The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Melbourne recently partnered with local organisations in Victoria and Tasmania to host screenings of the Taiwanese documentary A Chip Odyssey, followed by panel discussions exploring Taiwan’s semiconductor industry and future opportunities for Taiwan–Australia cooperation.
The two events brought together representatives from government, the diplomatic community, industry, academia, the media and the Taiwanese community, reflecting growing Australian interest in Taiwan’s technological development, supply chain resilience and broader regional partnerships.
A Chip Odyssey chronicles Taiwan’s remarkable journey from a developing economy to a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing. Through archival footage and personal stories, the documentary illustrates how long-term policy planning, investment in education, close collaboration among government, industry and academia, and a culture of innovation have enabled Taiwan to build one of the world’s most advanced semiconductor ecosystems.
In his opening remarks, Director-General Ray Ming-Tze Lu noted that technological leadership is built through decades of sustained investment rather than short-term success. He emphasised that Taiwan has consistently contributed to global supply chain resilience through democratic governance, technological innovation and international cooperation.
“Taiwan should not be viewed solely through the lens of geopolitics,” Director-General Lu said. “Taiwan is a trusted technology partner that continues to make meaningful contributions to regional prosperity through expertise, innovation and democratic values.”
The Victoria discussion was moderated by Jenny, recipient of the 2024 Overseas Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award presented by the Overseas Community Affairs Foundation. Panelists included Jan Kronberg, National President of the Drug Advisory Council of Australia, former Chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Taiwan and recipient of Taiwan’s Friend of Diplomacy Medal; Natasha Kostakos, Head of Smart Building Automation at Delta Electronics Australia; and See Chun-Liang, President of the Melbourne Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce. Discussions focused on the foundations of Taiwan’s semiconductor success, innovation ecosystems, talent development and opportunities for deeper Taiwan–Australia collaboration in critical technologies.
The event was attended by Tokuro Furuya, Consul-General of Japan in Melbourne; representatives of the U.S. Consulate General in Melbourne; Brad Rowswell MP, Co-Chair of the Victorian Parliamentary Friends of Taiwan; Overseas Community Affairs Council Commissioner Hsien-Cheng Lin; renowned political cartoonist John Spooner; together with representatives from government, academia, industry, the media and the Taiwanese community.
The Tasmania programme featured discussions with Dr Mark Harrison and Dr Steven J. Phipps from the University of Tasmania, who shared perspectives on Taiwan’s democratic resilience, scientific development and opportunities for future collaboration between Taiwan and Tasmania.
Speakers agreed that Taiwan’s semiconductor achievements are founded not only on technological excellence, but also on long-term investment in talent, robust institutions and a highly integrated industrial ecosystem. They also highlighted the complementary strengths of Taiwan and Australia in critical minerals, semiconductor supply chains, scientific research, advanced manufacturing and talent development.
TECO in Melbourne noted that the A Chip Odyssey screenings served not only as cultural events, but also as platforms for meaningful dialogue on innovation, trusted supply chains and regional cooperation. Looking ahead, TECO will continue to advance Taiwan–Australia partnerships by promoting exchanges among governments, industry, academia and civil society.
Guided by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung’s vision of Integrated Diplomacy, TECO in Melbourne will continue to leverage its role as a platform for engagement, deepen bilateral cooperation in semiconductors, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, critical minerals and talent development, and work with like-minded partners to build more trusted and resilient supply chains for a prosperous, secure and sustainable Indo-Pacific.
