HTC 2008 Annual Report Download - page 7

2OO 8 HTC AN N UAL REPO RT
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Significant Achievements
HTC made impressive progress along other fronts as well
during 2008:
>6 May 2008
HTC launches its flagship HTC Touch Diamond line of
smart phones in London. The sleek profile and smart
look of each distinctive model are just the beginning.
These revolutionary smart phones incorporate HTC's
pioneering TouchFLO 3D - a touch interface that
brings a new level of ease and accuracy to mobile
phone operations, supporting fast broadband Internet
data throughput speeds and featuring a fully
redesigned, exceptionally user-friendly browser. HTC
Touch Diamond truly delivers full Internet functionality
'anytime, anywhere' . The outstanding craftsmanship
in the Touch Diamond line creates a new standard for
mobile telecommunications and encourages
consumers to desire and expect more from their
mobile phone devices.
>23 September 2008
HTC joins hands with Google, the world's largest
online search provider, and US telecommunications
service provider T-Mobile to launch the T-Mobile G1
smart phone in New York City. Designed and built by
HTC, the G1 is the first mobile phone built on the
Android platform - confirming HTC as the innovative
leader in the global smart phone industry. The G1
gives users instant access to Google's multifaceted
online services as well as to a full suite of developer-
provided applications and content - making going
online on the go easier, more effective and eminently
more fun. The G1 is more than just a milestone in
mobile phone and Internet development - it is a
revolutionary mobile telecommunications experience.
>2008
Investments in R&D and production further enhance
competitiveness and set the stage for sustained
growth.
HTC's board of directors approves in February an
allocation of NT$3.335 billion to purchase land in
Xindian City, a suburb of Taipei. This will be the
future home of the company's Taipei R&D Center,
slated for completion within 3 years.
HTC purchases the renowned San Francisco-based
design house One & Company Design, Inc. through
its subsidiary H.T.C. (B.V.I.) Corp. The strategic
acquisition is expected to further sharpen HTC's
edge in mobile phone innovation and design work.
To meet growing demand for products as well as
raise precision and efficiencies at each stage of the
production process, the board of directors passes a
decision to expand manufacturing facilities located in
the Kangqiao Industrial Zone near Shanghai in
China. The new facilities came online in October.
Corporate Social Responsibility
The board of directors approves regular annual donations
to the HTC Social Welfare and Charity Foundation or
Education Foundation. This foundation funds leadership
and character training for elementary, junior high and
senior high students; co-sponsors local community
development and urban cultural revitalization efforts;
targets the special needs of disadvantaged groups; and
provides disadvantaged children opportunities to further
their academic careers.
HTC Foundation efforts have carefully targeted the needs
of the community. The Foundation signed a white paper on
character development with the Taoyuan County
Government in March 2008, agreeing to joint execution of a
three-year plan to implement character development
education programs in 100 schools. A total of 454 schools
are now signatories to HTC's Memorandum of
Understanding on Foundation Education. Adding to Yuli
Township (Hualien County) and Longtan Township
(Taoyuan County), townships joining the HTC-sponsored
"Township of character" plan during 2008 include Shihzi
Township (Pingtung County), Sinyi Township (Nantou
County), and Yuanlin Township (Changhua County). The
program works with and energizes local public agencies
to proactively foster good character in youth and promote
an atmosphere receptive to and supportive of strong
character and culture.
The HTC Foundation established the nation's first
institute dedicated to character-building and English
training in Hualien's Meilun District. The institute provides
character-building and English enhancement curricula
free of charge to fourth grade elementary school students
from around Hualien County. In addition, the Foundation
offers scholarships for children with special financial
needs and financial aid to low-income families and
sponsors after school tutoring programs. Each year,
Foundation disbursements benefit over 2,000 youths from
disadvantaged families both in Taiwan and overseas.
O utlook
Despite a worldwide downturn in economic conditions
and the negative impact of such on overall industrial
growth, continued growth is forecast for the smart phone
sector. HTC's long-term focus on smart phone
technologies and products, coupled with stable and
healthy corporate operations, give us confidence that
growth prospects for HTC business remain strong.
HTC will continue to implement thoroughly its
commitments to innovation and the highest standards of
quality and performance in order to continue introducing
new, more competitive smart phone devices that deliver
to users an exceptional and streamlined mobile
telecommunications experience. Outstanding products
and responsive service are the twin engines driving the
HTC brand to global market success and creating a
"rising star" set to benefit shareholders, consumers and
employees together.
HTC Corporation
Chairman
CEO & President
I. Letter to Shareholders