Taiwan is facing pressure on every front — from small businesses navigating tariffs, to energy vulnerabilities exposed by China’s shadow tactics, to the global race for AI and semiconductors. In this episode, we explore President Lai’s push to merge SMEs into stronger players, warnings that Taiwan’s LNG lifelines could be choked, and the government’s pledge to build a “non-red” supply chain for chips. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim makes the case for AI as Taiwan’s next growth engine, while Premier Cho touts new investments to hit NT$6 trillion in semiconductor output. At SEMICON Taiwan, Dutch journalist Marc Hijink shines a spotlight on the unique TSMC–ASML partnership and the talent challenge ahead. Together, these stories show Taiwan’s resilience — and the fragile trust that keeps its economic future connected to the world.