Taiwanology

Why would dozens of German students stay in Taiwan for half a year to learn about the chip industry? Because Taiwan is where over 90% of advanced semiconductor chips are made. In this episode, we dive into the future of European semiconductor manufacturing as it gains momentum, just as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company's first European fab breaks ground in Saxony, Germany Aug 20. Joining us is Max Paulenz, a participant in the '2024 Semiconductor Talent Incubation Program Taiwan'. He is part of the first group of German students trained in Taiwan, ready to bring cutting-edge expertise back home. There will be more similar projects to come. We explore his journey, the skills he's acquired, and the role these talents will play in Europe's semiconductor ambitions. Host: Kwangyin Liu Guests: Max Paulenz, student of Dresden Technische Universität Producers: Weiru Wang, Billy Wu ＊Read about TSMC's overseas ventures: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3566 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

From Tesla, VW to BYD, it seems all automakers want more of electric vehicles. But, how are they going to be powered? Today we're diving into the electrifying world of electric vehicles. With 80% of lithium batteries currently made in China, the West is seeking alternatives to diversify away. In May, CommonWealth's Kwangyin Liu visited AMG Lithium in Germany, Europe's first battery-grade lithium refinery. In this episode, we will explore Europe's ambitious plan to create its own battery supply chain, the steps involved, and the challenges ahead. We will also hear from experts in Berlin and Taiwan on how companies are planning to tap into this growing market. Join us as we uncover the efforts to power the future of transportation, amidst uncertainties brought by growing geopolitical tensions. Host: Kwangyin Liu Guests: Sabine Kraus, Andre Majdalani, Jacob Gunter and Mark Lu Producers: Weiru Wang, Billy Wu ＊Read about Taiwan's scramble for lithium: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3398 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

As the CrowdStrike glitch caused a global IT meltdown, cyber infrastructure security has emerged as a critical issue. This raises a question about Taiwan's defense capabilities: Is Taiwan's digital infrastructure robust enough to withstand hostile breaches or hacking attempts? We speak with Taiwan's Digital Minister, Yen-nun Huang, the man at the forefront of bolstering Taiwan's digital resilience. However, before he can address these larger threats, he must first confront the immediate challenge of rampant cyber scams. 07:11 - Why does Taiwan need a "digital highway"? 10:34 - What does digital resilience mean? 15:34 - How can Taiwan use technology to combat cyber scamming? 22:00 - Are there better solutions for outlying islands communication than undersea cables? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Yen-nun Huang 黃彥男, Minister of Digital Affairs, Taiwan Producers: Weiru Wang, Billy Wu ＊Read about Taiwan's battle against online fraud: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3572 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

27 years ago, the world witnessed Hong Kong’s handover from the UK to China. The city is now under a different kind of spotlight. The introduction of the National Security Law in 2020 and the passing of Article 23 sparked controversies. While lots of western money and expats have left, Russian and Middle Eastern wealth seems to be taking their place. 09:30 - Why is money flowing back to Hong Kong? 12:40 - Who are the people who continue to fight for freedom of speech in Hong Kong? 16:05 - Where do Hong Kongers go on the weekends? 24:40 - What does Hong Kong mean for Taiwan and China? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Silva Shih, China Editor, CommonWealth Magazine Producers: Weiru Wang, Billy Wu ＊Read about how Hong Kong has evolved under the draconian rule: https://english.cw.com.tw/ ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

American investment plays a vital role in Taiwan's economy. The US ranks as Taiwan's second-largest source of foreign direct investment, and is also its second-largest trading partner. Beyond these impressive figures, the U.S. stands as Taiwan’s most significant strategic ally. Following the latest edition of AmCham's annual White Paper, we talked to AmCham Chairperson Dan Silver on why U.S. businesses remain optimistic about Taiwan's growth and opportunities despite rising geopolitical tensions. 06:50 - AmCham's role in shaping the Taiwan Relations Act 16:05 - Why does AmCham publish a Taiwan White Paper each year? 26:04 - Why should Taiwanese people care about what this White Paper has to say? 33:55 - Why do most U.S. businesses remain bullish on investing in Taiwan? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Dan Silver, Chairperson of AmCham in Taiwan Producers: Weiru Wang, Billy Wu ＊Read more about how AmCham Taiwan facilitated the birth of Taiwan Relations Act: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3336 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

When you hear “industrial computers,” you might think of robotic arms on assembly lines or power plants. But the new generation of industrial computing comes in all shapes and sizes, from conveyor belt sushi restaurants to cashier systems in cafes and supermarkets. Our guest today calls it “AIoT”—Artificial Intelligence of Things combined with Edge Computing—powering devices from Las Vegas slot machines to Israel's Iron Dome. 70% of these vital computers are made by Taiwanese companies. We unpack Taiwan's tech prowess with Chaney Ho, one of the co-founders of the world's largest industrial computing company. 05:30 - How Advantech started and why was the navy its first customer? 13:20 - How industrial computers determine our daily lives? 23:16 - What is "edge computing" and what does it have to do with industrial computing? 29:10 - Why Taiwanese companies provide over 70% of the world's industrial computers Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Chaney Ho, Co-founder of Advantech Producers: Weiru Wang, Billy Wu ＊Read more about how Taiwan's industrial computers: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3386 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

In this special episode, we delve into the challenges faced by environmental journalists in Taiwan. Dr. Aziz Mulla, himself an expert in preserving Taiwan's coral reefs, had an in-depth interview with Kwangyin and Sally Jensen, an environmental reporter for the TV station TaiwanPlus. This episode was recorded in January and was first aired February 8, 2024. 16:20 - How to make environment journalism relevant for a larger audience 21:50 - What can Taiwan do to curb the climate disaster? 34:10 - How can business protect the climate and also be profitable? 43:35 - What can be done to improve the education system? Host: Dr. Aziz Mulla Guests: Kwangyin Liu, Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine; Sally Jensen, reporter for TaiwanPlus. Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang, Billy Wu, Morris Chen, David Kao ＊Read more about Taiwan's efforts to revive coral reefs: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3320 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

Taiwan faces challenges in ramping up renewable energy, with only 10% of electricity coming from renewables. Solar deployment is tough, offshore wind faces headwinds, and geothermal potential remains untapped. How badly does Taiwan want renewables? Policy hurdles and slow decision-making processes hinder progress, while innovative approaches like combining aquaculture and solar panels show promise. Collaboration between policymakers and industry is crucial for Taiwan's energy future.

Pundits and policymakers in the US and Europe are increasingly worried that, as China's economy slows down, China’s excess manufacturing capacity might overflow the world with cheap imports, ranging from steel, solar panels, to electric cars. Moreover, what's looming on the horizon are legacy semiconductors. How worried should we be? What can be done to mitigate the impact of Chinese overcapacity? 5:00 - In global trade, we have seen "China shock" before. What's different this time? 7:27 - The three major impacts brought by the Chinese overcapacity 8:55 - Will there be Chinese overcapacity in semiconductors? 15:25 - Why is it unlikely for cheap EVs to flood Taiwan streets? 21:36 - What would be the impacts if China increases domestic chip production and utilization? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Silva Shih, China editor, CommonWealth Magazine Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read more about how China's overcapacity impacts world economy: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3670 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting

An ETF allows an investor to invest in a basket of different investments. For some reason, high dividend ETF products have been all the rage in Taiwan in recent years. According to J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Taiwan's ETF asset size saw the highest in the world, growing 23-fold over the past five years. Why are Taiwanese investors so obsessed with high dividend ETFs? What does it tell us about Taiwan’s investment environment? Our money correspondent Lisa Lin helps us unpack this phenomenon. 6:13 - How popular is high-dividend ETF in Taiwan? 10:01 - Why do Taiwanese investors love this kind of ETF? 19:20 - Why are Taiwan's real estate prices so high? 23:45 - How to introduce more products for Taiwanese to invest in Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Lisa Lin, Finance Correspondent, CommonWealth Magazine Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read more about Taiwan's high-dividend ETF craze: https://bit.ly/3vLxACQ ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw 留言告訴我你對這一集的想法： https://open.firstory.me/user/cledx9shs004801v3cmkogc7e/comments Powered by Firstory Hosting