Working in Taiwan as an expat is highly dependent on the skill set you bring to the table as well as the industry in which you intend to work.
Throughout the country, everyone working in Taiwan as an expat has access to a wide variety of job options; nevertheless, it is important to note that the majority of these career chances are centred in urban regions.
Possessing Chinese-language talents can considerably improve one’s possibilities for a variety of career options, despite the fact that such proficiency is not required for all office positions.
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What Jobs Are Most In-Demand In Taiwan
In recent years, Taiwan’s economy has slowed down, but there are still opportunities for everyone working in Taiwan as an expat, particularly in the high-tech industry.
Because of the country’s high degree of dependence on international trade, it is especially vulnerable to turbulence in the world market.
Taiwan’s high-tech industry would not be as successful without the contributions made by its science parks.
Companies that are located within these clusters receive major benefits, including a well-developed infrastructure, advantageous tax incentives, chances for collaboration, and other connected advantages.
Although Taiwan has adopted a number of Western pleasantries, the country’s business etiquette places a strong emphasis on the significance of maintaining tact and discretion.
Taiwan is considered as one of the four main economies in East Asia, also referred to as the “Asian Tigers,” together with Hong Kong, South Korea, and Singapore.
As a result of Taiwan’s position as a global forerunner in the manufacture of advanced technical goods, the country has continually attracted expats.
The term “Taiwan Miracle” refers to the amazing turnaround of Taiwan’s economy within a single generation.
During this time, the island went from being one of the most unsuccessful countries in the world to becoming one of the most prosperous countries in the world.
After experiencing a brief economic slump in 2009, Taiwanese businesses demonstrated a strong rebound, which contributed considerably to the national economy achieving double-digit growth statistics in the year that followed.
The pace of increase in real GDP has slowed, reaching an approximate value of 1.7% in the year 2017, after having reached around the same value in the year 2016.
During the most recent few years, the rate of unemployment has been reliably kept at a reasonably low level, remaining somewhere around 4% the entire time.
In-Demand Sectors in Taiwan
Agriculture Sector
Less than two percent of Taiwan’s gross domestic product comes from the country’s agriculture industry, making this sector’s contribution to the overall economy a relatively modest one.
In spite of Taiwan’s limited availability of arable land, which accounts for less than one-fifth of the country’s total territory, the hardworking individuals who are responsible for tending to Taiwan’s rice fields have successfully reduced the country’s dependency on imported basic food.
In addition, the country is able to produce significant quantities of pork and fish products.
Technology Sector
The production of semiconductors and LCD panels both hold substantial prominence within Taiwan’s high-technology industry, which has become the primary focus of the majority of the country’s businesses since they began focusing on the high-technology sector.
The bulk of companies that are part of Taiwan’s high-tech industry can be found housed within the several scientific parks that can be found in and around the densely populated urban areas of the nation.
These scientific research parks were covered in greater detail in an earlier post of ours that focused on moving to Taiwan.
Please go to the second page of this article if you would want additional information regarding the research parks that are located throughout the country as well as the key industries in which high-tech enterprises are engaged.
High-tech goods continue to make up a disproportionate share of the output of the vast majority of Taiwan’s businesses operating in the industrial sector.
In addition to cutting-edge technologies, the country is home to more time-honoured industries such as chemistry, metallurgy, textiles, and plastics.
Both the manufacture and export of machinery and the petrochemical industry are important and noteworthy sectors of the economy.
Services Sector
The country’s economy shifted away from being one that was predominately based on agriculture, which resulted in the development and expansion of the tertiary sector.
In the same way, as it does in many other developed countries, the service industry in Taiwan plays a key role in contributing to the economy of the country.
Because it contributes more than sixty percent to the gross domestic product (GDP), it is the industry that is considered to be the primary driver of economic growth.
Because of the nation’s large position as a major global creditor and aid provider, with a particular emphasis on Asia and Central America, the financial industry plays a big role within the tertiary sector.
This is primarily the reason for the prominence of this role. The hospitality business also plays a big part in the economy of Taiwan, which is seen by the growing number of people who currently call Taiwan their home and who are employed there.
Despite this, Taiwan’s tourism industry has seen a little decline in recent years, which may be mostly linked to a significant drop in the number of Chinese visitors following the victory of a party that supported Taiwan’s independence in 2016.
This drop can also be attributed to the general slowdown in China’s economic activity, which has been a contributing factor.
Not only does commerce play an important part within the services industry, but it also plays a significant part in the economy as a whole.
However, as a consequence of this occurrence, a sizeable section of the workforce is dependent on the global market and is therefore vulnerable to crises.
A partial counterbalance is provided by the existence of, and value placed on, small and medium-sized businesses in Taiwan.
This is due to the fact that organizations of this size typically have a higher adaptability with which to deal with economic instability.
It is noteworthy that the People’s Republic of China holds the position of being Taiwan’s primary business partner, with the United States of America and Japan following suit in terms of relevance, despite the fact that there is an existing strained relationship between the two countries.
Science Parks Where You Can Find Jobs As An Expat
Science parks in Taiwan are home to many of the country’s most notable companies in the fields of science and technology.
These parks give their tenants superior infrastructure, opportunities for joint research, financial incentives, and expedited shipping systems for their products.
There is also the possibility of major synergistic effects resulting from clustering. The numerous businesses that are housed in Taiwan’s research parks provide a large contribution to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), with a percentage that is significantly more than ten.
At the moment, most research and industrial parks are split up into three primary regions: the Hsinchu Research Park, which is generally acknowledged to be the most well-known and financially successful of all of them; the Central Taiwan Science Park; and the Southern Taiwan Science Park.
Hsinchu Science Park
In 1980, Taiwan made its first foray into the research park paradigm with the development of Hsinchu Research Park (HSP), which was a concept that had been introduced nearly three decades earlier in Silicon Valley.
The HSP was an essential component in the process of establishing Taiwan as a preeminent location for high-tech businesses, and it continues to draw considerable amounts of investment from outside the country.
The HSP had a turnover of 1.04 trillion Taiwanese New Dollars (TWD) in 2016, which is comparable to almost 34 billion US Dollars.
In addition to the core parks located in Hsinchu, Jhunan, Tongluo, Longtan, and Yilan that make up the High-Speed Rail Science Park (HSP), there is also a secondary park in Hsinchu that has an emphasis on biomedical science.
These six primary locations make up the High-Speed Rail Science Park (HSP). The bulk of the businesses that are located in the region are well-known for their expert knowledge and skill in the production of semiconductors, in addition to optoelectronics and biotechnology.
This is the primary focus of these businesses. It is one of the most prosperous regions in Taiwan because Hsinchu has a local science park, which has helped contribute to the city’s elevated income levels.
Hsinchu has developed a reputation for being an important centre for expats within the country.
Southern Taiwan Science Park
The High-Speed Park (HSP), which was the pioneering science park in Taiwan, has inspired a second growth of the science park environment in Taiwan, which encompasses both Kaohsiung and Tainan.
Both parks have similar focuses. Integrated circuits, optoelectronics, biotechnology, and green energy are the key areas of focus for the Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP), which is an industrial park in Taiwan.
The latter market is of great importance in Taiwan because of the country’s limited resources, which necessitate the importation of the majority of Taiwan’s energy requirements, the majority of which come in the form of fossil fuels.
As part of its efforts to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide that Taiwan’s economy produces, the government of Taiwan passed a number of laws in 2009 that are designed to encourage the use of renewable energy sources and make it easier for businesses to make investments there.
The use of nuclear power, which accounted for 14% of Taiwan’s total electrical output in the first few months of 2017, is going to be completely phased out by the year 2025, and thus will fulfil one of the goals set for the year 2025.
In the field of renewable energy, substantial investments have already been made, and additional expenditures are anticipated for the foreseeable future.
Central Taiwan Science Park
The most recent improvement to Taiwan’s fast-growing high-tech economy is represented by the Central Taiwan Science Park, which was constructed in 2003.
The city of Taichung, which is located in Taiwan and is a significant urban hub, serves as the primary focus of the majority of this study.
Huwei Park, Houli Park, Advanced Research Park, Erlin Park, and Taichung Park are all notable areas that are accounted for in this study.
Both natives of the area and people from other countries can take advantage of the diverse job opportunities that are available in the research park.
Once more, the key economic subfields that are prioritized by the park are, for the most part, very comparable to those that are highlighted by the other parks.
Since it is now obvious that the inclusion of innovative and diverse industries will be essential to maintain Taiwan’s prominent standing in the global high-tech markets in the upcoming years, there has been a great amount of discourse over the future trajectory of science parks.
This is because it has become apparent that the incorporation of novel and diverse industries will be crucial.
As was discussed in the part that came before this one, the economy of the country demonstrates a high degree of dependence on exports and demonstrates susceptibility to fluctuations in the worldwide market.
Several different courses of action are now being pursued in an attempt to find a solution to this problem.
Emerging technologies like the Internet of Things and smart cities are currently the recipients of a significant amount of investment capital.
In addition, active promotion is being given to the development of collaboration between businesses and academic institutions, as well as the promotion of new firms and the provision of help for new businesses.
Business Culture in Taiwan
The ideals and practices of Confucianism continue to exert a significant amount of weight on Taiwan’s traditional business culture.
The ability to have a thorough understanding of the principles of guanxi as well as the concept of ‘ saving face’ can significantly ease business relationships with Taiwanese counterparts.
The idea of having strong personal connections is what is meant by the phrase “guanxi.”
Building relationships inside Taiwan’s supply chain requires the cultivation of trust and the nurturing of reciprocal commitments in order for those relationships to be established.
Creating a strong relationship with Taiwanese business partners is an undertaking that is worth pursuing since establishing guanxi makes it easier to take advantage of opportunities and helps reduce the impact of problems.
The idea of “face” refers to the sense of dignity and reputation that one possesses as a person. The Taiwanese place a great premium on the need to maintain one’s dignity and avoid embarrassment.
A person’s social position can be improved through the use of compliments, which is an example of the idea known as “giving face.”
Individuals may choose not to explicitly address an error that was made by another person in Taiwanese society. This is done in order to avoid the possibility of suffering a loss in social status or reputation.
All right.
In Taiwan, the usual method of greeting people of varying ethnic origins is to extend one’s hand and shake it. This practice is widespread.
When meeting a new person for the first time, some people from Taiwan will show respect by bending their heads slightly or dropping their eyes somewhat as a sign of reverence. This is done to show that they value the new relationship.
To properly address a person, you should use their proper title or honorific, followed by their surname unless you have been given explicit permission to vary from this norm. If you do not have such permission, you should adhere to this tradition.
Within the framework of Taiwanese culture, it is essential to appreciate the tremendous deference that is accorded to seniority and authority.
It is proper etiquette to send greetings to individuals who are of greater significance than others initially.
Mandarin and Taiwanese Hokkien are the two principal languages spoken and written in Taiwan. It is more likely to come across people who speak English in urban areas, particularly in Taipei, which is the nation’s capital city.
It is possible that the services of a translation will need to be utilized. Although a significant number of people in Taiwan have what could be considered a fair degree of ability in written English, there is a significant gap between their levels of competency in hearing and speaking the language.
One should not make the assumption that all statements made in the English language will be fully comprehended. It is not unheard of for people from Taiwan to pretend to understand something as a sign of respect.
It is best to anticipate that people in Taiwan will communicate with you in a manner that is indirect. People may decide not to voice their differing thoughts in certain circumstances and instead opt for quiet as a form of protest instead of speaking up.
Business Cards
Small and portable cards that include information about an individual or a firm can be referred to as business cards. They enable people to share their contact information with one another.
It is recommended to have them close at hand, and the format that is most convenient for accessing them is one that is printed and features traditional Chinese characters on one side.
When making a presentation of a business card or accepting one, it is proper etiquette to make use of both hands as a sign of courtesy.
It is necessary to treat the topic with the utmost consideration and avoid from inscribing any text on a business card. It is also imperative to address the matter with the utmost consideration.
Meetings
When it comes to serious meetings, the efficacy of in-person meetings in Taiwan far exceeds that of phone calls or emails, particularly in terms of the former.
Even if the act of pre-arranging appointments is significant, it is best not to schedule them further in advance than two weeks at a time.
When it comes to dates that are quite a ways out in the future, there is a sense of haziness since there is a propensity in Taiwan for timetables to be subject to changes, which results in a sense of uncertainty.
During the initial part of the meeting’s agenda, non-business-related issues should each receive some time.
It is not at all unusual for meetings to go on for longer than was originally planned. In the context of Taiwan, getting through a meeting without any hiccups is accorded a higher value than arriving on time for it.
During the process of bargaining, it is recommended to show restraint and exhibit self-control because demonstrating patience may result in positive outcomes.
In response to business proposals, Taiwanese people frequently show a propensity to delay giving a firm acceptance or rejection decision in a timely manner.
Being Hosted
A significant role in Taiwanese culture is that played by cuisine. As a form of greeting, the question “Have you eaten?” is frequently asked of people.
The practice of establishing guanxi through the sharing of a meal at a nearby restaurant with a Taiwanese business friend of yours is one strategy that has the potential to be viewed as a positive approach.
In Taiwan, it is culturally expected of business professionals to observe a tradition in which the bill is not split among the attendees of a social gathering.
As a consequence of this, individuals should prepare themselves to take on the responsibility of either providing lunch for the entire group or humbly accepting the role of a guest at the meal.
Gift Giving
The practice of sending gifts is a social custom that includes the trading of material goods between different people. It is a phenomenon that is frequently seen in
When giving or receiving gifts, people in Taiwan typically perform a gesture that involves the use of both hands, which is analogous to the popular practice of exchanging business cards.
It is good etiquette to politely deny a present at first before ultimately accepting it as a token of appreciation.
It is considered rude to open presents in front of the person who gave them in Taiwanese society. Instead, it is a more common practice to do so in private.
It is essential, when choosing a present, to take into consideration the traditional symbolic meanings that are associated with Taiwanese culture.
It is important to note, for example, that giving someone a knife as a gift may indicate that you intend to sever the relationship, but giving someone a clock is typically associated with the idea of passing away.
It is commonly believed that fortunate events are symbolized by the hues red, pink, and yellow.
Why You Should Be Working in Taiwan as an Expat
Language
There are roughly 23.3 million people living in Taiwan who are native speakers of Han Chinese, which is more often known as Mandarin.
Even though English is not the native language of most people in Taiwan, it is interesting to note that inhabitants, particularly younger people living in Taipei, have a certain level of proficiency in English and have a strong readiness to aid persons in developing Mandarin language skills.
This is something that is worth highlighting despite the fact that English is not the primary language of most people in Taiwan.
One of the most persuasive arguments in favour of seeking a job in Taiwan is the possibility of improving one’s skill in Mandarin, which has the distinction of being the language that is spoken by most people all over the world; there is an astounding total of more than 1.2 billion people who speak Mandarin.
Employment
Taiwan portrays itself as an outstanding nation in which to search for new work prospects.
A sizeable share of businesses spanning a variety of business sectors are owned by international corporations that have their roots in other nations.
As a direct consequence of this, there are currently a significant number of job openings that are geared specifically toward the recruitment of engineers and technicians.
Because Taiwan’s unemployment rate is so low—just 3.6%—the country is able to provide a diverse range of job opportunities to people with a wide range of degrees of education and experience.
Economy
The island nation of Taiwan, which can be found in Asia, is now ranked as having the seventh-largest economy in the area.
When compared to the average cost of living in Taiwan, the salary packages that are offered to everyone working in Taiwan as an expat are quite generous, which is an important fact to keep in mind in the context of the situation described above.
This includes necessary outlays such as those for housing, transportation, and food, and it gives people the opportunity to build sizable financial reserves while also participating in a lifestyle that is rich in exhilarating adventures.
Culture
People who are interested in finding employment possibilities in Taiwan have a compelling reason to do so: Taiwan possesses a culture that is rich in variety and holds a lot of appeal.
Taiwan, which is an island that is located in the heart of the mountainous region of East Asia, displays a complex tapestry of cultural influences that originate from Japan, Korea, and Mainland China.
These influences have contributed to Taiwan’s unique cultural tapestry. Taiwan’s attractiveness as a location for business and leisure travel is due in large part to the unique cultural fusions that have developed there.
Exploring Taiwan’s hilly landscape and participating in daring outdoor activities across the entire island, like as hiking and cycling, gives visitors the chance to enhance their understanding of the world as a whole.
Taiwan is a prime location for those who want to take advantage of this opportunity.
In Taiwan, the night markets serve as bustling hubs that present a varied assortment of street food items from a variety of cuisines.
These markets are perfect for people who have a strong passion for culinary perfection.
Landscapes
On a worldwide scale, Taiwan is home to an abundance of landscapes that are notably picturesque in distinctive ways.
The country is home to an island that is frequently referred to as “Ilha Formosa,” which is a name borrowed from the Portuguese language that means “Beautiful Island,” and it is strongly suggested that you go there and explore it.
In addition to being distinguished by its hilly scenery, Taiwan is well-known for its historical temples and national parks that can be found throughout the island.
If you are looking for a place to get away from it all and develop a closer relationship with the natural world, Taiwan is a wonderful option that is often ignored as a holiday destination.
High Level of Safety
Taiwan is largely recognized as a safe place for inhabitants as well as visitors, especially anyone working in Taiwan as an expat, and as a result, it has gained the distinction of being ranked as the second safest nation in the world.
Taiwan’s remarkable levels of safety and security, which are only surpassed by Iceland’s, make it a very desired and congenial work environment.
This is one of the primary motivators to pursue employment in Taiwan, as it is one of the few countries in the world to do so.
Friendly People
Although Taiwan is famed for its laid-back lifestyle, the urban regions, particularly Taipei, reflect a constant state of activity.
This is especially true of the capital city. It is well known that the people of Taiwan have a kind attitude toward visitors from other countries as well as everyone working in Taiwan as an expat and offer a friendly greeting to those persons who are eager to lend a helping hand to others.
Discover the city of Taipei and go on an adventure to discover its many attractions using cost-effective transportation alternatives that make it easier to move inside the city and between the city and its surroundings.
Final Thoughts
Working in Taiwan as an expat presents a wide array of opportunities.
Taiwan’s economy, despite encountering intermittent obstacles stemming from its dependence on global trade, continues to provide prospects, particularly within the high-tech industry, which serves as a fundamental pillar of its achievements.
The scientific parks in Taiwan serve as a crucial catalyst for fostering innovation and stimulating economic development, rendering the country an appealing hub for experts across diverse disciplines.
Furthermore, the nation’s distinctive amalgamation of cultures, breathtaking natural scenery, high level of security, and amicable populace render it an alluring destination for both residency and employment.
Taiwan presents a plethora of chances and adventures for expats in search of enriching experiences, be it enhancing Mandarin language proficiency or immersing oneself in a lively cultural milieu.
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