Written by Yachi Chiang. The article discusses the critical role of submarine cables in Taiwan’s connectivity and the legal challenges in protecting them. It highlights the need for stronger legal frameworks both internationally and domestically to ensure the security and resilience of these vital infrastructures.
Written by Gunter Schubert. Taiwan’s security is largely determined by the government’s ability to promote the resilience of Taiwan’s high-tech industries, especially semiconductors, to ensure their international competitiveness and crisis resilience. Based on this fact, this article raises two subsequent questions: what strategies are the Taiwanese semiconductor industry pursuing to secure its technological edge and markets in the new global power constellation? And what is the Taiwanese government doing to strengthen the country’s economic security, which arguably depends essentially on maintaining Taiwan’s leading position in the global high-tech industry over the long term?
Written by Hon-min Yau. This article examines Taiwan’s recent development and regulation of artificial intelligence (AI). Sensing the incoming grand trend of AI development, Taiwan’s “Year 0” for AI came in 2017. At the time, AI-enabled devices such as smart speakers or smart TVs have been the focus of the consumer market, but other emerging AI-enabled services in fields such as object recognition, medical diagnosis, customer service, and vehicle self-driving were seen by Taiwan as new economic opportunities for Taiwan’s development.
Written by Dung-Shiu Yu. The Bluebird Movement in Taiwan, protesting against legislative reforms, has gained international attention. This article highlights a powerful display of intergenerational support and grassroots activism, the “grandparents’ topping-up participation.”
Written by Ian Murphy. This article introduces TAIDE, the Trustworthy AI Dialogue Engine. TAIDE is Taiwan’s domestic project to build a large language model. It examines how, by investing in AI technology, Taiwan is not only aiming to reduce its reliance on external sources but also to protect itself from potential threats, particularly from China.
Written by Eric Siu-kei Cheng. Science and Technology Studies (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that explores the co-production between technology and society. Taiwanese scholars adopt the lens of STS to explore diverse topics and provide critical insights to public policies and social activism. The upcoming 2024 annual meeting of the Taiwan STS Association, to be held in Taitung City, will focus on the theme of “rhythm,” exploring the role of time, temporality, and timing in the context of STS.
