Taiwan's No1 fibre optics supplier United Fiber Optic Communication (UFOC) has been an important pillar in the region's telecommunications infrastructure development for the past four decades. UFOC, now a total-solution communications provider, embarks on a global pursuit as it diversifies its portfolio and strengthens its engineering expertise.

"As Taiwan's telecom industry evolved, so did UFOC's core competence - from single value point to a diversified business providing total customisable communication solutions," says president Edward Hsu.

Apart from supplying fibre-optic and wireless communication products, UFOC delivers complete engineering services - from the design, development and maintenance of fibre-optic cable and transmission projects to microwave and wireless communications. UFOC was the first company that the Taiwan government entrusted with telecom-related public utility projects, including the development of traffic control and communication networks for various highway, subway and railway infrastructure.

Together with Hong Kong-based PCCW (SEHK: 0008), UFOC completed Taipei's mass rapid transit's communication control and computer system integration. It also set up the fibre-optic communications network for Taiwan Railways, computerised traffic signal system for Taipei's Department of Transportation and the domestic satellite communications network around Taiwan.

UFOC's expertise extends to private original design and equipment manufacturers. Among these are banking systems, cable television and fixed/mobile network operators such as Chunghwa Telecom, Far EasTone Telecommunications, Taiwan Mobile, Asia Pacific Telecom, Nokia, Siemens and Motorola.

UFOC aims to replicate its success overseas. It is looking to the robust Southeast Asian market, including the mainland, where it seeks strategic partnerships with key players such as railway car manufacturers. UFOC also plans to further diversify its portfolio, especially with the emergence of 4G, fibre-to-the-home and other next-generation technologies.

"We target to partner with some industry giants and grow our overseas business," Hsu says. "Our vision is to triple our revenues in the next five years with overseas sales accounting for 50 per cent."