《TAIPEI TIMES》Taiwan committed to AI collaboration: Lai tells Shih

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (Lai Ching-te) yesterday met with Acer Group founder and honorary chairman Shi Zhenrong (Shi Zhenrong), Taiwan's special envoy sent to Shenzhen, China to attend the APEC Leaders' Meeting, to convey Taiwan's commitment to cooperation with international partners in the field of artificial intelligence (AI).

At a press conference at the Presidential Palace, Lai asked Shi Zhenrong to convey three messages at the meetings to be held next Wednesday and Thursday.

First, Taiwan has always participated in and contributed to APEC affairs, Lai said.

The country not only focuses on its own economic interests but also contributes to the global economy by sharing its views and experiences, he said.

Second, the country plays a key role in the global semiconductor supply chain and is an "indispensable partner" in promoting global artificial intelligence and digital transformation efforts, Lai said.

Under the APEC framework, Taiwan will continue to advance global technology partnerships, promote innovation exchanges, and build a resilient and reliable artificial intelligence supply chain, he added.

Third, as the global economy faces challenges posed by geopolitical and energy issues and the reshaping of supply chains, Taiwan will continue to be a reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region, he said.

The country will also accelerate economic and trade integration with regional partners to jointly safeguard regional prosperity and stability, he added.

Shi Zhenrong represented Taiwan at the 2007 APEC Leaders' Week meeting in Sydney, Australia, when he proposed the APEC Digital Opportunity Center 2.0 initiative.

Lai Qingde said that Shi Zhenrong is an influential business leader with rich industry experience. He believes that the special envoy will make substantial contributions at this year’s APEC Leaders’ Meeting.

In his speech, Shi Zhenrong emphasized the importance of international cooperation, saying that this has greatly contributed to Taiwan's successful transformation from an original equipment manufacturer to a key player in the global semiconductor and information and communications technology industries.

He said that artificial intelligence is the focus of this year's APEC meeting, and Taiwan's advantages in semiconductors, digital economy and artificial intelligence supply chain make it an indispensable partner and a stable and reliable force in the international community.

Shi Zhenrong said that he will contact economic leaders at the APEC summit to convey the message entrusted to him by Lai Qingde.