On the evening of December 12, the Tainan City Government, in collaboration with the International Convention Center Tainan (ICC Tainan) and the Shalun Smart Green Energy Science City, hosted the “2025 Shalun Spotlight Networking Dinner” at the ICC Tainan Special Exhibition Area.

 

Under the theme “Silicon Island: The Rise of the South,” the event featured a keynote address by Wu Cheng-wen, Minister of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC). He was joined by Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-cher, Deputy Mayor Chao Ching-hui, Southern Taiwan Science Park (STSP) Bureau Director-General Cheng Hsiu-jung, and Lu Hui-chu, Director of the Kaohsiung Office of the International Trade Administration. The gathering brought together over 300 representatives from industry, government, academia, and research institutions to discuss critical issues such as AI, smart manufacturing, and talent sustainability, showcasing the momentum of industrial upgrading and urban transformation within the “Southern S-Corridor.”

 

The event received strong support from key organizations, including the Southern Taiwan New Silicon Valley Promotion Office, Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA), the Green Energy Technology Demonstration Site (established by ITRI under the Ministry of Economic Affairs), and the Shalun Cybersecurity Service Base (established by the Administration for Digital Industries). Together, these entities are consolidating the collaborative energy between the Southern Technology Corridor and the international innovation ecosystem, marking a new chapter for the “Southern Silicon Island.”

 

In his opening remarks, Mayor Huang Wei-cher emphasized: “Tainan is the only city in the world with mass production of 3nm chips, and the output value of the Southern Taiwan Science Park leads the nation. The City Government will continue to work with the central government to promote the ‘Ten Major AI Constructions’ through R&D subsidies, investment attraction, and international cooperation. From computing power and cybersecurity to smart transportation and healthcare, we want these advancements to be visible and accessible to our citizens. By integrating the STSP, Shalun, and Liuying parks, we are building Tainan into Taiwan’s next international technology hub.”

 

From Recovery to Reality: Shalun as an Emerging MICE Hub
Yeh Tai-min, CEO of ICC Tainan, reflected on the center’s journey: “When we opened in 2022, the global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) industry was reeling from the pandemic. International activities were restricted, and the future was uncertain. However, with the long-term support of the International Trade Administration, the Tainan City Government, and local industries, we persevered through the toughest stages, gradually bringing the lights—and the people—back to this venue.”

 

Following the 2024 “Tainan 400” and “Taiwan Lantern Festival in Tainan” series, a wave of international trade shows, cultural events, and city celebrations have moved to Shalun. These events have drawn large numbers of domestic and international visitors and professional buyers to ICC Tainan for the first time, strengthening the link between “Tainan,” “Shalun,” and “International MICE,” and laying the foundation for future bids for global conferences.

 

Accelerating in 2025: International Exhibitions and Talent Sustainability
As the global MICE market returns to growth in 2025, ICC Tainan is shifting its focus from simply “bringing people in” to “building industrial networks.” Notably, the Asia-Pacific Agri-Tech Expo & Forum, organized by Informa Markets, moved from northern Taiwan to Tainan in 2024 and has chosen ICC Tainan again for 2025. This event serves as a vital platform for smart agriculture and electric machinery technology.

 

Additionally, the GIS Group, in partnership with central and local authorities, launched the inaugural “Southern Talent Sustainability Expo × Energy-Saving Smart Transformation.” Focused on HR empowerment, net-zero energy saving, and smart transformation, the expo collaborated with the 104 Career Fair to connect over 100 companies with young talent. This initiative highlights the dual advantages of the South: a high-tech career path combined with a livable lifestyle.

 

Looking Toward 2026: A New Starting Point for the South
2026 is set to be a milestone year for Shalun’s international visibility. ICC Tainan will host the 57th Asia-Pacific Academic Consortium for Public Health (APACPH 2026) Conference, co-hosted by National Cheng Kung University and the Tainan City Government. The event will bring together leading public health and health-tech experts from across the Asia-Pacific, sparking new waves of cross-border collaboration.

 

The dinner concluded in a warm and vibrant atmosphere, with guests engaging in deep discussions on AI urban applications, biomedical technology, cybersecurity, and international networking. The 2025 Shalun Spotlight Networking Dinner was more than a year-end celebration; it symbolized Tainan’s steady progress toward becoming a global technology hub. Guided by President Lai Ching-te’s vision of a “Balanced Taiwan,” ICC Tainan continues to work with all sectors to establish the South as a premier center for life and employment, driving economic prosperity and a high quality of life for all.