TIME 結果共439筆

Taipei mayoral candidate Ko Wen-je of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) criticized the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) for their lack of action despite claiming self-reflection during a morning canvassing walk. Ko’s comments were in response to remarks made by DPP vice-presidential candidate Hsiao Bi-khim during a Central Election Committee (CEC) policy presentation. Hsiao had acknowledged that some DPP members had made errors and forgotten their original intentions, which the DPP government must bear. Ko clarified that while Hsiao suggested that the DPP is already implementing his policies, the crucial difference is that the DPP talks without acting, whereas the TPP takes action. Ko also evaluated his running mate Cynthia Wu’s performance, deeming her steady, and emphasized that the TPP is committed to serious policy discussions rather than treating presentations as mere call-in shows to fill time.

Taiwanese singer Jay Chou surprised fans with the release of his new song, ＂Christmas Star,＂ during the holiday season. Chou revealed details about the song, including its three-character title and the inclusion of firewood crackling sounds, during a livestream. The music video was shot in a European town setting, featuring scenes inside a gingerbread-like house decorated for Christmas. Chou collaborated with Gary Yang on the song, who not only provided vocals but also appeared in the music video. ＂Christmas Star＂ is a unique holiday-themed song in Chou’s extensive repertoire. The song was originally scheduled to be released on Friday Taiwan time but was made available earlier for Taiwanese fans on December 21.

Lai Ching-te, the Democratic Progressive Party’s (DPP) Presidential candidate, announced at a rally in Pingtung his plans to construct a Taiwan High-Speed Rail line and two expressways in the area. Lai aims to balance Taiwan’s national development projects and bring more support and assistance to Pingtung, transforming it into a ＂beautiful new homeland.＂ His promises include extending the high-speed rail to Chaozhou Township, reducing travel time from Taipei to less than two hours. Lai also intends to attract high-tech industries, introduce agricultural technology, and enhance the export competitiveness of local farm produce. Additionally, he plans to uplift tourism service quality in Pingtung, transforming Kenting into a destination similar to Bali and developing Dapeng Bay into a Hawaii-like getaway. Lai emphasized Pingtung’s importance in the implementation of the New Southbound Policy, highlighting its potential contribution to Taiwan’s development in collaboration with other southern counties and cities. He credited his past contributions to Pingtung’s development, such as the Pingtung Veterans General Hospital, to the efforts of former Pingtung County Commissioner Pan Men-an, current commissioner Chou Chun-mi, and legislators. Lai seeks local residents’ support to make Pingtung glorious again.

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 National Land Management Agency (NLMA) in Taiwan has announced that the application period for the ＂Mortgage Assistance Program for Low-and-Middle-Income Homeowners＂ will close next Friday. Since its launch on June 1, over 730,000 households have applied for the program, with more than 460,000 qualifying for the subsidy. The NLMA aims to benefit 550,000 middle to low-income households, and there are still places available for applicants as of Wednesday. Eligible customers are being notified by financial institutions through text messages, emails, or loan payment receipts. Applicants are only required to provide basic information online and will receive a one-time payment of NT＄30,000 upon approval.

According to a recent survey by Yes123 job bank, 71% of Taiwanese workers expect to receive a year-end bonus, with 21.1% predicting a larger payout compared to last year. Dissatisfaction with bonus amounts could lead 64.2% of office workers to consider resigning. However, 70.9% of employees anticipate receiving their 2023 bonus before the 2024 Lunar New Year holiday, which is a five-year high. Reasons for not expecting a bonus include company profit declines (15.8%), non-full-time employment status (5.2%), insufficient tenure (4.7%), and personal performance (3.4%). Among those expecting a bonus, 18.6% believe they will receive less than last year, while 60.3% expect a similar amount. The main intended uses for the bonuses are savings (45.5%), honoring parents (43.2%), loan payments (40.5%), handing out red envelopes (39.3%), and investing (31.4%). Workers believe that the ideal distribution of bonuses should be proportionate to personal performance (41.9%), equitable for all employees (32.6%), or tied to company profit (25.5%). Factors that could impact the size of year-end bonuses include company profits (69.2%), personal performance (52.3%), moods of bosses or major shareholders (51.4%), years of service (50.4%), job rank (26.7%), and relationships with bosses or supervisors (25.5%).

The Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced that its current CEO, C.C. Wei, is set to be nominated as the next chairman in the June 2024 board election. This comes after the current chairman, Mark Liu, revealed that he will not seek re-nomination and plans to retire after next year’s shareholder meeting. Liu, who joined TSMC in 1993, became chairman in June 2018 following the retirement of company founder Morris Chang. He expressed his desire to continue making a difference in the semiconductor industry using his decades of experience while also spending more time with his family. Despite varied opinions on Liu’s retirement, there is a consensus that TSMC’s stable corporate governance is unlikely to be affected in terms of operations and stock performance.

Mark Liu, Chairman of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), will step down after the next shareholders’ meeting. C.C. Wei, currently the vice chairman, has been recommended to succeed Liu as the new chairman. Liu, who took over in 2018, focused on solidifying corporate governance and competitiveness during his tenure. He plans to continue contributing his semiconductor expertise in different capacities after retirement. Liu expresses gratitude for his collaboration with TSMC and intends to spend more time with his family. He remains confident in TSMC’s future performance and is committed to bolstering corporate governance until his term’s end.

Inventec Group will hold its annual year-end bōnenkai on Jan. 26 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, with rumors suggesting that rock legend Wu Bai may make a surprise appearance. This event marks Chairman Sam Yeh’s first time hosting since the Covid-19 outbreak, signaling a return to in-person festivities. While Wu Bai’s appearance has not been confirmed, Inventec has hinted that the guest will align with the rock genre. Over 6,000 employees are expected to attend, with more than 600 tables set up for the celebration. Executives from Inventec’s subsidiaries, including Inventec Appliances, Besta, and AIMobile, are also scheduled to join. The grand prize for the 2023 bōnenkai is anticipated to be NT＄200,000 in cash, with the possibility of additional top-ups from group executives, potentially exceeding a total prize pool of NT＄10 million.

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.

Taoyuan Metro (TYMETRO) will add four extra train services during peak hours on workdays, aiming to reduce commuting time for passengers. The additional trains include two express services and two regular services, bringing the total number of peak-hour trains on workdays to eleven. This is the sixth round of increased services introduced by TYMETRO in 2023. Since April 17, 2023, TYMETRO has been expanding the number of trips to better meet commuter needs, with a focus on providing more frequent services during the morning peak period heading northbound. The express trains have been increased by six additional services, bringing the total to 18 express trips, benefiting Taoyuan commuters traveling southbound toward Taipei.

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 Ministry of Agriculture’s Veterinary Research Institute has detected a new variant of the African swine fever (ASF) virus in pork products brought in by travelers from mainland China. This recombinant strain, known for its high pathogenicity and transmissibility, has caused severe outbreaks in China since its confirmation in 2022. This is the first time that two different strains of the virus, including the Genotype II strain prevalent in China since 2018 and its variant, have been found in illegally imported crispy intestine products. Testing has shown a rising trend in the positive detection rate for the ASF virus in illegally carried meat products from China. With the Lunar New Year approaching, citizens are urged not to bring any pork-containing products back to Taiwan, and the institute warns against illegal imports to protect Taiwan’s pig farming industry.

The Tourism Administration and the Central Weather Administration (CWA) have signed a memorandum of understanding to merge tourism and meteorological services in Taiwan. The partnership will focus on Taiwan’s tourism activities, particularly the 13 national scenic area administrations. The collaboration aims to develop strategic promotions that enhance the traveler experience by utilizing the expertise of both organizations. The Tourism Administration plans to incorporate real-time weather data into a tourism smart cloud, providing accurate weather conditions for tourists. The CWA will deliver targeted meteorological information for different regions, simplifying access for both local and international travelers. This initiative aims to catalyze the development of the tourism industry and ensure the effective use and exchange of weather and maritime information. The use of smart cloud technology will equip travelers with useful information, enhancing convenience and safety, especially for maritime recreational activities.

Taipei actor Greg Hsu’s appearance in a music video by Mandopop legend Jay Chou at the age of 13 has shocked fans online. In a throwback clip from Chou’s ＂Class 3-2＂ music video, a young Hsu can be seen playing table tennis while wearing black-rimmed glasses. Despite his rounder face, his distinctive features are already evident. The discovery of this footage has sparked surprise and admiration for Hsu’s transformation from a young table tennis player to a heartthrob. Now 32 years old, Hsu gained fame through his breakout role in the Taiwanese drama ＂Someday or One Day＂ and has become immensely popular across Asia, particularly in China and South Korea. Hsu has revealed that he took up sports, including table tennis, to manage his childhood asthma. His talent in the sport earned him a spot on the elementary school team and eventually led to his cameo in Chou’s music video. ＂Someday or One Day,＂ which co-stars Alice Ko, is considered a landmark Taiwanese television series and has garnered such acclaim that South Korea produced its own remake titled ＂A Time Called You.＂

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.

U.S. senators met in an unusual weekend session to amend border security policies, aiming to resolve the deadlock over assistance plans for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Democratic centrist Senator Joe Manchin expressed optimism about the progress being made, stating that bipartisan negotiators and representatives from the White House recognize the seriousness of border issues and the need for repair. Independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema, Democrat Chris Murphy, Republican James Lankford, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, and other senior officials engaged in discussions to seek a compromise on border security policy revisions. While progress was reported, details were not disclosed. The crafting of the bill’s comprehensive text requires time for deliberation before the voting process can proceed.

The iconic Elephant Trunk Rock in New Taipei City’s tourist spot lost its ＂trunk＂ due to heavy rain and winds. The damage was caused by severe weather, although further investigations are needed for a precise determination. The damaged landmark quickly gained attention online. The rock, located near Shenao fishing harbor, remains a concern as rainfall persists and rough seas continue, making it challenging for maritime patrol officers to assess the situation. Natural erosion or the impact of strong waves may have contributed to the breakage. Human activities such as tourists climbing on the rock and fishers driving iron chains into it have also caused noticeable damage over time.

Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) will add eight additional train services from Dec. 29 to Jan. 2 and 12 additional train services from Jan. 5 to Jan. 7 to accommodate the anticipated surge in travelers during the New Year holiday. THSR will operate a total of 113 extra services, with 53 heading south and 60 going north. Passengers without reserved seats can access real-time updates on station crowd control indicators on THSR’s official website. The availability of non-reserved seats at each station will also be provided. THSR has urged travelers to make way for those disembarking and to be cautious of the gap between the train doors and the platform. Additional staff will be deployed to ensure smooth operations throughout the holiday period. Tickets for the additional services will go on sale on Saturday (Dec. 16) midnight.

Discover the captivating exhibit ＂Once Upon a Tainan Charm: Treasures from the National Palace Museum＂ at Tainan Art Museum, featuring rare artifacts from Taiwan’s esteemed collection. Premier Chen Chien-jen emphasizes the dynamic nature of the exhibition, which coincides with Tainan City’s 400-year anniversary. Experience a journey through time as the exhibition unveils 15 precious items, including the Jadeite Cabbage, Vase with lotus and dragon decoration, and Jade Plate with Dragon Pattern. Don’t miss this unique cultural experience from Dec. 16, 2023, to Mar. 10, 2024, offering a winter of enriched historical engagement for locals and visitors alike.

Taiwan’s central bank has announced that it will maintain its interest rate for the third consecutive time in its quarterly board meeting. The decision was influenced by price changes and the need to balance stabilizing consumer prices with sustaining economic growth. Despite rising consumer prices due to natural disasters, the central bank remains optimistic and expects the inflation rate to drop below 2% next year. Forecasts for Taiwan’s GDP growth rate in 2023 are more positive, projected to reach 3.12%. This is supported by increasing private consumption, particularly in tourism and dining, as well as the central bank’s expectation of a global export increase to stimulate local investment and drive economic recovery. In contrast to the Federal Reserve in the U.S., Taiwan’s central bank stated that its monetary policy approach would be adjusted gradually based on the country’s economic conditions. Despite high housing prices, the central bank has decided against imposing stricter measures or withdrawing from market intervention to avoid further impact on the property market.

勇士球星格林（Draymond Green）在台灣時間13日與太陽交手的比賽中，因朝太陽中鋒諾基奇（Jusuf Nurkic）揮拳，不但當下即因吞下二級惡意犯規被逐出場，聯盟更以「累犯」為由判他無限期禁賽。對此，前NBA球星「怒吼天尊」華勒斯（Rasheed Wallace）就在節目上諷刺：「他會成為驅逐界的GOAT（Greatest Of All Time）。」

New data from Statistics Korea reveals a decline in young married couples in South Korea, with approximately 1.032 million couples within the first five years of marriage as of November 1, 2022. Since 2015, there has been an annual average decrease of 50,000 to 80,000 newlywed couples, projected to fall below 1 million by the end of this year. Around 79% of these newlyweds are marrying for the first time, while over 20% are embarking on a second marriage. Notably, 46.4% of first-time married couples have chosen not to start a family yet, marking the highest recorded rate of childless couples. Economic and housing conditions play a role in these trends, as the average annual income of newlyweds has increased by 6.1% from the previous year, and dual-income households have claimed a larger share, reaching 57.2%. However, despite earning 1.7 times more than single-earner families, dual-income couples have a lower rate of having children. The unique Korean rental system, Jeonse, involving significant security deposit payments, and rising rental costs may further impact young couples’ decision to start a family, adding complexity to South Korean family dynamics.

The Taipei City Government is urging YouBike users to sign up for coverage to obtain additional protection, following a report stating that 812 YouBike accidents have occurred from last year to the end of November this year. Transportation Management Division Chief Chu Chen-tso indicated that most accidents involved riders cycling too fast or being unable to brake in time while going downhill, leading to falls and injuries. With injury insurance, compensation for fractures or serious accidents can reach up to NT$1 million, and hospitalization claims amount to NT$1,000 per day. However, minor scrapes and bruises are generally not covered. Since the initiation of a free public bicycle injury insurance policy in 2018, the insurance rate has risen from 49.4% to 63.5%. Despite this improvement, surveys reveal that 37% of individuals are unaware of public bicycle injury insurance, 30% believe they do not need the insurance, and 20% are reluctant to go through the insurance application process. Additionally, about 60% of users do not understand that each YouBike card requires separate insurance coverage. Taipei boasts 1,325 YouBike 2.0 stations and 15,047 bicycles.

The Taoyuan City Council has passed the fiscal year 2024 budget, but has cut NT＄117 million for the promotion and production of designated garbage bags. This decision puts the original pay-as-you-throw garbage fee system, set to start in July 2025, at risk. The city’s Department of Environmental Protection had allocated the funds for awareness campaigns and manufacturing the necessary garbage bags. City council members argue for a more cautious approach, considering resident feedback to determine the best time to implement the initiative. In response, Taoyuan Mayor Simon Chang announced an extension of the pay-as-you-throw policy timeline, with no fixed schedule in place.