Connecting Female Power in Manufacturing: Converging like Butterflies, Blooming like Flowers — The Official Launch of the ELIMI Development Association

The ELIMI Development Association, representing the "gentle yet firm" female power within Taiwan’s manufacturing sector, was officially established on June 18, 2025.

Enid Tsai, the Founding Chairperson and General Manager of HIWIN Technologies, stated: "Transformation, growth, warmth, and innovation are the core values of ELIMI. We are calling upon female leaders in manufacturing to leverage their meticulous yet resilient nature to exert influence and create a new era for Taiwan’s industry."

From "A Grain of Rice" to ELIMI: A Gentle Revolution in Manufacturing

The predecessor of the association was the "A Grain of Rice" Female Managers Network, born on May 2, 2012, with the encouragement of Eric Chuo (then-Chairperson of the Taiwan Machine Tool & Accessory Builders' Association, TMBA) and Vice Chairperson Yan Rui-xiong.

The name "ELIMI" is a homophone for the Chinese phrase "A Grain of Rice" and stands for "Elegant Leaders in Machinery Industry." It has brought together top female leaders including Enid Tsai (HIWIN), Maggi Chen (Chenbro Micom), Iris Huang (Walrus Pump), Hsieh Man-yu (Robotec), Lulu Yen (Tongtai Machine & Tool), Yvonne Huang (Taichung CNC), Alice Wu (Cosen Mechatronics), and Lin Hsiao-ting (Tien Kung).

In the precision machinery industry—traditionally associated with "black hands" (manual labor) and cold steel—these women have acted like seeds. They have introduced a "soft and warm" philosophy of mutual benefit and prosperity, bravely pursuing innovation and building "happy enterprises" within a "happy industry."

For years, the group operated as a social network, meeting four times a year to coincide with the seasons, combining site visits with mutual support. As their influence grew, Enid Tsai and the 7th-term President, Hsieh Man-yu, spearheaded the transition into a formal legal entity: the ELIMI Development Association. The membership has now expanded from "precision machinery" to the broader "manufacturing industry," welcoming more female leaders to drive this gentle revolution.

A Premiere Leadership Team: A Gathering of Taiwan’s Top Female Talents

Following two preparatory meetings earlier this year, the association held its inaugural general assembly on June 18. The first Board of Directors and Supervisors was elected, with Enid Tsai (HIWIN) as Founding Chairperson and Hsieh Man-yu (Robotec) as Vice Chairperson.

The board includes representatives from Chenbro Micom, Tongtai Machine & Tool, Walrus Pump, Takisawa Taiwan, Cosen Mechatronics, San Feng Machinery, and Shiann Yih. The Board of Supervisors includes representatives from the PMC (Precision Machinery Research & Development Center), Hold Well, and Taichung CNC.

The association also invited Yang Jen-ni (Minister without Portfolio, Executive Yuan), Ho Gui-fen (Senior Lead Writer, Commonwealth Magazine), and Huang Yu-shan (Director-General, Taichung City IDIPC) to serve as consultants. Over a hundred female leaders from the machinery industry attended the event.

A highlight of the day was a keynote speech by Bonnie Tu, former Chairperson of the cycling giant Giant Group. Speaking on the theme "Leaving No Trace," she encouraged female leaders to find their own value, lead by example, face challenges without fear, and maintain curiosity to achieve excellence.

Chairperson Enid Tsai remarked: "For over a decade, female leaders in this industry have not only achieved personal transformation but have also injected innovation and warmth into their companies. ELIMI provides a 'spiritual home base' for female entrepreneurs to find strength and redefine the face of Taiwanese manufacturing."

Butterfly Transformation: Showcasing the Aesthetics of Craftsmanship

To echo the core values of "Transformation, Growth, Warmth, and Innovation," the members collaborated to create a custom butterfly brooch for every attendee.

The project demonstrated the pinnacle of Taiwanese manufacturing craftsmanship:

• Sesame Motor served as project coordinator.

• Sunrise World handled the jewelry design.

• Sunmill Machinery performed the precision machining.

• Robotec executed the laser engraving.

The butterfly symbolizes the "gorgeous transformation" of the industry and the phrase: "If you possess the power of beauty, the butterflies will come."

Vice Chairperson Hsieh Man-yu noted that the choice of The Lalu at Sun Moon Lake—a world-renowned landmark—for the ceremony was intentional. It symbolizes "Convergence" and "Blooming." She remarked: "The scenery of Sun Moon Lake and the historical depth of The Lalu allow Taiwanese culture to 'bloom' and visitors to 'converge.' This aligns perfectly with ELIMI’s mission. From this starting point, we will witness the growth and development of the ELIMI ecosystem."