The Phase II expansion plan of the Kaohsiung Science Park held its first public hearing yesterday, aiming to introduce high-speed broadband, artificial intelligence, and other tech industries, with an estimated annual output value of NT$210 billion.

TSMC is constructing an advanced CoWoS packaging plant at the southern Taiwan science park in Chiayi. In response to the flagship company’s planning, the Southern Taiwan Science Park Administration initiated the Phase II expansion plan, which has been approved by the Executive Yuan. The expansion area covers 89.58 hectares, including 1.41 hectares of private land, which will be acquired through negotiated prices. The goal is to start the development permit, environmental impact assessment, and land acquisition procedures in Q3 this year, with the land acquisition process commencing in Q2 next year after obtaining the development permit.

The project aims to provide 3,500 job opportunities and is expected to generate NT$5-6 billion in tax revenue for the government annually. Currently, the site consists of farmland without inhabitants, and considering the overall flow of the factory area and disaster prevention safety, private land must be obtained. Local officials expressed concerns about construction management and environmental protection.