Taiwan leaders debate AI industrial cluster locations

Debate is intensifying over the optimal location for Taiwan’s artificial intelligence (AI) industrial clusters following Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s proposal to relocate Songshan Airport to create an AI zone.

Lai Jui-lung, a Kaohsiung mayoral candidate, argues that the Asia New Bay Area is better prepared to host AI industries. He cites Kaohsiung’s advantages in land availability, a high electricity self-sufficiency rate of 134%, and a robust supply chain involving semiconductor and heavy industries. Lai suggests that Kaohsiung can begin immediate development without waiting for the complex relocation processes required for Songshan Airport.

Conversely, Pegatron founder Tung Tzu-hsien has expressed opposition to the relocation of Songshan Airport, arguing that Taipei is already too crowded and that the airport serves essential regional business aviation needs. Instead, Tung proposes developing an AI park in the Tamsui New Town area of New Taipei City. He suggests this location could link existing tech hubs in Guandu and the Taipei Science Park, potentially utilizing power from the Second Nuclear Power Plant if it is ever restarted.