
The Human Story of Taiwan’s Semi Success
A Chip Odyssey traces Taiwan’s unlikely rise in semiconductors—an emotional journey of vision, resilience, and the people who made it possible.
A Chip Odyssey traces Taiwan’s unlikely rise in semiconductors—an emotional journey of vision, resilience, and the people who made it possible.
Taiwan, the global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, is capitalizing on surging AI chip demand, driven by advancements in practical AI applications and TSMC’s dominant role. However, rising tariffs and U.S.-China tensions present notable challenges for the industry.
Taiwan’s booming semiconductor industry is driving rapid growth in the local chemical sector, with advanced materials becoming vital for the production of ever-smaller and more powerful chips. Fueled by major investments and strategic collaborations, Taiwan is poised to lead the global semiconductor chemicals market by 2030.
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.
Micron has been integral to Taiwan’s economy for three decades, with an investment of NT$1 trillion and a workforce of over 10,500 employees. As Taiwan’s largest manufacturing site, Micron leads in developing cutting-edge DRAM and HBM technologies essential for the future of AI applications. Committed to sustainability, the company is advancing towards a net-zero carbon goal by 2030, alongside efforts to boost STEM education and support local communities.
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.
Electron microscopy is critical in enabling the examination of microchips and nanostructures, which then ensure the integrity and performance of semiconductor devices that power solutions around the world. The demand for high-performance semiconductor technology is growing exponentially, including generative AI, smart devices, and renewable energy. As Taiwan solidifies itself as a leader in the international…
As TSMC gears up to bring advanced semiconductor manufacturing to the U.S., the company’s American employees recount their experiences receiving job training in Taiwan. Several hundred young Americans are currently undergoing intensive training at the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) chip manufacturing facility in Tainan. Once finished with the program, these trainees are expected to…
The complex sequence of inputs, outputs, and processes involved in producing the components powering virtually all modern electronic equipment is exposed to many risks that industry experts say must be addressed quickly. U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo recently stated in an interview with CNBC: “If you allow yourself to think about a scenario where…