President Lai: Taiwan should walk the path of 'Asia's NASDAQ', leveraging AI supply chain advantages

(CNA, Taipei, June 5) President Lai Ching-te said in a media interview that Taiwan must walk the path of becoming 'Asia's NASDAQ', which will have a multiplier effect on industrial and economic development. He also expressed hope that Taiwan can become a global center for technology capital. Furthermore, President Lai stated that Taiwan holds the key to the artificial intelligence industry chain, and with this 'magic weapon', every industry can become a 'national champion'.

TTV and UBN TV aired the exclusive interview with President Lai today. Topics included 18 new population strategy measures, industrial development, economic development strategies, and national vision. In the interview, President Lai emphasized that Taiwan must walk the path of becoming 'Asia's NASDAQ'.

President Lai stated that Taiwan is the country with the most complete artificial intelligence industry ecosystem in the world and is truly a 'Tech Island'. Based on this advantage, he hopes Taiwan can become a global center for technology capital.

The President explained that first, Taiwan must keep pace with international standards and have innovative listing standards. Premier Cho Jung-tai and Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) Chairman Peng Chin-long have already taken action. Over the past one to two years, a total of 52 regulations and interpretive orders have been relaxed. These include relaxing investor identity requirements, aligning with the general board, and allowing the purchase of odd lots, margin trading, and day trading.

President Lai then noted that Taiwan's stock market capitalization is currently the 5th largest in the world, with very strong capital liquidity. He argued that Taiwan has an advantage over South Korea, Japan, Singapore, China, and Hong Kong in becoming Asia's NASDAQ because it has the most complete artificial intelligence industry chain.

President Lai stated that any startup in the world, whether an AI startup or a tech startup, can easily raise funds in Taiwan. Compared to other countries, Taiwan's advantage lies in the ability to cooperate with its tech industry chain. Startups can immediately find technology partners, develop products, and conduct market tests.

President Lai pointed out that these actions not only help Taiwan's capital market but also greatly benefit the development of Taiwan's micro, small, and medium enterprises or the tech industry, creating a synergistic effect. Therefore, Taiwan must proceed in this direction in the future.

The host asked who the next 'national champion' industry, or even a group of 'national champions', might be.

President Lai said that Taiwan holds the artificial intelligence industry chain, and with this 'magic weapon', it has the effect of 'turning stone into gold'. Taiwan has the opportunity to make every industry a 'national champion'.

President Lai expressed his hope that every industry can receive help from Taiwan's AI industry chain and cooperate with each other. If every industry becomes a 'national champion' for Taiwan in the future, Taiwan will become stronger. (Editor: Tsai Su-jung) 1150605