Weekly Roundup: Taiwan Mobile Tests Satellite Tech, Tax Deductions Rise to NT$210,000, Taiwan Urges End to Mainland Student Ban
Tech Spotlight
Taiwan Mobile partners with Lynk Global to test satellite technology enabling mobile phones to connect directly to LEO satellites, ensuring coverage in remote areas. CEO Ramu Potarazu highlights the success as a foundation for future applications. Taiwan News
TSMC begins early equipment installation for its first 2nm fab in Kaohsiung, aiming for production in 2025 to meet soaring AI and chip demand. Mayor Chen Chi-mai highlights plans for four additional fabs, bolstering Taiwan’s semiconductor cluster. Taipei Times
NYCU begins construction of $71M AI buildings in Tainan, funded by Wistron and Phison. Set to open in 2027, the facilities aim to drive AI development, industrialization, and talent growth through academia-industry collaboration. Taiwan News
Politics
Taiwan invests $3B in AI, boosting computing power to 480 petaflops by 2028. VP Hsiao Bi-khim highlights semiconductor leadership, industry collaboration, and new AI facilities at NYCU’s Tainan Campus. Taiwan News
Taiwan raises basic living expense tax deduction to NT$210,000 for 2024, benefiting 2.08M households but reducing tax revenue by NT$2.6B. Adjustments aim to ease financial burdens amid inflation, with total tax exemptions and deductions set to cost NT$24.3B. Taipei Times
Taichung official Chang Ying-tang was dismissed for sexual misconduct, fined NT$300,000, and stripped of his pension. Delayed response sparks criticism, prompting calls for accountability and stronger harassment prevention. Focus Taiwan
Finance Focus
Foxconn cites its global manufacturing footprint as a shield against potential U.S. tariffs under Trump, with ongoing investments in Mexico, Vietnam, and the U.S., including a $33M Texas facility for AI server production. Taipei Times
CPC Corp and Formosa Petrochemical maintain gasoline prices at NT$28.6, NT$30.1, and NT$32.1, with diesel at NT$27.2 and NT$27 respectively, as CPC absorbs NT$23.53 billion in costs amid global trends and competition. Taipei Times
Taiwan's economy showed a "yellow-red" light in October, signaling moderate growth despite a dip in industrial production and AI exports; the NDC remains cautiously optimistic about year-end recovery and future export growth driven by new AI and tech applications. Focus Taiwan
Global Focus
Denmark urges Taiwan to accelerate its energy transition to meet rising green energy demands, achieve 30% renewable energy by 2030, and ensure global competitiveness. Danish firms offer support, emphasizing offshore wind power and net-zero goals by 2050. Focus Taiwan
Taiwan urges China to lift its 2020 ban on mainland students studying in Taiwan, emphasizing genuine, diverse exchanges free of political agendas. The call comes amid a visit by 40 Chinese students, sparking concerns over potential propaganda motives. Focus Taiwan
Taiwan and India signed an MOU to collaborate on marine science research in the Indo-Pacific, aiming to enhance international cooperation, technical exchange, and advancements in marine technology and polar research. Taiwan News
Taiwan in Numbers
Taiwan's GDP is projected to grow 3.2% in 2025, down from 4.2% in 2024, driven by AI-led exports and strong private consumption. Taipei Times
Taiwan's industrial production rose 8.85% in October, driven by strong AI and HPC demand, marking eight consecutive months of growth. Manufacturing output grew 9.32%, supported by advanced chip and data center demand. Taipei Times
Taiwan's retail sales fell 0.5% year-on-year in October to NT$410.9 billion, ending 37 months of growth. Typhoons and lower oil prices drove declines in auto, department store, apparel, and gas station sales. Taipei Times
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