news coverage 結果共23筆

Explore Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing public transportation with the TPASS monthly ticket policy, backed by a NT$20 billion investment from 2023 to 2025, aiming for nationwide coverage including offshore islands.

Wowprime Corp. offers full refunds and medical expense coverage for customers affected by suspected norovirus outbreak at Taipei Truewow and Hsiang La Spicy Hotpot restaurants from April 2-6. Company apologizes, introduces care plans, and proactively contacts domestic and international customers.

Victims of food poisoning at the A13 branch in Taipei will have insurance coverage by Far Eastern Department Stores, confirmed by the Department of Legal Affairs. Compensation for the incident at Polam Kopitiam will be covered by Cathay Century Insurance Co., with potential additional coverage from Tokio Marine Newa Insurance Co. Taipei City Government will penalize each case individually, with a maximum penalty of NT$3 million for uninsured product liability.

Wistron and Young Optics factories in Hsinchu unaffected by fire incident. Wistron reassures no significant impact on operations and finances, while Young Optics temporarily shut down for assessment. Employees safely evacuated as investigation into fire cause continues.

Discover how Taipei City is tackling the urban heat island effect with sustainable solutions like energy-efficient buildings, increased green coverage, and strategic urban planning. This initiative aims to create a cooler, more livable city for its residents.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Administration in Taiwan has announced the approval of new applications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treatment coverage. This decision comes after the passing of lawyer Chen Chun-han, a prominent advocate for wider medication coverage for SMA. SMA is a progressive neuro-muscular degenerative disease caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, impacting muscle functionality and activities such as sitting, walking, speaking, breathing, and eating. The NHI Administration has included the gene therapy drug Zolgensma, which carries a price tag of NT＄49 million, in its benefits since the second half of 2023. The criteria for medication eligibility include an upper limb motor function index (RULM) score of at least 15. There are over 400 SMA patients in Taiwan, and by the end of 2023, 158 people applied for medication, with 145 approvals. The NHI Administration plans to hold an expert meeting in March to discuss expanding access to the drugs for all SMA patients, with a potential approval in the first half of 2024.

The northeastern monsoon has brought cooler temperatures across Taiwan, with lows of 12-13 degrees Celsius in the north. Southern and central regions, as well as eastern areas, are slightly warmer with temperatures ranging from 14 to 17 degrees. WeatherRisk predicts daytime highs of 15-17 degrees in the north, 21-25 degrees in the center, 24-27 degrees in the south, and 18-23 degrees in the east. Tomorrow, as the northeast monsoon weakens, all areas are expected to see improving conditions and largely sunny to partially cloudy weather. Radiation cooling will drive down temperatures to around 12 degrees in the north. Temperatures around the country will gradually rise next week, with southern and central Taiwan potentially reaching 30 degrees by next Wednesday, and the north and east seeing highs between 27 and 28 degrees. However, a front approaching next Thursday may bring brief local showers in the northern and eastern halves of the island, while conditions in most other places are forecast to remain largely cloudy to sunny.

Taiwan’s export performance reached a historic high from 2021 to 2023, but experienced a 9.8% decline in 2023 compared to the previous year, according to the Ministry of Finance. Despite this setback, exports to the U.S. continued to soar with a 49.7% year-on-year increase, while exports to countries covered by Taiwan’s New Southbound Policy also saw significant growth. However, exports to mainland China decreased to 35.2%. Taiwan’s total export tally for 2023 amounted to US$432.48 billion, ranking behind only 2022 and 2021. The demand for communications and electronic products during the pandemic-induced work-from-home trend boosted Taiwan’s exports. The Taiwan Institute of Economic Research predicted significant international trade growth in 2024, which would benefit export-oriented economies like Taiwan. In December 2023, Taiwan’s exports to the U.S. reached $8.49 billion, and exports to southern countries surged by over 50%. However, due to the limited coverage of free trade agreements (FTAs), many traditional Taiwanese industries chose to restructure risks and production in Southeast and South Asia. The return of Taiwanese businesses and the expansion of local factories after the U.S.-China trade war, as well as global economic circumstances, significantly impacted the decline in 2023 exports. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS) estimated the first-quarter export volume for 2024 to be around US$106.1 billion, which is an improvement compared to the same period in 2023, but a 10% decrease from 2022.

Taiwan is expected to experience gloomy and rainy weather from the eve of the Lunar New Year on Thursday to New Year’s Day on Friday, according to meteorologist Peng Chi-ming. The weather is expected to improve from February 10 to February 12. Windward areas, including Taoyuan, Greater Taipei, Keelung’s North Coast, eastern parts of Yilan and Hualien, and the Hengchun Peninsula, are likely to receive rainfall due to the impact of the northeast monsoon. The central and southern mountainous areas may witness sporadic showers with more cloud coverage in the plains. The southwestern monsoon will intensify rainfall north of Taichung and in Yilan from Tuesday night until Wednesday, with the northern and northeastern mountainous areas receiving the most rain. The entire island will experience showers and heavy rain, especially in the central and northern regions, Yilan, and Hualien, between the eve of the Lunar New Year and New Year’s Day. Rainfall will gradually decrease from the evening of February 8, but showers may potentially occur throughout the day on February 9. The weather will gradually improve beginning on New Year’s Day, with the western half of Taiwan turning partly cloudy to sunny. However, the eastern half will still see an increased amount of clouds with occasional showers. Weather conditions are expected to enhance further from the second to the third day of the Lunar New Year, potentially resulting in clear skies in the western half and partly cloudy to clear skies in the eastern half. In terms of temperatures, the north, northeast, and mountain regions will experience the coldest weather on New Year’s Day, with lows between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius. The southern and eastern regions of Hualien and Taitung will have lows of 12 to 14 degrees, with temperatures slowly warming thereafter.

Global media spotlight on Taiwan’s 2024 elections with TVBS News at the forefront. International collaboration, record-breaking viewership, and insightful analysis.

As Taiwan’s pivotal 2024 national election approaches, TVBS News is ramping up efforts to provide accurate and in-depth coverage. With an emphasis on vote counting accuracy and the dynamic nature of the three-way race, TVBS is set to deliver comprehensive insights into Taiwan’s political landscape and the impact of social media polarization.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, has announced significant increases in subsidies for dedicated pediatricians starting in 2024. The ＂2023 Plan to Optimize Pediatric Medical Care＂ aims to improve the quality of pediatric care and attract more young practitioners to the field. The subsidy for physicians specializing in the care of each young child will double from NT$500 to NT$1,000. The optimization plan, with a total budget of NT$2.8 billion, will run from 2021 to 2024, with NT$2 billion allocated for 2024 alone. The implementation of the dedicated pediatrician system across the nation underscores the investment made in this critical healthcare sector. Currently, 22 counties and municipalities have implemented the dedicated pediatrician system for children aged 0 to 3, and since November, it has expanded to include newborns. There are currently 1,882 dedicated pediatricians serving over 184,000 young children across 1,048 medical institutions, bringing the national coverage rate to 40.5%.

The Taipei City Government is urging YouBike users to sign up for coverage to obtain additional protection, following a report stating that 812 YouBike accidents have occurred from last year to the end of November this year. Transportation Management Division Chief Chu Chen-tso indicated that most accidents involved riders cycling too fast or being unable to brake in time while going downhill, leading to falls and injuries. With injury insurance, compensation for fractures or serious accidents can reach up to NT$1 million, and hospitalization claims amount to NT$1,000 per day. However, minor scrapes and bruises are generally not covered. Since the initiation of a free public bicycle injury insurance policy in 2018, the insurance rate has risen from 49.4% to 63.5%. Despite this improvement, surveys reveal that 37% of individuals are unaware of public bicycle injury insurance, 30% believe they do not need the insurance, and 20% are reluctant to go through the insurance application process. Additionally, about 60% of users do not understand that each YouBike card requires separate insurance coverage. Taipei boasts 1,325 YouBike 2.0 stations and 15,047 bicycles.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has announced an extension of childcare policies, promising free after-school care services for elementary students aged 6 to 12. This initiative aims to double the current capacity of after-school care in public elementary schools from 180,000 to 360,000 children, with a focus on providing specialized care to children in rural areas and from disadvantaged backgrounds. Hou’s plan includes establishing after-school programs in public elementary schools to meet 100% of the demand, increasing student coverage from 15% to 30% and meeting the standard set by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The policy, guided by the ＂Three Safeties＂ principle, aims to ensure parental peace of mind, child safety, and stability for the disadvantaged. Extended care until 7 p.m. will be available during the school term and vacations. Additionally, the initiative seeks to expand private-sector participation in after-school care services by creating a matching platform to add over 20,000 new classes and increasing the proportion of outsourced after-school care to over 20%. The anticipated benefits of this policy include providing services to approximately 300,000 families, including 80,000 disadvantaged families, creating around 30,000 job opportunities, and strengthening the service capacity of private institutions.

Taiwan Mobile has announced its progress in completing a full network integration with Taiwan Star Telecom by the end of 2024. The company has responded to customer complaints regarding communication link quality and has initiated network integration operations since the merger. The efforts have resulted in enhanced 3G coverage by 40%, particularly in remote areas, and improvements in signal strength and internet speeds for former Taiwan Star Telecom customers. The expansion in the 2100MHz band has increased available bandwidth for 4G by 10%, benefiting both 4G and 5G users. Original Taiwan Star Telecom customers will enjoy higher-quality 5G mobile communication services without the need to swap SIM cards.

Taipei-based Broadcasting Corporation of China (BCC) has assured the National Communications Commission (NCC) that its news coverage remains unaffected by upper management, despite concerns raised about potential media bias. BCC’s chairman and general manager, Jaw Shaw-kong, who is also the Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate, has taken a leave of absence. Chen Sheng-i has assumed Jaw’s duties, and Jaw has refused to resign, stating that no laws have been breached. The NCC has also instructed BCC, Public Television Service (PTS), and Chinese Television System (CTS) to adhere to regulations related to election reporting, ensuring objectivity and fairness. Hsu Jui-hsi, nominated by the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), has faced similar challenges due to her positions on the PTS and CTS boards. After her resignation, both PTS and CTS have promised to comply with legal standards and guarantee impartial election coverage. The NCC plans to review the companies’ responses and present its findings soon.

Taiwan Premier Chen Chien-jen has announced that mainland Chinese students who have completed their academic registration for six months will be included in Taiwan’s National Health Insurance (NHI) program, similar to foreign and overseas Taiwanese students. The new policy is set to take effect on Feb. 1, 2024. Chen emphasized the universal value and fundamental human right of health, and highlighted that the new policy will aid in epidemic prevention efforts. The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) will announce the new regulations in accordance with the Enforcement Rules of the National Health Insurance Act. Chen also urged related government bodies to prepare administrative procedures and effectively communicate with mainland students. Currently, overseas Taiwanese and foreign students who have resided in Taiwan for more than six months with a residence certificate can apply for NHI coverage through their schools. Foreign students are required to pay NT$826 per person per month for their NHI package.

Taiwan’s national health insurance program will expand its coverage to include the cost of duodenal stents for patients with gastric, biliary, pancreatic, and duodenal cancers starting from Dec. 2023. This change is expected to benefit 242 patients annually, according to the National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA). Previously, patients had to pay out-of-pocket for duodenal stents, which cost between NT＄60,000 to NT＄80,000. With the national health insurance now covering the entire cost, the timing for duodenal stents replacement will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Duodenal stents are crucial for patients diagnosed with stage 3 and stage 4 gastric, biliary, pancreatic, and duodenal cancers as they help unblock obstructed areas and allow patients to consume food orally, ensuring necessary nourishment.

Taiwan’s Minister of Health and Welfare, Hsueh Jui-yuan, confirms planned amendments to the ＂Assisted Reproduction Act＂ will include changes to surrogacy policies, extending coverage to same-sex partners, single women, and surrogate mothers. The draft law will be made public early next year and reviewed by the Executive Yuan by the year’s end. Presidential candidates have called for surrogacy policy consideration, with Ko Wen-je inviting a long-term surrogacy policy advocate for discussion. The amendments are not influenced by Ko’s political platform. The ongoing effort to amend the law has been ongoing for two-and-a-half years, with a preliminary draft of 42 articles finalized and 13 expert meetings held. The revision aims to protect children’s rights while addressing same-sex marriage, single women, and surrogacy issues. Surrogacy services will require professional consultation and legal contracts to outline rights and obligations for both parties.

The Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has issued a reminder to passengers about disruptions to rail services on Nov. 6-7 due to a shortage of available train drivers. This shortage is a result of 297 drivers taking leave to sit for a TRA promotion exam. Despite efforts to schedule non-exam takers for coverage, there is still a shortage of 60 drivers. Passengers are advised to make necessary adjustments and stay vigilant regarding these schedule changes.

The Central Weather Administration (CWA) reported that the northeast monsoon and rain from South China on October 28 brought cloud coverage and sporadic showers to Taiwan. Temperatures in northern Taiwan ranged from 20-22 degrees Celsius for the lows and 23-25 degrees for the highs, while other regions saw temperatures between 21-24 degrees. The Matsu Islands had the lowest temperature of 16.8 degrees, while Qidu District, Keelung City, and Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County recorded lows of 19.2 and 19.5 degrees, respectively. The cool weather in the northern and northeastern regions is expected to continue through Sunday and Monday due to the northeast monsoon. From Tuesday to Thursday, temperatures are forecasted to gradually rise with less rain, mainly in the north and east, while the Hengchun Peninsula will continue to experience rain. Next Friday to Sunday, Taiwan can expect cloudy to sunny conditions, with isolated showers at night in eastern regions and along Keelung’s north coast.

ENEX, the European news exchange network, celebrated its 30th anniversary, highlighting its global partnerships, including a significant one with Taiwan’s TVBS News. The event in Luxembourg emphasized the role of TVBS News in sharing Taiwan’s unique geopolitical and industrial stories. ENEX’s managing director, Adrien Wells, praised TVBS for its comprehensive coverage and trustworthiness.

The National Communications Commission (NCC) approved on Wednesday Mirror News to expand its coverage on 32 cable TV systems, with unanimous agreement among the committee members. The decision followed the NCC’s review of the channel’s change in leadership and its application to join cable TV lineups.