FACE 結果共233筆

Renowned human rights lawyer Chen Chun-han, a legislator-at-large from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), passed away at the age of 40 due to complications from a cold. Despite living with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), Chen earned law doctorates from National Taiwan University, Harvard University, and the University of Michigan. DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming and his office are assisting with the funeral arrangements to ensure Chen’s life ends on a fulfilling note. Chen’s passing has left many in shock and mourning, not only for his political role but also for his exceptional contributions as a champion of life in the face of adversity.

Learn about the decline in Taiwan’s Chinese medicinal herb stores as generational shifts impact the industry. Explore how some shops are innovating amidst challenges in licensing and education.

Amid Taiwan’s Lunar New Year, pet owners face booking difficulties and soaring prices at pet hotels. Tsen Chi-ying, a cat hotel manager, highlights the rising costs and limited capacity, prompting pet owners to seek alternative care solutions.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump pledges to reapply tariffs on Chinese goods, potentially exceeding 60%, if he wins the November presidential election. He offers no clear answer on whether he would assist Taiwan in the event of a Chinese attack. Trump plans on imposing a 60% tariff on Chinese goods, a number that may increase. He is leading in the Republican primary and is expected to face incumbent President Joe Biden in November. Trump imposed tariffs amounting to US$250 billion on Chinese imported goods during his term, sparking a trade war. Biden retained Trump’s tariff policy and banned the export of advanced semiconductors and semiconductor production equipment. Trump disputes rumors of another trade war with China, stating that he has handled all matters related to China well. He also criticizes Taiwan for taking semiconductor jobs from the U.S. and suggests imposing tariffs and trade barriers on Taiwan.

Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) has fined Taichung Bank NT$12 million for ineffective internal control systems and violations of banking regulations. The bank’s chairman, Wang Kuei-fong, allegedly diverted NT$1 billion in public funds, resulting in his arrest and bail set at NT$15 million. The FSC discovered that Taichung Bank’s insurance subsidiaries had close ties to specific credit customers and their related companies, leading to questionable trading decisions and unsatisfactory internal controls. Wang will be suspended for three months and may face additional fines. The issue was uncovered during a financial inspection in February 2023. Taichung Bank had been leasing aircraft since 2020 to expand overseas business, but neglected their utilization for 13 months, leading to inappropriate decision-making. The bank also leased high-priced official cars for VIP pickups at a monthly rate of NT$820,000, but the vehicles were only used twice during the lease period, raising concerns about cost-effectiveness.

The Travel Quality Assurance Association warns that if EVA Air pilots go on strike during the Lunar New Year holidays, it would have a significant impact on travel agencies as all airlines have already filled their fleet. The strike is planned for the Lunar New Year period from Feb. 7-18 and the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays from March 30 to April 7. Travel agencies would face challenges in adjusting operations and relocating passengers if the strike occurs. Limited alternatives would be available for travel agencies during the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays, and managing already-sold bookings would require separate action. The exact date of the strike will only be informed 24 hours prior, although the pilots’ union has announced the duration. The association’s spokesman, Ringo Lee, suggests implementing a strike notice period similar to the Danish model, which allows for a month’s advance notice of strike action.

The first group of conscripts for the one-year compulsory military service in Taipei enlisted on January 25. These 670 young men will undergo an eight-week enlistment training. The extension of mandatory military service, approved by President Tsai Ing-wen last year, has posed emotional challenges for many young couples. Girlfriends accompanied their conscripted boyfriends to the Department of Compulsory Military Service’s Alternative Service Center, offering encouragement and expressing hope that military service would help their partners overcome bad habits and become more responsible. Despite the year-long separation, conscripts expressed faith in their relationships, although they couldn’t help but worry about the lack of constant communication. Various girlfriends reassured their worried boyfriends, saying, ＂Don’t worry!＂ The Ministry of National Defense stated that the decision to extend mandatory service was influenced by changing international situations, authoritarianism, defense combat needs, and the intensity of the four-month military training. It was also based on a comparative study of conscription systems in other countries.

KMT Legislator Fu Kun-chi pledges to protect the media from the NCC’s ＂oppression＂ and promises that if chosen as KMT caucus coordinator, NCC members must have opposition party consent before taking up their posts. Fu vows to allow the media to report freely and objectively without restrictions. He expresses readiness to confront the DPP caucus coordinator and intends to expose the DPP’s wrongdoings, including issues related to vaccines, face masks, and submarines. Fu emphasizes the need for opposition party solidarity against the ruling party and indicates open communication channels with Ko Wen-je.

A shipment of strawberries from Saitama, Japan has been found to have excessive pesticide residue, according to Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The imported strawberries, weighing a total of 3.5 kilograms, exceeded permitted pesticide levels. Deputy Director of the FDA, Lin Chin-fu, stated that all imported Japanese strawberries undergo 100% customs inspection. From July 15, 2023 to January 15, 2024, 2.3 metric tons of Japanese strawberries were discovered to contain pesticide residue. Out of 325 batches inspected, 14 failed the inspection, resulting in a failure rate of 4.31%. Since June 1, 2023, all shipments of strawberries from Japan to Taiwan have been subjected to batch-by-batch inspections. Japanese manufacturers failing inspections will face a one-month import suspension.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare has announced updates to its Rules of Medical Diagnosis and Treatment by Telecommunications, expanding telemedicine services to a larger population under certain conditions, effective July 1. Approximately 2.47 million individuals are expected to benefit from these changes. The updates aim to adapt to the post-COVID-19 healthcare landscape and extend the scope of telemedicine to five special situations, including chronic disease care, end-stage disease care, custody care in correctional facilities, care for the mobility challenged, and care during disasters, communicable diseases, or other significant changes. Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan clarified that not all patients can avail of telemedicine services, as evaluation by healthcare units is mandatory, and physicians who violate the rules may face a maximum fine of NT＄100,000. The new process combines physical outpatient services with telemedicine to reduce costs and time for patients requiring post-acute care, offering a convenient and seamless healthcare experience. The updated rules broaden the range of medical services that physicians can provide through telecommunication. Additionally, the Ministry has stated that doctors, after evaluating the patient’s stable condition, can now electronically prescribe medication for patients with chronic mental illnesses or in end-stage care, including regulated drugs like morphine.

冬天天氣冷颼颼，機車族人人必備一件保暖外套，尤其The North Face（北臉）防寒保暖效果佳，深受不少台灣人喜愛。一名男網友分享，女友趁Outlet打折買了2件北臉當情侶外套，得知打完折一件要6800元，他心疼女友破費就掏出7000元補貼，怎料穿出門後，卻被朋友認出是假貨，想找女友對質卻不讀不回，最後1年的感情也因此分手。

58% of part-time workers in Taiwan have faced wage issues, misleading job ads, and illicit contracts, according to a survey by Yes123 Job Bank. The platform advises job hunters to follow a list of ＂seven don’ts＂ and ＂four musts＂ to protect themselves. The survey also found that a record-breaking 87% of university students plan to work part-time over the winter break, with reasons including earning living expenses and gaining social experience. Of the respondents, 65% reported receiving wages lower than the government’s minimum wage, with some not even being insured. Only about 30% actively negotiated or reported these issues. Yes123 spokesman Yang Tsung-pin urged job seekers to prioritize labor rights and work safety.

During Taiwan’s presidential and legislative elections, President Tsai Ing-wen faced criticism after her official LINE account displayed election slogans of Lai Ching-te from the Democratic Progressive Party, leading to accusations of illegal campaigning. The image was later removed from the account. This incident prompted online users to question the authority of the Central Election Commission (CEC) and suggest filing complaints against the president. The CEC had previously warned that campaigning on social media platforms like LINE and Facebook was prohibited on polling day, with violators facing penalties ranging from NT＄100,000 to NT＄1 million. Political parties, candidates, and their employees or agents could face even higher penalties of NT＄200,000 to NT＄2 million. The investigation into this alleged violation could have significant financial consequences.

A barber in Changhua has gone viral after posting a video on Facebook of him shaving an image of Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je into a client’s hair. The detailed design, complete with Ko’s face, nose, eyes, glasses, suit, and tie, has sparked lively online discussions. The client had requested the unique haircut in preparation for attending an election rally for Ko Wen-je, but he has been advised by the Changhua County Election Commission to cover his hairdo, possibly with a cap, while voting due to rules prohibiting the display of candidate-related items within polling stations. This unconventional show of support for a presidential candidate has prompted discussions about the extreme measures other supporters are taking for their preferred candidates, such as a female enthusiast of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te surprising him with a sudden kiss during a photo, and supporters of Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih waving the national flag at his events. The hairstyle news is another example of the enthusiastic participation of Taiwanese citizens in the elections, showcasing their support in diverse and creative ways.

台灣冬天天氣都冷颼颼，不少人騎機車都會出動保暖的外套，尤其前幾年許多竹科工程師騎機車都愛穿「Superdry（極度乾燥）」，因此也成為成為了「園區制服」，不過就有網友發現最近大家都改穿The North Face（北臉），好奇問「現在園區制服是不是北臉？」，引起討論。

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has stated that Beijing is working to isolate Taiwan globally in response to criticisms made by Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih regarding Taiwan’s stagnant free trade agreements (FTA). During a presidential policy presentation, Hou criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for its unsatisfactory economic performance and the lack of progress in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. MOFA emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to global economic integration and bilateral economic cooperation, but highlighted the interference from China. MOFA believes that Taiwan’s ability to participate effectively in economic integration depends on its strength and global connections, especially as countries like the U.S. and European nations reassess their economic risks with China. MOFA urges all Taiwanese, regardless of political affiliation, to unite and enhance cooperation with like-minded nations in the face of external challenges.

The 2024 presidential election in Taiwan will feature a live televised debate among the candidates, including Lai Ching-te of the Democratic Progressive Party, Hou Yu-ih of the Kuomintang, and Ko Wen-je of Taiwan’s People Party. The debate will consist of four rounds, including candidate speeches, media inquiries, inter-candidate questioning, and conclusions. Lai has criticized the KMT-TPP joint ticket and urged viewers to support him, while Hou has been preparing intensively for the debate to communicate his election concepts and political views. Ko has expressed his intention to question Lai on promoting Taiwan’s independence without U.S. government support. The debate will be co-hosted by Liberty Times Net and other media outlets and will be aired on Public Television Service, with Hu Yuan-hui serving as the host.

South Korean actor Lee Sun-kyun was found deceased in his car on Wednesday (Dec. 27), shocking the South Korean entertainment industry. Promotional events and meetings for the movie ＂12.12: The Day＂ starring Jung Woo-sung and Hwang Jung-min have been canceled. The public press conference for the drama ＂Marry My Husband＂ starring Park Min-young has been postponed. Lee’s projects, ＂Silence＂ and ＂The Land of Happiness,＂ may now face delays. ＂Silence＂ had been invited to the Cannes Film Festival and was scheduled for release later this year or early next year. ＂The Land of Happiness＂ has been completed, with release times under consideration. Film distributors had planned to wait for the outcome of an investigation into Lee’s drug use allegations before deciding on the release date, but after his death, the timeline has become uncertain.

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.

Pesticide residue 60 times over the standard limit was found in green peppers at Nara Thai Cuisine in Taichung, according to the city’s Office of Food and Drug Safety. The investigation targeted popular dining businesses and specialty restaurants recommended by the media and online personalities, including those recommended by Michelin Guides and food shows. The office tested 48 food product samples and detected 0.6 ppm of pesticide (Profenofos) in the green peppers, which is 60 times the permissible limit of below 0.01 ppm. Authorities have demanded the restaurant to cease using the batch of green peppers and will transfer the case for further investigation. The restaurant could face fines ranging from NT＄60,000 to NT＄200 million under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation, while farmers inappropriately using pesticides can be fined from NT＄15,000 to NT＄150,000.

A young Taiwanese pangolin pays a surprise visit to a residence in Chiayi County, capturing hearts with adorable photos. The villa owner, Hsu Ming-wei, temporarily keeps the pangolin for its safety before releasing it in the nearby mountains. Estimated to weigh around 2.1 kilograms, the pangolin falls short of its adult weight of approximately 20 kilograms. Hsu believes that a group of pangolins likely resides near his property. While capturing pangolins is prohibited due to their protected status, Hsu will not face penalties for his well-intentioned actions. Shui Hui-ling, the head of animal science and conservation at the Chiayi County Agriculture Department, advises notifying authorities and providing video evidence when releasing such animals.

A female soldier from the 6th Army Corps of the Guandu Area Command in Taipei has become an online sensation after photos of her smiling and attractive appearance were posted on the ’Beauty’ section of the PTT site. The post, shared on Dec. 7, has received numerous responses, with social media users praising her beauty and friendly demeanor. Some have even suggested that she could be the face of military recruitment ads. Comparisons to Japanese actress Chie Tanaka have also been made. Despite the traditionally masculine image of the military, more women have been serving in the Taiwanese armed forces in recent years, reflecting societal progress. The attention this female soldier has received highlights the increasing trend of women in the military.

Students in Tucheng Precinct of New Taipei City Police Department who are found with harmful weapons like knives will face legal consequences under the Criminal Code of the Republic of China, Social Order Maintenance Act, and Juvenile Justice Act. Recently, a student named Kuo and a girl named Lin were arrested on suspicion of instigating a serious crime, and they are currently being investigated for an attempted murder case. They have been sent to a juvenile court for trial. Kuo, accused of slashing the throat of a classmate named Yang, has been detained, while Lin has been held responsible. In response to the incident, Tucheng police and the school have increased patrols on campus and provided psychological counseling for students who witnessed the event.

Taipei People’s Party (TPP) Vice Presidential candidate Cynthia Wu demonstrates her resilience on the campaign trail, drawing an analogy between her strategy and a surfer preparing for a big wave. Wu emphasizes her commitment to environmental efforts after attending a COP28 seminar. When asked about competing with Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Hsiao Bi-khim, Wu compares herself to a ＂standing cat,＂ highlighting her agility and readiness to face challenges head-on. She likens her entry into politics to surfing, stating that she chooses to bravely confront the big wave rather than run away, symbolizing her confrontational approach to the election campaign.

President Tsai Ing-wen emphasizes the need for a stable government in the face of future challenges in Taiwan. She expresses her hopes to entrust the nation to reliable individuals during her visit to Hsien Heng Temple. Tsai highlights the experience and comprehensive backgrounds of the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) presidential and vice-presidential candidates, Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Reflecting on her own tenure, Tsai acknowledges the public support that has strengthened Taiwan’s economy. She discusses global events such as the pandemic, the Ukraine-Russia war, and Taiwan’s drought, noting Taiwan’s resilience and growing international support. Tsai emphasizes the importance of maintaining a parliamentary majority and urges the public to support the Lai-Hsiao ticket and cast their party votes for the DPP for a brighter future for Taiwan.