《TAIPEI TIMES》 Lai touts Taiwan’s tech role, prowess

President William Lai addresses the 46th annual conference of the North America Taiwanese Professors’ Association yesterday. Photo: Screen grab from a video on the Presidential Office’s Web site

‘TAIWAN CAN LEAD’:The nation has a responsibility to leverage its strengths and lead the advancement of technology and innovation worldwide, the president said

By William Hetherington / Staff writer, with CNA Taiwan is at the forefront of technological development and plays a critical role in global supply chains, President William Lai （賴清德） said yesterday, adding that the nation must leverage its strengths to demonstrate leadership and advance global technological progress.

Lai made the remarks in a prerecorded video address shown during the 46th annual conference of the North America Taiwanese Professors’ Association, the Presidential Office said in a statement.

The association has made a significant impact in academia over the past 46 years, and has helped Taiwan engage with the international community, Lai said.

This year’s conference, titled “AI, Technology and Taiwan,” highlights Taiwanese academics’ concern for and support of Taiwan’s development.

Taiwan belongs to the world, Lai said, adding that as humanity enters the era of artificial intelligence （AI）, the nation stands at the forefront of technological innovation and serves as a critical link in the global supply chain.

The nation has a responsibility to leverage its strengths and lead with confidence, embracing the spirit of “Taiwan can lead” to help advance technology and innovation worldwide, he said.

The government’s goal is to transform Taiwan into a “smart nation” and it has been promoting the integration of AI across industries and into people’s daily lives, Lai said.

The initiative aims to train at least 500,000 AI professionals by 2040 and help at least 1 million small and micro enterprises adopt smart technologies, enhancing Taiwan’s competitiveness and enabling it to meet the challenges of a new era, he said.

Lai called the conference’s participants pioneers in North American academia, and said their insights and support are vital as Taiwan confronts the challenges and opportunities arising from shifting international circumstances and rapid technological change.

He thanked the association and overseas Taiwanese communities for their contributions to Taiwan’s progress, and said that with their support and cooperation, Taiwan could confidently safeguard its democracy, freedom and prosperity regardless of the challenges ahead.

新聞來源：TAIPEI TIMES