August gave us the chance to reflect on Taiwan’s remarkable journey and engage in meaningful conversations about its future. Together with the AmCham team, I had the privilege of hosting an exclusive screening of A Chip Odyssey, a powerful documentary directed by Hsiao Chu-chen that chronicles how Taiwan positioned itself at the heart of the global semiconductor industry.
The film, which took five years to complete and features more than 80 interviews, tells the story of the courageous visionaries who forged Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. What struck me most was how vividly it captured the resilience, ingenuity, and determination that enabled Taiwan not only to build an industry from scratch, but to secure a role as an indispensable partner in the global economy.
That story is especially timely as the international landscape shifts. In Washington, the Trump administration is weighing steep tariffs on semiconductors manufactured outside the United States. While many of our members are expected to be exempted, the proposal itself highlights the vulnerable state of global supply chains and the increasing intersection of trade and security policy. It also reinforces the importance of sustained advocacy.
Just as we pressed the case for the U.S.-Taiwan Expedited Double Tax Relief Act during our Doorknock in June, we continue to emphasize to policymakers that Taiwan is not a competitor to American industry but a partner that strengthens U.S. resilience. Ensuring that message is heard — on double taxation, on tariffs, and on broader issues of trade and investment — remains at the heart of AmCham’s mission.
The semiconductor industry has always been about more than just chips. It’s about ecosystems, relationships, and trust. Taiwan has long been the leader in OEM and ODM production. I still remember 25 years ago, when its shoe and apparel industry built trust with global brands — even direct competitors — that relied on the same manufacturers. Whether through cultural reflection in film or through careful advocacy on the policy front, we are reminded that Taiwan’s leadership in semiconductors rests on collaboration: between companies, across industries, and with governments at home and abroad.
Looking ahead, September brings two major events that highlight Taiwan’s role at the center of global technology. At SEMICON Taiwan 2025, more than 1,200 companies and over 100,000 industry professionals will gather to discuss advanced packaging, AI chips, and other critical innovations, as well as pressing issues like supply chain resilience and green manufacturing.
At the same time, the Taiwan Aerospace and Defense Technology Expo (TADTE) will showcase another side of Taiwan’s innovation. This year’s TADTE will feature the largest USA Pavilion ever, with strong participation from AmCham members and partners. The event is living proof that U.S.-Taiwan collaboration extends beyond commercial supply chains to include aerospace, defense, and dual-use technologies that are central to security and economic resilience.
For AmCham, these events represent opportunities to bring companies and government together, strengthening the ties that reinforce Taiwan’s role in the global economy. As leaders across industries and borders convene in Taipei, we will do our part to make certain that the environment for investment, innovation, and cooperation remains strong.
I look forward to seeing many of you at SEMICON Taiwan, at TADTE, at our 74th anniversary celebration, and at the wide range of Chamber activities in the weeks ahead. I hope that you will reach out, share your ideas, or invite me to join your next committee meeting or event. Together, we can ensure that Taiwan’s story of resilience continues to inspire, and that AmCham remains a vital partner in shaping its future.
