Enthusiastic Crowds Greet Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang in Taipei
Everywhere Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang goes in Taiwan, adoring fans and eager reporters follow. From book signings to handing out autographs on baseballs, his presence generates immense excitement. Huang, originally from Tainan, Taiwan, moved to the United States at the age of nine. This week, he returned to Taipei for the Computex trade show and has been closely followed since his private jet landed on Friday.
On Saturday night, a crowd gathered outside a Taipei restaurant where Huang hosted a dinner for key tech executives, including leaders from chipmaker TSMC. One fan shouted, “Jensen I love you!” as others stretched out their arms for photos and signatures.
Speaking to Reuters, Huang said, “I love coming to Taiwan and love seeing everybody here and I appreciate their support. Everybody’s very, very kind.”
‘Jensanity’ Captures Taiwan’s Media Spotlight
The term “Jensanity” was coined by Taiwanese media last year to describe the intense public admiration for Huang. This year, Nvidia embraced the term by opening a pop-up store in Taipei selling merchandise featuring Huang’s image, including playing cards and t-shirts.
While Huang often goes unnoticed at tech events in the US, in Taiwan he is a household name. His fame even poses challenges for his bodyguards, who must navigate the dense crowds of media and fans. One guard was heard telling reporters, “He’s not saying anything important,” as Huang handed out fried ice cream to fans.
University student Hsu Han-yun, who received an autograph from Huang, said, “He has encouraged Taiwanese young people like myself. I believe what he is doing is something we should learn from.”
High-Profile Appearances and Official Reactions
After his dinner with tech leaders, Huang attended the opening ceremony of the World Masters Games. He was honoured alongside Olympic gold medallist Lin Yu-ting and famed Taiwanese actress and director Sylvia Chang.
Huang’s presence even sparked political debate. Critics claimed Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim only decided to attend the ceremony to gain attention from Huang’s appearance. However, her office clarified she was unaware of his attendance and that security had already assessed the venue a month earlier.
Adding to the media frenzy, Taiwan’s transport ministry issued a statement correcting reports on the parking cost of Huang’s private jet at Taipei’s Songshan Airport. The ministry said the correct fee for a six-day stay was T$95,562 ($3,167), not the previously reported T$60,000. The aircraft, operated by VistaJet, departed Taipei for Honolulu on Saturday, according to flight tracking data.
Huang’s visit highlights both his deep ties to Taiwan and the global recognition he enjoys in the tech world—recognition that has found a particularly passionate audience in his country of birth.
with inputs from Reuters