With the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, global digital transformation has entered a new phase of intelligent environments and cross-domain talent competition. Cisco and Gentech Technology have officially launched the "Asia Bay AIOT Ecosystem Development Base and R&D Center" in Kaohsiung. This initiative integrates local and international innovation to promote the implementation of smart hub applications. Focusing on cybersecurity, AIOT, and data governance, the center aims to establish Taiwan as a key hub for smart industries in the Asia-Pacific region.
This project focuses on three major innovation platforms, including a smart data middle platform, an AI decision-making platform, and a global maintenance support system. It connects 25 technology partners and 21 local companies, and first launches 70 smart application verifications at Pier 12 of Kaohsiung Port, covering scenarios such as personnel safety, ESG carbon emission monitoring, and hazardous gas detection. Through AI image analysis and digital twin technology, it creates a replicable and exportable smart port module solution.
Guy Diedrich, Cisco's Global Chief Innovation Officer, said, "Taiwan has demonstrated strong capabilities in the development of the digital economy. Kaohsiung, as the starting point of the Smart Harbor, will drive industrial innovation, digital transformation, and sustainable development through the AIOT ecosystem, solidifying its strategic position in the Asia-Pacific smart industry."
In addition to establishing industries, the base has also launched a talent development program, aiming to train 5000 AIOT professionals within two years and assist 1500 technical professionals in obtaining Cisco international certifications. By integrating local universities, vocational training institutions, and international curriculum resources, the base aims to promote Kaohsiung as a hub for smart industry and cybersecurity talent in the Asia-Pacific region. Future initiatives will also expand the global perspectives of local talent through overseas visits and the recruitment of international faculty.
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai stated, "This marks a significant milestone in Kaohsiung's transformation from an industrial city to a hub for smart technology. Through collaboration with Cisco and Gentech, the Kaohsiung Smart Harbor Project has gradually yielded results. Going forward, we will continue to strengthen our AIOT, ecosystem, and talent strategies to foster momentum for industrial upgrading."
Jintai Technology Chairman Wu Xinghe emphasized, "The Asia Bay Base is not only a venue for technology research and development, but also a starting point for validating, replicating, and promoting smart port solutions. We look forward to exporting Kaohsiung's successful experience to other international ports and smart industry scenarios, bringing Taiwan's AIOT solutions to the global stage."
Currently, this project has attracted over hundreds of millions of yuan in investment. In the future, Kaohsiung will be used as a demonstration node to promote the expansion of modular AIOT applications to other industries and international markets, thereby enhancing the global competitiveness of Taiwan's digital transformation and smart industries.
With the official launch of the Asia Bay AIOT Ecosystem Development Base and R&D Center, Cisco, Jintai Technology, and local industry partners will continue to deepen their collaboration, from smart ports and smart manufacturing to cross-domain cybersecurity and sustainable applications, comprehensively promoting the implementation of smart industry innovation and driving the new development of Kaohsiung's smart city.
In the future, the relevant model will be replicated in more fields, and Splunk will become an important application technology asset.
In a subsequent interview, Cisco Taiwan General Manager Lin Yuetian said that the Asia Bay AIOT Ecosystem Development Base and R&D Center project has been discussed with the Kaohsiung City Government for three years, and has also communicated with the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and other units to bring many of Cisco's end-to-end AIOT technologies to practical application fields. The company chose Kaohsiung Port's Container Terminal No. 70 (Hongming Terminal) for actual industrial verification to improve the operational management efficiency of traditional ports through wireless paging, personnel monitoring, etc., and to improve personnel safety and port utilization efficiency.
In addition to establishing the Asia Bay AIOT Ecosystem Development Base and R&D Center and implementing actual technology introduction and application at the Port of Kaohsiung, Lin Yuetian stated that Cisco had previously conducted similar cases in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and plans to replicate the same model in more areas of Taiwan in the future, and to apply Cisco technology to traditional manufacturing, semiconductors, assembly, smart transportation, and even smart healthcare.
Last year, the company completed the acquisition of Visual Data Business Company.SplunkLin Yuetian also stated that related technologies will become Cisco's main application assets, thereby promoting the growth of information security, digital development and artificial intelligence applications.
