ITS 結果共716筆

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) achieved record-breaking success in 2021, transporting 73.08 million passengers and generating NT$49.8 billion in revenue. THSR aims to surpass NT$50 billion this year, attributing its growth to changes in commuting behavior post-pandemic and enhanced services like frequent ventilation for pandemic prevention. The surge in passenger willingness to use THSR has led to increased travel numbers, with a peak of 310,000 passengers in a single day during the Lunar New Year holiday. THSR serves various purposes, including commuting, business, homecoming, and tourism, with 4.02 million people utilizing the high-speed rail for tourism last year. Additional trains and service enhancements have been implemented to encourage passengers to travel during off-peak hours.

Taiwanese Vice President Lai Ching-te emphasizes Taiwan’s commitment to peace, equality, democracy, and dialogue in the face of challenges from China. Lai meets with a U.S. delegation led by Representative Mike Gallagher to strengthen Taiwan’s national defense and security. Gallagher expresses continuous support for a deeper Taiwan-U.S. relationship, highlighting the integral bond between the two countries amid China’s ambitions. The meeting underscores Taiwan’s resolve to engage in peaceful, equal, democratic dialogue and protect its sovereignty.

The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) calls for China to heed U.S. calls for restraint amid tensions in the Kinmen-Xiamen marine dispute. Tensions escalated after a fatal incident involving a Chinese speedboat in Kinmen’s maritime territory. The DPP affirms Taiwan’s stance against unilateral changes by China. U.S. State Department spokesperson and DPP urge restraint, while Taiwan defends its actions as lawful.

Dahan Institute of Technology in Hualien, Taiwan, faces closure in 2024 due to declining birthrates. The school’s remote location has hindered recruitment efforts, leading to a drastic drop in student enrollment from over 7,000 to barely 500. Established 30 years ago, the institute specialized in fields like mechanical engineering, playing a crucial role in the region’s development. Staff and student rights will be protected as the institute follows the Private School Law in managing its closure process.

Discover the historic ＂Masterpieces from the National Gallery in London＂ exhibition at Taiwan’s Chimei Museum, showcasing works by renowned artists like Raphael, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh. Reserve your timed-entry slot to witness 52 iconic pieces from the UK’s esteemed National Gallery, a rare opportunity in its 200-year history. Don’t miss this exclusive event, a must-see for art enthusiasts, before the masterpieces return to London for the Gallery’s bicentennial celebrations.

Discover the success story of Hon Hai Precision Industry Co at its 50th anniversary gala dinner, where founder Terry Gou highlighted the company’s impact on employees and the community. Special messages from tech leaders like Tim Cook and Jensen Huang added to the celebration.

Tainan City reports its first imported case of dengue fever from Indonesia, prompting preventative measures by the Tainan City Public Health Bureau. Learn about the symptoms and prevention of this mosquito-borne disease.

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU) is set to debut its Traditional Chinese Medicine department at a college fair on Feb. 24. The new department integrates artificial intelligence and information technology in its curriculum, aiming to cultivate ＂new traditional Chinese physicians＂ with interdisciplinary characteristics. The university seeks to enhance Taiwan’s traditional Chinese medicine industry by training talents for hospital clinics, scientific research, and the biotech industry.

Taiwan reports its first domestic measles case of 2024, with a man in his 30s testing positive in the Northern part of the country. The Centers for Disease Control are investigating possible sources of infection and monitoring 199 individuals who had contact with the patient. Vaccination is urged, especially for infants older than one year.

The China Coast Guard increases patrols in waters between Xiamen and Kinmen after a fatal incident involving a Chinese vessel in Taiwan’s restricted waters. Tensions rise as Taiwan and China clash over fishing rights, challenging established boundaries. Taiwan enforces laws to protect its fishermen’s rights while seeking cross-strait cooperation.

Discover the growing trend of solo travel! Explore the reasons behind its rise, tips for first-time solo travelers, and the increasing popularity among older adults. From local getaways to luxurious international tours, solo travel offers a world of possibilities.

Premier Chen Chien-jen and Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu meet to discuss national cooperation and support in Taipei. The leaders affirm commitment to benefit Taiwan and its people through joint efforts.

HeySong Corporation, a Taiwanese company, has announced price adjustments for some of its products after 10-20 years of unchanged prices. The adjustments, set to take effect in March, will see prices increase by 10-20%. The most notable increase will be for the popular 330-milliliter HeySong Sarsaparilla, which will surge by up to 25%. The company attributes the price adjustments to rising costs of raw materials, packaging, transportation, and personnel. The recommended retail price adjustments will mainly affect packages less than one liter, with some increasing by NT$4 and others by NT$5-6. Other beverage brands, such as Taisun Enterprise, have also indicated rising drink prices due to increased international raw material costs. The King Car Group had already adjusted the price of its Pocari Sweat drink in November 2020, marking the first price adjustment in 17 years. Public opinion on the price changes seems to be accepting, with many stating that they understand most products are experiencing price increases as long as the surge isn’t too high.

Hsinchu County Government announces a monthly wage subsidy of NT＄10,000 for bus drivers on its routes from January to December 2024. The decision aims to address challenges faced by urban bus operations in Taiwan and reduce employee turnover. The subsidy is intended to help recruit talent and ensure the rights of citizens using public transport. Hsinchu County hopes to alleviate the severe shortage of workers in the public bus industry through this measure. The subsidy will be reviewed every three months.

Discover how Elephant Trunk Rock in New Taipei City transformed into a capybara-shaped attraction, drawing crowds during Lunar New Year and boosting local businesses by 50%. Learn about the rock’s unique geology and the unexpected impact of its new appearance.

The Japan Meteorological Corporation (JMC) has announced its fourth forecast for the cherry blossom season in 2024, predicting that blossoms in Tokyo will start opening on March 23 and reach full bloom on March 30. The JMC attributes the earlier bloom dates to higher-than-normal temperatures this year. In Kyoto, sakura is expected to start blooming on March 24 and reach peak bloom on April 1, according to the JMC’s estimation. The latest forecast also suggests that Northern Japan will see the blossom a day or two earlier compared to the previous forecast, while there will be a delay of one to two days for many areas in Eastern and Western Japan. The JMC anticipates the earliest blossoms to appear in Kochi on March 20, followed by areas such as Kanto Koushin, Tokai, and Kyushu. Additionally, Weathernews, a private weather information provider, has released its ＂third sakura bloom forecast,＂ which aligns with the JMC’s prediction of an earlier bloom period this year, particularly in the Hokuriku Region and Northern Japan, where it will start over a week ahead of schedule.

The National Health Insurance (NHI) Administration in Taiwan has announced the approval of new applications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treatment coverage. This decision comes after the passing of lawyer Chen Chun-han, a prominent advocate for wider medication coverage for SMA. SMA is a progressive neuro-muscular degenerative disease caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, impacting muscle functionality and activities such as sitting, walking, speaking, breathing, and eating. The NHI Administration has included the gene therapy drug Zolgensma, which carries a price tag of NT＄49 million, in its benefits since the second half of 2023. The criteria for medication eligibility include an upper limb motor function index (RULM) score of at least 15. There are over 400 SMA patients in Taiwan, and by the end of 2023, 158 people applied for medication, with 145 approvals. The NHI Administration plans to hold an expert meeting in March to discuss expanding access to the drugs for all SMA patients, with a potential approval in the first half of 2024.

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. revealed in a letter to U.S. senators that China had tried to convince Palau to sever diplomatic ties with Taiwan in exchange for hotel bookings. The letter, made public by Cleo Paskal of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, detailed China’s proposal to fill Palau’s hotels and operate a call center at an annual cost of US$20 million. Whipps Jr. warned that without immediate approval for COFA aid, pro-China factions in Palau could threaten its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan.

The National Police Agency has denied rumors of cutting year-end bonuses for police officers, clarifying that the bonuses are distributed according to the provisions of the Executive Yuan. Police officers who are employed by Jan. 31 and still on the job by Dec. 1 would receive a year-end working bonus of 1.5 months, with no specific stipulations for police officers. Last July, the Executive Yuan approved a 15% increase in police duty allowances, the first adjustment in 30 years, benefiting nearly 70,000 officers nationwide. The agency reaffirmed its support for police officers and commitment to improving their working conditions and benefits.

The Body Shop Taiwan declares independence from its British subsidiary following the latter’s administration announcement. The strategic change in the UK is not expected to impact the operations of the Taiwan branch, which will continue business as usual. Consumers’ rights and interests will remain unaffected.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO) strongly condemns Taiwan for its treatment of Chinese fishermen after a speedboat capsized in Kinmen waters, resulting in two deaths. The mainland speedboat had breached the Kinmen maritime boundary and was pursued by Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration. After refusing inspection, the boat capsized and two crew members died. The TAO expresses condolences to the victims’ families and demands Taiwan to investigate the incident and assist the families. They also warn Taiwan to respect the historical fishing operations in the Taiwan Strait and ensure the safety of mainland fishermen.

Taiwanese chefs are ready for Lunar New Year with a sticky delicacy symbolizing prosperity. Discover this culinary tradition and its significance.

Taipei Premier Chen Chien-jen stresses the importance of adhering to constitutional regulations in response to the Kuomintang’s (KMT) plans to expand its personnel power. KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling suggests that the Legislative Yuan should have the authority to approve personnel and dismiss unqualified leaders. The KMT also proposes the creation of a Special Investigation Division within Parliament. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislators argue that constitutional amendments must be implemented first. Premier Chen emphasizes that Taiwan is a country governed by the constitution, democracy, and the rule of law, and all agencies should follow constitutional guidelines. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) expresses its willingness to collaborate with other parties in reforming the parliament, potentially bringing significant changes to Taiwan’s legal landscape and political power dynamics.

The Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) has abruptly halted the solicitation of tours to China, reversing its previous policy. Originally scheduled to open on March 1, tours from Taiwan to China were limited to a daily reference cap of 2,000 people, with the possibility of adjustments based on the travel industry’s ability to attract customers. The decision to halt the tours immediately was made in response to China’s failure to organize tours to Taiwan and its unilateral change of the M503 flight route without goodwill, which poses a threat to flight safety. The Tourism Administration, a part of the MOTC, believes that given the current circumstances, it is not in the best interest of Taiwanese nationals to travel to China. They continue to appeal to China to demonstrate goodwill and promote cross-strait tourism exchange. Tours that have already been solicited and are due to depart between March 1 and May 31, 2024, will proceed as planned to protect passenger rights, but tours after June 1 are not permitted to depart. Travel companies are urged to refrain from soliciting customers to avoid potential disputes.

Formosa Plastics Corporation will invest NT＄318.03 million into Formosa Heavy Industries to expand its business operations. The corporation plans to spend NT＄59.58 million on two designation projects and two initiatives to upgrade manufacturing processes. The decision is a response to the impact of China’s ＂Refining-chemical integration＂ endeavor, which has caused a dip in demand for petrochemicals and plastics. By enhancing equipment, Formosa Plastics aims to increase carbon fiber and PVC production capabilities, anticipating a positive market boost. Despite reduced shipping days during the Lunar New Year, the company projects a seasonally high-demand period post-Lunar New Year. With lower inflation in Western countries and growing consumer confidence, the market is expected to warm up.