On September 30, 2024, the Silicon Valley Taiwan-American Industry Technology Association (TAITA-SV) held a press conference in Santa Clara City, announcing that the 21st annual meeting would be held on October 19 (Saturday) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. This year’s annual meeting will include a free afternoon forum and dinner event.
President of TAITA-SV, Luc Yu, introduced that the theme of this year’s annual meeting is “Rooted in Science, Innovative Technology,” and has invited nine heavyweight guests from different fields to discuss the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on the global supply chain and Taiwan’s position.
The afternoon forum on October 19 will focus on “Taiwan’s Future Strategic Layout in the AI Era,” discussing the latest advances in AI technology and its profound impact on Taiwan’s semiconductor supply chain.
The forum will feature nine industry leaders from various fields, including the founder and president of DIGITIMES, Chin-Yung Huang; Dr. Y.K. Chen, Vice Chief Technology Officer of Coherent, who will discuss the application prospects of silicon photonics technology in next-generation semiconductors; and Dr. Kevin Yasumura, Director of Google, who will present the latest developments in optical switch technology in AI era data centers.
Additionally, the forum will highlight the future development of Hard-Tech and invite four top venture capitalists to share their insights on the 2025 hard technology market.
The Technology Division of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco is a sponsor of this year’s annual meeting. Director of the Technology Division, Hong-Wei Yen, stated that TAITA-SV and the Technology Division serve as a bridge between the application and production ends in the Bay Area, and look forward to enhancing mutual understanding between Taiwan and Silicon Valley through the annual meeting.
Registration for the forum: https://tinyurl.com/rvkmexnp
Please use the promotional code “ILOVETAIWAN” when registering to attend for free. Limited seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.
The dinner portion will be presented by Dr. Chi-Huey Wong, a chemistry professor at Scripps Research Institute, discussing the future development of medical health and biotechnology. Twenty Silicon Valley engineers will also perform symphonic versions of “Spring Breeze” and “Green Island Serenade,” showcasing the perfect fusion of technology and culture.
President Yu mentioned that the performances at last year’s annual meeting moved many audience members to tears, something that AI cannot achieve. He also wants to take this opportunity to show that these busy Silicon Valley engineers do not harbor deep grievances due to work pressure; instead, they manage to balance work, hobbies, and life well.
Registration for the dinner: https://tinyurl.com/mtr5yb4y
President Yu also mentioned that this year’s scholarships at the annual meeting are different from previous years. In addition to excellent academic performance, applicants are required to write a paper describing their understanding of Taiwan. Awarded students can showcase their posters at the event, with three theme choices: self-introduction, ongoing projects, or an introduction to Taiwan. President Yu explained that this design aims to provide students with a stage to showcase themselves. He also revealed that one scholarship recipient has already caught the attention of investors.
President Yu introduced that last year, over 200 Silicon Valley industry professionals attended the annual meeting, and this year, the expected number of attendees is 350. Students with outstanding performances have the opportunity to receive job offers on the same day.
When asked what kind of image Taiwan wants to convey through the annual meeting, Chairperson Servina Liu mentioned that Taiwan has a solid foundation in the scientific field and enjoys a good international reputation. Taiwan faces the world with an open attitude and is willing to collaborate with different units and groups. She said, “One person can run fast, but a group can go far,” embodying Taiwan’s spirit of cooperation and mutual benefits.
For more information, please visit: www.taita.org ◇