Recently, AI translation has been widely used to break down language barriers in global business, international conferences, and academic conventions. This time, we interviewed Mr. Yamashita from Toa Seiko Co., Ltd. and Mr. Kim from The Society of Fashion & Textile Industry about the background and impressions of introducing the AI translation tool “VoicePing,” as well as their future outlook.
From Manufacturing to Fashion: The Future Led by Toa Seiko and The Society of Fashion & Textile Industry
Please provide a brief self-introduction and an overview of your business!
Yamashita: Hello, I am Yamashita, the factory manager at Toa Seiko Co., Ltd. Our company primarily engages in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of industrial blades and products for chemical plants. We create blades for a wide range of materials, from soft to hard, such as mochi and iron. Our main service involves assessing whether the shape and material of the blades our customers are currently using are appropriate and providing improvement suggestions.
Recently, we have been taking on new challenges with a startup mindset by utilizing 3D scanners and 3D printers in the field of reverse engineering. We create digital data and conduct a consistent manufacturing process based on this technology.
Kim: My name is Kim Tae-gyu, and I serve as the President of The Society of Fashion & Textile Industry. I am currently a professor at Daegu Arts University. The Society of Fashion & Textile Industry is a non-profit organization established to promote academic research and technological advancement in textiles and apparel, contributing to the development of Korea’s apparel industry. Our association emphasizes close cooperation and the exchange of the latest information, both domestically and internationally, for the sustainable development of the apparel industry, thereby contributing to societal progress. Specifically, our association undertakes the following activities:
– Regular academic conferences
– Publication of the association journal six times a year
– Overseas apparel industry training workshops
– International invitational exhibitions
– International academic conferences
– Digital fashion design contests
– Various seminars
Our members are primarily composed of academics and universities, with participation from related research institutes, companies, and government-related departments. We have a total of 2,500 active members.
Please tell us about the background of introducing VoicePing.
Kim: Since 2011, our association has been hosting international academic conferences, invitational exhibitions, and overseas industry training workshops annually from late June to early July. What sets us apart from other associations is that our members directly visit foreign countries and engage in deep exchanges. These events are highly appreciated and successful, leading to their increasing scale.
However, we have been struggling with cross-border language communication issues while conducting these events. Last year, we used English, but we wanted to find a more convenient method of communication. I consulted with Mr. Yamashita, a long-time friend, about solving language communication problems during such events in Japan. We explored several translation programs, and during this process, we found that VoicePing stood out in terms of features and performance, leading us to adopt it.
Feedback on Using VoicePing: The True Value of a Real-Time Translation Tool
How was your experience using VoicePing?
Kim: Yes, I have been using VoicePing for six months, both in our association and in personal conversations with Mr. Yamashita. One of the outstanding features of VoicePing is its support for real-time translation in four languages simultaneously. Our association often has participants from more than five countries, and situations where presenters and audiences speak different languages are common. This feature was incredibly appealing. Specifically, the ability to present with translated subtitles on presentation slides was a significant advantage. The subtitles displayed on the PPT or screen for the audience to view together were very convenient. After comparing several translation programs, we found the translation quality to be nearly identical. However, VoicePing had faster and more stable performance, making it the most suitable choice. Additionally, it reduced the need for investment in other devices. Using other tools required considerable equipment and time.
Yamashita: As Mr. Kim mentioned, the ability to solve these issues with just one PC was a major benefit. Having an app that allows you to display the translation screen in a separate window, freely change text size, and easily switch language settings makes it an ideal interface. On a side note, it was also great that users could freely change the position of the camera window in the meeting room. Other video conferencing tools do not allow changing the camera window position, which can make just talking on the computer screen feel boring. Over the six months, I have had many meetings and casual conversations with Mr. Kim using VoicePing. Sometimes, we would change the background photo to a resort setting and say, “Shall we talk by the seaside today?” to mix things up.
What is the surrounding evaluation of VoicePing?
Kim: I have conducted a direct demonstration in front of the management committee. Initially, some were anxious about not using English at the academic conference, but I persuaded them to try the demo by highlighting the benefit of connecting with more people. Of course, many of the Korean professors are well-versed in English, so they weren’t 100% surprised, but I remember that many were quite impressed. Particularly, participants were jokingly saying, “We don’t need to study languages anymore, right?” while praising the tool. The atmosphere was very positive, and I felt that VoicePing is currently developing and will continue to grow.
Do you have any suggestions or feedback for VoicePing?
Kim: It would be great if the issue of translation subtitles pausing could be resolved. The reason for using an interpretation program is the advantage of simultaneous communication. I have worked with interpreters for business, and usually, it takes about 30 seconds for interpretation. However, using an interpretation program translates almost simultaneously, which is a significant advantage. Unfortunately, when the presenter continues speaking without breaks, longer content can cause a time lag in translation, resulting in subtitles pausing. If this part is improved, I believe we can actively promote its use in next year’s international events.
Yamashita: It would be beneficial if the accuracy of translations could be further improved. Occasionally, incorrect contexts or expressions would appear. Given that the association hosts important industry figures, it is crucial to avoid any misinterpretations that might be disrespectful. Improving this aspect would make it an excellent app. Additionally, it would be nice if the speed of automatic language recognition could be enhanced.
Future Outlook: Expanding into the Global Market and Commitment to a Sustainable Environment
Thank you for your valuable feedback.
Could you both share your future business plans and prospects?
Yamashita: Yes, our company aims to expand into the global market, particularly through overseas branches of Japanese corporations, by leveraging translation tools like VoicePing. While we have primarily focused on manufacturing metal and plastic products, we are now looking to expand into new fields such as reverse engineering and digital data business in line with digital transformation (DX). These business models have high demand both domestically and internationally, and we plan to expand our operations to meet the needs of our customers in global markets.
Kim: Although our association is a non-profit organization and does not have direct ties with the government, we are constantly contemplating and discussing the future direction of the industry.
Starting from Korea, our association discusses and researches global issues related to clothing. For example, we address themes such as sustainable societies and environmental preservation. We are particularly focused on finding ways to reduce the environmental impact of textile materials. Our efforts are directed towards reducing the use of leather and plastic products and promoting research and technology for renewable synthetic fibers worldwide.
Toa Seiko Co., Ltd.
▼Company Overview
Established: November 1982
Location: 4820-4 Kamitonno, Nogata City, Fukuoka Prefecture
Business Activities: Manufacturing and sharpening of industrial blades, production of products for chemical plants
Website: https://toaseiko.net/
The Society of Fashion & Textile Industry
▼ Association Overview
Founded: December 1998
Purpose: To promote academic and industrial development in the fields of textiles and clothing
Website: https://www.sfti.or.kr/
Expand Your Global Connections with VoicePing!
VoicePing is a cutting-edge communication tool equipped with real-time translation features. It enables smooth meetings and interactions across language barriers worldwide.
Features of VoicePing:
- Real-Time Translation: Supports 43 languages and provides simultaneous translation for up to 4 languages, ensuring smooth communication in meetings and presentations.
- High Translation Accuracy and Speed: Achieved through continuous AI model updates.
- Video Conference Support: Compatible with Zoom and other video conferencing platforms for real-time AI translation.
- Easy Sharing: Enables easy real-time, two-way communication with external guests via QR codes or URL sharing.
- Simple Operation: Operates seamlessly with just one PC. Offers flexible text size and language settings.
- Flexible Interface: Allows free adjustment of the camera window position for visual comfort during meetings.
Free 1-Week Trial Now Available!
You can also apply for an online demo meeting or download informational materials. For more details, feel free to contact us through the link below. Visit the VoicePing homepage here.