ROC Cabinet kicks off TAF initiative

2015-03-27

A project designed to transform the site of the former ROC air force headquarters in Taipei City into a world-class platform for innovation and smart living was launched March 25 by the Cabinet.

Dubbed Taiwan Air Force, the undertaking is a collaboration with Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab in the U.S. Once completed, it will usher in a new multidisciplinary era for the facility involving such activities as business incubation and the staging of exhibitions and forums.

At the launch ceremony, Premier Mao Chi-kuo described TAF as a versatile platform promoting entrepreneurship and ingenuity for future generations. “The word Taiwan is synonymous with global powerhouse of innovation economy; air signifies a boundless space where ideas converge; and force means the momentum generated by that meeting of ideas,” he said.

“Like the headquarters itself, which was once the governor-general’s industrial research institute during the Japanese colonial period [1895-1945], Taiwan’s thriving information communications technology industry needs to reinvent itself to remain relevant.”

According to Mao, the central and local governments will work together in providing the ICT industry with the tools to build a new future.

“What we envision for the long-term development of TAF is beyond the Internet of Things. At its core is an Internet of Humans, a smart network connecting our lives through locally developed and implemented cutting-edge technology.”

Separately, the Cabinet kicked off the same day a social enterprise initiative at the unused premier’s residence on Jinhwa Street in Taipei.

Occupying more than 3,306 square meters, the residence comprises four buildings near the bustling Yongkang shopping district. It was returned to the National Property Administration in November 2013 for asset revitalization after standing empty for five years.

The main building is to be converted into a co-working space for social enterprise startups, while Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Small and Medium Enterprise Administration staffers will provide consultancy services on-site.

Minister without Portfolio Feng Yen said a workshop is set to take place March 28-29 to canvass input from architects and other relevant parties on detailed operational plans.

“Blending civil society altruism and reciprocity with market efficiency, the facility will serve as an incubator for aspiring entrepreneurs while taking a central role in promoting related discussions, exchanges and products.”

The first batch of startups is expected to commence operations at the residence by the end of May.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=228742&CtNode=413)