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The Real Engine of Taiwan's Tech Success Was Never Just the Science Park
Taiwan’s tech success was built on more than science parks. Chang-tai Hsieh argues that dense urban networks linking talent, universities, firms, and suppliers may be the real foundation of innovation, and the key to Taiwan’s next phase of growth.
New Taipei Rises, Taichung Falls: Voters Demand Local Leaders "Show They Care"
Taiwan’s latest local leadership survey shows voters rewarding mayors who focus on governance and local needs. As New Taipei rises and Taichung falls, four key trends reveal what is shaping public support ahead of the November local elections.
Taiwan's "K-Shaped" Economy Leaves Young Workers Behind the AI Boom
Taiwan's AI boom has fueled economic growth but also widened the gap between high-income tech workers and everyone else. As many young people face stagnant wages, rising debt, and growing financial pressure, experts are asking how Taiwan can ensure the AI era creates opportunities for all, not just a privileged few.
Gates Foundation Pledges $1 Billion to Narrow the AI Divide
September 16, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: Gates Foundation Pledges $1 Billion to Narrow the AI Divide, Pentagon Says Iran War Has Drained U.S. Ammunition Stocks, and Canada’s Carney Turns to Europe as U.S. Ties Fray.
What Is Taiwan’s “Silicon Shield”—and Does It Still Protect Taiwan in 2026?
Taiwan’s dominance in advanced semiconductor manufacturing has long been described as a “silicon shield”—the idea that the world’s dependence on Taiwanese chips raises the cost of conflict in the Taiwan Strait. But as TSMC expands overseas and Taiwan faces new energy and security vulnerabilities, how much protection does that shield really provide?
Chip Stocks Tumble After AI Leaders Call for Slowdown
September 15, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: Chip Stocks Tumble After AI Leaders Call for Slowdown, Z.AI Plans $5 Billion Fundraising to Fuel AI Expansion, and Surging Inflation Puts Interest Rates Back in Focus.
How MediaTek Built a New Team With Intel and Apple Veterans
MediaTek is transforming its supply chain for the AI era by hiring industry veterans, investing billions to secure critical components, and adopting closer supplier collaboration to meet the industry's demand for faster production ramps.
Anthropic CEO Calls for Slower AI Development
September 14, 2026 -- Today’s top stories: Anthropic CEO Calls for Slower AI Development, Fujitsu Takes Fugaku-Derived AI Chips Global, and BRICS Calls for ‘Maximum Restraint’ in Middle East War.
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?