TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) unveiled Tuesday (Sept. 9) a comprehensive strategy to strengthen global semiconductor supply chains during the Semicon Network Summit (晶鏈高峰論壇) at Taipei's Nangang Exhibition Center (南港展覽館). Lai presented Ministry of Economic Affairs Professional Medals (經濟部專業獎章) to Japan's Liberal Democratic Party (自民黨) member Akira Amari (甘利明), honorary chairman of the Semiconductor Strategy Promotion Council (半導體戰略推進議員聯合會), and TSMC (台積電) chairman C. C. Wei (魏哲家). The president outlined Taiwan's three-pronged approach to maintaining its critical role in global technology infrastructure.
Lai emphasized Taiwan's three-decade leadership in high-tech manufacturing while celebrating the international semiconductor exhibition's 30th anniversary milestone. The summit drew representatives from 56 countries, featuring 1,200 companies across 4,100 exhibition booths, including 17 national pavilions showcasing cutting-edge technology. Taiwan's president pledged continued investment in the AI New Top Ten Constructions (AI新十大建設) initiative, committing over NT$100 billion (around US$3.3 billion) in resources to advance artificial intelligence infrastructure.
The president detailed Taiwan's comprehensive strategy encompassing deeper international cooperation, global market expansion assistance for domestic companies, and international talent network development. Lai highlighted Taiwan's substantial semiconductor investments spanning Japan, the United States, Europe, and Southeast Asia, supported by strategic trade and investment centers in Prague, Fukuoka, and Texas. Taiwan's leader identified skilled talent as the fundamental driver of sustainable semiconductor industry growth across global markets.
Lai emphasized government collaboration with Taiwan's industry, academia, and research sectors, prioritizing materials and equipment development while maintaining core technologies domestically. The AI New Top Ten Constructions initiative aims to cultivate one million artificial intelligence professionals and establish cross-national training and exchange mechanisms. Taiwan positions itself as a trusted global partner, committed to collaborating with international democratic allies to drive technological progress and create a better future. ◼ (At time of reporting, US$1 equals approximately NT$30.3)