On 16th May 2022, the classes of Dr. Ryan Brading joined together for an online meeting, where the employees of HOPAX, a Taiwanese paper making chemicals manufacturer, delivered a guest lecture. Since the students came from Productions & Operations Management and Sustainability classes, the main purpose and topic of the lecture were working culture and working conditions in HOPAX and similar companies of its size, as well as corporate social responsibility (CSR).

In the introduction, students got a clear picture of the size and organizational system of HOPAX - they have 3 production sites; however, none of them is in Taiwan. Two sites are located in China and one is in Indonesia. Globally, they employ around 1,000 people, out of which 490 people work in Kaohsiung. The sales office is located in Taipei.

A big part of every modern company is its focus on SDGs as part of the sustainability plan that is being adopted not only by companies but entire countries and unions. The primary focus of HOPAX is on the environment - they recycle and reuse many materials and waste, and use water efficiently. Their goal is also to reduce air pollution; last year, they managed to reduce their footprint by 35.9%, same goes to waste recycling and management (electricity use reduction). Some technologies in their production were mentioned, such as wastewater treatment & VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) system, as well as flameproof and explosion-proof equipment. They also emphasized on their care about people and proper human resources.

The attention to previously mentioned CSR is significant - HOPAX focuses on CSR greatly because their goal is to be a responsible corporation for society. They are building their strategy on a three-values system model - focus and care (for Earth, society, and each other), innovation, and knowledge sharing. Their society-oriented activities are highly recognized - they often organize activities for children and the elderly. They cooperate with charities and care for animals and local communities. Moreover, they focus on USR (University Social Responsibility) as well and combine it with CSR.

Students enjoyed and appreciated the guest speakers and the lecture greatly. Despite being a chemistry-oriented company, it was very interesting and beneficial to hear about how the company manages processes and procedures. The team shared and answered all the questions. One of our students, Sarka Horakova said “ It was, indeed, an interesting sharing about the chemical industry, which is quite distant from our field, yet related to our courses since there are still management & sustainability relations. The experience of the foreign workers (ex-students) was eye-opening and proved what students should know: Taiwan is a hard place to find a job if you are not an engineer/IT. However, if you set your goal, you can accomplish anything, just like our alumni Jetsin and his focus on sales jobs.