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Dealing with disruption:Adapting to survive and thriveEvents & Trends

Key findings from PwC’s 2013 global CEO survey.

May-July 2013 Vol.264

2 Events & Trends Vol. 264

Words from the editor 03

Feature 04

Dealing with disruption: adapting to survive and thrive 04

Issues 30

Tax strategy and corporate reputation: a tax issue, a business issue 31

A three-pronged strategy to breakthrough Taiwan’s “suffocating” economy 44

PwC Taiwan updates 46

2013 Taiwan CEO Survey results released at PwC business forum 47

Clearing up misconceptions about Taiwan's luxury tax 49

Tax management planning for Southeast Asia 50

Dexter Chang takes over as new chairman of PwC Taiwan 51

Further reading 52

PwC Taiwan contacts 53

Contents

Events & Trends Vol. 264 3

Words from the Editor

For the past 16 years, PwC has set out to uncover how CEOs view the most challenging business issues of the day, and how they're responding. PwC’s latest Annual Global CEO Survey, Dealing with disruption: adapting to survive and thrive, shows that continued volatility and uncertainty in the global economy has taken a toll on CEO confidence in the prospects for their business growth in 2013.

This issue of Events & Trends highlights the findings of PwC’s survey of 1,330 business leaders in 68 countries, which was released at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in January. CEOs worldwide remain cautious about their short-term prospects and the outlook for the global economy. Longer-term, overall confidence is more upbeat. This suggests that leaders believe their organisations can be resilient by rolling with the short-term blows while reshaping for longer-term growth.

CEOs worldwide are working to deal with the ongoing risks.

Strategically, CEOs continue to refine their business operations, looking to cut costs without reducing value as they manage through sluggish times. They are seeking growth opportunities organically, avoiding large outlays that could strap resources for the future. Most important, they have a clear focus on customers, collaborating with them more closely than ever on programmes to stimulate demand, loyalty and joint innovation.

Nevertheless, CEOs remain anxious about the global economy. Many are casting a wary eye over how governments are addressing their deficits—and seeing a potentially rising tax burden as the key threat to their business’s growth. The first ‘Issues’ article looks at the current debate on corporate tax avoidance and how tax has become a reputational issue. It’s a risk that no business leader can afford to ignore. The article advocates that tax planning should form a key element of their strategic thinking.

For a local perspective, the second first ‘Issues’ article highlights the findings of PwC’s 2013 Taiwan CEO Survey, which was released in May. Taiwan’s business leaders are fairly confident about their growth prospects for 2013, having already prepared themselves for a choppy ride that may lie ahead. PwC Taiwan’s Markets & Strategies Leader Steven Go discusses the three common approaches that local CEOs are adopting to make their organisations more resilient to survive amid economic disorder.

As always, I welcome your constructive feedback and suggestions on ways to improve this PwC publication, and encourage you to contact me at [email protected]

Is mise le meas

Damian Gilhawley Editor-in-Chief, Events & Trends


FeatureDealing with disruption: adapting to survive and thrive

Figure 1: CEO confidence has gone up and down sharply over the past decade

Q: How confident are you about your company’s prospects for revenue growth over the next 12 months?

Very confident about company’s prospects for revenue growth over the next 12 months

0

10

20

30

40

50

60%

2013201120102009200820072003 2004 2005 2006 2012

40%

48%

52%

26%

31%

41%

50%

21%

36%

31%

Base: All respondents (2013=1,330; 2012=1,258; 2011=1,201; 2010=1,198; 2009=1,124; 2008=1,150; 2007=1,084; 2006 (not asked); 2005=1,324; 2004=1,386; 2003=989)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey


Figure 1: CEO confidence has gone up and down sharply over the past decade

Q: How confident are you about your company’s prospects for revenue growth over the next 12 months?

Very confident about company’s prospects for revenue growth over the next 12 months

0

10

20

30

40

50

60%

2013201120102009200820072003 2004 2005 2006 2012

40%

48%

52%

26%

31%

41%

50%

21%

36%

31%

Base: All respondents (2013=1,330; 2012=1,258; 2011=1,201; 2010=1,198; 2009=1,124; 2008=1,150; 2007=1,084; 2006 (not asked); 2005=1,324; 2004=1,386; 2003=989)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey


Figure 2: Major disruptions over the last decade

US-led invasion of Iraq

SARS epidemic

Southeast Asian tsunami

Hurricane Katrina (US)

Eurozone sovereign debt crisis and first Greek bailout

New Zealand and Japan earthquake and tsunami

Hurricane Sandy(US)

iPhone launch

Global financial crash

Northern Rock bank run (UK)

Lehman Brothers’ collapse

US, UK and European bank bailouts

Wenchuan earthquake (China)

Indonesia earthquake

WHO declares swine flu pandemic

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Source: PwC


Figure 2: Major disruptions over the last decade

US-led invasion of Iraq

SARS epidemic

Southeast Asian tsunami

Hurricane Katrina (US)

Eurozone sovereign debt crisis and first Greek bailout

New Zealand and Japan earthquake and tsunami

Hurricane Sandy(US)

iPhone launch

Global financial crash

Northern Rock bank run (UK)

Lehman Brothers’ collapse

US, UK and European bank bailouts

Wenchuan earthquake (China)

Indonesia earthquake

WHO declares swine flu pandemic

2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

Source: PwC

Figure 3: Major social unrest tops the list of scenarios that would have the worst impact on CEOs’ organisations

Q: How well would your organisation be able to cope with the following scenarios, if they happened within the next 12 months? (respondents who answered ‘negative impact’)

75

67

63

56

53

53

52

51China’s GDP growth falling below 7.5% per annum

%

Recession in the US

Military or trade tensions affecting access to natural resources

Cyber attack or major disruption of the internet

Major social unrest in the country in which you are based

A breakup of the eurozone

A natural disaster disrupting a major trading/manufacturing hub

Health crisis (e.g. viral pandemic, food/water safety crisis)

Base: All respondents (1,330)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey


Figure 4b: Volatile conditions top the list of business threats, but concerns vary by where CEOs are located

Q: How concerned are you about the following potential business threats to your growth prospects? (top four threats global CEOs named)

Increasing tax burden Availability of key skills Energy and raw material costs

Shifting consumer spending/behaviour

Regions most concerned about this threat Regions least concerned about this threat

65%

62%

50%

82%

58%

45%

68%

52%

31%

57%

49%

35%

Asia Pacific Africa Africa Asia Pacific

Global Global Global Global

Middle East Western Europe Middle East Latin America

Base: All respondents (Western Europe=312; Asia Pacific=449; Latin America=165; Middle East=32; Africa=50)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey

Figure 4a: Volatile conditions top the list of economic and political threats, but concerns vary by where CEOs are located

Q: How concerned are you about the following potential economic and policy threats to your business growth prospects? (top four threats global CEOs named)

Uncertain or volatile economic growth

Government response to fiscal deficit/debt Overregulation Capital market volatility


88%

81%

56%

89%

71%

54%

75%

69%

65%

66%

61%

50%

Africa North America Middle East Africa/Asia Pacific


Middle East Latin America Western Europe Latin America

Base: All respondents (North America=227; Western Europe=312; Asia Pacific=449; Latin America=165; Middle East=32; Africa=50)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey


Figure 4a: Volatile conditions top the list of economic and political threats, but concerns vary by where CEOs are locatedQ: How concerned are you about the following potential economic and policy threats to your business growth prospects? (top four threats global CEOs named)

Uncertain or volatile economic growth Government response to fiscal deficit/debt Overregulation Capital market volatility


88%

81%

56%

89%

71%

54%

75%

69%

65%

66%

61%

50%





Figure 4b: Volatile conditions top the list of business threats, but concerns vary by where CEOs are located

Q: How concerned are you about the following potential business threats to your growth prospects? (top four threats global CEOs named)

Increasing tax burden Availability of key skills Energy and raw material costs

Shifting consumer spending/behaviour


65%

62%

50%

82%

58%

45%

68%

52%

31%

57%

49%

35%

Asia Pacific Africa Africa Asia Pacific


Middle East Western Europe Middle East Latin America

Base: All respondents (Western Europe=312; Asia Pacific=449; Latin America=165; Middle East=32; Africa=50)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey

Figure 4a: Volatile conditions top the list of economic and political threats, but concerns vary by where CEOs are located

Q: How concerned are you about the following potential economic and policy threats to your business growth prospects? (top four threats global CEOs named)

Uncertain or volatile economic growth

Government response to fiscal deficit/debt Overregulation Capital market volatility


88%

81%

56%

89%

71%

54%

75%

69%

65%

66%

61%

50%






Figure 5: CEOs are pursuing the opportunities for organic growth in existing markets

Q: Of these potential opportunities for business growth, which one is the main opportunity in the next 12 months?

New operation(s) in foreign markets

New M&A/joint ventures/strategic

alliances

Organic growth in existing

foreign market

New product or service

development

Organic growth in existing

domestic market

32%

17%17%

8%

25%

Base: All respondents (1,330)Note: 1% of CEOs responded ‘Don’t know/Refused’Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey

Figure 6: Two faster and two slower economic lanes are developing

Growing but susceptible to disruption

Aggregates

Growing but decelerating

Growing and accelerating

Struggling to grow

France

Japan

United Kingdom

Netherlands

Ireland

1.2%

0.9%

2.1%

1.1%

2.2%

Poland

Australia

Canada

United States

Germany

3.4%

3.1%

2.3%

2.4%

1.3%

Indonesia

Brazil

South Africa

Italy

Spain

Portugal

Greece

0.3%

0.9%

0.5%

0.6%

6.2%

4.0%

3.6%

South Korea

Mexico

Russia

3.6%

3.7%

3.8%

China

India

Saudi Arabia

Turkey

7.3%

6.6%

4.2%

5.1%

Eurozone Global (market rates)1.0% 3.0%

The global growth leaderboard is changing

All percentages are projected 2013-15 average growth rates

Sources and methodology: PwC analysis, national statistical authorities, Thomson Datastream and IMF. The tables above form our main scenario projections and are therefore subject to considerable uncertainties.


Figure 7: Half of CEOs’ top ten countries are growth markets

Q: Which three countries, excluding the country in which you are based, do you consider most important for your overall growth prospects over the next 12 months? (maximum of 3 responses)

ChinaUS

Brazil

Germany

India

Russia

Indonesia

UKCanada

Japan



Figure 8: Not all growth markets are consumer-led economies

0

0 20 40 100%8060

-5

5

10

-10

15

-15

20

25

30

Pro

ject

ed p

rod

uctio

n p

oten

tial o

ver

2011

-20

per

iod

(pro

xied

by

grow

th in

num

ber

of p

eop

le o

f wor

king

age

)

Projected consumption potential over 2011-20 period(proxied by GDP per capita growth)

Nigeria

India

Indonesia

Vietnam

China

Russia

South Korea

South Africa

Brazil

Mexico

Malaysia

Saudi Arabia

Consumers and producers

Consumers

Producers

Note: Dotted lines represent average valuesSource: PwC analysis, UN population figures.

Figure 9: Attracting – and keeping – more customers is a key priority

Q: To what extent do you anticipate changes at your company over the next 12 months?

0 1000 100

Increase in R&D and innovation capacity

Customer growth/retention/loyalty strategies

Don’t know/refused

%

Strategies for managing talent

Increase in technology investments

Organisational structure

Some change A major changeNo change

51 31 1%17

54 23 1%23

54 21

1%

25

52 22

1%

26

50 17 1%32



Figure 8: Not all growth markets are consumer-led economies

0

0 20 40 100%8060

-5

5

10

-10

15

-15

20

25

30

Pro

ject

ed p

rod

uctio

n p

oten

tial o

ver

2011

-20

per

iod

(pro

xied

by

grow

th in

num

ber

of p

eop

le o

f wor

king

age

)

Projected consumption potential over 2011-20 period(proxied by GDP per capita growth)

Nigeria

India

Indonesia

Vietnam

China

Russia

South Korea

South Africa

Brazil

Mexico

Malaysia

Saudi Arabia

Consumers and producers

Consumers

Producers

Note: Dotted lines represent average valuesSource: PwC analysis, UN population figures.

Figure 9: Attracting – and keeping – more customers is a key priority

Q: To what extent do you anticipate changes at your company over the next 12 months?

0 1000 100




%




Some change A major changeNo change

51 31 1%17

54 23 1%23

54 21

1%

25

52 22

1%

26

50 17 1%32



Figure 10: Cost-cutting tops the list of restructuring activities CEOs plan to put in place in 2013

Q: Which, if any, of the following restructuring activities do you plan to initiate in the coming 12 months?

Implement a cost-reduction

initiative

70% 47% 31%Enter into a new strategic alliance

or joint venture

Outsource a business process

or function



Figure 11: Involving less senior managers in strategic decisions is seen as most effective in preparing them for leadership

Q: Do you deploy any of the following to develop your leadership pipeline?Q: If so, how effective are they?

0

20

40

60

80

100

Active succession planning, including identifying multiple

successors

Dedicated executive

development programme

Encouraging global mobility

and international experience

Involving managers below

board level in strategic

decision-making

Programmes to encourage

diversity among

business leaders

Rotations to different functions/challenges

Shadowing senior

executives

Effectiveness of methods deployed to develop leadership pipeline

Somewhat effective Not very effective Not at all effective Don’t know/refusedVery effective

% of CEOs who deploy the following to develop their leadership pipeline

% of CEOs whodon’t rate theirinitiatives as highly effective

%

37

5861

6269 71

79

11 13

22 2219

24

33



Figure 12: More stakeholders have more influence

Q: Thinking about the range of stakeholders, to what extent do they have a significant influence on your business strategy?

0 1000 100

Providers of capital (e.g. creditors and investors)

Your supply chain partners

Customers and clients


%

Industry competitors and peers

Government and regulators

Employees (including trade unions/work councils)

Users of social media

The media

Local communities

Have some influence Have significant influenceHave little or no influence

17 80 1%3

45 45 1%9

47 36

1%

1%

1%

1%

16

35 5014

44 32

1%

2%22

35

45

40

40

39

16

12

10

1%24

38

46

49

Base: All respondents. (1,330)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey


Figure 13: A range of non-financial priorities are getting CEOs’ attention

Q: To what extent does your organisation plan to focus on the following priorities over the next 12 months?

76%

51%

72%

50%

31%

68%

49%

40%

64%

41%

30%

Africa Middle East Africa Africa


North America Central and Eastern Europe

Central and Eastern Europe

North America

Framework to support a culture of

ethical behaviour

Workforce diversity and

inclusion

Reducing environmental

footprint

Non-financial reporting (incl. corporate

responsibility reporting)

56%

Base: All respondents. (North America=227; Central and Eastern Europe=95; Middle East=32; Africa=50)Source: PwC 16th Annual Global CEO Survey


Figure 14: CEOs see developing a skilled workforce as the top joint priority between business and government

Q: Which three areas should be the Government’s priority today?

00 20 40 60 80 %

20

40

60

%80

% o

f CE

Os

who

thi

nk is

sue

shou

ld

be

a to

p t

hree

gov

ernm

ent

prio

rity

% of CEOs raising investment to address issue

Creating and fostering a skilled workforce

Maintaining the health of the workforce

Ensuring financial sector stability

Improving the country’s infrastructure

Securing natural resources that are critical for business

Addressing the risks of climate change and protecting biodiversity

Reducing poverty and inequality



Issues

Tax strategy and corporate reputation: a tax issue, a business issue 31

A three-pronged strategy to breakthrough Taiwan’s “suffocating” economy 44


Tax strategy and corporate reputation: a tax issue, a business issue


Customers and clients

Industry competitors and peers

Government and regulators

Employees (including trade unions/work councils)

Your supply chain partners

Providers of capital (e.g. creditors and investors)

Local communities

The media

Users of social media

Non governmental organisations

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

2%

1%

1%

1%

1%

Don’t know/refusedHave little or no influence

9

14

16

22

24

38

46

49

67

17 80

45 45

35 50

47 36

44 32

35 39

45 16

40 12

40 10

27 5

-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0%

20 40 60 80 100

Have some influence

Have significant influence

3


Time Total Tax Rate

12% 26% 36%

Payments

62%55%2012

62% concerned201155% concerned







Increase in capital investment

Approach to managing risk

M&A, joint venture or strategic alliance

Investment in managing corporate reputation

Divesture plans

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

1%

3%

1%

3%

Don’t know/refusedNo change

17

23

25

26

32

35

37

36

46

68

51 31

54 23

54 21

52 22

50 17

45 19

49 12

39 22

42 11

22 7

-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0%

20 40 60 80 100

Some change A major change


Latin America

Asia Pacific

CEE

North America

Africa

Middle East

Western Europe

Latin American companies are most likely to increase focus, Western European companies least likely...

Large companies are less likely to be increasing focus on tax planning

47404036342828

0 10 20 30 40 50

Less than $100 million

$100 million to $999 million

$1 billion to $10 billion

Over $10 billion

41383531

0 10 20 30 40 50


A three-pronged strategy to breakthrough Taiwan’s “suffocating” economySteven Go, PwC Taiwan Markets & Strategies [email protected]

Amid economic disruption in 2013, there seems to be a light of hope. Yet it is obscure, creating a “suffocating” atmosphere in Taiwan society. All business leaders are pondering an important question: “How to navigate their business in the right direction and breakthrough to achieve growth?”

This year PwC Taiwan again conducted its survey of Taiwan-based CEOs, including a questionnaire survey of 105 Taiwan-listed companies and in-depth interviews with the leaders of the top 12 local companies, to understand about their strategic visions and top business-related concerns.

The report reveals that 46% of local CEOs expect a similar weak economic outlook in 2013 as last year. Most agree that “expect the unexpected” has become a mantra among corporate leaders. The prospect of continuing economic volatility was the biggest threat to business growth prospects according to 89% of CEOs. But 50% were very confident about

their growth prospects over the next 12 months, higher than the 36% rate in PwC’s corresponding global CEO survey. This suggest that Taiwan’s business leaders are more confident about growth prospects than their counterparts around the world.

The comparatively higher level of confidence among Taiwanese business leaders can be explained with reference to the external and internal environments.

Regarding the internal environment, local business leaders believe their companies need to become more resilient and also identify potential growth opportunities, such as new product and service development, manufacturing process optimization, business model innovation, and so on.

CEOs realize that companies will have no time to develop key technologies if they continue to position themselves as original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Many Taiwanese companies follow

the OEM business model and for years have faced competition on production capacity and pricing in their industries. Their businesses have been in decline since the financial crisis.

But every crisis presents an opportunity. Since 2008, large-scale manufacturers have re-thought their OEM and brand strategies and initiated reorganization plans, including the spin-off of OEM business units, the development of own brands, and the exploration of innovative business models.

Regarding the external environment, 75% of the respondents consider China to be the most important country for their business growth prospects over the next 12 months, and the second and third top destinations are the United States (47%) and Japan (25%), respectively.

Taiwan’s corporate leaders continue to intensely focus on the Chinese market. Large-scale OEMs with clear division of labor still need to cater to client demand and use China’s labor and services. Furthermore, China is


gradually transforming itself from a manufacturing- and export-oriented market to one focused on domestic demand and imports as a result of its 12th Five Year Plan. Thus, the world’s largest market offers new business opportunities for OEMs. It is also a key market in the eyes of brand marketers when it comes to overseas positioning and business model innovation.

Regarding growth opportunities, 58% of the interviewed companies believe that market cultivation, both domestically and overseas, was the most important focus for their business, while 37% considered new product and service development to the major growth opportunity. In this context, businesses in Taiwan are adopting three common approaches to breakthrough and achieve growth:

1. Target pockets of opportunity. Taiwanese companies primarily focus on the Taiwan, China and Southeast Asian markets to build their own brands and control end-channels to better understand market dynamics. To identify client and market needs, these Taiwanese companies are creating new business models and adding other services to extend their value chain.

2. Focus on the customer. Taiwan business leaders value their customers. They invest in talent to focus on providing localized and differentiated services, and also establish key technologies and strengthen their R&D capacity based on their customers’ needs or competitive strategies.

3. Improve operational effectiveness. Taiwan business

leaders believe that streamlined operations and focused management are key to their core corporate competence. In terms of product, they implement a “subtraction” initiative by reducing costs, spending money only when necessary and pursuing process innovation. In terms of organizational operations, they abide by regulations and implement comprehensive risk management by considering possible types of risk—legal, ethical, reputational and tax. At the same time, they emphasize staff training and competitive salary increases to ensure the proper implementation of operational policies.

In addition to the above three approaches, Taiwan business leaders recognize that building trustworthy relationships with all their stakeholders is a pre-requisite for a sustainable enterprise. This means forming partnerships with upstream suppliers, downstream buyers and others; building a quality working environment for staff; creating value for customers to activate positive interactions; being accountable to shareholders and society by strengthening corporate governance, and pursuing sustainable development by giving back to society and the environment.

A healthy and competitive enterprise will grow and thrive in a stable, friendly, and effective business environment. This year’s Taiwan CEO survey shows business leaders wish the government can establish an open, effective, transparent and friendly business environment to enhance international competitiveness and have a forward-

looking approach. They also hope the government can create new possibilities for Taiwan’s economy by establishing fair and effective policies in the areas of information management, taxation, labour, environmental protection and investment.

In conclusion, most business leaders in Taiwan are optimistic and confident about thriving in the disruptive economic environment in 2013. With China rapidly transforming from the world’s factory to being the world’s market, it will continue to be the number one destination for investment considering the large domestic demand generated by its immense population base. Taiwan businesses are well placed to capitalize on this trend given geographical and cultural advantages.

Facing economic uncertainty, businesses need to develop new approaches—targeting pockets of opportunity, concentrating on the customer, and improving operational effectiveness. They need to be agile and responsive to threats emerging from uncertainty, and hence develop adaptive capacity for the long run. Also the government may deliberate about how to establish a fair and effective environment to foster business growth and to break through the suffocated economy.

(This is a translation of an excerpt from the Chinese booklet, Dealing with Disruption—Business Breakthrough and Growth, published in conjunction with the release of PwC’s 2013 Taiwan CEO Survey.)


PwC Taiwan updates

2013 Taiwan CEO Survey results released at PwC business forum 47

Clearing up misconceptions about Taiwan's luxury tax 49

Tax management planning for Southeast Asia 50

Dexter Chang takes over as new chairman of PwC Taiwan 51


On 7 May 2013, PwC Taiwan released the results its 2013 Taiwan CEO Survey, Dealing with Disruption—Business Breakthrough and Growth, at its annual signature business event in Taipei City. The 2013 PwC Forum was attended by more than 300 local and international business leaders, key government officials and renowned business professors.

PwC again collaborated with Taiwan’s leading business newspaper, Economic Daily News, to conduct its highly-regarded annual survey of Taiwan-based CEOs. The report is based on questionnaire responses received from 105 Taiwan-listed companies, as well as the findings of in-depth interviews with 12 CEOs of selected top local companies.

The survey findings show that Taiwan’s business leaders are fairly confident about their growth prospects for 2013, having already prepared themselves for a choppy ride that may lie ahead. The report identifies five key challenges currently facing Taiwan’s CEOs, including the challenge of surviving and thriving through disruption, positioning their businesses in Asia and grasping opportunities in a transforming China,

breaking through the low-growth trap, building trust-based stakeholder relationships, and exploiting innovation opportunities.

Taiwan Vice President Den-Yih Wu, special guest of honour at the 2013 PwC Forum, lauded the survey report. He congratulated PwC Taiwan on “delivering highly-credible and precious survey results, and making substantial contributions to our society and nation.”

PwC Taiwan CEO Dexter Chang added that he hoped the “report would be a valuable reference source for businesses, academia, government and society in improving Taiwan’s competitiveness.”

Analysing the survey findings, PwC Taiwan Markets & Strategies Leader Steven Go advised local companies seeking to break through the low-growth trap to focus on their core advantages and follow three specific approaches, namely targeting pockets of opportunity, concentrating on the customer, and improving operational effectiveness. He added that companies should also put more emphasis on cultivating stakeholder relationships.

In the keynote speech, “How to Transition out of the Middle-Income Trap,” Professor Kenneth Kin of National Tsing Hua University urged local business leaders to place more importance on talent development, technological R&D and innovation, and investment in intangible assets and skills in order to successfully transition out of the middle-income trap.

The PwC Forum concluded with a panel discussion, with contributions from the floor, chaired by Professor Edward H. Chow. The panelists included Yancey Hai (Delta Electronics), Mark Wei (KGI Securities), Tony Ho (Test Rite Group) and Chris Tsai (Bionet). The panel discussed a range of topical business issues including market opportunities, innovative business models, branding strategies, talent development and corporate social responsibility.

For more information about the 2013 Taiwan CEO survey, please go to: www.pwc.tw/ceosurvey

2013 Taiwan CEO Survey results released at PwC business forum

Taiwan Vice President Den-Yih Wu speaking at the PwC Forum.

PwC Taiwan CEO Dexter Chang speaking at the PwC Forum

PwC Taiwan Markets & Strategies Leader Steven Go presenting the survey findings


Event photo gallery

1

2 3

4 5

1. Key dignitaries attending the 2013 PwC Forum included (from left to right) Chyan-long Jan (Business School Dean, Soochow University), Edward H. Chow (Finance Professor, National Chengchi University), Mark Wei (KGI Securities Chairman), Wei-Ta Pan (President, Soochow University), Yancey Hai (Delta Electronics Chairman), Steven Go (PwC Taiwan Markets & Strategies Leader), Den-Yih Wu (Taiwan Vice President), Dexter Chang (PwC Taiwan CEO), De-Yuan Weng (Economic Daily News Vice President), Kenneth Kin (Associate Dean, College of Technology Management, National Tsing Hua University) Tony Ho (Test Rite Group Chairman), Chris Tsai (Bionet Chairman), Jason Tsai (College of Business Dean, National Taipei University).

2. The panel discussion members for the 2013 PwC Forum included (from left to right) Chris Tsai (Bionet Chairman), Tony Ho (Test Rite Group Chairman), Yancey Hai (Delta Electronics Chairman), Mark Wei (KGI Securities Chairman) and Edward H. Chow (Finance Professor, National Chengchi University).

3. Taiwan Vice President Den-Yih Wu (left) being greeted on his arrival at the 2013 PwC Forum by PwC Taiwan CEO Dexter Chang (centre) and PwC Taiwan Markets & Strategies Leader Steven Go (right).

4. The 2013 PwC Forum was attended by more than 300 local and international business leaders, key government officials and renowned business professors.

5. PwC Taiwan’s publications booth drew attention from forum attendees.


Clearing up misconceptions about Taiwan's luxury tax

PwC Taiwan Tax Partner Jason C. Hsu

On May 9, 2013, PwC Taiwan Tax Partner Jason C. Hsu held a press conference to clarify common misconceptions among the general public and corporations about Taiwan’s luxury tax, and to offer suggestions on possible changes to the relevant laws in relation to possible exemptions in M&A cases.

The common misconceptions held about the luxury tax largely relate to the tax-induced holding periods of real estate. Mr. Hsu stated that accurate calculation of the “real estate holding period” is a key factor in determining the application of luxury tax. According to current case studies and legal interpretations issued by the Ministry of Finance, there are three ways to calculate a holding period starting from 1) the “original acquisition date”, 2) the “reacquisition date,” and 3) “the original acquisition date” plus the “reacquisition date” (mixed type).

Mr. Hsu suggested that luxury tax should not be levied on real property acquired in corporate M&A transactions in order to encourage M&A activities in Taiwan and improve business efficiency. His specific taxation proposals included:

1. In cases of mergers, acquisitions and spin-offs executed pursuant to the Business Mergers and Acquisitions Act, luxury tax should be exempted on acquired companies’ property where the holding period is less than two years.

2. After a merger or acquisition, the acquiring company should calculate the holding period of the acquired company’s property starting from the first date that the acquired company’s was recorded as holding the property.


In May 2013, PwC Taiwan held seminars on tax management strategies for the Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Thailand markets. Tax experts from the PwC firms in Taiwan and Vietnam discussed the latest regulations and tax issues regarding Taiwanese investment in Southeast Asia.

PwC Taiwan Tax Partner Elliot Liao said the 2013 Taiwan CEO Survey results showed that 39% of Taiwan companies regard Southeast Asia as a key area for labor-intensive manufacturing and business growth opportunities. Among the various Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam was regarded as the leading investment destination for its manufacturing base and consumer market.

Tax management planning for Southeast Asia

PwC Taiwan Tax Partner Elliot Liao

PwC Taiwan Tax Director Peter Y. Su said the ASEAN bloc as a whole had the third largest population in the world after China and India. Ten ASEAN countries jointly have six hundred million people and rich natural resources. All member states have aggressively pursued free trade agreements with other countries in recent years and set the goal of establishing an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015. In addition, the ASEAN Plus Three forum was set up to coordinate cooperation between ASEAN and the three East Asia nations of China, Japan, and South Korea. All of this will certainly have an impact on future business models of Taiwanese companies, which have so far primarily relied on China as their manufacturing base.

Mr. Su also pointed that bilateral trade volume between China and ASEAN had doubled to US$400 billion in 2012 from US$200 billion in 2009. The expected formation of a single ASEAN market in 2015 will allow not only the free movement of goods and services, but also capital and labour, and will unleash unlimited potential for economic development and growth.

Notwithstanding the potential investment and market opportunities in Southeast Asia, Mr. Liao cautioned companies to be aware of the tax risks arising from different and complex tax laws and regulations in different ASEAN countries regarding cross-border trade and investment. When positioning their operations overseas, transnational corporations have to carefully deliberate on how to develop a tax-efficient organizational structure and how to avoid any tax-related risks.

Given the growing attraction of Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia and Thailand as alternative investment destinations, Mr. Liao suggested companies take the initiative to implement a corporate tax risk management framework and stay one step ahead of tax policy and compliance trends in these and other countries when considering their overall global positioning strategy.


On July 1, 2013, Dexter Chang took over as chairman of PwC Taiwan on the retirement of former chairman Albert Hsueh. A gala dinner was held in late June to celebrate Albert’s chairmanship. The event was attended by all PwC Taiwan partners as well as the senior partner leaders of the PwC China, Hong Kong, Singapore firms.

At the gala, the then CEO of PwC Taiwan Dexter Chang lauded Albert Hsueh’s leadership, saying he had successfully followed in the footsteps of PwC Taiwan’s founders Kuo-chang Chu and Cheng-hsien Chen, and former chairman Springfield Lai, to maintain the firm’s spirit of honesty, trustworthiness, persistence and integrity. After becoming chairman in 2006, Albert placed further emphasis on professionalism and quality services, and oversaw significant business growth during his tenure.

Looking to the future, Dexter Chang said integrity will continue to be the key touchstone for the firm, while holding fast to professionalism and quality services, and boosting the firm’s reputation through corporate social responsibility efforts.

Also speaking at the gala, Albert Hsueh said that he had much to be grateful for during his 33 years at PwC Taiwan. He gave thanks to all members of the firm, saying that PwC Taiwan was where it was today due to their efforts and contributions.

Dexter Chang takes over as new chairman of PwC Taiwan

Dexter Chang (right) took over as chairman of PwC Taiwan on the retirement of former chairman Albert Hsueh (left)

When PwC Taiwan celebrated its 40th founding anniversary in 2010, a commemorative book was published to mark the occasion and reaffirm the firm’s commitment to honesty, trustworthiness and integrity. At the gala, Albert gave a copy of book to Dexter as a token of passing on the firm’s heritage, and encouraged him to hold fast to superior traditions and to achieve as yet unfulfilled goals.

Despite stepping down as PwC Taiwan Chairman, Albert Hsueh will continue to contribute to the firm’s corporate social responsibility efforts by serving as the Chairman of the PricewaterhouseCoopers Education Foundation.


Further reading

Other PwC Taiwan publications of interest are also available to download on our website at www.pwc.tw. Below is a selection of some of our recent and significant publications.

Checking up on Taiwan healthcare: Market challenges and opportunities [English and Chinese]

July 2012

This paper provides an introductory overview of Taiwan’s healthcare sector—including the healthcare services, pharma and medical device industries—and highlights the challenges and opportunities for market participants.

Taiwan Business Q&A [Japanese]

March 2012

This Japanese guide examines the different aspects of doing business in Taiwan, including the local accounting, tax and legal requirements. It also looks at the implications of the Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement between Taiwan and China for Japanese companies, as well as the benefits of the investment agreement between Taiwan and Japan.

The heart of Asia: Doing business in Taiwan [English and Chinese]

July 2013

This practical guide provides insight into the key aspects of doing business in Taiwan, from establishing a business presence to dealing with accounting, tax and employee matters.

Taiwan CEO Survey 2013: Dealing with Disruption [Chinese]

May 2013

PwC Taiwan’s latest annual survey of Taiwan-based CEOs on the most challenging business issues of the day, and how they are responding.

M&A strategies and best practices [Chinese]

August 2011

The book provides comprehensive coverage of M&A strategies and best practices from various perspectives. It leads the reader through the planning, execution and integration stages of corporate M&A transactions, and highlights ways to mitigate any possible risks.

Corporate governance for tax: Creating value, management risk [Chinese]

October 2010

The interaction of tax and corporate governance is an emerging issue in business and practice. This book provides a framework for integrating tax and corporate governance in a COSO control structure for the benefit of strategic management and decision making.


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PwC Taiwan helps organizations and individuals create the value they’re looking for. We’re a member of the PwC network of firms in 158 countries with more than 180,000 people. We’re committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.tw

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