Weekly Roundup: NTU Develops AI-Powered Microscope, Taiwan Railway Faces NT$12 Billion Loss, Agriculture Ministry Risks NT$25 Billion Shortfall

Take a look into Taiwan's latest Innovations and Updates this week

Tech Spotlight

• Taiwan’s NCSIST unveiled an AI-powered intelligence center designed to enhance UAV battlefield deployments. The system analyzes and stores drone footage for real-time situational awareness, supporting integration with U.S.-purchased MQ-9B drones. A modular UAV simulator was also showcased to train drone pilots under varied mission conditions. Taiwan News

• Research team from NTU and NTHU developed a high-speed 4D microscope using AI to enhance brain imaging and neural activity observation. Scanning thousands of times faster than traditional microscopes, it enables real-time neuroimaging. The breakthrough aids understanding brain diseases and advancing energy-efficient AI computation. Taiwan News

• The Cabinet hosted the 2024 Presidential Hackathon awards, with President Lai Ching-te emphasizing digital innovation for addressing social issues. Domestic winners developed platforms for elderly care and drone systems for medicine delivery, while international winners created a carbon wallet for sustainable habits and an app for livestock health monitoring. Taiwan News

Politics

Landslide in November caused by Typhoon Kong-rey. (Highway Bureau photo)

• Taiwan will fully implement its online passport renewal service starting Jan. 1, following a successful trial. Applicants can renew passports online with a 10-day processing time, removing the need for in-person visits. The service is expected to benefit 200,000 to 300,000 applicants annually. Focus Taiwan

• Taipower announced it will recruit 1,084 employees in 2024, raising the base salary to NT$36,000 and up to NT$39,000 for licensed technicians. Key roles include distribution line maintenance (489 positions) and transmission line maintenance (123 positions). Training will focus on strengthening frontline power systems, with exams scheduled in July and August. Taiwan News

• A NT$25 billion funding shortfall from amendments to the Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures could severely impact the Ministry of Agriculture's operations. Key areas at risk include swine disease prevention, farmer subsidies, and disaster monitoring systems. Taiwan News

Finance Focus

Taipei 101. (CNA photo)

• Taiwan’s 2024 economic growth rate is forecast at 3.1% by Academia Sinica’s Institute of Economics, driven by demand for high-performance computing and AI. While private consumption stabilizes post-COVID, uncertainties such as international politics and stock market volatility could impact growth. The institute emphasizes opportunities in hardware and AI applications. Taiwan News

• TSMC’s investment in Kaohsiung is accelerating urban development and transforming the city into a semiconductor hub, Mayor Chen Chi-mai said. With five planned factories, enhanced infrastructure, and strong transport links, the initiative supports industry integration across southern Taiwan and boosts high-end chip production. Taipei Times

• Taiwan Railway Corp. projects a NT$12 billion loss in 2024, citing transition costs and frozen fares. It aims for operational profitability by 2026 and is enhancing safety with a five-year improvement plan. Focus Taiwan

Global Focus

Taiwan-built NCSIST Albatross drone in flight. (CNA photo)

• Taiwan aims to mass produce military drones for the West, targeting 15,000 units per month by 2028. Leveraging its semiconductor dominance, Taiwan seeks to reduce Western reliance on Chinese supply chains amid US-China trade tensions. Taiwan News

• The U.S. approved a US$295 million arms sale to Taiwan, including upgraded tactical data link systems and gun mounts for ships. Additionally, a US$571.3 million military aid package was announced, marking the third aid package under the Presidential Drawdown Authority this year, reinforcing Taiwan's self-defense capabilities. Focus Taiwan

• Taiwan’s NIA reported 124 cases of forged documents by Chinese nationals seeking entry since easing restrictions in September 2023. Enhanced screening measures have been implemented, with offenders facing up to a five-year entry ban. Of 134,000 applications this year, 98,000 visitors have entered Taiwan. Focus Taiwan

Taiwan in Numbers

• Retail sales reached a record NT$438.1 billion in November, up 1.8% year-on-year, driven by sales events and baseball promotions. Food and beverage sales rose 7.2% to NT$85.4 billion, with both sectors achieving record highs for the first 11 months. Taipei Times

• Taiwan's industrial production grew 10.29% in November, driven by strong AI and semiconductor demand, while traditional sectors like chemicals and autos saw declines. Focus Taiwan

• Taiwan's unemployment rate dropped to 3.36% in November, the second-lowest in 24 years, with further declines expected ahead of Lunar New Year shopping. Taipei Times

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