American tourism to Taiwan is surging post-pandemic, with U.S. visitors ranking as the fourth-largest source of arrivals this year, fueled by increased flights and targeted promotions. Taiwan’s Tourism Administration aims to attract one million American visitors annually by 2028, spotlighting the island’s unique attractions, culinary diversity, and enhanced accessibility through initiatives like new direct routes and global media collaborations.

Taiwan’s economy faces two key challenges: its strength in high-tech industries, particularly semiconductors and AI, and a shrinking labor force due to a declining birthrate. To address AI talent shortages, the government is investing in education and training programs while also recruiting international talent. Partnerships with universities and global companies, like Nvidia, aim to position Taiwan as a leader in the global AI industry.

In Taiwan, many from the Global South work in diverse fields like tech and business, yet face challenges such as discrimination and complex residency processes. Professionals like engineer Jun Baldoz and marketing director Sam Khan have found success but highlight the need for Taiwan to simplify immigration and promote itself better to attract more foreign talent.

MediaTek, the top smartphone chipset supplier, is shifting focus to automotive chips and the Indian market amid challenges in its traditional Chinese market. The company reported a 62% profit increase in Q2, driven by its Power IC and Smart Edge Platforms. With plans to enhance its presence in automotive technologies and India, MediaTek aims to diversify its revenue streams and capitalize on new opportunities.

In a significant move to strengthen its global presence, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has commenced construction of its first European semiconductor plant in Dresden, Germany. The facility, part of a joint venture with major European companies, will involve a €10 billion investment and is expected to significantly boost Europe’s semiconductor production capacity by 2027. This expansion is part of a broader trend, with other Taiwanese firms also increasing their investments in Europe amid growing demand for local semiconductor production.

TSMC is experiencing remarkable growth, driven by the soaring demand for advanced AI chips and expanding its global operations. However, the company faces challenges, including potential cultural clashes at its new U.S. facility and the risk of supply chain disruptions linked to geopolitical tensions and evolving AI market dynamics.