The 35-year-old Yuan-Liou Publishing began "going digital" many years ago. Commenting on the ever-changing technology, CEO Wang Jung-wen says: "Today's revolution in reading is one of medium. We had our print revolution 500 years ago. Now publishing has arrived at another crossroads that requires it to rethink its core values." (Chuang Kung-ju)

At least a dozen e-book readers have hit the market since the Taipei International Book Exhibition took the stage in early 2010, including models developed by 3C giants such as BenQ, Asus, Delta Electronics, and Netronix. So far, Yuan-Liou Publishing is the only Taiwanese publisher to invest in an e-book reader. Why has the company, which is much smaller than the major 3C firms and has much more limited R&D capabilities, dived into such competitive waters?

"I am taking part in a process of self-annihilation," says Wang Jung-wen, Yuan-Liou's publisher and CEO. "Paper books are going to gradually migrate to digital formats and will ultimately become museum pieces." But, he adds, there is another way to look at it: "We are also taking part in the birth of a new era. We are rebuilding from the ground up."

Facing the tech titans' entry into the e-book reader market, Wang is pragmatic: "The publishing industry is transforming in an effort to survive."