Category：Finance

Fair Trade Commission blocks Grab’s acquisition of foodpanda

Taiwan’s Fair Trade Commission has said "no" to Grab’s acquisition of foodpanda in Taiwan. The proposal was announced back in March, with Singaporean delivery giant Grab set to buy foodpanda for nearly NT$20 billion. Ultimately the merger was blocked after a majority of commissioners determined that it would weaken competition in the industry. Let’s hear more.

Hsin Chih-chung
Fair Trade Commission
The merger would have seen Grab take over foodpanda’s delivery business in Taiwan. But Uber, the parent company of Uber Eats, holds a 13.1% stake in Grab, and the two companies have close business ties in other markets. After evaluating Grab’s proposal to acquire foodpanda, the majority of commissioners said it should be stopped.

Su Po-hao
Delivery Industry Rights Alliacne
We would like to thank the Fair Trade Commission for making the right decision. Foodpanda is the market leader in Taiwan. When has anyone ever seen the top company in any industry pull out of a market? If it actually does come down to that, we’ll ask the Commission to consider implementing the relevant measures.

Had the merger gone forward, Grab would have become Uber Eats’ main competitor. But the close ties between Uber Eats’ parent company, Uber and Grab, raised concerns that could impact fair competition. Regulators said both companies would have shared interests and neither would be motivated to lower prices. There could be a risk of coordination to maintain the status quo, which would also make it harder for new competitors to enter the market. During the review, Grab suggested several steps to minimize concerns, such as diluting Uber’s shareholding and placing limitations on board appointments. But the FTC says the measures would be difficult to implement, unless Uber completely divested its stake in Grab.

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#uber #foodpanda #ubereats #delivery #taiwan

2026-10-21

ITRI teams up with 7 solar power companies in new industry alliance

As the world races toward net-zero emissions, demand for green energy is surging. The Industrial Technology Research Institute announced a new partnership with seven major domestic solar companies to establish the TBC Photovoltaic Technology Alliance, which aims to build a more resilient solar supply chain. Two key technologies were also unveiled: TBC solar cells and laser silver-coated copper technology, both designed to help upgrade Taiwan’s solar industry.

- By increasing the surface exposed to sunlight, it can generate more electricity.

This sleek all-black solar panel does not have the metal grid of traditional models. But,
how? The secret is on its back. The electrodes on new TBC solar cells have been moved to the rear, where they don’t block sunlight. It’s not just for looks. The increase in light-absorption surface areas pushes its power conversion efficiency to 25.5%.

Wu Chih-wei
MOEA Energy Administration
Though we may not be able to compete with more general-purpose applications volume-wise, if we boost efficiency and forge a new way forward, Taiwan’s industry would benefit tremendously.

The world is transitioning to net-zero carbon emissions and demand for green energy is growing. That’s why ITRI has teamed up with seven leading Taiwanese solar power companies to establish the TBC Photovoltaic Technology Alliance, bringing together companies in the upstream and downstream supply chains. The institute also unveiled its self-developed laser-assisted silver-coated copper electrode technology, to reduce the industry’s consumption of costly silver. This tech reduces cell production costs by 8%, and is expected to generate NT$200 million output value annually.

Lin Fu-ming
ITRI green energy laboratories
By using our R&D platform and their equipment, materials and expertise, we hope to develop the next generation of technologies.

Taiwan’s solar industry, government, academia and research institutions are joining forces. With high-efficiency, homegrown green energy tech, they aim to capture the lucrative market opportunities as the world pushes toward net-zero emissions.

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#solarpanel #energy #greenenergy #netzero #emissions

2026-10-19

TSMC confirms talks with Musk over Texas fab

TSMC delivered another stellar performance in the third quarter, with revenue up 50% year-on-year and earnings per share hitting a record NT$29.43. CEO C.C. Wei emphasized that surging AI demand has the company racing to expand capacity and develop advanced packaging technologies. Last week, reports emerged that TSMC was considering building a factory in Texas, amid claims from Tesla CEO Elon Musk that discussions were underway. Wei addressed the speculation for the first time at the company’s latest earnings conference. Let’s hear more.

Voice of C.C. Wei
TSMC CEO
The demand is extremely robust, getting higher and higher. We look at it from every angle. [We do our own] one more step to check the data center build-out. [Demand is] higher than the supply, and we are working very hard to narrow the gap. [We did] expand our capacities’ consideration to see outside Arizona. We sent the teams to Texas to do all the evaluation. We also talked to one of our customers who’s trying to build a fab, Terafab [and] see whether we can be utilizing that actual capacity. We are still in discussions. The fab has got to be run by TSMC.

Voice of Wendell Huang
TSMC CFO
[Our CapEx] from 2026 to 2028 is expected to be significantly higher than the past three years. We have no intention to leave any food on the table for others.

TSMC has set its full-year capital expenditure budget between US$60 billion and US$64 billion. The company remains a leader in wafer manufacturing to mass production of advanced packaging at the 5-inch size. It is also developing larger formats and advancing its CoPoS technology, aiming to keep a firm grip on any growing business opportunities that come up.

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#tsmc #tech #us #arizona #chips

2026-10-15

Taiwan’s leading messaging app introduces AI assistant to chats

A top messaging app in Taiwan is adding an AI assistant to its chats. The company has dubbed the assistant as a “powerful” tool that connects users with every day services. In its initial rollout, the AI assistant will focus on dining, entertainment and shopping. For instance, it can compare prices when shopping for daily essentials and provide personalized recommendations when buying gifts for friends and family.

- You tell it what kind of gift you want to buy them, and the assistant will recommend which presents are good options and why.

Roger Chen
Messaging app Taiwan CEO
It’s kind of like having a person you can consult, and who can help you sort out options, recommend you items and get everything ready for you to make the final decision. The spirit of agentic AI is to help people complete tasks. It takes care of everything to simplify everything down to one decision. We believe this is a great application for the technology.

With AI applications becoming increasingly widespread, the messaging platform is turning AI into an all-in-one lifestyle assistant. The expansion is even taking things further, integrating four of its e-commerce services to help users find products and content, and even make restaurant reservations. Business accounts can also customize the AI’s role and integrate common service scenarios to respond to customers.

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#ai #restaurant #messaging #tech #platform

2026-10-13

NT$10,000 cash handouts could be distributed before LNY 2027

The Executive has finalized its plans for a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 next year. The money could hit bank accounts as early as Jan. 26, so long as the Legislative Yuan passes the general budget on Jan. 5. That means the handouts could come just in time for the Lunar New Year, and some foreigners are included. Recently, some opposition lawmakers had suggested doubling the handouts to NT$20,000. Here’s the response from the Ministry of Finance.

Juan Ching-hwa
Deputy Finance Minister
If we double the handouts to NT$20,000, the budget would exceed NT$470 billion and require borrowing, which would impact financial stability.

Michelle Lee
Executive Yuan Spokesperson
We also adhere to three principles including not crowding out other policies and not accruing substantial debt. We hope that the government and the opposition can work together to improve the people’s well-being.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
The estimate from the Ministry of Finance is based on the general budget clearing its third reading by Jan. 5 next year, and be promulgated by the president before Jan. 20. Since this is everyone’s money, if there is a tax surplus, it’s best to distribute it back to everyone, especially ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Amid explosive growth in the AI industry, and strong exports, Taiwan’s GDP is expected to grow by 11% this year. Eligibility will be the same as previous handouts, and not just limited to Taiwan nationals with household registration in Taiwan. Foreign spouses with ARCs and foreign nationals with APRCs will also be able to get the cash. Whether the money will actually be handed out before the Lunar New Year now depends fully on how speedily the legislature approves the budget.

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#cash #handout #aprc #arc #taiwan

2026-10-08

AMD CEO Lisa Su visits Taiwan amid growing AI chip demand

Taiwan is once again leading the dialogue for semiconductor chips. AMD CEO Lisa Su has made her second trip to Taiwan this year. Upon her arrival on Tuesday morning, she met with four of Taiwan’s leading tech supply chain companies at her hotel, and later headed straight to TSMC in Hsinchu to ensure production capacity amid tight supply for AI chips.

The queen of semiconductors is back in town. AMD CEO Lisa Su immediately held several urgent closed-door meetings with Taiwanese tech companies including ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih and Foxconn Chairman Liu Yang-wei at her hotel.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
Especially given today, the market is so dynamic, it’s important for us to be very closely partnered with our key suppliers. We are going to substantially improve our supply in 2027, but we can definitely use more and so that’s one of the reasons I’m here.

With concerns rising over chip supply, Su’s arrival underscores the urgency of securing production capacity in Taiwan. She went directly to a meeting with TSMC in Hsinchu on Tuesday afternoon. She did not respond to rumors about TSMC’s potential factory in Texas.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
The US facility in Arizona has done extremely well of course. And we look forward to more capacity worldwide to satisfy this high demand. Before we planned one year or two years and now we are talking about planning three, four or five years together.

AMD’s AI Rack-Scale platform, Helios, will continue to ship in the third quarter, with shipments increasing rapidly. From wafer foundry and packaging to physical substrates, AMD relies on Taiwanese manufacturers’ capacity. Su did not address questions raised over tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
We would encourage all of our partners to have geographic diversity. But there is no question that Taiwan is absolutely critical to the semiconductor supply chain, and very, very critical for AMD.

Su emphasized the significance of Taiwan, as evidenced by her visit to Taiwan in May where she announced a US$10 billion investment in the supply chain.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
I’m happy to report that it’s absolutely on track. We’re increasing that number going forward because our demand has continued to go up and we’re going to continue to invest in the supply chain going forward.

AMD continues to make major moves, including expansion into the ASIC market and acquiring AI startup, World Labs for US$8.2 billion. The company’s market value also hit a major milestone by surpassing a market cap of US$1 trillion, making it the world’s 15th largest company.

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#amd #lisasu #nvidia #taiwanchips #tsmc #semiconductor #chipsupplychain

2026-10-06

Kumamoto head surprises Taiwan locals to show gratitude for earthquake relief

This July, Kumamoto, was hit by a devastating 7.1 magnitude earthquake. As a neighbor and friend of Japan, Taiwan was first to donate more than NT$300 million for earthquake relief. To express his gratitude, Kumamoto Prefecture Governor, Kimura Takashi made a trip to Taiwan with the mascot Kumamon and visited the mayors of Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung. He also took this opportunity to promote his breakfast products made with Kumamoto ingredients: milk, buckwheat, and miso, distributing it on the streets of Taipei in the early morning. The event immediately drew locals who scrambled to take photos with the Kumamon bear.

Hailing from Japan, the Kumamon bear was seen in Taipei causing frenzy among locals who rushed to take photos and hug the bear. Kumamoto’s Governor Kimura accompanied the bear with a spokesperson to distribute breakfast.

Convenience stores distributed Kumamon products, specialty products included Aso Milk Sea Salt Bread, Japanese Soba Noodles, and Kumamoto Barley Miso Pork Cutlet Don, foods that Taiwan’s Japan fans are eager to try.

Member of public
Loves Kumamon
I like that Kumamon, it is so cute. I’ve never bumped into it. Taiwanese all yearn for Japanese things.

Member of public
Wishes well for Kumamoto
The city of Kumamoto, I hope they can recover quickly. I hope their economy can return to normal soon.

Kimura Takashi
Kumamoto Prefecture Governor
It is so special to see the love that Taiwanese have for Kumamoto. I am very grateful to meet everyone and the mayors. They all expressed they will continue to support Kumamoto, and make contributions through tourism and business which makes me very happy.

In July this year, Kumamoto was struck by a 7.1 magnitude scale earthquake. Taiwan was the first to donate more than 1.5 billion Japanese Yen, equivalent to NT$300 million. Kimura made a special trip to Taiwan to express his gratitude and believes there is room for more partnership between Kumamoto and Taiwan in the future.

Kimura Takashi
Kumamoto Prefecture Governor
We have staff at our Taipei office that can support daily business activities. TSMC’s second factory is under construction, and we believe there will be new investment plans in the future. We hope to strengthen the relationship between Kumamoto and Taiwan, and create more business opportunities.

Kumamoto is a hotspot for Taiwanese tourists, seeing as there are direct flights from Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan and even Kaohsiung. From tourism to cuisine to tech partnerships the friendship between Taiwan and Japan continues to strengthen.

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#kumamoto #taiwan #taiwanjapan #kumamon #japantourism #earthquakerelief

2026-10-06

Nine Taiwanese tech tycoons make world’s 500 richest list

Taiwan’s AI boom is making its tech tycoons richer than ever. A new global billionaire ranking shows nine Taiwanese business leaders have cracked the world’s top 500 richest, with Quanta founder Barry Lam leading the pack in Taiwan. And with demand for AI servers soaring, several familiar names, including Hon Hai founder Terry Gou and TSMC founder Morris Chang are also seeing their fortunes climb.

- All of next year’s orders have already come in.
- What about the year after?
- It’s looking pretty good too.

Back in June, Quanta founder Barry Lam spoke confidently about orders with his company. As global demand for AI servers surges, the fortunes of Taiwan’s tech tycoons are skyrocketing. According to Bloomberg’s latest Billionaires Index, nine Taiwanese business leaders can be found among the world’s top 500 richest people. Barry Lam ranks first in Taiwan, with a net worth of US$16.9 billion, or around NT$536.4 billion. He ranks in at 169th worldwide.

Hot on his heels is 85-year-old King Slide founder Richard Lin, who built his fortune on the server industry’s slide rails. With a net worth of US$16.4 billion dollars, he is just five places behind Lam, at 174th globally and second in Taiwan. He’s even ahead of Hon Hai founder Terry Gou and Yageo Chairman Pierre Chen.

Gou remains among Taiwan’s top three richest people, ranking 242nd worldwide. There’s also Delta Electronics founder Bruce Cheng, who ranks in at No. 4 in Taiwan after transforming the company into an integrated infrastructure provider for AI data centers. Two billionaire brothers from the financial sector are also on the list. Fubon Financial Holding’s Daniel Tsai ranks 284th with a net worth of US$12.2 billion, while his brother Richard Tsai ranks 301st with US$11.8 billion.

Upon retiring in 2018, TSMC founder Morris Chang held 125,000 TSMC shares, which have only surged to new highs, making Chang the 341st richest man in the world. The AI boom is turning Taiwan’s tech titans into global billionaires, and putting Taiwan firmly on the world stage.

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#wealth #billionaires #rich #money #tech

2026-10-06

Part-time employees earn more as hourly wage surpasses monthly salary

The minimum monthly wage will finally break NT$30,000 next year, as the government announced an 11th consecutive increase to reach NT$30,900. The minimum hourly wage is also rising to NT$205. That means, if you work for 40 hours a week on the minimum wage, you would earn NT$36,080 a month, NT$5,180 more than the minimum monthly wage. Some feel this is unfair as prices continue to rise, and full-time employees struggle to get raises.

Mr. Sung works part-time at a hot pot restaurant at 10:30am on his day off to earn extra money.

Mr. Sung
Part-time employee
I want to earn some extra cash. Part-time work is more flexible. Sometimes a full-time job is all in one place, which can be a little tedious. But with part-time work you can try different things, and even take jobs at short-term gigs like exhibitions or sports games.

Next year, the minimum hourly wage is set to rise to NT$205. Working eight hours a day for 22 days a month on an hourly wage would earn you NT$36,080, which is more than NT$5,000 over the minimum monthly salary of NT$30,900.

Accountant
Gets paid monthly
It’s really unfair. With the minimum wage rising, a business like a breakfast shop might pass those higher costs on to customers through higher prices. Rather than being tied down to a full-time job, some of my friends would rather work two part-time jobs because it’s more flexible. They can travel abroad when they want and even get cheaper plane tickets.

Shen Yu-wei
Restaurant manager
Our ratio of full-time to part-time employees is three to seven, so we have fewer full-time employees. We’ve explained to our staff that if you’re on a monthly salary, you’ll receive additional benefits over the long term, like birthday bonuses, birthday leave, and employee meal benefits. There are also benefits that accumulate with seniority, like annual leave.

Over the past decade, Taiwan’s minimum monthly wage has risen by 54.4%, while the minimum hourly wage has increased by more than 70%, making it harder for businesses to recruit full-time employees.

#minimumwage #fulltime #parttime #Taiwan #wages #wageincrease #raise #flexibility #work #employee

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2026-10-06

Prices remain high across new foldable phone models

Phone brands are racing to release new foldable phones for the high-end market, with Apple releasing its first foldable iPhone this October. Meanwhile, Samsung is launching a model with new screen dimensions and Oppo is promoting its model’s advanced camera. But with prices starting at NT$60,000, it remains to be seen how many people will choose these flashy new phones.

Even drilling the screen leaves no scratches. The phone can be folded and unfolded repeatedly and is advertised to last 13 years. To show its strength, the company used the phone to pull rowing machines and lift kettlebells while unfolded.

With a 7.95-inch screen, it can use AI to summarize a video while watching it or use two apps at once through split-screen. Foldable phones are useful, but their bulky design, battery life, and camera capabilities remain major challenges for the market.

Mr. Yi
Tech expert
Its screen breaks easily, so repairs could be expensive, which can make people hesitant to buy it. They might not care about the initial expenditure, but would worry about the warranty and customer service after purchasing it.

Samsung’s Fold8 has a new 4:3 display ratio, Oppo’s N6 boasts impressive camera capabilities, the Honor V6 screen is only 4mm thick when unfolded, and the long-awaited foldable iPhone is only as big as a passport. But with all these phones priced at over NT$60,000, are they really worth it?

Member of public
Considering foldable phone
I’m not sure how many people use it or how long it lasts, because it’s foldable. I don’t think it’s more durable than a normal phone.

Member of public
Considers price carefully
If I could afford it, I’d like to try it. The screen is larger, and the iPhone model has lots of new functions. But it would depend on the price.

With innovative features, foldable phones are continuing to improve as technology develops, but their high price remains a barrier for many.

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#iPhone #Apple #Samsung #Oppo #phone #foldable #foldablephone #new #camera #screen #price

2026-10-05