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Why Taiwan Got Micron to Break Precedent on Payouts
With Taiwan generating over 60% of revenues amid an unprecedented AI boom, surging profits collide with local labor demands for a bigger slice of the pie.
U.S. Crude Oil Hits $100 for First Time Since May
September 11, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: U.S. Crude Oil Hits $100 for First Time Since May, Treasury Triples Bond Buyback as Yields Keep Climbing, and Anthropic Investor Backs Off-Grid AI Power Startup Tar.
ASML, TSMC Push 12-Inch Photomasks as High-NA EUV Enters Next Phase
ASML and TSMC are launching an industry initiative to develop 12-inch photomasks for High-NA EUV lithography, aiming to boost chipmaking productivity, lower costs, and support increasingly complex AI chips. The roadmap also marks TSMC's first public commitment to adopting High-NA EUV for mass production by 2030.
Why Taiwan’s “Silicon Shield” Poses Energy Vulnerability
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and its “silicon shield” are seen as a guarantee of the country’s security. But the industry’s enormous demand for electricity is also increasing Taiwan’s energy vulnerability. Can Japan’s energy policy provide valuable lessons for Taiwan?
Washington Accuses Chinese AI Firms of ‘Systematic’ Theft
September 10, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: Washington Accuses Chinese AI Firms of ‘Systematic’ Theft, Anthropic Researcher Quits Over AI Labs ‘Gambling With Our Lives’, and Malaysia’s Data Centre Capacity to Triple by 2030.
Once Obsolete, Why Taiwan Two-stroke Engines are Given New Life by Drones
Taiwan eliminated two-stroke engines on motorbikes more than 20 years ago, but they have re-emerged as a new opportunity for scooter makers that could revive a supply chain stuck in the doldrums.
ASML, TSMC Push 12-Inch Photomasks as High-NA EUV Enters Next Phase
September 9, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: ASML, TSMC Push 12-Inch Photomasks as High-NA EUV Enters Next Phase, Chinese EV Maker XPeng Launches Humanoid Robot Production Line, and Japan Consortium Extends Perovskite Solar Cell Life by 50%.
The Elephant in the Recording Room
Internationally acclaimed Taiwanese band Elephant Gym has opened Micro Movement, a recording studio and education hub in Kaohsiung aimed at helping southern Taiwan's musicians access professional facilities, develop their skills, and reach global audiences.
Huawei Heads to U.S. Trial After Eight-Year Sanctions and IP Battle
September 8, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: Huawei Heads to U.S. Trial After Eight-Year Sanctions and IP Battle, China Unveils Five-Year Information and Communications Development Plan, and John Ternus Faces First Apple Test With $2,000 Foldable iPhone.
Why Google Is Building Its Own Nvidia
Google is rapidly expanding its in-house AI chip business, partnering with MediaTek and reshaping its supply chain to reduce reliance on Nvidia while creating new opportunities for Taiwan's semiconductor industry.
EU Faces 300,000 Factory Job Cuts as Chinese Competition Intensifies
September 7, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: EU Faces 300,000 Factory Job Cuts as Chinese Competition Intensifies, China’s Finance Ministry to Inject Capital Into Major Insurers, and German Startup Sends First Commercial Rocket Into Space From Europe.
The Asymmetric Fracture of Global AI
As the U.S. and China compete for AI leadership, a full technological split is unlikely. While hardware supply chains are increasingly divided, AI software and open-source models continue to spread globally, leaving countries such as Singapore and Europe navigating growing geopolitical pressure.