Behind the Screens: How Eric Tsai Is Scaling EdTech by Bridging AI, Software and Hardware

After over two and a half decades leading product and technology teams across some of Asia’s fastest-moving tech ventures — from KKBOX to KKTV to KKStream — Eric Tsai wasn’t planning to take on another full-time role. But when the right opportunity meets the right momentum, plans can change.

Earlier this year, Eric joined ViewSonic as General Manager of its Education Software Business Unit, stepping into a dynamic team that had recently launched ClassSwift, an AI-powered platform for interactive teaching and learning. With a career shaped by startups, scale-ups, and a deep appreciation for building with purpose, he brings a clear-eyed perspective on what it takes to move fast without losing focus.

In this edition of Behind the Screens, Eric shares what drew him back into the arena, how he’s helping shape the next phase of ClassSwift’s journey, and why the intersection of education, AI, and hardware may just be one of the most exciting places to build right now.

1. What brought you to ViewSonic?

Over the past 25 years, I’ve been deep in Taiwan’s software scene. As a founder and executive at KKCompany, behind platforms like KKBOX, KKStream, and KKTV, I had the chance to lead both B2C and B2B products from the ground up, across technology, product, and business. I’ve always loved building things from scratch and guiding teams through that process.

In 2024, I finally took a break — my first real one after years of nonstop building. During that time, I started asking myself: What kind of work would feel meaningful now? Where could I really make an impact? Over the years, I’ve learned that success isn’t just about effort. It’s about timing, momentum, and finding the right environment to build in.

I had been thinking about education for a while, especially how learning experiences could evolve when combined with AV technology. I explored a few ideas in my previous company, but they never quite got off the ground. Then I came across what ViewSonic was doing with ClassSwift, and something clicked. The hardware foundation was solid. The vision was there. What excited me was the chance to help shape something scalable on top of it.

2. Why ViewSonic over a software company?

What drives me has always been the 0-to-1 process. I like building from scratch, finding the right wave, and going all in when the timing feels right.

Right now, we’re at a turning point in how technology gets built. In an AI-driven future, I believe the most valuable opportunities will come from companies that can connect software and hardware in meaningful ways. Pure software companies are becoming increasingly polarized. Some are staying small and ultra-efficient, while others are scaling fast and wide. Somewhere in between, hybrid models like ViewSonic have a strategic advantage that’s often overlooked.

I could have stayed semi-retired, but this felt like the right moment, with the right people, and the right environment to help shape something that matters.

3. What’s the big idea driving your team’s work?

At the core, we’re trying to make classroom learning more engaging for both teachers and students.

Education is one of the most powerful drivers of progress, and despite all the evolution in teaching methods and technology, the classroom remains at the heart of learning. That also means teachers are still facing many of the same challenges, especially when it comes to group-based learning. Keeping a full class actively engaged is no small task.

We believe the best learning happens when teachers can get students involved right there in the moment, not just deliver content and hope it lands. That’s what we’re building toward with ClassSwift. It gives teachers a flexible set of AI-powered tools they can use on the fly to build momentum, spark participation, and help ideas stick. While many EdTech tools focus on what happens before or after class, we’re focused on what happens during class, where teachers most need support.

ClassSwift is evolving into the best instant CFU (Check For Understanding) companion for teachers’ workflow, turning any content into live classroom interaction and AI-powered post-class insights, seamlessly integrated with Google Classroom. When paired with ViewSonic’s hardware, like our ViewBoard interactive displays, it creates a more dynamic classroom experience that reduces friction for teachers and makes learning more engaging for students.

4. How do you lead in a fast-moving, high-expectation environment like this one?

When I care deeply about a direction, the team usually feels it. There’s a mix of pressure and energy. I push hard and set high standards when I think something really matters, but I’m also fully in it with the team. Once we hit a milestone, people often look back and realize how much they’ve grown.

I try to keep things direct and transparent. I want people to take calculated risks and try new approaches, but I also expect us to learn from mistakes and avoid repeating them. I care a lot about clarity and impact. We shouldn't spend time reinventing the wheel or moving things along without adding value. Everyone should understand how their work fits into the bigger picture.

5. What makes your team different?

The team is energetic and full of curiosity. A lot of people here enjoy exploring new tools and ways of doing things, which brings a ton of creativity — and sometimes a few challenges. Since we’re still early in our organizational development, one of my priorities is helping the team build more structure, cut down on inefficiencies, and avoid duplicating work when we should be moving forward.

Right now, we’re in the middle of a shift. We’re becoming a more focused, disciplined, and high-leverage team. That process isn’t always easy, but it’s been exciting to see how quickly people are learning and adapting. There’s a strong sense of momentum, and I’m proud of how far the team has come in such a short time.

6. What kind of mindset sets someone up for success in your team?

People who thrive here are the ones who take ownership, follow through, and aren’t afraid to step up, even when it’s outside their job description. They’re flexible, open to feedback, and always looking for ways to improve how we work.

This is a fast-moving team, and it sometimes reminds me of my early startup days. We look for people who take initiative, learn quickly, and care about making a real impact. If you enjoy figuring things out alongside others and want your work to matter, you’ll probably feel right at home here.

7. Are there any recent milestones that have really stood out to you?

One recent highlight was seeing ClassSwift reach a new level of maturity with our U.S. go-to-market strategy. Earlier this year, our team created the first ClassSwift Playbook, which aligned product, marketing, and business teams around a clear U.S. strategy. That shift from reactive execution to proactive, shared planning was a milestone in itself.

Since then, we’ve built on that foundation with tangible achievements: ClassSwift earned the 2025 EdTech Breakthrough Award for Student Engagement Solution of the Year, became 1EdTech Data Privacy certified, announced a strategic partnership with ClassLink, and at ISTE Live 2025 — the largest education expo in the U.S. — won Best of Show (Primary Education). These recognitions are more than badges; they validate that when the direction is right and effort is focused, results follow naturally.

What has stood out to me most is not just the external recognition, but the mindset shift inside our team. Like structured endurance training — alternating intensity and recovery — our disciplined approach is creating a positive cycle that drives adoption, strengthens the company, and brings the team together.

8. If someone wants to join your team, what should they expect?

This is a place for those looking to step outside their comfort zone. If you thrive on learning, value clarity, and enjoy solving meaningful problems with speed and purpose, you’ll find the work here both challenging and rewarding.

We’re building something from the ground up in a space that’s evolving quickly. That gives you the chance to leave a mark, not just follow a process. But it also means you’ll need to think critically, move fast, and care about what you’re building.

If you’re ready to stretch yourself and grow alongside a team that’s figuring things out together, you might be exactly who we’re looking for.

Final Thoughts

From startups to scale-ups, and now to a global brand bridging software, hardware, and ecosystems, Eric Tsai brings a founder’s mindset and a systems thinker’s eye to ViewSonic’s evolving EdTech ambitions. Whether he’s building momentum within the team or shaping long-term strategy across regions, his focus remains the same: solve the right problems, move fast with purpose, and create the conditions for people to grow.

At a Glance: How Eric Tsai is shaping the future of education software at ViewSonic:

• Bringing 25+ years of startup and product leadership experience to a fast-moving EdTech environment.
• Driving ClassSwift’s evolution as the best instant CFU (Check For Understanding) companion for teachers’ workflow — turning any content into live classroom interaction and AI-powered post-class insights, seamlessly integrated with Google Classroom.
• Winning global recognition with milestones such as ISTE Best of Show (2025), EdTech Breakthrough Student Engagement Solution of the Year, 1EdTech Data Privacy certification, and a strategic partnership with ClassLink.
• Fostering a team culture built on clarity, rhythm, and shared ownership, shifting from reactive execution to proactive, metric-driven delivery.
• Strengthening cross-functional alignment with clear Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy
• Leading from the front while empowering people — creating a positive cycle where adoption grows, the company thrives, and the team gains confidence to take on bigger challenges.