Taipei's tech corridor to drive next-generation innovation economy: Mayor

Singapore, June 15 (CNA) Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) said Monday at the World Cities Summit in Singapore that his city's efforts to build a technology corridor will lay the foundation for the next generation of the innovation-driven economy.

The summit is being held from Sunday to Tuesday, bringing together government officials, industry leaders and academics from around the world. Several local officials from Taiwan are attending, including Chiang, Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑) and Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng (張善政).

During his speech at a forum attended by Singapore Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat (徐芳達) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Chiang highlighted policies including Taipei's "Fresh Milk Weekly" program for schoolchildren, which provides regular milk subsidies.

Chiang said a truly smart city relies on efficient systems that reduce shortages and waste, adding that if fresh milk can be delivered reliably, it should also be possible to distribute essential supplies quickly during emergencies, strengthening urban resilience.

He also highlighted Nvidia's decision to establish its overseas headquarters in Taipei, saying the move represents not only jobs and investment but also an opportunity to reshape the city's future.

He said Taipei's planned artificial intelligence technology corridor will support the next generation of the innovation economy, and thanked the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize for recognizing the city's efforts.

The prize is one of the highlights of the summit, and Taipei was awarded a 2026 Special Mention for outstanding best practices in urban initiatives and innovative approaches to city transformation.

According to the prize citation, Taipei's fresh milk program was highlighted as an example of how public-private partnerships and integrated planning can address practical and social needs.

"Taipei's commitment to authentic civic engagement through collaborative governance and sustained infrastructure investment offers valuable lessons for dense cities worldwide facing similar challenges of demographic transition, environmental resilience, and social cohesion," the citation said.

Speaking to reporters at Taoyuan International Airport before departing for Singapore on Sunday, Chiang said Taipei has become the first city in Taiwan to receive a Special Mention, adding that he is honored to be able to accept the recognition in person.

He said the delegation will also visit Singapore's national sports facilities to learn about the city-state's strategy of attracting large-scale entertainment events and explore opportunities for future cooperation through exchanges during the trip.