Promoting the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry is one of Taiwan's key priorities, according to Yennun Huang, Minister of Digital Affairs. Relevant measures include integrating large language models (LLMs) from Taiwan and abroad, opening up GPU resources for industry applications, and investing NT$10 billion in startups in the AI ecosystem park in southern Taiwan.
Huang outlined his ministry's AI development strategy at a panel discussion on "Navigating Taiwan's Strategy in the Generative AI Era," moderated by Colley Hwang, chairman of Digitimes and IC Radio Broadcasting. The event took place on July 23 in Taipei as part of the 2024 AWS Summit Taiwan.
Huang revealed that the Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) is actively supporting AI adoption by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through LLM integration and providing over 40 newly acquired GPUs for industry use.
To accelerate AI commercialization, he continued, the MODA is collaborating with industry associations, offering substantial subsidies through the AI Leadership Program, and establishing an AI Ecosystem Park in cooperation with the National Development Fund.
This park will embrace a "virtual-physical integration" model, allowing global talent to contribute remotely while Taiwanese companies expand their international reach.
Huang also emphasized the importance of advancing AI applications from proof of concept to proof of service and ultimately, proof of business. To help companies go international, MODA will lead them to participate in domestic and international exhibitions.
At the panel discussion, Robert Wang, managing director of AWS Taiwan and Hong Kong, noted that attendees at the AWS Summit and COMPUTEX Taipei differ somewhat in age demographics. Highlighting the generational shift in the tech industry, Wang asserted that while Taiwan's previous generation achieved remarkable success, the country must now focus on data strategy and cultivate a new economic model to enable the younger, internet-native generation in Taiwan to compete globally.
"We currently have the 'Big Five' electronics makers; is it possible to have a new wave of the 'Big Five' companies to lead the next era of innovation?" Wang asked, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that Taiwan's industries and young people have a place in the global new economy.
