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.

In September, Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Administration expanded coverage to 46 da Vinci robotic-assisted surgeries, benefiting 8,400 patients annually. Patients now only pay material copayments, adding NT$285 million (US$8.75 million) to the NHI budget. This change boosts healthcare efficiency and improves patient outcomes, with fewer complications and faster recoveries, making robotic-assisted surgery a cost-effective long-term solution despite initial costs.

Becton, Dickinson and Co. (BD) has evolved from a syringe manufacturer into a leading MedTech company, driving digital transformation in healthcare with solutions like automated pharmacy systems that improve efficiency and patient outcomes. In Taiwan, BD’s innovations align with the government’s “Healthy Taiwan” initiative, as the country aims to establish itself as a MedTech hub. Despite Taiwan’s strengths in electronics and healthcare, challenges such as improving software and aligning regulatory standards with global norms remain. As AI becomes integral to healthcare, addressing these issues will be crucial for Taiwan’s MedTech competitiveness.

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.