SAP Taiwan has officially inaugurated the SAP Kaohsiung ESG and AI Research and Innovation Center to support local businesses in embracing AI-driven sustainability initiatives and accelerating digital transformation.
The new research hub, located in Kaohsiung’s Yawan area, represents a collaborative effort between SAP and the Kaohsiung City Government to develop solutions that drive sustainability, including Taiwan’s first SGS-certified greenhouse gas inventory system. This innovative tool aims to simplify the inventory process for Taiwanese businesses, helping them meet environmental compliance requirements. The opening event was attended by Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, Vice Mayor Luo Dasheng, Kaohsiung City Economic Development Director Liao Taixiang, and various stakeholders, underscoring SAP’s commitment to making Kaohsiung a leading example of a smart port city on the global stage.
The Strategic Role of SAP Taiwan in the Local Market
With more than 100,000 small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in Taiwan, many companies face growing pressure to adhere to global sustainability standards. As international and domestic supply chains increasingly demand greenhouse gas inventories, the need for robust solutions has intensified. SAP Global Vice President and Taiwan General Manager, Chen Zhiwei, emphasized Taiwan’s critical role in the global supply chain. He highlighted the establishment of the SAP Kaohsiung ESG and AI Research and Innovation Center as part of SAP’s broader strategy to introduce advanced technologies to the Taiwanese market.
The center aims to deliver practical applications for businesses, focusing on supply chain sustainability, data collection, and reporting requirements. One of its key offerings is a greenhouse gas inventory solution designed specifically for Taiwanese companies. This tool enables businesses to manage local environmental compliance and tackle net-zero challenges with ease. By collaborating with ecosystem partners, the center will work closely with Kaohsiung’s industrial sector, starting with the city’s ports and expanding globally, to transform enterprises into sustainable, smart businesses.
Collaboration with Local Entities for a Sustainable Future
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai noted that achieving net-zero carbon emissions is not just a local concern but a global challenge. He highlighted the city’s initiatives, such as the establishment of net-zero regulations, the creation of a carbon rights exchange, and the founding of the Net Zero Academy, as key measures supporting local businesses in their transformation efforts. The Yawan Smart Technology Innovation Park, which has already attracted 175 domestic and international companies, is a prime example of how Kaohsiung is positioning itself as a hub for innovation and green technology.
SAP Taiwan will leverage the new research center to offer more convenient services to local businesses while fostering cooperation with smart technology companies across the Asia-Pacific region. This collaboration is expected to drive the net-zero transformation of industries and enhance Kaohsiung’s competitiveness in the global green economy. The SAP Kaohsiung ESG and AI Research and Innovation Center will be a base for this transformation, linking local and international efforts to promote sustainable practices.
Addressing Market Needs with Advanced Solutions
To meet the demands of the Taiwan market, SAP has developed the “Taiwan Enterprise Greenhouse Gas Inventory” solution, verified by SGS Taiwan, which complies with the Ministry of Environment’s guidelines. This tool simplifies the collection of greenhouse gas emission data and automates the calculation and reporting processes. It also integrates seamlessly with SAP’s broader sustainability solutions, such as the SAP sustainable development control tower, allowing businesses to manage electricity usage, carbon emissions, and other key sustainability metrics on a single platform.
SAP’s solutions are not limited to inventory management; the company is also introducing AI-powered tools for generating ESG reports that meet European standards. These tools enable businesses to gain real-time insights into their carbon reduction efforts through scenario simulations, automating the generation of both internal and external reports. By utilizing generative AI, SAP helps companies estimate carbon emissions even when actual data is lacking, offering businesses a significant reduction in manual effort and associated costs.