Lai Ching-te Praises Chiayi Agricultural School's Tech Transformation for Drone Industry

On the 27th of this month, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te attended the establishment ceremony of Tsai Yi-yu's joint campaign headquarters in Puzih City, Chiayi County. In his speech, Lai praised Chiayi County for successfully transforming from a traditional agricultural county into an "agricultural and industrial technology county" that integrates both industry and technology. President Lai pointed out that the government will continue to focus on emerging industries such as drones to enhance the added value of local industries, and called on all party members to unite in supporting Tsai Yi-yu to lead Chiayi County to new heights under the new administrative leadership.

Located in southwestern Taiwan at the intersection of the Taiwan Strait and the Pacific Ocean, Chiayi County has long relied on traditional agriculture, such as rice, citrus fruits, and tea, as its primary economic pillar. In recent years, the county government has actively promoted agricultural modernization, introducing sensors, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analysis to improve the quality and yield of agricultural products. Simultaneously, it has attracted industries such as semiconductors, optoelectronics, and machinery manufacturing, creating an industrial structure where agriculture and industry complement each other. This transformation background has enabled Chiayi County to play a more significant role in the nation's local economic landscape.

Alongside industrial upgrading, the government has also designated the drone industry as a key development area. Drone technology can be applied not to agricultural irrigation, pest detection, and pesticide spraying, but also demonstrates potential in logistics, disaster prevention and relief, and environmental monitoring. In his speech, President Lai specifically mentioned that Chiayi County possesses vast agricultural land and open airspace, making it suitable as a testing and demonstration base for drones. If it can collaborate with local universities and research and development institutions in the future, it is expected to cultivate an internationally competitive industrial chain.

Politically, Tsai Yi-yu's current run for office coincides with a critical period for local elections. Since the 2022 local elections, the DPP's support in central and southern Taiwan has fluctuated, and the Chiayi County mayoral election is seen as a litmus test for the party's ability to continue expanding its influence in traditionally pan-Blue regions. President Lai's personal attendance and inspirational remarks highlight the central government's emphasis on the local election campaign and aim to unite voters' expectations for future development through policy commitments.

If successfully elected, Tsai Yi-yu will inherit the existing achievements of the previous county magistrate in infrastructure and industrial upgrading, while promoting further cross-disciplinary cooperation within the framework of "agricultural and industrial technology." From a long-term perspective, if Chiayi County can make breakthroughs in drones and smart agriculture, it will not only boost local employment and tax revenue, but may also become a demonstration case nationwide and even internationally, providing a reference model for the industrial transformation of other counties and cities.

In summary, President Lai Ching-te's speech was not only an endorsement of Tsai Yi-yu's personal campaign, but also a clear roadmap for Chiayi County's future development direction. By combining traditional agricultural advantages with emerging technology industries, Chiayi County is poised to achieve simultaneous breakthroughs in local governance and economic growth, contributing to Taiwan's overall industrial restructuring.