Taiwan's AI-driven semiconductor and server supply chains are growing rapidly, but experts say the wider economy and public benefit little. There are increasing calls for the government to spearhead AI expansion and explore novel ideas like converting AI tokens into a monetary system to boost inclusion.
Google's cloud computing service, Google Cloud, has become its most important growth engine. CEO Thomas Kurian recently stated at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference held in San Francisco that the business had generated billions of dollars in revenue through artificial intelligence (AI) services and established diversified business models. Currently, it holds a backlog exceeding US$106 billion, with approximately 55% of these orders expected to convert into revenue within the next two years—about US$58 billion.
As generative AI matures, the traditional division of labor within enterprises is undergoing a profound transformation. At Taiwan Mobile's D.E.E.P. Tech Day 2025 on September 9, 2025, Chief Information Officer Rock Tsai introduced the concept of "reversing specialization," arguing that AI is not merely a productivity upgrade but a force that will redistribute corporate roles, reshape value chains, and accelerate the rise of an "AI agent" ecosystem in external markets.
Oracle is rapidly shaking off its reputation as a laggard in cloud computing, with new AI contracts and a strong outlook pushing its growth plans into overdrive.
Generative AI has moved beyond the "model arms race" into practical deployment, and Taiwan Mobile (TWM) is moving quickly to capitalize on the momentum. Company president Jamie Lin announced that the company will invest NT$930 million (approx. US$30.7 million) in 2025 on R&D to create solutions that support enterprises in AI adoption and deployment.
Apple's new generation AirPods Pro 3 earbuds are reportedly equipped with a photo detector (PD) in each unit, built by Taiwan-Asia Semiconductor (TASC), allowing the Taiwanese company to expand its presence in Apple's supply chain. Although the specific application of the component has not been officially confirmed, industry insiders speculate that it is related to the newly added heart rate sensing feature.
Alibaba Group has announced plans to raise US$3.17 billion through zero-coupon convertible bonds, the largest transaction of its kind this year. The funds will primarily support the expansion and technological upgrade of Alibaba's cloud infrastructure, with a portion allocated to international market growth.
A new player has joined Taiwan's humanoid robot supply chain, with leading automation system supplier Mirle teaming up with food giant I-Mei Foods and controller maker Syntec to form a new joint venture targeting the unmanned vehicle market. Their self-developed humanoid robot made its debut at SEMICON Taiwan 2025, serving as a prelude to future operations that will expand into robot dogs and drones.
On September 11, 2025, the Taiwan Quantum Computing and Information Technology Association held a forum at SEMICON Taiwan, where CEOs from top international quantum computing companies attended in person. The event highlighted proprietary quantum computers and underscored the industry's growing maturity and global reach.
US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick expressed optimism on September 11, 2025, that a significant trade deal with Taiwan is within reach, raising hopes that temporary tariffs on Taiwanese goods could soon be lifted.
Mexico has announced a plan to raise tariffs of up to 50% on more than 1,400 products imported from China and other Asian countries, a move aimed at protecting domestic industries while navigating complex geopolitical and trade dynamics.
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