TSMC AI surge: Taiwan Semiconductor reported June sales of NT$442.68 billion, up 67.9% year-on-year and 6.2% from May, lifting Q2 revenue to NT$1.27 trillion (+36% YoY) as investors brace for Thursday’s investor conference on capex and advanced process progress. Chip supply chain buildout: TSMC also plans more advanced packaging capacity in Chiayi Science Park, with Phase II adding three facilities after Phase I began mass production in June—aimed at easing the AI bottleneck in advanced packaging. Capex spotlight: An economist says TSMC’s accumulated capex could top US$150 billion over the next three years, with 2nm and 3nm production expanding overseas. Local governance & food safety: Premier Cho ordered Central Union tainted-oil testing and food-regulation amendments to be finished within a week, while Taichung identified two more contaminated batches and hundreds of downstream businesses for removal. Security policy debate: Taiwan’s defense ministry launched a pilot to outsource routine guard duties at military academies, a move meant to free troops for combat but raising concerns about contractor access amid rising espionage worries. Market mood: Taiwan’s TAIEX closed nearly flat as profit-taking hit semiconductors and electronics, even as TSMC’s strong monthly numbers kept sentiment supported. Global risk backdrop: Oil prices jumped after renewed US-Iran strikes, adding pressure to already jittery regional markets.