World’s largest trade show in semiconductor technology

World’s largest trade show in semiconductor technology

2024-09-02

The world’s largest semiconductor trade show, SEMICON Taiwan, is opening this Wednesday in Taipei. At a presser for the event, economics minister J. W. Kuo commented on former U.S. President Trump’s claim that Taiwan had stolen American chip business. Kuo reiterated that Taiwan and U.S. chip firms complement one another on the value chain. He added that, since Taiwanese companies take commissions from U.S. chip designers, the latter actually enjoys a larger profit margin.

The newly added themes this year include AI technology, smart mobility, silicon photonics and precision machinery. So far, around 85,000 people have signed up for attendance, more than double last year. This year will be the first edition with a U.S. Pavilion, organized by the AIT. It will also be the first year with keynote speeches by leaders of South Korean companies Samsung and SK hynix.

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川普曾稱台灣偷走美晶片生意郭智輝:毛利率是美國業者

2024-09-02

經濟部長郭智輝，周一出席國際半導體展展前記者會，針對川普「台灣偷走美國晶片業」的說法，表示「台灣當然沒有偷走美國的晶片業」，台灣與美國晶片業者在製造上互補，由美國業者委託台廠生產晶片，因此美國業者毛利率還是最高，會向美方說明清楚。

9/4登場的國際半導體展，今年新增AI、智慧移動、矽光子和精密機械四大科技主題，預估會有8萬5千人參觀，報名人數比去年還多出一半以上。除了美國官方首次參展，就連與台灣存在競爭關係的韓國，三星和SK海力士的高層都來台開講。

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Gold price expected to exceed US$2,600 by year’s end

Back in mid-August the price of gold hit US$2,508 per ounce. Two weeks later, it continued soaring to a fresh high of US$2,527. Jewelers say they expect the price to break past US$2,600. The factors at play include trends for de-dollarization, and wars in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

As gold prices continue rising, consumer preferences are changing at jewelry shops.

Last week, the international price of gold reached a record high of US$2,527 per ounce. That’s about NT$10,140 per Taiwanese mace — or 3.75 grams. Since 2017, the price of gold has taken a hit in the month of September. Will the September curse strike again this year?

Cheng Ju-fang
Jeweler
Generally speaking, when there is a decrease in gold jewelry sales, it means buyers are probably opting for bars or nuggets instead. Some countries are considering de-dollarization, and China, Russia and many countries in Europe are set to buy large amounts of gold. I think we’ll see US$2,600 per ounce by year’s end.

The jeweler says de-dollarization is a factor that’s pushing up gold prices constantly. In the past six months, the price of gold has shot up from US$1,994 per ounce on Feb. 15 to US$2,527 per ounce on Aug. 30. Though the price fell back somewhat on Monday, an expert from the Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance expects the rally to continue.

Lin Chang-hsing
Taiwan Academy of Banking and Finance
The U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to start a rate-cutting cycle in September, and may lower interest rates by a full percentage point by the end of the year. That has caused the U.S. dollar to slide. Central banks are holding on to gold not as a short-term measure, but as a long-term holding. So foreign institutional investors are saying that if gold falls below US$2,500 per ounce, it’s a good point to buy in, and not to sell out.

The Fed is expected to cut interest rates in September, a move that could drive the U.S. dollar down, and gold up. Considering the big price differences between gold jewelry and gold bars, it’s best to consider trends thoroughly before buying in.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-02

47-year old new transport minister brushes off concerns about young age

Taiwan has a new transport minister. It’s Chen Shih-kai, who previously served as Executive Yuan spokesperson. Chen was inaugurated in a ceremony on Monday, where he addressed concerns about his lack of relevant experience and young age. On the first front, he said the most important skills for the position were communication, coordination and leadership. About his age, he said that he wasn’t as young as the media made him out to be, referring to himself as a middle-aged man. The 47-year old said one of his priorities would be to help boost Taiwan tourism.

In a ceremony presided by Minister Without Portfolio Chen Chin-te, Chen Shih-kai was presented an official seal to be inaugurated as transport minister.

Chen Shih-kai
Transport minister
The top priority is the National Project of Hope unveiled by President Lai Ching-te. The main direction of our efforts is to promote human-centered mobility and to make Taiwan convenient. We will also do our utmost to promote and develop Taiwan tourism.

Before his appointment, Chen Shih-kai served as spokesperson for the Executive Yuan. Though he has experience in both local and central governments, critics have said he lacks the relevant experience in transportation to be minister. Some within the DPP have even said his appointment is meant to keep the so-called “demons” within the ministry in check.

Chen Chih-kai
Transport minister
When I see everyone here today, all I see are angels, not demons. As the head of this ministry, I think the key skills at play are communication, coordination and leadership. A lot of media outlets have drawn attention to my young age, casting doubt on whether I can take on this position. I would like to let you all in on something. I am not young, I am a middle-aged man.

Chen Shi-kai said communication, coordination and leadership skills were important assets for the position. He added that former transport ministers Lien Chan連戰 and Eugene Chien were also relatively young when they assumed office. Speaking on the decline of tourism in Hualien and Kenting, he said he would work closely with local governments to draw up revitalization plans. Minister Without Portfolio Chen Chin-te affirmed Chen Shi-kai was a good pick for the position.

Chen Chin-te
Minister without portfolio
He may appear soft on the outside, but inside, he is very strong. He looks very humble, and his is very efficient and clear when it comes to coordinating several government departments. I think Chen Shih-kai is a fine choice to fill in this position as transport minister.

The ceremony’s Q&A session with the media was interrupted by a protester calling for better working conditions for postal workers. The minister responded with a smile, saying that workers’ rights were on his mind. His quick response to the situation successfully defused a potentially awkward situation in his first official event as minister.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Naval underwater technician featured in new minidoc

In anticipation of Taiwan’s Armed Forces Day on Sept. 3, a new mini-documentary has been released featuring underwater technicians in the Navy. At the press conference on Sept. 2, President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks thanking the military for their service and highlighted the incredible feat of working with electric tools underwater.

An underwater technician dons a heavy diving helmet and tank. Altogether, the gear weighs as much as 40kg.

Not only does he have to carry all that weight, he’s underwater to hand solder, using electric tools. To say it’s dangerous is an understatement. This episode of “The Soul of the Craftsman” features underwater technician Huang Chien-chi of the Navy. He’s also writing a training manual so that others in the command can work safely underwater.

Huang Chien-chi
ROC Navy
Every time I go underwater to solder or desolder, I’m always observing and pondering over every joint. Going forward, I will continue to improve and promote the skill of soldering underwater. I hope to compile a comprehensive training manual for the Navy to enhance its capacity of underwater maintenance and training, so that the underwater maintenance command can keep up with the times.

Since the mini-documentary series was launched in 2017 by the GACC, it has showcased seven mechanics in the military working with planes and tanks. The episode featuring Officer Huang was launched on the day before the Armed Forces Day, highlighting the unique skills in Taiwan’s military.

Lai Ching-te
President
The helmet alone weighs 15kg. The underwater solderer faces double the risk of diving and using electric tools underwater. It really is incredible. Tomorrow, Sept. 3, is the Armed Forces Day. On behalf of the country, I’d like to thank our military officers, for safeguarding our territory and our people’s lives and livelihoods, day in and day out.

Ahead of his first Armed Forces Day as president, Lai expressed gratitude to the military for their service tirelessly safeguarding the country.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Din Tai Fung among hardest reservations in New York City

Renowned for their soup dumplings, Din Tai Fung has opened locations around the world. In July, the Taiwanese restaurant opened a location in the heart of Broadway in New York City. Its 182nd location is also the chain’s largest, providing 450 seats. Foodies are flocking to the restaurant, which has a waitlist so long that diners are having to wait months for a table. The New York Post even called it “one of NYC’s hardest reservations.”

Deft hands make 18 perfect folds. These soup dumplings are from none other than Din Tai Fung. It’s not only a must-have for travelers to Taiwan, but in July the restaurant also opened its 182nd location in New York City. The location is also the chain’s largest.

Joeman
YouTuber
It’s three times the price of Din Tai Fung in Taiwan. The pork chop fried rice is US$21. That’s NT$600 for fried rice. I think the soup dumplings are 90% to 100% the same. If you’re coming for the dumplings, I think it’s worthwhile.

The YouTuber Joeman went to the restaurant and shared his thoughts on the food. He said it’s similar to Din Tai Fung in Taiwan. The location right on Broadway seats 450 and is well furnished. Even New Yorkers are going crazy for it.

The New York Post said that the restaurant is “one of NYC’s hardest reservations—but the soup dumplings are totally worth it.” The article praised the soup dumplings as “silken on the tongue and explosive on the palate.” But it criticized the online reservation system as “near-useless,” with a supposedly months-long waiting list.

Fei Chi
Food critic
This isn’t Din Tai Fung’s first international restaurant. Whether it’s their soup dumplings, fried rice, or their wildly successful chocolate dumplings or truffle soup dumplings, it’s well-liked both in Taiwan and abroad.

Aside from the soup dumplings, the New York Post reviewer also loved the pork chop fried rice and spicy cucumber salad. With 182 stores worldwide, and now its largest in the heart of New York City, Din Tai Fung is once again making a name for Taiwanese cuisine around the world.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Don’t skip heartworm prevention for your feline friends, vets warn

Heartworm prevention medication – is it friend or foe? That’s the question being asked by Taiwan’s cat lovers. According to an online rumor, heartworm pills can cause neurological harm or even death in certain cats. But now veterinarians are setting the record straight.

Here at the vet’s office, a reluctant cat gets checked for heartworm, as its parents try to soothe it.

Cat owner
I think we do one of these full-body exams once a year. I’ve heard that heartworm is very hard to treat.

According to an online rumor, heartworm prevention medication can cause neurological harm or even death in certain cats. But veterinarians are quick to clarify. They say the risk is limited to a small number of cats with a rare genetic issue. And not all cats with the genetic issue will react badly.

Wong Jun-yue
Taiwan Academy of Veterinary Internal Medicine president
We’re getting one or two phone calls about this every day. It’s a pretty common concern at vet clinics. But the actual occurrence rate of this specific reaction is not high. It’s between 1 in 10,000 and 3 in 10,000.

The fatality rate of feline heartworm disease is nearly 100%, yet very few cat owners take precautions. Vets estimate only about 10% to 15% of cat owners regularly use preventative medication. In a 2015 survey, 22.8% of untreated dogs contracted heartworm, compared to just 6.7% of cats. This may explain why many cat owners are less vigilant.

Tsai Yi-lun
Veterinary medicine professor
Heartworm is a mosquito-borne parasite that’s fairly common in Taiwan. Whether it’s our warm temperatures or humid climate, we have the ideal conditions for mosquitoes. So both dogs and cats can contract heartworm relatively easily here.

Experts say that both dogs and cats are vulnerable to heartworm, which can be detected using ultrasounds or blood tests. Although feline heartworm disease can be managed, there is currently no effective treatment. Experts stress that when it comes to heartworm, the best way to protect a pet is prevention.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2024-09-02