Wan Pei, Lin/ Taichung
As digital technology rapidly evolves, smart city development has become a key priority for cities worldwide. On July 28th, Klon Lin, Director of the Digital Affairs Bureau of the Taichung City Government, led a delegation to visit the Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Labs in Kobe, Japan. The team was received by Tomoi Takashi, Director of the Lab, and held in-depth discussions on the future of AI development and expected to take Japan’s successful AI utilization as reference for future AI application in Taichung.
Director Lin highlighted that the Kobe-based Microsoft AI Co-Innovation Labs is one of only five Microsoft AI labs worldwide, and the only one in Asia, serving the entire Asia-Pacific region. Taiwan already has several collaboration cases with the lab, especially in the fields of manufacturing and medical applications.
During the visit, the Lab showcased its AI-powered robotic arm developed in partnership with Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. Both Kobe and Taichung have identified precision machinery as a key industry for future development. Director Lin noted that if Taichung can adapt Kobe’s model of industry-academia-research collaboration for AI application and digital transformation, it would significantly enhance the city’s industrial ecosystem.
Microsoft is actively investing in Taichung local digital talent development as part of its long-term strategy, which aligns closely with the Digital Affairs Bureau’s mission to enhance the digital capabilities of Taichung City Government staff.
In late 2024, the Taichung City Government and Microsoft Taiwan reached a cooperation agreement on “Smart Government and AI Sustainability.” This public-private partnership aims not only to deepen collaboration in AI and cloud computing, but also to introduce AI tools to boost digital literacy, cultivate cybersecurity and AI talent, and help position Taichung as a leading smart city in Taiwan.
