Reported 8 months ago
According to a report by the United Daily News, bus drivers in urban areas face long working hours, complex road conditions, and high risks while carrying passengers. Drivers often have to deal with various unexpected situations and challenging passengers, leading to frequent complaints. Despite the demanding nature of the job, some drivers view it as a mental exercise. Drivers highlighted the differences in risks between urban buses, which make multiple stops, and intercity buses that have more straightforward routes. While some drivers find urban bus routes interesting and mentally stimulating, others prefer the less stressful nature of intercity bus driving. Patience is considered a key trait for urban bus drivers, with quick-tempered individuals not being well-suited for the job. Concerns are also raised about the financial challenges faced by urban bus companies, potentially resulting in reduced services and job cuts.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
In a report by the local social center, on June 22, 2024, at 6:31 pm, bus drivers being headhunted to drive National Highway buses has led to a more severe shortage of bus drivers. Experts warn that if Taiwan opens up to mainland Chinese tourists, more bus drivers will leave for tour buses, making bus operations even more difficult. Suggestions include considering raising ticket prices and operating costs, as well as employing foreign workers as bus drivers. Issues such as poor working conditions for bus drivers in the city and potential risks are highlighted, urging government action to address the public transport crisis.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Due to a shortage of bus drivers in Yilan City, some bus routes are being combined or cut back. With the introduction of TPASS 2.0, intercity bus operators are increasing services and drivers, but more than ten city bus drivers in Yilan have switched to intercity bus services, exacerbating the driver shortage. To address this, bus companies are offering up to 80,000 NT dollars in bonuses to attract new and returning drivers. The industry is also facing a nationwide driver shortage, with many drivers opting for jobs in the logistics sector due to relatively lower stress and greater flexibility. Some cities like Hsinchu are even providing subsidies to retain bus drivers. Overall, the bus driver shortage is a pressing issue that needs to be resolved.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
According to the Financial Supervisory Commission's announcement on June 22, 2024, there was a net inflow of 11.72 billion US dollars from foreign and mainland Chinese investments in May 2024, equivalent to nearly NT$380 billion, marking the largest net inflow in history. This has increased the total foreign investment balance in Taiwan to a new high of 271.1 billion US dollars, or nearly NT$8.8 trillion, close to surpassing the NT$9 trillion mark. In the first four months, total loans from domestic banks increased by 1.426 trillion, reaching a new high in the same period, accounting for nearly 80% of the total new loans in the previous year. The export in May increased by 3.5% year-on-year to $37.36 billion, marking the seventh consecutive month of growth but lower than expected, mainly driven by AI business opportunities. The inflation rate in May hit a three-month high of 2.24%, largely due to rising vegetable prices and a minor decrease in egg prices. Additionally, rental prices in May saw a year-on-year increase of 2.6%, the highest in nearly 28 years.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Following the quarterly meetings and shareholder meetings in May and June, top executives of listed companies in Taiwan have been sharing their outlooks for the second half of the year. According to the latest estimations from foreign and local financial circles, in addition to Hon Hai, TSMC, Wistron, and Quanta, Wiwynn and Compal may join the 'trillion revenue club' this year, bringing the total to six companies. Analysts are optimistic about various sectors, with expectations for record-breaking trillion revenue among these tech giants, such as TSMC and Hon Hai, as well as positive outlooks for Wiwynn and Compal. Financial institutions have been closely monitoring these companies' performances and issuing investment reports accordingly.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Reported by Huang Yufan / Instantly reported in Chiayi on June 22, 2024, at 6:31 pm. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Chiayi County Party held an 'Anti-Abuse of Power, Defend Democracy' briefing at the 2nd-floor auditorium of the Innovation Institute this morning, mobilizing over a hundred local party officials. Chiayi County Mayor Weng Zhangliang stated that the current chaos in the parliament is a fight for survival, with the Kuomintang seeking to paralyze the government. Central Party Vice-Secretary General He Bowen urged everyone to call blue party legislators to exert pressure, creating a lively atmosphere with enthusiastic applause from the audience. DPP Vice-Secretary General He Bowen, Chiayi County Mayor Weng Zhangliang, legislators Cai Yiyu and Chen Guanting took the stage to speak, with the audience of officials applauding their statements.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Former Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng, a heavyweight figure in the blue camp, has returned to mainland China after 5 years to attend a religious event at the Hui Ju Tian Hou Palace in Kunshan. Despite the attention on his visit, Wang Jin-pyng emphasized that this trip is a personal religious journey and not political. He is expected to return to Taiwan on June 27 after his 7-day visit. This visit marks a sensitive time in cross-strait relations, with Wang Jin-pyng framing it as a visit solely for religious purposes to cut the ribbon for a new stage at the Kunshan Hui Ju Tian Hou Palace.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
On June 22, 2024, almost half a century after its establishment, the senior employees of the Third Nuclear Power Plant in Taiwan are preparing to retire alongside the plant, having significantly contributed to both Taiwan's economy and the economic development of Hengchun Town. Some foreign employees have settled down in the area, getting married and starting families, becoming new residents. Despite past negative labels associated with the plant, with the move towards a non-nuclear homeland, emotions are mixed among the old employees who have considered the plant their home. The article features stories of long-time employees who have dedicated their careers to the plant and the positive impact it has had on the local community.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Following the failure of the parliamentary reform review vote on June 22, 2024, the DPP Legislative Yuan caucus held a press conference to explain the next steps. If the Legislative Yuan rejects the parliamentary reform amendment review, the ruling party is poised to file for constitutional interpretation, with the President's Office, Executive Yuan, DPP Legislative Yuan Caucus, and Control Yuan all potentially submitting requests simultaneously. The DPP caucus has outlined reasons for the constitutionality request and is preparing for a temporary suspension to ensure that the Parliamentary Reform Law cannot be implemented until the Constitutional Court provides an interpretation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
In recent years, Taipei has become the most sought-after city for young people to relocate to. Especially amidst a declining birth rate, Taipei's population officially surpassed 2.85 million in April this year, breaking historical records. With the new mayor in office, Taipei has seen an increase of over 40,000 people, earning the title of a 'happy and liveable city'. Despite Taiwan facing a declining population trend, Taipei has managed to achieve growth, ranking second in population growth after New Taipei. The city has also been recognized as one of the most liveable and desirable cities for young people to move to, experiencing a continuous positive trend in population growth. The city's development and amenities have attracted people from other counties to settle in various districts in Taipei.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
At an event hosted by the People's Party in Taipei, Chairman Ko Wen-je criticized the DPP government's propaganda regarding the parliamentary reform bill, accusing them of spreading fake news. Ko questioned the DPP's claim of parliamentary reform leading to expanded power, pointing out President Lai's establishment of three major committees as a form of power expansion. He also expressed disappointment in the lack of communication and cooperation from the DPP towards the People's Party post-election, urging the government to focus on pressing issues like power shortages and military activities instead of creating divisions through false news. Ko further raised concerns about the lack of transparency in vaccine data storage, particularly criticizing the setting up of three new committees under the President's Office by Lai. He questioned the accountability of decisions made by these committees and urged Lai to avoid shirking responsibility.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
The No. 1 and No. 2 units of the nuclear power plant, that have been with the residents of the four towns on the Hengchun Peninsula for nearly forty years, will be successively decommissioned in July and May next year. The four town mayors around the plant all expressed their support for the extension of decommissioning. They believe that besides being a stable and low-carbon base-load power source, the approximately 240 million New Taiwan dollars in community goodwill funds from the plant annually are the main source supporting local social welfare. The towns are highly concerned about the reduction in goodwill funds and the safe disposal of nuclear waste after decommissioning.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
The Ministry of Labor is planning to loosen regulations for overseas graduates to stay and work in Taiwan, including allowing the hospitality industry to employ foreign middle-level technical workers to address the labor shortage. While some in the industry see this as a solution due to the language skills of overseas graduates, others are skeptical, stating that these graduates, being university-educated, might also be selective in job choices like young Taiwanese, making the shortage hard to resolve. Different opinions within the industry are voiced regarding this initiative.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
In this article, it is reported that Chinese naval ships, including the 'Xi'an' missile destroyer, have been sighted by fishermen in the Taiwan Strait multiple times, with the most recent sighting near Penghu. The presence of these Chinese naval ships has raised concerns and speculation among fishermen and locals about China's intentions towards Taiwan, impacting cross-strait trust and stability. Chinese naval activities near Taiwan have been increasing, prompting apprehension about potential military escalation. The article touches upon the sightings and capabilities of these naval vessels, as well as the reactions and concerns from local fishermen and authorities.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
A recent poll shows that President Lai Ching-te's approval rating has dropped significantly by 9.8 percentage points within a month of taking office, losing nearly 2 million votes. Following the rejection of the Parliamentary Reform Proposal by the legislature, there have been calls from various quarters for constitutional interpretation. Scholars suggest that with less than half of the public support for parliamentary reform, the DPP government needs to consider political constraints and engage more sincerely with opposition parties rather than adopt a confrontational stance, as people do not like a government in turmoil.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
On June 22, 2024, the Nationalist Party continued its explanation of parliamentary reform, with Chairperson Chu Li-lun criticizing the Democratic Progressive Party for treating the Nationalist Party as an enemy in the reform process, emphasizing the need for investigation during gaps in governance to stress the ruling party. At the same time, New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi expressed support for unity in enacting reforms. The Democratic Progressive Party Secretary-General Lin You-chang planned to continue advocating for further democratization and preventing a resurgence of the authoritarian system. The parties are engaged in debates over parliamentary reforms, with accusations of power expansion and false news.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Premier Cho Jung-tai, who has been in office for a month, apologized for the train accident involving the Taroko Express near the 228 Memorial Train, but many issues remain unaddressed. Despite the apology, the root causes of the accidents involving landslides and falling rocks have not been properly analyzed, warning systems have not been adequately installed, and inter-departmental coordination is lacking. If effective measures are not taken, similar incidents could occur in the future, impacting tourism in Hualien. Taiwan Railways still needs to address and improve its facilities to prevent future disasters.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Reporter Tsai Jia-Zhen / Kinmen Report: On June 22, 2024, at 6:31 p.m., the family of a military fisherman surnamed Hu, stuck in mainland China for over three months, went to visit him with the assistance of Kinmen legislator Chen Yu-Zhen. Hu's mother tearfully expressed her son's importance as the family's breadwinner, urging the mainland authorities to allow his return and for Taiwan's government to handle the fishing boat incident and cross-strait relations well. The family brought fresh clothes and his favorite milk tea, hoping to ease his homesickness as his child eagerly wants to see him.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Premier Su Tseng-chang visited Hualien to inspect earthquake recovery progress and apologized for the recent train accident, promising to take the train to Hualien next month to ensure safety. After the Taroko Express derailed due to a landslide, causing injuries, Su promised a thorough check of the warning system by Taiwan Railways and emphasized the importance of safety. Various officials and lawmakers joined the inspection and discussions on improving transportation safety in the region.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Following the Hualien 0403 earthquake, the access roads like Su-Hua Highway and Central Cross-Island Highway have been difficult to traverse, and the recent incident of a Taiwan Rail Express train colliding with a landslide and derailing further shakes the confidence of the public in Hualien's tourism. Hualien County Mayor Xie Zhenwei choked up today asking Premier Su Tseng-chang, 'What options do Eastern residents have for transportation?' This incident has raised concerns about the future of the local industries amidst the challenges faced by Hualien's connectivity and infrastructure.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Due to the increased workload caused by major epidemics such as SARS, H1N1, and COVID-19, young physicians are reluctant to enter the field of thoracic medicine, leading to a drastic decline in the number of thoracic physicians. The Thoracic and Critical Care Medicine Society warns that the inadequate number of thoracic physicians could pose a national security crisis in the event of another epidemic. Efforts are being made to attract more young physicians to the field through improved pay and compensation mechanisms.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
On June 22, 2024, the Puyuma Express train derailed near Hualien's Xiu Lin Township due to debris on the tracks from a landslide, resulting in nine injuries. The head of the Executive Yuan, Su Tseng-chang, inspected the site and ordered the Taiwan Railways Administration to thoroughly test all warning monitoring systems. However, a civil engineer from the Taiwan Province Civil Engineers Association, Gong Xiangsheng, emphasized that warning systems are not sufficient to prevent such accidents, suggesting the need for artificial slope systems and a reevaluation of route selection. Gong pointed out that the recent accident was caused by debris flowing onto the tracks from the tunnel's side due to issues with riverbed maintenance and bridge infrastructure. He stressed the importance of long-term strategies for track selection, mid-term plans for slope maintenance, and short-term measures for immediate risk reduction, criticizing the focus on warning systems without addressing fundamental safety issues.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
According to the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA), capsules are mostly of animal origin, serving purposes such as masking the bitter taste of medicine powders or protecting the esophagus and digestive tract from corrosive or irritating drugs. Vegetarians are advised to review the drug information leaflet before taking capsules and consult with medical professionals on ingredients and possible alternatives, as opening capsules and taking the medicine directly may affect its effectiveness and safety. Capsules are typically categorized into animal-based (gelatin) and plant-based (HPMC) capsules, and FDA emphasizes not opening capsules as the dissolution and release of medication may be compromised.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
On June 22, 2024, China released the 'Opinions on Punishing Taiwan Independence.' The CCTV commentary highlighted that the 'Opinions' provide specific and operable judicial guidelines with both strict and lenient measures targeting a minority. It aims to remind people of the boundaries and standards when dealing with Taiwan independence forces. The 'Opinions' offer a precise strike against Taiwan independence behavior and serve as a warning to external interfering forces, emphasizing that only through strict punishment of separatist crimes can Taiwanese people enjoy the peace and development dividends in cross-strait relations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported 8 months ago
Beijing released measures to crack down on 'Taiwanese independence' stubborn elements, escalating cross-strait tensions. Honorary Chairman of the General Chamber of Commerce and Chairman of Xianglin Group, Lai Cheng-yi, suggested returning to the 1992 Consensus as the best way for peace between both sides. He urged the ruling DPP to show more goodwill, starting with resuming cross-strait tourism to promote mutual interaction and understanding. Lai emphasized that peaceful coexistence requires rebuilding trust mechanisms within the 1992 Consensus framework, stating that most Taiwanese wish for peace and prosperity without military conflicts.
Source: YAHOO