Reported 12 months ago
Hong Kong Disneyland is launching a series of 'Playful Summer Magic' activities from now until September 1st to beat the summer heat. Guests can enjoy special summer activities with Mickey and friends, Disney princesses, Duffy, and many Pixar characters like Joy, Anger, and new character Fear. The park also offers themed snacks based on 'Inside Out 2' and various Disney-themed hotel events, including a Marvel-themed room experience starting from August 9th.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
On June 29, 2024, at 6:56 PM, the elementary section of the Indonesian Tzu Chi School held its graduation ceremony, with over 250 students showcasing their learning achievements as they move towards new milestones. A traditional Indonesian national music performance, 'Gamelan Ensemble,' was part of the students' talents at the Tzu Chi School. The principal, Chen Youying, expressed being deeply moved and emphasized the importance of students enjoying and showcasing their hard work, with parents, teachers, and guests watching. After the graduation ceremony, where 256 students moved on to secondary school, parents gave their blessings. A father, Heliyanto, expressed hope for his son Miguel to remain positive, humble, and resilient for a better future. The handcrafted gifts conveyed gratitude. Graduate Miguel thanked his parents for their love and companionship over the past six years. Tzu Chi education, emphasizing knowledge and humanities, provides a solid foundation for children's confidence with each reward being a cornerstone. For more DA.AI News reports: Medical professor promotes bacterial science literacy in the 'Hope Classroom' on today's date in Tzu Chi history.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
The Motley Fool article discusses whether it is a good time for investors to buy Bank of America (NYSE: BAC) stock. Despite a 58% increase in stock value since last year as the Federal Reserve paused interest rate hikes, uncertainties remain around future interest rate changes and the bank's sizable unrealized losses. Bank of America, the second-largest bank in the U.S., faces challenges related to its loan portfolio's sensitivity to interest rates. However, the bank's steady deposit base and potential for net interest income growth could make it an appealing investment. The article suggests that Bank of America, with its strong brand and balance sheet, is positioned well to benefit from the current interest rate environment and could be a good buy for investors.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
In the early hours of the morning, a fire broke out in a one-story house in Dagong Lane, Gangshan District, Kaohsiung. Despite the fierce blaze, the owner was rescued by cutting open the metal sheet. It was revealed that the owner was unaware of the fire because he had taken sleeping pills. This incident has left neighbors concerned as it was not the first fire incident in the area. The fire was extinguished within half an hour without any casualties, but authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
During the 35th Golden Melody Awards, indigenous singer Panai Kusui won the Best Taiwanese Album award and mentioned the Tiananmen Square incident in her speech, sparking discussions online. Despite Chinese netizens' uproar, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te voiced his support for Panai, emphasizing the importance of music in relation to politics and pledging to defend musicians' freedom to create. The incident led to Panai's name becoming a censored term on Weibo. President Lai's swift response on Facebook quoted Panai's speech and highlighted the need to protect artistic freedom and provide better platforms for musicians.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
On June 29, 2024, at 6:54 pm, at the Hope Classroom in Mexico, a special educational event took place where a medical school professor introduced students to bacterial science. Many children, for the first time, saw bacteria through a microscope. The professor taught them about science, bacteria, and their role in our lives. The interactive course opened the students' eyes to the fascinating world of bacteria, how to identify good bacteria, avoid harmful ones, and keep food clean to stay healthy. The opportunity to explore a research lab may potentially be a transformative experience for these children.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
In the 'On This Day in History' segment on Da Ai TV on June 29, 2024, at 6:50 PM, the focus was on June 30th. The Doris Zopa Shelter in Hualien, built by Tzu Chi in 1976 for victims of the Nina typhoon, was completed. Additionally, the Jing Si Hall in Wanhua, converted from an entertainment venue to a community spiritual center, was opened in 2012. On the same day in 1998, the Tzu Chi Experimental Animal Center was established, emphasizing the principles of care and respect towards animals in medical research.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Chevron stock has been underperforming compared to its competitors in the energy sector, but this lag could make it an attractive investment. Despite facing challenges related to an acquisition deal with Hess, Chevron's financial strength, lower debt-to-equity ratio compared to Exxon, and a higher dividend yield of 4.2% make it a compelling choice for investors looking for a reliable energy stock. The uncertainty surrounding the Hess deal is viewed as a short-term issue, and Chevron's solid foundation and capability to navigate challenges make it a favorable long-term investment option in the energy sector.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
On June 29, 2024, at 6:48 p.m., the first co-housing unit built by Tzu Chi volunteers in Nepal, Gabire, was officially handed over, witnessing a change in the local residents. One homeowner who used to be an alcoholic and abusive has not only quit drinking but also joined the workforce. Tzu Chi volunteers even celebrated the occasion by shopping for new clothes for a girl named Kuxi and her family. The village head of Gabire expressed gratitude and sprayed a message on the wall that read 'Speak kind words, do good deeds, and think good thoughts'. The event was marked by various activities including a skit performed by volunteers to educate and celebrate the family's positive changes.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Taiwan has introduced migrant workers for over 30 years, with the total number exceeding 770,000, making them indispensable. Despite efforts to streamline the hiring process, the administrative inefficiency and lack of progress have caused the direct recruitment program to appear good on the surface but ineffective in practice. Issues like excessive service fees charged by intermediaries have burdened migrant workers, leading to calls for direct hiring between countries. The reluctance to use direct recruitment stems from the convenience of entrusting the hiring process to intermediaries, with deep-rooted political and business interests complicating matters. Comparisons with South Korea's government-to-government direct hiring system reveal disparities in transparency and efficiency. Improvements in Taiwan's direct recruitment system and a shift towards a more balanced role between intermediaries, migrant workers, and employers are needed to address labor shortages and ensure fair treatment.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Starting on July 1, 2024, the Property Speculation Tax 2.0 will be implemented, causing concern among developers as it is seen as disadvantageous to those who build and sell properties later. The new law increases the tax burden, leading to a potential indirect transfer of costs to rental prices, which may continue to rise. Critics argue that this law unfairly penalizes post-construction property developers and could ultimately harm ordinary citizens by transferring the increased tax burden to homebuyers and renters.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
As of June 29, 2024, the Ministry of Labor has been promoting direct recruitment of migrant workers for many years, but only 12.6% of household employers have hired caregivers through this system according to a recent survey. The process of applying for direct recruitment is cumbersome and time-consuming, leading to penalties for mismanagement. Factors such as complex procedures, lack of understanding of the system, and restrictions from countries of origin contribute to the stagnation of direct recruitment. Efforts are being made to streamline the application process and improve services to facilitate direct recruitment in the future.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
According to the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics on June 29, 2024, due to changes in consumer behavior, the number of street vendors and workers has decreased over the past five years in Taiwan, leading to a decline in average revenue and profit per vendor. The statistics show that from July 2022 to June 2023, street vendors in Taiwan had an annual revenue of 395.4 billion NTD, with an average revenue per vendor decreasing by 3.64% over the past five years. Profit margins have also significantly dropped, with an average profit per vendor declining by 7.30%, the largest decrease recorded so far. Street vendors selling fresh meat had the highest average annual revenue and profit among various categories. The report highlighted that all categories of street vendors experienced declining revenue and profits, particularly in goods sales and clothing categories due to the continued development of multiple retail channels. Street vendors in the service category, despite having lower revenue, had a higher profit margin, making it the most profitable category among all street vendors.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) will release the June Consumer Price Index (CPI) data on June 29, 2024, and it is anticipated to be slightly higher than May due to the impact of heavy thunderstorms in late June. The inflation rate is expected to continue to exceed the 2% alert line, with the CPI annual growth rate in May reaching a new high of 2.24%. Factors such as unstable weather, rising vegetable and fruit prices, and continuous increase in housing prices contribute to the inflation. The rising trend in housing rents is particularly challenging for tenants, with a 2.6% increase in May, the highest in 28 years. Concerns about the future price trend lie in factors such as rising food costs, electricity prices, and personnel expenses impacting the rise in food prices.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
The direct hiring system in Taiwan has both disadvantages and advantages, according to reports. For some employers, the benefits include avoiding administrative procedures by directly hiring existing foreign caregivers, while others prefer using intermediaries who arrange for medical check-ups, language training, and handle administrative processes. Some employers find the direct hiring process complex and time-consuming, requiring research and understanding of application procedures, while intermediaries offer detailed assistance. The article highlights the experiences of different employers who have tried both direct hiring and using intermediaries for hiring migrant workers, showcasing the challenges and advantages of each approach.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
In Taipei, on June 29, 2024, at 6:48 PM, employees anticipate higher returns from the old system retirement fund compared to the new one. The old system retirement fund, managed by the Labor Pension Fund Operating Bureau on behalf of employers, has yielded 14.82% in 2023, higher than the 12.6% from the new system, resulting in more significant profits for enterprises. As of the end of April 2024, the old system retirement fund had a size of NT$1.4093 trillion with returns of NT$75.58 billion and a yield of 8.82%. Unlike worker benefits distributed in March, enterprise benefits are divided in January and within three months, with accumulated surplus held for potential negative returns to ensure retirement payments for employees.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Starting from July 1, the Property Tax 2.0, affecting over 1.2 million taxpayers, will come into effect and reflect in next year's property tax bills. Various local governments are actively amending their autonomous ordinances to smoothly carry out the tax collection next year. New Taipei City, Hsinchu County, and Lienchiang County have already proposed versions, while impending concerns include the passage of versions by local councils and defining luxury homes not eligible for single-residence tax reductions. The tax rates aim to encourage single-residence tax reductions while imposing heavy taxes on property hoarding, with rates ranging from 2% to 4.8%. Local governments must set differential tax rates and levy them progressively. The article also details adjustments made by certain counties including Taoyuan, Yilan, and Penghu in terms of standard property prices, affecting taxpayers constructing new buildings from July onwards.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Taiwan plans to introduce Indian migrant workers, with the Ministry of Labor stating that the introduction will be through a dual track system of direct hiring and intermediaries. However, in recent years, less than 3% of migrant workers have been directly hired. The Taiwan International Workers' Association emphasizes the need for direct hiring between countries to avoid reliance on intermediaries and streamline the process. Challenges in implementing a government-to-government direct hiring system like South Korea are discussed, including the competitive nature of labor intermediaries. Suggestions to encourage direct hiring include simplifying procedures and providing economic incentives for employers, such as reducing monthly employment stability fees.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Taiwan Power stated that Unit 1 at the Mailiao coal-fired power plant can legally operate without exceeding the short generation amount. The contract for Unit 1 was extended until the end of 2025 to supplement short generation, causing local environmental groups to protest. While Unit 2 also faces issues with short generation due to coal reduction policies, Taiwan Power has not received any request from Formosa Plastics to extend the contract. The plant, originally scheduled for decommissioning in May and September, has Unit 1 extended but Unit 2 confirmed for decommissioning. Unit 1, extended until the end of 2025, will resume power supply in mid to late July. Taiwan Power emphasized that Unit 1's operation is legally valid, and if it cannot obtain, renew, or extend its operating permit, the contract will be terminated.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
Recent strong performance in the Taiwan stock market has led to impressive results for labor funds. The Ministry of Labor's Bureau of Labor Funds is expected to announce the latest performance until the end of May 2024, with estimated earnings of around NT$560 billion in the first five months of the year. The Labor Insurance Fund, crucial for retirement security, reached NT$980.97 billion by the end of April, and with government funding and May's earnings, it is projected to reach NT$1.7 trillion. Expectations are also high for the New Labor Pension Fund, with estimated earnings surpassing NT$370 billion by the end of May, indicating significant growth in fund sizes and performance.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
According to the latest survey by the Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, as of 2023, there were 233,000 vendors with 357,000 employees in Taiwan, marking a significant decrease of 23.95% and 24.88% respectively compared to five years ago. This decline is the largest in 35 years, with the number of vendors hitting the lowest level in recorded statistics. The decrease is attributed to the acceleration of online shopping and delivery platforms due to the pandemic, as well as the decline in the number of tourists visiting Taiwan resulting from the pandemic.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
At the 35th Golden Melody Awards, MC HotDog won Best Lyricist for 'Upstairs Tenant' and then took home the Best Mandarin Male Singer Award. Celebrating, he made a surprise appearance as a special guest at the 15th Annual Legacy of Hua Shan Awards, where he received enthusiastic reactions from fans, even being embraced by a male fan on stage. He humorously mentioned his recent marriage registration and winning the Song King title after 17 years, expressing joy and readiness to celebrate all night long.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
The article by Reuben Gregg Brewer from The Motley Fool highlights three key reasons why investing in Enterprise Products Partners (NYSE: EPD) is a great choice. Firstly, the company operates in the stable midstream sector, providing consistent revenue streams. Secondly, it offers a high and reliable yield of 7.2%, making it appealing to income-focused investors. Lastly, Enterprise maintains a strong financial foundation, with a track record of increasing distributions for 25 consecutive years and solid financial ratios. Overall, it presents an attractive option for investors seeking consistent income.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
As Taiwan enters typhoon season, efforts are being made to raise awareness for disaster prevention. The Taoyuan City Government recently organized activities involving local communities and Tzu Chi Foundation to promote correct disaster prevention concepts through education and entertainment. This initiative follows severe flooding in Longtan District due to heavy rainfall, emphasizing the importance of preparedness during peak typhoon season. With over 30 communities participating in the disaster prevention activities, the event aimed to educate residents on potential dangers and effective preventive measures.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 12 months ago
As Apple's iPhone 16 series is expected to launch in the second half of 2024, Taiwanese companies like MediaTek, Delta Electronics, and Largan Precision, among others, are anticipated to experience a surge in stock performance. The upcoming release of the iPhone 16, featuring the A18 processor and Apple Intelligence, geared towards high-end iPhone models, is predicted to stimulate user upgrade intentions and drive replacement cycles. Market analysts are optimistic about improved iPhone sales performance globally, particularly in China, which will benefit Taiwanese supply chain companies. Furthermore, the revival of the market cycle, growing demand for edge AI in smartphones, and subdued reception of Huawei's Pura series present favorable opportunities for Apple. Forecasts indicate a projected increase in shipment volumes for 2025 and 2026, with a positive outlook for the iPhone 16 production in the latter half of 2024.
Source: YAHOO