Reported about 1 year ago
Taiwan's stock market continued to hit record highs with the weighted index surpassing 23,000 points, benefiting securities firms like Yuanta Financial Holding (2885) as its subsidiary, Yuanta Securities, achieved a profit of over 10 billion in the first half of the year, leading to a total first half after-tax net profit of 17.661 billion yuan, marking an 18% annual growth. Yuanta Securities' June profits surged due to active trading in the stock market, with monthly net profit reaching 2.198 billion yuan, contributing to Yuanta Financial's impressive performance. Despite facing tax expenses in June, Yuanta Financial's overall profits for the first half of the year showed significant growth.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) in June increased by 2.42% compared to last year, marking a new high in the past four months and reflecting a worsening inflationary situation. Factors contributing to the rise include a 22.6% increase in fruit prices due to recent heavy rains and low base effect from last year, as well as a 5.21% increase in electricity prices and a 2.59% increase in rental prices. Medical expenses also rose by 6.24%, hitting an 18-year high, while entertainment and educational expenses saw increases as well. However, certain essential items experienced a slight decrease in prices.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Tainan has become the first city in Taiwan to regulate the anti-slip coefficient of its manhole covers. With over 28,731 manhole covers larger than 900 square centimeters in the city, the municipal government requires a coefficient of over 50 BPN. The city has introduced 13 unique manhole covers totaling 130 in the old town area, combining aesthetics with anti-slip functionality, aimed at improving safety and promoting tourism. Efforts are being made to improve the anti-slip properties of manhole covers on both rainwater and sewage systems in the city, with a focus on high-traffic areas.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Recently in Taipei, AI stocks have become attractive investment tools, with the Financial Supervisory Commission revealing that in June, foreign capital had a net inflow of 6.661 billion USD, marking the tenth highest monthly inflow in history. This translates to about 216.149 billion NTD based on the closing exchange rate of 32.45 NTD to USD at the end of June, making it the second consecutive month of net inflows. So far this year, foreign capital has had a net inflow of 32.299 billion USD, approximately 1.481 trillion NTD, surpassing the trillion mark and reaching a record high since 2011. The influx of foreign capital in the first half of the year was driven by the AI craze, solid fundamentals of the Taiwanese stock market, and positive global economic signals.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As temperatures in Taiwan soar and electricity consumption reaches new highs, it was revealed that the nighttime reserve capacity dropped to just 4.92%, contrary to the government's claims of 7%. Lawmaker Zhang Qikai criticized the government for its repeated assurances of no power shortage even as the reserve capacity decreased, especially with the upcoming decommissioning of a reactor at the end of July. Taiwan Power Company stated that although the capacity was below the target, there were no issues with the supply, and no demand management measures were activated.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
According to the Central Bank's announcement, Taiwan's foreign exchange reserves at the end of June reached a record high of $573.299 billion USD, marking three new highs. In addition, foreign holdings of NT assets totaled $837.1 billion USD, with an equivalent exchange reserve ratio of 146%, also setting a new record. Taiwan's foreign exchange reserves fell to fifth place compared to India due to India surpassing in reserve balance. Taiwan's reserves were slightly behind India with $573.299 billion USD while China, Japan, and Switzerland maintained the top three spots.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On July 5, 2024, the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) issued new regulations, removing eight entities from the Unverified List under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Among the delisted entities were one from the United Arab Emirates, one from Russia, and six from mainland China, including two subsidiaries of Foxconn Group: Tianjin Fuchun Precision Electronics and Nanning Fuguigui Precision Industries. The removed entities, now off the Unverified List, involved mainland Chinese companies, including Guangzhou Xinyi Electronics Technology, Guangzhou Xinyun Smart Technology, Shenzhen Jialichuang Technology Group, and Xi'an Yierda Technology. Foxconn declined to comment, and this marked the first time Foxconn was involved in US trade observation/control lists. The Unverified List serves as a tool for the US to prevent sensitive goods and technology from falling into undesired hands.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
According to the Tobacco Hazard Prevention Act, Taipei City announced outdoor smoking bans in areas such as school perimeters, parks, sidewalks, and convenience store entrances. The percentage of fines issued to non-citizens in Taipei has risen from 0.1% in 2020 to 14% by the end of May this year, while in New Taipei the percentage is around 0.6%. The health authorities in both cities attribute the increase in fines to the lack of clear signage in foreign languages at banned smoking locations, such as around Taipei Main Station and the Ximending MRT station exit. Non-compliance fines can range from 10,000 to 50,000 NTD, with authorities pledging to conduct regular inspections.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Tamsui landfill in New Taipei City, which stopped accepting garbage in 2001, is planned to be transformed into an environmental park. The City's Environmental Protection Bureau will optimize the site and convert it into a clean team operation space. The area will also maintain its functions for recycling resources, upgrading to an environmental park for recreation and environmental education. Steps will be taken to address the potential environmental impacts caused by erosion of the stone gabions used for coastline protection. The project is set to be completed by the end of 2025.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The DGBAS announced a 2.24% year-on-year increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for June, marking a near 4-month high and surpassing the 2% inflation warning for the second consecutive month after the April CPI dropped to 1.94%. The rise was driven by significant increases in fruit prices, rents, registration fees, dining out costs, and the implementation of summer electricity rates, among other factors.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
In July 5, 2024, it was reported that the University of Hong Kong's Faculty of Business and Economics revealed that some master's students are suspected of using forged academic backgrounds to apply for admission. The Hong Kong police confirmed the arrest of two Chinese women for using false documents and making false statements to immigration officers. Investigations have uncovered over 30 students using fake academic backgrounds for admission, with potentially 80 to 100 cases of academic fraud among students from mainland China. The case involves varied methods of falsifying records, including creating fake foreign academic credentials. The suspects, both University of Hong Kong students, were arrested during border checks. The university is conducting a thorough investigation and collaborating with mainland Chinese educational authorities to verify student qualifications obtained overseas, while ensuring the authenticity of local academic qualifications. The university plans to publish a report on fraudulent practices to aid other institutions in combating such misconduct.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Fujian Province recently released a document on the 'Xiamen-Zhangzhou-Quanzhou Urban Development Plan,' mentioning various cross-strait policies and plans, including expanding air routes from Xiamen and Quanzhou to Taichung, Penghu, and Kaohsiung. The document also hints at the possibility of allowing mainland Chinese citizens to travel to Kinmen. However, the document and interpretations were no longer accessible on the official Fujian Province website by the evening of the 5th. The document, shared on the Xiamen Taiwan Affairs Office's WeChat account, discusses integrating development with Kinmen, accelerating infrastructure projects, and exploring the feasibility of a Xiamen-Kinmen railway and other connectivity projects.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On July 5, 2024, the UK Labour Party won a major victory in the election, with leader Keir Starmer becoming the Prime Minister. Chinese scholars predict a possible shift to a more flexible approach in UK-China relations under the new administration. While some aspects may remain aligned with the US, there could be adjustments in trade policies, climate change, and green energy. The scholars also suggest that while the UK may continue to cooperate closely with the US on security and technology issues, there may be a more nuanced and less aggressive approach with China.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Talen Energy has urged U.S. regulators to dismiss a challenge filed by electric utilities, including American Electric Power and Exelon, against its agreement with Amazon for a data center. The deal involves selling electricity and a data center campus from a Pennsylvania nuclear power plant to Amazon Web Services, providing an electric capacity of up to 960 megawatts. The utilities claim the agreement could lead to increased costs for ratepayers, while Talen argues that rejecting the deal could hinder data center expansion and discourage new power plant construction amidst growing U.S. electricity demand.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Central Weather Bureau issued high temperature warnings for 13 cities and counties in Taiwan, with orange alerts for Taipei City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hualien County, and Taitung County, indicating a probability of continuous 36°C temperatures. Taichung City, Nantou County, Chiayi City, and Yilan County have yellow alerts. Today and tomorrow will be hot in various areas, with the potential for localized high temperatures. Thunderstorms are expected in the southern and mountainous regions in the afternoon, with a chance of heavy rain. Wu De-rong, a meteorologist, warns of extreme heat for Taiwan in the coming week, urging precautions against sunburn and heatstroke. Thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected to bring relief from the heat.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As the weather gets hotter, many people want to stay indoors and use air conditioning but worry about high electricity bills. A recent test by a Japanese media outlet on the electricity consumption of air conditioning compared to electric fans revealed that air conditioning consumes about 10 times more power. However, in 2 specific situations, it is recommended to use air conditioning to avoid heat stroke risks. The test found that running an air conditioner for 6 hours consumed around 530kW of electricity, while running a fan for the same duration consumed only 50kW, which is approximately one-tenth of the air conditioning cost. Strategies to save electricity while using air conditioning include preventing indoor temperature rise, using light-blocking curtains, and placing fans strategically, but it is advised not to compromise health by trying to save electricity, especially when temperatures exceed 35 degrees or remain above 25 degrees at night.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On July 5, 2024, Kaohsiung's Lingya Police Substation on Fude 2nd Road was searched due to suspicions of officer Wang inappropriately accessing personal information while investigating a fraud case. The precinct conducted the investigation voluntarily and will transfer the case to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office once the facts are clarified. The precinct emphasized maintaining discipline, conducting self-inspection, and taking strict actions against any illegal or disciplinary violations to uphold the police force's integrity.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Yesterday afternoon at 6:25 pm, a chemical gas poisoning incident occurred at the CPC Corporation's Taoyuan Refinery, where a 67-year-old worker named Lai reportedly inhaled toxic gas while sealing a hydrogen sulfide pipeline due to a loose oxygen supply hose on his protective mask. Another 69-year-old worker named Chen was also sent to the hospital. The incident is under investigation by the Ministry of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic, and immediate medical attention is required if exposed. CPC Corporation has reported the incident and taken necessary measures to address the leak, while environmental authorities responded promptly to manage the situation and assure residents.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The Taiwanese military faces scrutiny over the alleged use of Mainland-made vehicle recorders in general's cars, as revealed by lawmakers Xu Qiaoxin and Huang Guochang. The Ministry of National Defense responded by conducting a comprehensive investigation and vowed to stop the use of any Mainland-branded equipment to prevent cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Lawmakers criticized the military for using Mainland-made products, including solar inverters in military installations, and demanded a thorough investigation and accountability.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
A chemical gas poisoning incident occurred at the CPC Taoyuan Refinery this afternoon on July 5, 2024, when a 67-year-old worker surnamed Lai lost vital signs due to inhaling toxic gas while performing hydrogen sulfide pipeline sealing operation. Another worker surnamed Chen, aged 69, felt unwell and was sent to the hospital but was found unharmed upon examination. The incident is being investigated by the Ministry of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Despite the hydrogen sulfide reacting at the scene, the leak's scope was limited to a small area within the refinery, with no detection of hydrogen sulfide outside the plant, reassuring the public not to panic.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
A police officer in Kaohsiung is under investigation for allegedly leaking personal information to a fraud gang. Following the arrest of a member of the fraud group, communications data revealed contact with the officer, prompting a search of the police station and the officer's residence. Various devices were confiscated as part of the ongoing investigation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
In Taipei, on July 5, 2024, the transition of the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall has attracted attention, with the Ministry of Culture proposing the withdrawal of the military honor guards from the main hall of the memorial. Instead, they will hold duty displays on Democracy Boulevard without sentries, but the implementation timeline is still uncertain. The military stated that they will cooperate with the Ministry of Culture after the overall plan is completed. The adjustment aims to eliminate personal worship and authoritarianism, showcasing the government's commitment to listening to public opinions on the matter.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The citizen group 'Shan Hai Citizen Demolition Action' in Keelung submitted over 43,000 recall petitions to the Local Election Commission, exceeding the 37,920 threshold by far. Despite the confident completion, the Commission is under pressure as they aim to check the documents within 30 days based on the 'guidance' from the Central Election Commission. The checking process poses a significant challenge, with initial minor discrepancies already requiring corrections and additional petitions expected to be submitted. The pressure is heightened in Keelung due to fewer commission members compared to other areas with recall activities, necessitating a modified, time-consuming review process.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Chen Tingfei was expelled from the parliament along with two city councilors for defying party directives by running for a seat on the party's central commitee without following the faction's operations. Chen, who aims to preserve her rights in the primary elections for mayor of Tainan, insisted on running for the central commitee, causing a split in the DPP's parliamentary faction. This move led to her expulsion from the party. Chen remains determined to pursue her goal of obtaining a central commitee seat, despite the party's decision.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On July 5, 2024, Lu Hsiu-yan, Mayor of Taichung, visited Kaohsiung to meet with former Legislative Yuan President Wang Jin-ping. During a banquet held by Wang with over a hundred political and business figures, he hinted at supporting Lu if she runs for party chair or president, stating that if he runs, she would support him, and vice versa. When asked if he doesn't support Lu, Wang responded, 'If I run, she supports me; if she runs, can I not support her?'
Source: YAHOO