AT-AT 結果共1,416筆

The Xinyi Precinct of the Taipei City Police Department has established an anti-trampling team in high-density areas around the Taipei 101 fireworks display to ensure safety during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Drone interceptors will be used to force unauthorized drones to land. Mobile police stations will be set up at five major venues, providing services such as traffic control and lost and found handling. Anti-trampling teams will be organized in key areas, and LED signs, megaphones, whistles, and strong lighting equipment will be used for emergency evacuations. Prompt intervention and contact with on-site paramedics will occur in cases of overcrowding or falling incidents.

Taiwanese Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) plans to open a factory in Japan’s Kumamoto precinct on Feb. 24, 2023, according to Japanese daily newspaper Kumamoto Nichinichi Shimbun. Construction of the plant began in April 2022, with mass production expected by the end of 2024. The office building at the Kumamoto site has already started operations, and manufacturing equipment installation began in October 2021. TSMC has previously expressed Kumamoto as the preferred location for a second factory in Japan, likely adjacent to the original plant. The factory is expected to employ approximately 1,700 people, and staff recruitment efforts are progressing smoothly.

In this story, Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih expresses disapproval of foreign influence in Taiwan’s elections during a presidential debate. Hou criticizes the Anti-Infiltration Act and the potential politicization of the judiciary. He accuses Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator Chao Tien-lin of pro-China bias without legal consequences and hints at undisclosed reception from Chinese authorities during Lai Ching-te’s visit to mainland China in 2017. Hou questions the DPP’s double standards and openly scrutinizes Lai, demanding their stance on U.S. disapproval of Taiwan’s independence. He labels Lai as a ＂pragmatic worker of Taiwan independence.＂

The Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, listed the ten major policy failures of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) during a livestream presidential debate. These failures include ineffective energy policies, food safety violations, deteriorated public security, debt burdening future generations, critical issues in people’s livelihoods, housing injustice, rising cross-strait military threats, plummeting wages, skyrocketing house prices, and ineffective pandemic responses. Hou elaborated on specific examples such as solar power corruption, tainted food black market dealings, overspending on ＂forward-looking＂ infrastructures, a lack of electricity and water, regulatory failure in the National Communications Commission (NCC), failed social housing policies, the threatening potential of military conflict, income inequality at a ten-year high, and around 20,000 deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hou expressed regret over his opponent, DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign methods, accusing him of slander and displaying incompetence and unscrupulousness. Hou confirmed his opposition to Taiwanese independence while claiming that Lai advocated for it. He also criticized former Taipei Mayor and current Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je for not responding to this issue. Hou emphasized his lifelong pledge to remain loyal to the Republic of China’s flag and safeguard Taiwan’s democratic freedom.

Popular Taiwanese band Mayday received encouragement from Executive Yuan Premier Chen Chien-jen to continue giving strength, despite pressure from China to endorse the ＂One China＂ stance. Chen criticized China’s use of false information to attack the world. Mayday is feeling pressure from the Chinese government ahead of the presidential election. Chen praised Mayday for their creative contributions under Taiwan’s culture of freedom, democracy, diversity, and openness. Legislator-at-large candidate Puma Shen of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) also highlighted China’s interference in nations worldwide, including luring artists to develop in China and gradually dictating their speech. Shen explained that these tactics typically last from three to six years, causing victims to fall prey to China’s united front tactics.

As Taiwan’s elections approach, voter concerns over low wages and the Labor Insurance Fund’s bankruptcy are at the forefront. Labor groups criticize major parties for inadequate labor reforms, with a focus on enhancing labor rights and wages.

President Tsai Ing-wen, at Zhonghe’s Haishan Palace, praised the adoption of her political approach by opposition parties and emphasized the suitability of DPP candidates Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim for implementing her policies. She highlighted Taiwan’s significant export growth and infrastructure investment, and responded to opposition criticism on spending, ahead of the Jan. 13 elections.

The Minister of Education, Pan Wen-chung, has announced measures to ensure school safety following a brutal throat-slitting incident at a New Taipei City school. Premier Chen Chien-jen has directed the education ministry to provide psychological aid for students and staff, as well as enhance personnel and funding. Representatives from the Judicial Yuan, six municipalities, civil organizations, teachers, and parents will collaborate to prevent future tragedies. The government plans to reevaluate counseling and assessment mechanisms in intermediary education. Additionally, the potential addition of security staff in schools is being discussed. The assailant student has been detained, and the investigation will proceed according to the Juvenile Justice Act.

近年來關於難民的電影枚不勝舉，從獲得柏林影展金熊獎的《美麗新世界》（In This World...）和《海上焰火》（Fire at Sea），到今年大獲好評、雙雙於威尼斯影展獲獎並入圍歐洲電影獎年度影片的《少年的漂浪旅程》（Io Capitano）和《邊境無間》（Green Border），澳洲導演班勞倫斯（Ben Lawrence）的首部劇情長片《心靈殘骸》（Hearts and Bones），便是另一部聚焦於戰亂難民議題的重要作品。

The Ministry of Education (MOE) has released the registration rates for first-year students at various tertiary institutions for the academic year 112. Out of the 29 universities, 10 have achieved a 100% registration rate, while 19 have fallen short of the 60% mark. Surprisingly, as of 2023, 112 universities had at least one department with zero registered new students, including prestigious institutions like National Taiwan University (NTU). NTU alone had five departments without any registered doctoral students, namely the Department of Drama and Theater, Department of Geography, Institute of Oceanography, Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, and the Doctoral Program in Microbiology. Other academic institutions with departments lacking registered students include National Tsing Hua University, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, National Cheng Kung University, and National Chengchi University. Kao Yuan University had the lowest new student registration rate at just 15.7% for the 112 academic year. The only national institution that did not meet the registration standards was the National Taitung Junior College, with a rate below 60%.

Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kwo-tsai, announced that worker rights and disputes in Taiwan Railway will be handled by a board of directors once it becomes a company on Jan. 1, 2024. This marks a departure from the current practice where the Minister has jurisdiction over such matters. The transition will be commemorated with a plaque unveiling ceremony at Taipei Station, signifying Taiwan Railway’s separation from the administrative agency Taiwan Railways Administration. Wang expressed optimism for a fresh start, including the resolution of debt, enhanced safety protocols, and more flexible systems. In response to concerns raised by the Taiwan Railway Labor Union regarding employee vacation rights and driver treatment, Wang stated that decisions will be made by Taiwan Railway as a company. Wang also addressed worries about a potential retirement wave among senior maintenance staff, emphasizing that retirement is a normal occurrence in all workplaces and that the inclusion of younger employees could lead to improved performance.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Culture (MOC) has announced that the eligibility for its ＂culture points＂ system will be expanded starting in 2024. The age range will be widened to include individuals aged 16 to 22, compared to the current range of 18 to 21. These points can be redeemed for cultural activities and goods and will be distributed from January 20, 2024. Each person will be able to claim the points seven times in their lifetime, starting at age 16, and the points will remain valid until December 31, 2024. The culture points can be utilized for various cultural activities such as watching local films, performances, buying books, visiting museums, and engaging in other forms of creative cultural consumption. The uptake rate for the culture points in 2023 was 80%, and it is expected to become a regular policy incorporated into the MOC’s annual budget from 2024 onwards. The number of recipients for culture points is projected to increase significantly from one million to 1.5 million in 2024.

Chunghwa Express Co. is set to discuss performance bonuses and collective agreements at an upcoming board meeting in an effort to resolve ongoing labor disputes and prevent potential strikes. The company’s union has warned of continued protests and strikes if a collective agreement is not signed, following a dispute over low wages and performance bonuses. Union members recently staged a sit-in protest at the campaign headquarters of a presidential candidate, leading to their forcible removal by riot police. The union hopes that a collective agreement can be reached promptly to protect employee rights, but has declared that it will not accept the board’s consideration of annual performance bonuses alone. If no resolution is reached, strike actions could disrupt check and document distribution at 1,400 local bank branches ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Taiwanese actress Ivy Shao shares adorable photos with boyfriend Wu Kang-ren, the new Best Actor winner at the Golden Horse Awards, on Facebook. The couple, dating for over three years, enjoyed a romantic Christmas date in Taipei’s Xinyi District. Shao playfully mocks Wu’s photography skills in the pictures, but fans still find her stunning and express support for him.

A Taiwanese staff sergeant is in critical condition after losing signs of life while running during training. The Army Education, Training and Doctrine Development Command has dispatched senior officers to address the issue and has contacted the sergeant’s family. Despite receiving treatment at a hospital, the sergeant remains in a coma. The command is working closely with the hospital to provide the best medical care and will continue to prioritize the safety of other servicemen through winter health education and exercise risk management.

A male student in New Taipei City was stabbed to death by a schoolmate following a verbal altercation. The preliminary autopsy revealed that the victim had suffered 10 potentially lethal wounds, including knife wounds in his neck, left chest, and right lower back. Six slashes were in the front, including one to his carotid artery, and four were near his kidney. The attack occurred after a female student entered the victim’s classroom and was questioned by him about her presence. She brought back a male student from her grade to settle the dispute, who then stabbed the victim five times with a switchblade, causing extensive bleeding. The victim received ECMO treatment for five hours at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital but was pronounced dead 34 hours after the incident. The New Taipei District Prosecutors Office is considering investigating the assailant for homicide or manslaughter based on the autopsy results and evidence from the scene.

Q Burger, a restaurant chain in Taipei, is making waves with its generous end-of-year bonus of up to 27.8 months for staff. In addition, the company plans to increase salaries by 23.4% in 2024, aiming to break away from the low-paying norms of the industry. Newly hired employees can expect a high basic salary of up to NT＄35,000, while reserve executives start at NT＄37,000. To address regional differences in living costs, Q Burger is also offering a substantial regional subsidy, with store employees in Taipei receiving an extra NT＄4,000 per month. In a unique move to motivate employees, the company has introduced the ＂Dream Reward Plan,＂ which grants 20% of net profits to store chiefs. Q Burger’s success is evident, with its expansion to 340 stores across Taiwan and over one million app members in 2023.

According to a recent poll conducted by ETtoday, the ＂Lai-Hsiao＂ (Lai Ching-te, Hsiao Bi-khim) ticket of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is leading in Taiwan’s presidential election in 2024 with 38.1% of voter support. The ＂Hou-Jaw＂ (Hou Yu-ih) ticket of the Kuomintang (KMT) follows closely behind with 34.8%, while the ＂Ko-Wu＂ (Ko Wen-je, Cynthia Wu) ticket of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) stands at 19.2%. The approval rating for the Lai-Hsiao ticket has increased by 1.9 percentage points since the last poll, while the Hou-Jaw ticket has remained constant, and the Ko-Wu ticket has experienced a slight decrease of 1.5 points. As a result, the gap between Lai and Hou has grown from 1.4 to 3.3 points. In terms of demographics, Lai is leading in Taiwan’s southern regions and among people aged 40-49, with respective approval ratings of 49.7% and 38.1%. Hou, on the other hand, is leading in the north, outlying eastern islands, and among those aged 60 and older, with approval ratings at 38.6%, 42.5%, and 52.7%, respectively. Ko is leading among younger voters aged 20-39. Lai’s support has seen a significant increase of 15.9 points among voters aged 50-59, indicating improvement in a previously weaker demographic. However, Lai’s support has decreased by 20 points among DPP supporters. In contrast, Hou’s support has remained steady, and Ko’s approval has surged by 10.6 points among pan-DPP supporters. The poll was conducted on December 25-26, surveying Taiwanese aged 20 and older about the 2024 presidential elections. The sample size was 1,618, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.44% and a confidence level of 95%.

Discover the times for sunrise and sunset on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Taiwan. The latest sunset on the main island will be at 5:24:49 p.m. at the ＂Chi-Ku＂ sea wall in Tainan City. On outlying islands, the latest sunset will occur at 5:29:16 p.m. on the L18 Stronghold beach on Lieyu island. As for the first glimmer of dawn’s light, it will appear at 6:32:32 a.m. on Taitung’s Orchid Island and at 6:35:02 a.m. at the Pingtung Hengchun Longkeng Ecological Reserve on the main island.

A junior high school student in New Taipei City has tragically died after being stabbed by another student. The victim suffered five knife wounds to his neck and lungs, despite receiving emergency treatment at the hospital. The incident occurred after a female student, who felt rebuked by the victim, recruited a male student to retaliate. The victim was stabbed twice in the lungs and neck, resulting in significant blood loss. Speculation of his death was confirmed by the Education Department. Following this incident, the department has pledged to strengthen measures to ensure student safety, including dispatching counselors and social workers for follow-up guidance and collaboration with police agencies. The Education Department is also providing support to the victim’s family through legal consultation and coordination with relevant departments. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance teachers’ campus security capabilities.

Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao is set to appear in Taipei District Court on Wednesday, December 27, as the defendant in two separate legal matters. In the morning case, Kao is accused of defamation by Tario Ong, a business professor at Western Washington University, who claimed on social media that Kao’s doctoral thesis contained unreferenced data from the Institute for Information Industry. After Kao reported Ong for aggravated defamation and the prosecutor chose not to indict, Ong filed a countersuit. In the afternoon case, Kao is facing charges of fraudulently claiming assistant fees during her time as a legislator. The Taipei District Prosecutor’s Office has charged Kao with fraudulently obtaining NT＄460,030 in wages and overtime pay for her assistants, resulting in charges of embezzlement and forgery. The courtroom may face an overflow of observers from the Hsinchu City Government. The cases are ongoing with further developments pending.

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai has hinted that the large inflatable artwork ＂Rubber Duck＂ by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman may be exhibited once again in Kaohsiung. The preparations are currently underway, and the exact details will be announced after completion. The Rubber Duck previously attracted over 3.9 million visitors during its 32-day exhibition at the Kaohsiung Glory Pier harbor in 2013, increasing Kaohsiung’s international visibility and sparking a nationwide ＂Rubber Duck＂ fever in Taiwan. The possible re-exhibition is the result of efforts by then-Deputy Mayor Lee Yung-te and Information Bureau Director Lai Jui-lung, among others.

A student in New Taipei City stabbed his classmate five times over a dispute involving another student, leaving the victim in critical condition. The father of the accused student expressed a desire to visit the victim’s family at the hospital but was declined due to limited visiting hours and the victim’s unconscious state. The injured student was immediately put on ECMO at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital and, although his vital signs have recovered, he remains unconscious. The culprit has been detained in a reform facility, while the other student involved is under the guardianship of an appointed adult. This incident has raised concerns about school safety and youth violence.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance clarifies that the property at Lai Ching-te’s permanent residence was not illegally transferred from public to private ownership. The Finance National Property Administration states that land registry data show the property has always been privately owned and has no record of being expropriated from state ownership. Accusations of profiteering corruption against Lai by former legislator Chiu Yi and media personality Mao Chia-ching are refuted by the FNP, which reiterates that the land has been privately owned since 1940 with no records of state ownership or transfer.

The Taiwan Higher Education Union (THEU) has criticized the government for playing a false game with wage increases. While civil servants, including military and education personnel, are set to receive a 4 percent pay increase next year, over 21,000 technical and administrative staff at universities, about 70 percent, remain unsure of their raises. This uncertain group includes employees at private universities. The THEU believes that the government should not leave salaries of non-certified staff to the discretion of universities, as it causes division and lowers morale. Only around 9,000 public employees out of the approximately 31,000 full-time staff members at universities and colleges are certain about their pay rise next year. The THEU is concerned that the hardships of grassroots workers in tertiary education institutions are being overlooked amidst the upcoming presidential elections. They urge that national wage increases should apply to all university staff, with appropriate subsidies provided.