TSMC Factory Drives Kumamoto Tourism; Autopass Enters Japan to Promote Smart Mobility

Autopass explained that the related plan integrates "vehicles, electricity, networks, and cash flow," connecting cross-domain resources such as transportation, green energy, and payment. Autopass serves as the platform integration and architecture design role, responsible for system development, cash flow integration, and life service integration. In Japan, it partners with TOYOTA TSUSHO as a partner for introducing two-wheeled electric vehicles to the Japanese market, and will also collaborate with energy groups, large trading companies, and local transportation and rental service providers to build infrastructure including electric scooter rental and battery swapping services.

Autopass held a press conference today, where founder and CEO Yu Chih-wei stated that over the past two years, Kumamoto has experienced rapid development and a surge in population due to the construction of semiconductor industries like TSMC. The Kumamoto Prefectural Government recognized the need for more private sector participation in transportation. Therefore, Autopass plans to promote an electric energy network and green mobility solutions in Kumamoto, combined with Autopass's long-term mobile financial services in Taiwan. In the future, Kumamoto residents and tourists will be able to rent electric scooters, make instant payments, and use points with a single ID, gradually connecting more life and tourism services.

Yu Chih-wei pointed out that this plan is Autopass's first step in international expansion, aiming to extend Taiwan's user experience from Kumamoto to the entire Kyushu region. Services are expected to officially launch in Kumamoto in the third quarter of this year, with future hopes of expanding to Nara, Gifu, Okinawa, Hokkaido, and further into the Asia-Pacific region.

In addition, Huang Yi-cheng, Chief Secretary of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Tourism Bureau, was invited to deliver a speech, stating that the semiconductor industry has deepened cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, and Kumamoto has developed into a highly anticipated smart tourism city. Through this Autopass smart mobility solution, which introduces electric vehicle rental and digital payment systems, Taiwan's technological strength in smart exports is showcased, promoting smart mobility internationally.

He stated that the Tourism Bureau continues to develop smart tourism, such as planning smart AI translation and mobile travel services at airports, providing real-time travel information to enhance the tourist experience in Taiwan, and hopes that more Kumamoto residents will visit Taiwan. (Edited by Lin Shu-yuan) 1150409