Ecocera, a prominent manufacturer of ceramic circuit boards, is experiencing enhanced operational performance as it leverages the increasing demand for automotive lighting substrates. This growth is highlighted by Chairman Wanshun Zhou, who outlined the company’s focus on expanding its market share within the lucrative automotive headlamp sector. In addition, Ecocera is making strides in the field of third-generation semiconductor packaging. Despite revenue from this sector comprising only 1% of the current figures, the company anticipates an increase to 10% by the end of 2025. This projected growth comes as new technologies make the transition to small-scale production and begin shipments to packaging clients.

A quiet revolution is reshaping the future of global manufacturing, with robotics technology at its center. In this unfolding race, the US and its Western allies are increasingly wary of China’s potential to take the lead.

At the DIGITIMES AI Expo, renowned AI expert Andrew Ng underscored the transformative potential of open-source models in fostering innovation. He argued against restricting their use by Chinese firms, emphasizing that open-source initiatives amplify “soft power,” enabling developers and small businesses worldwide to benefit. Taiwan’s Artificial Intelligence Academy (AIA) further spotlighted this topic by hosting a forum on the impact and strategies surrounding open-source models, reflecting their central role in contemporary AI discourse.

On April 3, US President Trump announced a reciprocal tariff scheme that will impose tariffs of up to 32% on Taiwan. In response, the Executive Yuan held a press conference on the afternoon of April 4, announcing an allocation of NT$88 billion (approximately US$2.667 billion) to counter this move. The government has also formulated nine key areas with 20 specific measures aimed at mitigating the impact of these tariffs while enhancing industrial resilience and competitiveness, ultimately achieving goals such as diversifying markets and stabilizing employment.