TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) opened the Asian-Oceanian Computing Industry Organization (ASOCIO) Digital Summit on Tuesday, calling on business to shape a smarter and more collaborative future.
Under the theme AI Shaping the Digital Asia, the event is expected to draw over 400 government officials and industry leaders from 24 Asian economies over two days, per CNA. They will discuss how AI is transforming the region’s digital economy.
In her opening remarks, Hsiao said the AI era is unfolding. “It presents not only new challenges but also tremendous opportunities for Taiwan to make meaningful contributions to the world,” she said.
As AI demand accelerates, Hsiao said the government is working to ensure AI serves the people’s needs. Citing the 10 New AI Infrastructure Initiatives, she said Taiwan is heavily investing in AI infrastructure.
“Taiwan will continue to move forward with an open mind and a pragmatic approach,” she said. “It’s for us to go both fast and strong.”
Digital Affairs Minister Lin Yi-jing (林宜敬) highlighted Taiwan’s free market. “We believe that the advancement of technology should come from the competition of the private sector,” said Lin.
Lin noted Taiwan’s investment in Japan, Thailand, and the Philippines as well as efforts to hire IT experts from Nepal and Sri Lanka. Lin urged companies to grow stronger together.
ASOCIO Chairman Stan Singh-Jit thanked industry leaders and experts for their attendance. “This summit has been more than an event. It’s space for collaboration.”
He called AI the key to unlocking faster digital transformation. However, he cautioned about AI’s dangers and stressed that it must be used for the people’s benefit.
Taiwan Innovative Software and Services Association Chairman Brian Shen (沈柏延) said Taiwan is becoming a hub for AI applications, calling it a bridge to the global community.
“We want to bring the world closer to Taiwan,” he said. “Together, we will build a competitive and sustainable AI ecosystem.”
When asked about how Taiwan’s digital industries can help the world, Shen said the country is an important link in the supply chain. He urged cooperation with Taiwanese businesses in a rapidly changing market.
Shen emphasized that AI is reshaping the world’s operational logic. He encouraged ASOCIO members to invest in Taiwan and create integrated solutions.
This year, the forum’s three themes are: AI Service, AI Infrastructure, and Greener Tomorrow. Panels and forums will include in-depth discussions on ecosystem development and sustainable transformation.
Established in 1984, ASOCIO is composed of industry organizations from 24 economies across Asia, with Taiwan as a founding member. The group represents over 20,000 IT companies with a combined annual revenue exceeding NT$31 trillion (US$1 trillion).
