Taipei Mayor Jiang on Fresh Milk Policy and AI Tech Corridor at World Cities Summit in Singapore

(By Central News Agency reporter Wu Sheng-hung, Singapore, July 15) The World Cities Summit opened today in Singapore, drawing government officials and industry representatives from around the globe. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an shook hands with Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong during the opening ceremony and discussed topics including the city's fresh milk policy and NVIDIA's presence in Taipei during a panel session, emphasizing that Taipei's AI technology corridor will serve as a foundational pillar for the next generation of innovation-driven economies.

Held from July 14 to 16 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore, the World Cities Summit brings together government leaders, industry experts, and academics to exchange insights on urban sustainability and smart city development. Several local government officials from Taiwan attended, including Mayor Chiang Wan-an of Taipei, Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang of Keelung, and Mayor Chang Shan-cheng of Taoyuan.

Prime Minister Lawrence Wong delivered a keynote address in the morning, greeting Chiang Wan-an and other attendees upon arrival. He stated that while cities are often the first to feel the impact when global pressures arise, they are also key sites for solutions. In an increasingly fragmented world, cooperation between cities has become more crucial than ever. Even if nations cannot agree on every geopolitical issue, cities can find common ground and share practical approaches.

Taipei has been awarded a Special Recognition under the 2026 Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize. In the afternoon, Mayor Chiang joined Singapore’s Minister for National Development Desmond Lee and London Mayor Sadiq Khan in a panel discussion. Delivering remarks in English, Chiang highlighted initiatives such as the 'Fresh Milk Weekly—Every Student Drinks Fresh Milk' program.

Chiang emphasized that true intelligence lies in the underlying systems—ensuring zero stockouts and zero waste. More importantly, he noted that if fresh milk can be efficiently delivered, the same system can rapidly distribute emergency supplies, marking the transformation of a smart city into a resilient one.

He also mentioned NVIDIA's establishment of its overseas headquarters in Taipei. This move, he said, signifies not just jobs and investment, but Taipei's reimagining of its urban future. The city's AI technology corridor will become a foundational pillar for the next generation of innovation economies. Chiang expressed gratitude to the Lee Kuan Yew World City Prize jury and organizers, stating that the honor belongs not only to the city's civil servants who have worked for decades but also to all Taipei citizens.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, Chiang said his visit includes exchanges with Singapore’s government, including a site visit to Punggol Digital District to learn how the Open Digital Platform (ODP) integrates cross-ministry and cross-departmental operations. (Edited by Chen Yen-chun) 1150615