Mayoral hopefuls in Kaohsiung unveil competing AI development strategies

Ahead of Kaohsiung’s municipal election on Nov. 28, the city’s two major-party mayoral candidates detailed their visions for an AI-driven economy. Lai Jui-lung of the Democratic Progressive Party argued that the city’s abundant land, high electricity self-sufficiency (134 % in early 2026) and strong industrial ecosystem make it ideal for an AI cluster, citing the 590-hectare Asia New Bay Area and the 58-hectare former 205th Arsenal site as potential cores.

He also referenced Taipei’s Songshan Airport debate, noting the contrast in power availability. Kuomintang candidate Ko Chih-en proposed dedicated AI parks that would incorporate drone and geospatial technologies, foster collaboration between universities and businesses, and integrate hardware and software resources for testing and R&D. Ko further pledged to broaden AI learning through school curricula, teacher training and digital programs for workers, SMEs and older adults. Voters will also choose a successor to incumbent DPP mayor Chen Chi-mai and the city council.