Nothing puts one in a reflective mood like turning 70. As the September issue of TOPICS showed, AmCham has been mulling over U.S.-Taiwan ties, of which the Chamber has been such a significant part since its founding on September 14, 1951. Another source of reflection has been a monograph we are co-producing with the prestigious…
Longevity. It’s not just this month’s cover story, it is the watchword of Taiwan’s government, the individuals who call Taiwan home – and even your septuagenarian Chamber. At over 80 years, the average lifespan in Taiwan compares well globally. Thanks to improving environmental practices, a model comprehensive health service, good genes, and an innovative medtech…
As for many of you, this is normally my season of backpacks, beaches, and barbecues. For now, the President’s View, literally, centers on the Keelung River, refilled after several much-needed rains and fringed by green hills. My panorama comes courtesy of the amba Taipei Songshan design hotel – Chamber member since 2017, home of an…
Mid-year 2021 finds the U.S. and Taiwan light years from one another…and closer than ever. I can explain. The U.S. boasts a resurgent economy: its schools, offices, shops, and airports all back in vigorous operation. Nearly half the population has been vaccinated – and fewer than 50% are masking. There may be nothing approaching political…
Although 100-day reviews are typically the norm, I was tempted to use my inaugural President’s View as a self-report on my first 30 days in Taiwan. But it would be more fun to grade you, Dear Readers, with the following “report card.” How have staff, members, and partners performed at breaking in their new Chamber…
When I took up the AmCham Presidency last September, I didn’t foresee how personally rewarding the role would be. In many ways, I found it more engaging than my previous role as AmCham Chairperson because I am now directly involved with both the members and with the intricate details of the Chamber’s work. I also…
The March issue of TOPICS focuses on the Taiwan Government’s drive to make the island bilingual. This is one of the few initiatives that has bipartisan support, and while it has taken flight rather gradually, it seems that it will only grow in momentum. At its heart is a recognition that Taiwan will benefit economically…
This year’s Business Climate Survey results indicated a record high level of optimism in the Taiwan economy among our member companies. Nearly 86% were confident about Taiwan’s economic growth in the next 12 months – up from around 60% one year ago. Such an outlook may seem counterintuitive given the impact of COVID-19 (80% of…
It is hard to know what 2021 will bring us, but it appears that travel will not be a big part of the agenda, at least in the first half of the year! As per tradition (Don Shapiro informs me this goes back to 2003), the Wine & Dine edition of TOPICS will help provide you…
As we head to the end of what has been a very difficult year, I would like to thank our readers and advertisers for their continued support! This year marked the 50th anniversary of Taiwan Business TOPICS magazine and we are very proud of the status it has achieved. For those who have not read…
