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Taiwan captures 400 iguanas overnight, sparks online buzz
A story about the capture of a record number of 400 green iguanas in southern Taiwan has sparked online discussion. One photo, in particular, shows a green iguana kneeling before a Mazu temple in Neipu, Pintung, leading to humorous comments suggesting the iguana was "applying to be a divine steed." Experts clarified that while green iguanas pose no threat to humans, they do cause problems for farmers by nibbling on crops. To protect local agriculture, the government has intensified measures to remove these non-native creatures and maintain ecological balance.
2023/12/11 21:20
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EBC addresses ’Tonight Like War’ show’s future amid rumors
Tonight Like War is a popular entertainment show in Taiwan hosted by actress Karen Hu and singer Daniel Lo. The show, which launched in 2021, has gained a loyal following due to its unique concept that incorporates internet big data and viewer participation through online voting. However, recent rumors of the show’s cessation have caused concern among fans. The Eastern Broadcasting Company (EBC), the show’s broadcaster, responded by stating that they are currently in the planning stages for the show’s future and will provide updates on any new format developments.
2023/12/11 20:51
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Gao Yuanyuan’s graceful correction to ’auntie’ goes viral
Chinese actress Gao Yuanyuan gracefully corrects an event attendee who mistakenly referred to her as ’Auntie Yuanyuan,’ prompting them to revise it to ’Sister Yuanyuan.’ The video of this playful exchange has gone viral, garnering attention and praise for Gao’s gracious response. Gao’s relationship to Taiwanese actor Mark Chao, made public in 2012, has been a steady fixture in the entertainment industry. Despite their high-profile status, the couple maintains a sweet and under-the-radar relationship. Online fans have also commented on Gao’s continued youthful and elegant charm in her life post-marriage.
2023/12/07 21:36
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NYMCU freshman breaks new ground in cybersecurity program
Tsai Yu-chen, a freshman at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, has made history by being the first student admitted into the prestigious Computer Science program through a special recruitment process that now includes cybersecurity. Tsai’s interest in technology began in junior high when he taught himself networking skills to set up a Minecraft server. He then used his English proficiency to manage the server online and modify Pokémon modules using Google Cloud services, allowing over 100 people to game simultaneously. Tsai’s talent and experience in cybersecurity were further developed during his vocational high school years through the Ministry of Education’s cybersecurity talent development program. As a result, he will soon intern with a leading international AI cybersecurity tech company, focusing on cloud security research. The Office of Recruitment for Specialized Technical Colleges and Universities recognizes the importance of cybersecurity in national security and actively promotes relevant courses in technical high schools. This allows students to acquire cybersecurity skills and pursue further education through specialized college entrance exams and exceptional talent selection processes.
2023/12/07 21:33
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Taiwanese YouTuber shares English name embarrassment
Taiwanese internet celebrity Hsiao Wu, known for his popular YouTube channel with over a million followers, recently opened up about his discomfort with his English name "Jimmy" in an Instagram story. During a conversation with his English tutor, Wu shared his embarrassment when asked about his English name, stating that he finds it cool when others are called Jimmy. The influencer revealed that he recently hired an English tutor to improve his language skills and shared a screenshot of their chat, where the tutor asked about his English name. Wu expressed feeling ashamed when he confessed to being called "Jimmy."
2023/12/07 20:49
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Civic groups call for end to violence against women
Several civic groups in Taiwan, including the Modern Women’s Foundation and the Garden of Hope Foundation (GOH), are urging presidential candidates to prioritize violence prevention as an investment to end violence against women. According to the United Nations, one-third of women globally experience physical or sexual abuse at least once in their lives. The Modern Women’s Foundation Executive Secretary, Wu Zi-ying, highlighted the lack of investigation on these issues within Taiwan. Social work and policy professor Wang Pei-ling revealed that around 70 percent of individuals aged 18 to 74 in Taiwan have experienced online gender-based violence, with image-based violence accounting for 4.6 percent. Wang also emphasized the increasing number of male victims, which now stands at 20 percent. GOH CEO Wang Yueh-hao called on the government to promote interdepartmental initiatives and establish think tanks for gender violence prevention, emphasizing that gender violence is a violation of human rights.
2023/12/07 19:33
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NSB warns against fake surveillance lists before elections
Taiwan’s National Security Bureau (NSB) has denied the existence of online sales of illicit surveillance, which allegedly included sensitive information on political figures from both the ruling and opposition parties. Concerns have been raised as the nation approaches its upcoming elections, with officials warning of rampant disinformation on the internet. The false information, distributed anonymously on an online forum, claimed to reveal a list of monitored individuals, including legislators and high-ranking officials. The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) has stated that the true identities of those under surveillance would not be disclosed through the documents. Suspicions have been raised that the circulated documents were digitally altered, potentially as an attempt to influence the elections. National security officials have drawn parallels between this incident and previous accusations of unlawful surveillance spread on social media platforms in early 2021. They caution that the dissemination of false data may have political motives aimed at disrupting internal political stability and public order, particularly on the eve of elections. The public is urged not to be swayed by these falsehoods and to refrain from sharing misinformation.
2023/12/07 11:06
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Lai-Hsiao ticket surges to 38% in latest Taiwan poll
The latest poll by My Formosa Online reveals a resurgence in support for the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Lai-Hsiao ticket, giving them a 38% lead over other contenders. The Koumintang’s (KMT) "Hou-Kang ticket" follows in second place with 31.7% support, while the Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) "Ko-Ying ticket" has experienced a decline, capturing only 14.9%. Initially, the KMT and TPP saw an increase in their numbers, fueled by speculation of a potential joint ticket. However, as the possibility of an alliance fell through and vice-presidential candidates were announced, support for Lai Ching-te of the DPP began to stabilize. This shift highlights the dynamic political landscape in Taiwan as parties solidify their tickets and prepare for an intense election season. The upcoming months are expected to be particularly vibrant as parties strategize to gain ground in voter preferences and address perceived weaknesses.
2023/12/05 21:51
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Interior minister urges vigilance against election fraud
Minister of the Interior Lin Yu-chang visited the Taoyuan Police Department, urging officers to crack down on bribery and maintain order ahead of the 2024 elections. The Taiwanese government has actively promoted nationwide anti-fraud measures in preparation for the general elections. Minister Lin emphasized the potential for foreign forces to disrupt societal order through false information and called for increased vigilance in intelligence gathering by the police. He praised the Taoyuan Police Department for successfully preventing 1,176 fraud cases this year, ranking them first among the six special municipalities in Taiwan. With the elections approaching, Lin highlighted the police’s role in deterring election bribery, online gambling, and fake news. The central government is committed to reinforcing the national police force and enhancing police welfare, with the National Police Agency compiling the needs of various police stations to ensure they are adequately met.
2023/12/02 18:13
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TPP Cynthia Wu makes brief Yilan temple visit amid criticism
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu and legislative candidate Chen Wan-hui visited Nanfangao Nantian Temple in Yilan on Saturday morning. Wu, who has faced criticism online for allegedly having a "princess syndrome," chose to remain silent when approached by journalists. After spending less than 30 minutes at the temple, Wu left the scene in good spirits, communicating through gestures from her car window. Chen praised Wu for her friendly demeanor and support for digital healthcare and transformation initiatives. Chen also emphasized that Wu is approachable, though not as accustomed to facing the public as former mayor Ko Wen-je. The brief visit was due to subsequent scheduling commitments, with Chen promising to invite Wu back to Yilan for local delicacies in the future.
2023/12/02 18:00
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谷歌與加拿大和解 每年將支付該國媒體23億買新聞
加拿大為了替新聞媒體爭取分潤,一度與谷歌(Google)、臉書(Facebook)等社群平台對立,平台甚至不惜刪除和封鎖其連結,要藉此迫使媒體放棄。《英國廣播公司》(BBC)報導,隨著引發爭議的《線上新聞法案》(Online News Act),即將在12月19日生效,加拿大政府30日終於與谷歌達成「和解」,谷歌也同意未來每年支付1億加幣(約新台幣23億元),造福所有加國大小媒體,讓搜尋引擎能提供更真實可靠的新聞資訊。
2023/11/30 16:50
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TPP donation system crashes due to heavy online traffic
Taiwan People’s Party’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je applauds the swift fundraising success of Huang Kuo-chang, who raised NT$14 million overnight. Cynthia Wu addresses questions about her role in fundraising and TPP’s financial transparency.
2023/11/29 16:21
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Turkish influencer pixelates daughter’s face for privacy
Turkish social media influencer Rifat shared a photo of his daughter practicing gymnastics, with her face pixelated at her request, emphasizing the importance of internet privacy and consent. Wu, a famous actor in Taiwan, explained that he respected his 8-year-old daughter’s privacy and choice by mosaic-ing her face. He highlighted the need for obtaining a child’s consent before sharing their images online and hoped that his actions would set a positive example for society. Social media users praised Rifat’s approach, considering him a role model for respecting family and children’s privacy in the age of social media. His commitment to his daughters’ rights and his visibility as a public figure could potentially influence widespread social attitudes towards online sharing and privacy, especially for young children. This act of shielding his daughter’s identity while sharing a family moment reflects the ongoing conversation about privacy in the digital era, particularly regarding young children and the implications of internet exposure.
2023/11/29 14:22
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DPP’s Lai-Hsiao face uphill battle for voter support
The Taiwan Public Opinion Research Center (TPOC) has observed interesting trends in public interest in Taiwan’s presidential candidates and their running mates. Using data from the QuickseeK sentiment analysis database, TPOC found that the announcement of Hsiao Bi-khim as the running mate of Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) candidate Lai Ching-te generated significant online buzz, with approximately 45,000 mentions. However, this enthusiasm declined to 27,000 mentions within a week. In comparison, the pairing of Hou-Kang with Kuomintang (KMT) candidate Hou Yu-ih saw a surge in online engagement, reaching 131,000 mentions after the announcement of Jaw Shaw-kong as the vice-presidential choice. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidates Ko Wen-je and Cynthia Wu, known as the "Ko-Wu" team, outperformed the others, with over 140,000 mentions following Wu’s nomination and an average of 97,000 mentions since her candidacy was declared. The increase in mentions after Hou’s announcement was 259%, while Lai’s announcement saw a 90% increase. However, discussions among supporters of Lai Ching-te and Hsiao Bi-khim mainly focused on Lai’s slogan and welcoming Hsiao back to her political ’home,’ failing to attract significant support from the middle ground and young voter segments.
2023/11/29 14:19
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Taiwanese education system rethinks smartphone policies
Discover how Taiwan is addressing the challenges of smartphone use in schools, balancing technology integration with educational goals.
2023/11/28 11:38
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Taiwan’s healthcare outweighs U.S. citizenship: Commentator
Taipei City Hospital’s Chiang Kuan-yu commented on Lai Pei-hsia’s decision to give up her U.S. citizenship, stating that Taiwan’s lighter healthcare and tax burdens outweigh the benefits of U.S. citizenship. Lai, an entertainer, relinquished her U.S. citizenship in order to qualify as the running mate for Foxconn founder Terry Gou in Taiwan’s vice-presidential election. However, the Gou-Lai ticket failed to register for the race, leading many online users in Taiwan to describe Lai as the biggest loser in the electoral contest. Chiang highlighted that many elderly Americans choose to return to Taiwan for superior elderly care and more familial support, as incapacitated seniors in the U.S. often do not survive beyond three years. He characterized Taiwan as "a paradise for the elderly, a promised land for retirement," promoting the country as an ideal place for a comfortable and supported aging experience. Chiang questioned the significance of retaining U.S. citizenship once one’s children are independent, suggesting that Lai may not have lost much by forfeiting her American nationality.
2023/11/26 18:29
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Lai Ching-te unveils vision for ’Made in Taiwan’ strength
DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te emphasized the importance of kindness among Taiwanese people and his vision for Taiwan’s future during his speech at the inaugural meeting of his campaign headquarters in Taoyuan. The event was attended by prominent DPP figures, including President Tsai Ing-wen. Lai’s pairing with his vice-presidential running mate Hsiao Bi-khim, dubbed the "Virtue Team," has garnered attention online. Lai advocated for democracy over dictatorship and called for support of Taiwan’s international industry without relying too heavily on China. He outlined policies to boost industries such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and green energy technology. Lai also criticized the "Blue-White Alliance" between the KMT and TPP as a merger focused on party interests and personal power. He emphasized the need for the DPP to secure a legislative majority to smoothly implement these policies.
2023/11/26 17:51
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Politician replaces Ko image with Jaw’s sketch on billboard
New Taipei City legislative candidate Yeh Yuan-chih commissioned a film poster illustrator to replace the image of Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and Taiwan People’s Party’s (TPP) Ko Wen-je on a joint campaign billboard. The move was made after the anticipated KMT-TPP coalition fell through and each candidate registered independently. The illustrator began transforming the "Hou-Ko billboard" early in the morning, replacing Ko’s likeness with that of KMT vice-presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong. Supporters had called for Ko’s removal from the billboard due to the failed coalition. Due to time constraints, the decision was made to hand-draw Jaw’s portrait. Yeh expressed regret over the missed opportunity for cooperation but emphasized the KMT’s nomination of Jaw maintained political vigor. The billboard, popular for photographs, will initially feature a sketched outline of Jaw before a full illustration is rendered. This unconventional approach to updating campaign material has been well-received online, highlighting the use of creativity amidst political strategy shifts.
2023/11/25 14:33
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「Chill桃.桃園嚴選創意市集」11/25登場 30在地品牌線上線下同步銷售
桃園首創虛實整合創意市集,將在今(112)年11月25日於桃園神社盛大登場,匯集桃園中路電商基地30家優選的在地品牌,當天還有桃園嚴選線上商城全館免運,團購八折優惠,讓民眾好康拿不完,邀請市民朋友一起來逛市集、選好物。 台灣電商產業歷經近20年的高速成長,去年營業規模達3,103億元,首度突破3,000億元大關,亦首次與百貨、超商同列3,000億元等級零售業別,電商現今的蓬勃發展,也是數位行銷管道之一,而今年桃園市政府成立了全台第一處OMO(Online merge Offline,虛實融合)電商拓展加速器基地「T-SELECT中路電商基地」,一站解決你的電商難題,提供多元化的軟硬體服務,從創業初期的商品開發、行銷推廣,到後期的營運管理,都能提供全方位的支援與諮詢服務。
2023/11/24 18:58
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KMT candidate Hou exposes Ko’s message on Gou’s race exit
During a three-way election talk in Taipei, Kuomintang presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih revealed a private message sent by independent candidate Ko Wen-je, implying that Terry Gou, another independent candidate, needs a reason to withdraw from the race. The gathering, attended by Gou, Hou, Ko, former president Ma Ying-jeou, and KMT chairman Eric Chu, has been seen as a classic pre-election scene. Hou accidentally disclosed Ko’s comments about Gou needing an excuse to step down. Ko had intended to hold a meeting among the three parties to demonstrate their commitment to Taiwan’s future. By giving Gou a chance to host the meeting and act as a driving force behind the KMT-TPP ticket, Ko believed Gou could withdraw from the race without embarrassment. Gou was reportedly shocked by this revelation, as he was unaware of the messages exchanged. Wu Tzu-chia, president of Formosa Online, commented on the incident, highlighting Gou’s surprise and his initial intention to promote opposition unity. However, Ko’s reaction to the leaked message was ironic, as he criticized Hou and exposed his own pretense, adding further controversy to the already heated election atmosphere.
2023/11/24 18:00
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Sun Yat-Sen Memorial outshines Palace Museum in visits
The National Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall has surpassed the National Palace Museum as Taiwan’s most visited museum from January to September, with a staggering 7,767,715 visits. The Taiwan Lantern Festival, held in February, played a significant role in attracting visitors, with 6,337,840 attendees. The Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall ranked second with 2,116,822 visits, while the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung secured the third spot with 2,042,932 visits. Despite recording only 504,503 visits, the Chimei Museum in Tainan has gained attention online as an underrated gem with a rich art collection.
2023/11/22 20:48
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Tourism Administration orders hotel to adjust booking system
Taiwan’s Tourism Administration has requested a hotel near Sun Moon Lake in Nantou County to adjust its reservation system. The hotel’s online reservation system was found to be in Simplified Chinese and listed the hotel’s address as "China Taiwan" instead of Taiwan. The Tourism Administration has instructed the hotel to ban the use of "China" and provide a Traditional Chinese interface. The hotel management clarified that it is 100% Taiwanese invested and partnered with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts to attract more tourists. The appearance of "China Taiwan" on the reservation system was due to linkages with the Wyndham booking site, which is overseen by China for the Asia Pacific region. The Nantou County Government Tourism Bureau has jurisdiction over the hotel, which began trial operations in August and is set to officially open in January next year.
2023/11/22 19:41
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DPP’s Lai and Hsiao photo hailed online as ’virtue’ duo
The Democratic Progressive Party’s presidential nominee Lai Ching-te and his running mate Hsiao Bi-khim are gaining attention online with a photograph of them at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. The photo, which features the slogan "Vote for TAIWAN" and labels them as "Taiwan’s virtue," has received praise from online users. Lai and Hsiao were officially registered as the first confirmed presidential team for the 2024 elections after Hsiao was announced as Lai’s vice-presidential pick.
2023/11/22 12:42
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Survey reveals changing views on mobile device flagship chip
According to a recent poll conducted by GSMArena, nearly 70% of online users believe that flagship chips, which were once a crucial factor in their choice of smartphone, are no longer vital. In the past, users prioritized new-generation flagship chips to ensure smooth performance and longevity. However, the survey found that only 21.3% still consider this necessary. Only 10.1% of respondents deemed flagship chips in Esports phones critically essential for superior performance. The shift in users’ attitudes is apparent, with 42.5% acknowledging the performance of flagship chips but feeling that their predecessor versions were still satisfactory. Additionally, 23.5% of netizens believed that mid-range mobile phones were sufficient for their needs. Users cited positive experiences with older chips, like the four-year-old Helio P70, which they argued delivered adequate performance. Some netizens also emphasized the importance of a stable product providing good value for money over having the latest flagship chip. The study gathered views from 5,499 participants.
2023/11/20 19:32
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Kaohsiung man carrying husky in capsule backpack faces fine
A man from Kaohsiung is facing fines for carrying his husky in a capsule backpack, which violates the Animal Protection Act. The incident, shared on Dcard, sparked online discussions and drew the attention of the local animal protection office. The office quickly identified the pet owner and found the husky to be in good health. The owner could be fined between NT$15,000 to NT$75,000. The protection office emphasized the need for considerate behavior when taking pets to public places, including providing adequately ventilated carriers with enough room for pets to move freely and ensuring that animals are accompanied by a person over the age of seven.
2023/11/20 18:20