In this episode of Beyond the Reefs, we unpack the latest twists in U.S. tariff negotiations and what they mean for Taiwan and its neighbors in Asia. From reciprocal tariffs on Vietnam and Japan, to Washington’s hardline stance on semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and defense-linked trade deals, the ripple effects are being felt across supply chains. We also explore how industry figures like Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have emerged as unexpected power brokers, brokering exemptions and shaping U.S.–China tech trade. Join us as we trace the economic, strategic, and human dimensions of this unfolding tariff saga.

Dubai may dazzle with its skyscrapers and luxury, but Abu Dhabi is the UAE’s powerhouse — funding industries, shaping policy, and quietly setting the pace for the region. In this first episode of our two-part series, we meet Meara He, a Taiwanese entrepreneur and board member of the Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce in the UAE. She shares her journey from Oxford to the UK job market’s struggles, to taking a leap into Abu Dhabi’s unique business environment. Along the way, we explore cultural contrasts, the Arab halas mentality, and why this Gulf capital is becoming a surprising new home for many Asians.

In this episode of Beyond the Reefs, we speak with Dr. Ya-chi Chiang (江雅綺), Taiwan’s newly appointed Deputy Representative to the United Kingdom. A legal scholar with a deep passion for tech governance, Dr. Chiang shares her journey from rural Yunlin to elite UK institutions—and now, into the world of diplomacy. We discuss the growing Taiwan–UK relationship, digital resilience, and how she’s navigating political scrutiny with clarity and grace. As Taiwan’s international profile rises, Dr. Chiang offers a thoughtful, human perspective on the intersection of law, technology, and global cooperation.

In this episode of Beyond the Reefs, we speak with Dr. Ya-chi Chiang (江雅綺), Taiwan’s newly appointed Deputy Representative to the United Kingdom. A legal scholar with a deep passion for tech governance, Dr. Chiang shares her journey from rural Yunlin to elite UK institutions—and now, into the world of diplomacy. We discuss the growing Taiwan–UK relationship, digital resilience, and how she’s navigating political scrutiny with clarity and grace. As Taiwan’s international profile rises, Dr. Chiang offers a thoughtful, human perspective on the intersection of law, technology, and global cooperation.

Taiwan is leveling up—fast. In this episode of Beyond the Reefs, host Joey Chou explores the island’s growing role in global esports. From championship wins in Apex Legends to the business struggles behind disbanded teams, we look at the real story behind the screen. Featuring veteran guest Santiago Huang, we unpack what it takes to turn a passion for gaming into a sustainable career—and whether Taiwan is ready to lead Asia’s next esports boom.

By 2030, the world could face a shortage of over 85 million skilled workers—costing the global economy $8.5 trillion annually. In this episode of Beyond the Reefs, we unpack the global talent crisis, explore Taiwan’s unique demographic challenge, and hear from Jonathan Liao of the Taiwan Gold Card Office on how the country is turning brain drain into brain circulation. From aging societies to talent migration, we examine what it will take to build future-ready workforces. Spoiler: it’s not just about tech. It’s about values, belonging, and redefining the meaning of work in a post-AI world.

In Part 2 of our conversation with Ed Jaeger of the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, we focus on the unsung heroes of economic cooperation: small and medium enterprises. From biotech in Taichung to clean energy in Nova Scotia, Taiwan and Canada’s SMEs are forging powerful cross-Pacific partnerships. We explore how trade offices like CTOT bridge the cultural and commercial gaps, and how agreements like FIPA are paving the way for shared innovation. In a time of global uncertainty, it's these small players—not giant corporations—who may hold the key to more resilient, people-focused economies.

In this episode, we sit down with Ed Jager, Director of Trade and Investment at the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei, as he wraps up his four-year posting. From housing crises to shifting global alliances, Canada and Taiwan face surprisingly similar challenges—and unexpected opportunities. We explore how the two economies are building quiet but meaningful connections through trade, immigration, and diplomacy. From real estate to renewable energy, from overlooked provinces to student exchanges, this episode reveals what it means to bridge distances—not just geographically, but culturally and economically.

In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Jang, founder of RCI Sustainability Group, to explore what it really means to build green. Beyond the rooftop gardens and solar panels, we dive into the hidden elements of sustainable architecture—air quality, energy efficiency, and smarter material choices. Shawn shares how RCI is transforming buildings across Asia, including a landmark collaboration with JSL Group that earned Taiwan’s first dual UL certifications. From corporate mandates to everyday homebuyers, green building is becoming essential to how we live. If you’ve ever wondered what makes a building truly healthy, this episode breaks it down.

In Part 2 of our conversation with USB flash drive inventor Dov Moran, we go beyond the tech to talk about what it really takes to build a company — and a legacy. From Tel Aviv to Taipei, Moran reflects on the shared startup DNA between Israel and Taiwan, the emotional toll of entrepreneurship, and why resilience might matter more than IQ. We also explore Asia’s evolving innovation landscape — from Singapore’s startup boom to Taiwan’s deep-tech momentum — and what it all means for the next generation of builders. If you’ve ever dreamed of starting something, this episode is for you.

When Israeli inventor Dov Moran created the USB flash drive, he didn’t just change how we store files — he transformed global tech. In this episode, we dive into the origin story of the DiskOnKey and reveal how Taiwan played a pivotal, often-overlooked role in bringing portable storage to the world. From early manufacturing hurdles to the culture of tech innovation across Asia, we explore how one idea reshaped the digital age. Recorded live during Moran’s visit to COMPUTEX in Taipei, this is Part 1 of our conversation — with Part 2 focusing on the emotional cost of entrepreneurship.

What happens when global conflict goes underwater? In this gripping episode of Beyond the Reefs, we reconnect with Dr. Benjamin Schmitt to uncover the hidden war beneath the waves. From Taiwan to the Baltic Sea, authoritarian states are suspected of sabotaging undersea cables—cutting off internet, power, and vital communications. These aren’t just accidents—they’re gray zone tactics meant to destabilize democracies without firing a single shot. We break down the strategy, the stakes, and the unsettling future of maritime security. This is the frontline you never see—but one that could affect us all. Dive in. The deep is watching.

Back in January, we welcomed a Dr. Benjamin Schmitt to Beyond the Reefs for an eye-opening conversation on the growing threats to undersea communication cables. At the time, Taiwan had just experienced suspected sabotage off its northern coast—one of several similar incidents involving Chinese vessels in both the Indo-Pacific and the Baltic Sea. Benjamin walked us through the risks posed by these attacks—not just to internet connectivity, but to national security, emergency response systems, and even economic stability. It was one of the first times many of us began to grasp that the seabed isn’t just a vast unknown—it’s a strategic frontline.

In the final installment of our three-part series, we look ahead at the future of journalism in Asia. With traditional news institutions under pressure from disinformation, authoritarian regimes, and internal dysfunction, what does the path forward look like—especially for the next generation of reporters? We explore how young journalists are navigating a fragile media landscape shaped by burnout, censorship, and political influence. Drawing comparisons with Europe and North America, we unpack how technology, certification systems, and grassroots innovation are reshaping the global press. We then speak with Cedric Alviani, Asia-Pacific Bureau Director of Reporters Without Borders, to reflect on how we can protect truth and rebuild public trust in an age of collapsing credibility.

This is part 2 of our chat about the plight of journalism as a trade. In our previous episode, we explored the complexities of press freedom in Taiwan with Cédric Alviani from Reporters Without Borders. While Taiwan boasts a high ranking in global press freedom indices, challenges persist in ensuring unbiased and independent journalism. Today, we delve deeper into the broader Asian context, examining how media bias and press freedom issues across the region provide a backdrop to Taiwan's own media landscape.

In March 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order dismantling the U.S. Agency for Global Media—an institution that oversaw Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and other vital outlets delivering independent news across some of the world’s most repressive regimes. Almost overnight, hundreds of foreign journalists on U.S. work visas were left in limbo. Some faced deportation to countries where their past reporting could land them in prison—or worse. Four Radio Free Asia contributors are currently detained in Vietnam. In Russia and Myanmar, Voice of America journalists are behind bars. For these reporters, the shutdown isn’t a bureaucratic decision—it’s a life-threatening blow.

Join host Joey Chou as he dives into socio-economic issues faced by Taiwan, and their broader impact beyond the reefs of this island nation.

Join host Joey Chou as he dives into socio-economic issues faced by Taiwan, and their broader impact beyond the reefs of this island nation.

Taiwan has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate goals. The government has outlined 12 key strategies to achieve this, focusing on areas like renewable energy, hydrogen development, energy storage, and carbon capture technologies. These initiatives are designed to transform Taiwan's energy landscape and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

In this episode, we dive into the Tomb Sweeping Festival, or Qingming, uncovering its rich cultural significance and wide-reaching socioeconomic impact. From the booming paper offerings industry and cemetery management services to the surge in holiday travel and rise of digital memorials, the festival fuels diverse sectors across Asia. We also examine environmental concerns, regional and generational differences, and how overseas Chinese communities are adapting traditions abroad. As modern life reshapes ancient practices, Qingming continues to evolve while preserving its core values of remembrance and respect. Join us as we explore the complex intersection of heritage, economy, and innovation.