A 1 結果共979筆

StarLux Airlines has announced that it will begin direct flights between Taichung and Macao starting March 31, 2023. The new route will have a weekly availability of eight round trips and will utilize the A321neo model aircraft, offering 188 seats. In addition to Macao, StarLux plans to expand its operations from Taichung International Airport to other cities, including Đà Nẵng and Takamatsu, in 2024. The airline also recently started selling tickets for its Taipei-Hakodate route, which is scheduled to launch on Feb. 1, 2024. With these new routes, StarLux aims to provide a fresh flight experience for the central region of Taiwan.

This story discusses the fluctuation in shares of AUO Corporation and TV panel prices in late December. The article mentions that the price of 55-inch 4K open-cell panels dropped by US$1 (0.8%) on December 22 due to TV manufacturers ceasing production for year-end demand. However, analysts predict that tier-one TV panel makers may increase their price quotes by US$1 to US$3 in January 2024. Despite this, final transaction prices are expected to remain unchanged due to market demand. The report also suggests a potential decline in quotes for larger panel sizes, while prices for all TV panel sizes are anticipated to stabilize and rebound in February. Furthermore, favorable conditions in the panel market are predicted for 2024, driven by stabilizing industry trends and the launch of AI phones and AI PCs. AUO Chairman Paul Peng expects mild growth in the first quarter of 2024 and a market growth rate between 3% to 5% throughout the year, with higher production capacity utilization compared to 2023. Peng also notes steady demand for automotive and industrial products, which will contribute to a stable production utilization rate, and highlights the increasing use of Human Machine Interface (HMI) technologies for LED and LCD panels.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai announced that the Kaohsiung Music Center and the Eye of Gangshan will be illuminated with therapeutic yellow lights every evening from 6 p.m. to midnight, starting on December 25, 2023, until January 26, 2024. Speculation has arisen online about the return of the yellow rubber duck exhibition to Kaohsiung, as ＂yellow circles＂ have been spotted around the city. The giant floating duck was initially displayed in 2013 and drew approximately 3.9 million visitors in a single month, boosting the city’s economy by generating nearly NT＄1 billion in business opportunities. Mayor Chen has not confirmed the duck’s return but expressed the municipal team’s commitment to bringing progress and joy to the citizens.

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.

39歲女歌手楊丞琳，12月初時於大陸河南展開「LIKE A STAR」世巡演唱會，未料卻突然拋出一句「河南人愛騙人」，踩地雷言論瞬間引起當地人不滿，連相關部門都介入調查。而老公李榮浩日前也貼出為甘肅地震救災證明，標註夫妻共同捐款，再度引發網友砲轟，「又想幫楊丞琳洗！」事實上，楊丞琳也即將在明（23）日前往北京開唱。

The Customs Tariff Commission of China’s State Council has announced that starting from January 1 next year, it will suspend the application of preferential tariffs for 12 categories of chemically imported goods from Taiwan, including propylene and paraxylene. China claims that Taiwan violates ECFA regulations by imposing discriminatory trade measures for products exported from China, and a trade barrier investigation by China’s Ministry of Commerce confirmed these restrictions as a trade barrier. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) accuses China of political manipulation and bypassing WTO dispute mechanisms. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) states that the export value of ECFA’s early harvest list to China has been decreasing, projected to retract to pre-ECFA levels by year-end. The MOEA proposes managing cross-strait economic disputes under the WTO mechanism and encourages China to do the same.

Taiwan’s export orders in November reached US$50.6 billion, showing a 1% year-on-year growth after 14 consecutive months of decline, according to the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Statistics. However, export orders decreased by US$2.24 billion, or 4.2%, from October, with a seasonal-adjusted decrease of 5.4%. Notably, information and communication equipment orders increased by 10% annually to reach US$16.2 billion, ending nine months of negative growth. Electronic product orders also saw a 3.5% annual increase, amounting to US$17.8 billion and ending a 12-month downturn. Despite these positive developments, the overall export orders from January to November showed a decrease of US$97.38 billion, or 15.8%, compared to the previous year.

新冠變異株「JN.1」近日在各國加速擴散，我國衛福部19日公布台灣感染JN.1的本土病例占比為3%，但JN.1在歐美各國已經明顯增加，《華爾街日報》報導指出，美國在聖誕節長假前，JN.1變種病毒的感染人數、住院人數不斷增加，世界衛生組織（WHO）已經將JN.1歸類為「需留意變異株（variant of interest）」，但表示目前JN.1對公共衛生可能構成的風險較低。

A new survey conducted by Cathay Financial Holding reveals that 59.3% of respondents expect their year-end bonuses for 2023 to be between one to three months’ worth of salary. Additionally, 45.9% of those polled anticipate a salary increase in 2024, with 9.2% expecting the raise to exceed 3%. However, only 8.3% foresee year-end bonuses topping three months’ salary, while 32.4% predict bonuses will fall below one month. In terms of regular monthly earnings in 2024, 47.6% of participants project stability. The survey also indicates that the average growth expectation for Taiwan’s economy in 2024 stands at 2.52%, with 70% of those surveyed predicting a growth rate above 2%. Respondents expect the inflation rate in 2024 to be 2.21%, with 55% believing it will remain above 2%. These figures differ from the projections by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, which forecasts a 3.35% growth rate and a 1.64% inflation rate for Taiwan in 2024. In December, the optimism index for Taiwan’s stock market rose sharply to 16.1 from -0.4 in November, and the risk appetite index increased from 10.3 to 13.9, indicating market anticipation of potential rate cuts by major central banks next year. The survey, conducted from Dec. 1 to 7, gathered 13,379 valid questionnaires via email from members of Cathay Life Insurance’s official website and customers of Cathay United Bank.

A Vietnamese woman in Taichung, Taiwan, was discovered by the National Immigration Agency to have operated an illegal aesthetic studio for six years, earning NT＄1 million. The woman, known as Ms. Pei, learned the craft from a compatriot after departing from her employer seven years ago. She performed unlicensed procedures such as double eyelid surgery, breast augmentation, and rhinoplasty. Ms. Pei imported unverified cosmetic injections from Vietnam and advertised her services on social media platforms, attracting Vietnamese and Indonesian customers seeking affordable beauty treatments. She was sentenced to one year and two months in prison by the Taichung District Court, but has the right to appeal the verdict.

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.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed a law amendment known as ＂Housing Tax 2.0,＂ which will raise the residential property tax. The new tax will take effect on July 1, 2024, with taxation beginning in 2025. The Ministry of Finance estimates that around 4.45 million households will be affected by the revised tax, with approximately 3.1 million households benefiting from a preferential tax rate for single residency. This could potentially generate an additional revenue of NT$2.27 billion to NT$3.27 billion. Under the new system, residential properties will be categorized as ＂self-use＂ or ＂non-self-use,＂ with a national limit of up to three properties classified as ＂self-use.＂ The house tax will continue to be collected annually from May 1 to May 31, based on ownership from the prior year’s July 1 to the current year’s June 30. The amendment also requires that ＂self-use＂ residences meet household registration requirements in addition to the existing provisions regarding rental and occupancy by the owner, spouse, or direct relatives. The tax reform will have a significant impact on 10 municipalities that have not yet implemented the housing hoarding tax. To support the legislative changes, four supplementary regulations will be introduced, including differential tax rate modules, calculation formulas, principles for determining the number of household property holdings, and revisions to the organization of the Real Estate Evaluation Committees. All subsidiary regulations are scheduled to be amended by July 1, 2024.

Taiwan’s shipping market is abuzz with news that Japan’s Ocean Network Express (ONE) plans to impose an emergency surcharge of US＄1,000 per container due to escalating tensions in the Red Sea. This, along with a US＄1,000 increase in base freight rates, could raise the total cost of shipping a large container to US＄4,000. However, this figure is still below the $6,000 being quoted in the Chinese market. Freight charges from Taiwan to Europe have been steadily increasing, with rates climbing from US＄900 to US＄1,000 per large container at the end of November to US＄2,000 by mid-December. Shipping companies are planning another rate hike, intending to raise rates to $3,000 starting from Jan. 1, 2024. The Chinese logistics platform, www.5688.cn, reported that shipping container rates from the Far East to Israel have skyrocketed to US＄6,000, a sixfold increase from the end of November.

The National Land Management Agency (NLMA) in Taiwan has announced that the application period for the ＂Mortgage Assistance Program for Low-and-Middle-Income Homeowners＂ will close next Friday. Since its launch on June 1, over 730,000 households have applied for the program, with more than 460,000 qualifying for the subsidy. The NLMA aims to benefit 550,000 middle to low-income households, and there are still places available for applicants as of Wednesday. Eligible customers are being notified by financial institutions through text messages, emails, or loan payment receipts. Applicants are only required to provide basic information online and will receive a one-time payment of NT＄30,000 upon approval.

Taipei-based subsidiary Family International Gourmet, a part of Taiwan FamilyMart Co., Ltd, has announced plans to increase salaries by 3-5% in 2024. The company will also offer incentive and performance bonuses equivalent to three to eight months of annual pay. Outstanding employees in 2023 could potentially earn annual salaries equivalent to over 20 months, with some store managers already earning millions of dollars per year. The company plans to expand by opening 8-12 new stores annually. In 2024, they aim to hire over 500 regular employees, including 50 potential store managers and over 200 potential supervisors. Starting salaries for new employees will increase from NT$34,000 to NT$36,000, with reserve cadres earning NT$40,000. Employees who pass training assessments can quickly advance to store manager roles, with the opportunity to earn annual salaries exceeding NT$1 million. The company reported impressive revenues of NT$19.92 billion in November, a nearly 30% increase year-on-year. Family International Gourmet is set to debut on the emerging stock market this Thursday as it progresses towards listing on the over-the-counter market.

台灣球后戴資穎在羽球年終賽擊敗世界第5的世界前球后馬琳(Carolina Marin)，以12：21、21：14、21：18上演精彩逆轉秀獲勝，奪得個人賽會第四冠，不只抱回20萬美元（約新台幣630萬元）獎金，同時進帳1萬2000分的世界排名積分，對爭取明年巴黎奧運種子席次大有幫助。世界羽聯（BWF）也公佈年終賽反手拍最佳好球，小戴在決賽反手拍神乎其技勾對角美技入選，讓馬琳只能看球落地，轉播人員也忍不住驚嘆「That is sensational.What a ahot.（這球打得太漂亮了，好球）。」

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 Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) has announced the addition of extra trains from Dec. 29 to Jan. 1, 2024, in anticipation of the New Year’s holiday rush. Travelers can book the additional train services through various channels, including the TRA website, e訂通 app, convenience stores, and telephone reservation systems. A total of 18 extra train services will be deployed, with six additional services on the Eastern Line, including one northbound and one southbound train operating on the cross-island route. The South-Link Line will see an increase of four Puyuma Express and Tzu-Chiang trains, while six more EMU900 commuter express trains will be added to the Western Line. Additionally, 24 overnight train services will be added across different regions to cater to New Year’s Eve celebrations. Travelers can check timings and schedule details on the official TRA website and e訂通 app.

Taiwanese badminton player Tai Tzu-ying stages an incredible comeback to secure a spot in the finals of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals, defeating South Korea’s An Se-young. Despite trailing 10-19 in the deciding game, Tai mounts a remarkable 12-1 run to clinch victory after a grueling 72-minute match. Tai attributes her success to perseverance rather than any special strategies. Despite still recovering from an injury, she is determined to be fully prepared and patient for the final match against Spain’s Carolina Marin. This will be Tai’s fourth career gold if she triumphs, and it promises to be an intense showdown given their balanced record of 11 wins each in their 22 previous encounters.

Taiwan Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant JN.1 has been sporadically detected in Taiwan’s local cases. JN.1 is an offspring of the BA.2.86 variant and was first detected in Taiwan on Oct. 20 through a traveler from Japan. The local proportion of the JN.1 strain is below 5 percent, indicating that it has not become the dominant strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the continued use of the XBB.1.5 vaccine strain, which has been shown to be effective against JN.1 and other emerging variants.

The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) is considering a potential fare increase, with a plan to review the proposal in the first quarter of next year and a possible implementation in the latter half of the year if approved. The decision on fare adjustments will be made by the board of directors of the newly formed TRA company, which will be established on January 1. The board will determine the necessity, method, and extent of any price changes before submitting their proposal to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC). Despite submitting several versions of fare increase proposals to the MOTC earlier this year, substantive discussions have not yet taken place. MOTC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai supports respecting the independent decisions of the company’s board of directors regarding fare adjustments. The transition to a company structure will decrease the direct impact of fare adjustments on TRA’s operations, and any losses incurred due to policy factors will be subsidized by the government under the provisions of corporatization. Former MOTC Minister Tan Ho-chen also supports increasing TRA’s ticket prices, arguing that it will help the railway understand its genuine operational costs and develop effective pricing strategies.

在中國杭州舉行的BWF羽球年終總決賽，昨（15）天上演最後1天的A組預賽，戴資穎雖然敗給韓國球后安洗瑩，但靠著印尼小將東宗以2：1擊敗韓國好手金佳恩，順利以分組第2晉級4強。今（16）天戴資穎在4強戰和安洗瑩再度狹路相逢，小戴最終以19：21、21：15、22：20驚天逆轉勝，不但中止對戰6連敗，還拿到明日的冠軍戰門票。

在中國杭州舉行的BWF羽球年終總決賽，今天進行最後1天的A組預賽，靠著印尼小將東宗以2比1局數擊敗韓國金佳恩，也順利幫助戴資穎以分組第2晉級4強。（編輯：管中維）1121215

科技園區對於城市與經濟發展的強大推動力，有目共睹。過去竹科為台灣半導體最重要的生產聚落，但隨著竹科土地開發飽和，台灣科技廊島逐漸往南拓展，據最新資料顯示，南科在台積電等大廠加持下，今年截至10月底，南科累積產值約為12,174億元，超越竹科的11,578億元，躍居為全台半導體生產第一大重鎮。目前南科就業人口逾9萬人，且每年持續增長中，待南科三期2026年完工後，屆時可望再增加4,900個就業機會，創造高達392億元年產值。世界南科A

桃園一名楊姓男子，透過朋友介紹認識還在就讀國三的A女，兩人進而交往成為情侶。去年底，楊男趁著A女「家無大人」之際前往拜訪，獨處的兩人一時天雷勾動地火，一共發生了4次關係，事後遭A女父母提告。桃園地院日前審結，認定楊男「1次1罰」，判處應執行徒刑8月，緩刑3年並交付保護管束，另得提供80小時義務勞務、參加3場法治教育。