Showing posts with label #FilmPodcast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #FilmPodcast. Show all posts

How Taiwan Became the Republic of Chips

 How did Taiwan go from a largely agricultural, labour-intensive economy with little semiconductor expertise to becoming one of the most important centres of chip manufacturing in the world?

That is the remarkable story explored in A Chip Odyssey, the documentary directed by Hsiao Chu-Chen.

Made over five years and featuring more than 80 interviews with people who witnessed and helped shape Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, the film traces Taiwan’s extraordinary journey — from the pioneering engineers sent overseas to acquire vital skills and knowledge, to the development of a world-leading semiconductor industry and the emergence of TSMC, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.

But A Chip Odyssey is about more than technology and economics. It is also a story about people, ambition, sacrifice and the transformation of Taiwan itself — and how the semiconductor industry became intertwined with Taiwan’s economic development, international position and security.

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, I take you to Dublin’s Savoy Cinema, where A Chip Odyssey was screened as part of Culture Night 2026.

I spoke with Evan Furlong of the Dublin School of Mandarin Chinese, Richard Casey, CEO of Primesel, Senator Gerard Craughwell, and Mark and Aoife Kelly, co-founders of Celtonn.

They share their impressions of Taiwan, their thoughts on the island’s remarkable semiconductor industry, and what they took away from A Chip Odyssey.

Their perspectives provide a fascinating look at how Taiwan’s semiconductor story is understood from Ireland — from those involved in organising the screening, to people working in technology and business, and an Irish political perspective.

From the pioneering engineers of the 1970s to TSMC and today’s global semiconductor race, this is the story of how Taiwan became the Republic of Chips — and why that story matters far beyond Taiwan.

Perspectives with Neilo — going beyond the headlines to examine how history, foreign influence and competing narratives shape modern democracies.


Date of Recording: September 18th, 2026


Centre image courtesy of TSMC 2020 Business Overview



DIVE DEEPER

Additional information on the topics covered in this episode:

  • View A Chip Odyssey on YouTube - here


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MAMU - Interview with Director Aephie Chen

In this episode of Perspectives with Neilo, we are delighted to share our recent interview with film director Aephie Chen, the brilliant mind behind the stunning film MAMU (Instagram: boatingisland). Known for its exploration of culture, language and identity, MAMU is a deeply personal story that navigates the complexities of father-daughter relationships, the bond between people and their homelands, and the intimate challenges of caring for a loved one who is slipping away from this world.

The film unfolds through the lens of a nurse caring for her ailing father in London where language no longer serves as a bridge. Instead, it is care, touch and memories that forge connections. MAMU reflects on themes of home, identity and the emotional complexities of caregiving, blending the real and surreal in a poignant way.

If you are fascinated by films that explore cultural heritage, indigenous identities and the beauty of human connection, this episode is a must-listen. Hear our captivating conversation with Aephie as she shares her own story and how it inspired the film. She shares her creative process and exploration of Taiwan's Amis indigenous culture, and how her roots influenced the narrative and aesthetics of the film, plus much more! 


Date of Recording: January 27th, 2025.



Picture of the main character Mayaw played by Aki Rupi in the film MAMU. He stands in his garden in London gazing into the distance thinking of his homeland. Listen to our interview with MAMU director Aephie Chen at www.pwneilo.com
The main character Mayaw played by Aki Rupi in the film MAMU.



DIVE DEEPER:

Additional information on the topics discussed in this episode:

  • Stream MAMU on Giloo - link


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#Taiwan #AmisCulture #FilmDirector #MAMU #AephieChen #IndigenousCulture #CulturalHeritage #TaiwanCinema #FatherDaughter #Caregiving #HumanConnection #FilmPodcast #podcast


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