TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Vice President Lai Ching-te emphasized the significance of artificial intelligence (AI) for Taiwan during a speech on Friday (Sept. 15), highlighting Taiwan's robust information and communication technology (ICT) industry and its crucial role in the global supply chain.
Speaking at the 2023 Taiwan AI Academy Annual Conference, Lai underscored the growing relevance of AI in daily life. Lai mentioned how surprised he was when he saw Google's AlphaGo beating a Go world champion in 2016 and an AI developed by OpenAI defeating a global e-sports champion in 2027. And in 2022, OpenAI developed ChatGPT, which changed people's lives.
Lai stated that since AI requires a lot of computing, it needs information and communication technology-related industries to cooperate. He noted that the world is seeking a dependable supply chain, positioning Taiwan as a key player.
He said that Taiwan, being a democratic country and having a robust ICT technology industry, will become even more critical as the global industrial chain undergoes reorganization due to geopolitics.
"In other words, in the new era of globalization and geopolitics, Taiwan's window of opportunity will expand, and our nation will grow stronger," Lai said.
Lai also encouraged Taiwan to develop its own AI Dialogue Engine, especially in the medical and law sectors. Additionally, Lai emphasized the need to create rules and regulations and uphold the spirit of democracy when developing AI.
Furthermore, he said that the government should ensure that everyone has the chance to learn about AI to enhance the competitiveness of individuals or enterprises to create inclusive economic growth in Taiwan, taking care of vulnerable people and making society more harmonious.