ACT 結果共273筆

Yunlin County Police Bureau cracked down on an illegal gambling operation that accepted bets on the outcome of the presidential election using virtual currency. Seventeen bettors were arrested, and police confiscated approximately NT$171,661 in gambling funds. The individuals were arrested for violating the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act. Eight of those detained were released after questioning, but the remaining nine were retained for further summons. The illicit betting was discovered when the Yunlin police’s internet patrol unit spotted a decentralized betting platform called Polymarket, which had set up betting pools for three presidential candidates. The online players could place bets on event outcomes using USDC, a virtual currency, from their own digital wallets.

美國總統拜登罕見合體前總統歐巴馬，搭檔拍攝一段短影音來宣傳《平價醫療法案》（Affordable Care Act）。這似乎是他們用來對抗共和黨和川普的一個全新論點，因為這項又稱「歐巴馬健保（Obamacare）」的法案在川普擔任總統任內曾差點遭到廢除。因此，這次兩人合體宣傳也被外界認為是在搶救拜登「岌岌可危的支持度」。

Tainan police have arrested six individuals involved in a gambling ring on a Facebook group, which was taking bets on the 2024 General Election outcomes totaling over NT$6.55 million. The case has been handed over to the Tainan District Prosecutors Office for investigation under several acts, including the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act, the Money Laundering Control Act, and the Anti-Infiltration Act. The ring recruited bettors on Facebook to place wagers on various outcomes related to the forthcoming elections, including potential collaborations between political parties and candidates such as Lai Ching-te, Ko Wen-je, Hou Yu-ih, and Terry Gou. The Tainan City Police Department Criminal Investigation Corps initiated the investigation after spotting the illicit activity online and tracked down suspects across multiple locations. The investigation has revealed that the gambling funds were being converted into Tether (USDT), a popular cryptocurrency stablecoin, by unidentified individuals abroad, and transferred to other gambling organizations, potentially violating election-related gambling laws.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has announced that 1,345 students from six schools in Taiwan will be required to transfer to other institutions due to the act Governing the Closure of Private Educational Institutions at Senior Secondary or Higher Level. The act, passed last year, gives schools a two-year period to improve, and if they fail to meet the standards, they face orders to stop recruiting students and cease operations. Chung Chou University of Science and Technology and Taiwan Shoufu University have already closed this July, with 310 students transferred to other institutions. Mingdao University, Tatung Institute of Commerce and Technology, Tung Fang Design Institute, and TransWorld University are scheduled to close in July 2024. The MOE plans to conduct briefings on student distribution and placement a semester before the termination of these institutions to ensure a smooth transition. The affected students will be given priority to continue their studies at schools in the same or neighboring counties, and the MOE will assist affected faculty members and staff in finding new employment opportunities. Currently, there are no other private universities or colleges listed for specialized guidance by the MOE.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Sports Industry Development Act to combat ticket scalping. The revised law imposes fines on scalpers ranging from 10 to 50 times the ticket’s face value. The amendments also target the resale of complimentary and promotional tickets, with penalties reaching up to NT＄18,000. The use of ticket-buying bots will be met with up to three years’ imprisonment and/or fines up to NT＄3 million. These measures aim to crack down on the practice of reselling tickets at inflated prices, known locally as ＂huangniu＂ or Yellow Cow. The amended law ensures the anonymity of whistleblowers and potentially rewards them for reporting scalping activities. The updates to the legislation were led by the Legislative Yuan Education and Culture Committee, reflecting the legislature’s commitment to fair access to entertainment and sports for fans in Taiwan.

The New Power Party (NPP) has called for stricter regulations on minimum labor wages, proposing that manufacturers who violate laws should be banned from government procurement. The NPP emphasizes equal representation in decision-making, with a ＂1:1:1＂ ratio of labor, capital, and government-academic parties. They argue that adjustments to the minimum wage should not fall below the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) growth rate, linking wage increases to inflation and cost of living adjustments. NPP Chairwoman Claire Wang advocates for strict penalties, including adding violators to a government procurement blacklist. The NPP’s draft is inspired by France’s minimum wage laws, aiming to protect workers’ living standards in the face of rising costs.

Taipei’s top five reports from Monday include the indictment of an army officer on charges of defection and espionage, an investigation into a professor for engaging in technological collaboration with China, the draw for presidential and vice presidential candidate ballots, railway reforms following a train derailment, and intense debate on the Minimum Wage Act in the Legislative Yuan.

Former Senior Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and CEO of the United States Studies Centre, Michael Jonathan Green, emphasizes that Taiwan’s recent extension of military service to one year is a significant indication of its commitment to defense. Green warns that any reversal of this decision would raise concerns in both the United States and Japan. As tensions rise across the Taiwan Strait, the main concern for the U.S. is Taiwan’s vulnerability to Chinese pressure or military action. By extending military conscription, Taiwan is demonstrating its political will to counter Beijing’s intimidation. The United States, Japan, and Australia believe that Taiwan’s efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent war are commendable. Green highlights that any threat posed by China to Taiwan could jeopardize security across the entire First Island Chain, impacting nations like the US, Canada, Japan, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. Green, who has served in the Bush Administration and was part of the U.S. bipartisan delegation that visited Taiwan in March, stresses the critical importance of Taiwan’s resolve for self-defense.

Taipei Metro agrees to refund a fine imposed on a teenage girl who mistakenly used her brother’s EasyCard. The 14-year-old student used a child’s EasyCard instead of a student card, resulting in a fine of NT＄1,000. The girl’s father argued that the punishment was excessive, and after reviewing the situation, Taipei Metro decided to refund the penalty as a gesture of goodwill. The incident occurred at Ximen MRT Station, and Taipei Metro emphasized the importance of using the correct card type to avoid fare differences.

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.

Taiwanese entertainer Aaron Yan has been cleared of charges related to sexual offenses, including secret photography and assault, according to the Shilin District Prosecutors Office. The allegations were made by internet celebrity Chiu Yao-le in June, leading to the suspension of Yan’s entertainment career and side business. Prosecutors found that Yan had shared private videos of Chiu with friends, a violation of the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act. Yan will only be indicted on charges related to filming and possessing videos depicting the sexual conduct of a minor. The case is scheduled to be heard behind closed doors on December 21.

Six men have been indicted by the Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office for alleged sexual exploitation offenses under the Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act. Led by Chen Tso-wei, the group imitated the infamous ＂South Korea’s Nth Room case＂ and used deceptive tactics to lure their victims, promising easy money for photos or offering iPhones. They profited over NT＄8 million from their illicit activities. Authorities discovered that the syndicate blackmailed the young girls involved with explicit videos and threatened to leak their nude photos if they didn’t comply. A total of 86 girls were found to have fallen prey to this exploitation, with the youngest victim being just nine years old. Some of the victims resorted to self-harm as a result of the abuse. The Taichung District Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a substantial sentence of 30 years imprisonment for three of the accused, including Chen, who played a particularly malicious role with a severe impact on human dignity. The remaining three face sentencing recommendations of five to ten years.

The U.S. House Armed Services Committee has agreed to include provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24 NDAA) to assist in the training of Taiwan’s armed forces. The bill, with a budget of ＵＳUS＄876.8 billion, requires the U.S. Department of Defense to develop a comprehensive training and advisory program for Taiwan’s military. The program will only proceed with the consent of the Secretary of State and after consultations with Taiwanese officials. The legislation aims to enhance Taiwan’s multilayered defense capabilities, including asymmetric defense strategies and interoperability with U.S. forces. It also promotes cybersecurity cooperation and the protection of military networks. The NDAA mandates biannual reporting on China’s military developments in Taiwan, Southeast Asia, and the South China Sea. Additionally, a classified report will evaluate the absorption of U.S.-provided military capabilities by Taiwan’s armed forces. After approval by Congress, President Joe Biden is expected to sign the bill into law, strengthening U.S.-Taiwan defense relations.

In Taiwan, an increase in egg freezing among women aged 35 to 39 sparks discussions on amending the Assisted Reproduction Act as lawmakers push for inclusive reproductive rights amid low egg utilization rates and a declining birth rate.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je declared that the election outcome remains uncertain and that the race will transform into a civic movement. Ko argued for amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act, expressing concern that only the wealthy would be able to afford assisted reproduction procedures abroad. He hinted at a grassroots approach for the upcoming election, drawing parallels to the Sunflower Movement. Ko revealed his campaign staff’s advice to conduct rolling polls and release new results daily. Given the TPP’s limited campaign budget, Ko mentioned opting for cost-effective alternatives such as studio rentals for live streams and recordings. University students suggested Ko should be more cautious with his public remarks and intensify flash campaign events, but Ko reassured them with a message of mutual perseverance.

Get ready for an exciting New Year’s Eve bash in Kaohsiung! Pop diva Jeannie Hsieh will be the closing act, making a comeback after a three-year hiatus. The event, held at Dream Mall, promises a departure from Hsieh’s traditional holiday repertoire. The celebration will be hosted by comedy duo Plungon and celebrity Chung Hsin-yu, with Thai singer and social media sensation Jeff Satur adding an international flavor to the lineup. Satur, who boasts 3.8 million Instagram followers, will be performing for the first time abroad. The event will also feature popular artists like Nine One One, WeiBird, GBOYSWAG, and more. Don’t miss the spectacular 240-second firework display over Asia New Bay Area, symbolizing the transition to 2024.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC) and the Arizona Building and Construction Trades Council (AZBTC) have reached an agreement to resolve a labor dispute at TSMC’s Phoenix semiconductor manufacturing facility. The collaboration includes employee training programs and a commitment to transparency on workplace safety issues. This agreement is seen as a critical step for TSMC, which is expected to benefit from the US$100 billion in subsidies provided by the U.S. Chips Act. TSMC has agreed to prioritize local hiring but can employ foreign workers with ＂specialist experience＂ if needed. TSMC’s investment in Arizona amounts to US$40 billion, with construction starting in 2021. Mass production is now scheduled to begin in the first half of 2025. This resolution not only facilitates smoother progress in the construction of TSMC’s plant but also highlights the company’s role in increasing semiconductor production capabilities in the United States.

A multicultural festival celebrating ＂Migrants Day＂ will take place at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung City on December 10. The festival will feature performances, cultural experiences, and a prize drawing event. In an effort to educate immigrants about marriage management, rights in Taiwan, and the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the National Immigration Agency’s Central Administration Corps organized a family education and legal advocacy event in Taichung on December 6. The event used creative presentations to help diverse couples recognize signs of physical and psychological abuse, stalking, and harassment. Hsieh Liang, chair of the Union of New Immigrants of Taichung City, served as a marriage educator, teaching communication skills and advising against tolerance for violence. Sung Hsin-hui, a violence prevention planner from the Taichung City Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Center, introduced the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act, as well as reporting procedures and shared case studies. The event provided valuable insights for A Chun, an immigrant from Japan, who gained a correct understanding of family violence and expressed relief that Taiwan’s legal system offers protection to victims. With Taiwan’s immigrant population growing, the NIA aims to foster unity among all ethnic groups and create a welcoming environment for new residents, promoting cultural integration.

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 expressed disappointment in the failure to establish an alliance with the Kuomintang (KMT), citing his medical background and trust in others as a disadvantage in politics. He believes that the mishandling of the breakup with the KMT has led to his declining support. Despite the acrimony, Ko hinted at potential future cooperation with Foxconn’s founder Terry Gou, acknowledging their maintained contact for policy collaboration. Ko praised Gou’s think tank on finance and economics for its excellent work, revealing that his team has consulted and adopted numerous economic policy suggestions from Gou’s proposals. The focus at this stage is on policy partnership, with paths toward collaborative governance remaining open between the two camps.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and his running mate, Jaw Shaw-kong, have pledged to crack down on Taiwan’s rampant fraud industry. If elected, they plan to conduct a sweeping operation against fraud groups in their first year, aiming to reduce fraud cases to a third of the current number in the second year and cutting them by half in the third year. Hou, drawing on his past anti-fraud experience, criticizes the current government for its investment in a national anti-fraud team that has seen an increase in fraud cases and arrests. He advocates for stronger surveillance by the National Communications Commission (NCC) in telecom facilities and emphasizes the need for cooperation with mainland China. Hou aims to leverage the Organized Crime Prevention Act to produce tangible results in the fight against fraud by the fourth year of his presidency.

The Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, stated that the release of the list of key national technologies will not impact businesses as they have been consulted beforehand. The focus is on enhancing the protection of critical technologies. The National Science and Technology Council revealed a list of 22 core national key technologies across defense, agriculture, semiconductors, space, and cyber-security, including two semiconductor technologies. Personnel involved with key technologies receiving over 50% subsidies from the government must seek permission before traveling to China, as per the National Security Act and the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area. The two semiconductor technologies listed are IC fabrication technology for processes smaller than 14 nanometers and heterogeneous integration packaging technology. Wang emphasized the importance of protecting key technologies to prevent confidential business information leakage and enhance national security standards. The next steps involve reviewing and providing lists of personnel meeting certain subsidy thresholds and involved with sensitive technologies to relevant entities for management purposes.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislator Lai Hsiang-ling has called for the inclusion of a formula in the Minimum Wage Act to guarantee that wage adjustments are not lower than the inflation rate. Meanwhile, New Power Party legislator Chiu Hsien-chih has demanded that representatives from the Ministry of Labor (MOL) be involved in the wage deliberation committee and that evaluation reports be made public before meetings. Lai has expressed concern about the lack of changes in the current draft of the Minimum Wage Act and the limited number of academic representatives on the committee. She has proposed increasing the number of labor representatives and considering factors such as the consumer price index annual increase rate, previous year levels, rent, and employment dependency ratios in annual wage adjustments. Lai has also suggested barring non-compliant small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from participating in government tenders.

The Legislative Yuan’s Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee reviewed proposed amendments to the Assisted Reproduction Act, including one that would allow a surviving spouse to use embryos for having children after the death of their partner. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is considering expanding the legislation to include same-sex couples, single individuals, and surrogate pregnancies. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan suggested a public hearing to gather feedback due to the ethical, legal, and child welfare considerations involved. The current law only permits assisted reproduction for married couples, excluding single women and lesbian couples. Taiwan also does not currently recognize surrogacy as legal, creating unresolved issues regarding the parental status of children born through such arrangements. The debate reflects the government’s attempt to address societal changes and demographic challenges, particularly concerns about population decline.

The story discusses allegations made by Yao Li-ming, the campaign manager for Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, regarding Taipei Mayor Ko Wen-je’s claim of being offered US＄200 million to run for the vice-presidential bid. Yao asserts that this is a clear instance of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) meddling in Taiwan’s elections. The press conference titled ＂The Unclarified US＄200 Million Doubt: Is Ko Wen-je Lying to Voters or Is It Chinese Intervention?＂ highlights the seriousness of the alleged criminal act and characterizes Ko as both a witness and a victim of Chinese interference. Yao suggests that only the CCP has the motive, capability, and suspicion to offer such a large sum, potentially aiming to support a Blue-White alliance. Lai’s spokesperson, Tai Wei-shan, raises suspicions about Ko’s silence on the issue and insinuates pressure from either the CCP or the Kuomintang (KMT). Tai calls on KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih to clarify the KMT’s role in the alleged incidents. Additionally, Tai criticizes Hou’s proposals to reopen Taiwan to Chinese tourists and allow Chinese students to work in Taiwan, arguing that these policies would increase Taiwan’s reliance on China. The story also mentions investigations into the Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) inviting Taiwanese village chiefs on free trips to China as an example of election interference. Tai rebukes the KMT’s eagerness to make Taiwan dependent on China, claiming that it would hinder the country’s progress in connecting with the world and the international community.