- TAIWANTODAY.TW - Top News - 01/Jan 00:00

NSTC unveils AI-centered development plan

Premier Cho Jung-tai said Jan. 2 that the plan proposed by the Cabinet-level National Science and Technology Council to capitalize on strengths across high-tech fields will facilitate the country’s entry into the era of artificial intelligence applications.   Cho’s remarks came after a briefing on the plan by the NSTC at the Executive Yuan. According to the council, the plan will continue to build on southern Taiwan’s expertise in semiconductors, biotechnology, medical devices, green energy and precision machinery, while also expanding into sectors such as drones, as well as the space industry and smart agriculture.   The main focus of the plan is Tainan’s Shalun Green Energy Science City, but it will also extend outward to surrounding semiconductor clusters, linking science parks and technology industrial parks in Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung and Pingtung, the NSTC said. The council added that the plan will upgrade the country’s R&D capabilities for AI technology to drive digital and net-zero transformation across all sectors.   The plan is further expected to expand the country’s overall computing power and attract cross-field and international talent, the NSTC said. Cooperation between public and private sectors will create an R&D environment with massive storage capacities to promote AI technology innovations, the council noted, adding that the plan also aims to spread AI talent training and popularize AI applications for small- and medium-sized enterprises.   Under the plan, certain government ministries and agencies are required to come up with complementary measures, including offering support such as utilities, medical care, transportation and cultural institutions, Cho said. The premier concluded by urging the NSTC and relevant authorities to gradually implement the plan to achieve the goal of shaping a balanced, resilient and healthy Taiwan. (YCH-E)   Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw