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.