Taiwan Will Pay Each Citizen $300 Thanks to Revenue from AI
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te announced a one-time payment of 10,000 New Taiwan dollars to every resident of the island, which amounts to approximately $300. The government plans to allocate 235.7 billion Taiwanese dollars, or approximately $7.4 billion, to implement the program.
The decision was made possible by accelerated economic growth. The payments are intended to serve as a kind of “AI dividend,” allowing citizens to share in the benefits of the technological boom.
Based on first-quarter results, Taiwan’s GDP growth forecast was revised upward to 15.43%. Preliminary data for the second quarter showed growth of 12.93%. Consequently, the country’s economy has been posting double-digit growth rates for several consecutive quarters.
In the first half of the year, GDP grew by 14.15%—the best result in the past 50 years. The annual forecast was raised from 9.64% to 11.05%, which could be the highest figure in 39 years.
In addition to payments to the population, the government plans to increase funding for strategic areas. In particular, defense spending in 2027 is expected to reach 1.12 trillion New Taiwan dollars—exceeding 3% of the country’s GDP for the first time.
Taiwanese dollars 229.2 billion are earmarked for technology programs, a 12.7% increase from the previous year. Of this amount, 40.6 billion New Taiwan dollars will be directed toward the development of key AI projects—specifically computing power, research, workforce training, and technological infrastructure.
Another government priority will be supporting families, developing infrastructure, and increasing funding for local governments.
If the budget passes all necessary approval stages by the end of the year, payments could begin before the Lunar New Year celebration on February 6, 2027.
South Korea has previously set a similar example of sharing the benefits of the artificial intelligence boom. In late spring, employees at Samsung’s semiconductor division agreed to a new labor contract that provides for a bonus of about 513 million won (approximately $340,000) for each employee.
Source: Taipei Times.
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