TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) delivered a video address on Sunday at the 46th Annual Meeting of the North American Taiwanese Professors’ Association, focusing on the event theme “AI, Technology, Taiwan,” per a press release.
Founded in 1980, in the aftermath of the Kaohsiung Incident, also known as the Formosa Magazine incident, the association opposed the KMT government's crackdown on pro-democracy activists. Academics abroad united to support the country’s democratic development and pledged their expertise and skills to build a more prosperous Taiwan, per NATPA.
In his remarks, Lai expressed his gratitude to the association and said the leadership and dedication of its members had made significant contributions to Taiwan while demonstrating Taiwanese determination to engage with the world.
He detailed the “Ten New AI Initiatives,” which aim to integrate AI into industries and daily life to boost innovation and productivity. He said goals include cultivating at least 500,000 AI professionals and assisting at least one million small and medium-sized enterprises with their digital and smart transformation by 2040.
Lai said attendees are pioneers in US academia, and their insights and support are vital as Taiwan confronts the challenges and opportunities arising from shifting international circumstances and rapid technological change. He expressed hope that the annual meeting would generate recommendations for Taiwan’s development of smart cities, democratic systems, and healthcare, per the press release.
He thanked overseas Taiwanese for maintaining close ties with the country, serving as an important source of support for the nation’s continued development. “No matter how great the challenges ahead, we are confident that we can safeguard Taiwan’s democracy, freedom, and prosperity,” said Lai
Lai concluded by calling for continued cooperation among Taiwanese communities worldwide and wishing the annual meeting success.
