New MODA head lays out ambitions for Taiwan AI ecosystem

Taipei, Sept. 3 (CNA) The Ministry of Digital Affairs (MODA) aims to build an artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem in Taiwan as part of efforts to strengthen the country's industrial environment, new Minister of Digital Affairs Lin Yi-jing (林宜敬) said Wednesday.

Speaking with reporters, Lin, who assumed the post last week in a Cabinet reshuffle, said that to achieve the goal of setting up an AI ecosystem in Taiwan, the ministry will implement measures covering computing, data usage, talent cultivation, marketing, and funding to help the country develop stronger software capabilities.

As a first step, Lin said MODA will provide GPU computing, referring to general-purpose computing on graphics processing units, to AI startups in Taiwan free of charge.

The ministry will also revise laws to allow civil servants to release government data containing no sensitive or personal information and plans to establish a Taiwan sovereign AI training databank for startups to use, Lin added.

On talent development, Lin said MODA will release guidelines on AI professional recognition to serve as a foundation for training organizations and employers, with the aim of expanding the local AI talent pool.

Lin said MODA will also help AI developers market their products and find business opportunities in the health care, long-term care, and manufacturing sectors.

"We hope AI startups will secure large and stable orders as soon as possible," he said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has planned NT$10 billion (US$326 million) in financial assistance for AI startups to invest in growth and marketing, paving the way for them to secure global market share and potentially pursue stock market listings.

In addition to building an AI ecosystem, Lin said MODA will work with private firms to improve cybersecurity resilience and establish a domestic cybersecurity supply chain by leveraging Taiwan's existing strengths in cybersecurity and integrated circuit industries.

While the ministry has tightened regulations to block fraudulent advertisements and developed technologies to prevent fraud, Lin said MODA will also seek cooperation on the issue with international tech giants such as Google, Meta, and LINE.

He stressed that these companies "have to join the government to fight the anti-fraud war and cannot be just bystanders" when doing business in Taiwan.

Separately, Lin said MODA will continue to promote the "Taiwan Digital Identity Wallet" policy, which will provide a secure mobile app for digitally storing and managing personal information and identity.

The digital identity wallet, Lin said, will better protect personal privacy and boost Taiwan's efficiency as a digital economy.