Google officially opened its Shilin office, the company’s largest AI infrastructure research and development (R&D) center outside of its United States headquarters. President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended the opening ceremony in Taipei this Thursday, saying that this office, in addition to the company’s Banqiao location in New Taipei, demonstrates Google’s growing confidence in and commitment to long-term investment in Taiwan.

Lai said that Taiwan’s open democratic system, world-class semiconductor industry, and outstanding talent have made Taiwan an important partner for Google. With the official opening of the R&D center, cooperation between Google and Taiwanese industries will be further strengthened, consolidating Taiwan’s leading position in the global AI supply chain, he added.

Regarding why Taiwan has become an important partner for Google, the president said, “Taiwan holds a crucial strategic formation in the Indo-Pacific. We also have a world-class semiconductor industry cluster, high-level R&D talent, and a sound system for intellectual property rights. This practice makes Taiwan an optimal place for developing integrated AI software and hardware.”

The president said that while facing the global AI wave, Taiwan will continue leveraging its strengths, with the government promoting “10 new AI infrastructure initiatives” that aim to generate NT$15 trillion (US$480 billion), create 500,000 high-paying jobs by 2040, and rank Taiwan among the top five globally in AI capabilities, effectively transforming it into an AI island.

Lai said the new Google office will help cultivate core AI talent in Taiwan, enabling Taiwanese engineers and researchers to innovate in sync with the world and jointly develop next-generation AI solutions. He underscored how promoting closer cooperation between Google and Taiwanese industries will enhance industrial technological capabilities and consolidate Taiwan’s leading position in the global AI supply chain. 

Lai ensured that Taiwan will strive for AI technology that benefits everyone without sacrificing cybersecurity, privacy, and public trust as it continues collaborating with like-minded partners worldwide.