Lai eyes 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives to secure Taiwan's tech lead

Taipei, Oct. 10 (CNA) President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said Friday that Taiwan will implement 10 new artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure initiatives to strengthen its leading position in global technology development.

"In addition to helping make Taiwan one of the world's top five computing centers, we will also invest more vigorously in R&D in three key technological fields -- quantum technology, silicon photonics, and robotics," Lai said in his National Day address.

The initiatives, described as a "chain of guardian mountains" to shore up Taiwan's industrial capabilities, aim to promote the application of AI across various fields, Lai said.

Although he did not elaborate further, Lai's remarks echoed Premier Cho Jung-tai's (卓榮泰) statement in August that Cabinet ministries and agencies will begin allocating budgets for the 10 new AI infrastructure initiatives starting in 2026, citing the U.S. AI Action Plan released in July.

According to Cho, the initiatives will focus on smart applications, infrastructure foundations, and key technologies, such as silicon photonics, quantum computing, and robotics. Hundreds of billions of Taiwan dollars will be invested in the plan.

On Friday, Lai described 2025 as "a year in which Taiwan rises," underscoring the strong performance and advantageous position of the nation's semiconductor, information and communications technology, and electronic component industries in the global supply chain.

Highlighting the best domestic employment figures in 25 years, Lai noted that Taiwan's benchmark stock index recently hit a record high of 27,301 points, with total market capitalization surpassing US$3 trillion to rank eighth globally.

Taiwan also leads the Four Asian Tigers and China in economic growth, with a 5.1 percent rate forecast by the Asian Development Bank in its latest report.

In addition to maintaining Taiwan's competitive edge, Lai said the country will continue to deepen its global partnerships, including efforts to address its trade deficit with the United States and advance tariff negotiations.

Asked to comment on Lai's address, senior securities analyst Boryi Chien (簡伯儀) said the overall international environment remains positive and that Lai's proposed competitive strategies could help sustain market momentum.

Policy benefits are expected to continue driving capital into related sectors, particularly AI-related, aerospace, networking and other defense concept stocks, he said, adding that investors could also look for companies with strong September revenue performance.

Despite external threats and rapid global changes, Lai said that "Taiwan's economic performance is clear for all to see, and our key position in the global supply chain can neither be challenged nor replaced."

"A Taiwan that is certain will serve as an important, reliable, and steady force for an uncertain world," he added.