Technology

In the 1970s and 1980s, “Made in Taiwan” was a label people saw everywhere — on toys, electronics, watches, calculators, and small gadgets that were used in homes around the world. These products were not luxury items, but they were reliable, affordable, and showed that Taiwan was becoming strong in manufacturing. But that was only the beginning. In the 1990s, Taiwan moved into the world of consumer technology. Companies like Acer and Asus became leaders in laptops, and HTC was one of the early smartphone brands. Behind many of these developments was ITRI — the Industrial Technology Research Institute. ITRI is a research center supported by the government that helps turn new ideas into real products. It started in 1973 and played an important role in developing technologies like semiconductors, green energy, smart machines, and biotech.

In 1987, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) was founded and became one of the most important companies in the tech world. Today, TSMC produces over 90% of the most advanced chips used in phones, computers, and AI servers. Taiwan now controls over 50% of the global market for contract chip making, which means many of the world’s digital devices depend on it. But Taiwan’s technology success is not just about chips. It’s also one of the top 4 exporters of machine tools, a major supplier of fasteners, and a strong player in the car parts and motorcycle industry. Brands like KYMCO and SYM make scooters and motorbikes that are sold in many countries, especially in Southeast Asia and Europe.

Taiwan is also growing in areas like biotechnology, renewable energy, and precision machines. Even the food industry is very active, with thousands of factories making snacks, drinks, and export products. Some companies use smart production lines, automated packaging, and cold chain technology to keep products fresh for international markets. Taiwan is also using smart agriculture to face new challenges. Farmers use drones, sensors, and AI to manage water, fight plant diseases, and improve harvests. These tools help keep food production efficient and sustainable, even with limited space and a changing climate.

What started with simple toys and electronics has become a country known for high-tech production and innovation. Taiwan is not just a place where things are made — it’s a place where new technologies are created, tested, and shared with the world.