The Dublin School of Mandarin Chinese (DSMC) marked its sixth consecutive participation in Ireland’s Culture Night on 18 September 2026 with a special screening of the acclaimed Taiwanese documentary A Chip Odyssey《造山者－世紀的賭注》 at Savoy Cinema Dublin.

Organised by DSMC in collaboration with the Taipei Representative Office (TRO) in Ireland and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), with generous support from the Overseas Community Affairs Council (OCAC) and the Taiwan Ireland Association, the screening continued DSMC’s long-standing commitment to introducing Taiwan to local audiences through language, film, and cultural exchange.

Directed by two-time Golden Horse Award-winning filmmaker Hsiao Chu-Chen, A Chip Odyssey is the culmination of five years of research and filmmaking. The documentary traces Taiwan’s remarkable transformation into a global semiconductor leader, revealing the human stories, bold decisions, and decades of dedication behind one of the world’s most important technology industries.

The evening brought together a distinguished audience, including Senators Garret Ahearn, Joe Conway, Gerard Craughwell, and Diarmuid Wilson; former Senator Gerry Horkan; diplomatic representatives from the US and Lithuanian Embassies; and members of Engineers Ireland.

Before the screening, guests enjoyed a warm reception featuring authentic Taiwanese food, wine, and Kavalan whiskey. The reception provided a wonderful opportunity for guests from different backgrounds to mingle, exchange ideas, and connect over a shared appreciation of Taiwanese culture. The lively atmosphere was filled with friendly conversations as attendees sampled Taiwanese delicacies, caught up with old friends, and made new connections. The gathering also offered an opportunity to strengthen friendships and foster cultural exchange between Taiwan and Ireland.

The evening was expertly hosted by Patrick Hu of the Taiwan Ireland Association, who warmly welcomed guests and introduced distinguished attendees before inviting H.E. Ambassador Daniel Tang of the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland to deliver the opening address.

Ambassador Tang highlighted Taiwan’s vital role in the global technology ecosystem, noting that Taiwan produces approximately 60% of the world’s semiconductors and nearly 90% of the most advanced chips, making it an essential partner in democratic global supply chains.

Reflecting on the industry’s origins, Ambassador Tang recalled how, half a century ago, former Minister of Economic Affairs Sun Yun-suan and a small group of visionary officials met over breakfast at the historic Xiao Xin Xin Soy Milk Shop—a meeting where the pivotal decision was made for Taiwan to develop its semiconductor sector.

Ambassador Tang praised Director Hsiao for capturing not only this historic turning point but also the remarkable human stories behind Taiwan’s semiconductor achievements. Through the experiences of pioneering engineers, scientists, policymakers, and industry workers, the film revealed how generations of dedication, innovation, and determination transformed Taiwan into an indispensable part of the global technology supply chain. He highlighted the contributions of the many unsung heroes whose efforts helped shape the industry and Taiwan’s future.

“Taiwan and Ireland have both experienced painful chapters in their histories,” Ambassador Tang observed. “Yet the people of Taiwan have continued to work hard, move forward, and build a better future.”

Referring to the Taiwan Culture in Europe 2026 initiative, Ambassador Tang noted that the Culture Night screening provided a fitting conclusion to the year’s cultural programming, before closing his remarks by wishing all attendees a happy Mid-Autumn Festival.

Each year, DSMC brings a distinct film to Dublin to open a new window onto Taiwanese culture and society. This year’s event offered local audiences a powerful contemporary chapter in that story.

The film was warmly received by the audience, with attendees responding enthusiastically to its compelling blend of history, technology, and human stories. The evening concluded on a positive note, reflecting the spirit of cultural exchange and the growing connections between the Taiwanese and Irish communities.