TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Tuesday that Taiwan must use AI to transform industries and society rather than rely only on its role as a global AI infrastructure provider.
Speaking at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research’s 50th anniversary forum, Lai said Taiwan has benefited economically from rising AI demand, per CNA. However, he said growth cannot rely solely on hardware advantages.
Lai cited government data showing Taiwan’s economy grew 8.76% last year and is forecast to expand 9.64% this year, while Academia Sinica’s Institute of Economics recently projected growth could exceed 10%. He compared AI’s impact to the steam engine’s role in the Industrial Revolution, saying Taiwan must use AI to sustain momentum.
Lai said the government has proposed 10 Major AI Infrastructure Projects covering computing centers, sovereign AI data applications, and talent development. The plan also focuses on silicon photonics, quantum computing, and robotics, including unmanned aerial vehicles and unmanned vessels.
Lai said the government aims to use AI and emerging technologies to help at least 1 million small and medium-sized enterprises complete digital transformation. He added that AI development should benefit both high-tech industries and traditional businesses.
Lai said related budgets have not yet received approval in the Legislative Yuan because the ruling party does not hold a majority. He said passing the budgets would help businesses upgrade operations and improve competitiveness.
