The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) plans to set up new semiconductor research centers to boost industrial applications of space technology, quantum computing and artificial intelligence (AI), Minister of Science and Technology Chen Liang-gee (陳良基) said yesterday.
Taiwan’s semiconductor industry last year generated revenues totaling NT$2.6 trillion (US$86.78 billion), and that figure is projected to reach NT$5.2 trillion or even NT$6 trillion in the next decade, he told a news conference in Taipei.
While Taiwan’s semiconductors are world-leading, talent cultivation in the sector should be improved, especially when the nation’s space technology, quantum computing, AI technology, smart medicine and machinery, and autonomous driving technology sectors all rely on better chips, he said.
Photo: CNA
After promoting the semiconductor “moonshot” program for nearly two years, the ministry is considering establishing new semiconductor research centers across the nation to create clusters of professionals, he said.
However, the government could do more to increase the basic research budget, Chen said.
In 2018, funding for basic research made up 7.3 percent of the nation’s total research and development funding (including that of companies), the lowest ratio since 2009 and lagging behind South Korea, Japan, the US and the Netherlands, ministry data showed.
While the ministry hopes to increase the basic research budget to NT$29.7 billion this year, up from the NT$25.7 billion approved by the legislature last year, it is unlikely to gain the legislature’s support, he said.
The government plans an average of NT$120 billion every year for technological research and development, with 30 to 35 percent going to basic research and nearly 65 percent to applications, he said.
By comparison, the research and development funding of private firms totals NT$450 billion every year, of which only a few percent is used to support academic research, he said, expressing hope that companies would devote more funding to academic research.
Over the past two years, Chen has traveled to several cities in the US and Europe to recruit young academics.
Ministry data yesterday showed that 27 academics previously studying overseas have been recruited by Taiwanese institutions.
A Japanese academic was recruited by a natural science department. The other 26 are Taiwanese, including seven who are joining natural science departments, 10 joining engineering departments, seven joining life sciences departments and two joining humanities departments, ministry data showed.
Chen said he plans to visit Houston, Boston, Chicago and Seattle in late March to recruit talent.
Describing himself as the longest-serving technology minister — Chen assumed office in February 2017 — and the first tech minister to have obtained his doctorate from a local university, Chen said he hopes his experience will encourage more young people to make breakthroughs.
Asked what his next move would be after the new Cabinet members are sworn in on May 20, Chen said that he would prioritize his academic research, especially in the semiconductor field.
The Taipei Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Wanda-Zhonghe Line is 81.7 percent complete, with public opening targeted for the end of 2027, New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) said today. Surrounding roads are to be open to the public by the end of next year, Hou said during an inspection of construction progress. The 9.5km line, featuring nine underground stations and one depot, is expected to connect Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall Station to Chukuang Station in New Taipei City’s Jhonghe District (中和). All 18 tunnels for the line are complete, while the main structures of the stations and depot are mostly finished, he
Taipei is to implement widespread road closures around Taipei 101 on Friday to make way for large crowds during the Double Ten National Day celebration, the Taipei Department of Transportation said. A four-minute fireworks display is to be launched from the skyscraper, along with a performance by 500 drones flying in formation above the nearby Nanshan A21 site, starting at 10pm. Vehicle restrictions would occur in phases, they said. From 5pm to 9pm, inner lanes of Songshou Road between Taipei City Hall and Taipei 101 are to be closed, with only the outer lanes remaining open. Between 9pm and 9:40pm, the section is
The first global hotel Keys Selection by the Michelin Guide includes four hotels in Taiwan, Michelin announced yesterday. All four received the “Michelin One Key,” indicating guests are to experience a “very special stay” at any of the locations as the establishments are “a true gem with personality. Service always goes the extra mile, and the hotel provides much more than others in its price range.” Of the four hotels, three are located in Taipei and one in Taichung. In Taipei, the One Key accolades were awarded to the Capella Taipei, Kimpton Da An Taipei and Mandarin Oriental Taipei. Capella Taipei was described by
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Vancouver, Canada, on Saturday hosted a reception to celebrate Double Ten National Day. Conservative Canadian lawmaker Marc Dalton called Taiwan a “beacon of courage and resilience in the face of rising authoritarianism,” according to a post on the Taiwan in Vancouver Facebook page. Also in attendance were fellow conservative caucus members Tako Van Popta and Chak Au, who said that Taiwan plays an “indispensable role” in ensuring global peace, prosperity and stability due to its strategic position in the Indo-Pacific region, it said. Canadian lawmaker Michael Cooper also recorded a message wishing Taiwan a
RSS