Reported about 1 year ago
Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) recently launched its annual new product, collaborating with Taiwan's stationery design brand YSTUDIO to develop a series of items made from retired and recycled unique 'seal water copper strips' from the Mingtan and Daguan hydroelectric power plants at Sun Moon Lake. Taipower's cultural and creative division aims to promote sustainable practices by utilizing recycled materials and collaborating with local designers, with this latest project being showcased at an exhibition highlighting the upcycled pens, pen stands, and tabletop gyroscopes. By using materials that were previously part of the hydroelectric plants, Taipower demonstrates its commitment to circular economy principles.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Taiwan Power Company's Deputy General Manager Wang Zhenyong stated that international fuel prices are expected to gradually stabilize, with natural gas prices used for power generation recently lowered by 1.29% to NT$13.88 per cubic meter and coal prices hovering around US$140 per ton. Concerns over a possible electricity price hike in September have arisen following previous increases in April and June; however, Prime Minister Su Tseng-chang hinted that there will be no price hike, with efforts aligning with this direction if so instructed by the Executive Yuan. The adjustment in April was attributed to rising fuel prices, with ongoing monitoring of market developments and implementation of proper procurement strategies by Taiwan Power to manage costs effectively.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
According to the latest statistics from the Ministry of Labor, the number of workers choosing to withdraw their retirement funds has exceeded 1.1 million for the first time, with an average monthly contribution of NT$66,014. This accounts for 14.69% of all new retirement fund contributors. The Ministry reminds employers to contribute a minimum of 6% of workers' monthly wages to retirement funds, while employees can opt to contribute up to 6%, with tax benefits for amounts within the 6% range. Various income brackets show significant participation, indicating a growing awareness of retirement savings among the population.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Reported by journalist Weng Wei-zhen from Taoyuan, the Zhongli Train Station, known as the 'ugliest train station,' is scheduled for demolition to make way for railway underground construction. A temporary station will open on June 16, with a message area set up in the current station for people to share their thoughts. Despite being mocked for its appearance, the station holds numerous memories for residents. The Taoyuan railway underground project approved in September 2020 includes renovating existing Taoyuan, Neili, and Zhongli stations, and constructing new stations like Fengming, Zhonglu, Taoyuan Hospital, Zhongyuan, and Pingzhen. Zhongli Station, as a vital transportation hub, witnesses heavy traffic and high passenger volume in and out of the station, ranking among the top five nationwide. As part of the railway underground construction, a temporary station was built on the west side to accommodate passengers during the project, set to open on June 16. People leave heartfelt messages on memories associated with the soon-to-be-demolished station, expressing nostalgia, anticipation for the new station, and gratitude for the emotional connections the station fostered over the years.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Novo Nordisk CEO Lars Jorgensen has agreed to voluntarily testify in a U.S. Senate hearing focusing on the high prices of weight loss drugs Ozempic and Wegovy. A Senate health panel vote scheduled for June 18 to subpoena Novo has been canceled as Jorgensen will testify in early September. The hearing aims to address why Americans are charged significantly more for these drugs compared to other countries, with Wegovy priced at $1,349/month in the U.S. but significantly lower in Germany and the UK.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Senior musician Li Kun-cheng publicly acknowledged his relationship with Lin Jing-en, a woman 40 years his junior, in 2013, drawing attention to their 'grandfather-granddaughter love.' Following Li Kun-cheng's death from colon cancer last April, Lin Jing-en was embroiled in various controversies, including causing a scene in a famous hotel, reportedly smashing a television and being expelled from four hotels, and being seen on the streets. After nearly half a year out of the public eye, Lin Jing-en suddenly updated her profile picture on Facebook on the 14th and posted a selfie with a short comment on her current situation. The post received positive responses from netizens, encouraging her new haircut and overall outlook, prompting her to post again afterward expressing her gratitude.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 14, 2024, a study conducted by the Jockey Club Happy Family Project in Hong Kong revealed that people with a monthly household income of over HKD 60,000 are more likely to have higher levels of happiness. However, with the median household income in Hong Kong being only HKD 30,000, the average family falls far short of the income threshold associated with happiness. Factors contributing to happiness in Hong Kong include higher education, property ownership, being female, and being older. The report sheds light on the challenges faced by Hong Kong families in achieving happiness, especially considering the city's exorbitant housing prices that make property ownership a distant dream for many.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
With the cooperation of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, Malaysian, and Singaporean authorities, a fraudulent group was busted for using a mobile Trojan horse program to siphon money from people's bank accounts, victimizing 1,899 individuals last year and swindling over NT$780 million. The scam involved deceiving victims into providing their bank account information under the guise of offering cheap goods, allowing the culprits to remotely access their phones, transfer all their savings through online banking to bank accounts in Malaysia, and launder the money through purchasing virtual currency. Six suspects from Taiwan and Malaysia were arrested by the three countries' authorities for their involvement.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The 16th Cross-Strait Forum took place in Xiamen, Fujian Province, with Yunlin County Chief Chang Li-shan and KMT delegates attending to promote cross-strait exchanges. However, Mainland Affairs Council Chairperson Chiu Chui-cheng expressed reservations, stating that the forum serves as a United Front platform disguised as an exchange, cautioning against local government participation. KMT Chairman Johnny Chiang sent Vice Chairman Lien Sheng-wen to participate, emphasizing the benefits of increased interaction and understanding for easing cross-strait tensions. Various politicians shared differing views on the impact of such forums on cross-strait relations, with former Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin expressing skepticism and DPP legislator Ker Chien-ming criticizing KMT's participation as falling into China's United Front tactics.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
台北市長蔣萬安表示，將依照對等尊嚴善意互惠原則邀請上海方代表參加雙城論壇，強調兩岸間溝通交流的重要性並希望持續辦理雙城論壇。蔣萬安指出，兩城市可從市政議題中互相合作，並歡迎兩岸民間交流在對等、尊嚴、善意和互惠原則下進行。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
China's Maritime Police Order 3 came into effect, granting expanded powers to detain foreign vessels suspected of illegally entering Chinese territorial waters and to detain individuals suspected of illegal entry without trial for 30 to 60 days. However, scholars predict that China will not actively apply the new measures in disputed areas unless provoked, such as by the Philippines engaging in provocative actions in the South China Sea. The Order contains provisions for administrative law enforcement at sea, empowering maritime police to detain vessels and inspect ships within Chinese jurisdiction. Chinese military drills in the region are seen as preparations in line with this new order to signal warnings to South China Sea nations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 14, 2024, Taiwan's Minister of National Defense, Gu Li-xiong, ordered the cancellation of bayonet fighting training in the military, replacing it with more practical 'firearm combat.' Experts, such as former head of the Physical Education Department of the Army's Step Training Unit, Zhang Bo-zhi, expressed concerns that neglecting bayonet skills could result in a decline of martial arts proficiency, emphasizing the importance of combining physical fitness and combat skills. They argue that bayonet fighting is essential in close combat situations and should not be abolished, as adept bayonet skills play a critical role in military readiness and effectiveness.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Minister of National Defense Kao Tzu-hsiung recently announced the cancellation of traditional bayonet techniques in favor of firearms combat training, sparking interest in the detailed program content and implementation timeline. Amid concerns over battlefield practicality, the training subjects currently under discussion involve close combat basics and appropriate use of firearms in close-quarter fighting scenarios, including utilizing bayonets and other combat techniques. Regarding national defense strategies and current geopolitical warnings, Kao emphasized the importance of enhancing Taiwan's self-defense capabilities and engaging in cooperative deterrence with the US Indo-Pacific strategy to deter potential aggression by the Chinese Communist Party. The potential purchase of domestically-built submarines and delays in US arms sales to Taiwan were also addressed.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 14, 2024, China announced new measures to be implemented starting August, called the 'Internet Violence Information Governance Regulations.' The regulations state that service providers should establish a 'sound user account credit management system,' where accounts involved in cyberbullying will have their credit levels reduced or be blacklisted. Providers are also required to alert high-risk targets of cyberbullying and inform them of preventive measures. The regulations define 'Internet violence information' and outline actions to be taken by service providers, including verifying account identities, providing warning notifications, reporting to relevant authorities, and offering options to prevent receiving harmful content. It also emphasizes managing online forums, communities, and public accounts to ensure the dissemination of safe and accurate information, with penalties for violators. The regulations also extend to online news providers, mandating responsible reporting practices and immediate corrections of misleading content related to cyberbullying.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) recently warned Taiwanese travelers to be cautious of local regulations in Hong Kong as multiple cases of Taiwanese citizens being searched during travel surfaced. The Hong Kong Security Bureau criticized the MAC for 'slandering' and spreading fear through distorted facts and political manipulation, emphasizing that travelers, including those from Taiwan, are not engaged in activities harmful to national security. The Security Bureau stated that nationality, race, or appearance are not considered factors during searches. Hong Kong strongly condemned Taiwan's alleged travel advisories, which distorted the effectiveness of the National Security Law and the maintained a high risk of travel to Hong Kong, and expressed strong dissatisfaction with political manipulation through false, distorted facts, and fear-mongering. MAC advised Taiwanese to carry passports and Hong Kong visas to avoid violating local regulations, as cases of police checks involving Taiwanese in Hong Kong have increased.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as South Africa's president, following a power-sharing deal with opposition parties. His re-election came after the African National Congress appointed him as their candidate for another five-year term and secured support from various parties. Ramaphosa's victory has positively impacted financial markets in South Africa, with the broad alliance government likely to focus on economic growth, job creation, and crime reduction.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Atlanta's original World of Coca-Cola museum, once a popular attraction, is being demolished by Georgia's state government to make way for a parking lot. The vacant building, purchased in 2005, has been unused since 2007 when Coca-Cola relocated its museum. The demolition, costing nearly $1.3 million, is to accommodate new construction projects and provide additional parking for the Capitol complex.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
民進黨在花蓮舉辦「反濫權、護民主」宣講，祕書長林右昌指控傅崐萁強行表決比403地震對花蓮的災害還嚴重，造成憲政體制震撼。他強調民主應依程序決策，呼籲民眾支持21日在立院表決的覆議案。立委沈伯洋也警告傅崐萁、黃國昌的法案可能導致台灣毀滅，呼籲警惕法案背後政治鬥爭。
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
During a legislative session, KMT lawmaker Wu Tsung-hsien raised concerns about the recent incident involving a foreign man sailing a boat into the Tamsui River, proposing the mandatory installation of AIS systems for fishing boats under 20 tons through legal amendments. Chairperson of the Ocean Affairs Council Kuan Bi-ling mentioned ongoing research, while Premier Su Tseng-chang assured continuous updates in manpower and equipment. Discussions also focused on the potential benefits of AIS for safety and security in maritime activities.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
The Legislative Yuan will review and vote on the parliamentary reform reconsideration bill proposed by the Executive Yuan next week. Premier Su Tseng-chang expressed confidence that the bill would pass, contrary to the judgment of DPP legislator Kao Chia-Ying who criticized the Premier. Discussions on the tight schedule and strategies for garnering support from opposition parties were also highlighted, with calls for public debates and appeals to the public ahead of the crucial vote.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
As domestic accommodation prices continue to rise with no signs of returning back, many Taiwanese feel that domestic travel is expensive and lack attractive features. While inflation and rising costs contribute to the overall increase in accommodation prices internationally, the root cause of Taiwanese dissatisfaction may lie in the lack of cost-effectiveness and highlights in domestic travel options. Other countries like Japan and Vietnam have taken advantage of the pandemic to enhance their domestic tourism attractions, while Taiwan's Tourism Bureau's efforts in promoting various attractions and discount accommodation packages seem to lack the appeal and value perceived by the public. The push for revenge travel post-pandemic by many countries also poses a challenge for Taiwan's tourism sector, which appears to be slow in deploying strategies to meet the changing demands of travelers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
During a legislative session in Taiwan on June 14, 2024, the Nationalist Party proposed an amendment to the 'Improper Acquisition of Property by Political Parties and Their Affiliated Organizations Act,' aiming to free the Rescue Taiwan League from being considered a Nationalist Party affiliate. After fierce debates between the blue and green camps, the bill was eventually passed to be reviewed by the committee. The Nationalist Party sees this as necessary redemption, while the Democratic Progressive Party emphasizes the return of ill-gotten gains to the state. The Rescue Taiwan League argues against being labeled as a Nationalist Party affiliate, claiming harm to its reputation and interests due to government property transfers.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
On June 14, 2024, at 6:17 pm, Taiwan's Ministry of Transportation Minister Li Meng-yan mentioned in an interview that if mainland China shows goodwill, such as opening group travel through the small three links or allowing independent travel, Taiwan would consider gradually opening up. Currently, there is a significant disparity in the tourism openness between the two sides. Taiwan received 1.76 million independent travelers to China last year, while only 220,000 tourists came from the mainland. Taiwan is prepared to welcome mainland tourists, and if goodwill is reciprocated, a full-scale opening may be considered. There is hope that the situation will improve with upcoming events such as the cross-strait tourism expo in July.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
President Lai Ching-te in an interview with Time Magazine on June 14, 2024, reiterated the stance that 'the Republic of China and the People's Republic of China do not subordinate to each other,' a statement previously made by former Presidents Ma Ying-jeou and Tsai Ing-wen. Ma Ying-jeou criticized Lai Ching-te's remarks as deceptive and questioned his adherence to the 'One China' principle and the ROC Constitution. Various political figures weighed in on the issue, stressing the need for responsible handling of cross-strait affairs. The Mainland Affairs Council Chairman affirmed Lai's statements align with the objective facts and the current situation in the Taiwan Strait, but Ma Ying-jeou condemned Lai's 'New Two Countries Theory' as unconstitutional and damaging to cross-strait relations.
Source: YAHOO
Reported about 1 year ago
Since the post-pandemic travel boom in June 14, 2024, domestic travel prices have been steadily increasing, causing frequent complaints from the public about the high costs. The Minister of Transportation, Meng-Yan Lee, acknowledged in a radio interview that due to the depreciation of the Japanese yen, even 'Taiwanese people are buying houses in Japan because they are cheaper than in Taiwan.' As a response, the Taiwan Tourism Bureau is planning to recommend affordable and quality accommodations to the public to address the issue. Additionally, the Bureau is working on various initiatives such as promoting budget hotels on their website and collaborating with local governments to develop tourist attractions across the country to enhance tourism competitiveness amid the high accommodation prices.
Source: YAHOO