Taipei, Feb. 18 (CNA) 2018 has been dubbed by many tech and business insiders the year of artificial intelligence (AI). As Taiwan seeks to innovate on multiple scientific, cultural and humanitarian fronts, AI might just be the answer it has been looking for to make a name for itself on the global stage. CNA sat down with Ethan Tu (杜奕瑾), founder of Taiwan AI Labs, in January to talk about the potential for AI development on the island. According to Tu, who leads a team of 30 at the labs, Taiwan is well-positioned to be what he calls the "AI island of the world." He explained that Taiwan has several advantages when it comes to software and big data, and can utilize them to put AI to good use. Using the health care system as an example, Tu said that Taiwan currently has the most comprehensive national health insurance system in the world and is a world leader in digitalizing hospital records.