Chairman of the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), Lin Hsiu-Ming, stated on the 15th that the Exchange will continue to refine the Innovation Board's framework and dedicate more resources to realizing its goal of becoming the “Nasdaq of Asia” and a cradle for the next wave of unicorns. These efforts are aimed at fostering a globally competitive, flexible, and innovation-friendly regulatory environment, positioning Taiwan as a rising hub for emerging industries and international investors.

Premier CHO JUNG TAI also underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening Taiwan’s capital market during the “Asset Management Expansion and the Golden Age Summit Forum,” hosted by the Commercial Times. At the forum, he announced five key ongoing policy initiatives for establishing an “Asian Asset Management Center,” highlighting the administration's resolve to boost Taiwan’s capital market competitiveness.

One of CHO’s key messages was the government’s continued efforts to ease regulatory restrictions and promote Taiwan as the “Nasdaq of Asia.” By leveraging Taiwan’s strong high-tech industrial base and mature, open capital markets, the aim is to attract high-quality international innovation and tech companies to Taiwan.

Launched in 2021, the Taiwan Innovation Board is at the core of this vision. In alignment with national policy, the TWSE will further relax regulations and actively promote the Innovation Board's development toward the “Nasdaq of Asia” milestone.

In his keynote speech, Lin emphasized that the Innovation Board is focused on industries with strong future potential, targeting innovation-driven enterprises that are both willing and capable of transformation. The Board is dedicated to identifying companies with compelling stories, strong indicators, and international ambitions. By pursuing a dual strategy of domestic and global development, it aspires to discover the next unicorn companies in Asia.

To fulfill the Executive Yuan's policy goals, Lin noted that the TWSE will continue enhancing the Innovation Board framework and dedicate more resources to fostering a globally competitive and innovation-friendly environment—ultimately making Taiwan a magnet for emerging industries and international investors.

Taiwan boasts one of the world’s most complete and competitive supply chains in semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), and ICT industries, forming a solid foundation for innovation. The Innovation Board concentrates on high-growth, high-tech sectors, especially asset-light companies that integrate software, hardware, and firmware. Focus areas include AI, AIoT, cybersecurity, smart healthcare, robotics, drones, satellite communications, green energy, environmental protection, and smart manufacturing—industries deemed critical for the future.

According to TWSE data, new economy industries accounted for over 30% of IPOs in the first half of this year, showing strong capital market interest in emerging sectors. Green energy, environmental protection, and digital cloud solutions are beginning to shine. So far, over 20 innovation companies have listed successfully on the Innovation Board. Three companies have applied for listing this year, and more—especially in cybersecurity and smart mobility—have expressed strong interest and plan to submit applications within the year.

The TWSE further noted that, starting this year, the Innovation Board has removed restrictions on qualified investors and tightened review standards for innovation, creating a more flexible and supportive fundraising environment. These improvements have already yielded results, with market liquidity rising significantly. As of mid-June, total trading volume has surpassed the full-year total for 2024. More liquidity-boosting incentives tailored to the Innovation Board are set to launch in the second half of the year, injecting greater capital and momentum into the market.

Looking ahead, the TWSE aims to leverage the advantages of “right timing, favorable conditions, and aligned support” to accelerate the establishment of internationally competitive regulations for the Innovation Board. It will continue to promote the listing of more innovative and globally ambitious companies, working at full speed to build the “Nasdaq of Asia” and elevate Taiwan’s capital market and innovation strength to the global stage.

Resource: 政府政策全力加持 創新板加速挺進「亞洲那斯達克」