Analysis: Meta’s US$10B Google Cloud deal highlights reliance amid chip and AI struggles

Meta Platforms has reportedly signed a six-year agreement worth US$10 billion with Google Cloud, marking an unprecedented partnership between two dominant companies in digital advertising. The collaboration underscores both Meta’s growing need for cloud computing resources and Alphabet’s expanding presence in the cloud services market.

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As AI agents enter workplace, Workday advocates human-centered management

Workday, a leading enterprise human resources and finance cloud platform, is marking its third year in Taiwan. Workday Taiwan country manager Bond Hui cited recent survey results as showing that most Taiwanese companies are eager to embrace AI agents. However, he cautioned that AI applications may also increase employee stress and reduce critical thinking. He recommends that enterprises continue to prioritize human-centered approaches and consider how humans and machines can collaborate effectively.

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US expands Section 232 to e-bikes, but Merida sees limited impact

The Trump administration announced on August 18 the addition of 407 product categories to the list of “derivative” steel and aluminum products covered by Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act, imposing a 50% tariff on electric-assisted bicycles (e-bikes). But Merida, a major Taiwan-based bicycle manufacturer, said the impact on its exports from this tariff expansion is relatively limited.

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