Weekly Roundup: Key Developments in Tech, Politics, and Global Affairs in Taiwan - October 12, 2024
Technology
Hon Hai Tech Day 2024 Opens To Record Attendance Superchip AI Server Capabilities and EV CDMS Strength On Display
At Hon Hai Tech Day 2024, Foxconn showcased its advancements in artificial intelligence, clean energy, and space technology, unveiling the NVIDIA GB200 NVL72 platform and new electric vehicle designs. The company highlighted its three intelligent platforms—smart manufacturing, smart EV, and smart city—while partnering with industry leaders like NVIDIA, Siemens, and Thales Alenia Space to drive innovation.
Foxconn introduced two new EV models, including the lifestyle multipurpose utility vehicle (LMUV) and a midi electric bus, further expanding its electric vehicle lineup. The event also emphasized Foxconn's AI-driven transformation and its commitment to clean energy and space, with key collaborations to build AI server factories and enhance connectivity through space industrialization.
Source: Foxconn
https://www.foxconn.com/en-us/press-center/press-releases/latest-news/1437
MediaTek Unveils Dimensity 9400 Flagship SoC with Unmatched AI, Gaming, and Photography Performance
MediaTek has launched its latest flagship chipset, the Dimensity 9400, optimized for edge-AI applications, gaming, and photography. Built with a second-generation All Big Core design on Arm's v9.2 CPU architecture, it delivers up to 35% faster single-core performance and 40% better power efficiency than its predecessor, the Dimensity 9300, thanks to TSMC's 3nm process.
The Dimensity 9400 features MediaTek's 8th Generation NPU and introduces industry-first on-device LoRA training and advanced generative AI capabilities. With a powerful 12-core Arm Immortalis-G925 GPU, the chipset delivers up to 40% faster raytracing and 44% power savings for immersive gaming, while also offering enhanced HDR video and efficient photography features.
Source: MediaTek
ASUS Republic of Gamers and ASUS Metaverse Announce the Release of the SL@SH206 Virtual Experience
ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) and ASUS Metaverse have launched the SL@SH206 Web3 project, offering a gamified virtual experience where players can explore a cyberpunk world and uncover secrets. The game features AI-generated stories supported by cloud technology from Taiwan Web Service Corporation (TWSC) and targets a global audience with support for both Chinese and English languages.
SL@SH206 lets players take on the role of an amnesiac robot, ZEI-6, as they discover digital collectibles and complete missions. ASUS Metaverse, fully backed by ASUS, integrates Web3 technology and offers users rewards through Sparkle points, creating a seamless experience connecting Web2 and Web3 utilities.
Source: ASUS
https://www.asus.com/news/css9enfp90iqfklj/
Politics
The upper limit of 115 to 116 days of annual leave is not authorized by law
The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration in Taiwan has been setting the annual leave limit for government agencies at 115 to 116 days, based on a 2000 Legislative Yuan resolution attached to the "Civil Service Act." However, this resolution no longer holds legal power after the original law was amended in 2022, and the Ministry of the Interior's regulations on holidays do not specify an annual leave limit. Despite this, officials continue to adhere to the 115 to 116-day limit, stating that it is a long-standing government position.
During a legislative session, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Lin Yi-jin highlighted the inconsistency in holiday practices, noting that civil servants are excluded from Labor Day, causing family vacation discrepancies. Premier Chuo Rong-tai responded by citing the "Civil Service Act" to defend the current limit. Officials later clarified that the initial resolution aimed to regulate leave after the introduction of a five-day workweek, and while the limit is not legally binding, it remains a policy guideline.
Source: LTN News
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/4828175
Four Foxconn executives have been detained on charges of bribery, confirmed by Taiwan Affairs Office. The executives are under investigation for crimes related to accepting bribes and embezzling funds
Four Taiwanese executives from Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant have been detained by local authorities since January, accused of bribery and embezzlement. Despite the allegations, Foxconn has stated that the company has suffered no financial losses or harm, raising suspicions of corruption and abuse of power by a small group of local police officers.
The Affairs Council expressed concern over the case, calling it unusual and possibly linked to local corruption, urging a swift investigation. The spokesperson for Taiwan Affairs Office confirmed that the case is under investigation, with authorities claiming to be handling it in accordance with the law while protecting the executives’ rights.
Source: Storm News
https://www.storm.mg/article/5253195
Are all power plants being built in Tainan? DPP legislator clashes with Chuo Rong-tai: "Rushing now will surely lead to trouble down the road."
During a questioning session, DPP legislator Kuo Kuo-wen criticized Premier Chuo Rong-tai for concentrating new power plants in Tainan, neglecting other aspects of daily life like housing and prices. Kuo pointed to the controversial Jiuwei and Baochun power plants, warning that Tainan is bearing an unfair burden in power generation.
Kuo questioned why power plants are not being distributed more evenly across Taiwan and highlighted past failures in renewable energy projects due to rushed decision-making. Premier Chuo responded by affirming that construction follows proper procedures and agreed to improve communication with local communities.
Source: SETN News
https://www.setn.com/News.aspx?NewsID=1545099&utm_campaign=viewallnews
International
Lai Ching-te's Double Ten Day speech: U.S. highlights focus on domestic issues
Following President Lai Ching-te’s Double Ten Day speech, the White House and the State Department both stated on the 10th that the Double Ten speech was a routine speech focusing on domestic affairs. In the past, it rarely triggered Beijing's reaction. There should be no difference between this year and the past.
Despite Beijing’s criticism of Lai’s speech, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned China not to take any provocative actions against Taiwan during his meeting with ASEAN leaders. Blinken reiterated that China should not use routine speeches or events as an excuse for military exercises, and the U.S. remains committed to maintaining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.
Source: UDN News
https://udn.com/news/story/123072/8286442?from=udn-catelistnews_ch2
ASEAN Summit Focuses on the South China Sea, Criticism Aimed at China
At the 27th ASEAN-China Summit, ASEAN leaders urged China to respect international law in the South China Sea disputes, with Philippine President Marcos Jr. highlighting that economic cooperation cannot be separated from maritime conflicts. The summit followed recent clashes between China, the Philippines, and Vietnam, raising concerns over China’s assertive actions.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar stressed the importance of peace in the region and called for the swift completion of the South China Sea Code of Conduct. Chinese Premier Li Qiang defended China’s sovereignty claims and warned against foreign interference, likely referring to the United States.
Source: LTN News
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/paper/1671414
Four Taiwanese nationals were arrested in Malaysia for performing in front of a temple while dressed in costumes
The Penang Immigration Department stated on the 11th that officers responded to a public complaint and found six foreign tourists performing in costume at a temple in Butterworth. The individuals involved include two Taiwanese men, two Taiwanese women, and two Singaporean women, aged between 40 and 60.
The investigation revealed that the six were only holding social visit passes, which do not permit performances. Under Malaysian law, foreign artists must apply through PUSPAL for permission to perform, and violating immigration regulations can result in severe penalties, including up to six months in jail or a fine of up to RM1,000, or both.
Source: SETN News
https://www.setn.com/News.aspx?NewsID=1545567&utm_campaign=viewallnews
Taiwan’s Weather Update
This Week’s Recap
October 7 (Monday): Light rain showers, with temperatures around 31°C during the day and 24°C at night. Rain accumulation is about 4.4mm.
October 8 (Tuesday): More light rain, with temperatures cooling slightly to 26°C during the day and 23°C at night. Rainfall will be heavier, around 13.2mm.
October 9 (Wednesday): Continued light rain, temperatures dropping further to 25°C during the day and 21°C at night. Expect around 8.6mm of rain.
October 10 (Thursday): Light rain showers, with cooler temperatures reaching a high of 24°C and a low of 20°C. Rainfall will be around 9.2mm.
October 11 (Friday): Light rain, with temperatures staying between 24°C and 20°C, and an expected rainfall of about 1.5mm.
October 12 (Saturday): Possible patchy rain, with temperatures around 26°C during the day and 19°C at night. Rain accumulation is minimal, around 1mm.
October 13 (Sunday): Patchy rain possible, with temperatures rising slightly to 30°C during the day and 22°C at night. Rainfall will be light, about 0.3mm.
Next Week’s Forecast
October 14 (Monday): Expect patchy rain with mild temperatures around 31°C during the day and 22°C at night. Slight chance of showers with minimal accumulation.
October 15 (Tuesday): Similar to Monday, patchy rain possible throughout the day. Temperatures will remain warm, with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. Humidity may increase.
October 16 (Wednesday): Showers are more likely later in the day, with temperatures ranging between 28°C and 22°C. The rainfall is expected to be around 2.6mm.
October 17 (Thursday): Partly cloudy with temperatures reaching a high of 29°C and a low of 22°C. Rain chances are lower compared to earlier in the week.
October 18 (Friday): Clearer skies with partly cloudy conditions, temperatures peaking at 32°C. It’s a dry day with no significant rain expected.
October 19 (Saturday): Patchy rain returns, with temperatures hovering around 31°C during the day and 23°C at night. Rain accumulation will be light.
October 20 (Sunday): More patchy rain possible, cooler temperatures with a high of 24°C and low of 21°C. Rainfall could reach around 2.6mm.