TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Premier Cho Jung-tai (卓榮泰) said Monday (Aug. 26) that the government has allocated NT$146.6 billion (US$4.6 billion) for science and medical development in 2025, a 14.9% increase from 2024.

At a Bio Taiwan Committee on Monday, Cho said Taiwan’s high-tech industries, including semiconductors and AI, are renowned internationally, and the biotech industry has a solid foundation in the country, per CNA. The government continues to push for legislative reforms to position Taiwan as a leader in advanced medical technologies, he said.

The premier said Taiwan faces challenges such as an aging population, industrial supply chain reorganization, and the rise of AI. He reiterated President Lai Ching-te's (賴清德) commitment to increasing medical investment and creating a healthy Taiwan.

Cho said collaboration between the public sector, academia, and industry has made Taiwan’s medical quality world-class, with its healthcare index ranking first globally for six consecutive years. Many of Taiwan’s medical institutions have made significant progress in smart healthcare and healthcare, he added.

Taiwan has leveraged its manufacturing strength to develop AI-driven healthcare and information computer technology (ICT) industries, which are the foundation of a thriving industrial chain, Cho said. He urged scholars and professionals to continue developing Taiwan’s medical sector.