Taiwan invests NT$50 million to train AI-ready professionals

Taiwan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs has announced the launch of the first phase of its 2025 AI talent training programme, set to begin in August.

The initiative aims to develop 152 skilled professionals capable of supporting businesses in adopting AI technologies across a vast range of sectors.

Chiu Chiu-hui, Director-General of the Industrial Development Administration, said the programme has attracted over 60 domestic and international companies that will contribute instructors and offer internship placements.

Notable participating firms include Microsoft Taiwan, ASE Group, and Acer. Students will be selected from leading universities, such as National Taipei University, National Taipei University of Technology, National Formosa University, and National Cheng Kung University.

Structured as a one-year curriculum, the training is divided into three four-month phases. The initial stage will focus on theoretical foundations and current industry trends.

The first training stage will be followed by four months of practical application, and finally, four months of on-site corporate internships. Graduates of the programme are required to commit to working for one of the participating companies for a minimum of two years upon completion.

Participants will receive financial support throughout their training. A monthly stipend of NT$20,000 (approximately US$673) will be provided during the academic and practical stages, increasing to NT$30,000 during the internship period.

The government has earmarked NT$50 million for the first phase of the programme, and additional co-investment from private companies is being actively encouraged.

According to Chiu, some Taiwanese firms are struggling to find qualified talent to support their AI ambitions. In response, the ministry trained approximately 70,000 AI professionals last year and has set a slightly lower target of over 50,000 for 2025.

However, the long-term vision remains ambitious — to develop a total of 200,000 AI specialists within the next four years.

Registration for the second phase of the initiative is now open and will close in September. Training will expand to include universities and research institutions across Taiwan, with the next round of classes scheduled to start in October.

Industry leaders have praised the initiative as a timely response to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Lee Shu-hsia, Vice President of Human Resources at ASE Group, noted that AI is no longer confined to manufacturing but is increasingly being integrated into various functions such as procurement, human resources, and management.

The cross-departmental adoption is creating demand for AI-literate professionals who can bridge technical knowledge with operational needs.

Danny Chen, General Manager of Microsoft Taiwan’s public business group, added that the digital transformation underway in many companies has led to a significant increase in demand for AI-related talent.

Chen expressed optimism that the training programme will help companies not only recruit but also retain skilled personnel. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has expressed its expectation for participation to grow in the coming years and plans to expand both the scope and scale of the training.

In addition to co-investment, the ministry is exploring partnerships with international institutions to further enhance the programme’s global relevance and ensure alignment with emerging industry standards.

While the government’s long-term goal is to future-proof Taiwan’s workforce, the immediate focus is on plugging the talent gap that threatens to slow industrial innovation.

By linking academic institutions with real-world corporate challenges, the programme aims to produce graduates who are not only technically proficient but also industry-ready from day one.

Observers say the initiative represents a proactive strategy in preparing Taiwan’s economy for the next wave of AI-driven transformation. With AI applications becoming increasingly prevalent in sectors ranging from logistics to administration, building a robust talent pipeline is now viewed as a national priority.

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