Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples Launch International Collaboration with Canadian Simulation Technology Company RWI
Introducing Cross-Border AI Disaster-Resilience Solutions to Strengthen Sustainability in Indigenous Communities
Taipei, Taiwan (November 20, 2025) — As the world seeks solutions to the growing climate crisis, the integration of AI and sustainability has become a global priority.
In response to these urgent environmental challenges, the Taiwan Indigenous Sustainable Development Association (TISDA) and Canadian 6D AI simulation technology company RUNWITHIT Synthetics (RWI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today (November 20, 2025) on the main stage of Meet Taipei: Taiwan’s largest innovation and startup festival.
Facilitated by the Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Arrangement (IPETCA), this marks Taiwan’s first Indigenous-led technological collaboration under the IPETCA framework, establishing a new milestone in cross-border cooperation in Indigenous technology, culture, disaster resilience, and sustainable development.
The ceremony opened with a traditional blessing performed by Paiwan Golden Melody Award-winning singer Seredew (桑梅絹), symbolizing cultural continuity and international connection. Distinguished guests included RWI CTO Dean Bittner and CEO Myrna Bittner, Executive Director of Canadian Trade Office in Taipei Marie-Louise Hannan, Council of Indigenous Peoples Director of Economic Development Wang Jui-Ying, and Legislator Saidhai Tahovecahe (伍麗華), all joining to witness this historic partnership.
An International Innovation Bridge Connecting Pacific Indigenous Peoples
This collaboration is carried out under the IPETCA framework. Co-established by Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Chinese Taipei, IPETCA is recognized as an international platform connecting Indigenous peoples across the Pacific. Its mission is to ensure Indigenous communities are not only visible but also active leaders in global sustainability, trade, and technological development.
The TISDA × RWI partnership represents IPETCA’s first Indigenous AI technology collaboration in Taiwan, signifying a major step in linking Indigenous-led sustainability initiatives with international networks. Supported by the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei (CTOT), this collaboration is expected to become a flagship model for Taiwan within the IPETCA ecosystem.
Using AI to Predict Hazards and Strengthen Community Preparedness
RWI has long collaborated with Indigenous communities in North America, utilizing its 6D simulation and generative AI technologies to forecast disaster impacts, plan healthcare resources, and design sustainable energy systems.
Taiwan’s Indigenous communities, located in geographically sensitive and hazard-prone regions, face disproportionate impacts from climate change. According to research published by MDPI, Taiwan recorded 384 extreme weather events between 2006 and 2020 that negatively affected local regions, with approximately 43.2% directly impacting Indigenous communities.
Additionally, following the 0403 Hualien earthquake, the collapse of the Matai’an landslide-dammed lake in September 2025 caused severe destruction in Guangfu Township, further highlighting unequal climate vulnerabilities. Spring droughts, declining reservoir storage levels (below 10%), and disrupted agricultural systems continue to threaten Indigenous livelihoods and traditional practices.
Through this partnership, RWI’s technology will be introduced to Taiwan’s Indigenous regions for the first time. Multi-scenario simulations will help communities anticipate extreme weather impacts, plan resource allocation, and prepare for evacuation needs — enhancing localized disaster resilience.
TISDA Chairperson Tilo Yeh (葉治平) stated, “IMPACT is an international collaboration initiated by Indigenous peoples. We hope technology becomes a bridge, not a divide, enabling long-term cultural and community resilience.”
RWI CEO Myrna Bittner added, “Our goal is to strengthen communities. With shared future simulations, residents, leaders, and planners can make informed decisions based on transparent, community-led insights.”
Photo provided by Taiwan Indigenous Sustainable Development Association (TISDA)
About RUNWITHIT Synthetics Inc.
Founded in 2014, RUNWITHIT Synthetics (RWI) is a women-led, Certified Indigenous Business headquartered in Edmonton, AB, Canada. RWI’s leading-edge technology and its applications have won numerous global awards, including the ASTech “Innovation of the Year” and the United Nations’ Global Call for Decarbonization. RWI is dedicated to advancing a better world by applying diverse expertise and voices through deep tech to inform equity, sustainability and resilience.
About TISDA
The Taiwan Indigenous Sustainable Development Association (TISDA), founded in 2025, integrates Indigenous knowledge with modern technology to promote sustainable development, net-zero transition, and cultural preservation. Its Indigenous supplier platform connects local industries and services, fostering fair trade, a sustainable economy, and professional development.
TISDA與加拿大簽署MOU AI6D新科技導入台灣原鄉防災
2025-11-20
RUNWITHIT Synthetics Pioneers Generative AI for Planning and Resilience, Targets Asia Market Expansion Via Taiwan
2025-11-03
PRESS CONTACT:
For any media inquiries, please contact:
Myrna Bittner, info@runwithitsynthetics.com