By that point, the two reservoirs supplying Hsinchu had between one-third and one-quarter of their capacity.

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However, like Bangalore, Hsinchu has yet to prove that it can come up with ideas of its own.

ECONOMIST: Silicon Valley

Many are based at a science park near the city of Hsinchu, about 100km (62 miles) north of the epicentre.

ECONOMIST: Taiwan’s disaster from below | The

Hsinchu houses a thriving network of small firms employing some 50, 000 people.

ECONOMIST: Silicon Valley

But a spokesman for the Hsinchu-based company said employees had returned to work and that the quake had a "minimal impact" on production.

WSJ: Earthquake Hits Central Taiwan, Kills One

The Hsinchu-based company said it has an emergency mechanism that automatically does so when an earthquake of magnitude 4 or greater is detected.

WSJ: Earthquake Hits Central Taiwan

In addition, to meet strong customer demand as we build Fab 15, TSMC will continue to expand capacity at Fab 12 in Hsinchu and Fab 14 in Tainan.

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An economic slowdown earlier this year forced Hsinchu companies to place about 100, 000 workers on unpaid leave, but representatives said the majority of those employees have since returned to work.

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Traffic at Hsinchu seems to support that plan.

FORBES: Asia Tech