Corp. continued to consolidate and improve its processes, transitioning toward vertical integration in rectifier diodes. Leveraging the operational synergy of this strategic shift, the company significantly enhanced its profit performance. Regarding Eris Technology Corp.’s future plans, En-Jie Zhang disclosed a focus on high-value products, emphasizing applications in automotive, industrial PC (IPC), and high-end mobile devices. He anticipates a substantial overhaul of production lines, aiming to achieve a fully integrated "design, production, packaging, and sales" model, known as an Integrated Device Manufacturer (IDM), upon the completion of the Keelung wafer fab and high-end power testing production lines in 2024. En-Jie Zhang, having realized his entrepreneurial dreams, is now poised to lead the promising Eris Technology Corp. to scale even greater heights.

Perpetuating the Pragmatic Spirit, Aspiring to Collaborate with the Alma Mater in Establishing Prototype Production Lines

En-Jie Zhang imparts earnest advice to junior peers, cautioning against setting overly ambitious goals and emphasizing the significance of cherishing every day of learning at National Taiwan University of Science and Technology. He urges a meticulous and solid grounding in foundational academic studies, advocating for the comprehensive transmission of the university's invaluable "pragmatic" spirit. For those with aspirations of entrepreneurship, he recommends active engagement in financial courses during their academic journey, stressing the importance of mastering financial statements as a fundamental skill for managing a company. Additionally, he underscores the need to cultivate resilience in aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether seeking loans from banks, negotiating with suppliers for goods, securing customer orders, or occasionally managing employees, enduring perseverance is essential. Behind the polished exterior of an entrepreneur lies numerous instances of humbling experiences and resilience.

Expressing his aspirations for Taiwan Tech's future in talent cultivation, En-Jie Zhang suggests a more expansive engagement with companies from diverse sectors. Collaboration should extend beyond large enterprises, encompassing the talent needs of small and medium-sized businesses. He envisions increased collaboration between himself and the alma mater, leveraging the creativity and ideas of professors to collectively pioneer new product developments. Furthermore, he hopes to contribute expertise in semiconductor processing and packaging technology, facilitating the establishment of industry-specific laboratories. This collaborative initiative aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry's production processes before entering the workforce, fostering a skilled and industry-ready workforce, and perpetuating the enduring legacy of Taiwan Tech's pragmatic ethos.