Toy factories to TSMC: Taiwan’s transformation
Nick Robinson sits down with Catriona Macnair to discuss her recent trip to Taiwan.
Duration: 24 Mins
Date: 17 Dec 2025
Taiwan’s transformation from a producer of cheap electronics global high-tech hub is nothing short of remarkable. In this episode, Nick catches up with Catriona Macnair, fresh from an investment trip to Taiwan, to unpack what’s really happening on the ground in the global centre of semiconductor innovation. With AI investment surging and concerns about bubbles and bottlenecks, the team explores what’s driving Taiwan’s tech sector – and what it means for investors.
Highlights include:
- The reality behind the AI 'bubble' – why local companies see robust demand and no signs of overheating but are watching 2026 with caution.
- The critical role of infrastructure – why cutting-edge liquid cooling, power management, and earthquake-resilient data centres are essential for Taiwan’s continued tech leadership.
- Resource constraints and geopolitical risk – how power, water, and talent shortages are shaping the outlook, while the China question looms large.
Why it matters
Taiwan sits at the crossroads of global technology. As the world’s most advanced chipmaker, its fortunes are tied to the AI boom. For investors, understanding the realities at play – from supply chain shifts to infrastructure bottlenecks and political risks – are essential to navigating the next phase of growth in Taiwan and wider emerging markets.
