IN a world racing toward the future, Taiwan stands apart, mastering a rare and delicate art —balance. Here, the future isn't a distant dream. It pulses through the streets, woven into everyday life, while tradition remains the backbone, guiding each step forward.
From ancient temples to gleaming skyscrapers, the blend of old and new is evident at every turn in this island nation.
Technology drives more than machines here — it shapes daily routines. Yet, what sets Taiwan apart is how the past isn't forgotten. It's stitched seamlessly into the fabric of modernity, where old and new co-exist without conflict.
PRESERVING TRADITION
Nowhere is this balance more evident than in Taiwan's food culture.
Take a simple bowl of noodle soup. It may seem unassuming, yet every element — from the perfectly chewy noodles to the vibrant greens and rich, flavourful broth — is the product of hard work, countless hours of sweat, and years of practice. Behind every meal is an entire world most of us never consider. Farmers and traders are the unsung heroes, ensuring that good food is possible.
The spring onion in your soup? Likely picked hours ago from Taiwan's fertile fields. The noodles? Probably crafted by a family that has been perfecting their recipe for generations.
Without fresh, quality ingredients, even the most skilled chef is just a cook.
At the Taipei Agricultural Products Marketing Corporation, the daily battle for quality ingredients unfolds as traders bid, argue, and haggle over the freshest produce. Vegetables still glisten with dew and the fruits are so fresh they practically hum with life. It's not glamorous, but it's real — chaotic, raw and authentic.
Only registered buyers can participate. By 3am, the auction begins. But why auctions? They allow buyers to inspect a wide range of local and imported produce, from rare finds to seasonal staples, and set their own prices based on quality. For farmers, it's a win; they spend less time marketing and more time doing what they do best: growing food.
"You don't just buy food here, you buy life," a trader shares, adding: "These fruits, these vegetables, they've been harvested by hands that know the land. We know exactly what's good and what's not. It's a craft."
Once the bidding begins, traders scramble to note down the best stock.
"You blink, you lose. Freshness is everything, and you can taste the difference," says another bidder.
This place serves as a gritty reminder that before food reaches our tables, there are people whose lives revolve around ensuring that what we eat is of the highest quality.
It's human, it's real and it makes every bite meaningful. But Taiwan isn't just about preserving tradition — it's also about shaping the future. And sometimes, that means letting go of old ways and embracing new paths forward.
FUELLING INNOVATION
In the early 1970s, Taiwan faced a period of political and economic turbulence. The global oil crisis had caused fuel prices to skyrocket worldwide and the United Nations had switched recognition to Communist Beijing as the legitimate representative of China. To overcome these challenges and stay relevant, the island embarked on a quest to transform its labour-driven economy into one powered by technology and innovation. This shift redefined Taiwan's industrial landscape.
Hsinchu, now known as Taiwan's Silicon Valley, is the embodiment of that transformation. A thriving centre of innovation, it seamlessly blends modern technology with deep cultural roots, housing over 300 start-ups that push the boundaries of the tech industry.
Today, that spirit of ingenuity drives cutting-edge technologies not only within Taiwan, but across the globe. At the forefront of this transformation is the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the engine propelling Taiwan's remarkable advancements.
At ITRI, innovation goes beyond machines — it's about improving lives. Artificial intelligence (AI) lies at the heart of their vision, integrated into three pivotal areas: smart living, healthcare, and sustainability. "AI isn't just about powering machines," says Wei-Chung Hwang, deputy general manager of ITRI's Information & Communications Research Laboratories.
Adding, he says: "It enables seamless human interaction, optimises energy consumption in smart homes, enhances healthcare through predictive analytics and promotes sustainable practices by improving efficiency and reducing costs across various industries."
ITRI places a strong emphasis on integrating AI with other advanced technologies like semiconductors, communications, cybersecurity, and smart sensing. By combining these forces, they aim to unlock the full potential of AI-driven innovations across a wide range of applications.
For example, Hwang points to Taiwan's semiconductor industry, where ITRI's high-precision defect detection technology has made a significant impact by streamlining production and improving efficiency.
"We've reduced labour costs and tackled challenges like false defect detection, enhancing the value and effectiveness of inspection equipment," he explains.
Healthcare is also experiencing a revolution, with ITRI's AI-driven "Point-of-Care" solutions bringing medical care to rural areas where specialists are scarce.
"Take diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness. In remote regions, early detection is often delayed, but with AI, even non-specialists can perform screenings, catching the disease early and reducing healthcare costs," Hwang says.
ITRI's influence goes beyond large industries, extending its support to start-ups and small businesses. Their FAST AI system offers customised AI solutions to SMEs across manufacturing, healthcare and services, empowering smaller companies to innovate.
"We're making AI accessible without the need for extensive resources," adds Hwang, noting how ITRI has helped hundreds of companies boost efficiency and remain competitive.
Looking forward, ITRI is committed to keeping Taiwan at the cutting edge of global AI and smart technology innovation. Through collaborations with the industry, academia and government, they aim to integrate AI across diverse sectors.
"We're not just responding to change," emphasises Hwang, adding: "We're driving it. AI is already shaping our lives. Its impact will only grow."
Taiwan has perfected the art of balancing tradition with modernity, yet it's clear that its gaze is fixed firmly on the future — without ever losing sight of its unique identity.