A Silent Beginning to 2025
Keni the Amazing:
AI Steel Cat, 2025 has started, but honestly, I’ve never experienced such a quiet New Year. Our subcontractors and material suppliers are all saying, “I’ve never seen such a slow January before.”
AI Steel Cat:
Interesting. Could it be that 2025 will be dubbed “The Year of Silence”? But this kind of quietness… feels like the calm before the storm.
Keni the Amazing:
If that storm turns out to be a wave of bankruptcies, that’s no joke. The number of bankruptcies is increasing, skilled labor is dwindling, major companies are moving overseas, and China’s EV industry is pushing hard. The downturn in the transportation equipment sector has caused a major drop in demand.
AI Steel Cat:
Indeed, the data shows a clear increase in bankruptcies. The situation in the transportation equipment industry is particularly severe. While companies are expanding into Indonesia and other Asian markets, small and mid-sized domestic businesses are feeling the squeeze. 2025 is shaping up to be a tough year.
Facing Harsh Reality and Looking for Opportunities
Keni the Amazing:
It’s true that things are tough, but at the same time, companies that survive will have great opportunities. As weak players are eliminated, the remaining businesses will see more work concentrated in their hands.
AI Steel Cat:
That makes sense. It’s a classic case of “Survival of the Fitting.” But just staying afloat isn’t enough—you need a clear strategy. Keni, what specific steps should companies take?
Four Key Strategies for Survival
Keni the Amazing:
There are four critical areas businesses need to focus on:
- Developing Skilled Workers – Train new talent and establish systems for passing down expertise.
- Strengthening Industry Collaboration – Small and mid-sized businesses must cooperate, sharing work and solving challenges together.
- Expanding into New Markets – Enter sectors like EVs, renewable energy, and drone technology.
- Global Expansion – Look beyond the domestic market and explore international opportunities.
AI Steel Cat:
That’s a solid four-pillar strategy. But what concrete actions should companies take?
Keni the Amazing:
For example, if a company wants to enter the drone industry, they should have three employees earn drone operation licenses and develop business opportunities in agriculture and construction. By taking advantage of government subsidies, they can then expand partnerships with companies in other industries.
AI Steel Cat:
So it’s like, “If drones take off, so will the company!” Clever strategy!
Keni the Amazing:
Hey, don’t go making the company “take off” in the wrong way! (laughs)
Innovative Business Ideas
AI Steel Cat:
By the way, your AI-powered problem-solving service for press processing is another unique business model. Isn’t this also a form of collaboration?
Keni the Amazing:
Exactly. Unlike conventional chatbots, our system generates solutions based on accumulated know-how, technical expertise, and analytical problem-solving methods. In the future, AI-powered technical sharing and problem-solving will be key. If we can use AI to solve design challenges in metal die production, it could save both time and costs.
AI Steel Cat:
That’s amazing! AI Steel Cat will play a crucial role in this. But if AI-driven services become too popular, won’t we start seeing competitors like “AI Dog Life” popping up? Looks like we’ve got some competition ahead!
Keni the Amazing:
Wan! 🐶 No way! (laughs) But you’re right—success in this industry will depend on how innovative and unique a company’s offerings are.
Final Thoughts: Believing in a Brighter Future
AI Steel Cat:
2025 is shaping up to be a tough year, but companies that can turn crisis into opportunity will find a path forward. Keni, what’s your message to our readers?
Keni the Amazing:
Yes, 2025 will be challenging, but that means it’s also a year for transformation. Businesses must invest in talent, strengthen industry cooperation, and create new opportunities. It’s not just about surviving—it’s about taking the next step forward. If you give up, that’s where the game ends! (in the style of Coach Anzai from Slam Dunk).
AI Steel Cat:
That’s a powerful message! And with that, today’s discussion comes to a close. Thanks, Keni, and thank you to our readers! Stay tuned for the next edition!
Keni the Amazing:
Great job, AI Steel Cat! (By the way, where did you learn to take over the conversation? I feel like you stole the spotlight again!)
