A strong earthquake that shook Kumamoto Prefecture in southwestern Japan exposed difficulties in responding to the urgent needs of foreigners working and living near the plant of TSMC, the world's leading contract chipmaker. The event has prompted the town government where the plant is located to quickly roll out new support programs for the expatriate community.
According to local authorities, after the earthquake, many foreign workers and engineers at the TSMC plant faced challenges accessing information, shelters, and medical services due to language barriers and differences in disaster response procedures compared with locals.
Recognizing the issue, the town is planning to strengthen dedicated support services for foreigners, including providing bilingual guidance materials, training emergency support staff, and establishing specialized communication channels. These measures aim to ensure that foreign residents, whose numbers have surged rapidly due to TSMC's presence, are safe and well-supported during natural disasters.
The earthquake occurred as Kumamoto increasingly becomes a key semiconductor industry hub in Japan. TSMC's investment has attracted international investment and talent to the region, while also creating new demands for social infrastructure, particularly in emergency support.
The town government said it will work closely with businesses and Kumamoto Prefecture authorities to review and refine response plans, aiming to build a safer and more accommodating living environment for all residents, regardless of nationality.
