New Taipei Councilor Proposes AI Tool Subsidies for Youth to Close Digital Divide
Councilor Chen Wei-chieh has urged the New Taipei City Government to provide subsidies for youth to subscribe to AI tools like ChatGPT Plus, similar to a program in Hsinchu City.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 28, 2026 at 20:20
- 🔍 Collected: April 28, 2026 at 20:32 (11 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 28, 2026 at 21:35 (1h 3m after Collected)
In a move to bolster the competitive edge of young residents, New Taipei City Councilor Chen Wei-chieh proposed a new subsidy program for generative AI tools during a city council session on April 28, 2026. Chen suggested that the city should follow the model set by Hsinchu City, which provides financial aid for young people to subscribe to advanced digital tools such as ChatGPT Plus and Midjourney. The proposed subsidy would range from 3,000 TWD per year for general youth to up to 6,000 TWD for those from low-income families. Chen argued that such a policy is essential to ensure that youth in New Taipei are not left behind in the rapid digital transformation due to economic barriers. In response, New Taipei City Youth Bureau Director Chiu Chao-mei stated that while the bureau currently focuses on providing free AI courses and certification aid rather than direct subscription fees, they will conduct a budget feasibility study within the next month to evaluate the proposal's potential implementation.