Taiwan Pushes AI Plan to Accelerate SME Digital Upgrade

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs is promoting an “AI New Ten Major Projects” initiative aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises adopt artificial intelligence, cut operating costs and improve productivity. The policy also seeks to build a larger pool of digital talent. Its execution is significant because SMEs form a broad base of Taiwan’s economy, while uneven access to technology and skilled workers could slow the island’s industrial upgrade.

At the latest FinTechOn summit, the ministry said the initiative would be paired with work on standardized cross-border data flows between Taiwan and Japan, potentially easing the delivery of international financial services. Officials also highlighted stablecoins and other fintech applications, while stressing that innovation must proceed within anti-money-laundering safeguards. No specific budget, launch date or phased implementation timetable was disclosed in the information provided.