President Lai Ching-te said Jan. 3 that he is committed to building Taiwan into an artificial intelligence hub and achieving a balanced, resilient and healthy society.
Lai made the remarks while attending the launch of a plan proposed by the Cabinet-level National Science and Technology Council to foster a new Silicon Valley in southern Taiwan, as well as an investment promotion for AI innovation, at Shalun Green Energy Science City in Tainan City.
According to the president, though the plan primarily focuses on Shalun, it will also extend to surrounding semiconductor clusters, linking science parks and technology industry parks in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung. The plan aims to develop the country’s AI and system integration R&D capabilities while increasing uptake of AI technology across all sectors, he said.
Equally important to attaining a balanced Taiwan are the Executive Yuan’s six major regional flagship projects, Lai noted. He added that the projects will allocate over NT$1 trillion (US$30.4 billion) to the development of AI technology, expansion of transportation and upgrades to living environments.
As for forging a resilient Taiwan, the country will work with other democracies to secure the global democratic supply chain, the president said, adding that Taiwan’s key role will also make its domestic economy more resilient. He went on to praise the country’s outstanding biotechnology and medical care while pledging to improve people’s wellness and longevity to achieve a healthy society.
Lai concluded by saying that Taiwan must leverage its robust semiconductor industry and the accomplishments of its academic, public and private sectors to make the country safer and more prosperous. The government will also continue to stand alongside other democracies to safeguard regional peace, he added. (YCH-E)
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