AI breakthroughs showcased at Meet Greater South expo

2026-08-31

AI is moving beyond the lab and into industries across Taiwan, helping businesses improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. With support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industrial Technology, research institutes and startups have developed a range of technologies, from AI-powered water quality monitoring to next-gen ultra-thin camera lenses. These innovations are were showcased at the Meet Greater South expo in Kaohsiung this past Friday and Saturday The event highlighted how cutting-edge technology can address real-world industry needs and help local businesses expand into global markets.

With support from MOEA’s Department of Industrial Technology, the Institute of AI Innovation has developed a digital twin technology for bio-water quality sensing. The AI component can keep track of the opening and closing of Corbicula fluminea Formosa, a Taiwanese clam species that closes its shell in abnormal water conditions. It takes just 2 minutes to detect toxic pollution, providing an early warning for water quality problems.

AI has also been integrated vertically into the construction industry, helping developers and architects generate volumes, assess the feasibility of development projects, and create 3D models.

ITRI has developed ultra-thin structure chip technology for visual sensing applications. Traditional cameras require many lens components, making them unwieldy and heavy. But this new technology employs semiconductor manufacturing processes to produce meta lenses that allow cameras to be thin and light, and achieve high image clarity thanks to AI.

Kuo Chao-chung
Department of Industrial Technology
AI is used through the entire process, from the initial design and processing, to quality control.

Kao Wei-ya
Ability Opto-Electronics Technology
We hope that our meta lens technology, which uses semiconductor manufacturing to replace traditional lenses, can eventually be used in consumer electronics.

And it’s not just that AI has been integrated into production and applications in a wide arrange of fields. Advanced manufacturing process and innovative tech is helping industries in Central and Southern Taiwan upgrade, to improve production efficiency and quality.

Liu Ching-hua
Li-Xiang Mach. and Elec.
We got great feedback from the Metal Industries Research and Development Center. It greatly reduced defects, significantly improving the yield of our products.

The MOEA is expanding the R&D capabilities of research organizations in Southern Taiwan. These achievements, supported by the Department of Industrial Technology were showcased at the Meet Greater South expo, a major startup and industry event in Southern Taiwan, which also provided opportunities for idea exchanges and collaborations between research organizations and industry players.

#chips #tech #hightech #innovation #metalens #biosensing #clams #polluiton #ai

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資策會讓AI看懂黃金蜆開合為水質異常提供即時預警

2026-08-31

經濟部產業技術司，以連結在地企業和科技解方為主題，攜手工研院、金屬中心、資策會和食品所等，研發法人和新創團隊，上週五、六在高雄展覽館，展出31項創新科技，展現科技研發，鏈結產業需求，協助企業拓展國際市場的實質效益。

資策會人工智慧研究院，在經濟部產業技術司的支持下，開發「生物水質感測數位雙生技術」，利用AI辨識台灣本土黃金蜆的開合行為，一旦水質出現異常、蜆群出現集體閉合反應，系統最快可以在2分鐘內，捕捉急毒性污染事件，為水質異常提供即時預警。

還有營造業的AI垂直整合，協助建商和建築師，進行建築量體的生成和開發可行性評估，建立3D模型。

另外工研院開發的，「超薄化視覺感測應用之超穎結構晶片技術」。解決傳統鏡頭採用多片鏡片，組成厚重的痛點，以半導體製程，製作超穎透鏡，讓鏡頭更薄，並結合AI改善清晰度。

[[經濟部產業技術司長郭肇中]]
“一開始就要協助設計，就從一開始的設計到加工，到品檢都需要AI。”

[[先進光電科技董事長高維亞]]
“我們也很期望，利用這種超穎透鏡的技術，用半導體的製程來取代掉傳統的鏡頭，可以運用在我們後面的，消費性電子上面。”

除了有人工智慧從科技製造，延伸到多元場域，還有以先進製程和創新技術，推動中南部產業升級，提升生產效率和產品品質。

[[立翔機電工業總經理劉景華]]
“其實金屬中心給我們的反饋，也是相當的好，就是大大的降低了，應該是說深加了我們產品的良率。”

經濟部積極擴充法人在南部的研發能量，透過南台灣重要的新創與產業盛會，「亞灣新創大南方」，展現產業技術司支持的研發成果，也擴大研發法人，與產業之間的交流合作。

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Bargain Sun Moon Lake hotel room goes viral

An online post recently shared a hidden gem in Sun Moon Lake: a four-person room with lake views and included breakfast, all for just NT$485 a night on a weekday. News of the incredible deal went viral as soon as it was posted. The Yuchi Township mayor said that recent typhoons have hit the hotel industry hard, and hopes that this unconventional marketing ploy will be a boon to tourism.

As hazy twilight settles over the water, it’s impossible to look away from this dreamlike view. You’d never guess that a room overlooking a place like this was only a couple hundred NT dollars a night.

Guest
Booked room
I saw a post about it online and thought I’d check it out. Turns out it’s real, so I booked it.

So how much is it? This four-person room facing Sun Moon Lake is only NT$485 per night, breakfast included. It’s real, and not a mistake, either. The price really is that low.

Voice of Hsiao-chu
Guest
At first I was worried because it was so unreasonably cheap. But after I saw they have a free cancelation option, I just decided to book it. Turns out it’s bright and neat, and at least 80% clean.

The neighboring hotels here at Sun Moon Lake all easily cost several thousand per night. Some even climb to five digits, with lakefront views commanding steep prices. It’s no wonder this incredibly affordable room went viral. If you look at the booking website, nearly all the rooms are booked, no matter the view.

Voice of Hsiao-chu
Guest
The ambience of the room itself might only score a five or six, but the view outside the window is honestly second to none. My dad nagged me that posting about it would ruin it. I knew that, but I wanted to do something nice and let others know about it.

Liu Chi-fan
Yuchi Township Mayor
Recent typhoons have hit the hotel business a bit. We hope this alternative marketing strategy will bring new opportunities to Sun Moon Lake and get more visitors to fall in love with the area.

Other guests said that while the breakfast is simple and beds are on the firmer side, the location is good, views are top-notch, and the room is clean and comfortable. At such a sweet price, travelers wanting to book this limited-time promotion will need to act fast.

#SunMoonLake #hotels #travel #budgettravel #Nantou #lakeview #cheap

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2026-08-31

Kids excited about mobile library van launched by Taipei Public Library

To make books even more accessible to the public, the Taipei Public Library has launched a mobile library van that can deliver offerings ranging from children’s fairy tales to bestsellers directly to schools and communities. Kids particularly are intrigued by the van and this can encourage them to enjoy reading. Let’s find out more.

On a sweltering summer’s day, tired from playing with water, the children pick up markers one after another and start coloring on paper.

Step into the nearby mobile library van and you’ll find a wide selection of books—from colorful fairy tale picture books to the latest best-selling novels—alongside a comfortable reading space. Children seeing the mobile library for the first time immediately pulled their mothers over to check it out.

Parent
Likes the mobile library
It’s quite convenient, because ordinary libraries are stuck in the one location, but these mobile libraries can go anywhere. You might see one on the street and just go in whenever you want.

This mobile library van has traveled from elementary school playgrounds and neighborhood alleys to bustling major tourist attractions on weekends, going wherever there is demand. For seven years, it has traversed every corner of Taipei City, breaking down the spatial limitations of four-walled traditional libraries, and even launching e-book services to make reading more convenient. It also hosts different activities depending on the location; in a single day, it can attract over 300 people to "hop on board!"

Ho Chien-hao
Taipei Public Library
We’ve acquired a legion of fans. They follow the mobile library’s latest itineraries. Like when we visited Yangmingshan Elementary School last time, they said they were very happy to see the truck on campus because they hadn’t seen it in a long time.

However, given the large foot traffic and the target customer group being children, necessary cleaning and maintenance are essential. The manufacturer revealed that the vehicle is cleaned about 2 to 3 times a week, and is also inspected before each trip to ensure children can enjoy themselves safely and hygienically.

Parent
Likes the mobile library
I think this kind of library is actually quite suitable for children, because children will find the car interesting, and there are some tents and chairs, which will pique their interest and make them want to get closer.

Parent
Likes the mobile library
It’s quite different from a typical library space, and it has a car-like feel, which might be more appealing to boys.

The library has proactively "stepped out" and created a mobile knowledge hub, making reading incredibly accessible and filling every corner of the city with a rich literary atmosphere.

#Taiwanlibaries #mobilelibraries #Taipeilibraries #Taipeiattractions #childrensactivities

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2026-08-31

Refreshing peach smoothie is Taoyuan’s new local specialty

A peach smoothie shop in Taoyuan’s Jiaobanshan Commercial District has become a local specialty. The business started out as a simple roadside stand over 20 years ago and is now a bustling shop with its own storefront. The refreshing drink, great in the summer heat, has become a symbol of Taoyuan’s Fuxing District.

A shop owner cuts peaches by hand and puts slices into the blender, along with a special jam and lots of ice. Once it’s all blended together, this refreshing peach smoothie is ready to be served.

Cyclist
Gets free refills
I wouldn’t cycle if not for this, because you get free refills for riding a bike. It’s a great drink and the owner is really friendly.

Tourist
Likes the drink
It’s delicious, the fruit inside is sweet.

This peach slushie store in Taoyuan’s Jiaobanshan角板山 Commercial District started as a roadside stand in 2003. After over 20 years, it’s become a local specialty and lots of tourists come to try it.

Lee Hou-jung
Slushie shop owner
I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. It’s good to sell slushie when it’s hot out.

Lee Jen-liang
Slushie shop owner
The idea came when I was with my grandmother. Her neighbors always gave her peaches, and she likes cold desserts, so we started making peach slushies. We also have some Indigenous relatives who suggested that we try something different.

Inspired by their grandmother, this family business has been running for over 20 years. The shop uses natural ingredients, with ripe peaches cut fresh to order. The jam even includes Chinese herbs, making the flavor richer.

Lee Jen-liang
Slushie shop owner
The peach slushie is made with natural ingredients, with no artificial additives. When the peach trees are blooming, we use the blossoms to make a jam, which we combine with three Chinese medicinal herbs.

This peach slushie, perfected over many years, has a peach’s natural sweetness, as well as floral and fruity flavors from their specialty jam. But this popular shop is only open two days a week.

#peach #slushie #peachsmoothie #Taoyuan #Jiaobanshan #familybusiness #fruit #fruitsmoothie #summer #hot #refreshing

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2026-08-31

Taipei, Dresden universities ink agreement on semiconductor talent

TSMC is investing 10 billion euros, or over NT$350 billion, to build a fab in Germany. Slated to begin production in late 2027, the fab is estimated to create at least 7,000 jobs. As chipmaking technology advances, semiconductor talent must stay ahead of the curve. Taipei Tech and the Dresden University of Technology recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the goal of training this next crop of talent early, bringing the two countries’ chip collaboration to the next level.

TSMC’s new fab in Dresden is expected to begin production in late 2027, creating at least 7,000 new jobs. As chip production advances, Taiwan and Germany are looking to train the talent it will take to keep up with future demand.

Karsten Tietz
German Institute Taipei Director-General
The main purpose, of course, is to nurture the semiconductor talent that TSMC’s investment in Dresden needs. Taiwan has become one of Germany’s most important partners in terms of science and research cooperation overall.

Taipei Tech and the Dresden University of Technology signed a four-year memorandum of understanding to select outstanding master’s students from Germany to study in Taiwan. These students will first take specialized semiconductor and Mandarin courses at Taipei Tech, then go to TSMC to gain hands-on experience in chip manufacturing to prepare them for their future careers.

Karsten Tietz
German Institute Taipei Director-General
The field offers great job opportunities beyond TSMC’s Dresden factory. So that’s why we expanded it to the rest of the world.

Jen Yi-jun
Taipei Tech president
Both of our institutions have a long history of emphasizing practical education. We focus on solving industry challenges. So that’s why we have so much in common and why we started our collaboration.

As TSMC’s Dresden fab starts to take shape, cooperation between Taiwan and Germany is expanding beyond construction to include talent and technology exchange, setting the stage for a strong partnership in semiconductor production.

#TSMC #Dresden #TaipeiTech #semiconductors #semiconductortalent #fab #talent #MOU #universities #techtalent

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2026-08-31

Taiwan and US sign MOU on chip workforce development

TSMC’s global expansion is gaining momentum, and now, the focus is on developing the talent to power the semiconductor industry of tomorrow. Recently, Taiwan teamed up with Germany and Japan on semiconductor talent development. And on Monday the American Institute in Taiwan joined in, with a workforce summit on the matter. Taiwan and the US signed an MOU to bring more American students to Taiwan for hands-on training, while building a new generation of international semiconductor talent. Let’s hear more.

Raymond Green
AIT Director
Our ties with Taiwan have never been stronger especially as our cooperation deepens across high tech and advanced manufacturing sectors. Last year marked a record-breaking period for Taiwan’s foreign direct investments in the United States.

Bill Frauenhofer
US Commerce Department
Taiwan on semiconductor workforce development. As we share so many successful companies. Either to build the skilled workforce that we would bring those fabs to life and run them for the next generation.

Cheng Ying-yao
Minister of Education
This is not one way learning. American students will experience Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem first hand, while Taiwanese students gain international perspectives by learning alongside their American peers.

As semiconductor investment between Taiwan and the US continues to expand, workforce development has become a key area of cooperation. AIT Director Raymond Greene and Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao were among those attending the summit, where the two sides signed an MOU covering semiconductor talent development from education through employment. The agreement will give American students opportunities to study and gain experience in Taiwan, and help both sides develop more talent for their semiconductor industries. The summit also sets the stage for SEMICON Taiwan, the international semiconductor trade show kicking off later this week.

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#tech #innovation #semiconductor #semicon #tsmc #chips #ait #us

2026-08-31

Government launches lucky draw for pet owners who register cats and dogs

Taiwanese people may adore their furry friends, but they don’t always remember to register them. Taiwanese law requires dogs and cats to be registered once they turn four months old. To encourage more people to register their beloved pets, the Ministry of Agriculture is launching a lucky draw. Update your pet registration data or register your pet by the end of September for a chance to win NT$3,000 worth of pet health check-ups and medical care. Let’s find out more.

These days, people have endless ways of pampering their pets, but don’t forget the most basic and important protection: completing pet registration.

To encourage pet owners to register their pets, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a lucky draw.

Chiang Wen-chuan
Department of Animal Welfare director
Pet registration isn’t just a legal responsibility imposed on you—the public and pet owners. More than that, I believe it is a vital bond built between you and your furry friend.

Pet owners who have already registered should log in to the "Pet Registration Information System" to check and update their data. Those who haven’t registered yet should hurry up and complete the registration before the end of September to be eligible for the luck draw. Currently, there are 1.46 million pet dogs and 1.74 million pet cats in Taiwan, with only 75% and 63% of them having microchips implanted, respectively. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to promote this practice.

Owner
Likes pet registration system
When I opened the door to grab a package, Bubu instantly darted out from between my feet. The sheer terror of not being able to find her is something I still remember vividly to this day. The pet registration data became a beacon guiding her home.

Chiang Wen-chuan
Department of Animal Welfare director
While current regulations require pet registration, we hope to encourage greater participation from pet owners through incentives.

According to the Animal Protection Act, cats and dogs should be registered as pets when they reach 4 months old. Failure to do so can result in a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$15,000. Pet owners are reminded to complete registration as soon as possible to protect their pets.

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#pet # PetRegistration # LuckyDraw # DepartmentofAnima Welfare

2026-08-31

AI breakthroughs showcased at Meet Greater South expo