AI optimism surges in Taiwan, survey shows 74.3% support

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The 104 Job Bank (104人力銀行) released its "2025 Economic Outlook Survey" on Thursday (Dec. 12), revealing that 74.3% of respondents are optimistic about artificial intelligence (AI), marking a 15.9 percent point increase from last year. This optimism reflects the growing demand for AI talent, with an average monthly need for 29,000 AI-related positions in the third quarter of 2024.

The top five AI recruitment categories include software/engineering with 8,400 positions, engineering/R&D with 3,900 positions, process/planning with 2,300 positions, operations/technical with 2,100 positions, and business/sales with 1,900 positions. These categories account for 65% of all AI job opportunities. Business/sales roles, in particular, attract candidates with the potential for performance bonuses, offering an annual salary of up to NT$1.5 million.

In assessing the economic outlook for 2025, 48.2% of the 1,325 surveyed hiring managers and HR professionals believe next year will be similar to this year, while 24.2% expect improvements and 27.6% anticipate a decline. Concerns about the economy stem from inflation, rising raw material and commodity prices (57.4%), and weaker-than-expected domestic economic growth (36.6%).

Globally, only 34.2% of respondents hold an optimistic view of the economic recovery. As AI continues to shape the job market, stakeholders will watch closely how these trends influence both local and international economic landscapes.