In a significant move toward technological collaboration, a pioneering Taiwanese tech institute and Chiayi County of Taiwan inked a pivotal agreement on Thursday in San Jose, Northern California. The pact is geared toward fostering bilateral exchanges between Taiwan and the United States while bolstering Chiayi County’s ambitions to emerge as a hub for drone manufacturing and its ancillary supply chains.
The Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), Taiwan’s forefront applied technology research institute headquartered in Hsinchu, spearheads this initiative.
At the signing ceremony, attended by luminaries including Chiayi County Magistrate Weng Zhang-liang, the stage was set for transformative endeavors. Magistrate Weng reiterated President Tsai Ing-wen’s proclamation from Aug. 13, 2022, designating Chiayi as the nucleus for the national drone initiative. Subsequently, the establishment of the Asia Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) AI Innovation Application Research and Development Center ensued, showcasing Taiwan’s commitment to cutting-edge drone technology.
Over the past biennium, Chiayi County has marshaled resources to erect an industrial park dedicated to drone innovation, fostering partnerships with over 20 nations. President Tsai’s recent allocation of NT$6.8 billion (approx. $210.8 million) underscores Taiwan’s resolve to fortify its industrial prowess.
Magistrate Weng underscored Taiwan’s manufacturing acumen, expressing optimism about the meteoric rise of the local drone sector. With burgeoning opportunities in defense and civilian domains, coupled with investor enthusiasm, Taiwan is poised for international ascendancy in drone manufacturing.
Drawing parallels from his fact-finding mission in the United States, Mr. Weng affirmed Taiwan’s parity with global counterparts in drone technology. The collaboration with ITRI’s Silicon Valley branch is envisaged as a conduit for Taiwan’s connection directly into the heart of technological innovation, catalyzing the drone industry’s growth trajectory.
Chu Yung-chang, Deputy Director of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in San Francisco, lauded the accord, emphasizing Silicon Valley’s pivotal role in fostering technological breakthroughs. Highlighting Taiwan’s formidable presence in Silicon Valley, Mr. Chu alluded to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company’s (TSMC) forthcoming investment in a cutting-edge 1-nanometer chip production plant in Chiayi County.
With an eye on synergy, the convergence of Silicon Valley’s expertise with Taiwan’s proficiency in drone manufacturing promises to galvanize the burgeoning drone supply chain.
In a testament to transnational camaraderie, Anita Chen, a Taiwanese American congressional candidate for California’s 17th District, extolled the symbiotic partnership between Taiwan and the United States in technology and innovation. Ms. Chen hailed the collaboration as a testament to the enduring bonds between the Taiwanese and American peoples.
Facilitated by the Northern California Taiwanese Professors’ Association, the visit by Magistrate Weng Zhang-liang and his delegation served as a conduit for forging alliances with Silicon Valley’s tech luminaries. Zhou Xin-jie, the association’s former president, showcased the array of tech professionals present at the signing ceremony, signaling a promising future for cross-border collaboration.
