Rapid 結果共46筆

Following the devastating earthquake in Hualien, the TSMC Charity Foundation, led by Chairwoman Sophie Chang, has swiftly provided targeted assistance to those most in need, focusing on areas overlooked by government efforts and directly engaging with affected communities.

Following the destruction of its physics and engineering building due to an April 3 earthquake, National Tung Hwa University in Hualien announces a reconstruction plan, supported by donations and school funds, aiming for completion by next September. The university emphasizes rapid restoration of the academic environment, collaboration with Tzu Chi University for student support, and has initiated a 24-hour hotline for emotional assistance. Appeals are made for broader disaster relief contributions to help restore Hualien’s natural beauty.

Internationally acclaimed action star Jackie Chan’s shocking appearance as he approaches his 70th birthday has fans abuzz. Recent photos reveal Chan sporting white hair and visible signs of aging, sparking speculation about his upcoming role in the film ’Mo Sheng Jia Ting’ (陌生家庭), where he portrays a man with Alzheimer’s. Despite his aging appearance, Chan’s professionalism and vibrant spirit remain intact as he continues his illustrious career spanning over six decades.

Premier Chen Chien-jen vows to expedite chili powder investigation in Taiwan amid food safety crisis due to banned Sudan Red coloring. Chen pledges all chili powder batches to be tested by end of March. Systemic issue addressed with rigorous inspections and improved control procedures for public health safety.

KKTIX denies rumors of ticket reservation for IU’s concert in Taiwan. IU’s ＂2024 IU H.E.R. WORLD TOUR CONCERT＂ in Taipei sees rapid ticket sales, sparking fan anger. Over 95% of tickets were for public sale, with 20,000 tickets sold out in a minute for each of her two shows. The real-name system was implemented to ensure consumer rights, with failed orders put back on sale.

Taiwan’s newly elected Legislative Yuan speaker, Han Kuo-yu of the Kuomintang (KMT), cannot be recalled despite public demands due to existing laws. Unlike district-based legislators, Han, as an at-large legislator, is immune to recall. The announcement of Han’s victory in the legislative speaker election on Feb. 1 triggered a surge of interest in the topic of recall. This is a significant turnaround for Han, who was previously recalled as Kaohsiung Mayor in 2019. His brief 528-day term set a record for the shortest in Taiwan’s municipal history, with an unprecedented 939,090 votes of approval. Han’s actions, including his rapid bid for the presidency after being elected mayor in 2018, and perceived ineffective governance, have garnered significant criticism.

DPP Vice President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time. She underwent rapid testing in Miaoli due to congestion symptoms, which confirmed her infection. Despite her diagnosis, Hsiao diligently followed the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s guidelines, wearing a double mask and avoiding contact with others. She completed two events in Miaoli under these conditions but had to cancel subsequent activities to protect the public. Hsiao expressed regret to her supporters for not being able to interact with them and informed President-elect Lai Ching-te about her diagnosis.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has begun distributing COVID-19 rapid test kits to travelers at Taoyuan International Airport in Taipei. The kits are available in the reception areas and exit halls of both terminals, and each traveler is eligible to receive one kit regardless of age. The decision was made in response to the increasing rates of respiratory diseases worldwide. The CDC Deputy Director-General, Philip Lo, stated that the peak of the COVID-19 surge in Taiwan is expected to be in mid-to-late January, with a possible rise after the Lunar New Year holidays. Travelers have expressed appreciation for the policy, with many noting how thoughtful and helpful the Taiwanese government is. The distribution of test kits may continue after the Lunar New Year holidays, depending on the international and domestic pandemic conditions.

President Tsai Ing-wen highlights Taiwan’s growing global relevance and indispensability, as she reflects on the substantial changes during her seven-year presidency. Taiwan’s GDP has risen from NT＄17.5 trillion to an impressive NT＄23 trillion under her administration, thanks to initiatives aimed at investment and infrastructure development. Advanced semiconductor chip production has thrived, contributing to Taiwan’s economic stability and rapid advancement, surpassing the progress of the Four Asian Tigers. Tsai attributes this success to the unity and resilience of the Taiwanese people. She hopes that her administration’s efforts will have a lasting impact, sustaining Taiwan’s forward momentum for future leaders.

The Kaohsiung Circular Light Rail Transit has received permission to operate from the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and will begin trial operations from January 1 to February 25, 2024. The C24 to C32 sections of the light rail have completed inspections and necessary adjustments, allowing for formal operations. Kaohsiung Deputy Mayor Lin Chin-rong expressed gratitude towards the MOTC and the city government team for their efforts in enabling the last sections to commence operations before year-end. With the launch of the C24 to C32 segments, the circular light rail will have 38 stations and stretch for 22.1 kilometers. To encourage citizens to use this new transportation route, the Mass Rapid Transit bureau will offer ＂Free Rides on all Light Rail Segments＂ from New Year’s Day until February 25, 2024.

Kuomintang’s vice presidential candidate, Jaw Shaw-kong, proposes that AI should be considered Taiwan’s next ＂guardian mountain god＂ in a bid to position Taiwan as a leader in artificial intelligence. He advocates for the creation of an ＂AI Minister＂ position within various ministries, including the Ministry of National Defense and the Executive Yuan. Jaw questions the government’s plans for AI legislation and calls for a foundational AI law to address future challenges. He highlights the rapid advancements in AI technology and their ethical implications, praising the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company for its contributions. Jaw emphasizes the importance of supporting academic research and corporate AI initiatives, arguing that integrating AI technologies could enhance military efficiency, a crucial consideration given Taiwan’s limited armed forces personnel.

Former President Ma Ying-jeou criticizes DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s opposition to the cross-strait services trade agreement, calling it ＂a screw loose＂ and accusing the DPP of questioning the policy’s benefits. Ma also highlights the DPP administration’s governance failures, including shortages of vaccines and rapid test kits during the pandemic. He emphasizes the stability of cross-strait relations under the ＂1992 Consensus＂ during his presidency, contrasting it with the increased military incursions under the DPP’s approach. Ma argues that opening up service trade with China would benefit Taiwanese professionals but has been hindered by the DPP’s interference.

A pivotal study reveals that dengue fever can rapidly spread through a transmission method similar to needle-sharing in infectious diseases like HBV, HCB, and HIV. The study, conducted by Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes in collaboration with the Department of Health and Kaohsiung City Government, analyzed the timing of infections during the 2015 outbreak. They found that in 85% of household cases, symptoms occurred within three days of each other, contradicting the previously believed incubation period for virus transmission. Using animal models, researchers confirmed that when mosquitoes bite an infected animal and then promptly bite another, the virus can transfer via the mosquito’s proboscis, bypassing the once-considered essential eight-day extrinsic incubation period. This finding explains the rapid spread of the 2015 dengue epidemic in Taiwan and raises concerns for the recent spike in cases. The study, published in the esteemed journal eBiomedicine, a Lancet subsidiary, in August 2023, also involved international researchers from the University of California, Nagoya University, Tsinghua University, and National Taiwan University.

2023 emerges as the hottest year on record, with Taiwan experiencing rapid climate changes. Experts discuss the local and global factors contributing to warmer winters and longer summers, emphasizing the need for proactive measures against these environmental shifts.

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.

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.

Taipei Metro agrees to refund a fine imposed on a teenage girl who mistakenly used her brother’s EasyCard. The 14-year-old student used a child’s EasyCard instead of a student card, resulting in a fine of NT＄1,000. The girl’s father argued that the punishment was excessive, and after reviewing the situation, Taipei Metro decided to refund the penalty as a gesture of goodwill. The incident occurred at Ximen MRT Station, and Taipei Metro emphasized the importance of using the correct card type to avoid fare differences.

The ＂Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year＂ poll announced that the character ＂缺＂ (lack) received the most votes, representing the multifaceted social issues faced by Taiwan. The character symbolizes challenges such as shortages of water, electricity, masks, vaccines, rapid test kits, labor, and notably, eggs. ＂蛋＂ (egg) secured the second position, forming the term ＂缺蛋＂ (lack eggs), highlighting the egg scarcity in Taiwan. ＂詐＂ (fraud) came in third place, reflecting the persistent fraud cases in Taiwanese society. The nominations for these characters were made by Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang, former Control Yuan President Wang Chien-shien, and Taiwan Mobile President Jamie Lin, who emphasized growing insecurity, political quality, and fraud issues, respectively. The ＂Taiwan 2023 Character of the Year＂ election, organized by the CTBC Foundation for Arts and Culture and the United Daily News, received a total of 65,043 votes from the public over a 25-day period. This annual character selection has been conducted for 16 consecutive years, reflecting the pulse of Taiwanese society and its people’s thoughts.

Priority tickets for the highly anticipated Chinese Taipei vs. Japan and Chinese Taipei vs. Philippines matches at the Asian Baseball Championship sold out within a minute of going on sale. CTBC Bank cardholders enjoyed an exclusive priority purchasing period, limited to 3,000 tickets per match. The rapid sellout, known as a ＂flash sale,＂ sets the stage for an electrifying atmosphere at Taipei Dome. Ticket prices were raised for games featuring the Chinese Taipei team, highlighting the fervor surrounding their participation. Additional tickets were released for Chinese Taipei’s quarterfinal matches, but fans continued to rush to secure their spot in the stadium. The Chinese Taipei Baseball Association (CTBA) disclosed ticket prices, with infield seats priced at NT$1,000 and outfield seats at NT$800 for Chinese Taipei’s games. For matches not involving the home team, only infield seats are offered at NT$600. The grand finale on Dec. 10 is expected to have an expanded crowd of 22,000 spectators at Farglory Dome Co., creating the ultimate showdown on the diamond.

Get ready for the 2023 New Taipei City Christmasland, featuring a star-studded concert at the New Taipei City Civic Plaza on Dec. 9 and 10. To handle the expected crowds, the New Taipei City Government has implemented traffic controls around the venue, including increased enforcement of parking violations and towing actions. To avoid congestion, the public is encouraged to use public transportation, with the Transportation Department recommending residents from Hsin Chuang, Zhonghe, Yonghe, and Hsintien districts to take the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Circular Line to Banqiao station. Visitors from other counties and cities can opt for the Taiwan Railway, Taiwan High Speed Rail, or Intercity Bus to reach the Banqiao Bus Station.

Cathay Pacific plans to hire 5,000 additional employees in 2024 to address a staff shortage caused by a rapid rebound in travel demand. The airline’s Chief Financial Officer, Rebecca Sharpe, announced the plan during an analyst meeting, stating that the strong performance in the first half of the year is expected to continue. This comes after Cathay Pacific already expanded its workforce by 4,000 this year. The positions to be filled range from ground staff and cabin crew to pilots. The airline had to enact major staff reductions in 2019, cutting around 11,000 employees due to the impact of the pandemic. However, the resurgence of travel demand in 2023 led to severe staffing shortages. Despite this, Cathay Pacific achieved a net profit of HK$ 4.27 billion in the first half of 2023, a significant turnaround from a loss of HK$ 5 billion in the same period last year. Passenger numbers also soared to 14.57 million in the first 10 months of 2022, nearly ten times higher than the same period in 2021. This expansion reflects the recovery of the travel industry from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Discover the latest turn in Taiwan’s 2024 presidential race as Jaw Shaw-kong accepts Hou Yu-ih’s invitation to be his vice-presidential candidate. This pivotal move comes hours before the registration deadline, marking a strategic shift in KMT’s campaign and impacting Jaw’s media career.

Physicians are urging the public to get vaccinated against the flu as cold and flu cases surge in Taiwan amid cooling weather. Even healthcare providers are being impacted by the rapid spread of a virulent seasonal virus. ENT Dr. Chang Yi-Hao fell ill with gastroenteritis in late October, experiencing two days of fever. The virus has been particularly aggressive over the past few months. Chang emphasized the importance of vaccination, especially for the elderly, individuals with chronic diseases, and young children with weaker immune systems. Wearing face masks has become routine due to COVID-19, but with the easing of restrictions, there has been a rise in flu and respiratory virus infections. Physicians stress the need for vaccination, particularly for those with lower resistance to disease.

Explore the rapid growth of the Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) payment method in Taiwan, its appeal to a wide consumer base, and the associated risks as highlighted by financial experts.

Australian firefighters visiting Taiwan apologize for drinking beer on Taipei’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), as captured by local netizens. They publicly displayed their fine receipt, confirming payment of penalties for their actions. According to Taiwan’s Mass Rapid Transit Act, passengers caught eating or drinking in forbidden zones within the MRT system can be fined from NT＄1,500 to NT＄7,500. The firefighters were in Taiwan to promote disaster prevention concepts and international camaraderie, engaging in activities such as a calendar photo-shoot, exchanging ideas with Taiwanese firefighters, and trying local specialties like stinky tofu.