Vice President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cultivating local talent and upgrading Taiwan’s industries July 28, vowing to equip society with the digital skills necessary to thrive on the global stage.
The vice president made the remarks during a Talent Circulation Alliance meeting staged by state-backed Institute for Information Industry at Kaohsiung Exhibition Center in the southern Taiwan city.
Lai expressed appreciation to American Institute in Taiwan Director Brent Christensen for the institute’s role in forming TCA, adding that the alliance is expected to boost creativity, improve women’s empowerment and bridge the development gap between urban and rural areas.
Established in April 2019, TCA is a Taiwan-U.S. partnership launched by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the National Development Council, AIT and related agencies. Through talent exchange programs, seminars and networking opportunities, the initiative seeks to encourage the free flow of human capital while creating a deep pool of digital professionals with a global outlook.
According to Lai, government efforts to shape Taiwan into a digital country are paying off. Examples include the five-plus-two innovative industries initiative launched by President Tsai Ing-wen after her inauguration in 2016, a smart nation development plan passed by the Cabinet during Lai’s term as Premier, as well as efforts by Tainan City, Kaohsiung City and Pingtung County governments in shaping local municipalities into smart cities, he added.
The government will continue upgrading industries by incorporating emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, big data analysis, blockchains, cloud computing and Internet of Things, he said, adding that special attention will be paid to the development of southern Taiwan.
A key plank in the government's national development strategy, the five-plus-two innovative industries initiative centers on the high-growth sectors of biotech, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as promoting two core concepts: the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development. (YCH-E)
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