Weekly Roundup: TSMC Plans 10 Global Fabs, Labor Minister Resigns Amid Scandal, Taiwan Ranks 5th for US International Students
Tech Spotlight
Taiwan commits NT$97.75 billion to AI data centers, boosting computing power from 20 to 480 petaflops by 2028. Minister Wu Cheng-wen emphasizes AI sovereignty, U.S. collaboration, and economic diversification, asserting TSMC’s strategic role remains secure. Taiwan News
Taiwan and Poland sign an MOU to advance drone tech, targeting 10,000 drones monthly and NT$30 billion output by 2028, diversifying supply chains beyond China. Taiwan News
TSMC to build 10 fabs globally by 2025, with capital expenditure projected at $34–38 billion. Seven fabs will be in Taiwan, focusing on 2nm production and advanced packaging. Overseas projects include expansions in the U.S., Japan, and Europe, marking a record-setting global expansion. SemiMedia
Foxconn joins the Alliance for OpenUSD to support 3D interoperability and global collaboration. The move aligns with its focus on AI and digital twin technologies, enhancing smart manufacturing through open-source innovation. Foxconn
Politics
Taiwan plans to implement a carbon control and trading system by 2028, with fees rising to NT$1,000–2,000 per ton. Major emitters remain the focus, but the reporting threshold will drop to 5,000 tons. Financial oversight aims to support the net-zero transition. Taiwan News
Labor Minister Ho Pei-shan offers resignation over allegations of workplace bullying linked to an employee's suicide. The accused official faces possible dismissal, while the case is under prosecutorial review. Premier Cho orders a government-wide review of anti-bullying policies to enhance employee protection. Taipei Times
Taiwan approves a NT$500 million plan (2025-2028) to support local specialty industries. The initiative includes regional competitions, branding, and marketing to boost urban-rural development and attract international tourists. Focus Taiwan
Finance Focus
Nvidia posts $35.08B Q3 revenue (+94% YoY) and $19.31B profit, beating expectations. Demand for Hopper AI chips drives data center revenue up 112% to $30.8B. Blackwell AI chips expected to face supply constraints but exceed estimates next quarter. Nvidia forecasts $37.5B Q4 revenue as analysts eye a $4T market cap by 2025. Taipei Times
Hon Hai secures a $1.1B loan amid surging AI server demand. Funds will support corporate operations as the company forecasts AI growth to rival mobile sales next year. Hon Hai is expanding server production in Mexico and relocating its Taiwan HQ to Kaohsiung. Q3 profit rose 14% YoY to NT$49.33B. Taipei Times
Nearly half of Taiwan's companies plan 2025 raises averaging 3.2%, driven by labor shortages. Consulting (4.1%), communication equipment (3.8%), and semiconductors (3.7%) lead sectors. Year-end bonuses average 112% of monthly pay, with financial firms topping at 188%. Focus Taiwan
Global Focus
Taiwan and Lithuania deepen ties as Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung promotes collaboration in drone manufacturing and tech sectors. Lin highlights bilateral cooperation in semiconductors, lasers, and renewable energy, emphasizing Taiwan’s role in a democratic supply chain. Taiwan News
Biden approves NT$10.7 billion sale of military aircraft and naval parts to Taiwan, supporting defense readiness through contracts valid until 2026. This deal follows ongoing US arms support for Taiwan's security. Taiwan News
Taiwan ranks fifth in international student sources for the US, with 23,157 students in 2023-2024, a 6.1% increase. Most pursue graduate degrees (43.1%), while 28% engage in OPT, making Taiwan the fourth-largest OPT contributor. Taipei Times
Taiwan in Numbers
Taiwan's export orders rose 4.9% YoY in October to $55.45B, driven by strong AI and chip demand, with electronics up 11.2% and US orders up 12.6%. Taipei Times
Taiwan’s Q3 semiconductor output rose 9% QoQ to NT$1.38T, driven by peak-season demand and TSMC’s advanced processes. Annual output is projected at NT$5.3T (+22%). Taipei TImes
Our Latest Release
Taiwan's Progressive Approach to Cryptocurrency: Balancing Innovation with Regulatory Oversight
Cryptocurrency investments have gained popularity, with some companies assisting clients in navigating the space, including cryptocurrency banks offering digital assets as financial products.
Taiwan’s Weather Update
This Week’s Recap
November 18 (Monday): Overcast with light rain, high of 20°C, low of 18°C.
November 19 (Tuesday): Cloudy with scattered showers, temperatures around 19°C during the day and 17°C at night.
November 20 (Wednesday): Partly cloudy with a chance of light rain, high of 21°C, low of 18°C.
November 21 (Thursday): Mostly sunny, temperatures reaching up to 22°C during the day and dropping to 19°C at night.
November 22 (Friday): Sunny skies, daytime high of 23°C, nighttime low of 19°C.
November 23 (Saturday): Clear and sunny, with temperatures around 24°C during the day and 20°C at night.
November 24 (Sunday): Partly cloudy, slight chance of rain, high of 25°C, low of 20°C.
Next Week’s Forecast
November 25 (Monday): Overcast with possible showers, daytime high of 24°C, nighttime low of 19°C.
November 26 (Tuesday): Cloudy with scattered showers, temperatures around 23°C during the day and 18°C at night.
November 27 (Wednesday): Partly cloudy with a chance of light rain, high of 22°C, low of 17°C.
November 28 (Thursday): Mostly sunny, temperatures reaching up to 23°C during the day and dropping to 18°C at night.
November 29 (Friday): Sunny skies, daytime high of 24°C, nighttime low of 18°C.
November 30 (Saturday): Clear and sunny, with temperatures around 25°C during the day and 19°C at night.
December 1 (Sunday): Partly cloudy, slight chance of rain, high of 25°C, low of 19°C.