ASE Technology brought 18 of its core suppliers to Pingtung to scout factory land, a strong signal that Taiwan's chip packaging industry is expanding into the island's south.

• ASE and 18 supplier firms toured two industrial parks in Pingtung, looking at roads, utilities and available land.
• Pingtung's pitch is simple: reliable water and power, flat ready-to-build land, and more parks on the way.
• ASE says water and power are already in place, which matters because the company needs new plants fast.
• TSMC and Nanya Tech have already committed to the Pingtung science park, and the high-speed rail extension is now settled.
• The county is setting up a dedicated economic development office next year to speed up permits for incoming firms.

Outlook: ASE is still planning and says it will announce if a deal comes together, so Pingtung looks like the next cluster for Taiwan's chip supply chain.