President: Be the Strongest Backing for Biomedical Industry, Build the Next Sacred Mountain for National Defense

TAIPEI (Central News Agency, reporter Yeh Su-ping, June 15) — President Lai Ching-te stated today that health is a fundamental human right, and the government will continue to serve as the most solid backing for Taiwan's biomedical industry. He expressed hope for collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Society for Regenerative Medicine to enhance public health, strengthen the nation, and gain global recognition for Taiwan, collectively building the biomedical sector into the next 'sacred mountain' for national defense.

President Lai received a delegation from the Asia-Pacific Society for Regenerative Medicine at the Presidential Office this morning. In his remarks, he highlighted that since its establishment in 2024, the Society has consistently contributed innovative momentum to Taiwan's biomedical industry—through organizing regenerative medicine technology seminars, training programs for cell therapy physicians, and assisting in international biomedical and biotech innovation exchange events during this year's Taipei International Computer Show (COMPUTEX).

The President emphasized that regenerative medicine is a key global healthcare frontier. In 2021, the government significantly revised the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries Development Act, strengthening talent retention and recruitment, investment tax credits, and R&D and equipment depreciation incentives to continuously promote biotechnology and smart healthcare development.

President Lai noted that upon assuming office in 2024, he established the 'Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee' within the Presidential Office. Advancing regenerative medicine, smart healthcare, and precision medicine remain key government priorities under this committee.

He added that this year marks a significant milestone for Taiwan's regenerative medicine development, as the official implementation of the Regenerative Medicine Act and the Regenerative Medicine Preparation Act ushers in a new era of institutionalization and legalization. From clinical procedures and drug development to cell manufacturing, all aspects are now regulated under a tiered, risk-managed framework, aiming to foster robust growth while balancing innovation and risk control.

The President acknowledged that enhancing data collection and utilization in medical institutions is a key concern for the Society. Moving forward, the government will strengthen digital governance and progressively deepen data collection, analysis, and application to jointly build a safer and more internationally competitive regenerative medicine ecosystem.

Reiterating that health is a fundamental human right, President Lai affirmed the government's unwavering support for the biomedical industry. He looks forward to collaborating with the Asia-Pacific Society for Regenerative Medicine to improve public health, strengthen the nation, and gain global embrace for Taiwan, collectively building the biomedical industry into the next 'sacred mountain' for national defense. (Edited by Wan Shu-chang) 1150615