TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei’s education department has expanded its use of artificial intelligence to cut administrative work and allow teachers to focus more on students.

The department said Wednesday that it has used AI in daily administrative work since last year to sort meeting feedback, extract key points, draft minutes, plan, and make presentations. Tasks that once took half a day or more can now be completed in about 30 minutes while maintaining quality.

New Taipei Education Director Chang Ming-wen (張明文) said AI tools are also being used to analyze large amounts of data to support decision-making. Chang said routine administrative work has dropped by more than 80%, freeing up staff and teachers to focus on policy planning and new ideas.

CNA and Liberty Times reported Wednesday that the department has rolled out hands-on classes, newcomer training, and short podcast lessons to build AI skills. It has also set up about 650 AI chatbots to support internal and external administrative work and consultations.

The department added that 90 education workers and school leaders took a national entry-level AI application planning exam in 2025, and 54 passed. The 60% pass rate was higher than the national average of 38% and ranked first among government agencies.

Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) praised the department for using new tech to support education policy. He also warned that AI ethics and data governance must be taken seriously so students learn responsibility and values and AI does not become a tool for scams or crime.