CHOICE 結果共59筆

President-elect Lai Ching-te’s cabinet announcement sparks interest in the Ministry of Health and Welfare selection. Current Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan has not received retention notice. Chen Jyh-hong, convener of the ＂Healthy Taiwan＂ forum, is a potential candidate. Hsueh may announce health insurance premium increase before stepping down. Ministry proposes plan to address insufficient pediatric resident doctors.

MLB道奇隊本季組成「日本連線」大谷翔平、山本由伸，兩位日籍球員在異鄉難免懷念家鄉味，近日道奇隊攝影師Jon SooHoo就在IG上分享一張幕後花絮照片，只見在道奇隊的球隊休息室哩，桌上堆滿了日本零食，其中大多數都是無印良品的點心，旁邊還附上一張署名的字條，表示這些零食是由山本由伸準備的，讓許多日本網友會心一笑，直呼：「山本Nice Choice！」、「感覺會被大谷全部吃光」。

Discover how New Taipei City’s online memorial service system has seen a significant surge in users ahead of the Qingming Festival. Learn about the system’s evolution since its launch in 2013 and the recent enhancements made by the New Taipei City Civil Affairs Bureau. Explore the unique features of this digital platform and how it complements traditional grave visitations during this solemn period.

Liquid Bread Co. (LBC), renowned for its American-style sandwiches and named among the ＂50 Best Sandwiches in Asia,＂ will close its doors by the end of March. Since its founding in 2017, LBC has been a beloved spot for its diverse sandwich offerings. The announcement of its closure has sparked a wave of disappointment among patrons, with messages of gratitude and nostalgia flooding social media. Established by the founder of Purebread Bakery, LBC leaves a lasting legacy in Taipei’s culinary scene.

Legislator Huang Kuo-chang reveals his considerations for Taipei mayor in an exclusive radio interview, hinting at potential mayoral roles in New Taipei City, Taoyuan, or Hsinchu. Party chairman Ko Wen-je’s plans for the 2026 local elections and Huang’s ＂responsible district＂ in New Taipei City are also discussed.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun met with a Lithuanian delegation led by Matas Maldeikis, chairman of the Lithuania-Taiwan parliamentary friendship group. The meeting highlighted Taiwan’s recent election, which had a voter turnout of over 70%, as a clear message from the Taiwanese people to defend democratic freedom and national sovereignty. The delegation included three deputy speakers of the Lithuanian parliament and eight other cross-party lawmakers. Speaker You noted that 2024 is a ＂super election year＂ globally, with Taiwan being the second country to hold elections this year. He also expressed his wishes for Lithuania’s upcoming presidential and parliamentary elections in May and October 2024. The speaker emphasized that elections represent the ＂possibility of choice,＂ ＂freedom to participate in politics,＂ and ＂protection of speech,＂ which are rights unfathomable under authoritarian rule. He called on global democratic allies to unite in facing authoritarian challenges and safeguarding democracy and prosperity worldwide. Speaker You expressed gratitude for Lithuania’s support and highlighted the countries’ cooperation on humanitarian aid, particularly in helping Ukrainian students return to school.

Taiwan’s commitment to renewable energy remains strong despite the recent general election results, according to Taipower. The acting chairman emphasized that the development of renewable energy is now a significant trend, no longer dependent on political parties. While Taipower’s total electricity sale in 2023 decreased by 1.6% due to reduced industry consumption, power use in commercial and domestic sectors has increased. The chairman highlighted the importance of green energy for Taiwan’s export-oriented industries and expressed the relentless drive for renewable energy. Regarding potential adjustments or innovative approaches, further evaluation is necessary. In response to questions about nuclear energy, Taipower stated that the new congress would hold discussions on power use and choice, and the company is prepared to provide data and respect any decisions made by the parliament.

If Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih wins the election, Taiwan’s political and economic situation could undergo significant changes, potentially easing tensions with China, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Hou, a former police officer, has risen quickly in the political scene and is seen as a ＂law and order＂ poster child. Many Taiwanese voters are tired of President Tsai Ing-wen’s eight-year reign, especially regarding the increasing threat from China and slowing economic growth. Hou frames the election as a choice between peace and war, emphasizing the need to maintain good cross-strait relations. He accepts the 1992 Consensus and promises to restart the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA). Additionally, Hou advocates for a tough stance against crime and opposes the abolition of the death penalty, vowing to execute capital punishment if elected.

More than 80% of international students are interested in applying for new specialized classes that allow them to work in Taiwan, according to a report by the Association of International Cultural and Educational Exchange Taiwan (AICEE Taiwan). The report, titled ＂Blue Ocean of International Enrollment Trends 2024,＂ surveyed over 2,000 students from 60 countries who plan to study abroad and learn Chinese. The top three advantages Taiwan offers to international students are high-quality education, a safe environment, and the opportunity to learn Mandarin. Additionally, 86% of international students expressed interest in applying for internship subsidies provided by the Executive Yuan’s initiative and private enterprises. Upon graduation, international students prioritize entering suitable industries, finding employment quickly, and securing high employment rates. Furthermore, 14% of respondents hope that their experience studying in Taiwan will give them a competitive edge in their future education. Scholarships, English-taught programs, and high teaching quality are important factors for students considering studying abroad, while geographical location becomes crucial for those wanting to learn Chinese. Allen Hung, the CEO of AICEE Taiwan, advises Taiwanese universities to provide not only essential enrollment information but also reinforce information about internships and job opportunities during and after studies.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister, Joseph Wu, has condemned China’s violation of the military status quo across the Taiwan Strait in an interview with Le Monde. He accuses China of attempting to obscure Taiwan’s sovereignty and initiating a ’choose between peace or war’ cognition war. Wu emphasizes that China’s interference efforts are increasingly difficult to discern and contradict Taiwan’s attempts to maintain the status quo. He reiterates President Tsai Ing-wen’s cautious and responsible stance ahead of the presidential election and commits to strengthening defense forces to show that invading Taiwan would not be easy for China. Wu also criticizes China’s hybrid warfare, alleging that it seeks to convince the public that the upcoming election is a choice between conflict and economic slowdown or peace and prosperity. Le Monde notes that Wu has been actively raising global awareness of the risks of conflict in the Taiwan Strait through visits to Eastern Europe and Scandinavia.

Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) held a livestream on his YouTube channel to discuss China’s involvement in the elections. He accused China of producing fake polls in favor of the Kuomintang (KMT) party’s ＂Hou-Jaw＂ ticket, with the intention of committing electoral fraud. Ko warned voters that choosing the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) would increase the risk of war, while choosing the KMT would carry the threat of being influenced by mainland China. He questioned the motives behind the falsified polls and highlighted the DPP’s anti-China stance and the KMT’s reliance on Chinese influence. Ko positioned himself as a safer choice, promising to maintain peace and Taiwan’s independence.

韓國演藝圈不僅美女如雲，帥哥更是一季比一季亮眼～近日，知名投票網站「King Choice」統計2023最帥韓國演員，再度掀起熱議！

A viral photo of a woman grilling bird eggs at Taipei’s Shilin Night Market has captured online users’ attention due to her revealing attire. The woman, identified as model Bebe, was seen diligently preparing the eggs despite the cold weather. The image sparked a spirited discussion among internet users, with some joking about the fierce competition in sales. Bebe was reportedly the ＂one-day shop manager＂ at the market when the photo was taken, adding another layer to the market’s diverse character. Her daring outfit choice appears to be one of the more unique strategies employed by vendors to attract customers.

TSMC chairman Mark Liu’s upcoming retirement in 2024 has led investment experts to suggest that the semiconductor giant should slow down the progress of its new manufacturing facility in the United States. Industry analyst Jonah Cheng believes that TSMC’s policy direction will remain unchanged under the leadership of chief executive C.C. Wei, who is expected to succeed Liu as chairman. Cheng also proposes maintaining a dual leadership structure to cultivate successors from various backgrounds. Speculation suggests that Liu’s retirement may be linked to potential investment challenges in the company’s U.S. expansion. In response to these challenges, Cheng recommends a deceleration in the construction of TSMC’s second U.S. plant. He also highlights the need to assess the current downturn in the car market and economic outlook before proceeding with the German plant focused on automotive applications. Cheng suggests that the Japanese facility could be an optimal choice due to labor and power shortages in Taiwan, as well as cultural similarities and strong government support from Japan. TSMC’s primary obstacle, according to Cheng, is maintaining its leadership position in the semiconductor industry, especially after surpassing Intel. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the industry and the potential opportunities presented by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications pose further challenges for the company.

近年來，不論是在電視還是串流平台上隨處都可見韓劇的蹤影，而幾部著名的韓劇像《愛的迫降》、《黑暗榮耀》、《財閥家的小兒子》也以驚人的速度將韓國影視帶到世界各地。不過，相信有些人觀賞韓劇時不單單只是為了劇情，也有部分人是衝著男女主角而來。而近日有網友就在PTT上發文詢問大家覺得哪位韓國演員最帥，不料貼文一出，便引起眾多網友熱烈討論，演員車銀優、玄彬、孔劉等人皆被頻頻指名，但其實根據知名投票網站「King Choice」統計，被選為最帥演員的則是李敏鎬。

AU Optronics Corp. (AUO) plans to close its display production line in Singapore by the end of December, affecting around 500 employees. The company is moving its manufacturing equipment back to Taiwan and offering Taiwanese staff in Singapore the choice to relocate to Taiwan or transfer to Vietnam. AUO aims to expand its display module capacities in Vietnam. The company confirmed that its Singapore base will transform into a hub for providing smart solutions and will serve as its operations center in Southeast Asia. This move is in response to the growing preference for Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) technology in smartphones, tablets, and laptops, posing challenges to the Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) industry. Most of the equipment will be relocated to AUO’s Longtan plant, which is actively developing microLED displays in line with Apple’s strategy.

A survey conducted by online job bank Yes123 revealed that 88.4 percent of Taiwan’s companies plan to hold year-end parties before the Lunar New Year, with employees most eager to receive cash prizes. The survey also found that 60.3 percent of companies with year-end party plans will host lucky draw events. Among the preferred prizes, cash ranked as the top choice with 66.2 percent of employees, followed by smartphones (43.3 percent), cars (42.5 percent), department store vouchers (34.3 percent), and convenience store coupons (33.2 percent). The survey also showed that 73.6 percent of office workers have previously won a prize at year-end parties, with the average value of the biggest prize being NT＄11,833. The spokesperson for Yes123, Yang Tsung-pin, stated that the willingness of companies to hold year-end events has returned to normal, indicating the recovery and stabilization of the economy following the disruptions caused by Covid-19. The survey was conducted online from Dec. 1 to Dec. 14, with 1,366 valid responses and a confidence level of 95 percent and a margin of error of plus or minus 2.65 percent.

The campaign office of Lai Ching-te, Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential candidate, has released a new video titled ＂Taiwan in the world,＂ highlighting Taiwan’s reduced dependence on China and its increasing global recognition. Pan Men-an, head of the DPP’s campaign headquarters, expressed concern over opposition parties’ attempts to marginalize Taiwan and emphasized the significance of the 2024 election in determining Taiwan’s alignment with either the world or China. The video emphasizes Taiwan’s democratic development through international engagement and value-based diplomacy, while also strengthening ties with other nations. Lai’s campaign office spokesperson, Tai Wei-shan, pointed out that Taiwan’s trade dependence on China decreased from 40 percent during former President Ma Ying-jeou’s presidency to 34 percent. Additionally, a report by The Economist in August stated that under President Tsai Ing-wen’s seven-year rule, Taiwan has become the 21st largest economy globally, surpassing South Korea in terms of gross domestic product (GDP) per capita. Lai’s campaign office underscores the importance of the 2024 election in shaping Taiwan’s future trajectory and urges the public to make the right choice.

The kanji of the year for 2023 in Japan is ＂稅＂ (tax), chosen by the Japan Kanji Aptitude Testing Foundation. This is the second time since 2014 that the character for tax has been selected. The choice symbolizes the Japanese people’s increased attention to tax issues, including tax increases and cuts. Over 147,000 individuals participated in the vote, with ＂稅＂ (tax) receiving the most votes. The second and third most voted characters were ＂暑＂ (heat) and ＂戰＂ (war), respectively. In Taiwan, the ＂2023 Character of the Year＂ results were announced, with ＂缺＂ (lack/shortage) taking the top spot, followed by ＂蛋＂ (egg) and ＂詐＂ (fraud) in second and third places, reflecting specific societal concerns in the region.

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu aims to secure a parliamentary majority and form a coalition government with the assistance of the Hou-Jaw ticket. Chu believes that voters will intelligently concentrate their votes at the last moment. The aversion to the Hou-Jaw ticket among competing candidates is relatively low at 13.6 percent, making it the second choice for many voters. The KMT is focused on obtaining over half of the parliamentary seats and establishing a coalition government. The party’s youngest group of legislative at-large candidates, averaging 47 years of age, reflects a youthful push in the KMT’s legislative presence. In the presidential race, the KMT is unwavering in its support for its nominated candidate Hou Yu-ih and vows to fight fiercely to unseat the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with the wisdom of the electorate.

Taipei’s Education Minister, Pan Wen-chung, responded to concerns raised by the National Federation of Teachers Unions (NFTU) about the 2030 Bilingual Nation policy. Pan emphasized the importance of English proficiency as a crucial competitive skill for students. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach in teaching methods and strategies to ensure that students’ foundational academic abilities are not neglected. The NFTU expressed apprehension that excessive emphasis on English in the bilingual policy could undermine national competitiveness and called for a thorough reassessment of language policies post-election. Pan highlighted the importance of English and digital literacy as vital competencies for students and stressed the necessity of the bilingual policy for English language education. He mentioned that the implementation of the policy allows schools to join gradually and includes plans for teacher training enhancements and the inclusion of foreign instructors. Pan also mentioned that Mandarin courses would be available alongside university courses conducted entirely in English to give students the freedom of choice. He noted that some locales have been overly emphasizing English expertise during teacher recruitment and that the Ministry of Education will issue reminders for a more balanced evaluation. Rolling revisions will be made based on the progress of the bilingual initiative.

Taiwan People’s Party candidate Ko Wen-je distinguishes himself in the Taiwan presidential race, emphasizing his lack of political burden and absence of constraints from the ＂1992 Consensus.＂ Ko aligns with President Tsai Ing-wen’s peaceful solutions stance, advocating for dignity in peace. He highlights the importance of an ＂implied guarantee＂ for genuine deterrence and references the U.S.’s position on Taiwan’s independence and dialogue. Ko pledges to neither lean towards independence nor accept forceful unification if elected. Positioned as a moderate candidate, he seeks a balanced approach to Taiwan’s complex cross-strait and international relations, appealing to voters who prioritize stability and peace.

Turkish social media influencer Rifat shared a photo of his daughter practicing gymnastics, with her face pixelated at her request, emphasizing the importance of internet privacy and consent. Wu, a famous actor in Taiwan, explained that he respected his 8-year-old daughter’s privacy and choice by mosaic-ing her face. He highlighted the need for obtaining a child’s consent before sharing their images online and hoped that his actions would set a positive example for society. Social media users praised Rifat’s approach, considering him a role model for respecting family and children’s privacy in the age of social media. His commitment to his daughters’ rights and his visibility as a public figure could potentially influence widespread social attitudes towards online sharing and privacy, especially for young children. This act of shielding his daughter’s identity while sharing a family moment reflects the ongoing conversation about privacy in the digital era, particularly regarding young children and the implications of internet exposure.

The Taiwan Public Opinion Research Center (TPOC) has observed interesting trends in public interest in Taiwan’s presidential candidates and their running mates. Using data from the QuickseeK sentiment analysis database, TPOC found that the announcement of Hsiao Bi-khim as the running mate of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te generated significant online buzz, with approximately 45,000 mentions. However, this enthusiasm declined to 27,000 mentions within a week. In comparison, the pairing of Hou-Kang with Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih saw a surge in online engagement, reaching 131,000 mentions after the announcement of Jaw Shaw-kong as the vice-presidential choice. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidates Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu, known as the ＂Ko-Wu＂ team, outperformed the others, with over 140,000 mentions following Wu’s nomination and an average of 97,000 mentions since her candidacy was declared. The increase in mentions after Hou’s announcement was 259%, while Lai’s announcement saw a 90% increase. However, discussions among supporters of Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim mainly focused on Lai’s slogan and welcoming Hsiao back to her political ’home,’ failing to attract significant support from the middle ground and young voter segments.

KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong vows to be a vocal advocate for issues if elected. He emphasizes the critical choice between war and peace in the upcoming 2024 election and urges voters to support the KMT for political integrity and cross-strait peace. Jaw appeals to KMT supporters to concentrate their votes for a hopeful future and peaceful cross-strait relations. He highlights the complementary strengths of his partnership with KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, with a focus on different regions. Jaw criticizes the DPP for exacerbating cross-strait tensions while promising no war. If elected, he plans to reinstate the Special Investigation Division to probe potential corruption issues related to the procurement of masks, vaccines, eggs, and submarines.