TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Wednesday (Aug. 7) the government plans to increase the technology budget by 14.9% in 2025.

The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration (DGPA) co-organized its “AI consensus meeting” with the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) on Wednesday, per a press release. Eighty deputy ministers attended the event, featuring keynotes from academia and industry professionals.

In his speech, Cho said that under the leadership of President Lai Ching-te (賴清德), the government is promoting AI policies and discussing regulation, per CNA. The budget increase will include NT$17 billion (US$522 million) for semiconductors, NT$10 billion for AI, and NT$10 billion for space communications.

Additionally, the Cabinet’s Economic Development Commission aims to train 200,000 AI professionals over the next eight years, Cho reported.

Regarding regulations, Cho said the “AI basic law” is being discussed. The premier hopes it will become a guiding principle for AI development across agencies.

However, Cho stressed that a strong team is needed to get things done effectively. He said he hopes that after the meeting, senior officials will bring back innovative thinking and a collaborative spirit to their departments.