The Edge Singapore is a weekly business and investment newspaper that covers financial markets, corporate news, real estate, personal wealth, and lifestyle. Launched in 2002, it targets professionals and investors, offering both print and digital editions. 

In a recent interview with The Edge, the Chairman of Hi-P International, Mr. Yao Hsiao Tung, shared his views on the company’s future plans and broader industry trends. Below are his key insights from the interview: 

Hi-P International, under the leadership of Mr. Yao, is planning a return to public markets between 2025 and 2030, following its delisting from the Singapore Exchange in 2021. The company, which employs over 20,000 people, had initially considered relisting in China to align with its manufacturing base and tap into higher valuations. However, this plan was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s strict containment measures, and prolonged U.S.-China trade tensions. Additionally, shifts in global supply chain strategies and market volatility prompted a re-evaluation of the listing approach. 

While a U.S. listing was once considered to leverage its market depth, Mr. Yao now favors relisting in Singapore, motivated by recent regulatory reforms aimed at revitalizing the local capital market. He believes that a renewed public listing would not only facilitate fundraising but also enhance corporate credibility, drive structured growth, and create wealth-building opportunities for employees. 

Hi-P has navigated significant external challenges, including the trade war that impacted the China +1 manufacturing strategy and weighed on Asian markets. Despite these obstacles, Mr. Yao remains confident in the company's resilience, built on decades of experience and Hi-P’s transformation from a small workshop into a global manufacturer. He emphasized that Hi-P’s adaptability to market cycles and strong industry roots have positioned the company to continue thriving. 

Overall, Mr. Yao’s insights reflect Hi-P’s commitment to growth, adaptability, and creating opportunities for employees. The company remains focused on turning challenges into opportunities and striving for sustainable success.