Reported 12 months ago
The 13th Taiwan Service Industry Excellence Awards successfully concluded with 30 industries, 360 companies, and 435 stores inspected this year. The evaluation team and process were ISO-9001 certified for fairness and objectivity, with the Taiwan Service Audit Association ensuring quality through ISO 29993 compliance. Key to determining success was the customer complaint handling module incorporating ISO 10002 principles to differentiate high-quality service. While remote services decreased, in-person interactions improved, possibly due to evolving expectations from remote services growth, high demand, understaffing, and quality declines. A focus on promoting fair and friendly services was added to influence rankings, reflecting Taiwan's diverse service trend and the need for improvement in addressing disadvantaged groups' needs. The evaluation also noted the limited effectiveness of current 'intelligent' chatbot customer service, highlighting the necessity to integrate AI effectively for future quality improvement.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Taipei, May 3, 2024 - Minister Guo Zhihui stated that during his term, his top priority is to boost the output value of the service industry. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the industry such as labor shortages, long working hours, and the need for policy adjustments. Guo emphasized the importance of the service industry in Taiwan and aims to enhance its policies to elevate its contribution to the overall economy. He also highlighted the need to address issues like labor shortages and proposed flexible measures such as adjusting labor laws to accommodate retirees and increase manpower in the service sector. Additionally, Guo emphasized the concept of 'domestic outward' to include neighboring countries as potential markets for Taiwan's service industry, expressing confidence in the competitiveness of Taiwan's services. He urged enterprise owners to prioritize salary increments, childcare services, and housing solutions for their employees, in line with President Lai's directives. Overall, Guo's focus is on enhancing service industry policies and promoting its growth and competitiveness.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Chairman of the Machinery Association, Zhuang Dali, called on the government to accelerate the replacement of high-efficiency energy-saving production equipment in the manufacturing industry, providing incentives such as investment deductions or low-interest loans to connect to AI industrialization, digitization, and automation fields. This move aims to lead Taiwan's industry into green manufacturing, enter the international high-end supply chain, and support the country's transition to a low-carbon economy. The association is actively working with the government to establish a carbon coefficient database for machinery equipment to meet the industry's low-carbon transformation needs.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
On July 3, 2024, lightweight AI models have become a trend. Following Microsoft, Google Cloud launched the enterprise lightweight AI model Gemini 1.5 Flash in May, with the public preview version being announced on July 3 for full public use. This marks another major AI company releasing lightweight AI models after Microsoft introduced the small language model Phi-3-Mini. Google also announced various updates and progress on the Vertex AI platform, introducing capabilities like Gemini 1.5 Pro with up to 2 million tokens for context processing and the Imagen 3 model for advanced image generation. These models cater to scenarios such as retail customer service virtual agents, document processing, and research virtual agents integrating repositories. Google Cloud asserts that Gemini 1.5 Flash offers many advantages compared to models like GPT-3.5 Turbo, with benefits like a 10x longer context length and a 40% speed boost for character processing.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
July 3, 2024, 4:10 PM Taipei News: The AI stock theme in the Taiwan Stock Market is temporarily consolidating, with Apple regaining the spotlight. Morgan Stanley Securities is focusing on Apple's next-generation AI server chips, adopting TSMC's 3D advanced packaging technology SoIC. Not only optimistic about TSMC as a key beneficiary of new business opportunities, but also positive about the future prospects of King Yuan Electronics, which has been upgraded by Lyon Securities. Morgan Stanley predicts Apple will use 2-nanometer process and SoIC by TSMC in producing more powerful Apple chips, possibly M5, for AI servers in 2026. They also mentioned Taiwan's King Yuan Electronics leading in pre-burning testing services and potential growth. Apple is planning to introduce M5 AI chips using 2nm process and SoIC packaging in 2025.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Quanyi has successfully developed glass substrate application equipment and is currently in the planning and cooperation phase for experimental and production lines with many domestic and international benchmark carrier factories and TGV suppliers, with the market expected to ferment in one to two years. The company is one of the few equipment manufacturers on the market with a proven delivery record, especially in terms of glass substrate products. Quanyi's progress in glass substrate, fan-out packaging, small chips, heterogeneous integration automatic baking systems has drawn market attention, with the company collaborating with various significant carrier factories and TGV suppliers for future outcomes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
According to the latest report, iPhone 15 series has topped the best-selling smartphone list for the first half of the year, followed by Samsung A55 and S24 series in second and third place. The OPPO budget model A79 secured fourth place, and the iPhone 13, known for its value retention, climbed to fifth place. The total smartphone sales in Taiwan for May reached 429,000 units, indicating an 18% growth from April, driven by Mother's Day promotions. The article also mentions the upcoming closure of 3G networks by major telecom operators and the associated trend of users switching to VoLTE-supported devices, stimulating a wave of smartphone upgrades.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Severance and retirement payments are often confused by companies and employees, leading to tax filing errors and potential audits. A recent case involving a company and an employee highlighted the importance of correctly categorizing such payments. In this case, the tax authority ruled that a severance payment was considered retirement income, based on the purpose of the payment relating to the employee leaving the company. Understanding the purpose of such payments is crucial to avoid tax-related issues.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
As the global trend of supply chain shifting southward heats up, chemical companies in the ASEAN region are accelerating their operations, with Longxing (1717) and San Fu Chemical (4755) in Malaysia and Vietnam showing increased operating momentum. Longxing, Nan Bao (4766), and Materials-KY (4763) are also ramping up their efforts to enter the market. Longxing is strengthening its presence in the ASEAN, India, and North American markets with synthetic resins and special materials, while anticipating a steady recovery in demand for dry film photoresists and precision machinery with the PCB industry rebounding. To expand their business scope and increase production lines, Longxing's subsidiary in Malaysia is investing NT$1.495 billion to expand their glue coating production. San Fu Chemical expects a capacity of up to 4,000 tons at their Japan electrolysis plant this year, with an overall utilization rate of 80%. Their Vietnam gas and material plants are also seeing improved utilization rates, expecting double revenue growth and contributing to profits. Nan Bao's new plant in Chennai, India is set to start production by late 2025 or early 2026, focusing on agent production. Vietnam is planning to expand new production lines at the Da Nang plant area, seeking opportunities to expand product lines and applications through mergers and acquisitions. Materials-KY's Southeast Asian plant (filament) project is expected to be finalized by the end of the year, planning to establish a plant in Indonesia with an initial annual production scale of 10,000 tons, solidifying their presence in the Southeast Asian market.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
At the 2024 Taiwan Service Industry Evaluation on July 3, 2024, Nissan in Taiwan won the Gold Award in the car dealership category. The general manager of Yulon Nissan, Zhong Wenchuan, received the award from Vice President Xiao Meiqin. Zhong stated Nissan's dedication to providing quality services that meet customer needs and its goal to become a leader in both product and service innovation. By actively introducing diverse car models like X-TRAIL, KICKS e-POWER, and the upcoming ARIYA electric vehicle, Nissan aims to enhance customer satisfaction through continuous innovation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Securities News Center on July 3, 2024, 4:10 PM * Ex-dividend/Ex-bonus: MediaTek, UMC, Chunghwa Telecom, Xin Maigroup, Wowprime, NewPower, Fubon Media, Acer Information, Kundong, etc. * Investor Conference: Far Eastern, UMC, King Yuan Electronics, HongYuan, Jiatech, Foxconn. * Stock Focus: Jimao, Shinkong Steel, Lite-On Tech, Mingle, Zhi Sheng, Yichuan, Lung Ming Renewable, Xunzhou, Yude, Crystal, United Renewables, Darent, Ying Han, Yeh Sang, Huiyou, Solar Applied, Tai Fu, Lian Ce, Xuhui Tech, Lite-On, Fastek, Greatta, Shengyu, Hsin Hwa, Qingteng, Newgate, Junhao, System Micro, Modec, Canghe, Macrosystem, Green Power, etc. * Disposing of Stocks: Prowin, Arima, Far Glory Life Tech. * Reduced Margin Trading by 10% and Increased Margin Ratio by 10%: Yiteng, Hongyi, Bright King, Weimenter, Fresh-Juice. * Restoring Original Margin Trading Ratio and Margin Ratio: Xuran, Haozhan, Chinlink, Jintai, and more Commercial Times reports on the formation of the third-generation semiconductor golden lineup TSMC's establishment of a factory in Japan, holding on to chemical stocks, and even imported cars seeing price hikes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
This editorial discusses the increasing global temperatures leading to a rise in energy consumption and subsequently in electric prices, exemplified by the power shortage incidents in Taiwan. The article also explores the impact of extreme heat waves on economies, highlighting the necessity of balanced energy policies. It compares the differing energy price trends in Europe, influenced by China's advancements in green energy technologies, and suggests that transitioning to renewable energy sources is imperative for sustainable development and global competitiveness.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Chairman Peng Jinlong of the FSC revealed in the legislature's finance committee that there will be a fourth stage in November or December to adjust the coefficients to better fit Taiwan's situation before the official alignment with TW-ICS in 2026, allowing insurance companies ample time for adjustment. The Life Insurance Association will propose adjustments like lowering the Taiwan stock coefficient, widening the VaR risk value to 95%, and excluding the bond yield and risk-free rate difference from the calculation, aiming to alleviate pressure on insurers and enhance the transition to the new capital standard.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
On July 3, 2024, at 4:10 p.m., the Taiwan Stock Exchange held a listing review committee meeting, approving the listing case of Sanjet-KY (6862). The exchange stated that the case still needs to be submitted to the board of directors for approval. Sanjet-KY, a passive component manufacturer, has a capital of 440 million yuan and a net worth of 1.47 billion yuan at the time of listing application, operating as an inductor component manufacturer. The underwriter for the listing is Yuanta Securities. As for market structure, domestic sales account for 39.16%, while exports account for 60.84%. The company has nine directors with a total shareholding ratio of 29.27%. In terms of profit performance, the pre-tax profits from 2021 to 2023 were 414 million yuan, 429 million yuan, and 492 million yuan, respectively, with 210 million yuan in the first quarter of 2024; the earnings per share (EPS) after tax were 8.08 yuan, 8.26 yuan, 9.02 yuan, and 3.31 yuan. More reports from Commercial Times: Academia Sinica: Taiwan's Inflation will Exceed 2% Next Year; Taiwan Stock Market Falls with Two Major Domestic Funds Protecting the Market with Billions; Micron Technology Surges Over 9% in Early Trading, Memory Group Celebrates.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
KGI Securities' Chief Analyst, Hsu Gao-ming, predicts that the Taiwan stock market will experience a period of correction in the third quarter before rebounding towards the end of the year in the fourth quarter. He recommends investors focus on industries hitting bottom, stocks with high dividends, low valuations, and numerous policies to uncover high-quality opportunities. Emphasizing on the AI trend in the Taiwanese market, KGI Securities' survey found that about 70% of investors are concerned about the market's direction in the second half, particularly in AI-related stocks and other promising industries. They are also monitoring international developments and the impact of the US presidential election on the Taiwan stock market, along with strategic planning for investments in the second half of the year.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Hui Yang (2637) benefited from the strong performance of the BDI index in the second quarter, reporting a self-operating profit of 724 million NT dollars in June, more than double the previous year. However, pre-tax earnings decreased by 31.41%, with a pre-tax profit of 615 million NT dollars, and an earnings per share of 0.83 NT dollars. Looking ahead, Hui Yang maintains a cautiously optimistic outlook for the second half of the year, aiming to continue its operational performance by strategically disposing of older vessels and optimizing its financial structure, with plans to focus on a fully energy-efficient fleet. Additionally, the company's revenue and operating profit increased significantly in the first half of the year, demonstrating steady growth amidst global economic uncertainties.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
The 2024 Taiwan Service Industry Grand Evaluation Awards ceremony was held by the Commercial Times on July 3, 2024. Hertz, celebrating their 25th anniversary, received the Gold Award in the car rental industry. The Vice President Xiaomei Qin attended as the guest of honor. Hertz plans to utilize AI and digital technology to enhance their services and provide even more quality and personalized services to customers, focusing on customer needs and expanding their fleet with diverse offerings.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Recent increases in iron ore and Australian coking coal prices due to a rise in iron ore sand and a fire incident have supported steel prices. Steel mills are optimistic about potential policy boosts from China's upcoming Third Plenum, which could help sustain material price increases and support steel prices. The recent improvement in steel trading activity post rain in southern China has led to a slight increase in spot steel prices, contributing to the upturn in iron ore sand prices, nearing $120 per ton. Additionally, concerns over supply constraints following a fire incident at Australia's Grovena metallurgical coal mine have led to a rise in coking coal prices to $245 per ton, impacting steel production costs positively and aiding in stabilizing steel prices.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Big news on Taiwan's stock market as the top two companies, Largan Precision and TSMC, are set to hold their Q2 earnings calls on July 11 and 18 respectively, with positive expectations for Q3 performance. With Apple's rumored release of the iPhone 16 featuring major upgrades in both hardware and software, sales are projected to reach 90 to 100 million units, benefiting suppliers like Largan and TSMC. Apple plans to use TSMC's N3E process to build the A18 chip for the iPhone 16 series, and may include Samsung as a supplier for the camera components ensuring smooth production and sales. The article also mentions the differentiation between the A18 and A18 Pro chips for various models in the iPhone 16 lineup, reflecting Apple's strategy to cater to different market segments and address chip supply issues experienced during the pandemic.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Investors are betting on Trump's return to the White House and his push for tax cuts, driving up fiscal deficits and inflation, causing long bond yields in the United States to soar. Fed Chair Powell's dovish remarks at the ECB monetary policy meeting signaled progress in fighting inflation, leading to a slight drop in the 10-year Treasury yield from its recent high but still remaining elevated. Analysts warn that Trump's proposed policies may create economic uncertainty, exacerbate inflation, and hinder economic growth, prompting firms like Morgan Stanley and Barclays to advise clients to prepare for potential outcomes. Goldman Sachs analysts suggest that regardless of the election results, there may not be a significant difference in fiscal deficits, especially considering the negative impact Trump's tariff hikes could have on the economy and bond yields.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Cheng Loong, a metal casing manufacturer, continues its investment in the biotechnology sector by acquiring a 4.8% stake in Pacific Medical Materials through its subsidiary Yifa at an average cost of NT$89.87 per share. Following its acquisition of 20% stake in Yita Technology, Cheng Loong demonstrates a focus on high-profit and high-dividend biotechnology companies. Tai Yi, which saw profits exceeding half of its share capital in 2023, boasts a post-tax earnings per share of NT$5.8 and a dividend payout of NT$4.8 per share, equivalent to a payout ratio of 82.76%. Cheng Loong's holdings in Tai Yi exceed NT$300 million and were disclosed in compliance with regulations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
In response to the wave of nurses leaving their jobs, on July 3, 2024, the Executive Yuan finalized the '12 Strategies for Nursing Manpower Policy Planning,' aiming to enact a law for three shifts for nurses within 2 years and fully implement it in 4 years to reach a nursing personnel scale of 240,000 to 260,000 by 2030, meeting the needs nationwide. Additional measures include promoting post-bachelor nurses, facilitating in-service training reforms, and introducing 'dedicated night shift nurses' with a 4 billion NT subsidy to offer higher salaries, aiming to improve retention rates. The 'Three Shifts for Nurses' standard varies based on the hospital level, with a focus on encouragements over immediate penalties for non-compliant hospitals. The government also highlighted the heavy workload of nurses in Taiwan compared to countries like the US and Canada, and plans to improve education, childcare, and long-term care to enhance the working environment for professional women, further integrating hospital systems toward smart hospitals to streamline administrative tasks like AI-driven medical reports.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
On July 3, 2024, HSBC Securities upgraded Creative to 'Buy' with a target price of NT$2,300, while Morgan Stanley downgraded Unigroup to 'Underperform' with a target price of NT$500. The analysis indicates potential capital shifts with the differing outlook on these high-priced IC design stocks. Recent conservative sentiments towards Unigroup have led to downgrades from institutions like Haitong International and Morgan Stanley. On the other hand, both domestic and foreign research institutions are showing bullish tendencies towards Creative, with HSBC highlighting its leadership in the HBM4 memory market and estimating significant revenue contributions from this technology in 2026.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced before a half-yearly economic policy meeting on July 3, 2024, that the government will lower the corporate tax rate for businesses under the 'Corporate Value Enhancement Plan' to allow them to increase dividends to shareholders. The government also raised the annual economic growth forecast to reflect increasing exports and substantial first-quarter economic growth. The plan aims to stimulate the undervalued Korean stock market by encouraging companies to increase shareholder returns and provide opportunities for asset formation, among other measures.
Source: YAHOO