In celebration of TOPICS’ 55th anniversary, this month’s cover is emerald-themed – a nod to the traditional symbol of a 55-year wedding anniversary in Western cultures. For those who appreciate a touch of romance, consider it our tribute. In many ways, this magazine is AmCham’s enduring love letter to Taiwan.
Over the years, we’ve covered just about every moving part of Taiwan’s economic machine. Our reporting has included massive topics like semiconductors, healthcare, defense, and the trade relations shaping economic development. But it has also included more niche articles focusing on the nuts-and-bolts industry, indigenous dog breeds, and Taipei’s best affordable sushi places.
Throughout the years, we’ve celebrated many high notes of Taiwan’s business climate development. They include the rise of TSMC, Taiwan’s adoption of AI, reinforced Taiwan-U.S. relations, Covid-19 pandemic management, tax reforms, and strengthened personal data protection.
On the topic of shortcomings, our coverage is also extensive. The reason is never to assign blame but to express deep care. Just as no spouse is without flaws, no market is perfect. Improvement comes from identifying issues and working collaboratively to resolve them. This belief drives our work, as does the commitment to meaningful change.
In the pursuit of progress, we have continuously sought to raise the bar by enhancing the magazine’s design and expanding its content, offering a broader range of topics, styles, and media formats.
That said, we’re not immune to mistakes. Despite our best efforts, errors occur, and we’ve faced our share of calls from frustrated government officials and aggrieved company representatives. To those impacted, we assure you our mistakes are never malicious but rather the result of a small team stretched thin but always trying its best. And we assure you that each misstep lingers in our memory, serving as reminders of our dedication to do better.
In a digital-first era, we are fortunate to remain a print-first magazine, thanks to our devoted sponsors. To those who have chosen to feature their stories on our pages, thank you – it’s an honor to shine a spotlight on your achievements. At the same time, TOPICS online offers exciting opportunities for growth. With plans to expand our content, enhance bilingual offerings, and forge new partnerships, the future looks bright.
Finally, to our readers: thank you for being part of this labor of love. Without you, our work would feel like shouting into the void – therapeutic, perhaps, but inconsequential. You are the reason we strive so hard, even during those long overtime hours. If our articles have brought you any joy or insight, then our mission is fulfilled.
Stay informed, stay engaged, and if you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to let us know – gently, if you would.
