Taiwan set to launch own generative AI by end of year: Minister

Taipei, March 15 (CNA) Taiwan is working to launch its own version of generative AI in the form of a "shared model" by the end of this year, National Science and Technology Council Minister Wu Tsung-tsong (吳政忠) said Wednesday.

Instead of a comprehensive system similar to ChatGPT, an AI tool developed by American company OpenAI, Taiwan's model is likely to target special areas such as finance and confidential government data processing, Wu said during a legislative session.

This decision was made because Taiwan has a very limited budget for technology development of NT$132.7 billion (US$4.3 billion) per year, while OpenAI has already invested US$10 billion in the field, he said.

Wu was responding to lawmakers' questions about Taiwan's progress in developing its own generative AI, amid the recent chatbot sensation of ChatGPT, which is capable of creating natural text based on prompts from users.

The council is now collaborating with local experts and businesses to build up and edit a mega database, before looking for international support to complete the advanced AI system.

Asked by lawmakers about the economic impact of generative AI as it is expected to be deployed across different sectors, Wu said "AI will not replace human beings, but people who do not take advantage of AI will be replaced by those who do."

While industry insiders expressed similar optimism about the prospects of AI, some said it was a bad idea for Taiwan to develop its own "ChatGPT."

It would be a waste of money to create something similar to the OpenAI invention, and Taiwan should instead develop related applications, said Cheng Shih-chia (程世嘉), CEO of AI company iKala Interactive Media Inc.

It takes practical experiences and skills to develop AI, and the government should serve as a facilitator bringing all stakeholders together to discuss future directions rather than being the sole decision maker, he told CNA.

Cheng also urged manufacturers and other businesses to introduce advanced AI systems immediately to provide value-added services.

"AI is no longer optional but should rather be treated as basic infrastructure," he said.