The government is maintaining Taiwan’s leading position in the global information and communications technology industry via policies prioritizing promotion of the local smart technology sector, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said June 5.
 
Smart technology presents an array of exciting solutions to challenges spanning energy supply, manufacturing process management and transportation, Chen said. By boosting interdisciplinary collaboration in such areas, the government will keep up the pace of local industrial upgrades and attract more business opportunities and investment, he added.
 
Chen made the comments while delivering an opening address at Computex Taipei—the largest ICT trade show in Asia. Running through June 9, the event brings together 1,602 exhibitors from 30 countries and territories to showcase digital products and solutions at Taipei World Trade Center, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center and Taipei International Convention Center.
 
According to the vice president, Computex’s theme of building global technology ecosystems is in line with the government’s goal of assisting Taiwan firms forge fresh fields in potential-laden areas like artificial intelligence, blockchain, fifth-generation telecommunication technology, gaming, Internet of Things and virtual reality. The government will leave no stone unturned in ensuring Taiwan remains at the forefront of such promising technology trends, he said.
 
As part of this commitment, Chen said, the government welcomes investment from abroad and encourages tie-ups with local outfits using frameworks such as the Asian Silicon Valley Development Plan. Launched in 2016, the plan has two primary objectives: promoting innovation and R&D for devices and Internet of Things applications and upgrading Taiwan’s startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem.
 
The plan is part of the government’s five-plus-two innovative industries initiative, which covers the biotech and pharmaceuticals, green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things sectors, as well as the circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development.
 
Going forward, Chen said the government is preparing to spend NT$16 billion (US$537.8 million) in beefing up Taiwan’s AI industry over the next five years. This is expected to give Taiwan a strong foothold in one of the most important sectors of the 21st century, he added. (CPY-E)