Taipei, Taiwan – Jensen Huang, CEO of global technology leader NVIDIA Corporation, announced that the company’s new overseas headquarters will be established in the Beitou Shilin Technology Park in Taipei, Taiwan.
Since Taiwan’s industrial transformation in the 1980s, through the joint efforts of both the government and the people, the island has evolved into a major global hub for technology and innovation. From upstream chip design, wafer fabrication, and packaging, to midstream power management, optics, and graphics technologies, and downstream sectors including personal computers, servers, and internet services. After 40 years of struggle, Taiwan has successfully built a comprehensive and resilient technology industry chain.
Located in the heart of Taipei, Beitou Shilin Technology Park benefits from a concentration of talent, excellent infrastructure, and convenient urban living. The park is within one hour of both the airport and the port. Given Taiwan’s private land ownership system, the park adopts a 50-year surface rights lease model to help companies reduce investment costs by avoiding direct land purchases.
NVIDIA’s Decision and Background
As the global leader in AI technology, NVIDIA’s choice of Beitou Shilin Technology Park is indeed an ideal decision. The company selected lots T17 and T18, totaling 3.89 hectares, and in May 2025 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the land rights holder, Shin Kong Life Insurance Co., Ltd.
In July 2025, Shin Kong Financial Holding Co., Ltd., the parent company of Shin Kong Life, merged with Taishin Financial Holding Co., Ltd., forming TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd., which became the main controller of the T17 and T18 sites.
In September, certain media outlets, lawyers, and online commentators began criticizing the government, alleging that its refusal to amend the 50-year land lease could hinder NVIDIA’s investment project. Later that month, they further claimed that if the Taipei City Government were to terminate the lease with Shin Kong Life and transfer the land to NVIDIA, it would have to compensate Shin Kong Life with US$467 million, including deposits and contract termination fees.
This revelation triggered public outrage in Taiwan. Many questioned Shin Kong Life’s motives, as the company had not begun construction for more than three years since obtaining the land in 2021, raising suspicions of land speculation. Although TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd. denied involvement, Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan publicly confirmed on October 9 that Shin Kong Life had raised the matter verbally but submitted no official documentation.
Under the contract, if construction on T17 and T18 is not completed and occupancy permits are not obtained by February 14, 2027, Shin Kong Life would be in violation of the agreement.
Contractual and Legal Framework
The central issue concerns the surface rights of the land intended for NVIDIA’s headquarters, currently controlled by Shin Kong Life. The company seeks to directly transfer its contract to NVIDIA. However, the Taipei City Government, citing legal provisions, can only permit:
- Shin Kong Life to complete construction first and then transfer the rights; or
- Both parties to mutually terminate the contract, after which the city may assign the surface rights directly to NVIDIA.
In October 2025, the Taipei City Government proposed a mutual termination plan, offering to refund US$130 million — covering deposits, premiums, interest, and other related fees — if Shin Kong Life agreed.
Key Clauses of the T17–T18 Contract
- Clause 3.3.2— “Shin Kong Life shall be the sole initiator of all constructions under this project, and this shall not be altered.”
- Clause 4.4.1— Transfer of surface rights to a third party requires completion, registration, and Taipei City Government’s approval.
- Clause 4.5.1— Shin Kong Life may not lease or permit use of the land to any third party.
- Clause 9.1.1— “Either party may terminate this contract by mutual consent during its term.”
These clauses clearly empower the Taipei City Government to lawfully terminate the contract.
The MOU between NVIDIA and Shin Kong Life also expired on September 30, 2025.
In early October 2025, all members of the Taipei City Council, across party lines, unanimously expressed support for the city government’s legal approach, rejecting undue pressure from greedy financial conglomerates.
On October 7, Minister of the Interior Liu Shih-fang confirmed that, in accordance with the Land Expropriation Act, the process could be completed with City Council consent and Executive Yuan approval.
On October 8, President Lai Ching-te instructed that the central government will fully assist the Taipei City Government in resolving any obstacles to NVIDIA’s investment.
By October 12, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Taipei City Government jointly announced that alternative sites, fully meeting NVIDIA’s requirements, were ready for immediate allocation pending company approval.
On October 13, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an publicly called on TS Financial Holding Co., Ltd. to respond to the mutual termination proposal by October 24.
Taiwan’s Commitment to Fair and Transparent Investment
When multinational corporations invest abroad, various challenges may arise. This case demonstrates one key principle:
Foreign investors in Taiwan are supported by both the government and the people.
NVIDIA Corporation’s decision to establish its overseas headquarters in Taiwan represents a wise and forward-looking investment. With the strong support of the integrated technology ecosystem, this move will bring significant returns to NVIDIA’s global shareholders.
Taiwan Lily Justice Association
Chairman: Hsu Shao-chan
Date: October 16, 2025
https://www.facebook.com/TaiwanLilyJusticeAssociation/posts/1202113745287644
