Weekly Roundup: Key Developments in Tech, Politics, and Global Affairs in Taiwan - October 4, 2024
Technology
Falling behind SK Hynix in memory and TSMC in chip manufacturing, Samsung 'senses a crisis' and plans to lay off thousands.
A Samsung employee in Singapore described a tense atmosphere after hearing about layoffs, though the news wasn’t a surprise to most as reports had surfaced weeks earlier. Samsung has initiated a large-scale layoff plan, impacting thousands of workers in regions like Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, affecting up to 10% of its global workforce, mostly in management and support roles.
The layoffs are seen as part of Samsung’s response to growing challenges in the global market. Samsung is struggling to keep up with SK Hynix in memory chips, particularly in AI-driven high-bandwidth memory, and facing tough competition from Apple in smartphones. Despite reporting a significant profit increase in the second quarter of 2024, market analysts remain concerned about Samsung's future, as indicated by its declining stock prices.
Source: Yahoo Taiwan
Mastercard and Taishin Bank are the first to launch Apple Pay's tap-to-add card service, allowing users to simply tap to add card information to their Apple Wallet
Mastercard and Taishin Bank have launched the "Tap to Provision" service in Taiwan, allowing users to quickly add credit card details to Apple Wallet by tapping their card with an iPhone. This service streamlines the process by eliminating the need for manual data entry or photo capture, making it faster and more secure.
The feature is available on iPhone XR and later models with iOS 18 and supports both Mastercard credit and debit cards issued by Taishin Bank. Mastercard plans to expand this secure and convenient digital payment method by collaborating with more financial institutions and partners in Taiwan.
Source: UDN News
https://tech.udn.com/tech/story/123153/8261852
The merger between Uber Eats and foodpanda in Taiwan has not yet been formally accepted by the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission
Uber confirmed its acquisition of foodpanda's food delivery operations in Taiwan in May, but the deal is still pending approval from the Taiwan Fair Trade Commission. The Commission has yet to formally accept the case as it awaits additional required documents, with its chair, Lee Mei, explaining that the case will be evaluated carefully for potential market concentration and reduced competition.
Delivery Hero, foodpanda's parent company, sold its Taiwan operations to Uber for $950 million in cash, with the transaction expected to complete in the first half of 2025, subject to regulatory approval. Uber believes the acquisition will enhance its market presence, with Uber Eats dominating in northern Taiwan and foodpanda stronger in southern and smaller cities, creating opportunities for future growth.
Source: UDN News
https://tech.udn.com/tech/story/123153/8261853
Politics
The government is easing localization requirements for wind power, but developers have mixed reactions: some say Taiwan's supply chain is ready to compete on the global stage
The Ministry of Economic Affairs plans to ease localization requirements for offshore wind power after the EU raised concerns with the WTO. Some developers argue that this move is unfair to local industries, while others see it as beneficial for global expansion, citing Taiwan's supply chain is ready to compete internationally.
Developers stress that all stakeholders should have a voice in the decision-making process to ensure Taiwan meets its green energy goals. Many believe the adjustments will help the offshore wind sector grow and overcome current challenges.
Source: Storm News
https://www.storm.mg/article/5248601
No significant wind or rain during the day, Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan were criticized for unnecessarily declaring a typhoon day off
Lawmakers criticized Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei, and Taoyuan for declaring a typhoon day off despite no severe weather, urging decisions to be made based on expert judgment rather than political motives. Some citizens expressed frustration, feeling the day off was unnecessary and caused disruptions.
In response, the mayors explained their decision was based on concerns over potential risks in mountain areas and worsening weather later in the day. They emphasized the importance of a unified approach across the cities to avoid confusion for commuters and ensure public safety.
Source: LTN News
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/paper/1670053
Typhoon day off causes business losses; Hsieh Chin-ho reveals that the ruling party should step forward and address the controversy!
Business leaders expressed frustration over the recent typhoon day off, criticizing the decision to declare a holiday despite the absence of severe weather. Hsieh Chin-ho emphasized that while local governments make the call, the ruling party should address the controversy and clarify responsibilities.
Hsieh also pointed out that AI could improve weather forecasting, reducing the uncertainty around typhoon holidays. He urged the ruling party to step up and take responsibility for the economic losses caused by these decisions.
Source: LTN News
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/politics/breakingnews/4819673
International
Trump wants Taiwan to increase its military spending to 10% of GDP; White House insiders reveal the worst outcome: exaggerating statements made for election purposes
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump suggested that Taiwan should increase its military spending to 10% of GDP, a figure far beyond Taiwan's current defense budget. Legislator Lin Yi-jun of the Taiwan People's Party criticized this as exaggerated election rhetoric, noting that Taiwan's defense budget is already set to exceed 2.6% of GDP next year, a historic high.
Lin emphasized that further increasing military spending would strain other essential areas like social welfare and education, impacting the overall well-being of the Taiwanese people. She called for a more balanced approach, stating that while boosting defense is necessary given China's military threats, it should be done with careful consideration and broad public consensus.
Source: Storm News
https://www.storm.mg/article/5248020
Japan's first case! The "nighttime alcohol ban" is officially implemented on the streets of Shibuya, Tokyo
In response to ongoing issues with public drunkenness and littering in Shibuya, Tokyo, the local government has expanded its previous Halloween and New Year’s nighttime alcohol ban to a year-round policy. The new regulation, which officially began on October 1, prohibits drinking in public places such as parks and streets around Shibuya Station from 6 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Although there are no penalties for violations, the aim is to encourage better public behavior and reduce disturbances caused by intoxicated individuals, particularly among young people and tourists. Shibuya is the first area in Japan to implement such a ban, and the results will be closely watched as other cities may consider similar measures.
Source: LTN News
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/4817188
Global natural gas demand will hit a new high next year, with geopolitical risks supporting prices at elevated levels
The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts global natural gas consumption will hit a record high this year, driven by heightened competition for liquefied natural gas (LNG) between Asia and Europe. Despite the decrease in Europe’s industrial demand, geopolitical tensions, such as the Ukraine war and Middle East conflicts, continue to support high prices and market volatility.
Looking ahead, the IEA forecasts global gas demand to grow by over 2.5% in 2024, with Asia leading the growth. As Europe faces uncertainty over its gas supply with the potential expiration of Russia-Ukraine transit agreements, the need for LNG imports may rise further, tightening the market.
Source: UDN News
https://udn.com/news/story/6811/8269002?from=udn-catebreaknews_ch2
Taiwan’s Weather Update
This Week’s Recap
Monday (Sept 30): Calm conditions across Taiwan, with mild temperatures as Typhoon Krathon approached.
Tuesday (Oct 1): Heavy rain hit southern Taiwan due to Typhoon Krathon, with cooler temperatures in northern regions.
Wednesday (Oct 2): Typhoon Krathon made landfall, bringing heavy rain and flooding to the south and east, while northern Taiwan remained drier.
Thursday (Oct 3): Rain began to ease as the typhoon weakened, clearer skies in northern Taiwan with some showers lingering in the south.
Friday (Oct 4): Light showers persisted in southern Taiwan, with mostly dry and mild conditions in the north.
Next Week’s Forecast
Saturday (Oct 5): [24-28°C] Patchy rain expected in southern and eastern Taiwan, with cloudy skies elsewhere.
Sunday (Oct 6): [25-30°C] Cloudy with late showers in central and southern Taiwan.
Monday (Oct 7): [24-28°C] Passing showers in northern and eastern Taiwan, with cloudy skies across the island.
Tuesday (Oct 8): [23-26°C] Overcast with scattered showers, especially in central and eastern regions.
Wednesday (Oct 9): [22-26°C] Rain expected in northern Taiwan, with cloudy skies elsewhere.
Thursday (Oct 10): [22-24°C] Patchy rain across southern and eastern Taiwan, cooler in the north
Saturday (Oct 12): [23-25°C] Overcast with occasional rain, mainly in northern Taiwan.
Sunday (Oct 13): [24-26°C] Light rain in the north, drier conditions elsewhere