- The AI+ Taiwan initiative by Microsoft closely aligns with the government’s “Taiwan+AI” vision, according to Premier Cho Jung-tai.
- “The global perception of Taiwan has significantly evolved over the past two decades,” stated Lin Hsin-i.
TAIPEI, Taiwan – Premier Cho Jung-tai announced last Thursday that Taiwan is dedicated to transforming itself into a smart technology hub, fostering a public-private cooperation model to enhance its standing in the global arena. This declaration was made during the inauguration of Microsoft’s 365 data center, which coincides with the launch of the AI+ Taiwan initiative in Taipei City.
“Celebrating 35 years of collaboration with Microsoft, this center signifies a pivotal moment in the global tech landscape,” said Premier Jung-tai. “It will propel Taiwan’s integration into various sectors, facilitating global connections and enhancing international industries. Taiwan is pivotal in hardware manufacturing and boasts substantial software design capabilities.”
The Premier highlighted that artificial intelligence and semiconductors are key focuses within the five trusted industry sectors proposed by President Lai Ching-te. The Microsoft AI+ Taiwan initiative aligns seamlessly with the government’s “Taiwan+AI” strategy.
Moreover, Premier Jung-tai announced ongoing governmental efforts to develop a skilled digital workforce, strengthen data security, and maintain a reliable industrial power supply, all aimed at realizing Taiwan’s smart hub ambition. This effort includes comprehensive support plans for Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs).
“Taiwan’s impressive economic progress and robust industrial ecosystem are bolstered by its 1.63 million MSMEs spanning diverse industries. The government is committed to advancing high-tech sectors and will support MSMEs to strengthen and expand their reach into international markets,” he stated.
Starting in 2025, the government plans to allocate NT$11.6 billion (approximately US$360.5 million) to aid MSMEs in their transition to digital processes and net-zero emissions, alongside support for both domestic and international market development. This initiative will include loan and tax benefits, as well as measures like credit guarantees and the establishment of a one-stop service portal for MSMEs.
He emphasized that effective and secure cloud services are essential for safeguarding information security, asserting that the government will continually enhance online information services while mandating telecom operators to deliver high-quality network services. Additionally, he noted the government’s commitment to promoting green energy and improving energy efficiency to enhance grid resilience, thus offering domestic industries further opportunities for international collaboration.
In a related development, former Vice Premier Lin Hsin-i, representing President Lai Ching-te at the APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Peru, highlighted Taiwan’s vital role in global supply chains, particularly within the high-tech and semiconductor realms. He also discussed the 2023 food safety roadmap, Taiwan’s advancements in telemedicine for disease prevention, AI health projects, and semiconductor achievements.
Lin, who previously served as vice premier from 2002 to 2004, currently holds a senior advisory role and chairs Taiwania Capital Management Corp. His discussions in Peru included Taiwan’s bid to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and its growing engagement with international organizations, like the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization.
Taiwan’s global reputation has been strengthened through its consistent efforts and contributions to international organizations.
“The significance the world places on Taiwan today is drastically different from 20 years ago,” Lin Hsin-i concluded.
