Xiao Meiqin attends tech elite dinner, stresses Taiwan’s semiconductor importance, urges global cooperation.

Vice President Hsiao Mei‑chin recently addressed the 2026 Technology Elite Leaders Dinner, co‑hosted by the International Semiconductor Industry Association (SEMI) and the Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association (TSIA). In her remarks she underscored that Taiwan’s current pivotal role in the global semiconductor supply chain is not a matter of chance or entitlement, but the result of decades of concerted effort by government, academia, industry and research institutions. Facing a rapidly shifting international political and geopolitical landscape, she urged Taiwan to remain vigilant, take pride in its national achievements, and continue learning, expanding investment, accelerating industrial adaptation, and deepening substantive cooperation with like‑minded global partners in order to stay unbeatable in the fierce global technology race.

Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has not progressed without challenges; it has evolved through decades of policy guidance, talent cultivation and technical deepening. From the early establishment of the Hsinchu Science Park, the import of technology and the creation of a domestic wafer‑foundry model, Taiwan gradually built the world’s most complete and efficient semiconductor cluster. From upstream IC design, through midstream wafer manufacturing, to downstream packaging and testing, Taiwan has demonstrated irreplaceable professional division and adaptability. Yet, with recent geopolitical shifts, the semiconductor sector is no longer merely a commercial market contest but has been elevated to a matter of national security and economic strategy. Countries are offering massive subsidies and regulatory incentives to achieve breakthroughs in critical components and chip autonomy, placing Taiwan’s long‑standing advantage under unprecedented external pressure.

Hsiao’s speech precisely highlighted Taiwan’s current core crisis awareness. Her assertion that “one should not take the existing position for granted” reflects the government’s keen observation of global supply‑chain restructuring. As the United States, Europe, Japan and Korea vigorously support their domestic semiconductor industries, Taiwan’s protective mountains—though technologically leading—risk erosion if stagnation or complacency sets in. To preserve industry leadership, Taiwan must invest more heavily in R&D innovation and actively cultivate a new generation of engineering and cross‑disciplinary talent to meet the enormous demand from emerging application markets such as artificial intelligence, high‑performance computing, automotive electronics and the Internet of Things.

Beyond technical deepening and talent investment, international cooperation is Taiwan’s best defense amid a volatile global environment. Hsiao emphasized the importance of partnering with international allies, echoing Taiwan’s recent value diplomacy and economic‑trade strategy, and highlighting that Taiwan’s semiconductor industry is intrinsically linked to the global economy’s fortunes. From TSMC’s factories in the United States, Japan and Germany to the increasing investment of global semiconductor equipment and material giants in Taiwan, the country is gradually shifting from a purely foundry role to an indispensable core hub within the global semiconductor ecosystem. Through bidirectional industry linkages, Taiwan not only consolidates its economic security but also demonstrates to the world that it is a trusted and indispensable partner.

Looking forward, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry will continue to drive global technological progress while confronting additional challenges from geopolitics, climate change and the pursuit of net‑zero carbon. From ensuring a stable supply of green power and effective water resource management to coping with the impacts of international carbon fees and tariffs, every link tests the adaptability of Taiwan’s government and enterprises. Hsiao’s remarks serve both as recognition of past efforts and as a wake‑up call to remain vigilant. Only by continuously deepening its structural capabilities, strengthening international alliances, and constantly adjusting to a changing environment can Taiwan continue to lead the global semiconductor industry in the