After Delivering the 13.69% Economic Report Card...

Taiwan has recently released an encouraging economic report card, with first-quarter GDP growth reaching 13.69%, a standout performance among major global economies. This result is not just a demonstration of industrial resilience but also proof of Taiwan''s ability to move forward steadily amidst a volatile international political and economic landscape. However, a mature society should not rest on the laurels of temporary data. At this high point, it is crucial to proactively examine the structural vulnerabilities of our economy.

First, the industrial structure must shift from "single-point breakthroughs" to "balanced transformation." Current success is heavily concentrated in the internationally competitive AI, semiconductor, and high-tech sectors. Future policy logic should move toward "balanced prosperity," enabling SMEs and domestic services to participate in value creation through digital transformation and regional innovation platforms to reduce reliance on external economic cycles.

Second, Taiwan must address the "manpower bottleneck" and the crisis of "deviation from core values." Under the wave of a declining birthrate, labor shortages are putting real pressure on all industries, particularly in healthcare, education, and public governance. Improving the salary competitiveness and dignity of core national roles—such as professors, medical staff, and civil servants—is a strategic investment in "national governance capability."

Third, there must be a transition from "local competition" to an "open society." Facing population pressure, Taiwan must position itself as a global "talent hub" by creating an integrated process for international talent to learn, work, and develop here, supported by a more complete migration and livability system.

Finally, a quarterly growth rate of 13.69% is a brilliant milestone, but it should not be the finish line. The next challenge is to distribute this advantage more evenly and convert economic dividends into a solid foundation for talent and a healthy national constitution. Only then can Taiwan transition from "impressive data" to "comprehensive excellence."