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Alexander Yui, Taiwan’s new representative to the United States, arrived in Washington D.C. on Monday (Dec. 11), to assume his post. Ingrid Larson, the managing director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), welcomed him at the airport. Yui’s arrival follows the resignation of former representative Hsiao Bi-khim on Nov. 20. Yui, who had recently become the top envoy to the EU and Belgium, was chosen to replace Hsiao. Yui emphasized security, economic and trade cooperation, and Taiwan’s international space as the key aspects of Taiwan-U.S. relations. He highlighted the need to safeguard Taiwan’s upcoming election from external influences. Yui committed to deepening Taiwan-U.S. relations by building on Hsiao’s work and collaborating with his embassy team. Laura Rosenberger, chair of AIT, expressed confidence in Yui’s experience and anticipated further development and strengthening of the bilateral partnership.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim emphasized the importance of the DPP holding a majority in the legislature to ensure continuous progress for Taiwan. Speaking at a women’s support group event in Tucheng District, Hsiao highlighted her past achievements, including signing the inaugural agreements of the U.S.-Taiwan Initiative on 21st-Century Trade. She also mentioned that talks to prevent double taxation with the U.S. are nearing completion, which will enhance bilateral trade relations. Hsiao stressed the DPP government’s commitment to establishing friendly and commercial ties with the international community, urging a broader perspective beyond the focus on the 1992 Consensus. She expressed confidence in the foreign policy direction under President Tsai Ing-wen’s administration and the potential for a Lai-Hsiao team to continue this diplomatic route. Hsiao emphasized the symbolic significance of drawing number two in the election draw, representing integrity and steady advancement, and portraying the elections as a testament to Taiwan’s democratic strength. She reiterated the importance of a legislative majority for the DPP to implement stable and progressive policies, reducing resource drain from cross-party conflicts.

Starting September 2024, Taipei’s male junior high school students will receive the 9-valent Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for free, as announced by the Taipei City Department of Health. The aim of this initiative is to enhance herd immunity, reduce HPV infections, and lower the incidence of related cancers by vaccinating both male and female students. With a vaccination rate of 91% among junior high school girls in 2021, the Health Commissioner decided to extend the program to boys. Consent from students and parents will be required, and a health assessment will be conducted by a physician. Vaccination sites will be set up in 93 schools, and there are also 115 contracted medical institutions available for students who cannot receive the vaccine at school. The vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing infections and reducing the risk of related cancers is supported by medical studies. The World Health Organization recommends that 90% of girls under 15 receive the HPV vaccine, with boys included as a secondary priority group. The Health Promotion Administration has been providing the vaccine to female junior high students at public expense since 2018, establishing a strong foundation for safeguarding boys against HPV as well.

The renowned Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band, also known as the ＂Orange Devils,＂ has returned to Taiwan in December after gaining a fervent fan base. Known for their vibrant and smile-filled performance style, the band made a memorable mark during last year’s National Day celebrations. The ’Orange Devils’ have planned flash mob events and are scheduled to hold their premiere concert at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. The band expressed their happiness about visiting Taiwan and their anticipation of meeting with the Taiwanese audience again. The visit aims to fortify cultural exchanges between Taiwan and Japan, as expressed by Huang Chun-chieh, the General Manager of a Taiwanese food brand. To enhance the band members’ experience in Taiwan, arrangements have been made for them to tour distinctive local scenic spots. Upon their arrival on the evening of December 9, the Kyoto Tachibana High School Band immediately showcased their signature enthusiasm and energy. The visit is expected to entertain their Taiwanese fans and continue strengthening the cultural bridges between the two nations.

Kuomintang (KMT) Chairman Eric Chu aims to secure a parliamentary majority and form a coalition government with the assistance of the Hou-Jaw ticket. Chu believes that voters will intelligently concentrate their votes at the last moment. The aversion to the Hou-Jaw ticket among competing candidates is relatively low at 13.6 percent, making it the second choice for many voters. The KMT is focused on obtaining over half of the parliamentary seats and establishing a coalition government. The party’s youngest group of legislative at-large candidates, averaging 47 years of age, reflects a youthful push in the KMT’s legislative presence. In the presidential race, the KMT is unwavering in its support for its nominated candidate Hou Yu-ih and vows to fight fiercely to unseat the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) with the wisdom of the electorate.

Investment trust companies in Taiwan, such as Jih Sun Investment Trust, Yuanta Investment Trust, Allianz Investment Trust, Taishin Investment Trust, First Investment Trust, and Cathay Investment Trust, are currently offering time-limited promotions that waive fund handling fees. These promotions, aimed at taking advantage of a bullish global financial market, include 0% transaction fees for regular savings plans and single payments. By focusing on Taiwan stock funds and funds invested in Vietnam, global industries, technology, and multi-asset classes, these companies are providing investors with opportunities to reduce investment costs. With an estimated profit of NT＄3.4 trillion for Taiwan’s listed companies in 2024, a potential growth of 10% to 20% compared to 2023, and strong performance expected in the fourth quarter, the investment landscape in Taiwan looks promising.

Discover the groundbreaking ＂Taiwan as a Pioneer＂ (TAP) project, a four-year research initiative by Trier University, Bochum University, and Tuebingen University, aimed at elevating Taiwan studies in Europe. Supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the project has already made significant progress, including workshops, fieldwork in Green Island, and funding for scholars’ trips to Taiwan. With a budget of approximately NT＄68 million, TAP seeks to enhance the profile of Taiwan research, while a handbook on Taiwan research methodologies is set to be published by 2025, marking a milestone in European academia.

Taiwan’s manufacturing sector shows signs of recovery with increased overtime hours in October, according to the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics (DGBAS). Manufacturers’ overtime climbed to 15.4 hours, a 1.6-hour increase from the previous year, marking continuous growth over four months and a return to 2021 levels. The average regular wage from January to October 2022 was NT$45,441, a 2.49% year-over-year increase. The total average salary within the same period was NT$59,270, up by 1.53%. However, when adjusted for inflation, the real average regular earnings only inched up 0.06%, and the real total earnings witnessed a slip of 0.87% year-over-year, the first negative growth in nearly seven years. This decline in total real wages is attributed to tepid exports and the rising cost of living. Employment in the industrial and service sectors stood at 8.19 million people as of October, with a slight increase compared to September 2021 and largely unchanged from October 2021. The service sector gained 41,000 employees in October, offsetting the decrease in the industrial sector. Throughout the first ten months of 2022, the average number of employed workers was 8.175 million, with the accommodation and food services and arts, entertainment, and recreational services sectors seeing new hires while the manufacturing sector lost jobs. In October 2022 alone, the average regular salary for employed workers was NT$45,564, a 2.31% annual rise, and the average total wage for the month was NT$51,143, a 1.35% increase from the previous year.

Taiwan experiences a significant temperature drop as reported by the Central Weather Administration (CWA) on December 12th. Northern Taiwan sees a sharp decline in daytime highs, reaching around 18 to 19 degrees Celsius, with a damp and chilly atmosphere worsening at night. The cooler temperatures are attributed to the passing of a cold front and a strengthening northeastern monsoon. Central and southern Taiwan witness pronounced day-to-night temperature variations, with highs ranging from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius and lows falling between 20 and 22 degrees. Eastern Taiwan also experiences a cold snap, with top temperatures around 24 degrees Celsius. Sporadic, short-lived rainfall is expected in certain areas, while others will see mostly clear to cloudy skies. Gusty winds are predicted in open coastal areas, and the air quality may be affected by pollutants carried by northeastern winds. The air quality index rates different regions of Taiwan, with Yilan, Hualien-Taitung, and Penghu having ＂good＂ levels, while other areas are rated ＂moderate＂ or may experience ＂orange alert＂ levels.

Taiwan’s Minister of Economic Affairs, Wang Mei-hua, has confirmed that discussions will soon take place with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) regarding the inauguration date for its Kumamoto fab. The progress of TSMC’s Kumamoto fab is said to be outpacing other global expansion efforts. Wang expressed gratitude for the support provided by Japan’s central and local government authorities in establishing the plant. Equipment installation is already underway at TSMC’s Kumamoto site, with trial production set to begin in April 2024. The opening ceremony may be scheduled as early as February 24. Wang emphasized the importance of reinforcing cooperation between Taiwan and Japan, particularly in the semiconductor supply chain, and encouraged mutual investment to foster closer bilateral relations.

Former legislator Julian Kuo warns that the DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te may struggle to secure over 50% of the vote in Tainan due to recent scandals. Kuo criticizes the DPP for ＂fueling moral panic＂ to gain electoral support but suggests that this strategy may not be effective in 2024. Despite leading in most polls, Lai’s lead over KMT candidate Hou Yu-ih is narrowing. Kuo points out that if the DPP continues to rely on Tainan as a decisive battleground, Lai could become the party’s presidential candidate with the lowest vote tally in the region. The scandals mentioned include illegal dumping of slag on farmlands in 2015, Cihji Temple head shootings in Syuejia, and the solar panel controversy in Cigu last year, all involving local officials associated with the DPP. While Kuo predicts Tainan will be critical in the 2024 election, legislator Lin Chun-hsien expects Lai Ching-te to win at least 60% of the vote there, highlighting a divide in expectations within the party.

The Superstar Christmas Concert in New Taipei concluded with captivating performances by Taiwanese singer Sam Lee and actor-singer Nick Chou (NICKTHEREAL). The event featured an impressive lineup of renowned singers and bands, delighting fans who filled the venue. Chou’s rendition of his hit song ＂Handsome to Break Up＂ ignited the crowd, while Sam Lee, known as the ＂Taiwanese Prince of Love Songs,＂ mesmerized the audience with his performances of ＂The Night Sky Under Your Eye＂ and ＂Absolute Infatuation.＂ The atmosphere was enhanced by the audience, who created a starry night effect using their cellphone flashlights. Another standout moment was singer and rapper OSN’s rendition of his classic song ＂Without You,＂ which prompted a massive sing-along among fans. The two-day concert at New Taipei Fun Christmas City set a festive tone for the upcoming Christmas season, with fans eagerly cheering for their favorite artists.

The TVBS Charity Foundation hosted its fifth fundraising party in Fengshan, Kaohsiung, in collaboration with the Chinese Christian Relief Association (CCRA). Over a hundred participants gathered to review the spread of love in Kaohsiung and Pingtung, with the theme of ＂Sharing Endless Love＂ at the heart of the event. The party aimed to express gratitude to churches, social welfare workers, and beneficiaries for their collaboration throughout the year. Kaohsiung City Government Deputy Secretary-General Chang Chiah-sing thanked the TVBS Foundation and the city government’s Social Affairs Bureau for their continuous support, which has aided local social charities and cared for about 12,000 middle and low-income households. Pastor Wang Chung-wu of The Presbyterian Church in Taiwan shared that the ＂Endless Love＂ project helped approximately 100 households, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of brothers and sisters. President Chen Wen-ch’i of the TVBS Foundation expressed gratitude to Jesus for allowing everyone to understand the meaning of love and the essence of Christmas, while acknowledging the event’s role in expanding the power of love.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yi-ih and his running mate Chao Shao-kang held a rally in Hualien, drawing a crowd of thousands. Former President Ma Ying-jeou also made an appearance. The event, organized by KMT Legislator Fu Kun-chi, saw around 50,000 participants. Hou emphasized his plans to improve local infrastructure and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) and its vice presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim for opposing the island-wide rapid broadband project. KMT Chairman Eric Chu praised the unity displayed in Hualien. The collaboration between Fu and Ma at the rally signifies a reconciled front leading up to the election.

The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) campaign headquarters head, Huang Shan-shan, revealed internal polling data on the TPP’s Ko-Ying ticket, claiming they rank second in the presidential race. The Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai-Hsiao ticket leads with a 29.9% support rate, followed closely by the Ko-Ying ticket at 27.6%, with the Kuomintang’s (KMT) Hou-Kang ticket trailing at 24.3%. However, this tactic was criticized by Shih Hsin University communications professor Yu Tzu-hsiang, who accused Huang of engaging in propaganda. Professor Yu suggested that the KMT’s unified force has gained momentum, contrasting with TPP candidate Ko Wen-je’s declining support after the failed KMT-TPP coalition. Yu argued that Ko should focus on vigorous campaign activities to garner public and media attention rather than relying on internal polls.

Taiwanese singer and actress Vivian Hsu and Singaporean businessman Li Yun-feng have announced the end of their nine-year marriage. Despite their best efforts, the couple was unable to resolve their differences and recently signed a divorce agreement. The strain of the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced them into a long-distance relationship, along with personality differences, contributed to their split. Speculation about their marriage began last September, and Hsu hinted at her unhappiness in a recent social media post.

The Tourist Administration of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) organized a two-day event at the Toronto Eaton Centre in Canada, showcasing Taiwan’s attractions. The event featured various activities, including VR experiences, calligraphy bookmark crafting, pinball games, indigenous beadwork, and oil-paper umbrella painting workshops. The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto reported a significant increase in Canadian visitors to Taiwan, with a 1366.17 percent rise compared to the previous year. However, the number of visitors has not yet returned to pre-COVID-19 levels. In an effort to boost tourism, Taiwan has waived visa requirements for Canadians, positioning itself as an ideal winter getaway. Taiwan’s picturesque mountains, coastlines, and diverse urban and small-town landscapes make it a perfect destination for leisurely exploration.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses gratitude to ministers from five diplomatic allies for advocating for Taiwan at COP28. Leaders from Paraguay, Palau, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Tuvalu, and Eswatini voiced support for Taiwan at the World Climate Summit, marking another step forward for Taiwan’s international backing. Haiti’s Minister of Environment acknowledged Taiwan’s dedication to addressing climate change, while the Marshall Islands’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade affirmed Taiwan’s deserving of observer status in such forums. Guatemala’s Minister of Environment and Natural Resources showcased Taiwan’s contributions to climate change efforts, and Nauru’s Deputy Minister of Climate Change & National Resilience appreciated Taiwan’s support for the Just Transition fund in the Pacific. Taiwan emphasizes its eagerness to work with allies and urges the global community to support its meaningful participation in the UNFCCC.

19-year-old Lee died in a head-on collision while riding her motorcycle the wrong way on the Taipei Huanhe Expressway. The crash occurred around 2 a.m. when Lee’s motorcycle collided with a minibus driven by a 44-year-old man surnamed Piao. Lee was critically injured and pronounced dead at the National Taiwan University Hospital (NTUH) at 3:54 a.m. Both drivers were not under the influence of alcohol. The exact cause of the accident and assignment of responsibilities are currently under investigation by the police.

Kuomintang (KMT) legislator-at-large candidate Han Kuo-yu challenges the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to dismantle the Tainan Confucius Temple, which has been established since the Ming dynasty, if they intend to sever the roots of Chinese culture. Han expresses solidarity with a teacher involved in the ＂108 Curriculum＂ dispute and highlights the 2,500-year influence of Confucius, emphasizing the importance of Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism in Taiwan. He raises concerns about the future of education and the ideological direction for the next generation if the classics of Chinese literature were removed from the national curriculum.

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.

A security incident at a university in Taoyuan City has raised concerns about campus safety measures. Following the attack on four students, it was discovered that surveillance cameras were absent in the school’s administrative building corridors. In response, the university administration plans to increase patrols, install additional surveillance cameras, and identify 14 potentially dangerous areas on campus. The school has also installed panic buttons in restrooms and emergency phones next to elevators to enhance emergency response measures. Students are advised to avoid roaming alone or leaving the campus late and to be aware of potential safety risks. The incident occurred when a man unlawfully entered the campus and assaulted a clerk before attacking four students. Wang, the assailant, was subdued by students and campus security personnel until police arrived and took him into custody.

The recent debate over the removal of classical Chinese literature from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education’s 108 Curriculum has sparked diverse opinions among students at National Taiwan University (NTU). In a student-led poll on Dcard, 38% of participants supported a teacher’s criticism of the curriculum reform, arguing that classical literature is an essential part of Mandarin education. On the other hand, 24% of students opposed the importance of classical texts, viewing them as pedantic Confucian brainwashing. Interestingly, 39% of students abstained from taking a strong stance, humorously identifying themselves as ＂engineering majors too busy with homework to have an opinion.＂ Student comments highlighted the complexity of the issue, with some emphasizing the importance of classical Chinese in enhancing writing skills and its philosophical value, while others expressed concerns about a potential lack of cultural depth in young people if literary content is reduced.

A fire broke out at the Gangshan Incinerator in Kaohsiung’s Gangshan District early Sunday, with no reported casualties or individuals trapped. Firefighters are battling the blaze amid mounds of smoldering garbage. The fire erupted on Bengong 5th Road, prompting a large-scale emergency response. 29 fire engines with 60 firefighters and 28 volunteers, alongside four fire-fighting robots, were dispatched to the scene. The fire was involved with a waste storage pit, but no injuries were reported among personnel. The flames were brought under control by around 1:53 a.m., but due to the extensive amount of waste still smoldering and spatial limitations, firefighters are still working on extinguishing the fire.

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.