With bicycle exports declining, a bike venture program seeks to shake up the industry by integrating venture capital and disruptive innovation. As Asia’s largest bicycle trade exhibition, Taipei Cycle is a focal point for anyone interested in the latest industry innovations. This year – which also marked its 35th anniversary – was no exception. The…
Ever-cautious regulators aim to minimize risk, even if it comes at the expense of market opportunities. Last year, the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) announced plans to accelerate the integration of public charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs). These plans are integral to a comprehensive strategy to achieve a 100% market share for emission-neutral…
Amid shifting global aviation dynamics and economic changes, Taiwan emerges as a pivotal hub. But slow upgrades might keep it from reaching its full potential. Navigating the skies over Asia in 2024 requires updated pilots’ aeronautical charts. The global aviation map has changed dramatically in recent years, notably with Russia’s war in Ukraine altering flight…
Ever-cautious regulators aim to minimize risk, even if it comes at the expense of certain market opportunities. Taiwan has maintained an agnostic stance on cryptocurrency, with cautious financial regulators focusing on minimizing the associated risks. An unspoken rule still holds: As long as onshore digital asset providers hold themselves to high standards and avoid becoming…
Line Bank, Next Bank, and Rakuten International Commercial Bank face determined incumbent competitors and a saturated retail banking market. With 39 commercial lenders and nearly 3,400 branches for a population of 23.5 million – many of whom have multiple retail bank accounts – Taiwan is often described as “overbanked.” Because many banks are family businesses…
An increasing number of Taiwanese investors are using private capital for public good. TOPICS spoke with three leading figures in the cause. Two decades ago, Taipei’s Dadaocheng area was seen by many as a neighborhood in decline. But recent efforts by the Taipei City Council, the National Development Fund, and private investors have helped breathe…
Over the past few decades, China has overwhelmingly received the largest portion of Taiwanese accumulated investments. From 1991 to August this year, approved historic investment into China stood at a whopping US$205.7 billion, with over 45,000 projects involved, the Mainland Affairs Council says in notes emailed to TOPICS. Economists say the real figure may be…
The Western world’s increasing adoption of ChatGPT and other artificial intelligence tools is sparking a surge in investments in generative artificial intelligence. These investments are in turn driving robust demand for high-performance graphics processing units and other semiconductor devices. Technology research firm Gartner has predicted that semiconductors designed to execute AI workloads will present revenue…
As Taiwan enters 2024, its economy faces a mix of challenges and opportunities, with hopes pinned on a tech recovery, shifting global supply chains, and resilient domestic consumption. As Taiwan emerged from the pandemic’s shadow this year, domestic consumers rejoiced at the reopening of restaurants and retail stores. International and inbound travel also arose as…
Taiwan’s metals, plastics, and chemicals manufacturers will need to adapt to new international policy measures to secure price competitiveness in key export markets. When the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) comes into full force in three years, it will have a heavy impact on the cost structure for many exporters to the EU. …
