Taiwan stands as a global leader in semiconductor technology, the foundational pillar of all modern technological innovation. At the heart of this achievement is the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s largest contract semiconductor manufacturer since its founding in 1987. TSMC produces nearly 90 percent of the world’s leading-edge semiconductors, powering critical applications in artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and other frontier technologies. This remarkable capability positions Taiwan to use its technological strengths as a form of science diplomacy, forging international partnerships that transcend traditional political boundaries.
Science diplomacy refers to the use of scientific collaboration among nations to address common problems and build constructive international partnerships. In a world often divided by geopolitical rivalries, science and technology offer a neutral ground for cooperation. Taiwan can harness its semiconductor leadership to build strategic alliances in areas such as the digital economy, AI, and global health innovation.
Taiwan is uniquely positioned to drive forward AI advancements. The convergence of its robust semiconductor industry, advanced information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, and a strong manufacturing base provides a solid foundation for developing cutting-edge AI solutions. Recognizing this potential, the Taiwanese government has launched several strategic initiatives to boost AI development, such as the AI Action Plan and the Taiwan AI Strategy. These policies aim to foster innovation through open data initiatives, support for AI start-ups, attraction of international R&D centers, and targeted investments in talent development and scientific research.
Taiwan’s commitment to AI is not only limited to industrial applications. The government has placed strong emphasis on the use of AI in healthcare, an area with immense potential for both domestic and international collaboration.
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the critical role of technology in strengthening healthcare systems. The rapid deployment of AI in diagnostics, remote monitoring, real-time data sharing, and disease surveillance has become essential for improving public health preparedness and pandemic response. Countries across the Asia-Pacific region, many of which face significant challenges in healthcare management, stand to benefit from Taiwan’s expertise in this area.
Taiwan is already recognized for its high-quality medical care and healthcare innovations. To further consolidate its position, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has established two key institutions: the MoST All Vista Healthcare Center (MAHC) and the MoST AI Biomedical Research Center (AIBMRC). These centers focus on harnessing AI to improve healthcare delivery, diagnostics, and precision medicine.
Through strategic collaborations, these institutions can partner with research institutes and healthcare organizations across the Asia-Pacific to establish early disease warning systems, regional biobanks, and platforms for genomic research. Taiwan’s National Biobank Consortium, launched in 2019, already integrates data from 33 biobanks, representing over 460,000 volunteers and 4.5 million biospecimens. Expanding this infrastructure through regional partnerships would facilitate data-driven research and enable the development of personalized healthcare solutions.
Taiwan’s commitment to cultivating international talent further strengthens its science diplomacy agenda. By establishing overseas integrated circuit (IC) training bases, such as the one launched in Prague, Taiwan is investing in global knowledge exchange and workforce development. These efforts not only enhance Taiwan’s international visibility but also promote long-term collaboration with partner countries.
Recently in 2023 a memoranda of understanding (MOUs) signed with countries like the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, and Canada demonstrate Taiwan’s increasing footprint in the global healthcare innovation space. Replicating such agreements across Asia-Pacific nations could position Taiwan as a regional hub for health technology and digital innovation.
Taiwan’s international engagement is often hindered by the geopolitical pressure exerted by the People’s Republic of China, particularly in forums such as the World Health Organization. However, science diplomacy offers an alternative pathway. Health is a universal concern that transcends political ideologies and national boundaries. By focusing on collaboration in health research, AI, and medical technologies, Taiwan can build meaningful partnerships even with countries that officially observe the “One-China Policy.”
In particular, Taiwan’s contributions in telemedicine, digital health platforms, pandemic response technologies, and biomedical research can significantly enhance global health systems especially in developing countries such as Pakistan, India, Thailand etc. These partnerships not only support regional health security but also reinforce Taiwan’s role as a responsible and innovative member of the global scientific community.
Science diplomacy through AI and health technologies provides Taiwan with a unique opportunity to enhance its global presence, overcome diplomatic barriers, and strengthen regional cooperation. By leveraging its semiconductor prowess, technological leadership, and healthcare innovation, Taiwan can become a central player in shaping the future of digital health and AI in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.
Dr. Muhammad Qasim holds a PhD in Biomedical Sciences from South Korea and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He currently serves as the Director of Cytotech, based in Wellington, New Zealand. Dr. Qasim is an alumnus of the Asia-Pacific Forum’s Young Leaders Program. As a science diplomat, he has participated in numerous high-level international forums across 40 countries worldwide, including the Biological Weapons Convention, the CTBTO Science Diplomacy Symposium, the World Science Forum, the World Health Assembly, and the UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. He has contributed to various international and regional policy documents through these engagements. His areas of expertise include science diplomacy, health security, nuclear disarmament, and youth empowerment. Since 2023, he has been a member of the Global Young Academy (GYA) and currently serves as Co-Lead of the GYA Global Health Working Group. As an entrepreneur, Dr. Qasim is the co-founder of a biotechnology company operating across Pakistan, New Zealand, and South Korea, as well as a network of diagnostic centers and a hospital in Pakistan.
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