Taipei has made a major move towards solidifying its IT & technology industry’s global standing by hosting the 25th Annual International Conference on Digital Government Research in June 2024, by launching several digital governance and smart city initiatives. This prestigious event, held at the College of Social Sciences at National Taiwan University, marked the first time the conference was hosted in Taiwan. The gathering attracted over 170 international participants from 30 countries and 50 domestic experts from government, industry, academia, and research sectors. During the conference, the Taipei City Government organised two AI-Driven Smart City Forums, which addressed pressing global challenges and opportunities in urban innovation. The first forum, titled Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence, and Improving Citizens' Quality of Life, brought together experts to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance municipal services. By using AI to streamline operations, improve urban management, and optimise service delivery, Taipei is positioning itself as a model for cities worldwide seeking to leverage technology for public good. The second forum, Achieving Net Zero Carbon Emissions: Integrated Pathways of Strategy, Technology, and Policy, explored the role of smart technologies in promoting environmental sustainability. Discussions revolved around how cities can integrate AI and other emerging technologies to reduce carbon footprints while supporting economic growth. This forward-thinking approach lends additional momentum to Taipei’s plans to achieve net-zero emissions. Mayor Chiang Wan-an emphasised Taipei’s intention to being a service-oriented government by prioritising citizens’ needs through digital transformation. This approach is aligned with Taipei’s larger vision of creating a citizen-centric smart city, using cutting-edge technology to enhance safety, mobility and future urban planning. The city’s initiatives have further fueled Taipei’s IT & technology industry and today the city ranks 16th globally and 5th in Asia in the 2024 IMD Smart City Index by the International Institute for Management Development.