Welcome to the PricewaterhouseCoopers family

Dear colleagues,

Over 230 outstanding new people joined the PricewaterhouseCoopers Taiwan family on September 1. The admission acceptance rate was 99%, proving once again that PricewaterhouseCoopers Taiwan is the most prestigious professional organization around.

On behalf of the Taiwan firm, I have expressed my sincere welcome to the new joiners and also noted the following key points to encourage them:

1. Trust your decision

PwC Taiwan has not merged with any other firm over the past 40 years. Though we are not the largest accounting firm in Taiwan, we are the only Big Four firm that retains its original Chinese name. We ardently expect PwC Taiwan to be, and remain, the accounting firm that is the most diligent, the most influential, and the most focused on quality.

PwC colleagues are generous and caring. We showed our great compassion to the people in disaster areas after Typhoon Morakot hit southern Taiwan last month. In just a few days, donations to our email fund drive totaled around NT$ 5.2 million, and this was quickly distributed to the designated charitable organizations.

 PwC Taiwan belongs to all its staff members. I joined the firm after leaving the army 29 years ago, and like you, I was welcomed to regard it as my own family. That's why I encourage PwC colleagues not to call me "boss", and in fact, you may well have an even  longer career ahead at PwC Taiwan. You are the real boss of the firm. The firm's future truly depends on our collective effort towards the firm's long-term development.

2. We are providers of valuable professional services

The core value in client service comes from "putting the client first". We must show even more dedication and commitment to service than we do in managing our own affairs. We must think more deeply and earlier about problems and solutions than clients do, for that is what excellence in client service demands.

The services that accountants provide are professional and unique, unlike tradable commodities. We must gain clients' heartfelt appreciation for the value of our professional services so that we can win their lasting trust and respect.

3. Plan long-term, and devote every effort to being distinctive

Each of you, new colleagues, stand out among your peers. With a career path of at least 30 years ahead of you, you need to have a long-term plan and put every effort into being distinctive. Don't quibble over personal gain or loss at the beginning of your professional life. Enlarge your vision instead and be open-minded. While good pressure management is expected of you, if you regard obstacles as challenges that help you grow, you will surely become outstanding and distinctive in your profession in a few years.

4. Sow the seeds for a bountiful harvest

After the global financial crisis hit in the second half of 2008, Taiwan's export volume decreased over 40%, and corporations at home and abroad announced unpaid leaves, pay cuts and layoffs. Facing this difficult situation, PwC Taiwan was the first accounting firm to make a "no-layoffs, no pay cuts" pledge. The firm also urged colleagues to continue providing the best possible client services. Signs of economic recovery are now emerging after nearly a year of hard work. To express my sincere thanks to all colleagues, I sent an email in early July on the subject of "Sowing the seeds for a bountiful harvest". This is the message I share with new joiners. I encourage them to cultivate a passion for constant learning and to be responsible to their work, family and society. There is a saying that "As you sow, so shall you reap." I believe that people who work hard will enjoy a bountiful harvest.