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Weather experts have warned that a weak northeast monsoon will briefly impact Taiwan, resulting in temporary showers in the northern and eastern regions. Coastal winds will increase and central and southern regions will experience slightly cooler temperatures, but the effects are not significant. The weekend weather will return to warm and stable conditions. As the Lunar New Year holiday approaches, scattered early showers may occur in the north and center regions. On Monday, there may be brief showers across Taiwan with a decrease in high temperatures as a front passes. Starting from Tuesday next week, the weather will transition to a northeast monsoon pattern, but the incoming cold air is not strong and will mainly affect daytime temperatures on the windward side. From Wednesday evening to New Year’s Eve on Thursday next week, the South China rain area will move eastward, resulting in widespread rain nationwide and significantly lower temperatures.

Famed Hong Kong singer Jacky Cheung announces a historic run of nine concerts at Taipei Arena starting May 31, sparking excitement among fans. Cheung, one of Hong Kong’s ＂Four Heavenly Kings＂ of Cantopop, last performed in Taiwan in 2018, making his return highly anticipated. The ambitious nine-show stint in Taipei surpasses his previous record of six shows at the same venue. Despite being over 60, Cheung, known for his marathon of 24 consecutive shows in Hong Kong, believes that with adequate preparation, practice, and passion, a demanding performance schedule is manageable. Cheung’s illustrious career dates back to 1992, and he has been named Asia’s most popular singer by Billboard.

Following his defeat in the bid for the role of Legislative Yuan speaker, You Si-kun of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) has announced his resignation from legislative duties. The Kuomintang’s (KMT) Han Kuo-yu won the 11th Legislative Yuan speaker election by a slim margin of 54 votes to 51. The election for the deputy speaker is set to be a heated competition between Johnny Chiang of the KMT and Tsai Chi-chang of the DPP. You Si-kun’s resignation poses an additional challenge for the DPP in their quest for the deputy speaker role.

Starting this summer, Japan’s Yamanashi Prefecture plans to collect a pass fee of approximately NT＄426 from climbers visiting Mount Fuji to address the issue of overcrowding. The number of climbers will also be limited, with the daily figure capped at 4,000 individuals. If this limit is exceeded, the toll gate at the Yoshida Trail fifth station will be closed. Climbing will also be prohibited between 4 p.m. and 3 a.m. The funds generated by the toll will be used to construct refuge facilities in case of a volcanic eruption, as the Yoshida Trail had around 140,000 visitors in 2023. As the trail falls under the county road category, about 600 meters of the road near the fifth station is not subject to highway regulations, hence the imposition of climber fees as usage charges.

Taoyuan International Airport expects to handle 1.16 million passengers during the Lunar New Year holiday. To avoid congestion at security checkpoints, passengers are advised to arrive three hours before their flights. Terminal 1 will open eight security checkpoints, while Terminal 2 has 11 regular checkpoints and one for staff. The peak travel periods are Feb. 8-11 and Feb. 13, with daily passenger volume expected to exceed 130,000. This is a recovery to 90% of the pre-pandemic daily average in 2019. The Civil Aeronautics Administration has approved 210 additional flights, with the most on New Year’s Eve carrying an estimated 7,142 passengers.

During the Lunar New Year peak travel period, the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) reports that 73.7% of available reserved seats have been booked. To accommodate the surge in travelers, THSRC has added 461 train services, resulting in a 29.0% increase in transport capacity compared to regular days. Peak travel is expected between Feb. 11 and Feb. 14, and THSRC will adjust the number of unreserved cabins on some trains to serve more passengers. The company’s official website will provide information on popular schedules and available seats, as well as updates on crowd conditions at each station. THSRC advises passengers to book round-trip tickets in advance, with various ticket purchasing options available.

Taiwan’s political scene is abuzz as the Taiwan People’s Party nominates Huang Shan-shan for the legislative speaker’s role, potentially altering the landscape and setting the stage for a critical election.

Taiwanese actress Amanda Chu, 37, shares her arduous battle with cancer on ＂Super Night＂ and is praised as a ＂life fighter＂ by host Sam Tseng. Diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2021, Chu undergoes 18 rounds of chemotherapy, spending NT＄1.8 million on treatment, including 18 mastectomy and reconstructive surgeries. In September 2023, she triumphantly declares her victory over the disease. Chu’s journey is chronicled in prose, inspiring others with her courage and tenacity, while her return to work and regular check-ups every six months symbolize her heroic fight against cancer.

Premier Chen Chien-jen expresses his desire to return to academic research at Academia Sinica after May 20. He hopes to continue serving humanity through his academic pursuits, which have always been his passion. President-elect Lai Ching-te is confident in his well-thought-out arrangements for cabinet positions, aligning with the people’s expectations. Lai intends to recruit capable individuals for ministerial and agency head positions, regardless of their political affiliation.

Human rights lawyer Chen Chun-han, a legislative-at-large candidate for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), responds to a controversy involving the online talk show ＂The Night Night Show with Hello.＂ Chen appreciates the show’s apology for allowing mainland China media personality Wang Zhian to mimic disabled individuals, which was seen as a dig at the DPP and indirectly at Chen. Despite thinking the apology came late, Chen commends Hello and his production team for planning a special segment to discuss the issues faced by disabled and rare disease patients in Taiwan. Chen emphasizes that the core of the criticism lies in whether society can tolerate discrimination against the disabled and respect their right to political participation. He states that this is a human rights issue that transcends ideological and party lines. Chen also mentions that voters needn’t feel obligated to vote for the DPP in 2028, highlighting Taiwan’s democratic freedom and the importance of supporting any political party based on personal beliefs. However, he adds that if Hello and his team find the DPP under Lai Ching-te’s leadership satisfactory within the next four years and genuinely wish to support it, they would be welcomed.

Supermicro, the U.S.-based server and computer manufacturer, experienced a stock price surge of over 10% during after-hours trading on Jan. 29. This increase followed the release of the company’s financials for the October-December 2023 period, which exceeded market expectations. Supermicro upgraded its full-year revenue outlook for the 2024 fiscal year from US$10-11 billion to US$14.3-14.7 billion. The current quarter’s sales estimate is US$3.7-4.1 billion, with an adjusted earnings per share of US$5.20-US$6.01. Net sales for the company have more than doubled from US$1.8 billion in the same period last year to $3.66 billion, surpassing the market estimate of US$3.42 billion. Supermicro CEO Charles Liang attributed the company’s success to winning new partners and the increasing demand for its optimized AI computer platforms and comprehensive IT solutions.

Read about the strategic silence of the Taiwan People’s Party as they prepare to reveal their endorsements for the speaker and deputy speaker positions. With the new legislature’s inauguration on the horizon, the TPP’s decision is eagerly awaited by both the DPP and KMT, setting the stage for a significant shift in Taiwan’s legislative landscape.

Premier Chen Chien-jen and Acting Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih inspect the trade of fruit, vegetables, and fisheries products at the Taipei Fish Wholesale Market and the First Fruit and Vegetable Wholesale Market in Taipei. The Ministry of Agriculture is increasing the supply of these products before the Lunar New Year, with vegetable supply expected to increase by over 38% daily, fruit supply by more than 73% daily, and fish product supply by at least 30% daily.

Taiwan’s Director-General in Boston, Charles Liao, responds to China’s interference in Taiwan’s elections with military threats and economic bullying. Liao highlights Taiwan’s commitment to democracy and refusal to bow to Chinese pressure. The U.S. State Department, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the European Union’s European External Action Service congratulate elected officials Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim. Despite China’s attempts at interference through disinformation, military intimidation, and economic threats, Taiwanese voters remain resilient in their pursuit of democracy and freedom. Liao’s response is prompted by a Boston Globe article suggesting that the U.S. should prioritize Taiwan as a democratic partner.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has approved a comprehensive plan for the Taichung Metro Blue Line and a feasibility study for the Taiwan Railway’s coastline dual-track. The completion of the transit system is estimated to be in 10 years, costing NT＄1615.14 billion, with NT＄675.59 billion borne by the central government. The Blue Line will connect Taichung Port to the city center, serving as the city’s most crucial east-west axis. It will also connect with the Green Line to form a cross-axis network. An agreement on the deployment of the Blue Line’s Shalu Overpass section was reached by the MOTC and Taichung City Government. The completion of the Taichung Metro Blue Line and the Taichung Port rail line’s dual track system is expected to improve the Taichung area’s rail infrastructure and spur balanced development in urban, rural, and coastal regions.

Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union (EU), Taiwan’s representative to the UK, Vincent Yao, stated that Brexit has allowed the UK to establish closer economic ties with Taiwan, potentially helping Taiwan resist China’s attempts to isolate it. Taiwan is also increasingly investing in the UK, with the goal of becoming the UK’s primary trading partner in Europe. Additionally, strengthening UK-Taiwan trade relations could benefit the UK by providing access to Taiwan’s key industries, such as semiconductors. The bilateral relationship between Taiwan and the UK is reflected in the increase of UK government officials posted to Taiwan and the expansion of the UK office in Taipei. Collaboration between the two countries extends to areas such as artificial intelligence, offshore wind power, and electric vehicle batteries. However, there is still room for further development in bilateral cooperation.

Keelung City Mayor George Hsieh has announced a collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley to offer a remote course for high school students in Keelung. Out of 249 applicants, 30 students will be selected for the program, which will begin next month. This initiative is part of Hsieh’s plan to promote academic excellence locally and he aims to introduce more courses in 2024 to provide Keelung’s top high schoolers with high-quality international education. The selected students will participate in a course focused on the autonomous vehicle industry, learning programming in Python and various algorithms. Classes will be held twice weekly from February 24 to March 24 at the city hall briefing room. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley. This collaboration aims to encourage local education and retain talented students in Keelung.

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The story discusses Ker Chien-ming’s support for You Si-Kun’s bid for the role of legislative speaker in Taiwan. Ker, the Democratic Progressive Party’s legislative caucus whip, stated that he is the most supportive of You Si-Kun’s election. However, Ker mentioned that the decision to appoint You now rests on Ko Wen-Je, the chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party. Ko had previously suggested that Ker may not strongly support You Si-Kun’s election. The Democratic Progressive Party caucus had proposed You Si-Kun for the post of legislative speaker and Tsai Chi-Chang as the vice speaker candidate. Ker believes that it is up to You Si-Kun and Tsai Chi-Chang to decide whether they would meet with the Taiwan People’s Party legislative caucus. Ker criticized the Taiwan People’s Party caucus for privately inviting candidates from the Democratic Progressive Party and the Kuomintang for discussions, describing it as sensational and absurd. Ker emphasized that the key issue now is Ko Wen-je’s decision, particularly considering whether to appoint Han Kuo-yu, the Kuomintang candidate who Ker worries may be influenced by the Chinese Communist Party.

EVA Air’s shares rose over 5% in early trading after reaching an agreement with the Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP), ensuring no strikes during Lunar New Year. Lion Travel, Phoenix Tours, Richmond Tours, Life Tour, and China Airlines also saw a 2% increase in share prices. The labor agreement includes a monthly salary increase of NT$13,500, increased allowances, no direct hiring of foreign pilots, and no disputes on these points until May 31, 2026. The agreement is seen as a compromise to protect passenger rights. EVA Air did not comment on the impact on future profitability.

Chinese media personality Wang Zhian’s derogatory comments about a disabled person have sparked controversy. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) expresses regret that Wang has yet to admit his error and announces they will no longer respond to his remarks. Despite apologizing, Wang’s attempt to politicize and mask his derogatory comments is criticized by DPP spokesperson Justin Wu. The DPP emphasizes their zero-tolerance policy against discrimination and warns against shifting focus away from the issue. Despite writing a letter to the DPP, Wang still fails to admit his mistake, leading to the DPP’s decision to refrain from responding further. The DPP highlights that the disabled legislator-at-large candidate, Chen Chun-han, is highly regarded within the Tsai Ing-wen administration for his expertise in human rights law. The DPP remains committed to advocating for marginalized groups and people with disabilities, and calls for society’s joint effort in upholding dignity and equality for all.

Taiwanese tennis player Hsieh Su-wei and Belgium’s Elise Mertens won the Australian Open women’s doubles championship on Jan. 28. This victory is notable as Hsieh is only the third player in the past 24 years to win both the women’s and mixed doubles titles at the Australian Open. At 38 years and 24 days old, Hsieh is the second-oldest women’s doubles champion in Grand Slam history, just eight days younger than U.S. record holder Lisa Raymond. After an 18-month break due to injury, Hsieh made a triumphant return in 2023, winning the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon. Hsieh and Mertens defeated Lyudmyla Kichenok from Ukraine and Jelena Ostapenko from Latvia in the women’s doubles final with a score of 6-1, 7-5. Hsieh has a total of eight Grand Slam trophies, including seven titles in women’s doubles, but is yet to win a title at the U.S. Open.

The Taiwan Lantern Festival 2024 will be held in Tainan on February 3, featuring lantern areas in Anping and the High Speed Rail (HSR), covering a combined area of about 50 hectares. The Anping Lantern Area will be open from February 3 to March 10, while the HSR Lantern Area will be open from February 24 to March 10. The HSR lantern area, spanning about 28 hectares, is located around the International Convention Center Tainan (ICC Tainan) and consists of three main sections: the main exhibit, ＂Light in the City,＂ and a ＂green-energy＂ zone. The main exhibit will have 11 themes, while ＂Light in the City＂ will guide visitors through Tainan’s 400-year history using sound, light, and art. One of the main attractions in ＂Light in the City＂ is the art installation called ＂Infinity Cube,＂ a 16-meter-high structure funded by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) at a cost of over NT$10 million. The Infinity Cube is made up of thousands of mirror-reflective plates, creating diverse visual effects that reflect the surrounding environment during the day and illuminate the city at night. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che expressed gratitude to TSMC for its sponsorship and believes it will attract more visitors to the festival. TSMC sees this artwork as an embodiment of its ESG vision, focusing on green manufacturing, responsible supply chains, a diverse workplace, talent development, and caring for the underprivileged.

Chiang Wan-an vows to enhance communication with the council after his budget proposals, including the ＂Taipei International Music Festival＂ and free 30-minute YouBike rides, were rejected. He hopes council members will understand the purpose of the budget plans and is open to making adjustments based on their views. Chiang remains committed to better communication, particularly regarding the music festival and YouBike service. He appreciates the recommendations made by councilors during the budget review process and assures that the city government will be open-minded and make appropriate adjustments.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance’s National Treasury Administration is reminding parents to claim their remaining NT$6,000 subsidies for newborns before 5 p.m. on Jan. 31. Out of the 35,000 eligible newborns, approximately 33,500 have already received their benefits. Parents need to present identification papers and the birth certificate of their newborn at the post office counter to receive the subsidies. If someone else is collecting on their behalf, they must also provide identification. In cases where the birth mother is not eligible, birth registration and confirmation of the father’s eligibility are required. The government does not send text messages or emails regarding money collection or enrollment, and will not ask for bank transfers over phone calls. If individuals encounter suspicious websites or messages, they should report it immediately by dialing the 165 anti-fraud hotline.