[GHRM532]The Turning Point: Entrepreneur Song-Fuh Hong Shares Real-World Insights with NSYSU Students

Written by Jan Dariusz Filipp(Yanek)

As part of the Entrepreneurship and Human Resource Management course, students had the valuable opportunity to engage with Mr. Song-Fuh Hong, owner of the beef distribution company SongLin International Inc. In his inspiring and experience-driven lecture, “The Turning Point” – Mr. Hong shared first-hand insights into the entrepreneurial decision-making processes that shape the beef industry within an increasingly competitive and globalised marketplace. Organised with the support of Professor Ryan Brading and Teaching Assistant Yanek Filipp, the session offered students a rare glimpse into the strategic challenges, personal motivations, and practical realities that define real-world entrepreneurship.

Mr. Hong, a second-generation beef importer in Taiwan, recounted his journey of navigating and modernizing his family’s business. His company gained national attention after becoming the first in Taiwan’s history to import beef from Eswatini cattle—a milestone that introduced African beef to the Taiwanese market for the very first time. This achievement showcased SongLin International’s ability to identify and capitalise on unique opportunities in a competitive industry. At the same time, Mr. Hong underscored that the company’s core operations remain firmly rooted in importing premium beef cuts from Nicaragua, which continue to serve as the backbone of its product portfolio and long-term business strategy.

With a blend of mature entrepreneurial thinking and engaging storytelling, Mr. Hong encouraged students to reflect on what truly defines a turning point in business. Throughout the lecture, he guided the class through critical strategic elements such as timing, market positioning, supply chain placement, and the broader political and legal factors that shape business viability in Taiwan. By drawing on real examples from his company’s experiences—from navigating import regulations to identifying underexplored markets—Mr. Hong demonstrated how strategic clarity can transform challenges into opportunities.

Students then participated in two team-based exercises focused on analysing real-world business cases and discussing the practical steps involved in building and sustaining a venture in Taiwan. These activities were particularly timely, as the students will soon compete in the ‘Hult Prize Competition’, where they are expected to pitch actionable and socially meaningful business ideas. The tools, perspectives, and analytical approaches introduced by Mr. Hong provided them with valuable guidance that will undoubtedly support the refinement of their strategies and the strengthening of their forthcoming proposals.

The lecture’s title, “The Turning Point” encapsulated a central message: entrepreneurial success often depends on the ability to recognise and act upon pivotal moments. Through his story, Mr. Hong illustrated how intuition, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace unconventional opportunities can reshape both personal and professional trajectories, ultimately determining the direction and resilience of a business.

Special thanks are extended to Mr. Hong Song-Fuh for sharing his rich entrepreneurial experience, and to Professor Ryan Brading for organizing and facilitating this impactful learning experience.