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AsusTek Computer Inc. topped the Best Taiwan Global Brands rankings for the fifth year running with an estimated brand value of US$1.68 billion, according to a survey released Nov. 21 by Industrial Development Bureau under the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
 
Second on the list was network security solutions provider Trend Micro Inc. at US$1.41 billion, while food and media conglomerate Want Want China Holdings Ltd. was third at US$929 million.
 
Banking heavyweight CTBC Financial Holding Co. Ltd. finished fourth at US$531 million, trailed by bicycle-maker Giant Manufacturing Co. Ltd. in fifth at US$486 million and computer solutions provider Advantech Co. Ltd. in sixth at US$484 million.
 
Other notable entries include banking group Cathay Financial Holding Co. Ltd. in seventh at US$414 million and food services outfit Gourmet Master Co. Ltd. in eighth at US$404 million. The former made the list for the first time, while the latter—best known as the operator of 85 C Bakery Cafe—moved up three spots and led all ranked companies with a 16 percent annual gain in brand value.

The combined value of the top 20 Taiwan brands, which span a wide range of sectors such as consumer electronics, health and sports, financial services, food and beverage, and technology, is US$9.51 billion, up 2.9 percent from the year before. In addition to Gourmet Master, two other companies recorded double-digit growth in brand value: Advantech and Delta Electronics Inc. in 15th at US$250 million, both 11 percent.
 
According to New York City-based Interbrand, co-organizer of the annual survey, Taiwan brands are strengthening on the back of enhanced dialogue with consumers through social media and other channels. This is producing a greater emphasis on cross-sector collaboration, international business expansion, technology upgrades and user-friendly designs.
 
The global brand consultancy firm also highlighted efforts by local high-tech firms in catching the Internet of Things wave and transforming into software and hardware integration solution providers.
 
Launched in 2003, the survey is also produced in conjunction with Taiwan Institute of Economic Research. It is considered an invaluable tool for publicly listed Taiwan companies seeking to better position themselves in the global marketplace. (SFC-E)
 
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