Few people know that the football bladders used in the world's top tournaments, including the World Cup and the Olympics, come from a Chinese manufacturer in Jiangsu province. The manager of the company, who is originally from China's Taiwan, encourages young professionals from the island to seek opportunities in the manufacturing industry on the Chinese mainland.  

ZHOU HONGDA, General Manager, Dingqi Sports Goods, Huai'an, Jiangsu Province "Our company, founded in 1987, has specialized in a single field: producing sports ball bladders. While you may often purchase balls, you might not realize that their air retention and rebound come from the inner bladders. Our role is to provide high-quality bladders to ball manufacturers, ensuring the optimal performance of the final product."

"The football (soccer) market is our largest sector. We produce approximately 70,000 bladders daily, supplying high-profile football (soccer) tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship, this year's Copa América, and the Paris Olympics. Our materials are also used in four of Europe's top five major football leagues. Our goal has always been to partner with the world's leading brands."

"The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar showcased advancements in chip technology embedded within the balls. These chips collected real-time data on speed, spin, trajectory, and positioning, elevating the game's technological integration. In addition to collaborating with global sports brands, we are actively partnering with chip manufacturers to drive innovation further."

"The Chinese mainland's administrative efficiency, particularly for enterprises, is notably high, with a range of supportive policies. This contrasts with China's Taiwan. The Chinese mainland is highly competitive, with abundant talent. For young people from Taiwan seeking opportunities here, it's crucial to showcase unique strengths. Simply being more educated or capable won't set you apart; otherwise, you risk becoming just bullet bait in the intense competition. Regardless of your background, it's essential to embrace digital intelligence and automation."

"Many young professionals are gravitating toward the service industry, which presents opportunities. Those who choose to pivot to manufacturing can find higher rewards, greater development potential, and opportunities to carve out their own path. The key is to remain grounded and committed to learning the intricacies of the industry. Manufacturing demands hands-on involvement. It's not always an office-based role and may not align directly with your academic background or previous experiences. In short, focus on what others aren't doing."