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Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) is set to undergo corporatization on January 1, 2024, with the aim of improving punctuality and reducing delays. The agency believes that this transformation, along with the introduction of new trains next year, will enhance its competitiveness in the transport market. The Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) has experienced increased passenger numbers recently, leading to capacity shortages and overcrowding in non-reserved seating. Concerns have been raised about the decline in THSR service quality, with some referring to it as ＂high-speed rail becoming like local trains.＂ Under the new Taiwan Railways Corporation, TRA plans to offer services on the eastern main line and support the western short-to-medium-haul network, creating a cooperative yet competitive relationship with THSR. TRA aims to enhance the passenger experience by updating ticket gates and passenger information systems across all railway stations in Taiwan over the next three years. To address the capacity issue, TRA plans to provide shuttle services at Changhua Station and improve inter-rail transfer services. The establishment of the TRA corporation aims to clarify its market positioning, including strengthening intercity transport service between the eastern and western main lines and improving regional commuting transport on the western line. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has established a debt repayment fund to address TRA’s short-term debt of around NT$170 billion, with the goal of making TRA debt-free by 2025 and profitable by 2028. Post-corporatization, TRA plans to increase revenue and optimize asset management through flexible approaches such as joint development initiatives and land rights establishment.

The Legislative Yuan has passed the Minimum Wage Bill in Taiwan, which requires employers to meet minimum wage standards when settling wages with employees. Noncompliance with this law could result in fines of up to NT＄1.5 million and public disclosure of the offender’s name. The new legislation mandates the inclusion of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as one of the key references when determining minimum wage, linking wage adjustments more closely with the cost of living. Previously, adjustments to the basic wage were governed by lesser regulations - the Deliberation Regulations for Basic Wage, which are merely administrative orders and do not guarantee annual wage increases. Labor Minister Hsu Ming-chun welcomed the passage of this legislation, expressing gratitude to labor and employer groups, scholar experts, and legislators from all parties for their support. President Tsai Ing-wen had initially proposed the elevation of the Minimum Wage from an administrative order to the force of law in her 2016 policy plan, but it took seven years for the draft to make its way through the legislative process.

Chinese companies are increasingly establishing supply chains in Vietnam as U.S. companies like Apple move production there, according to Japanese media reports. Export restrictions on advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment to China by the Biden Administration have led to difficulties for Chinese manufacturers, prompting a shift in investment towards alternative manufacturing bases like Vietnam. Approved foreign direct investment in Vietnam increased by 15% from January to November 2023, with Chinese investment, including from Hong Kong and Macao, doubling from the previous year. Chinese investment in Vietnam is even higher when routed through subsidiaries based in Singapore and Thailand. Notable investments include Shandong Haohua Tire Co. Ltd.’s US$500 million investment and Trina Solar Co., Ltd.’s US$420 million decision. BYD Company also announced an expansion investment of US$144 million, bringing its total investment in Vietnam to over US$400 million. Japanese experts believe that Chinese enterprises must engage in joint advancements in cutting-edge technology with local entities to be seen as partners by the Vietnamese.

The General Chamber of Commerce (ROCCOC) Chairman, Paul Hsu, led a delegation of 16 Taiwanese food suppliers on a mission to tap into the Australian market. The delegation attended business matchmaking events in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne as part of the ＂Procurement Meetings of 2023 Taiwan Food Industries Delegation to Australia.＂ The objective of this initiative is to enhance the international presence of Taiwanese food products, boost competitiveness, and foster economic collaboration between Taiwan and Australia. Hsu emphasized the complementary nature of Taiwan and Australia’s industries due to their contrasting seasons. The delegation has secured orders worth US＄3.7 million so far, and Hsu remains optimistic about further trade opportunities through ongoing communications with Australian distributors.

Tickets for the ＂Yomiuri 2024 TOYOTA 90th Anniversary Taiwan Trial＂ baseball game are now on sale through the UDN Ticketing Network. The network has implemented a queuing system to manage the high demand, with purchases starting at 12 p.m. Organizers recommend registering in advance and following the official fan page for instructions. The initial phase offers 26,000 seats, with the possibility of more being released later. The event will take place in March at the Taipei Dome, and fans are excited to secure their spot at this historic competition.

The Legislative Yuan has decided to suspend its plenary and committee meetings from December 20 to December 31 in preparation for the 2024 presidential and legislative elections. This decision follows a proposal by the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Caucus and is in line with the parliamentary tradition of pausing meetings during the election period. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Caucus and the New Power Party (NPP) Caucus opposed the suspension proposal but their amendment was not accepted. The DPP’s proposal was passed, with Vice President of the Legislative Yuan Tsai Chi-Chang announcing the decision. The Kuomintang (KMT) caucus leader Tseng Ming-chung argued for a consensus through negotiation before arranging a recess, opposing the resolution’s forceful passage. DPP Caucus Director-General Ker Chien-ming cited a 30-year-old tradition of recessing before elections and emphasized that the decision only brings forward the suspension by 11 days.

Tonight Like War is a popular entertainment show in Taiwan hosted by actress Karen Hu and singer Daniel Lo. The show, which launched in 2021, has gained a loyal following due to its unique concept that incorporates internet big data and viewer participation through online voting. However, recent rumors of the show’s cessation have caused concern among fans. The Eastern Broadcasting Company (EBC), the show’s broadcaster, responded by stating that they are currently in the planning stages for the show’s future and will provide updates on any new format developments.

Taiwan’s National Armed Forces (RDRC) detected the ballistic motion and trajectory of a Chinese satellite rocket through its Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) systems. The rocket was launched from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Sichuan Province and passed over the southwestern airspace of Taiwan. The Ministry of National Defense (MND) reported that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) conducted several satellite launch missions in recent days, but they posed no threat to Taiwan as they occurred outside the Earth’s atmosphere.

During the 2023 Asian Baseball Championship game between Japan and South Korea at the Taipei Dome, technical difficulties caused the main and side screens to go black. The Farglory Group attributed this outage to an unexpected system crash. The interruption, which occurred in the top of the seventh inning, lasted for approximately ten minutes before the manufacturer resolved the issue. Earlier in the game, Japanese player Ryosuke Aizawa collided with the home run wall while catching a deep fly ball in the fourth inning, resulting in leg injuries. Deputy general manager Jacky Yang of the Farglory Group clarified that the impact did not break the wall, but rather Aizawa’s spike shoes accidentally cut through the padding at the bottom. The Farglory Group assured that the stadium’s design complied with safety standards and that subsequent games would proceed unaffected.

The Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School marching band, known as the ＂Orange Devils,＂ arrived in Taiwan to a warm welcome at Taoyuan International Airport. Their visit is a testament to the strong ties between Taiwan and Japan, which were first sparked during their performance at the 2022 Taiwan National Day celebration. The band’s invitation this year, alongside Taipei First Girls High School, is an effort to further strengthen cultural bonds, as they are set to participate in the upcoming celebration of TGH’s 120th Anniversary. The visit has been made possible through corporate support, including an invitation from the Kaohsiung City Government for school exchanges and performances. Over the next five days, the Tachibana SHS band will showcase their talent at prestigious venues such as Kaohsiung’s Time Avenue, TAI Urban Resort, New Taipei’s Fuji Grand Hotel, Ximending, and the National Theater & Concert Hall.

The Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has reported the first case of Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in a child detected during airport screening. A teenage boy developed a fever upon arriving from mainland China on December 4 and tested positive for the pathogen the following day. This detection has raised concerns amid an outbreak of respiratory illnesses in mainland China. The CDC has initiated targeted surveillance at the country’s four major international airports, urging travelers to undergo voluntary testing. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections account for only 1.2 percent of the cases identified through airport screenings, indicating a downward trend overall. The current respiratory diseases in mainland China are predominantly attributed to influenza viruses, with Mycoplasma infections declining. Health officials have reassured the public that airport testing protocols will continue and are expected to be maintained through the Lunar New Year period to ensure monitoring of incoming travelers and the containment of potential infectious diseases.

Kaohsiung City is experiencing a rise in acute diarrhea cases, particularly in schools, due to the spread of Norovirus. During the 48th week of the year, the emergency room visit rate reached 4.81%, a significant increase from the previous year’s 2.91%. The city has reported 125 cluster cases of diarrhea, with schools accounting for 80% of the infection sites. The Kaohsiung City Department of Health is urging the public to practice regular handwashing and food safety measures. Norovirus is primarily transmitted through poor hygiene, close contact with infected individuals, and the consumption of contaminated food. With increased school activities, there is a higher risk of cross-infection. Standard alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ineffective against Norovirus, so diligent handwashing with soap and disinfecting surfaces with diluted bleach are recommended. Precautionary measures also include thorough washing and cooking of seafood, disinfecting areas after vomiting or diarrhea incidents, and using gloves and masks. It is advised to stay home when sick and return to work or school only 48 hours after symptoms have disappeared.

The Ministry of the Interior in Taiwan has announced that it will allocate NT＄10 million for the implementation of the Provisional Act Governing Religious Groups Registering Real Estate in the Name of a Natural Person. This legislation aims to address issues surrounding properties acquired by religious groups but registered under individual names. Minister Lin Yu-chang made the announcement during a visit to Bali Zihuang Tianyi Zhenqing temple, emphasizing the outreach to temples across Taiwan to communicate the details of the Act. In addition, the Ministry plans to increase government subsidies for temple activities, committing an additional NT＄15 million to support these communities, a significant increase from the previous annual subsidy of NT＄420,000. The Department of Religious and Ceremonial Affairs, established last year, will administer these initiatives, with the new budget allocations facilitated through local governments to ensure a seamless implementation and the preservation of Taiwan’s religious landscape.

Entertainer Apple Huang, known for her appearance on ＂Blackie’s Teenage Club,＂ recently revealed that she officially married dentist Carter Jaw a year ago. Her sister, Yuri Huang (also known as ＂Yao Yao＂), expressed her excitement and congratulations on social media. Apple, who is 39 years old, also announced that she is expecting her first child through a series of maternity photos. The news has brought joy to Yao Yao and has been met with warm wishes from friends and fans in the entertainment industry. The public has also shared in the excitement surrounding Apple’s marriage and pregnancy.

Tsai Yu-chen, a freshman at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, has made history by being the first student admitted into the prestigious Computer Science program through a special recruitment process that now includes cybersecurity. Tsai’s interest in technology began in junior high when he taught himself networking skills to set up a Minecraft server. He then used his English proficiency to manage the server online and modify Pokémon modules using Google Cloud services, allowing over 100 people to game simultaneously. Tsai’s talent and experience in cybersecurity were further developed during his vocational high school years through the Ministry of Education’s cybersecurity talent development program. As a result, he will soon intern with a leading international AI cybersecurity tech company, focusing on cloud security research. The Office of Recruitment for Specialized Technical Colleges and Universities recognizes the importance of cybersecurity in national security and actively promotes relevant courses in technical high schools. This allows students to acquire cybersecurity skills and pursue further education through specialized college entrance exams and exceptional talent selection processes.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of Taiwan welcomes and expresses gratitude for the joint statement made by G7 member countries, emphasizing the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The G7 urged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues and opposed any attempts to change the status quo through force or coercion. MOFA highlighted China’s military expansion in the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea, which poses a significant threat to security in the Indo-Pacific region. Throughout the year, various international statements have reiterated the centrality of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. MOFA emphasizes Taiwan’s key role in the Indo-Pacific and commits to continuing cooperation with the G7 to strengthen global democratic alliances against authoritarianism.

Taiwanese actress Cheryl Yang discusses her role as a single mother in the mini-series ＂How Well You Love Me＂ (看看你有多愛我) in an interview with Marie Claire. Yang reflects on her own complex relationship with her mother and how it influenced her portrayal of a single mother in the series. Starting her career in the entertainment industry at 15, Yang’s dedication and sincerity have earned her acclaim in the drama industry. In the series, she plays an internet celebrity and a single mother of fraternal twin daughters. The role resonated with Yang, as she shares her personal journey with her own mother and the conflicts they faced. Through work experiences and maturity, Yang learned to appreciate her mother’s virtues and build a more harmonious relationship. She emphasizes the importance of communication and respect in finding mutual understanding. On set, Yang initially had concerns about the chemistry with her on-screen daughters, but was pleasantly surprised by their exceptional performances, creating a compelling family dynamic in the series.

Taiwan’s People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has revealed that despite restraints from the Kuomintang (KMT), some of the party’s legislative candidates have sought his endorsement in videos that are expected to be released in the final three days before the election. In an exclusive interview with TVBS, Ko disclosed that KMT candidates have been defying the ＂Ko prohibition order＂ and seeking his support through video recordings. While Ko claimed to have assisted these candidates, he did not specify who they were. He suggested that these candidates are unlikely to reveal his endorsement until the last three days of the election campaign.

Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren, winner of the best leading actor award at the 60th Golden Horse Awards, surprised attendees at the trial of a man surnamed Chung, who is accused of killing his father with a dumbbell. Despite wearing a mask, Wu’s presence caused a stir as he was recognized by the crowd. Wu declined to comment on his reasons for attending. The case involves a dispute over the purchase of a boxed meal that allegedly led to the fatal blow. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office filed charges in May, making this the second case to involve citizen judges. Due to Chung’s mental illness and lack of impulse control, the court ordered a temporary placement for six months. The court selected citizen judges prior to the trial, with six judges and four alternates chosen through a rigorous process.

A civilian group from Taiwan, the Taiwan Youth Climate Coalition (TWYCC), unveiled the ＂Songshan Declaration＂ at a side event related to the upcoming 28th UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai. The declaration calls for fair transition strategies to combat climate change. TWYCC representative Gina Lee highlighted the controversial solar energy development in Tainan’s Qigu area, discussing its negative impact on local aquaculture fishers. The group also explored examples of just transition, such as solar development in Cigu and the electrification of scooters, expressing concern about the government’s lack of dialogue with youth. The ＂Songshan Declaration＂ was jointly initiated by stakeholders from Taiwan’s industries, government, academia, and civil society, pledging to enforce the Climate Change Response Act and engage in the global stocktake. Chen Hui-ping, Chairperson of the Taiwan Green Energy for Charity Association, shared experiences of enabling social change through the ＂Green Well (GW) 100+＂ initiative, which has installed solar power systems for underprivileged communities and conducted energy audits and equipment replacements in social welfare institutions. The association emphasized that their model of green charity fosters wider stakeholder participation and contributes positively to the energy transition.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has unveiled a series of policy proposals to revolutionize Taiwan’s agricultural sector. These proposals include employing artificial intelligence (AI) to create a comprehensive agricultural database. Ko’s five-pronged approach aims to address challenges faced by Taiwanese farmers, such as fragmented landholdings and an oversaturated domestic market. He also highlights the need to modernize traditional poultry houses and the agricultural marketing system. One focal point of Ko’s agricultural policy is the establishment of a strategic food security plan with AI, aiming to enhance planning in agricultural production and ensure transparency in the sale of farm products through data analytics. Ko also emphasizes the importance of resilient infrastructure to protect the farming sector from extreme weather events and the formation of an agricultural carbon sink platform to promote sustainable and low-carbon development. By drawing on international models, Ko aims to transform rural architecture and farming practices for a more sustainable future in Taiwanese agriculture.

The National Human Rights Museum has unveiled a new animated short film titled ＂PIGGY 1/2: A World Apart,＂ created by acclaimed animator Fish Wang. The film explores the theme of transitional justice in a future world inhabited by anthropomorphic animals. It took nearly three years to complete and follows the journey of a young exile named ＂Ban Po＂ as he questions state mechanisms and protects his loved ones. Wang aims to challenge viewers’ understanding of transitional justice and spark discussions on human rights. Wang’s previous works include the celebrated short ＂Gold Fish＂ and the award-winning ＂Ghost of the Dark Path.＂ The museum director expressed gratitude towards Wang and his team for their creative efforts and highlighted the museum’s commitment to promoting human rights through artistic expressions. The release of ＂PIGGY 1/2＂ is anticipated to enhance Taiwan’s societal grasp of human rights values and honor those who fought for these causes.

Kansai International Airport in Japan has recently undergone renovations to improve the departure process and accommodate a surge in international passenger traffic. With added verification measures in place, some travelers have reported going through exit immigration and security checks in as little as 30 minutes. The airport’s first terminal is being extensively renovated to meet future demands, with upgrades to domestic facilities and a newly opened central zone for international departures. As part of the expansion, 20 to 30 new duty-free shops and restaurants will be added. The aim of the renovations is to elevate efficiency and provide a more streamlined and pleasurable experience for passengers.

Launch Technologies Co., a golf manufacturer in Pingtung, Taiwan, has reached a severance agreement with 204 of its local workers following a layoff plan submitted last month. The company, which suffered a significant explosion at its factory in September, has also helped some employees find new jobs and provided them with generous severance pay. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has pledged to closely monitor the labor rights of the affected workers. The factory buildings remain closed and operations will only resume after third-party verification of their structural safety. Launch Technologies has established an internal legal team to compensate the impacted employees and has committed to continuing salary payments through the end of the year.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) has denied the existence of online sales of illicit surveillance, which allegedly included sensitive information on political figures from both the ruling and opposition parties. Concerns have been raised as the nation approaches its upcoming elections, with officials warning of rampant disinformation on the internet. The false information, distributed anonymously on an online forum, claimed to reveal a list of monitored individuals, including legislators and high-ranking officials. The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has stated that the true identities of those under surveillance would not be disclosed through the documents. Suspicions have been raised that the circulated documents were digitally altered, potentially as an attempt to influence the elections. National security officials have drawn parallels between this incident and previous accusations of unlawful surveillance spread on social media platforms in early 2021. They caution that the dissemination of false data may have political motives aimed at disrupting internal political stability and public order, particularly on the eve of elections. The public is urged not to be swayed by these falsehoods and to refrain from sharing misinformation.