THREE 結果共257筆

Nearly 46% of Taiwanese people expect a salary increase next year, according to a survey by Cathay Financial Holding Co. The survey also found that about 60% of respondents anticipate year-end bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, while 8.3% expect bonuses to exceed three months. However, 47.6% of those surveyed expect monthly wages to remain constant. The survey also revealed a conservative estimate for Taiwan’s 2024 economic growth, with an average expectation of 2.52%, contrasting with the more bullish 3.35% forecast by the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics. Respondents predict an average inflation rate of 2.21%, with 55% believing it will exceed 2%, higher than the directorate’s projection of 1.64% for 2024. The survey was conducted from Dec. 1-7 and gathered 13,379 valid responses through email questionnaires.

Taiwan’s Taoyuan Airport has been ranked 73rd in the latest global airport rankings by air passenger rights organization AirHelp. The annual analysis evaluates over 4,000 airports worldwide based on on-time performance, customer service, dining, and shopping options. Oman’s Muscat International Airport claimed the title of the world’s best airport for 2023, with Brazil and Japan having the most representation in the top ten. Indonesia had three airports in the bottom ten, with Syamsudin Noor International Airport being ranked as the least favorable. These rankings reflect the ongoing efforts by global airports to meet and exceed passenger expectations.

The Ministry of National Defense (MND) announced that three drug-sniffing dogs have completed their service, one continuing under the Customs Administration’s evaluation and the other two retiring in October. The MND deployed 18 additional detection dogs across various regions in December 2022. Major General Chen Heng-wei stated that the detection squads conducted 467 assigned smell duties through educational recalls and base applications. Throughout the year, operational areas designated 211 smell duties, with 145 requests from military bases. The government mandates a service limit of four years for these canines, but dogs in good condition may serve up to seven years. The establishment of drug-sniffing dog units began in 2020 as part of efforts to deter military personnel from bringing drugs into the barracks, showcasing the ministry’s commitment to maintaining zero tolerance for drugs within military facilities.

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.

The National Comics Museum in Taipei is set to launch its inaugural exhibit on December 23, offering comic enthusiasts a new destination for artistic exploration. Situated in the former staff quarters of the Taichung Prison, the museum gained approval from the Executive Yuan in April. The eastern site of the museum, comprised of 15 Japanese-style buildings, currently features eight main themed exhibitions and three focal areas. One of the planned spaces, ＂Da Shu Jung Guang＂ (＂Big Fig Tree Lights＂), aims to create unique nocturnal landscapes using lighting, shadows, mist, and music. Another attraction is ＂Barkley The Cat,＂ an area adorned with whimsically scattered kitten patterns. The museum also includes three reading areas, a bathhouse area called ＂Pao Man-hua＂ (＂Soaking in Comics＂), and a section for comic graffiti. Visitors can enjoy ＂Jia Ramen＂ at Dormitory No. 12, designed for dining while enjoying Taiwanese comics. The northern site of the museum, featuring a new main building, is scheduled to open in 2029. The museum is eagerly anticipated by comic lovers across Taiwan as a celebration of the vibrant world of comics and animation.

A survey by Cathay Financial Holdings reveals that Taiwanese are increasingly optimistic about year-end bonuses and economic prospects. 59.3% of respondents expect bonuses ranging from one to three months’ salary, surpassing last year’s 55%. Furthermore, 8.3% anticipate bonuses exceeding three months’ pay, reflecting an improvement in attitudes towards Taiwan’s economy. The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics predicts a 3.35% economic growth in 2024 with an inflation rate of 1.64%, but the public is more cautious, expecting a 2.52% growth and a 2.21% inflation rate. The optimism index for the local stock market has also improved. Additionally, 45.9% of Taiwanese anticipate salary increases, a 13.2 percentage point increase from 2022, while those expecting a steady monthly income dropped by 10.9 percentage points to 47.6%. Only 32.4% believe their year-end bonus will be less than one month’s salary, a decrease of 5.6 percentage points from the previous year.

The Ministry of National Defense in Taipei showcased its drug prevention program’s accomplishments, emphasizing the effectiveness of its narcotics detection dog teams. Since December last year, 18 additional dogs have been added to these teams, allowing regions across Taiwan to request their services for drug-sniffing operations within military camps. According to government regulations, these service dogs typically serve for four years, with the possibility of an extension to seven years. Since 2020, three narcotics-detection canines have completed their service term, with replacements already trained and deployed. The defense ministry conducted 467 drug-sniffing missions within military bases this year through mobilization, camp applications, and operational zone assignments. Additionally, over 1.13 million urine screenings have been conducted among military personnel, with positive results leading to prosecutions and the removal of implicated individuals from service.

Taipei is gearing up for the first official televised presidential policy presentation forums ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Candidates from the Kuomintang (KMT), Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) will have 30 minutes each to present their platforms in three rounds of 10 minutes. The forums, scheduled on December 20, 26, and 28, with an additional event for vice-presidential candidates on December 22, aim to provide a critical opportunity for the candidates to connect with voters and influence public opinion in the final weeks of the campaign. The presentations will be broadcast live on television and streamed on the Central Election Commission (CEC) website.

The Chiayi City Government has announced a subsidy program for pregnant women using taxi services, in an effort to create a more pregnancy-friendly environment and counteract the city’s declining birthrate. Starting from New Year’s Day, the subsidies for expectant mothers’ taxi rides will increase from NT＄2,800 to NT＄4,500, with a maximum subsidy per ride rising from NT＄100 to NT＄150. The program now includes travel for any medical visits, as long as the rides are with designated fleets to and from medical institutions. The validity of the transportation tickets has also been extended to include the first three months following the infant’s birth. The policy is targeted at Chiayi locals and former immigrant mothers whose spouses are registered residents of Chiayi. Additionally, Chiayi has introduced plans to provide emotional support, parenting guidance, legal counseling, and financial aid to pregnant women under 20.

FamilyMart, a leading convenience store chain in Taiwan, has experienced significant growth in its fresh food sales, with an annual increase of at least 10% over the past three years. In 2022 alone, revenue from fresh foods reached NT$25 billion, accounting for over 30% of the company’s total revenue. Huang Cheng-tien, FamilyMart’s Fresh Foods Operations Manager, considers fresh foods a crucial strategic asset and has launched branded products targeting various market segments and trending categories. The focused brands, such as ’uno pasta’ for Italian pasta and ’minimore’ for desserts, have yielded impressive results, with pasta sales growing by 20% annually and dessert sales in 2022 skyrocketing by over 40%. FamilyMart has also made significant efforts to cater to health-conscious consumers, implementing structural reforms since 2016 that encompass ingredients, equipment, packaging, and processes. These reforms have contributed to the success of products like the tuna onigiri, which saw a 19% sales growth in 2022. Additionally, FamilyMart has collaborated with renowned restaurants and chefs, including Din Tai Fung, resulting in the sale of over 20 million co-branded items. These collaborations aim to create differentiated products by incorporating key ingredients from partners, such as a spicy sauce by Din Tai Fung used in unique offerings like grilled rice balls and fried noodles. In the first half of this year, FamilyMart’s fresh food revenue grew by an impressive 20%. The company’s General Manager, Hsueh Tung-tu, strives to attract more customers by offering unique products, following the motto ＂What others don’t have, we have; what others have, we excel in.＂

Shares of Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. experienced a surge in volume, with over 70,000 shares traded, ranking in the top five in terms of transaction volume. This follows the suspension of services through the Red Sea by major container shipping companies, including Evergreen Marine Corp., Yang Ming, and Wan Hai Lines Ltd., due to attacks by Yemeni militants. The crisis in the Red Sea has led to global shipping lines rerouting, potentially alleviating excess capacity and boosting international freight rates. The stock performance of these ＂Big Three＂ container shipping firms has drawn significant attention. Evergreen Marine’s stock exhibited volatility, reaching a post-ex-dividend high of NT$148 but later dipping to NT$144.5. Yang Ming’s stock price also reached a morning peak but corrected downwards, with a trading volume surpassing 70,000 shares. Wan Hai Lines experienced a similar downward trend. These movements in the shipping sector are closely monitored amid the ongoing situation in the Red Sea, which impacts shipping routes worldwide.

Taipei-based subsidiary Family International Gourmet, a part of Taiwan FamilyMart Co., Ltd, has announced plans to increase salaries by 3-5% in 2024. The company will also offer incentive and performance bonuses equivalent to three to eight months of annual pay. Outstanding employees in 2023 could potentially earn annual salaries equivalent to over 20 months, with some store managers already earning millions of dollars per year. The company plans to expand by opening 8-12 new stores annually. In 2024, they aim to hire over 500 regular employees, including 50 potential store managers and over 200 potential supervisors. Starting salaries for new employees will increase from NT$34,000 to NT$36,000, with reserve cadres earning NT$40,000. Employees who pass training assessments can quickly advance to store manager roles, with the opportunity to earn annual salaries exceeding NT$1 million. The company reported impressive revenues of NT$19.92 billion in November, a nearly 30% increase year-on-year. Family International Gourmet is set to debut on the emerging stock market this Thursday as it progresses towards listing on the over-the-counter market.

Oceanic Beverages Company, previously under scrutiny for water quality violations at its Pingzhen factory, has announced that its apple cider products now meet health standards set by the Taoyuan City Government’s Department of Health (DPH). This allows the company to resume sales. Earlier complaints had alleged that the beverages produced at the Pingzhen factory contained unknown sediment and did not meet water quality regulations. Following inspections in April and May, Taoyuan’s DPH ordered a suspension of three production lines, effectively shutting down the entire plant. However, Oceanic Beverages Co. has now revealed that production lines two and three have officially recommenced operations. The company has clarified that the apple cider products currently on shelves include batches from an initial trial production on Oct. 27, as well as regular production that resumed on Nov. 16.

Ukrainian students at Tzu Chi University have formed a volunteer team to teach English and music as a way to give back to Taiwan for its support during the Russia-Ukraine War. The group, consisting of nine Master’s students studying media and communications, will be conducting classes at a local elementary school two to three times per week. The initiative was prompted by a desire expressed by several students last semester, and TCU facilitated school partnerships to make it happen. The Ukrainian student-teachers offer a fresh perspective that inspires their pupils and makes learning a language more dynamic and engaging.

The story discusses the ongoing demands of EVA Air pilots for open dialogue with their employer regarding year-end bonuses and salary adjustments. The Civil Aviation Administration (CAA) is facilitating communication to resolve the issue. The union of Taoyuan International Airport Services Company (TIAS) released a statement criticizing the significant disparities in year-end bonuses between subsidiary companies and the parent company, with the former receiving one month’s worth and the latter receiving three. EVA Air ground staff discovered that their union had been dominated by management, leading to a petition to join the union and resulting in additional incentive payouts. The TIAS union expressed solidarity with the EVA Air ground staff and argued that subsidiary company employees should not face discriminatory treatment, and that annual bonus calculations and salary adjustments should align with the practices at the parent company.

China criticizes a US arms sale to Taiwan worth $300 million, demanding an immediate halt to US military aid. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced the sale includes secure communications systems for Taiwan’s defense. China argues that the sale violates the One-China policy and the three joint communiques, particularly emphasizing the one from 1982. The spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense warns that any attempts to ＂use Taiwan to control China＂ will fail. China’s Foreign Ministry also launches a formal protest with the US and takes punitive measures against the involved companies.

KMT Vice Presidential candidate Jaw Shaw-kong criticizes the DPP government for prioritizing COVID-19 vaccines for certain cities during the peak of the pandemic three years ago. He accuses the DPP of favoritism and urges New Taipei residents to remember the government’s actions and support the incumbent mayor, regardless of party affiliation. Jaw’s remarks aim to hold the DPP accountable in the upcoming elections and solidify the KMT’s base in Taiwan’s political landscape.

Lin Pin-chen, a 25-year-old woman from the Beinan tribe, has emerged as the top candidate in the examination for contingent forest rangers conducted by the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency’s (FANCA) Taitung Branch. Lin demonstrated exceptional skills in motorcycle riding, weighted running, as well as written and oral exams. Having previously worked for FANCA’s Chiayi Branch, Lin has now been selected for the position in Taitung. Out of the 20 registered examinees, 18 attended the exams, resulting in a 90% attendance rate. Following two days of intense competition, three candidates, all Taiwanese indigenous people from the Beinan, Amis, and Bunun tribes, were appointed full-time rangers, while six were put on the waitlist. The overall acceptance rate stood at 16.67%. Forest rangers in Taitung will receive a starting salary of NT＄31,130, which can increase to NT＄46,695 based on year-end evaluations and work performance. Additional allowances will also be provided for mountain patrol duties.

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.

On ＂Super Saturday＂ in Taichung, three groups of candidates rallied to support their respective parties’ legislative contenders ahead of Taiwan’s 2024 presidential and legislative elections. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim campaigned tirelessly for her party’s legislative candidates, while Kuomintang (KMT) vice-presidential hopeful Jaw Shaw-Kong attended back-to-back events supporting Chiang Chi-chen and Yen Kuan-heng. The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) also made a strong showing, with Tsai Pi-ru, TPP’s first district legislative candidate in Taichung, gathering an impressive lineup of supporters including Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-ye, former Kaohsiung Mayor Han Kuo-yu, and TPP’s presidential candidate Ko Wen-je.

Yunlin County Police Bureau cracked down on an illegal gambling operation that accepted bets on the outcome of the presidential election using virtual currency. Seventeen bettors were arrested, and police confiscated approximately NT$171,661 in gambling funds. The individuals were arrested for violating the Presidential and Vice Presidential Election and Recall Act. Eight of those detained were released after questioning, but the remaining nine were retained for further summons. The illicit betting was discovered when the Yunlin police’s internet patrol unit spotted a decentralized betting platform called Polymarket, which had set up betting pools for three presidential candidates. The online players could place bets on event outcomes using USDC, a virtual currency, from their own digital wallets.

Due to strong winds, ferry services between Xiamen and Kinmen were suspended on December 16. The Kinmen County Harbor Bureau forecasts that services may resume around noon, depending on wind conditions. Gale-force winds reaching level eight were recorded earlier that day, leading to the temporary halt. Officials warn that the windy weather could continue to disrupt ferry schedules, and advise passengers to stay informed and make alternative travel arrangements.

Three major food service companies in Taiwan, Jhu Jian Group, Family International Gourmet Co., Ltd., and Mercuries F&B Co., Ltd., are set to list on the emerging stock market next week. Jhu Jian Group will join the Pioneer Stock Board on Dec. 21 and plans to transition to the emerging stock market trading by Jan. 2, 2024. The group’s revenue has already surpassed that of the previous year, with projections indicating an expansion to 175 outlets by year’s end. Family International Gourmet Co., Ltd. will also list on Dec. 21, with a robust year-over-year revenue increase of 28.4% in the first eleven months. Mercuries F&B Co., Ltd. will enter the emerging stock market on Dec. 22, reporting an impressive revenue increase of 10.82% in the first eleven months. These listings reflect the strong recovery and growth in Taiwan’s food and beverage sector.

Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed amendments to the Sports Industry Development Act to combat ticket scalping. The revised law imposes fines on scalpers ranging from 10 to 50 times the ticket’s face value. The amendments also target the resale of complimentary and promotional tickets, with penalties reaching up to NT＄18,000. The use of ticket-buying bots will be met with up to three years’ imprisonment and/or fines up to NT＄3 million. These measures aim to crack down on the practice of reselling tickets at inflated prices, known locally as ＂huangniu＂ or Yellow Cow. The amended law ensures the anonymity of whistleblowers and potentially rewards them for reporting scalping activities. The updates to the legislation were led by the Legislative Yuan Education and Culture Committee, reflecting the legislature’s commitment to fair access to entertainment and sports for fans in Taiwan.