Taipei, Aug. 17 -- Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te said Monday that the proposed 2027 central government budget will include NT$235.7 billion (USD 7.401 billion) to fund a universal NT$10,000 (USD 314.15) cash handout, citing strong economic growth fueled by booming AI-related industries, Focus Taiwan CNA English News reported.

In a Presidential Office news release on Monday afternoon, Lai said projected central government revenue for 2027 has been raised to NT$3.9266 trillion (USD 123.43 billion).

The increase will allow the cash handout to be included while maintaining a balanced budget and what Lai described as "effectively no new borrowing."

"We have decided to add NT$235.7 billion (USD 7.401 billion) in expenditures to provide NT$...