Taiwanology

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

Scamming has transcended boundaries and borders. In today's episode, we talk with a finance reporter about a growing trend in Taiwan: bankers and engineers are starting to play key roles in sophiscated scams, and they don't even feel like criminals. 05:09 - How much money does Taiwan loss to scamming each year? 07:08 - When a bank teller becomes a fraud group accomplice 11:18 - What makes Taiwan's situation unique? 15:11 - The engineers who don't think they are committing crimes 19:00 - What can the government do about this? Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Jamie Yang Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Read about Taiwan's white-collar fraud problems: https://bit.ly/47TlsNW ＊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

Welcome to a special episode of Taiwanology! In the midst of the UN climate conference, COP28, unfolding in Dubai, our host takes center stage as a dedicated climate reporter. Join us as we explore the intricate world of climate reporting, unravel the challenges of greenwashing, and dissect the elements that define exceptional climate journalism. In this episode, Kwangyin sheds light on Taiwan's crucial role in the global climate conversation. Contrary to popular belief, Taiwan's impact is more significant than meets the eye. As we navigate through the discussion, she emphasizes the importance of maintaining hope in the face of the climate emergency, underscoring the belief that every individual can contribute to drawing attention and inspiring action. This episode is a collaborative effort with "The Switch - Not Just Another Podcast," originally airing on Nov. 7. For those who prefer a visual experience, the entire episode is available on YouTube. Host: Kristina Hagström-Ilievska Guest: Kwangyin Liu Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊Tune in at: https://bit.ly/3T0bDJi ＊For more insight on Taiwan's climate battles, visit: 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 this episode, we chat with Elaine Huang from CommonWealth about TSMC's ambitious chip manufacturing hub in Phoenix, Arizona. We explore the project's challenges, from construction delays to labor disputes, and address concerns such as potential water shortages raised by a local alfalfa farmer. Our conversation also touches on TSMC's strategies moving forward amidst the labor controversy. Can planning mitigate the climate change risks? And how quickly does TSMC have to adapt to become a truly international company? 06:25 - Why is TSMC building a fab in the US? 14:15 - An anfalfa farmer's worry over future water shortages 24:00 - The view from Phoenix water authorities 27:14 - How the labor disputes can be resolved Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Elaine Huang, Senior Writer of CommonWealth Magazine Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊CW English: 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

There's been a shift in the restructuring of the global supply chain, in the wake of a trend to derisk from China for manufactured goods. Vietnam is at the heart of this transformation, becoming a busy hub where companies across the globe flock to. Meanwhile, Vietnam has its own ambitions of making electric cars and scooters. Silva Shih had an exclusive inside look at VinFast's EV assembly line and the founder of Selex Motors. What are their ambitions and how can Taiwan tap this opportunity? 05:40 - Vietnam's significance in the "friendshoring" trend 11:40 - Will Vietnam replace China's supply chain? 15:38 - Silva's impression at the Vinfast factory 26:25 - The aspirations of young Vietnamese Host: Kwangyin Liu Guest: Silva Shih, Managing Editor of CommonWealth Magazine Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊CW English: 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

Whether you love him or hate him, Elon Musk is impossible to ignore. Walter Isaacson should show, because he had spent two years on his side. In this special episode, my colleagues Charo and Yishan talked to Isaacson, the author of the most comprehensive biography on Elon Musk so far. In September, CommonWealth Magazine published the traditional Chinese version of the biography in Taiwan. In the interview, he talked about how Musk thinks about rules, his controversial stance on China and Taiwan, and why his mother fears that he would one day become his father. Hosts: Kwangyin Liu, Charo Wu, Yishan Chen Guest: Walter Isaacson, author of Elon Musk's biography, Professor of History at Tulane University Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊CW English: 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

Taiwan doesn’t just make semicondictor chips, it also puts together the Nikes, New Balances, Adidas shoes on your feet. Over 70% of Nikes and 90% of New Balance shoes are made by Taiwan companies. Ever sported gear from Puma, New Balance, Mizuno, or On Running? There's a high chance they came from Diamond Group's factories. Each year, they roll out a whopping 35 million pairs of sports shoes. Hear from the two CEOs from the Diamond Group to find out why Taiwan is so good at making shoes. 10:40 - Why Diamond Group has factories in 6 different countries 13:20 - Why India will be making most of the Nike shoes very soon 14:14 - It takes a village to make a pair of running shoes 18:43 - Why Taiwan remains indispensable for the largest shoemakers 24:30 - How Taiwan shoemakers outsmart Korean & Chinese competitors Host: Kwangyin Liu Guests: Louis Chen 陳立宗, CEO of Diamond Group Bang Lin 林邦彥, Vice Chairman of Diamond Group & CEO of Cortina Global Producers: Weiru Wang, Ian Huang ＊CW English: 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