15
Feb
Leading IC substrate maker Unimicron Technology announced that chairman Tzyy-jang Tseng is stepping down upon reaching retirement age. The company said the leadership change was triggered by a representative change by corporate director United Microelectronics (UMC).
15
Feb
From nanometers to nectar: the secret flavors of TSMC’s fab honey
In a development few would associate with the world’s largest contract chipmaker, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has expanded an environmental initiative that now encompasses roughly one million rehabilitated bees across its major Taiwan campuses.
15
Feb
Column: Trump’s US$1.5T defense dream hits rust-belt reality
US President Donald Trump has requested a fiscal year 2027 defense budget of US$1.5 trillion. This represents a nearly 50% increase from fiscal year 2026’s roughly US$1 trillion. Trump’s goal is clear: rebuild a strong military. Experts expect the budget to significantly boost procurement for expanded naval fleets, advanced aircraft, and new nuclear missile programs.
15
Feb
Power semiconductor cost pressures rise as 8-inch wafer foundries plan price hikes
Demand for AI servers’ power management chips is surging, tightening supply and demand in the 8-inch wafer foundry market. Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) plans to raise prices for 8-inch power device foundry services starting in March.
15
Feb
CXMT races to scale up as yield gaps and export curbs bite
CXMT, a leading Chinese DRAM maker, is expanding aggressively but faces significant production and regulatory hurdles, ChosunBiz reported, citing industry sources. Despite rising global memory demand, the company’s wafer output has hit capacity limits, with yield issues and US export restrictions constraining further growth.
15
Feb
A Singaporean reality check for the semiconductor age
Joseph Liow, dean of the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said in a recent public lecture that technology is no longer merely an engine of economic growth but has become a core instrument in great-power competition. For Taiwan, which sits at the center of the semiconductor industry and global supply chains, Liow said the rules of competition have fundamentally changed.
15
Feb
Column: US NDAA opens new defense manufacturing opportunities for Taiwan firms
The 2026 US National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), signed at the end of 2025, introduces significant new business prospects for Taiwanese companies by emphasizing Taiwan’s security and cooperation in defense procurement. Key provisions include a US$1 billion Taiwan security cooperation initiative and authorization for the US Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a joint unmanned systems program with Taiwan starting March 1, 2026, focusing on co-developing drones and counter-drone technologies.
15
Feb
Taiwan’s January exports jump nearly 70% on AI server boom, boosting 2026 growth optimism and tech defense push
Taiwan’s export value in January 2026 surged 69.9% year-on-year, surpassing the NT$2 trillion (US$63.7 billion) mark for the first time, largely due to differences in the number of working days between the Lunar New Year periods in 2025 and 2026. Strong shipments of AI servers and high-performance chips have prompted foreign banks to forecast Taiwan’s GDP growth could reach 8.0% in 2026. If realized, this would mark a second consecutive year of above-8% expansion, following 2025’s 8.63% growth.
15
Feb
Why is TSMC spending $45bn so early?
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) has greenlit a massive $44.96 billion capital budget following a historic board meeting in Kumamoto, Japan.
14
Feb