In the dynamic world of display and touchscreen solutions, optical bonding technology in Korea stands out. It acts as a game-changer. This technology enhances visibility, durability, and performance in demanding environments. We sat down with Harry Kim, CEO of Deutsche Faytech Korea, to explore this further. He explains how faytech drives innovation and growth in this competitive market. With his extensive background in IT and strategic alliances, Harry shares valuable insights. He covers faytech’s priorities, successes, and vision for the future.
Can you share your professional journey leading to your role as CEO of Deutsche Faytech Korea and how your diverse background influences your leadership?
My English name is Harry Kim. I began my career at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD). This leading CPU manufacturer is headquartered in the United States. There, I served as an APAC cooperative director for 10 years. I covered sales and marketing across the region. After AMD, I joined Hyundai IT as Chief Intelligence Officer (CIO) for seven years. In that role, I oversaw product planning and strategic alliances with customers. In total, I have 26 years of experience in the IT industry. Additionally, I hold a master’s degree in software engineering with a focus on cloud computing. This background helps me understand the convergence of software and hardware. We call this solution convergence.
During my time at Hyundai IT, I identified a strong opportunity. It was for optical bonding technology in Korea’s display industry. So, I started discussions with faytech in 2020. Then, I established Deutsche Faytech Korea in 2021 as its representative. Our early efforts led to securing a major order. It was for 10,000 units of 55-inch high-brightness optical bonding products. We delivered them flawlessly with zero defects. Moreover, there were no RMA issues after three years. This success reinforced my confidence in faytech’s superior optical bonding technology in Korea. Today, we collaborate with Korean global companies in this industry. We work on advanced projects, such as OLED and transparent OLED displays. My diverse experience shapes my leadership. For instance, it emphasizes strategic alliances and innovative solution convergence. Ultimately, this drives faytech’s growth.
Since taking the helm in 2021, what are your main priorities for driving faytech Korea’s growth and technological innovation?
We established Deutsche Faytech Korea on June 28, 2021. Since then, our priorities have focused on overcoming unique market challenges. At the same time, we leverage our strengths. Korea is geographically close to China, with no barriers. Therefore, it is easy for customers to source low-cost products from platforms like AliExpress or Taobao. However, Korean customers demand the highest quality levels. These are akin to Samsung and LG’s Sigma 6 standards. That means fewer than 10 defects per million units.
This creates a hurdle. We must balance super-high quality with competitive pricing against Chinese dumping. Our growth strategy emphasizes faytech’s proven optical bonding technology in Korea. For example, we demonstrated this through our 10,000-unit EV charging project. Additionally, we have alliances with New Optics and Hyundai IT. These cover outdoor signage and optical bonded IFPD products. For innovation, we’re prioritizing solution convergence. This integrates hardware with software like AI and IoT. As a result, we move beyond price competition. Instead, we offer comprehensive value.
How does faytech Korea leverage its expertise in optical bonding and large-format displays to meet local market demands?
faytech Korea builds on our global reputation. It stems from the 10,000-unit mass production project. That proved our zero-defect capability in high-brightness outdoor displays. Customers recognize faytech as the most experienced supplier. We are also the most efficient in optical bonding technology in Korea. This is based on German engineering.
We differentiate from competitors by educating customers. For instance, we explain true optical bonding versus misleading “zero bonding” claims. Some Chinese suppliers make these claims, but they aren’t actual bonding. Our leverage comes from this superior quality and German technology. Consequently, we meet Korea’s stringent demands. These include durable, large-format displays in applications like EV charging and digital signage.
With your experience in ICT and IoT conversions, how are these technologies integrated into faytech’s display solutions to add value for Korean customers?
In a market flooded with hardware competitors, relying solely on displays leads to endless price cuts. To add value, faytech integrates ICT and IoT through solution convergence. This combines hardware with software. For instance, instead of just selling AI cameras, we aim to provide full AI solutions. These include cloud-based platforms.
In Korea, we use terms like “ecosystem” or “convergence solutions” for this. Developing everything in-house is challenging. Therefore, we seek partners in China, Germany, or elsewhere. Together, we create ICT, IoT, and AI systems. This positions faytech as a total solution provider. We are not just a hardware supplier. As a result, Korean customers can easily adopt integrated displays. These come with OTA updates, server solutions, and more.
What industries or sectors in Korea are showing the most interest in faytech’s solutions, and are there emerging applications you find promising?
Interest is strong in sectors like EV charging, digital signage, and interactive flat panel displays (IFPD). A promising emerging area is corporate IFPD. This uses OLED or transparent OLED technology. While expensive, these are not suited for education. There, Android-based systems dominate. However, they are ideal for enterprises. These need high-end, iPhone-like designs with PCAP touch and Windows compatibility. For example, they support tools like Office 365.
Korea is a great test market for these innovations. Corporate users prioritize premium quality over cost. We work with faytech in China to develop OLED/T-OLED IFPD for this segment. Thus, we avoid price wars in saturated education markets. Globally, education is maturing (40-50% deployment). But corporate is just blooming. This offers opportunities with partners like Google or Cisco.
How does faytech Korea ensure its products meet the strict quality, durability, and regulatory standards relevant to Korea and Asia?
faytech adheres to Korea’s rigorous standards. These include Sigma 6 quality and KC certification. KC is required for any import exceeding three units. It costs about $3,000 per item and takes 6-8 weeks. This poses challenges for small quantities. However, it is negligible for large orders like our 10,000-unit project.
We ensure compliance by leveraging our zero-defect track record. Additionally, we use German technology. For diverse products (e.g., touch monitors, PCs), we maintain portfolios that meet UL, JS, and other Asian regulations. Our webshop helps. But we are actively developing innovative strategies. These overcome certification barriers. As a result, we achieve broader market access.
Could you share a recent success story or project in Korea that highlights faytech’s technological capabilities and customer impact?
We had success in 2022 with 10,000 units of 55-inch high-brightness optical bonding for EV charging. Building on that, we secured another win in 2023. New Optics adopted our 23.8-inch optical bonded hybrid products. Additionally, we collaborated with a key customer. Together, we created a vertical integration solution. It spans 19-inch to 86-inch displays.
This portfolio covers from 19 to 86 inches. It includes touch or non-touch options. Also, it offers high-brightness or standard versions. This demonstrates faytech’s versatility in optical bonding technology in Korea. We’ve delivered proven, defect-free products. Thus, we establish a strong reference for customers. Moreover, it showcases our mass-production capabilities.
In a rapidly evolving display landscape, how does faytech Korea stay ahead in terms of innovation and product development?
The biggest trend is AI. So, faytech is pursuing integration beyond hardware like AI cameras. We are developing cloud-based solutions for OTA updates, IoT, and servers. Korea serves as a testbed. It has leaders like Samsung and LG. Therefore, we can detect and plan future trends.
We enforce R&D for hardware-software convergence. Additionally, we partner for comprehensive offerings. This keeps us trendy. It avoids obsolescence like AR/VR fads. AI will transform human life. So, aligning with it ensures faytech leads. We excel in optical bonding technology in Korea and globally.
What strategic initiatives or collaborations are you pursuing to strengthen faytech Korea’s market position?
As a small team of three people, we focus on our successes. At the same time, we seek sales force expansion. This uncovers high-volume partners. We invest in bridging hardware with software for convergence solutions. Moreover, we collaborate with global players like New Optics, Google, and Cisco.
A key initiative is establishing optical bonding facilities in Korea. These create “Made in Korea” products. They appeal to customers requiring local manufacturing. Additionally, they help navigate U.S. anti-China policies. This combines German technology, Chinese production, and Korean software. Ultimately, it supports global expansion.
Why should Korean businesses choose faytech over other display and touchscreen solution providers? What sets you apart?
Korean businesses should choose faytech for our unmatched expertise. It is in optical bonding technology in Korea. This is proven by zero-defect mass production on the world’s largest scales. While many Chinese manufacturers offer bonding, some customers demand “Made in Korea” for quality assurance.
No local firm matches our capability for large-scale optical bonding. Others handle only pilots manually. faytech’s German roots ensure superior durability and innovation. For example, we provide high-brightness displays and convergence solutions. We’re not just hardware providers. Instead, we deliver integrated value. Thus, we avoid price dumps. Finally, we focus on long-term reliability.
Harry Kim’s insights highlight how faytech is pioneering optical bonding technology in Korea. It blends global expertise with local demands. This delivers cutting-edge solutions. As the market evolves toward AI and convergence, faytech remains committed. We prioritize innovation and quality. For businesses seeking reliable touchscreen and display partners, explore faytech’s offerings. Contact us to discuss how we can elevate your projects.
