Kaohsiung Mayoral Candidate Lai Rui-long Unveils Campaign Visuals and Policies; Opponent Ko Chih-en Calls for Clarity on Energy Stance
Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Lai Rui-long of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) announced his campaign's main visual and policies focusing on semiconductors and AI computing power. His opponent, Ko Chih-en of the Kuomintang (KMT), noted the similarity of policies but stressed the need for a clear energy choice to ensure stable power supply for development.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 12, 2026 at 15:44
- 🔍 Collected: May 12, 2026 at 16:02 (17 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 13, 2026 at 03:09 (11h 7m after Collected)
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Kaohsiung mayoral candidate Lai Rui-long unveiled his campaign's main visual, themed "Southern Rise, Towards Internationalization," on May 12th. The visual, featuring vibrant fuchsia to symbolize creativity and passion, along with a rising sun for hope and dynamic diagonal lines for action, represents the confidence of Kaohsiung residents in pursuing progress.
Lai stated that the campaign visual is not just an election identifier but also demonstrates a determination to usher in a new golden decade for Kaohsiung. He positioned himself as the "fourth batter" in a succession of leaders, following former mayors Hsieh Chang-ting and Chen Chu, and current Mayor Chen Chi-mai.
Lai outlined his vision for Kaohsiung to become a core hub driving the "Southern Rise" over the next decade, with comprehensive planning in key areas such as semiconductors, AI computing power, smart manufacturing, defense aerospace, agricultural and fishery technology, cultural tourism economy, and international gateways. He specifically proposed the establishment of a "Semiconductor Advanced Process and Packaging & Testing Center" to deepen the related industrial ecosystem and supply chain.
Emphasizing that "computing power is national power," Lai announced plans for an "AI Computing Power and Application Service Center." This initiative aims to leverage sovereign AI, an industry model library, and energy resilience to make computing power a crucial foundation for upgrading various industries. He also plans to accelerate the construction of a "City GPT Smart Platform" for applications in municipal services like traffic management, disaster prevention, and public infrastructure maintenance.
Lai also mentioned collaborating with top universities like National Tsing Hua University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, along with local institutions, to cultivate high-tech professionals. He aims for manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, and cultural tourism sectors to thrive together, using AI to help traditional industries connect with high-value supply chains and promoting smart agriculture and fishery.
In response, Ko Chih-en's campaign office stated that Ko had already presented her comprehensive policy proposals by the end of March, many of which Lai's platform appears to reference, such as the "Semiconductor Advanced Process and Packaging & Testing Center."
The Ko Chih-en campaign office urged Lai to provide corresponding supporting plans for his proposals and explain how they will be achieved. They questioned whether the proposed "AI Computing Power and Application Service Center" would utilize nuclear power or adhere to Lai's past stance of a "nuclear-free homeland," insisting on the use of solar and thermal power.
Ko's office emphasized that Kaohsiung is at the forefront of AI development, making "stable power supply" paramount. They called on Lai to clarify his position and attitude on energy choices and report clearly to the citizens.
Lai stated that the campaign visual is not just an election identifier but also demonstrates a determination to usher in a new golden decade for Kaohsiung. He positioned himself as the "fourth batter" in a succession of leaders, following former mayors Hsieh Chang-ting and Chen Chu, and current Mayor Chen Chi-mai.
Lai outlined his vision for Kaohsiung to become a core hub driving the "Southern Rise" over the next decade, with comprehensive planning in key areas such as semiconductors, AI computing power, smart manufacturing, defense aerospace, agricultural and fishery technology, cultural tourism economy, and international gateways. He specifically proposed the establishment of a "Semiconductor Advanced Process and Packaging & Testing Center" to deepen the related industrial ecosystem and supply chain.
Emphasizing that "computing power is national power," Lai announced plans for an "AI Computing Power and Application Service Center." This initiative aims to leverage sovereign AI, an industry model library, and energy resilience to make computing power a crucial foundation for upgrading various industries. He also plans to accelerate the construction of a "City GPT Smart Platform" for applications in municipal services like traffic management, disaster prevention, and public infrastructure maintenance.
Lai also mentioned collaborating with top universities like National Tsing Hua University and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, along with local institutions, to cultivate high-tech professionals. He aims for manufacturing, agriculture, fishery, and cultural tourism sectors to thrive together, using AI to help traditional industries connect with high-value supply chains and promoting smart agriculture and fishery.
In response, Ko Chih-en's campaign office stated that Ko had already presented her comprehensive policy proposals by the end of March, many of which Lai's platform appears to reference, such as the "Semiconductor Advanced Process and Packaging & Testing Center."
The Ko Chih-en campaign office urged Lai to provide corresponding supporting plans for his proposals and explain how they will be achieved. They questioned whether the proposed "AI Computing Power and Application Service Center" would utilize nuclear power or adhere to Lai's past stance of a "nuclear-free homeland," insisting on the use of solar and thermal power.
Ko's office emphasized that Kaohsiung is at the forefront of AI development, making "stable power supply" paramount. They called on Lai to clarify his position and attitude on energy choices and report clearly to the citizens.
FAQ
What is the theme of Lai Rui-long's campaign visual for Kaohsiung?
The theme is "Southern Rise, Towards Internationalization," symbolizing creativity, passion, confidence in progress, hope for a new era, and the drive to overcome challenges.
What key areas does Lai Rui-long plan to focus on for Kaohsiung's development?
He plans to focus on semiconductors, AI computing power, smart manufacturing, defense aerospace, agricultural and fishery technology, cultural tourism economy, and international gateways.
What specific centers does Lai Rui-long propose to establish?
He proposes establishing a "Semiconductor Advanced Process and Packaging & Testing Center" and an "AI Computing Power and Application Service Center."
What is Ko Chih-en's main criticism of Lai Rui-long's policies?
Ko Chih-en points out that Lai's policies are similar to hers but criticizes his lack of clarity on energy choices, arguing that stable power supply is crucial for AI development and demanding he state his position on nuclear power versus a nuclear-free homeland.
What is the significance of "computing power" according to Lai Rui-long?
Lai Rui-long states that "computing power is national power" and plans to use it as a foundation for upgrading various industries.