Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) yesterday said at the World Cities Summit in Singapore that his city’s efforts to build a technology corridor would lay the foundation for the next stage of the innovation-driven economy.
The summit, which began on Sunday last week and ends today, brings together government officials, industry leaders and academics from around the world. Several local officials from Taiwan are attending, including Chiang, Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang (謝國樑) and Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang (張善政).
During his speech at a forum attended by Singaporean Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat (徐芳達) and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, Chiang highlighted policies including Taipei’s “Fresh Milk Weekly” program for schoolchildren, which provides regular milk subsidies.
Photo: CNA
A truly smart city relies on efficient systems that reduce shortages and waste, Chiang said, adding that if fresh milk can be delivered reliably, it should also be possible to distribute essential supplies quickly during emergencies, reinforcing urban resilience.
He also highlighted Nvidia’s decision to establish its overseas headquarters in Taipei, saying the move represents not only jobs and investment, but is also an opportunity to reshape the city’s future.
Taipei’s planned artificial intelligence technology corridor would support the next generation of the innovation economy, he said, thanking the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize for recognizing the city’s efforts.
The prize is one of the highlights of the summit, and Taipei was awarded a Special Mention for outstanding best practices in urban initiatives and innovative approaches to city transformation.
According to the prize’s citation, Taipei’s fresh milk program was highlighted as an example of how public-private partnerships and integrated planning can address practical and social needs.
“Taipei’s commitment to authentic civic engagement through collaborative governance and sustained infrastructure investment offers valuable lessons for dense cities worldwide facing similar challenges of demographic transition, environmental resilience, and social cohesion,” the citation says.
Speaking to reporters at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport before departing for Singapore on Sunday, Chiang said Taipei was the first city in Taiwan to receive a Special Mention, and that he was honored to be able to accept the recognition in person.
He said the delegation would also visit Singapore’s national sports facilities to learn about the city-state’s strategy of attracting large-scale entertainment events and explore opportunities for cooperation through exchanges during the trip.
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