Weekly Roundup: Apple-Hon Hai AI Server Talks, CUPP Disbandment Considered, Trump Expected to Push Taiwan Defense

Nov 08, 2024

Tech Spotlight

Taiwan-based diplomats from 23 countries visited Kaohsiung's AI Labs to view smart city initiatives focused on AI-driven governance and net-zero goals; Mayor Chen highlighted the Net Zero Academy and aims for international collaboration in AI and carbon reduction projects. Taiwan News
TSMC plans to boost CoWoS monthly capacity to 65,000 wafers in 2025 amid a 113% surge in global demand for advanced packaging, fueled by NVIDIA’s Blackwell GPU production; CoWoS-L will comprise 54.6% of TSMC’s capacity by Q4 2025, with total annual capacity potentially reaching 700,000 wafers. SemiMedia
Onglaisat, a Taiwan-Japan CubeSat, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 to the ISS, will begin a six-month mission to test a high-resolution remote sensing system with 2.8-meter image resolution. Named to symbolize prosperity and Taiwan-Japan friendship, Onglaisat reflects their collaborative spirit in space exploration. Focus Taiwan
Apple is in talks with Hon Hai to build AI servers in Taiwan for internal use, though the order size may be small and Hon Hai’s capacity limited due to Nvidia’s AI server production. Apple is also exploring options with Lenovo and other potential suppliers, but no agreements have been finalized. Taipei Times

Taiwan's Ministry of Interior is considering asking the Constitutional Court to disband the pro-China China Unification Promotion Party (CUPP), citing criminal involvement and pro-China propaganda that threatens national security and social order. Taiwan News
Taiwan's Ministry of Labor plans to amend the Occupational Safety and Health Act, raising maximum fines for unsafe workplaces from NT$300,000 to NT$1.5 million and strengthening contractor safety management to prevent construction accidents. The amendment is expected in 60 days. Taipei Times
Taiwan's DGBAS and Ministry of Finance criticized proposed funding law amendments that shift more resources from the central to local governments, warning of a NT$661.2 billion shortfall that could create a fiscal imbalance and impact national development. The amendments now proceed to further legislative review. Focus Taiwan

Nvidia surpassed Apple to become the world’s largest public company, with shares rising 2.9% to a $3.43 trillion market cap, highlighting AI’s influence on Wall Street. Nvidia’s growth reflects strong demand from major AI-driven tech companies, contributing to S&P 500 gains and solidifying its role in the AI infrastructure boom. Taipei Times
Taiwan’s US$2.6 trillion equity market, ranked 4th in APAC, offers high liquidity and tech-focused growth, providing Southeast Asian tech startups with a competitive listing option. Known as the “Asian Nasdaq for small-mid caps,” Taiwan’s market supports high multiples, strong trading volumes, and post-IPO fundraising flexibility, attracting companies like Grab and Bukalapak. AppWorks. AppWorks
Hon Hai reported 8.59% year-on-year growth in October sales, the slowest since February, raising concerns over demand for AI infrastructure and iPhones. Despite strong revenue of NT$5.53 trillion in the first 10 months, analysts expect 15% growth this quarter. Meanwhile, subsidiary ShunSin Technology seeks to invest US$80 million in Vietnam for IC production, aiming to begin full-scale operations by 2026. Taipei TImes

Taiwan pledged an additional US$5 million to support Ukraine’s reconstruction with Lithuania, focusing on education, veteran rehabilitation, and explosive safety training. Over 1,300 children have benefited from rebuilt schools, with further projects planned under the new Taiwan-Lithuania MOU. Focus Taiwan
Taiwanese academics expect Trump to push for increased Taiwan defense spending and more transactional US-Taiwan security ties, potentially reducing direct support but expanding arms sales. While pro-Taiwan Republicans could strengthen relations, MAGA-aligned officials might prioritize US interests with a more interest-oriented security approach. Taiwan News
Taiwan's MOEA stated that "short-term political factors" should not impact Taiwan's role in the global space industry, in response to reports that SpaceX requested Taiwanese suppliers to relocate due to geopolitical concerns. Currently, 46 Taiwanese firms are active in the space sector. Focus Taiwan

Taiwan's PMI rose to 50.0 in October, signaling slight expansion amid US election concerns and China's monetary easing. Despite minor gains in new business and production, the six-month outlook remains cautious, with pessimism in wholesale. Taipei Times
CPC and Formosa Petrochemical will raise gasoline and diesel prices by NT$0.2 per liter today, with LPG prices unchanged and industrial natural gas up 3%. Taipei Times

November 8, 2024

Overview

This Week’s Recap

November 4 (Monday): Partly cloudy with a chance of light rain, high of 24°C, low of 19°C.
November 5 (Tuesday): Mostly sunny, temperatures reaching up to 25°C during the day and dropping to 18°C at night.
November 6 (Wednesday): Sunny skies, daytime high of 26°C, nighttime low of 18°C.
November 7 (Thursday): Clear and sunny, with temperatures around 27°C during the day and 19°C at night.
November 8 (Friday): Partly cloudy, slight chance of rain, high of 26°C, low of 20°C.
November 9 (Saturday): Overcast with possible showers, daytime high of 25°C, nighttime low of 19°C.
November 10 (Sunday): Cloudy with scattered showers, temperatures around 24°C during the day and 18°C at night.

Next Week’s Forecast

November 11 (Monday): Partly cloudy with a chance of light rain, high of 24°C, low of 19°C.
November 12 (Tuesday): Mostly sunny, temperatures reaching up to 25°C during the day and dropping to 18°C at night.
November 13 (Wednesday): Sunny skies, daytime high of 26°C, nighttime low of 18°C.
November 14 (Thursday): Clear and sunny, with temperatures around 27°C during the day and 19°C at night.
November 15 (Friday): Partly cloudy, slight chance of rain, high of 26°C, low of 20°C.
November 16 (Saturday): Overcast with possible showers, daytime high of 25°C, nighttime low of 19°C.
November 17 (Sunday): Cloudy with scattered showers, temperatures around 24°C during the day and 18°C at night.