As countries seek to ride the global AI tide, Singaporean Representative to Taiwan Foo Teow Lee (\u7b26\u79c0\u9e97) sees an opportunity for a \u201ccomplementary partnership\u201d between Taiwan and her country, citing Taiwan\u2019s world-leading expertise and shared cultural affinity.<\/p>\n
Foo, who took her post in January, was talking about ways Taiwan and Singapore could strengthen bilateral cooperation in an interview with the Central News Agency.<\/p>\n
Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (\u9ec3\u5faa\u8ca1) announced plans to invest S$800 million (US$626.9 million) in the Semiconductor Research, Innovation and Enterprise Flagship initiative to position Singapore as a key research and development hub in the semiconductor industry, she said.<\/p>\n
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\n <\/div>\nPhoto: CNA \n<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Taiwan produces more than 60 percent of the world\u2019s semiconductors and more than 90 percent of its advanced chips, she said, adding that some Taiwanese semiconductor manufacturers, including MediaTek, have established operations in Singapore.<\/p>\n
The people of Taiwan and Singapore share a language and other cultural similarities, making Taiwan a \u201cnatural partner\u201d for nurturing Singapore\u2019s semiconductor talent, she said.<\/p>\n
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Describing the global semiconductor supply chain as \u201cvery long,\u201d Foo added that Singapore holds strengths in areas such as packaging.<\/p>\n
\u201cI believe we can identify our respective strengths and form a complementary partnership in the semiconductor ecosystem,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Asked why Singapore, a peaceful city-state, has spent more than 3 percent of its GDP on defense for two consecutive years \u2014 higher than most NATO members \u2014 Foo said the majority of Singaporeans have no illusions about relying on others for survival.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have always believed that peace and security cannot be taken for granted. Because we cherish peace, we know well that peace is maintained through credible deterrence,\u201d Foo said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not assume threats will arise or present themselves, but we must plan for a rainy day and ensure that we can safeguard our people\u2019s interests and safety under all circumstances,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSingapore\u2019s defense expenditure is expected to hold steady at around 3 percent [of GDP],\u201d she said, adding that the country would increase spending if necessary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe survival and security of Singapore ultimately rely on ourselves. We cannot expect the help of others in times of crisis or emergency,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n