Taiwan’s first domestically built satellite constellation, FORMOSAT-8, is set to take a major step forward this week. The inaugural satellite in the series, FORMOSAT-8A (FS-8A), is scheduled to lift off at 2:18 a.m. Taiwan time on November 27, 2025.

National Development Council (NDC) minister Chun-Hsien Yeh has pointed out that shifting global geopolitical risks are disrupting supply chains. To adapt, Taiwan aims to seize the AI trend by advancing its “five trusted industries” that are closely linked with AI development. The government’s strategy includes promoting 10 major AI infrastructure projects to generate over NT$15 trillion (US$462 billion) in output value, driving nationwide industrial upgrades through AI commercialization and integration toward becoming a smart nation.

Apple’s iPhone 17 series has seen strong sales momentum, lifting expectations for fourth-quarter smartphone demand in 2025. But market attention is shifting to whether Chinese brands like Huawei, Xiaomi, Vivo, and Oppo can collectively counter the iPhone 17’s dominance in the mid-to-high-end smartphone segment by year-end.