President Lai Ching-te has announced a universal 10 thousand NT cash payment
... as part of the proposed central government budget for next year ...

The handouts will cost the government over $235 billion NT ...

... but Lai says stronger-than-expected economic growth -- driven largely by
booming demand for AI, semiconductors and high-performance computing -- will
allow the government to fund them ...

... while keeping the budget balanced and effectively avoiding new borrowing.

He says the aim is to let everyone share in what he calls an "AI dividend",
with people free to spend the money on things such as education, elder care
or household expenses.

The government's economic growth forecast for this year has been raised to
11.05 percent, which would be Taiwan's strongest growth in 39 years.

Beyond the cash payment, the 2027 budget will prioritize family support,
defense, technology, infrastructure and greater funding for local
governments.

Defense spending, including special budgets, is expected to exceed $1
trillion NT for the first time.