Reported over 1 year ago
The latest statistics on Taiwan's New Youth Housing Loan were released by the Treasury Department of the Ministry of Finance, revealing that in May, a record high of 8,273 families were granted loans totaling 636 billion NT dollars. The initiative has been instrumental in helping 58,000 first-time homebuyers with a favorable interest rate. There are concerns over potential impacts due to new measures requiring borrowers to sign a commitment to self-occupy their properties and face consequences if found ineligible for the loan. This surge in loan applications may be attributed to current trends in the housing market.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
On June 20, 2024, with strong momentum in AI orders and Apple's AI iPhone theme, Hon Hai (2317) saw its stock price rise to a new high since December 2007, reaching 217.5 NT dollars, an increase of 7.14%. This contributed around 68 points to the market and pushed the market value back above 3 trillion NT dollars, reaching 3.015 trillion NT dollars, making it the second-largest market cap on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Founder Terry Gou's net worth has also risen along with this, with the value of his holdings exceeding 378.8 billion NT dollars. Analysts are optimistic about Hon Hai's future revenue, with expectations of surpassing 7 trillion NT dollars in 2025.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Taiwan Power Company and Formosa Plastics Group signed a 25-year power purchase contract for the Mai Liao coal-fired power plant, with Unit 1 supposed to cease operations and be decommissioned by the end of last month. However, due to the unit not meeting the original contract targets, Taiwan Power Company announced that it can generate power until the end of 2025. Environmental groups and local residents criticized the decision, accusing the Ministry of Economic Affairs of claiming there is no power shortage while allowing the unit's extension, and heavily criticized the Lai administration for breaking promises. The move comes as the nation faces a high demand for electricity during the upcoming summer season, with nuclear power plant Unit 1 set to shut down next month, raising concerns about power supply. Environmental experts and residents emphasized the health risks associated with coal-fired plants and urged for the timely decommissioning of the Mai Liao plant, transitioning to gas-fired power generation for environmental justice.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
In June 20, 2024, Tesla CEO Musk challenged OpenAI and Google, starting a large-scale AI server procurement battle, buying a large number of Dell and AMD's AI server cabinets, aiming to drive the next-generation chat robot 'Grok', with orders totaling at least 120,000 sets of NVIDIA H100 graphics processors. Foxconn and Wistron received big orders for AI server motherboards, with Foxconn handling the assembly, and HTC and other Taiwanese manufacturers also benefited. With the booming demand, OEMs are extremely busy, and with the easing shortage of materials, the second half of the year is expected to see a large surge in AI server shipments. Foxconn originally expected this year's AI-related products to see triple-digit percentage growth in both revenue and shipments, accounting for over double-digit revenue share. Foxconn and Wistron, among others, are expected to outperform expectations in the AI server business due to various large orders.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Since 2021, the Mailiao Power Plant in Yunlin has planned to transition from coal to natural gas, with the construction of a new liquefied natural gas receiving station and facilities, known as the sixth natural gas receiving station or 'Sixth Connection.' Despite passing environmental impact assessments last year, progress has stalled, causing concerns among locals regarding the safety of the natural gas pipelines and tanks. The potential multi-billion investment in the new gas facilities remains uncertain due to delays in Taiwan Power Company's bidding process and unclear national energy policies.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Environmental groups protested against the signing of a twenty-five-year electricity purchase agreement between the Mae Liao coal-fired power plant and Taiwan Power Company, with three units scheduled for decommissioning over the next two years. The controversy lies in the government's consideration to extend operations of coal-fired power plants like Mae Liao, despite the global shift away from coal power generation due to pollution and carbon emissions concerns. The government's stance indicates a reliance on thermal power plants for stable electricity supply as Taiwan approaches the critical moment of zero nuclear power by next year, with concerns about potential electricity shortages and the need for stable power sources.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
The crisis continues at Yang Ming (2609) as profits soar, with the Compensation Committee rejecting the Chairman's special contribution bonus twice, leading to speculation on a leadership change. The annual shareholders' meeting concluded with the re-election of directors and the simultaneous selection of a new Chairman, but concerns arise as the issue of the Chairman's bonus payment remains unresolved. Despite the company's record-high profits in 2021 and 2022, the Chairman and General Manager's compensation has remained below that of senior executives due to regulations. Yang Ming's profits surged in April 2024 as global container shipping rates soared, with a net profit of 2.977 billion NT dollars, a 91.6% year-on-year increase.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Amid the AI boom driving advanced packaging demand, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) enters the panel-level fan-out packaging market against Intel and Samsung, with plans for higher production efficiency than current advanced packaging technologies. TSMC is collaborating with equipment and material suppliers to develop new advanced chip packaging technology, aiming to increase chip placement on a rectangular panel substrate, potentially replacing traditional circular wafers. The move signifies a significant technological shift for TSMC, with Intel and Samsung also focusing on new-generation advanced packaging technologies to meet future AI demands, highlighting the potential for industry development.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Recent rumors of TSMC raising prices for wafer foundry services have led to analyses by South Korean media, suggesting that despite the increase, major clients like NVIDIA, AMD, Apple, and Qualcomm will not likely switch to competitors like Samsung due to TSMC's strong technological capabilities and customer preference for quality over price. Clients such as NVIDIA, AMD, Apple, and Qualcomm have already secured TSMC's production capacity for 3nm chips until 2026, anticipating a 5% price increase. TSMC's technological strength and quality focus have positioned it favorably in the market, making it challenging for Samsung to attract key clients despite their 3nm production. Samsung's difficulties in securing orders are attributed to lower manufacturing yields and efficiency compared to TSMC, with Samsung's 3nm node reportedly underperforming in key metrics.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
President Lai Ching-te announced the establishment of three committees focusing on national climate change strategies, overall social defense resilience, and promoting a healthy Taiwan within his first month in office. However, the decision to prolong the use of the No. 1 coal-powered unit in Mailiao until the end of 2025 contradicts the commitments made by these committees. The government's choice to extend the coal unit's operation not only goes against climate change mitigation efforts and public health concerns but also reveals the shortcomings of the DPP administration's energy policies. This decision has sparked criticism and highlighted the government's inconsistent actions, causing disappointment among the public.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
As Tesla's CEO Musk continues to expand the procurement of AI servers, he is also accelerating the development of the robot Optimus, which will go online at Tesla's factories next year. This will enhance the practical application of humanoid robots and ignite opportunities for prominent Taiwan robot manufacturers such as Quanta and Solomon. Through collaborations with NVIDIA, generating AI, and AI-enhanced systems, these companies are expected to see a significant growth in robot shipments next year in the USA, Japan, and Taiwan markets.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Economic Ministry's plan to postpone the decommissioning of Mailiao Power Plant Unit 1 has raised concerns about power supply. Public health experts from National Taiwan University warn about the health risks of coal burning, emphasizing that it leads to air pollution and the production of health concerns like PM2.5. The long-term use of coal can increase the risk of cancer and chronic diseases due to air pollution, affecting respiratory health. Measures such as using air purifiers indoors and wearing masks outdoors are recommended to reduce the intake of harmful particles.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
環團要求雲林縣長張麗善拒絕麥寮電廠延役，但張麗善表示支持電廠從燃煤轉型燃氣發電，並呼籲中央加速電廠轉型。雲林縣環保局指出麥電已提出許可證展延申請，地方官員則表示應明確訂出時程。鄰近地區對環境影響提出擔憂，彰化縣府希望麥寮發電廠早日除役，強調考量居民健康權益。
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
The traffic congestion near the Success Ridge Gate in Taichung, Taiwan has worsened due to the increased number of conscripts as the military service period extends by 1 year. Local residents have been greatly affected by the traffic jams during soldier leaves, prompting city councilor Lin Haoyu to coordinate with the military for solutions, including potentially incorporating the Success Homogeneous Crossing into the railway viaduct system to alleviate the congestion.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
A natural gas pipeline exploded at the Fushui Fish Soup shop inside the Weifar Market in North District, Tainan, close to midnight on the 20th, causing a fierce fire. Fortunately, the staff were not affected as the explosion occurred while the shop was still open. Firefighters arrived promptly to extinguish the fire, and although no casualties were reported, a gas smell lingered at the scene, prompting continuous water spraying and closure of the gas pipeline as a precaution.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Source: INVESTORS
Reported over 1 year ago
A police officer surnamed Wu in Taitung County was riding a motorcycle when he was thought to have been hit by a protected Eurasian lynx, causing him to lose control and crash, leaving him in critical condition. The Eurasian lynx, a second-level protected species, was found dead on the scene. The accident is under investigation to determine the exact cause. The incident is the first suspected 'bird attack' crash in the area, occurring during the breeding season of the Eurasian lynx, which is abundant along the newly opened road known for its diverse bird species.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
52-year-old drug fugitive surnamed Li fled in his car in Xizhi district upon feeling suspicious during a police inspection. After a few kilometers, he accidentally crashed into a taxi, losing consciousness on the spot. He was immediately taken to Tri-Service General Hospital in Neihu, Taipei, but unfortunately did not survive. The cause of his death is still under investigation.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Truck drivers are expressing support for the Biden administration's potential reclassification of marijuana to a Schedule III drug, advocating for looser marijuana testing rules. While some employers are concerned about safety implications, drivers argue for their rights to use marijuana on par with alcohol consumption during off-duty hours. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommended the reclassification, but concerns remain about maintaining safety regulations for truck drivers and other safety-sensitive positions.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Nvidia, founded in 1993 in Silicon Valley, has become a powerhouse in technology, recently surpassing Microsoft as the most valuable company in the S&P 500. With a market value of over $3.2 trillion, Nvidia is a key player in the artificial intelligence industry, known for its GPUs that have revolutionized computer graphics and AI tasks. The company's focus on AI applications and innovative technology has propelled its rapid growth and success in the industry.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
In light of the upcoming summer solstice on June 21, 2024, a fortune teller warns individuals born under the Rat, Tiger, Horse, and Dog signs to take extra care of their health, especially guarding against heart and cardiovascular diseases. Specific recommendations include refraining from overeating, wearing light-colored clothing instead of denim, and being cautious when going out. Various customs related to the summer solstice, traditional dietary suggestions, and health tips are also shared in the article.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
On June 19, 2024, Russian President Putin signed a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Pyongyang. The agreement includes military assistance in case of armed aggression against either country, sparking concerns of upsetting Beijing. Despite the upgraded relationship and alliance-like declaration by Kim Jong-un, the limitations of their ties due to Chinese leader Xi Jinping are evident. The signing of the defense treaty with North Korea led Putin to conclude his Asian tour in Vietnam, where he praised the country's balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Three recent polls in the UK predict a record-breaking defeat for Prime Minister Sonak's Conservative Party in the upcoming July 4 election, with the Labour Party expected to win by a significant margin after fourteen years out of power. Sonak himself may become the first sitting Prime Minister in history to lose parliamentary seats. Polls show Labour leading by around twenty percentage points nationally. The predictions indicate a potential historical majority for Labour in terms of seats won in the House of Commons, while the Conservatives may face their lowest seat count in almost two centuries. Several high-ranking Conservative ministers, including the Chancellor of the Exchequer, are also at risk of losing their seats.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Hong Kong actress Lee Ka Yan, known for her exquisite features and charisma, rose to fame as Miss Hong Kong and was once hailed as the 'Most Beautiful Miss Hong Kong'. Celebrating her 54th birthday, she surprised fans by sharing a rare photo with her wealthy husband, sparking discussions online. Despite stepping back from the spotlight after marrying in 2008, Lee occasionally updates fans on social media, showcasing her well-maintained appearance and happiness in her marriage.
Source: YAHOO
Reported over 1 year ago
Will Friedle recently discovered that his former Boy Meets World co-star, Brian Peck, sexually abused Drake Bell in the early 2000s but didn't recognize the Drake & Josh star during Peck's trial due to lack of awareness. Friedle, who had supported Peck in court based on false information, eventually had a meaningful conversation with Bell, who forgave him, expressing his love. Friedle's podcast co-host Rider Strong also reached out to Bell, with both actors receiving forgiveness and expressing admiration for Bell's courage in coming forward about the abuse.
Source: YAHOO