NTU forms AI governance group focused on access, shared resources

Taipei, June 13 (CNA) National Taiwan University (NTU) has approved the creation of an AI and Digital Governance Strategy Task Force to address challenges posed by the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI).

Backed by President Chen Wen-chang (陳文章) and approved at a university affairs meeting Saturday, the proposal calls for the development of short-, medium- and long-term policies on AI governance at Taiwan's top university.

Chen said the new task force would bring together representatives from different administrative and academic units and include student representatives to ensure student interests are represented in AI policymaking.

Distinguished geography professor Chien Shiuh-shen (簡旭伸), one of the proposal's sponsors, said the task force should focus on the AI needs of students, arguing that access to AI resources should not depend solely on their financial means.

Noting that some students already pay for AI services while others cannot afford them, Chien proposed a university-wide AI account authorization system, public platforms, usage quotas and support measures for disadvantaged students.

The proposal also calls for treating computing power as shared infrastructure, similar to library databases, utilities and internet services.

Chien said NTU should consider building a university-wide platform for sharing graphics processing units (GPUs) and AI computing resources, accompanied by a transparent application and fee system for students and faculty.

Earlier at the meeting, Office of Institutional Research Director Chu Hsiao-ping (朱曉萍) said only about 20 percent of leading research universities worldwide have adopted institution-wide AI policies, while 39 percent have established guidelines governing AI use.

Most universities in Taiwan, however, remain in the exploratory stage, she said.

While AI governance in higher education is becoming increasingly institutionalized globally, Taiwan's regulatory framework remains incomplete despite the recent passage of the AI Basic Act, Chu added.

She recommended that universities gradually develop AI strategies suited to their own circumstances rather than rushing into broader implementation.