Sharp’s ex-CEO Jeng-wu Tai has taken legal actions against Foxconn and its founder Terry Gou, demanding more than NT$1 billion (approx. US$30.52 million) in remuneration from a bonus agreement. While the lawsuit is a “labor dispute,” it calls attention to the important role that Sharp’s Sakai Display Products (SDP) once played in Japan’s LCD panel industry.

With just two days remaining before the Legislative Yuan’s 11th session adjourns on January 21, 2025, tensions are mounting over the central government’s budget vote showdown. The Kuomintang (KMT) and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) majority presents a significant challenge to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) as opposition parties push for budget cuts and freezes. Premier Cho Jung-tai has urged legislators to approach the situation rationally and reconsider their positions.

At 12:17 a.m. on January 21, a 6.4-magnitude earthquake struck Dapu Township in Chiayi County, Taiwan, with a peak intensity of level 6 (lower). The tremor also reached intensity level 5 (lower) in Tainan and Kaohsiung. In response, leading semiconductor manufacturers, including TSMC and UMC, implemented precautionary shutdowns at their Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) facilities. TSMC announced that a comprehensive assessment is underway, with further updates to follow.