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DPP Presidential candidate Lai Ching-te proposes using 5% of land in New Taipei City’s Wen Tzu-tsun redevelopment area to build 10,000 public housing units, surpassing his KMT contender’s plan of 2,100 units. Lai suggests that if local officials are unable to implement his suggestions, they can sell the land back to the government for construction. He also aims to exceed the 200,000-unit goal set by President Tsai Ing-wen, with plans for over 130,000 additional units and an increase of 170,000 units through trustee management, ultimately reaching a 300,000-unit goal. Lai suggests that non-special municipalities offer 3% of land area for public housing, while special municipalities offer 5% during urban land redesignation or district expropriation.

Russian woman Lana Korotkova lost her wallet at a Christmas party in Taichung but was able to retrieve it within ten minutes with the help of local police. The wallet contained important documents, including her residency permit. Authorities located the missing items through surveillance footage and found the taxi cab where she had left them. The quick response from the police is part of their commitment to providing excellent service to all citizens, regardless of nationality, and aims to create a positive impression on foreign visitors and foster good diplomatic ties.

LE SSERAFIM, a South Korean girl group, will be the special guest at the 2024 Red White Superstar Concert in Taipei, Taiwan. This will be their first performance in Taiwan as a group. Leader Kim Chae-won expressed honor at the invitation and promised a spectacular stage performance. Member Kazuha also shared a warm message to fans, expressing excitement to meet FEARNOT from different regions and hoping to transmit positive energy through their performance. The group members, Sakura and Kazuha, also expressed anticipation for Taiwanese cuisine, with Sakura loving bubble milk tea and Kazuha eager to try the famous mango ice. The concert will be broadcast on Taiwan Television and MyVideo on Lunar New Year’s Eve, and audiences can participate in a ticket lottery for a chance of admission by downloading the TTV app.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has proposed a comprehensive national vision, emphasizing unity, safety, and cross-strait cooperation based on mutual respect if elected. Lai aims to establish a transparent government by combating corruption, including illegal drugs and arms dealing, fraud, and embezzlement. He also plans to boost Taiwan’s economy by supporting the growth of small and medium enterprises in high-tech industries. Lai is committed to education equity, with plans to waive high school and vocational school fees and provide financial aid to private university students. He also pledges to improve long-term care facilities and services through the implementation of Long-term Care 3.0. Lai and his running mate, Hsiao Bi-khim, are dedicated to caring for the people, protecting Taiwan’s security, and advancing its development.

Taiwanese shipping companies Evergreen Marine Corp. and Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. have chosen not to resume their Red Sea route following Maersk’s decision to do so. Maersk reinstated the route due to the ＂Red Sea crisis＂ caused by increased violence from Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The deployment of the multinational naval task forces under the U.S.-led Operation Prosperity Guardian (OPG) has allowed maritime trade to pass through the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden and resume using the Suez Canal. However, Maersk warns that the overall risk in the region has not been eliminated. The decision has led to concerns about container prices and resulted in a decline in Evergreen and Yang Ming’s stock prices. Freight rates for European and American shipping liners saw a significant increase after Maersk’s announcement.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te reaffirms President Tsai Ing-wen’s commitment to delivering 200,000 units of social housing. Lai outlines his plans for the future, including the construction of 130,000 new housing units and the management of another 170,000 units, bringing the estimated total to 300,000. He clarifies that contracts for over 120,000 units have already been put in place, with more than 80,000 units available for rent under management. Lai also highlights his plans for residential developments in New Taipei’s Wen Tzu Tsun, where he aims to provide nearly 10,000 additional units by using only 5% of the available land. He suggests that the necessary land for these developments could be provided by the central government or through zoning requisitions and city re-planning by local governments.

Taiwan Railway Corp. has collaborated with iPASS Corporation to create a collection of limited-edition commemorative pass cards. These exclusive items showcase the new corporate image of Taiwan Railway Corp. The ＂Taiwan Railway Corp. Commemorative Deluxe iPASS Set＂ includes two pass cards in an orange and blue design, priced at NT$399. Another option is the ＂Taiwan Railway Corp. Commemorative Deluxe Shaped iPASS,＂ which sells for NT$599 and features a semi-transparent light-permeable logo paired with a leather pendant inspired by the Taiwan Railways logo. Sales for these commemorative cards will begin on December 31 at 10 a.m., with a limit of six sets per person. The cards can be purchased through TaiwanRailwayShop’s online store and physical retail locations until stock runs out.

Taiwanese actor JC Lin announced his engagement to his girlfriend Cindy on December 26. He shared a sweet picture on social media, captioning it with ’Christmas gift exchange -- she got a ring, I got a YES.’ The couple had been in a relationship for 10 years before JC Lin proposed on Christmas day. He posted a heartfelt message alongside the photos, expressing his happiness. JC Lin publicly released a video of his wedding proposal, where he went down on one knee and thanked Cindy for being with him through the happiness and hardships of the past decade. Cindy accepted the proposal, leading to a heartfelt kiss witnessed by friends, including Taiwanese actor Kai Ko. In 2019, JC Lin received praise for his role in the TV drama ’The World Between Us,’ where he skillfully portrayed a character suffering from schizophrenia.

The Ministry of Labor reported a significant increase in the number of furloughed workers, with the manufacturing industry being the most affected. The labor ministry also predicted a high demand for labor in the accommodation and food services industry and the wholesale and retail trade sector. The global labor shortage crisis has led to businesses implementing solutions such as cross-training to boost productivity. The Regent Taipei successfully reduced its labor shortage rate through cross-training and creating a positive work environment. Fair wages and a positive work environment are believed to be key factors in employee retention.

Dr. Chiang Kuan-yu, a prominent figure, criticized the inadequate security measures on campuses following a severe assault on a teenage student in New Taipei City. Dr. Chiang expressed concern that the victim’s life could be permanently altered due to the attack. He emphasized the potential long-term consequences, even if extracorporeal life support successfully saves the victim’s life and restores breathing. Dr. Chiang pointed out that prolonged absence of vital signs can deprive the brain of oxygen, leading to significant cognitive changes during recovery. The incident occurred when a 15-year-old male student scolded a female classmate for entering another classroom, which provoked her to seek help from a male classmate who then physically attacked the victim with a switchblade. Although the victim was revived through extracorporeal life support, his prognosis remains uncertain. Dr. Chiang condemned the incident as a serious campus safety issue and questioned how a juvenile delinquent managed to bring a knife into the school. He called for a ＂zero-tolerance＂ policy towards violence in educational institutions. Dr. Chiang further expressed concerns about the overall safety of students in what he described as a ＂dark campus＂ environment and stated that as a parent, he would not allow his child to continue attending the school.

Starting Jan. 1, 2024, taxis from the Taipei Songshan Airport will charge a $50 stay service fee, aligning with fees at Taoyuan and Kaohsiung airports. This decision, made following evaluations by the taxi fare review committees of Taipei and New Taipei cities, aims to address rigorous competition and rising operational costs in the industry. Passengers traveling through the airport, also known as Taipei International Airport, should take note of the new transportation cost changes, especially during peak travel periods such as New Year’s Day, the Lunar New Year, and the 228 holidays. The airport authorities have urged scheduled taxi operators to provide quality service and inform passengers about the fee change through verbal explanations and in-vehicle signs. Additionally, the airport offers free parking for the first 30 minutes, providing some relief for those being dropped off by family members.

The latest poll from My-formosa.com shows that Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te has a narrow lead over Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih in the 2024 presidential election. Lai and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim received 37.5% support, while Hou and his running mate Jaw Shaw-kong received 32.6% support. Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko Wen-je and his running mate Cynthia Wu received 16.3% support. The poll results indicate a 4.9 percentage point difference between Lai and Hou, and a 16.3 percentage point gap between Hou and Ko. Lai’s counterattack after the scandal involving his family’s property in Wanli may have contributed to the slight decrease in support for Hou and Ko. The poll was conducted through telephone interviews using the Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) method, covering all 22 municipalities in Taiwan. A total of 1,470 individuals aged over 20 were interviewed, with a maximum margin of error of ±2.6% at a 95% confidence level.

A technological university in Taichung has partnered with a biotech company to create plant-based food, such as vegetarian drumsticks and popcorn chicken, using mycoprotein and 3D printing technology. The product has garnered positive feedback for its realistic taste and texture. Plant-based food products are gaining popularity due to increasing environmental awareness, presenting a new opportunity in the vegetarian market. The university highlights the health and environmental benefits of consuming mycoprotein, which promotes gut health and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. Replicating the taste and texture of real chicken meat was a challenging process that involved converting mycelium into strands of ’meat,’ but was successfully achieved through extensive research and the use of 3D digital technology.

Deputy Trade Representative Yang Jen-ni of Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) criticized China’s recent trade barriers against Taiwan, highlighting four major concerns. Yang pointed out that China’s investigation process is biased, unfair, nontransparent, and not in line with international norms. Documents such as applications, comments, respondent summaries, and non-confidential data were undisclosed or restricted to foreigners. Additionally, Yang condemned China for bypassing the Taiwan government during the investigation, prioritizing political objectives over economic ones. She also accused China of misinterpreting trade policies and creating a false narrative that Taiwan is unwilling to address disputes. Lastly, Yang criticized China for producing inflated and unverifiable data in its impact assessment, without solid evidence to support its claims. Yang urged China to abandon its one-sided political manipulation and suggested initiating consultations through the World Trade Organization (WTO) mechanism to resolve trade disputes.

U.S. Department of State English language specialist Maureen Rooney visited Heti Elementary School in Kaohsiung to introduce American holiday traditions to students through an interactive English language program. Rooney’s effortless English and expressive body language helped the children overcome their anxiety about fully English-taught lessons. The course, rich with audiovisual aids, guided students through the historical context of Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, enhancing their understanding of cultural nuances. Using the festive tune ＂12 Days of Christmas,＂ Rooney stimulated thoughtful discussions among students about the meaning of gifts and encouraged heartfelt English expressions of gratitude and well wishes for their families. HTPS Principal Tu Chang-lin expressed gratitude for the American Institute in Taiwan’s collaboration with U.S. officials in advancing bilingual education at the school, highlighting the value of such cultural learning opportunities to enrich the students’ English proficiency.

KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih expresses commitment to a brighter future for youth, highlighting his pragmatic and steady approach. Despite lower support among young voters compared to TPP candidate Ko Wen-je, Hou aims to attract their support through initiatives like a housing subsidy and tax deductions. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with young people and understanding their perspectives for the future.

The escalating Red Sea crisis prompts shipping companies to reroute, with ten shipping routes from Taipei and Kaohsiung passing through the Red Sea. The Houthi movement, favoring Iran, targets ships in the Red Sea, leading international and local shippers to prioritize safety by announcing delays or re-routing around the Cape of Good Hope. Shipping companies opt to navigate around the Cape or temporarily suspend services, expecting disruptions in ship schedules. The situation mainly affects regional operations and does not yet have global consequences, resulting in no congested ports like during the pandemic. National shipping lines have temporarily ceased accepting cargo for ports in Israel, with further assessments on route adjustments to be made.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has unveiled a three-part ＂winning formula＂ for their presidential candidate Lai Ching-te and running mate Hsiao Bi-khim. The strategy aims to rally support across Taiwan leading up to the 2024 elections through a series of events and initiatives. The first element, ＂Round-Island Puzzle,＂ involves visits to various counties and cities to discuss future development plans. The campaign will then intensify with the ＂Stand at Crossroads & Rally Nights,＂ featuring large-scale rallies in multiple locations. The final phase, the ＂Nationwide Tour,＂ will see Lai and Hsiao taking separate routes across the island to drum up last-minute support.

Discover a unique tourist attraction in Thailand’s Chiang Rai province - paddy field art featuring intricately cultivated cat figures made from different rice varieties. Farmer Tanyapong Jaikham and his team have creatively brought the Thai proverb ＂There is fish in the water and rice in the fields＂ to life through these artistic depictions. With GPS precision, the rice seedlings are strategically placed to form the charming feline poses. This innovative endeavor is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, inspiring the younger generation to explore the intersection of art, technology, and agriculture.

Nearly 46% of Taiwanese people expect a salary increase next year, according to a survey by Cathay Financial Holding Co. The survey also found that about 60% of respondents anticipate year-end bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, while 8.3% expect bonuses to exceed three months. However, 47.6% of those surveyed expect monthly wages to remain constant. The survey also revealed a conservative estimate for Taiwan’s 2024 economic growth, with an average expectation of 2.52%, contrasting with the more bullish 3.35% forecast by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics. Respondents predict an average inflation rate of 2.21%, with 55% believing it will exceed 2%, higher than the directorate’s projection of 1.64% for 2024. The survey was conducted from Dec. 1-7 and gathered 13,379 valid responses through email questionnaires.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that three drug-sniffing dogs have completed their service, one continuing under the Customs Administration’s evaluation and the other two retiring in October. The MND deployed 18 additional detection dogs across various regions in December 2022. Major General Chen Heng-wei stated that the detection squads conducted 467 assigned smell duties through educational recalls and base applications. Throughout the year, operational areas designated 211 smell duties, with 145 requests from military bases. The government mandates a service limit of four years for these canines, but dogs in good condition may serve up to seven years. The establishment of drug-sniffing dog units began in 2020 as part of efforts to deter military personnel from bringing drugs into the barracks, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for drugs within military facilities.

Starlux Airlines has announced its participation in the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) PreCheck program, allowing qualified passengers to enjoy expedited security checks when traveling to or transiting through the United States. Eligible travelers on Starlux flights to the U.S. will have access to a dedicated security lane where they can keep their shoes, belts, light jackets, electronics, and liquids in their carry-on luggage. Passengers eligible for PreCheck will receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) to provide when booking flights or during airport check-in. The program also extends its benefits to children aged 12 and under. TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 airports in the United States.

Queena Plaza Hotel in Tainan successfully utilizes Taiwan’s Middle-aged and Elderly Training Subsidy Program to enhance the skills of its middle-aged and senior workforce. Through external training courses, the hotel’s staff, particularly those aged 45 and above, have completed HACCP 60A and HACCP 60B courses, improving their capabilities in food safety control systems and kitchen hygiene regulations. Over 50% of the hotel’s middle-aged and elderly grassroots leaders have obtained HACCP certification, contributing to their career development. The Workforce Development Agency encourages companies to apply for subsidy programs to leverage the competencies of their middle-aged and senior employees, leading to improved work efficiency and organizational goals. Contact the agency for more information.

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of manipulating and inducing Taiwanese grassroots through hospitable receptions, while distorting the goodwill of cross-strait exchanges. The MAC’s statement was in response to the claim by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) that ＂the momentum of cross-strait exchanges is unstoppable.＂ The MAC harshly criticizes the CCP for creating artificial obstacles to cross-strait exchanges, fabricating charges, unlawfully detaining people, and practicing autocratic rule. The controversy revolves around allegations that 41 village chiefs from Taipei accepted travel to China at preferential prices and then returned to Taiwan to promote specific candidates. The TAO spokeswoman did not address whether the TAO provided funding for the travels, but claimed that frustrations among Taiwanese citizens have been fueled by the policies of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) government. This exchange reflects the ongoing tension in cross-strait relations, with Taiwan expressing concern over the CCP’s influence operations and China promoting closer ties.

The Ministry of National Defense in Taipei showcased its drug prevention program’s accomplishments, emphasizing the effectiveness of its narcotics detection dog teams. Since December last year, 18 additional dogs have been added to these teams, allowing regions across Taiwan to request their services for drug-sniffing operations within military camps. According to government regulations, these service dogs typically serve for four years, with the possibility of an extension to seven years. Since 2020, three narcotics-detection canines have completed their service term, with replacements already trained and deployed. The defense ministry conducted 467 drug-sniffing missions within military bases this year through mobilization, camp applications, and operational zone assignments. Additionally, over 1.13 million urine screenings have been conducted among military personnel, with positive results leading to prosecutions and the removal of implicated individuals from service.