Special Taiwan 結果共58筆

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je criticized the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) governance in Taiwan, pointing out various shortcomings such as shortages of land, water, electricity, talent, and labor during Lai Ching-te’s tenure as premier. Ko also claimed that Taiwan is currently lacking eggs, pork, vaccines, health screening resources, and even toilet paper. He further highlighted present issues including low birthrates, national security risks from an aging population, wage stagnation, inflation, slow industrial transformation, and high housing costs. Ko accused the government of not allocating special budgets for expenditures, resulting in an alleged surplus of NT＄900 billion, and criticized their lack of transparency. He expressed disappointment with the DPP’s failure to address issues left by the Kuomintang (KMT) after eight years in power. Additionally, Ko mentioned that Taiwanese people generally feel insecure about the current status of the Taiwan Strait, which has caused societal discord, political factions, and cross-strait unrest.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic during a live presidential debate. Hou specifically targeted DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te, accusing him of neglect during the outbreak. Hou further claimed that Lai focused on issues surrounding his family home’s illegal expansion claim instead of caring for the public. As the former mayor of New Taipei City, Hou stated that any pandemic-related advice proposed to the central government was denied. He also criticized the DPP government for shortages of anti-epidemic supplies and food safety issues. Hou emphasized the need to establish a special investigation team to probe malpractices in the DPP’s pandemic approach. Additionally, he questioned Lai’s advocacy for Taiwanese independence, suggesting that it could escalate cross-strait tensions. Hou criticized Lai’s tactics as underestimating the intelligence of the Taiwanese people and disrespecting the Republic of China (Taiwan). He portrayed Lai as ungrateful and not trustworthy for Taiwan.

LE SSERAFIM, a South Korean girl group, will be the special guest at the 2024 Red White Superstar Concert in Taipei, Taiwan. This will be their first performance in Taiwan as a group. Leader Kim Chae-won expressed honor at the invitation and promised a spectacular stage performance. Member Kazuha also shared a warm message to fans, expressing excitement to meet FEARNOT from different regions and hoping to transmit positive energy through their performance. The group members, Sakura and Kazuha, also expressed anticipation for Taiwanese cuisine, with Sakura loving bubble milk tea and Kazuha eager to try the famous mango ice. The concert will be broadcast on Taiwan Television and MyVideo on Lunar New Year’s Eve, and audiences can participate in a ticket lottery for a chance of admission by downloading the TTV app.

Taipei 101 has maintained its position as the highest-valued land in Taipei for the 11th consecutive year, with an estimated value of NT＄2,001,000 per square meter. This equates to approximately NT＄6.615 million per ping, a traditional Taiwanese unit of area. Cathay Landmark Plaza follows closely behind, achieving record-high office rental prices and a land value of NT＄1,920,000 per square meter or roughly NT$63.47 million per ping. Shin Kong Life Tower, another prominent structure in Taipei’s skyline, claims the third-highest land price at NT＄1,904,000 per square meter, equivalent to about NT$62.94 million per ping. Land values in Taipei have been steadily rising for six years, although the rate of increase in 2023 appears to be slowing down. Taipei’s property value growth is considered the most stable among Taiwan’s six special municipalities, with a yearly increase of 1.37% in housing prices and a 0.48% rise in the land price index, according to the Ministry of the Interior’s latest housing price index.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen and Premier Chen Chien-jen have been alerted and instructed to prepare for emergency relief efforts following a magnitude 5.9 earthquake in Gansu Province, mainland China. The earthquake resulted in the deaths of 105 people and damage to 4,782 homes. Taiwan’s Minister of Interior, Lin Yu-chang, announced that a 160-member search and rescue team, including a structural engineer, doctors, nurses, and search dogs certified in International Search and Rescue Dog Organisation (IRO) rubble search, is ready to provide assistance. Communication has been established with mainland China through the Mainland Affairs Council to coordinate rescue needs. If requested, Taiwan’s National Fire Agency will collaborate with the Disaster Relief Foundation to activate a special charter flight mechanism for humanitarian rescue missions. Additionally, an earthquake in Qinghai Province resulted in the deaths of 13 individuals, bringing the total earthquake death toll in mainland China to 118. Taiwan’s quick mobilization demonstrates its readiness to provide humanitarian assistance despite the complex political relationship with Beijing.

The Ministry of Labor in Taiwan has announced significant revisions to the regulations governing work permits for foreign professionals in arts and performing arts. The new regulations, which will take effect on December 20, aim to attract more foreign artistic talent to Taiwan’s cultural scene. One major change is the acceptance of documents from important international organizations, such as the United Nations, for residents of Hong Kong and Macau who are unable to obtain official recommendation or certification documents. The framework for foreign artistic professionals’ work is divided into four main types: performance and visual arts, publishing, film and broadcasting, and popular music and crafts. The qualifications for the publishing industry have been relaxed to recognize individuals with over five years of publishing experience who demonstrate originality and special performance in their field. Similarly, the qualifications for crafts-related work have been broadened to accept assistant professors or individuals with equivalent qualifications. Prior to these revisions, the application process for foreigners undertaking artistic work in Taiwan was stringent, requiring an application through an employer or by the professionals themselves if they met the necessary qualifications. As of October 2023, Taiwan had 245 self-employed foreign artists holding valid working permits, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a hub for international art professionals.

Taiwanese badminton player Tai Tzu-ying stages an incredible comeback to secure a spot in the finals of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals, defeating South Korea’s An Se-young. Despite trailing 10-19 in the deciding game, Tai mounts a remarkable 12-1 run to clinch victory after a grueling 72-minute match. Tai attributes her success to perseverance rather than any special strategies. Despite still recovering from an injury, she is determined to be fully prepared and patient for the final match against Spain’s Carolina Marin. This will be Tai’s fourth career gold if she triumphs, and it promises to be an intense showdown given their balanced record of 11 wins each in their 22 previous encounters.

The Ministry of Education in Taiwan is reviewing whether to increase the allowance for special education teachers due to a significant attrition rate in the field. Special education teachers are leaving the profession due to increased administrative duties and stagnant wages. The special allowance for these teachers has remained unchanged for 32 years. Concerns have been raised about the heavy workload and lack of compensation for summer and winter breaks. The Taiwan Special Education Professional Personnel Association has proposed raising the allowance to incentivize teachers to stay. The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the need to enhance special education services and is considering adjusting the compensation scheme. They are also exploring the possibility of allowing administrative supervisors to receive full extra-duty pay despite a reduction in teaching hours. The ministry aims to ensure fair treatment and reflect the realities of the educational environment.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) legislator-at-large candidate Vivian Huang has expressed concerns about the proposal to reinstate the Special Investigation Division (SID). Huang questions the necessity of reviving the SID when other prosecutors should be capable of handling cases without it. This debate arises from Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih’s recent proposal to revive the disbanded SID. Huang has called on the KMT and Hou to provide specific details and reasoning for restoring the SID before she decides whether to support the initiative. TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has also criticized the establishment of new units whenever problems arise, expressing doubts about their effectiveness. Huang, along with other TPP legislator-at-large candidates, has emphasized the need for judicial reforms to combat judicial injustices, unlawful influence-peddling, organized crime, opaque parole processes, and to address challenges faced by prosecutors such as interference, inadequate training, and a rise in fraud cases. These reforms include the introduction of whistle blower protection laws and criminalization of unlawful gifting and influence trading.

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.

KMT vice presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong vows to be a vocal advocate for issues if elected. He emphasizes the critical choice between war and peace in the upcoming 2024 election and urges voters to support the KMT for political integrity and cross-strait peace. Jaw appeals to KMT supporters to concentrate their votes for a hopeful future and peaceful cross-strait relations. He highlights the complementary strengths of his partnership with KMT presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih, with a focus on different regions. Jaw criticizes the DPP for exacerbating cross-strait tensions while promising no war. If elected, he plans to reinstate the Special Investigation Division to probe potential corruption issues related to the procurement of masks, vaccines, eggs, and submarines.

The Ministry of Education (MOE) clarified that school teacher bonuses are not part of salary raises, in response to the National Federation of Teachers Unions (NFTU) advocating for improved benefits for elementary and secondary school teachers. The MOE stated that homeroom teacher bonuses reached NT$3,000 before 2017, while the hourly wage for substitute teachers has increased. However, the bonuses for special education teachers still require approval from the Executive Yuan. The NFTU held a press conference to propose better conditions for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary school teachers, highlighting the government’s focus on universities and neglecting the needs of these teachers. With 250,000 out of the total 300,000 teachers in Taiwan working in elementary and secondary schools, the NFTU emphasized the significant remuneration gap, unadjusted overall salaries, and the lack of increase in special education teacher bonuses that need consideration. The NFTU chairman, Hou Chun-liang, emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, as homeroom teacher and special education teacher bonuses have remained unchanged for 10 and 31 years, respectively. The NFTU’s publicity director, Luo Te-shui, urged that anything beneficial to education should not be delayed until the elections.

The Ministry of Education in Taiwan has proposed a monthly subsidy of NT$1,200 to NT$1,500 for students living on campus, starting in February 2024. This initiative is expected to benefit approximately 260,000 students residing in public and private universities. The Education and Culture Committee of the Legislative Yuan examined the ministry’s budget for 2024, with some legislators suggesting the extension of the rent subsidy program to include on-campus students. The central government had previously expanded the rent subsidy policy for off-campus students in July, offering a monthly subsidy of NT$2,400 to NT$3,600. Additionally, legislators are interested in discussing a special program for college students with the Ministry of the Interior. The Department of Higher Education has confirmed its intention to provide a defined monthly subsidy to on-campus resident students, initially planning to offer NT$1,200 to NT$1,500 per month.

Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) canceled a total of 86 train services on November 6 and 7, with an additional 13 services operating on a shortened route due to the Railway Staff Promotion Examination. As TRA prepares for corporatization in 2024, a significant staff shortage has arisen, with 297 drivers signing up for the exam conducted by the Examination Yuan. To address the shortage, TRA has adjusted the schedules of drivers who did not take the examination and enlisted reserve workforce, cross-unit drivers, and driving supervisors. Some freight train services and special train operations have been suspended. Despite these measures, the administration still faces a shortage of 60 crew members, resulting in a notable impact on railway schedules. The Jiji Line was particularly affected, with its entire service suspended on both days. To compensate, TRA launched a shuttle bus service between Ershui Station and Checheng Station.

Four winners of the May-June uniform invoice lottery in Taiwan have yet to claim their NT＄10 million prizes, which will expire on Nov. 6, according to the Ministry of Finance. The winning number for the special prize is ＂29268886,＂ with a total of 21 tickets bearing this number. The unclaimed winning tickets were obtained through everyday activities such as shopping, refueling, or food purchases.

Taiwan’s annual Air Force Tien Lung military drills, also known as ＂Sky Dragon,＂ have commenced and will run from October 30 to November 3. The exercise involves key fighter aircraft such as the F-16V, Mirage 2000, and IDF, collaborating with other units to evaluate joint operational effectiveness. The drills encompass various airborne force-on-force scenarios, including air-to-air, air-to-sea, and air-to-ground warfare competitions. In addition, the exercise involves the participation of Air Force infantry and special forces units, engaging in activities like small arms firing, ammunition loading, and mobile defense operations. Outstanding pilots, including champions in air combat, target shooting, and bombardment, will be selected by the Air Force. This significant military exercise follows the ＂Chang Ching17 Exercise＂ conducted by the army from October 23 to 27, marking its first occurrence in six years.

Taiwan Defense Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng announced that the nation’s mandatory military service may require some conscripts to serve on outlying islands. Chiu clarified that not all outlying islands have sufficient military resources, which may result in individuals being assigned there. During a special report by the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign and National Defense Committee, Chiu emphasized the need for firearms to be used silently to avoid detection amidst cross-strait tensions. He also addressed the possibility of extending the service period for mandatory service, indicating that this would require careful consideration and that willing and qualified individuals might serve in specific combat units. Chiu noted that obliging recruitment for combat units is a multidimensional process involving several steps and insurance issues. The military will continue to monitor different scenarios and work towards the most efficient conscription system.

Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital in Taipei will raise salaries for nursing staff starting in November. Salaries for nurses on the three-shift rotation will increase by NT$1,680, and the monthly salary for new nurses will be raised to NT$43,680. The salary increase is in response to concerns over nurse departures and a shortage of staff, which has led to a reduction in the number of beds in many hospitals. The Taiwan Union of Nurses Association (TUNA) reported a drop in the number of nurses in the country from 187,519 to 185,901 from January through May. As a result, larger hospitals have been forced to close an average of 8% to 10% of beds. Shin Kong Hospital has hired 74 nurses but lost 125 as of September, leading to a decrease in the number of available beds. In addition to the salary increase, the hospital is implementing other incentives such as retention bonuses, team performance bonuses, special allowances, signing bonuses for new hires, and up to four years of free accommodation. The hospital also plans to increase all staff salaries next year in line with a government wage adjustment policy to attract and retain talent.

Changhua County councilor Chen Yu-chi warns of the county’s population outflow, projecting a potential drop below 1.24 million by early 2024. The registered population in Changhua has already declined by 4,953 people, or around 550 per month, between January and September 2023.

The National Communications Commission (NCC) in Taiwan has announced further measures to combat telecommunications fraud. The NCC is working alongside major communications firms, including Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan Mobile, Far EasTone Telecommunications (FET), TSTAR, and Asia-Pacific Telecom Co., Ltd (ATP), to strengthen their Know Your Customer (KYC) risk management mechanisms and implement special audits for high-risk customers.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare in Taiwan has announced the enrollment of all newborn babies in the nationwide ＂Project of Holistic Physicians for Young Children.＂ Parents with children under the age of three are also encouraged to participate in the project at no additional cost. The project has seen positive results since its launch, treating cases of prolonged jaundice and tracking patients for fluoride treatment and developmental delays. Enrollment numbers show that 37.6% of the nation’s population has participated, with an increase in participation from vulnerable families and groups. The project aims to identify developmental delays and provide integrated systems for health and social care services, particularly for children in high-risk families. The Ministry is working to increase accessibility by engaging hospitals at all levels and allowing parents to choose their preferred medical institutions registered for the project.

Celebrate the Double Ninth Festival in Taiwan with special benefits for elderly citizens. Those aged 65 and above can enjoy complimentary rides on the Taipei MRT and Maokong Gondola by presenting their electronic elderly ticket. Take advantage of these discounts to explore the city.

Taiwan’s 112th National Day celebration featured impressive military performances and a display of artistry in front of the Presidential Office Building. Explore the highlights of Taiwan’s National Day ceremony.

Celebrate Taiwan’s Double Tenth National Day in style with Taoyuan Metro’s new themed train and Instagrammable wall. The initiative, led by the Taoyuan City Government, also features a six-meter-long national flag display at the MRT Laojie River Station and a special social media check-in wall at the A13 Airport Terminal 2 station.

Presidential candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party is pushing for a transition from Taiwan’s current presidential system to a parliamentary system. If elected, Ko aims to establish the role of prime minister in the history of the Republic of China. Ko argues that the current system lacks efficient checks and balances, with the President and mayors of the special municipalities having significant control over politics without adequate oversight. He emphasizes the importance of long-term stability and prosperity for Taiwan, rather than focusing solely on the term of office. With the upcoming 2024 election seen as a crucial turning point, Ko is advocating for a more people-centric form of governance that truly empowers the citizens.