Microsoft is set to launch an IoT Center of Excellence in Taiwan with the economics ministry. Microsoft and the economics ministry announced the planned launch on Wednesday. 

The launch is part of a second stage of upgrades to IoT services in Taiwan. The first stage began in 2017 and created a production value of NT$364,000.  The second stage will include a research center for 5G+AIoT as well as personnel training to help Taiwan continue to develop this sector. 

Deputy Economics Minister Lin Chuan-neng says that Taiwan is already a global leader in the production of semiconductors. Lin says this new plan, combined with Taiwan’s leading edge in hardware, will help Taiwan become a key player in software as well. 

Meanwhile, Vice Premier Shen Jong-chin says that while many tech forums have been suspended this year due to COVID-19, Taiwan is still hosting DevDays Asia 2020 Online as scheduled from August 19-26. The forum is being held online and will showcase the latest industry trends to tech professionals and developers.