Lai says Taiwan's 10 AI projects will create NT$15 trillion in output

賴總統表示，台灣的10項人工智慧計畫將創造15兆新台幣的產出。

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) on Monday said 10 AI projects launched last year will generate NT$15 trillion (US$474.9 billion) in economic output by 2040.

Taiwan hosted the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance Awards last December for the first time in nine years, which Lai called the Oscars of the Asia-Pacific ICT sector, per Liberty Times. Team Taiwan stood out among 256 entries from 13 Indo-Pacific economies, winning a record 10 gold, eight silver, and six bronze awards.

This year’s winning teams spanned categories including consumer, inclusion and community services, industrial, business services, public sector and government, and student. Their achievements reflect not only sustained research and development efforts but also Taiwan’s ICT development and innovation capabilities on the global stage, Lai said.

Lai said AI is not a future trend but an ongoing process. He said Taiwan must act quickly, focus on the future, and ensure the next generation remains competitive.

Last year, the government launched the “Ten Major AI Infrastructure Projects,” investing NT$1.5 trillion to train 500,000 AI application professionals and achieve NT$15 trillion in output by 2040. The government is also developing three key technologies: quantum technology, silicon photonics, and robotics.

The government will also advance AI across five areas: computing power, data, talent, marketing, and funding. Lai said this will accelerate the creation of a forward-looking, inclusive tech ecosystem and help Taiwan achieve its goal of an “innovative economy, smart nation.”

Lai said technology’s true value lies in solving problems and improving lives. He said the government will continue building an open, vibrant, and equitable AI innovation ecosystem, making AI a key engine for small and medium enterprises to upgrade and transform without leaving any industry or group behind.

Lai praised competition participants as a vital force driving Taiwan’s journey toward a smart nation. He expressed hope that more students, industry leaders, and innovative teams will use the platform to expand exchanges with Indo-Pacific partners, enhance Taiwan’s international influence, and create a smarter, more inclusive digital future for the region.