After years of dedicated efforts by both industry and academia, another milestone was set recently when the National Science Council (NSC) approved the National Intelligent Electronics (NIE) Program. The approval of this program means that NT$12.4 billion will be invested on the "MG+4C" industries over the next five years. This initiative will focus on nurturing talents in the MG+4C industries, namely talents in medical electronics, green electronics, automotive electronics, computing, communications, and consumer electronics industries. The opening ceremony of the Program took place at National Tsing Hua University on the18th of January 2011, and was attended by leading figures from the industrial and academic communities.

One of the speakers in the ceremony was Professor Wen-Tsuen Chen, the NIE Program leader and professor of Computer Science. Professor Chen explained how the IC design industry presents a competitive edge for Taiwan. He noted that impressive results have already been achieved through two other programs implemented during the last eight years. Professor Chen explained that the implementation of the NIE Program, together with support from the Executive Yuan to further develop MG+4C related policies and strategies, provides systemic support for both the technical and application aspects of electronic technology development. This initiative will help nurture interdisciplinary experts who have the capability to develop innovative technologies for the country, and to tap the technology application opportunities presented by frontier markets. By focusing on technological innovation and adopting interactive industrial-academic collaboration, it is hoped that another economic miracle will be seen in Taiwan.

Other speakers went on to add their optimistic outlooks on the program's future. President Lih J. Chen urged program participants to set high standards for their work in order to help achieving the goal of the program, which is to facilitate industry development. In addition, NSC Deputy Minister, Jing-Yang Jou, reminded everyone about the increasing influence of environmental impact assessment on many industries in Taiwan.

The IC design industry has the advantage of being able to thrive as long as perseverance and effort to develop intelligent technologies are invested; therefore, the priority now is to accomplish breakthroughs and improvements aided by the solid foundation established by previous efforts.

Nicky Lu, President of Etron Technology, said that the scope and resources currently provided to cultivate young talents are simply insufficient. He believes that influential parties in industry and government, from academic and research communities should work to create a solid basis for future generations, and provide the nation with much needed support.