Education Minister: Cutting Drone Budget Could Impact AI Talent Cultivation

Taiwan's Minister of Education, Cheng Ying-yao, has voiced strong concerns regarding the legislative branch's decision to slash budgets for drone education programs. Cheng stated that these financial cuts could significantly impede the nation's efforts to nurture talent in artificial intelligence and other advanced technological fields. He stressed the importance of a unified approach to education, asserting that it should not be subject to political party lines.

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Education should not be divided by blue or green. Drones are not just technological equipment, but also educational tools.

Cheng explained that drone education serves as a vital interface for cultivating future AI and technology professionals. He highlighted that reducing funding would impact teacher training and the implementation of drone education across various school levels, from elementary to university. The Ministry of Education has been working to establish a comprehensive drone education pipeline, integrating teacher development and curriculum design to equip students with practical skills.

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We hope that new generation students can be exposed to drone-related applications from a young age and build technological capabilities through operation. This has important significance for welcoming the AI era.

The minister further elaborated that drones are more than just technological devices; they are educational tools that can foster problem-solving abilities and technological literacy through interactive learning. In an era of intense global competition for tech talent, Cheng emphasized the significance of exposing young students to drone applications early on to prepare them for the AI era. He appealed to lawmakers across party lines to support the drone talent cultivation plan, ensuring the continuity of educational policies aimed at developing the nation's future technological workforce.

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I call on opposition party legislators to support the talent cultivation plan for drones, including funding for teacher training and the promotion of drone education in schools at all levels, so that educational policies can continue to be implemented and cultivate the nation's future technology talents.