This year's theme for Computex is 'AI Next'. Photo: HWZ
At the Computex 2025 global press conference, the Chairman of Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), James Huang, took the stage with a message that was more than just a corporate pitch – it was a clear reminder of Taiwan's grip on the tech world especially in the current volatile geopolitical climate. For years, Taiwan has quietly churned out the silicon that powers our daily lives, its semiconductors tucked away in the guts of every smartphone, console, and server blade. But now, TAITRA, under James leadership, is pushing for something bigger: Taiwan as the beating heart of the current AI revolution.
James certainly did not hold back with his speech. He talked about the Turing boundary, where machines are now said to think, reason, and even create at human levels. It's a bold claim, but Taiwan’s track record in hardware gives it some teeth. With Taiwan-based TSMC accounting for almost 60% of global chip production, the island of more than 23 million is not just a player in the AI game – it’s the supplier of the silicon backbone. Without Taiwan, and by extension TSMC, that AI-driven future would be nothing more than a far-off dream.
This is the crux of Computex 2025’s theme – AI Next. It could also be read as a statement of intent. Computex has always been the place where hardware and software meet, where new ideas aren’t just showcased but ready to be rolled out. This year, AI and robotics, next-gen technology, and future mobility are at the forefront. We know Mediatek is pushing out its edge computing solutions, and Foxconn is steering its ambitions towards autonomous vehicles. These aren’t side projects – they’re Taiwan flexing its ambitions beyond manufacturing, setting its sights on bigger stakes in global tech.
From left: TAITRA Chairman, James Huang, and Taipei Computer Association Chairman, Paul Peng. Photo: HWZ
But James’s opener wasn’t just about making chips either. He also hinted at deeper financial moves by announcing a partnership with the Taiwan Stock Exchange aimed at backing AI startups. I thought it was a smart pivot. Taiwan’s always been known for making all things tech. Now, it’s setting its sights on building the next wave of global tech companies. While China is often dubbed the world's factory, Taiwan’s role as the chip powerhouse of the world has given it unmatched leverage. Now, Taiwan is keen to export innovations, not just components.
James referenced Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, who once envisioned a world where semiconductors would be as common as light bulbs. That vision led to the creation of TSMC, and whether through foresight or fortunate timing, positioned Taiwan at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry. Now, James poses a similar question for artificial intelligence: When AI is ubiquitous, what does the world look like? If Taiwan's history with semiconductors is any indication, the nation is poised not just to participate in this future but to help shape it. The timing couldn’t be more critical too. Global tech giants are sweating over supply chain headaches and geopolitical flare-ups, yet Taiwan's position in the market remains largely unshaken. TSMC’s fabs churn out silicon for Apple, NVIDIA, AMD – you name it. These are literally the foundations of our digital lives. So when Taiwan sneezes, the rest of the tech world catches a cold.
Computex 2025 wasn’t just another trade show. For years, it’s been a stage for tech enthusiasts and hardware buffs, a place where new gadgets and chipsets stole the spotlight. But this year, it felt like Taiwan is drawing a line in the sand. A bold assertion of its tech dominance amid escalating geopolitical tensions, if I may say so. That sentiment was cemented by Jensen Huang's flashy announcement of NVIDIA's new Taipei headquarters in the Beitou-Shilin area. It’s not just a new office, mind you. Read between the lines, and it feels like a recognition that Taiwan is more than just a stop on the global supply chain – it’s a driving force in AI and semiconductor innovation.
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