Articles by Lai Oi Lai

[Big read] Satire, deepfakes and virtual voters: AI enters Taiwan’s election race

AI has made its way into Taiwan’s local elections with AI-generated satire videos and virtual party spokespersons. Lianhe Zaobao Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai examines whether AI can sway voters and how Taiwan can manage AI risks without curbing free speech.

Lai Oi Lai

29 Oct 2026

Taiwan’s local elections: Can DPP disrupt KMT’s Taipei stronghold?

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)’s Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen’s grassroots surge is shaking up Taiwan’s local elections. Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai looks at whether the DPP can translate this momentum into actual gains at the ballot box.

Lai Oi Lai

19 Oct 2026

Double Tenth speech: A softer Lai, but no thaw across the Taiwan Strait

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s Double Tenth Day address prioritised economic relief over cross-strait policy. Academics told Lianhe Zaobao’s Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai that the speech is a cautious move to calm tensions with Beijing and win domestic voters.

Lai Oi Lai

12 Oct 2026

Why Luckin Coffee struggles to cross the Taiwan Strait

Mainland Chinese brand Luckin Coffee’s attempted entry into Taiwan has become entangled in questions over mainland investment, its proposed local agency arrangement and even national security. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lai Oi Lai finds out more.

Lai Oi Lai

21 Sep 2026

Powerless in the classroom: Why Taiwanese teachers are quitting

Schools are struggling to fill vacancies even as tens of thousands of qualified teachers remain outside the profession. Competition from the technology sector, mounting workplace pressures and fears of parental complaints are making teaching an increasingly difficult career to sell, notes Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lai Oi Lai.

Lai Oi Lai

14 Sep 2026

[Video] Unapologetic and undeterred: Cheng Li-wun’s fight to remake the KMT

In an exclusive interview, KMT chair Cheng Li-wun lays out her vision for easing cross-strait tensions and reshaping Taiwan’s largest opposition party. Unfazed by criticism and determined to speak her mind, she is taking on entrenched party interests while walking a precarious line between Beijing and Washington. Lianhe Zaobao journalist Chuang Hui Liang and Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai find out.

Chuang Hui Liang, Lai Oi Lai

04 Sep 2026

Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te sends his first minister to APEC China: A thaw?

Taiwan’s labour minister will attend an APEC meeting in Nanjing this month, but the trip reflects a pragmatic approach to cross-strait engagement, not a breakthrough in ties. Lianhe Zaobao Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai speaks with academics to find out.

Lai Oi Lai

03 Sep 2026

Taiwan wants more foreigners: Is it ready?

A super-aged society forced Taiwan to overhaul its immigration policies and recruit global labour. Lianhe Zaobao Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai asks: is the island truly ready to open up?

Lai Oi Lai

16 Jul 2026

[Big read] One Taiwan, two speeds: The winners and losers of the AI boom

Taiwan’s AI boom is driving record growth and stock market highs, but beneath the prosperity, widening inequality and geopolitical risks threaten its long-term advantage. Lianhe Zaobao Taipei correspondent Lai Oi Lai speaks with experts and people on the ground to find out.

Lai Oi Lai

15 Jul 2026

[Big read] Too ‘cool’ to resist: China’s soft power captivates Taiwan’s youth

From TikTok trends to Chinese apps and pop culture, Beijing’s soft power is gaining traction among young Taiwanese, raising fresh questions over identity, influence and cross-strait competition. Lianhe Zaobao correspondent Lai Oi Lai and journalist Zhang Guanghui find out more.

Lai Oi Lai, Zhang Guanghui

01 Jul 2026

[Big read] Singapore’s wealthy elites are transforming the philanthropy landscape

Although Asia is the world’s second-largest source of ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs), donations by Asia’s UHNWIs only account for 13% of the global share. This may be about to change, with the rise of family offices being set up in Singapore, and new modes of gifting that make it easier for donations of the wealthy to reach those in need here and in the region.

Lai Oi Lai

06 May 2024

[Big read] Global fight for lithium battery raw materials heats up

Amid the global electric vehicle (EV) race, European countries and the US are doubling down on their efforts and investment towards building an even more localised vertically integrated battery supply chain. This comes amid China dominance over the global lithium-ion battery supply chain. As the race for raw materials continues, Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and Singapore can play an increasingly significant role. Lianhe Zaobao business correspondent Lai Oi Lai speaks with experts and business insiders to find out more.

Lai Oi Lai

12 Dec 2023