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Poised to Profit
the Tainan Science-based Industrial
Park
by Angela Wu
In 1993, the Executive Yuan passed the "Economic Revitalization Plan" which presented rationale for a second science park in Taiwan. Goals were set to attract at least 200 companies and ultimately create sufficient jobs (77,000+) and generate healthy revenues (NT$900 billion). In addition to economic revitalization, the plan also proposed the need for balanced growth island-wide. Land was in short supply at Hsinchu, site of Taiwan's first science park, inviting consideration for other regions. Tainan County was selected, construction began, and the door to high-tech industry in the south was opened wide. The Tainan Science-based Industrial Park is now reality. If all goes according to schedule, southern Taiwan stands to achieve considerable economic gain.The road to full development is rarely smooth, even when grounded on the best of proposals. Tainan's Science Park is no exception. Hsinchu provided a working model, yet significant challenges without precedent loomed on the horizon. The most pressing were sanitation, and simultaneous negotiation with developers and tenant factories in terms of public road works. Most problems have been solved, though others lie ahead. The rapid rail system that will eventually link the site and improve infrastructure, could pose repercussions. The Tainan Science Park facilities must be "shake-proof" in order to withstand the trauma of rail construction and regular train operations.
Despite the lack of a high-tech image, southern Taiwan holds distinct advantages for high-tech development. Vast space, an abundance of intellectual resources, and ample supplies of water and electricity add competitive edge. Support measures to attract foreign investors and operators (i.e., English speaking schools for resident expat families, and comfortable, western-style living accommodations) are in the works. Currently, of the total 6,560 members work force, 160 persons are international.
Additionally, a satellite location has been identified that will minimize the risk of saturation at the Tainan Science Park. Lu Chu town, originally developed by the Taiwan Sugar Company, received a "thumbs up" in late 1999 after all necessary environmental impact assessments had been conducted. The area is well suited to house the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation and United Microelectronics Corporation, scheduled to lease property within the Lu Chu complex. The first stage of site construction begins in October, 2001 and will involve a total area of 1,421 acres.; occupancy is scheduled to take place in March, 2002. With these semi-conductor companies and TFT-LCD optoelectronics as its centerpiece, the Lu Chu Satellite Park is expected to attract others. The estimated annual revenue potential is set at NTD$500 billion for the year 2010.
Beyond pure speculation, several proud accomplishments have been made at the Tainan Science Park, still considered at the development stage. Since groundbreaking (July, 1996), 70% of the construction has been completed, over ten years ahead of schedule (final completion is slated for 2005, five years ahead of the target date). 51 factories have already been approved for move-in: 13 are currently operational. The overall revenue turnout for this year alone has reached $25 billion, and 7,000+ employees are currently employed. Finally, 82% of the total usable area ( 647 acres) has been allocated, suggesting that full occupancy can be realized.
According to Prof. Chien Tai, Director of the Tainan Science Park Development Office, "The progress thus far is commendable for such a short time. But, we must continue the effort." One way to sustain momentum is to guarantee a qualified and professional workforce. Strategies include: training programs in conjunction with National Cheng Kung University (Tainan City) that fit company needs; alliance with area universities, colleges, high-tech companies and research institutions to share resources and exchange information (16 institutes are currently cooperating); and educational centers for small business owners to develop laboratories and other support facilities. For further information, log onto the Tainan Science Park Web Site
NOTE: Chi Mei Museum announced theopening a branch museum at the Tainan Science Park featuring archaeological relics uncovered from the site. Displays are facsimile, however they present a clear picture of life in Taiwan up to 6,000 years ago. (Taipei Times, January 3)