Medical Aesthetics Tycoon Enters Space Race: Glass Substrate Maker 'Cheng Ta International' Ventures into Satellite Communications, Major Shareholder Revealed

Glass substrate manufacturer Cheng Ta International has emerged as a defense-related stock following Foxconn's reduced involvement as a major shareholder in March. The company's subsidiary, Cheng Ta Tactical Technologies, recently announced signing a framework agreement with a state-owned defense supplier in the Middle East to jointly develop a 'Pseudo-Dome' communication system.

Interestingly, Cheng Ta International's new management team shows significant overlap with that of Yijie Technology, a previously listed company now delisted. Hsiao Chia-sung, the largest shareholder of Cheng Ta and a prominent figure in the medical aesthetics industry, was also a major shareholder in Yijie Technology. Known for closely following Taiwan's stock market investment themes, Hsiao has moved from medical aesthetics and 'Panda Man' (Fat Dough) bakeries to rapid COVID-19 testing and now into the defense industry.

This year's Wan-an military drills featured the first-ever 'internet disconnection and speed reduction' exercise. With growing risks of external communication disruptions during wartime, low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communication technology has become a necessary option for Taiwan. In 2023, Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs launched the 'Verification Program for Strengthening Communication Network Digital Resilience Using Emerging Technologies in Emergency or Wartime Scenarios,' which included a procurement project titled 'Lease and Transmission Services for Asynchronous Satellite Networks.' The winning bidder for this project was American company AERKOMM Inc.