In April 2025, Shiang Cheng invited Ian and Leilei from Chia Pang Plastics for a “Learning Day” to share their invaluable experience in navigating second-generation succession, driving internal transformation, and implementing a four-day workweek.
During the post-event dinner, Chairman Meng-Han and Ian found themselves deeply engaged in a discussion about the surging AI trend. It turned out that both leaders had observed the potential impacts and opportunities AI brings to the future workplace. They realized that for local SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) currently at the forefront of digital transformation, AI could be the key to accelerating employee growth in a more seamless and intuitive way. This shared insight sparked a vision: leading their respective teams to embrace AI and proactively understand the trends of the future.
AI-generated contextual illustrations based on photographs
Table of Contents
- Keeping Pace with the Trend
- Learning Takes Flight: Opening Doors with Laughter
- A Game-Based Approach to Learning
- Braving the Attempt: It’s Okay to Fail
- Adapting as We Go: A Helping Hand at the Right Time
- Making AI a Part of Our Daily Lives
- The Ripple Effects of AI Learning
- A Journey Beyond Expectations
- Shiang Cheng Team, your bravery is truly inspiring.
Keeping Pace with the Trend
A few days later, at Shiang Cheng’s company-wide quarterly meeting, Chairman Meng-Han made a resounding declaration from the podium, announcing the dawn of Shiang Cheng’s AI era. “AI is transforming our lives,” he proclaimed, “and we must adapt to this changing trend.” His words ignited a spark, akin to a seismic announcement. From that moment on, “Every Shiang Cheng Employee Learns AI” was no longer just a slogan; it became a mandatory “Shiang Cheng Essential Course,” to be implemented from the top down.
For veteran colleagues, this might have seemed more daunting than learning to use LINE stickers. Yet, for younger colleagues, it was like stepping into a multiverse full of endless possibilities and surprises.
To gear up for our AI journey, I’ve spent time diving deep into the core logic of the AI era. From Harari’s famous trilogy to his latest insights in Nexus, I’ve been exploring how these technological shifts connect to our future. It’s about more than just tech; it’s about understanding the new rules of survival for all of us. — Tie-Ren
Learning Takes Flight: Opening Doors with Laughter
Through a cross-departmental collaboration between Sustainable HR and Innovation Projects, we designed a joyful “AI Orientation.” Using humorous AI-generated music videos and straightforward mission briefings, we helped our colleagues easily grasp what AI can and cannot do. By building trust through understanding, we lowered the fear of technology. We want everyone to realize: “AI is neither a threat nor a god.” Just like the smartphones of a decade ago, it is simply a tool for a new era. Once you master it, you can fearlessly embrace it as a partner.
At the same time, we established the “Power of AI Love” LINE group. In addition to releasing carefully designed “AI Challenges,” we encourage everyone to share their insights and ask questions. Upon successfully completing these tasks, team members earn “AI Points” as a reward for their progress.
“Lyrics Refined by AI | Music Composed by AI: The Soundtrack of Shiang Cheng’s Future.”
Through games, rewards, and the open exchange of ideas within the group, our colleagues found a space to share their learning journeys. This collective approach minimized the sense of failure and loneliness, replacing it with a shared mission to grow and earn rewards together. It has sparked more joy and meaningful conversations in the office, allowing everyone to embrace this unknown adventure into AI with a positive and expectant heart.
A Game-Based Approach to Learning
Our strategy prioritized “Engaging” tasks to spark interest, eventually leading to “Productive” tasks integrated with work routines.
From a management perspective, the beginning was far from easy. Most staff were initially overwhelmed, much like inexperienced parents. Although we provided a relaxed environment and gamified tasks using everyday content, the exploration phase was filled with both surprises and laughable moments that we never could have anticipated.
Colleagues’ Mother’s Day AI-generated image practice
Braving the Attempt: It’s Okay to Fail
On the eve of Mother’s Day, we kicked off our first task: “Create an AI Mother’s Day Card.” While still figuring out how to “talk” to AI, the team’s bold attempts brought plenty of laughs.
When Shao-Qing posted a funny image of a car that the AI accidentally turned into a carriage, the whole group erupted in laughter. That moment broke the ice. It taught us that failing is no big deal—you just hit “retry.” It was this mindset that truly gave everyone the confidence to keep exploring.
During that period, you could often hear colleagues crying out in mock frustration, “Oh no! I’ve used up today’s khòo-tah (quota)! I’ll have to continue tomorrow.” On the other hand, there were encouraging shouts like, “Try adding this prompt; it just worked for me!” AI had truly become a catalyst, energizing the entire office atmosphere.
Adapting as We Go: A Helping Hand at the Right Time
It wasn’t always smooth sailing. We went through a period of trial and error to understand how to present tasks more intuitively so everyone could truly “get it.” Whenever someone felt discouraged, sighing, “AI has no idea what I’m saying,” there was always a kind-hearted Shiang Cheng colleague there to cheer them on and offer a fresh perspective.
It is these moments of leaning on one another that have kept our collective learning journey moving forward.
Making AI a Part of Our Daily Lives
We got a little creative and wrapped our learning goals around Tie-Ren’s family vacation. Using the trip as a “live” classroom, we showed how AI could solve real-world problems. “Wow, you can use it to buy tickets, map out routes, and get restaurant recommendations!” Suddenly, the team saw that AI isn’t some distant, robotic tech—it’s more like a handy, “thoughtful little helper” that makes life easier.
Once everyone felt comfortable with AI, we took it a step further by integrating work-related tasks. We assigned a mission to write three different leave-of-absence emails—one each for a boss, a teammate, and a client. By using AI to adapt their tone for different audiences, our staff practiced “perspective-shifting,” learning how to express themselves more effectively to make daily workplace coordination even more seamless.
The Ripple Effects of AI Learning
The results of our AI training are continuing to bloom with many surprising bonuses. One colleague, Ding-Ding, successfully used AI to scout her ideal wedding dress company, cutting down on research time significantly. On the professional front, leadership found that communication has become smoother and task comprehension more accurate. Perhaps the biggest win is the newfound confidence: with our new ERP system, everyone has shed their fear of making mistakes and is now eagerly embracing the digital operation.
In this year’s inaugural Employee Satisfaction Survey, we included specific questions regarding our AI learning journey. Based on a 5-point scale, the following three AI-related areas received encouraging feedback:
- AI practice is helpful for work: 3.93 / 5
- Willingness to apply AI in professional tasks: 4.29 / 5
- Using AI to solve real-life problems: 4.11 / 5
These figures and indicators suggest that AI is quietly reshaping our lives and work. Like seeds beginning to sprout, these changes are gradually growing into tangible results that we can all see and feel.
A Journey Beyond Expectations
Throughout this period, while staying dedicated to our core responsibilities, we also found the time to become “best friends” with AI. Our truck drivers could be seen huddled together during breaks, discussing how to conquer the latest AI missions. Shouts of “I passed!” frequently echoed through the office, leaving a trail of mutual support behind every achievement.
What touched us most was the courage to step out of the comfort zone—the spirit of “I may not be familiar with this, but I am willing to try.” This is the most beautiful and unique aspect of Shiang Cheng’s culture, and it is undoubtedly the most surprising reward of this AI learning journey.
Shiang Cheng AI Graduation Theme Song. This video showcases a gallery of our colleagues’ AI-generated works. The lyrics, which highlight memorable moments from our missions, were co-created with AI, featuring an AI-composed score and refined lyrics.
Shiang Cheng Team, your bravery is truly inspiring.
When faced with challenges, no one retreated. Instead, you transformed fear into laughter and turned patience into progress. Through mutual support, you have defined a distinct AI roadmap for Shiang Cheng.
The creative works and lyrics shown here are not merely the products of AI; they are the “milestones of courage” from your hard-earned journey.
Congratulations, and thank you all for bringing this “AI Journey of Love” to such a beautiful close.