TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Foxconn Chair Liu Young-way (劉揚偉) said companies are moving production away from China, signaling a major global manufacturing shift, per Nikkei Asia.

Speaking at the opening of the two-day Global Management Dialogue in Tokyo, Liu said the push for domestic economic prosperity is driving firms to regionalize production. Three years ago, almost all of Foxconn’s production was concentrated in China, he noted.

Now, 65% of production remains in China, with the rest spread across Vietnam, India, and Mexico. He said the company has set up regional headquarters to manage local operations and build relationships with governments and business partners.

Liu also highlighted the disruptive impact of generative AI. He said Foxconn is exploring the technology to shorten the time it takes to bring innovations to market.

“When generative AI happened, that was really disruptive,” he said. “None of us can escape from this change. It will impact all industries.”

Microsoft Chief Marketing Officer Takeshi Numoto said AI demand is growing faster than the internet or cloud did at their peaks. He credited Microsoft’s competitiveness to a “culture of curiosity” that helps leaders act on subtle market signals before they become trends.

Some investors have warned about an AI-driven data center bubble as Microsoft plans to double capacity in two years. Numoto said the company is investing in line with demand guided by customer signals.

Johnson & Johnson Chair and CEO Joaquin Duato said technology will speed up advances in imaging, diagnostics, and drug discovery over the next decade. He said the company aims to transform some cancers into chronic diseases and, eventually, find cures.

Manulife Japan CEO Ryan Charland said human connection remains critical even as AI transforms financial services. He said AI can complement relationships by giving financial advisors tailored talking points, helping address gaps in financial literacy and trust.