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Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je is facing allegations of illegal usage of farmland in Hsinchu, which has sparked controversy. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesman Cho Kuan-ting claimed on Facebook that industrial waste, including bricks, cement, and steel bars, was found during the excavation of the farmland’s parking lot. He called for a legal investigation and urged Hsinchu Mayor Ann Kao to take Ko Wen-je into custody. The Hsinchu City Government confirmed that the farmland, owned by Ko, was not being used for farming and demanded modifications within 30 days. Ko admitted that the farmland had been used as a parking lot for tour buses without proper authorization for the past two years. He pledged to pay the income tax owed and donate the parking lot’s earnings. Ko also sought assistance from TPP legislator-at-large nominee Huang Kuo-chang to handle the issue legally. Cho accused Ko of knowingly violating the law and emphasized that he should take responsibility for the damaged farmland. The allegations against Ko may have implications for his presidential campaign.

The Central Weather Administration issued cold advisories across Taiwan as colder weather hits the country. In just two days, 69 individuals were taken to the hospital showing signs of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with most lacking pulse and respiration on arrival. Statistics from the Taipei City Fire Department and the New Taipei City Fire Department show a combined total of 26 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. In Yilan county, four out of six people rushed to the hospital due to the cold were declared deceased. Emergency cases surged in Changhua County, with seven unsuccessful resuscitations. Only 10 people who collapsed due to the cold have been resuscitated. Citizens are advised to take necessary precautions against the chilly weather.

Renowned South Korean pianist and composer Yiruma has announced an additional performance in Taiwan, much to the delight of his fans. The concert will take place at the National Kaohsiung Center for the Arts-Weiwuying on January 12 at 7:30 p.m. Following the sell-out of his January 28 performance in Taipei, Yiruma decided to add the Kaohsiung concert to his schedule due to overwhelming demand. Yiruma expressed his gratitude to his Taiwanese fans and promised to deliver a perfect performance. Yiruma’s compositions, such as ＂River Flows in You＂ and ＂Kiss The Rain,＂ have gained significant popularity in Taiwan. He is considered a leading figure in New Age Music and has seamlessly blended jazz and classical elements in his work. Yiruma has also contributed to Korean drama soundtracks, enhancing the emotional impact of each episode. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness Yiruma’s extraordinary talent in this highly anticipated concert.

Tensions between management and unionized workers at Chunghwa Express (CHEX) continue as the company’s chairman announces a board meeting to address the issue of performance bonuses. The employees’ union, which has organized industrial actions over wages and bonuses, has been engaged in negotiations for over a year with no consensus reached. The union claims that negotiations have made no progress and is preparing for a strike vote. The union is urging the government to take the issues seriously and address the grievances of grassroots workers.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu highlights her legislative achievements during her 412-day tenure in the Legislative Yuan. She proposed 15 bills, hosted five public hearings, and three symposiums. Notable bills include amendments to the Central Bank Act, the Social Medical Development Act, and the Assisted Reproduction Act, reflecting her dedication to improving Taiwan’s financial stability, healthcare system, and reproductive health policies. Wu believes that her policy platform will be built upon these legislative proposals as she prepares for the upcoming televised policy presentation and debate. The vice-presidential TV policy presentation is scheduled for December 22, 2024, while the debate will take place on January 1, 2024, as the 2024 elections approach.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed a law amendment known as ＂Housing Tax 2.0,＂ which will raise the residential property tax. The new tax will take effect on July 1, 2024, with taxation beginning in 2025. The Ministry of Finance estimates that around 4.45 million households will be affected by the revised tax, with approximately 3.1 million households benefiting from a preferential tax rate for single residency. This could potentially generate an additional revenue of NT$2.27 billion to NT$3.27 billion. Under the new system, residential properties will be categorized as ＂self-use＂ or ＂non-self-use,＂ with a national limit of up to three properties classified as ＂self-use.＂ The house tax will continue to be collected annually from May 1 to May 31, based on ownership from the prior year’s July 1 to the current year’s June 30. The amendment also requires that ＂self-use＂ residences meet household registration requirements in addition to the existing provisions regarding rental and occupancy by the owner, spouse, or direct relatives. The tax reform will have a significant impact on 10 municipalities that have not yet implemented the housing hoarding tax. To support the legislative changes, four supplementary regulations will be introduced, including differential tax rate modules, calculation formulas, principles for determining the number of household property holdings, and revisions to the organization of the Real Estate Evaluation Committees. All subsidiary regulations are scheduled to be amended by July 1, 2024.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced that individuals can now book appointments for up to four passport applications at once online, an increase from the previous limit of one. This change, effective since December 17, is in response to a surge in passport applications following the reopening of international borders after the pandemic. The ministry’s Bureau of Consular Affairs encourages the public to take advantage of the enhanced ’Individual Passport Application Form Filling and Appointment System’ to schedule appointments in advance and reduce waiting times. The bureau’s official website also offers a real-time feature to check the current number being served and the number of people waiting, helping applicants avoid long queues. For further assistance, the Bureau of Consular Affairs provides information through their website and a dedicated passport inquiry hotline. These efforts reflect the ministry’s commitment to adapting public services to meet the evolving needs of citizens in the post-pandemic era.

Join the rally against air pollution and global warming in Taichung, central Taiwan on December 24. Environmental organizations are demanding a coal-free central Taiwan and urging Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen to take immediate action to phase out coal at the Taichung Power Plant by 2026. Central Taiwan is responsible for over 60% of the nation’s coal-fired power generation, causing long-term pollution. The International Energy Agency advises developed countries to achieve coal phase-out by 2030 to control temperature rise within 1.5 degrees Celsius. Taiwan’s current energy policy does not align with international trends, with proposed energy-use proportion still including 14 to 20% coal by 2030. However, data from the Ministry of Economic Affairs suggests that increased generation from natural gas and renewable sources can allow for a full coal phase-out at Taichung Power Plant by 2026, a decade earlier than Taipower’s claim. Local governments in central Taiwan are criticized for insufficient efforts to reduce coal use, and residents are urged not to wait another 12 years for a healthier environment.

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.

Pingtung County Government has inaugurated Taiwan’s first dedicated Drug Analysis Laboratory, a pioneering move to combat drug crimes more efficiently. The lab, costing NT＄15 million, aims to reduce the turnaround time for drug analysis, which used to take one to two months when samples had to be sent to laboratories in other counties. Pingtung County Commissioner Chou Chun-mi emphasized the urgent need for the specialized lab due to the increasing variety and complexity of illicit drugs. Chou also highlighted the traditional approach to drug testing being too time-consuming and stressed the importance of efficiency in curbing the drug problem. In addition to the Drug Analysis Laboratory, Pingtung County has already established a Drug Testing Laboratory for urine tests in 2021. The new lab, certified by the Food and Drug Administration in December, marks a significant milestone in Taiwan’s anti-drug initiatives.

The Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP) has announced that EVA Air pilots will hold a strike vote in response to the airline’s handling of end-of-year bonuses and salary raises. The TUP claims that EVA Air’s cost-cutting measures and talent loss have resulted in frequent safety incidents. The union plans to hold a press conference in front of the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC) to voice their demands. EVA Air has been accused of aggressively reducing costs, leading to a significant loss of national pilots and the hiring of foreign pilots through illegal brokers. The TUP believes the MOTC should take responsibility and has set a deadline for EVA Air to improve the situation, suggesting that flight rights be reduced if conditions are not met.

During a cold snap in Taiwan, 18 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) were reported, resulting in 13 deaths before reaching the hospital. The fire departments in Taipei and New Taipei responded to these incidents, with some individuals pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of these deaths is currently under investigation. The cold front has caused temperatures to drop to as low as 10-12 degrees Celsius in certain areas, leading to a warning from the fire bureau about the potential cardiovascular risks associated with colder weather. Individuals with chronic diseases are advised to take precautions and seek regular health check-ups.

Surveillance footage from Taichung shows five men breaking into a bakery at night, alarming workers and prompting the owner to consider legal action. The men trespassed to take photos with the bakery’s unique ornament.

During a cold snap in Taiwan from Dec. 15 to 17, there was an increase in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA), with 165 cases reported. However, the National Fire Agency clarified that not all incidents were directly caused by the cold temperatures. In the Taipei and New Taipei metropolitan areas, there were 18 cases of OHCA due to internal medical conditions, resulting in 13 deaths and 5 successful resuscitations. The New Taipei City Fire Department has issued a warning about the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases during the temperature drop, urging individuals with chronic illnesses to take extra care. The department also advises the public to be vigilant for symptoms and to call emergency assistance immediately if needed.

Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) presidential candidate Ko Wen-je asserts that while 65% of people in Taiwan desire a political party turnover, there is also a 70% majority that opposes the Kuomintang (KMT) being in power. Ko highlights that around 70% of Taiwanese do not want the KMT to assume office, countering media reports on potential strategic voting effects. He suggests conducting further polls to determine the number of people who want the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) to step down and those who do not wish for the KMT to take power. Ko cites Vivian Huang’s victory in the 2022 Taipei mayoral election as evidence of a true third force in Taiwanese politics. During his visit to Kaohsiung, Ko is campaigning for Tseng Yin-li, the party’s sole legislative candidate in southern Taiwan.

The story reports a significant drop in temperatures across Taiwan, with lows of 12 to 13 degrees Celsius in some areas and 14 to 17 degrees in others. Weather specialist Daniel Wu predicts cold conditions throughout Saturday, particularly in the northern and eastern parts of the island. Wu advises the public to take measures to stay warm. The northern parts and eastern half of Taiwan may experience local, brief periods of rain, with more significant rain expected in the north and northeast regions. Temperatures are expected to rebound on Monday but another wave of cold weather is anticipated by Wednesday.

The College Entrance Examination Center (CEEC) has announced that the second session of the high school English listening test will take place this Saturday, with 35,986 registered candidates. The test will be conducted in the morning across 30 districts, 44 zones, and 1,067 venues. Test-takers are advised to check their personal examination information and test location layout on the CEEC’s website. Valid identification, such as an ID card or passport, must be brought to the exam. Mask-wearing is optional for most test-takers, but those who have tested positive for COVID-19 or have respiratory symptoms must wear a mask throughout the examination. Candidates causing noise may be relocated to a reserve venue to avoid disturbing others.

Tickets for the ＂Yomiuri 2024 TOYOTA 90th Anniversary Taiwan Trial＂ baseball game are now on sale through the UDN Ticketing Network. The network has implemented a queuing system to manage the high demand, with purchases starting at 12 p.m. Organizers recommend registering in advance and following the official fan page for instructions. The initial phase offers 26,000 seats, with the possibility of more being released later. The event will take place in March at the Taipei Dome, and fans are excited to secure their spot at this historic competition.

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.

Jaw Shau-kong, the Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential candidate, criticized the lack of access to university campuses for his campaign activities, claiming that this privilege was given to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) before his candidacy. He was previously invited to speak at National Tsing Hua University, National Chiao Tung University, and Chinese Culture University, but these engagements were later canceled by the universities. Jaw believes that nurturing university students’ interest in democracy is important and plans to speak at various higher education institutions, aiming to facilitate exchanges with students from at least five schools. His first campus speech will take place at his alma mater, Taichung First Senior High School. KMT presidential nominee Hou Yu-ih and DPP rival Lai Ching-te have also engaged with the student electorate, participating in youth forums and delivering speeches at various universities. People First Party presidential candidate Ko Wen-je has also been invited to speak at universities, highlighting the trend of presidential and vice-presidential hopefuls engaging with students across Taiwan.

Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih has unveiled a new housing policy aimed at helping young people in Taiwan purchase their first homes. The initiative is targeted at individuals under 40 years old who have never owned property and face income restrictions. Under the plan, qualified buyers can receive a loan of up to NT＄15 million with no down payment required. They will also enjoy a 0.5% subsidy on their mortgage interest rates, with public banks cutting the rates in half after five years. The policy will last for five years and includes restrictions on reselling the purchased properties for a maximum of ten years to address housing market speculation concerns. Hou criticized the current New Residential Loans Policy for its lack of age and income restrictions, allowing affluent individuals to benefit and non-first-time buyers to take advantage of policy perks. The plan aims to ensure fairness and accessibility for those in genuine need of support in purchasing their first homes.

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te criticizes KMT rival Hou Yu-ih for advocating the employment of Chinese students in Taiwan, claiming it would take away job opportunities from Taiwanese youths. Lai expresses concerns about the impact of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) with China, stating that it allows Chinese nationals to compete with local vendors in the service industry. The crowd fears that increased competition from Chinese workers could harm their businesses and livelihoods. Lai emphasizes President Tsai Ing-wen’s efforts to reduce reliance on the Chinese market and highlights China’s high youth unemployment rate, cautioning that opening borders to students from China could worsen job scarcity for young people in Taiwan.

The Taipei City Government Transportation Department plans to open additional parking lots and exits at Taipei Metro stations to ease congestion at the Taipei Dome, which is expecting a full-capacity crowd of 40,000 people in future games. The department aims to address the increasing audience numbers for the Asian Baseball Championship by unlocking exit 5 of the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station on the Bannan Line, which connects directly to the underground passageways of Taipei Dome. Despite the availability of parking facilities, more than 90 percent of attendees prefer to take public transportation. The department encourages the public to continue using mass transit systems and envisions that the additional metro station exits will promote smoother traffic dispersion as seating capacity increases.

Foreign investors have purchased a net 8,926 shares of Eva Air, making it the fourth most bought by foreigners in the session. The recovery in travel and business after the pandemic has improved operations in the aviation industry, with staff shortages at airports in northeast Asia finally relaxing. Demand for flights to China, Hong Kong, and Macao is gradually increasing, with booking rates for northeast Asian routes exceeding 90 percent. Eva Air plans to focus on routes in northeast Asia and to China, Hong Kong, and Macao as its operational priority next year, with an expected increase in weekly flights to a total of 538. The airline is also set to take delivery of two Boeing 787-10 aircraft, enhancing its fleet deployment flexibility.

A multicultural festival celebrating ＂Migrants Day＂ will take place at the National Museum of Natural Science in Taichung City on December 10. The festival will feature performances, cultural experiences, and a prize drawing event. In an effort to educate immigrants about marriage management, rights in Taiwan, and the Domestic Violence Prevention Act, the National Immigration Agency’s Central Administration Corps organized a family education and legal advocacy event in Taichung on December 6. The event used creative presentations to help diverse couples recognize signs of physical and psychological abuse, stalking, and harassment. Hsieh Liang, chair of the Union of New Immigrants of Taichung City, served as a marriage educator, teaching communication skills and advising against tolerance for violence. Sung Hsin-hui, a violence prevention planner from the Taichung City Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Prevention Center, introduced the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act, as well as reporting procedures and shared case studies. The event provided valuable insights for A Chun, an immigrant from Japan, who gained a correct understanding of family violence and expressed relief that Taiwan’s legal system offers protection to victims. With Taiwan’s immigrant population growing, the NIA aims to foster unity among all ethnic groups and create a welcoming environment for new residents, promoting cultural integration.