Taiwanology

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

With an aging population and the world's lowest birth rate, Taiwan is grappling with a demographic imbalance that threatens its economic vitality. Join us as we explore why revamping immigration regulations to attract international talent is crucial now. To delve deep into this issue, we talk with David Chang, who has been championing more inclusion for international citizens in Taiwan. Find out why he thinks Taiwan also needs to ease the regulations for dual citizenship. 12:00 - Why Taiwan needs an immigration policy 21:01 - Wait, only Japanese immigrants were eligible for disability benefits? 25:08 - Taiwan's need to streamline its citizenship application process 30:00 - What the response to Indian migrant workers said about Taiwan 33:03 - Taiwan's growing digital nomadism Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: David Chang, Founder & Secretary-general of Crossroads（社團法人台灣全球連結發展協會） Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read more about Taiwan's immigration issue: https://bit.ly/3Px1P71 ＊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

On February 24th, Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) inaugurated its state-of-the-art facility in Kumamoto, marking a pivotal moment in Japan's semiconductor landscape. This milestone is underscored by several remarkable achievements: JASM secured the highest subsidies ever granted by the Japanese government, completed construction in a record-breaking timeframe of under two years, and is poised to lead Japan in producing cutting-edge semiconductor chips. This venture holds immense significance as it raises the question: Can it breathe new life into Japan's somewhat dormant semiconductor industry? 6:10 - Why did TSMC choose to be in Kumamoto? 7:30 - What are the lives like for the engineers? 10:00 - What contributed to the decline of Japan's chip industry? 14:25 - Why TSMC fabs in Arizona and Kumamoto experience different speed 17:40 - Who will be JASM's major customers? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guests: Yixuan Lin, CommonWealth reporter Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read more about the Japan-Taiwan chip alliance: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3637 ＊Share your thoughts: bill@cw.com.tw ＊Listen to the Japanese song on semiconductors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ3UEgPgXqs 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 the US, Shein was the most downloaded fashion app in 2022. Influencers showcase "Shein hauls" featuring bags of clothing at unbelievably low prices, like 3-dollar tops or 5-dollar jeans. How can Shein be so cheap? And at what cost? A group of CommonWealth reporters travelled to the shouthern Chinese city of Guanzhou, where thousands of small workshops churn out new styles quickly each week. What they saw and hear blew their mind. 4:04 - Why is Shein so popular among American teens? 7:00 - How does Shein compete with Zara? 10:20 - How Shein achieved "ultra-fast fasion" 12:24 - What the unique "urban villages" has to do with Shein's cheapness 16:11 - What's the working condition like in the workshops? 19:27 - Shein's lesson for Taiwan's supply chain Host: Kwangyin Liu Guests: Ashley Lo, David Shen, Charo Wu, CommonWealth reporters Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read more about Shein: https://english.cw.com.tw/article/article.action?id=3625 ＊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 episode, we unravel the intricacies of Taiwan's economy, spotlighting the indispensable role played by migrant workers—1 in 6 factory workers in Taiwan falls into this category. As the impending EU human rights due diligence legislation looms, we turn our attention to Taiwan's distinctive practice of allowing monthly fees on migrant workers by brokers. In a shifting landscape where legal compliance is no longer the sole benchmark, we explore the imperative for Taiwanese companies to elevate their practices. Join us as we delve into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead and explore the question: will there be a day when migrant workers in Taiwan enjoy the same rights as its workers? 7:40 - How Bonny's UN work led her to the study of labor law 13:30 - Why is Taiwan's migrant worker practices considered to have a high risk of forced labor? 19:00 - Why is the "monthly service fees" so controversial? 21:30 - What impacts will the incoming EU human rights due diligence law on the global supply chain? 33:40 - What can Taiwanese companies do to lower their risks of forced labor? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Bonny Ling, Executive Director at Work Better Innovations & Senior Fellow at Uni Nottingham Taiwan Research Hub Producers: Weiru Wang, Chiahsuan Lee ＊Read more in-depth stories about Taiwan's migrant workers: https://bit.ly/47FDuSU ＊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

Amidst the turbulence of pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong over the past few years, a profound exodus has unfolded, with over 200,000 Hong Kong residents seeking refuge elsewhere. Among them, approximately 20,000 have found solace in Taiwan, embracing it as their sanctuary. Leaving behind a familiar life is undoubtedly challenging, but forging a new path in a foreign land presents its own set of trials. In this enlightening conversation, brought to you in collaboration with TaiwanPlus, we delve into the aspirations, hopes, and dreams of two remarkable members of the Hong Kong diaspora – Kacey Wong and Shirley Leung. Join us as we explore their courageous journey and the inspiring narratives that unfold beyond the tumultuous events in Hong Kong. Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Kacey Wong, visual artist Shirley Leung, founder of Photon Media David Kao, producer of TaiwanPlus Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read more in-depth stories about Taiwan: 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

In two weeks, Taiwan is headed to the polls. The challenges are manifold: from escalating geopolitical tensions and the deepening rivalry between the United States and China, to limited upward social mobility. What truly hangs in the balance, and what far-reaching implications might the impending results hold? Wen-ti Sung, an Atlantic Council fellow and a Australian National University lecturer, joined us for a discussion. 06:32 - What do the three candidates represent? 13:00 - How do their China strategies differ? 16:02 - The two main takeaways from the polling numbers 25:50 - How important are the swing voters? 30:30 - How successful are Chinese economic coercion tactics? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Wen-Ti Sung（宋文笛）, nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council, and lecturer in Australian National University Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read about Taiwan's upcoming election: 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