The Association of Chinese American Professionals (ACAP) held its annual conference and Science, Engineering, and Technology Symposium (SETS) on June 1st at the Marriott Sugar Land in Houston. The event was attended by key figures including XIAO Yifang, head of the Department of Economic Affairs, CHEN Pinquan, head of the Technology Division, NI Bojia, head of the Economic Division, YANG Shuya, head of the Education Division, as well as WANG Yingrong, Director of Overseas Chinese Education Center. Among the distinguished guests was Dr. RAO Dare, Director of the Department of Mechanical and Electrical Systems Research at the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan, who delivered a keynote speech on “Building a New Generation Smart Factory.” The event attracted hundreds of professionals and representatives from the science, engineering, and technology sectors as well as the overseas Chinese community in the southern United States.
Under the leadership and planning of President CAI Mihui and conference chairperson LI Yide, the event featured a series of sessions starting at 8 am, covering topics such as environmental protection, nanotechnology, health, and youth professional exchange in the morning, followed by sessions on artificial intelligence, popular science, energy, and business management in the afternoon. The sessions, organized in collaboration with various entities including the Chinese American Association of Greater Houston, Houston Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Overseas Chinese Petroleum Association, Southern U.S. College Alumni Association, Overseas Youth Cultural Ambassadors, and the Economic and Technological Department of the Houston Consulate General, were well-received with full participation from the audience.
In her address during the banquet, XIAO Yifang highlighted Taiwan’s significant contributions to the global semiconductor industry, producing over 60% of the world’s semiconductors and more than 90% of advanced chips. She attributed this achievement to Taiwan’s policies promoting advanced semiconductor technology and its emphasis on education and talent development. She also mentioned the newly elected President LAI Qingde’s commitment to developing the five key industries and a series of policies in AI and semiconductor sectors, utilizing Taiwan’s existing semiconductor advantages to ensure the continuous growth of AI and artificial intelligence. XIAO Yifang expressed gratitude for the opportunity the event provided for scientific and technological exchanges, allowing global learning and making extraordinary contributions to the world.
Dr. RAO Dare introduced the Industrial Technology Research Institute in Taiwan, home to six thousand research and development experts that have been involved in integrated circuit research since its establishment in 1973, driving industrial development through technological innovation. With over thirty thousand patents accumulated to date, the Institute has nurtured numerous globally renowned emerging technology industries. In 2024, Taiwan had eleven companies listed in the Global Innovation Top 100, with the Institute making its eighth appearance and entering the top 50. Facing challenges such as AI reshaping industries and lifestyles, demographic shifts, and climate change, the Institute has launched the “2035 Technology Strategy and Blueprint” to guide research and development activities, actively responding to emerging trends like achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Dr. RAO Dare presented innovative technological solutions and services such as 5G smart factories, AI intelligent manufacturing technology, and intelligent sensing through a briefing.
In an interview with the press, Dr. RAO Dare mentioned that he had specially traveled to Houston at the invitation of ACAP and stayed for only four days with a tight schedule. He expressed his hope to raise awareness that the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) is a research unit serving all industries, not just smart factories, but also semiconductor, optoelectronics, and production technologies. He welcomed overseas companies interested in collaborating with the Institute, aiming to provide services to companies worldwide.