DoIT introduces AI technologies to empower Indigenous communities

DoIT introduces AI technologies to empower Indigenous communities

2025-12-29

The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industrial Technology last Saturday showcased how AI technologies were introduced to drive value creation and empower Indigenous communities. From agriculture and foods, to AI guided tours and AI-powered sports coaching, these communities are getting a long-term boost and equipped to move higher up the value chain.

Whether it’s tech-driven value creation, immersive experience or smart cultivation, they’re all showcased here in a wide array of possibilities.

Kuo Chao-chung
Department of Industrial Technology, MOEA
Combined with the local Indigenous peoples’ agriculture, it generates a larger market value—upwards of NT$10 million.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs’ industrial technology department has introduced cutting-edge technologies to Indigenous communities through system integration. Through digitalization and automation, local industries are getting a great boost in international competitiveness.

Ho Ta-an
ITRI vice president
In addition to boosting local industries by offering support in technologies and R&D, we also assist in any way local communities may need, whether for remote communities or charities. We hope to create greater, localized added value, as well as boost local revenues and business opportunities.

The clearest example of tech-driven value creation is that of agricultural products. With a Michelin-starred chef’s magical touch, the millet is turned into fusion delicacies.

Sasuyu Ruljuwan
Lawmaker for Indigenous peoples
Our millet and red quinoa were made into finer dishes with these technologies and their experimentations.

Technology not only boosts the total output of agricultural products. The crops could also move higher up the value chain and tap into high-end international markets. For example, a miso paste that incorporates Indigenous crops could be a hit in Japan. On the other hand, the AI-powered digital tour guide was also successfully trialed. Additionally, AI-powered sports training technologies will also be introduced to local schools, to nurture the next generation of professional athletes.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#indigenouspeoples #indigenousculture #taiwanculture #community #agriculture #technology #empowerment

科技結合原鄉特色! 經濟部將創新技術導入原鄉

2025-12-29

經濟部產業技術司，在屏東瑪家國中，舉辦「科技孕育原鄉創新」成果展，展示多項結合原民文化，與前瞻科技的創新應用。透過「省工、高值、永續」三大核心，在原鄉建立具有競爭力的產業模式，吸引青年返鄉。

不管是科技加值，或是透過沉浸體驗，還是智慧培育。各攤位展現出與科技結合的原鄉特色，實現令人耳目一新的創新成果。

[[經濟部產業技術司司長郭肇中]]
“跟我們在地的原住民農業結合，會產生比較好的產值，這產值都是上千萬的”

經濟部技術司，以系統整合方式，把創新技術導入原鄉，也讓部落產業，在數位化與自動化的助力下，具備接軌國際的特色與實力。

[[工研院院長辦公室主任何大安]]
“除了技術研發協助產業界以外，我們也協助當地有需要的，不管是偏鄉或者是公益，希望提升在地化的附加價值，跟在地的所謂的產值或商機”

而科技加值的明顯案例，就是科技帶來的農產品產值翻倍，讓小米也能躍上米其林餐桌。

[[立法委員盧縣一]]
“我們的紅藜小米，能夠藉由這些的技術，跟他們實地場域的一些實驗，可以做到更好”

農產品的科技加值成果，不但提升產值，也將跨足日本高端市場。智慧導覽和數位嚮導系統，也已經巡迴實施。而科技力延伸到部落的人才培育，讓部落的運動選手們，能享有職業選手等級的科學化訓練，在在協助部落，建立了新的產業模式。

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I saw the flyer for it on a lectern. And the top prizes were really good, so I decided to enter. Plus the theme was open-ended.

Chiang has loved to draw since he was little. He first encountered anime in third grade and loved to read manga with his dad, developing a love for comics over time. He started learning how to draw in sixth grade, and hasn’t looked back since. Now that his passion for comics and determination have earned him a gold medal, he can finally confidently say that he wants to become a professional comic artist.

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Originally, I thought even getting an honorable mention would be impressive, since it’s a national competition and lots of people entered. He also said that just getting any acknowledgment would be affirming.

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I want to be a comic artist. Coming from a high-school student—especially one who’s never been acknowledged before—it sounds like a fairy tale when I say it out loud. But getting this award shows me that people get my work and it can be appreciated by others. So now I have the confidence to say that my dream is to be a comic artist.

The judges said that Chiang’s work has a point and tells a complete story, capable of the exceedingly difficult task of moving the reader to tears. Chiang also expressed gratitude to his teachers for their guidance and teaching, which have enabled him to win this award.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

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Night market stall provides straw pole to put used skewers

Yunlin’s Dongnan Night Market has a brand-new attraction! A vendor noticed that people were hurting themselves after stepping on discarded skewers, so he came up with the idea to make a “home” for them out of straw and wood. After visitors are finished eating, they can stick the used skewer into the pole. Ever since setting it up, far fewer skewers have been left on the ground.

Many night market favorites, from grilled corn to sweet potato balls, are eaten with bamboo skewers. But when they’ve served their purpose, they’re often left on the ground. Now there’s a “home for skewers” — a straw pole where visitors can put their skewers when they’re finished eating.

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It’s not bad. There are fewer skewers on the ground, so you’re less likely to get poked when wearing sandals. I’ve been to many night markets, and it’s my first time seeing this.

Visitors love it. One person even came from another county just to see the post here at Dongnan Night Market in Yunlin. The person who came up with the idea sells pot stickers at the night market. After seeing lots of people drop their skewers on the ground, littering as well as endangering others, he was inspired to create this post made out of straw and sticks.

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People would leave skewers all over the place and I was afraid they’d get stepped on. This way is cleaner and people won’t get hurt.

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People now have standards. When they see this, they willingly use it. Now the amount left on the ground has decreased by at least half.

The pole has attracted some attention online, with some people suggesting that Liu change it to look like a scarecrow that people can skewer. Liu said he’ll consider it, and come up with more ways to make visitors’ night market trips more fun.

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Since many of them had never encountered such special cases—patients confined to hospital beds --when they see their happy expressions and body movements after providing services to them, it gives them an enormous sense of accomplishment.

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Regarding the PLA’s Navy and Air Force troupes, on behalf of the PLA Navy, we’ve detected a total of 14 PLA Navy ships and 14 Coast Guard vessels. By 3 p.m., we’ve detected a total of 89 war plane and drone sorties, of which 67 entered our ADIZ.

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