Malaysia, The Key Gateway For Taiwan's Exports To Asian Countries
By Durratul Ain Ahmad Fuad
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- Malaysia serves as a key gateway for Taiwan's exports to Asian countries due to the many parallels in their development journeys, said Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Charles Lin.
He said both Malaysia and Taiwan share common goals in the semiconductor industry, the development of the startup ecosystem, and their vision for smart cities.
“The city government's priority is to provide subsidies for the six companies we are bringing to the Selangor Smart City & Digital Economy Convention (SDEC) 2024 to help them explore business opportunities abroad.
“Our research indicates that Malaysia is the top choice for Taiwan to begin exporting to Asian countries, given our shared development journeys.
“We are both in the same region and focused on the semiconductor industry and nurturing our startup ecosystems, while also sharing a common vision for smart cities,” he told Bernama.
He said that while several countries in Asia are discussing smart cities, Malaysia is leading the way in digital transformation.
“We prioritise digital transformation, alongside the dual transition of digital and carbon transition, which involves significant technological advancements. These transitions are crucial and will bring mutual benefits for each goal,” he added.
Lin is leading a delegation of representatives from the city's smart transportation, smart healthcare, and startups from the Taiwan Startup Terrace to participate in SDEC 2024, held here from Oct 16-19.
The delegation comprises nearly 20 representatives from Kaohsiung’s government and leading smart tech companies to deepen discussions with businesses in Selangor and Malaysia focusing on potential partnerships in smart healthcare and mobility platforms.
The six Kaohsiung companies participating in SDEC 2024 are Advmeds, iAmbition Technology, LTPA Solution, Hitspectra Intelligent Technology, Meta Intelligence, and Chunghwa Telecom, collectively showcasing diverse strengths in the artificial intelligence (Al) and 5G innovation applications.
“This is the first time we have brought six outstanding companies from Kaohsiung to SDEC 2024, and I truly believe they will discover opportunities to form partnerships in Malaysia.
“To me, they are highly capable of using AI applications in their service offerings. With a robust vertical manufacturing sector in Kaohsiung, they have a strong foundation for growth, and they need to expand internationally to scale up,” he said.
On Oct 15, Selangor Exco for Investment, Trade and Mobility Ng Sze Han welcomed Lin and led a tour of the IC Design Park - Malaysia's first and Southeast Asia's largest semiconductor integrated circuit design hub.
The following morning, on Oct 16, the delegation proceeded to the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC) for further discussions on industry matchmaking and collaboration.
“The visit not only demonstrates Kaohsiung's strong commitment to advancing smart city initiatives but also marks a new milestone in the collaboration between Taiwan and Malaysia in the field of smart technology.
“By establishing close connections with the cities and companies that are leaders in industrial development, Kaohsiung is poised to create more opportunities for international cooperation and exports,” according to a statement.
Kaohsiung is a recognised leader in low-carbon development and smart city innovation, having earned awards from APEC and the IDC Asia-Pacific Smart City Awards. Its digital advancements in agriculture and healthcare have also been praised by global organisations like the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation (WeGO) and the World Congress on Information Technology (WCIT).
-- BERNAMA
