News in Taiwan

The Ministry of Economy's Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program recently released the latest award results, showcasing its continued commitment to fostering innovation and driving economic growth in Taiwan. With a focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the SBIR program plays a crucial role in promoting sustainable development and building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. One of the key highlights of the recent announcement is the allocation of a total of 9.75 million NT$ in grants, which will enable recipient companies to further their innovative research and development endeavors. These grants, provided by the SBIR program, serve as a catalyst for SMEs to enhance their capabilities, accumulate research talent, and contribute to the overall advancement of Taiwan's industries. The awarded projects span a diverse range of fields, including service innovation, information and communication technology, consumer products, and electronics. By ...

Taiwan's Ministry of Digital Affairs is in the process of finalizing a comprehensive four-year plan aimed at bolstering the country's digital resilience and addressing the challenges posed by natural disasters and evolving geopolitical landscapes. The plan focuses on two key initiatives: "encrypted distribution" and "cross-border backup," which aim to safeguard critical government data by utilizing advanced encryption techniques and storing backups in overseas locations outside of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. Pending budget approval from the Executive Yuan, the plan is scheduled to commence implementation next year. Recently, Minister of Digital Affairs, Audrey Tang, emphasized the importance of ensuring Taiwan's digital resilience during a visit to the UK's Department for International Trade. Tang explained that by employing cutting-edge "encrypted distribution" technology, the Ministry is preparing for "cross-border backup...

Taiwan, known for its technological advancements and innovation, embarked on a new chapter on April 7th, 2023, with the unveiling of its ambitious "Taiwan AI Action Plan 2.0 (2023-2026)". This comprehensive roadmap sets the stage for Taiwan's continued journey towards becoming a global AI powerhouse. Building upon the success of the previous "Taiwan AI Action Plan 1.0 (2018-2021)", this strategic initiative seeks to leverage the expertise of industry, academia, and research experts to unlock the full potential of AI in Taiwan. One of the key highlights of Taiwan AI Action Plan 2.0 is the establishment of an AI Development Advisory Committee comprising eminent professionals from various sectors. Together, they will spearhead efforts to enhance Taiwan's AI ecosystem, with the goal of surpassing a staggering NT$250 billion increase in software and hardware value. Furthermore, Taiwan aims to secure a spot among the top three global leaders in specific AI chip do...

According to the latest data released by Taiwan's Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS), the country's job vacancy rate has dropped to a record low of 2.57% in the first half of 2023, indicating the impact of global economic conditions on the local job market. The manufacturing sector has witnessed the most significant decline in job vacancies, while employer willingness for salary increases has also diminished. The DGBAS conducts a biannual survey in February and August to gauge the employment status of business establishments. The survey reflects the changes in labor demand during the first and second halves of the year, providing insights into job vacancies and employment opportunities. The survey for the first half of this year reveals that the job vacancy rate in the industrial and service sectors has decreased to 2.57%, the lowest level in the past 13 years. Table shows a summary of the job vacancy rates in different sectors over the past four y...

Taiwan has recently revised its "Renewable Energy Development Act", expanding the definition of offshore wind energy, accelerating geothermal development processes, and mandating that a certain proportion of rooftop solar systems be installed in newly constructed or renovated buildings. The revised law eliminates territorial sea constraints on offshore wind energy, promoting dual-purpose use of hydroelectric facilities for power generation. This move aims to find more diversified marine utilization fields that strike a balance between environmental protection and fisheries in broader sea areas. Another crucial shift is towards geothermal energy. The law includes a new chapter dedicated to geothermal energy, increasing the water rights period to 20 years to match the operational lifespan of power plants. In addition, the regulation mandates a 90% reinjection rate of used water after power generation, ensuring the sustainable use of local natural resources. Furthermore, the la...

 Within the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City, located in the Tainan High-Speed Rail Special Zone, various opportunities await the green energy technology industry. This vibrant hub not only boasts excellent transportation connections but is also surrounded by renowned academic institutions such as National Cheng Kung University, National Yang-Ming University, and Chang Jung Christian University. Moreover, it enjoys the presence of three esteemed national research institutes—Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Academia Sinica, and National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs). The Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City encompasses different key areas dedicated to specific purposes. These include the Taiwan Autonomous Vehicle Testing Lab, the Smart Green Energy Circular Housing Park, the Greater Tainan Convention and Exhibition Center (Zone A), industry-specific zones (Zones B, F, and X), the Cybersecurity and Smart Technology Research and Development Building (...

In light of recent developments in negotiations between Taiwanese media outlets and international platforms, the Taiwanese government is taking proactive steps to address the issue through legislation. Amidst two rounds of discussions that took place from December 2022 to the present, Google emerged as the sole proponent of a digital news co-prosperity fund, while Meta declined to engage in bargaining. Internationally, countries such as Australia, France, and the Czech Republic have already completed their legal frameworks regarding media platform bargaining. Canada, New Zealand, and the United States have entered the legal process as well. Facing similar challenges within our domestic news media landscape, the Taiwanese government, across various administrative departments, holds a firm stance that news has inherent value. Consequently, interdepartmental working groups have commenced studies on relevant legal pro cesses. Various legal approaches are being explored, including neighbori...