TAIPEI () – Taiwan is set to introduce its “Ten Major AI Infrastructure Projects” program, with the goal of creating over T$15 trillion ($510 billion) in economic impact by 2040 as it works to establish itself as a worldwide leader in artificial intelligence.
Premier Cho Jung-tai mentioned in a Facebook update late Tuesday that Taiwan plans to utilize its information and communications technology (ICT) industry and top-tier semiconductor production expertise to position itself as a global AI leader and a “smart technology island.”
As part of the initiative, Taiwan has pinpointed three key technologies as top priorities: silicon photonics, quantum technology, and AI robotics.
Silicon photonics is a technology that TSMC, Taiwan’s leading contract chip manufacturer, along with numerous other companies in the sector, are actively working on.
The government seeks to establish Taiwan as a worldwide pioneer in silicon photonics by connecting the industry with the requirements of upcoming AI advancements.
Taiwan also aims to establish itself as a major center for AI robotics by utilizing its hardware and information and communication technology supply chains.
Various industry groups, including one headed by Foxconn’s Chairman Young Liu, have supported the initiative by establishing the Taiwan AI Robotics Industry Grand Alliance on Tuesday, aiming to promote the growth of AI robotics and associated ecosystems locally.
Taiwan is also aiming to develop a quantum technology industry chain.
The 10 initiatives also involve the creation of sovereign AI – the capacity to develop and manage local AI technologies – along with computing infrastructure, efforts aimed at achieving a balanced approach to AI development throughout various parts of the island, and the implementation of AI in numerous sectors.
The government also advocates for increasing investment in AI advancements, with over T$100 billion ($3.08 billion) in venture capital financing, as it aims to establish itself as a leading center for AI expertise and financial support.
The program aims to generate 500,000 employment opportunities and the development of three research facilities with global standards.
(Contributed by Wen-Yee Lee; Edited by Jacqueline Wong)
