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HTC pushes boundaries in XR, spatial computing at MWC 2024
Explore how HTC is reshaping the future of XR and spatial computing with its latest innovations at MWC 2024, from the first VR headset designed for space to advanced AI-driven virtual platforms enhancing global communication and collaboration.
2024/03/03 18:14
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Taiwan offers NT$30,000 subsidy for women’s re-employment
Learn about the Ministry of Labor’s initiative in Taiwan to support displaced women’s re-employment with a subsidy of NT$30,000. Applications open on March 1 for the first half of 2024. Discover how the program aims to assist women in enhancing their professional skills and returning to the workforce after a hiatus. Apply between March 1 and May 31 for this opportunity.
2024/02/21 14:06
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Taiwan to expand SMA treatment coverage
The National Health Insurance (NHI) Administration in Taiwan has announced the approval of new applications for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) treatment coverage. This decision comes after the passing of lawyer Chen Chun-han, a prominent advocate for wider medication coverage for SMA. SMA is a progressive neuro-muscular degenerative disease caused by a mutation in the SMN1 gene, impacting muscle functionality and activities such as sitting, walking, speaking, breathing, and eating. The NHI Administration has included the gene therapy drug Zolgensma, which carries a price tag of NT$49 million, in its benefits since the second half of 2023. The criteria for medication eligibility include an upper limb motor function index (RULM) score of at least 15. There are over 400 SMA patients in Taiwan, and by the end of 2023, 158 people applied for medication, with 145 approvals. The NHI Administration plans to hold an expert meeting in March to discuss expanding access to the drugs for all SMA patients, with a potential approval in the first half of 2024.
2024/02/16 13:28
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TSMC expands in Japan with 2nd wafer plant slated for 2027
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) has announced that its Japan subsidiary, JASM, will construct a second wafer fabrication plant by the end of 2024. The plant is expected to be operational by the end of 2027. With support from the Japanese government, TSMC plans to begin production at its first JASM wafer fabrication plant in 2024, with a total investment exceeding US$20 billion. The construction of the second plant is driven by increasing customer demand. The expansion aims to optimize JASM’s cost structure and supply chain efficiency, resulting in increased production. Once both plants are operational, JASM’s Kumamoto wafer fabrication plant will have a monthly capacity of over 100,000 12-inch wafers. The Japan fab will offer process technologies ranging from 40nm to 6nm, catering to automotive, industrial, consumer, and high-performance computing applications. TSMC also mentioned that capacity planning can be adjusted based on client requirements. The Kumamoto wafer plant is expected to create more than 3,400 high-tech professional jobs.
2024/02/07 14:37
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ITRI and TSMC unveil breakthrough SOT-MRAM chip technology
ITRI and TSMC are partnering to develop a SOT-MRAM array chip with lower power consumption and faster operation than STT-MRAM. The new design has potential applications in in-memory computation and is expected to advance the field of high-speed semiconductors. The General Director of ITRI’s Electronic and Optoelectronic System Research Laboratories, Chang Shih-chieh, highlighted the chip’s low power consumption and quick 10-nanosecond operating time, which enable improved computational efficiency and expand the potential applications beyond traditional memory-oriented scenarios. The research results were presented at the IEDM, showcasing the technology’s potential for high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, and automotive chips. Additionally, ITRI’s focus on non-volatile memory technologies demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of the domestic semiconductor markets and exploring new areas of application.
2024/01/17 14:58
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Twinnen in Taiwan: Unveiling HTC’s VR and XR innovations
Discover how HTC Corporation has transitioned from a smartphone giant to a leading innovator in virtual reality (VR) technology. Explore their cutting-edge VR headsets, medical VR applications, and the future of entertainment.
2024/01/04 21:18
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Taipower to hire 1,103 specialists in 2024
Taiwan Power Company (Taipower) is planning to hire 1,103 specialists in various fields, including power distribution and transmission, substation, and electromechanical, by 2024. Applications for these positions will be accepted from January 2 to January 15, with preliminary exams scheduled for May 12 in Taipei, Taichung, Kaohsiung, and Hualien. The results of the preliminary exams will be announced on July 16, and the second round will take place on August 6 in Taipei. After selection, new recruits will undergo one year of training and will receive a starting salary of NT$32,000, along with performance bonuses amounting to approximately 4.4 months of year-end bonuses. The largest portion of the jobs on offer is for maintenance staff for power distribution lines, with 429 positions. The next highest category consists of 157 posts for general administration workers, including 38 positions reserved for individuals with disabilities. This recruitment drive also includes three new positions in material management and various other maintenance and engineering roles. Certain positions require higher qualifications, such as a manual car license or a commercial heavy vehicle license. Taipower aims to address staff retirements, ensure stable power supplies, and implement net-zero transformation in the power industry to meet Taiwan’s energy needs.
2023/12/26 13:12
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Smartphone market set for growth in 2024 with AI
The smartphone market is set to rebound in 2024, according to Rick Tsai, chairman of MediaTek Inc., a global chip leader. Tsai attributes this growth to the increasing popularity of AI applications, which is driving the replacement of mobile phones and PCs and creating a higher demand for devices. Under Tsai’s leadership, MediaTek has released advanced products such as the Tianji 9300, a flagship 5G chip that supports generative AI applications. Qualcomm, another major chip company, is also capitalizing on the AI trend with its latest 5G handset chip, Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which offers AI support for enhanced user experiences. Both companies anticipate a surge in AI smartphone upgrades due to improved computing power and a wider range of applications.
2023/12/23 11:21
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Taiwan calls for WTO to resolve disputes with China
Deputy Trade Representative Yang Jen-ni of Taiwan’s Office of Trade Negotiations (OTN) criticized China’s recent trade barriers against Taiwan, highlighting four major concerns. Yang pointed out that China’s investigation process is biased, unfair, nontransparent, and not in line with international norms. Documents such as applications, comments, respondent summaries, and non-confidential data were undisclosed or restricted to foreigners. Additionally, Yang condemned China for bypassing the Taiwan government during the investigation, prioritizing political objectives over economic ones. She also accused China of misinterpreting trade policies and creating a false narrative that Taiwan is unwilling to address disputes. Lastly, Yang criticized China for producing inflated and unverifiable data in its impact assessment, without solid evidence to support its claims. Yang urged China to abandon its one-sided political manipulation and suggested initiating consultations through the World Trade Organization (WTO) mechanism to resolve trade disputes.
2023/12/21 21:34
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Taipei mayor defends assembly ban on TPP supporters
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an defends his administration’s adherence to the law after Taiwan People’s Party supporters were denied permission to hold a public assembly in front of Democratic Progressive Party presidential candidate Lai Ching-te’s campaign headquarters. The review process for such applications, overseen by the Taipei City Government’s New Construction Office in collaboration with the Taipei City Police Department, follows regulations established before 2017. Chiang refutes accusations of leniency in a past scandal and asserts that both the police department and the NCO exercise their authority impartially, upholding administrative neutrality.
2023/12/20 19:32
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Kaohsiung mayor urges talent focus for net-zero goals
Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai emphasized the importance of talent in driving the net-zero transition at a post-COP28 event at National Sun Yat-sen University. Chen shared his experiences from COP28 and called on businesses to display greater ambition in adopting sustainable energy practices. He urged local governments to stay informed about global trends and COP28 outcomes to develop appropriate policies and collaborate with industries. COP28 recently conducted its first global stocktake since the Paris Climate Agreement, establishing new carbon reduction goals for the post-2030 period. The Kaohsiung City Government’s Environmental Protection Bureau played a leading role in participating in COP28, engaging in discussions on renewable energy and energy efficiency. Chen encouraged businesses to explore alternative solutions such as hydrogen energy and consider a broader range of clean energy applications, including Taiwan’s carbon solution exchange projects.
2023/12/20 18:59
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C.C. Wei to maintain course after Liu’s 2024 exit: analyst
TSMC chairman Mark Liu’s upcoming retirement in 2024 has led investment experts to suggest that the semiconductor giant should slow down the progress of its new manufacturing facility in the United States. Industry analyst Jonah Cheng believes that TSMC’s policy direction will remain unchanged under the leadership of chief executive C.C. Wei, who is expected to succeed Liu as chairman. Cheng also proposes maintaining a dual leadership structure to cultivate successors from various backgrounds. Speculation suggests that Liu’s retirement may be linked to potential investment challenges in the company’s U.S. expansion. In response to these challenges, Cheng recommends a deceleration in the construction of TSMC’s second U.S. plant. He also highlights the need to assess the current downturn in the car market and economic outlook before proceeding with the German plant focused on automotive applications. Cheng suggests that the Japanese facility could be an optimal choice due to labor and power shortages in Taiwan, as well as cultural similarities and strong government support from Japan. TSMC’s primary obstacle, according to Cheng, is maintaining its leadership position in the semiconductor industry, especially after surpassing Intel. Additionally, the cyclical nature of the industry and the potential opportunities presented by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) applications pose further challenges for the company.
2023/12/20 18:45
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Ministry of National Defense retires two drug-sniffing dogs
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.
2023/12/20 18:35
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97% of Hong Kong residency bids approved: MAC
The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) announced that over 97% of Hong Kong residents applying for residence permits in Taiwan have been approved, with nearly 75% of them obtaining permanent residency permits. From 2018 to October 2023, around 46,564 Hong Kong residents and 6,196 Macau residents have acquired residence permits in Taiwan. MAC official Lu Chang-shui stated that the government welcomes and values those who aspire to settle in Taiwan, emphasizing that the rigorous review of applications aims to protect Taiwan’s systems and environment rooted in freedom, democracy, and openness. Lu also mentioned that the government provides assistance and guidance to applicants whose settlement applications are still under observation.
2023/12/20 18:29
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Taiwan’s MND touts success of drug-sniffing dog teams
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.
2023/12/20 17:18
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MOFA expands online passport booking slots
Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has announced enhancements to its online passport application system in response to increased demand as international borders reopen post-pandemic. Individuals can now schedule up to four passport applications in one reservation, a significant increase from the previous limit of one application per booking. MOFA encourages the use of its "Online booking appointment for passport application" to streamline the process. To avoid long queues, people can monitor the current number of waiting tickets and people in line on the Bureau of Consular Affairs (BOCA) website. For inquiries, the public can refer to the passport Q&A section on the BOCA’s global information network site or contact the passport inquiry hotline.
2023/12/19 21:58
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Taiwan expands online passport booking to four applicants
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.
2023/12/19 16:48
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Taiwan’s industrial power demand drops post-summer: TRI
The Taiwan Research Institute (TRI) reports a decrease in electricity demand in September, following the end of the summer peak period for consumption. The TRI’s October Taiwan EPI shows a 0.16% growth in high voltage electricity usage across national industries compared to the same period in 2022. However, this growth is smaller than the increase seen in September. TRI President Wu Tsai-yi attributes the deceleration in economic growth to global inflation, interest rate hikes, and ongoing geopolitical crises. Despite these challenges, the domestic electronic technology industry has experienced successful inventory turnover due to the rise of AI applications, the launch of new consumer electronics, and stockpiling for the end-of-year shopping season. With sustained private consumption momentum and negative economic growth factors in the fourth quarter of 2022, a significant increase in economic growth to 4.4% is estimated for October. Wu predicts a gradual return to normalcy for global economic and business activities as the effects of inflation and interest rate increases diminish.
2023/11/22 17:23
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Taiwanese people borrowed 93M books in 2022: Data
Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan reveals his oversight of the planning and construction of 23 libraries during his tenure as Taoyuan mayor, with 15 libraries costing approximately NT$8 billion. The announcement comes ahead of the Taiwan Reading Festival, seen as a symbol of civilization and a mark of a nation’s progress. Education Ministry reports show a rise in library visits, card applications, and book borrowing by Taiwanese residents. The festival, now in its 11th year, has gained international recognition and is expected to further promote Taiwan’s literary and cultural richness.
2023/11/20 18:49
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Taiwan railways to introduce online leave system for drivers
The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has announced that the Taiwan Railways Administration (TRA) will implement an online system for train drivers to apply for leave by the end of this year. This decision comes after reports of drivers sleeping on the office floor or "fighting for time off" due to the current in-person system for leave applications. Currently, the Taipei Rolling Stock Branch of the TRA uses an in-person queuing system for leave scheduling, which often leads to disputes during extended holidays. MOTC head Wang Kwo-tsai explained that the demand for drivers exceeds the available staff, making it impossible to accept all leave requests. Wang also mentioned that recruitment examinations for railway staff will take place after the corporatization of the TRA in 2024, with some specialized railway examinations already causing disruptions in June.
2023/11/20 15:20
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Hualien animal shelter adjusts hours to boost adoption rate
An animal rescue shelter in Hualien County, Taiwan, is adjusting its opening hours starting from November 1 to increase pet adoption rates. The Hualien County’s Agriculture Development Department announced that they will reopen applications for residents to schedule adoption appointments. The new adoption hours will be from Tuesday to Saturday, with sessions available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The shelter, located in Fenglin township, covers 0.88 hectares and can accommodate 330 dogs and 20 cats, significantly expanding the capacity compared to another shelter in Hualien. The shelter will be closed every Sunday and Monday for park organization, medical treatment, and animal disinfection. For more information on making appointments and adoptions, the public can contact the shelter at 03-8421452.
2023/10/30 15:49
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NIA disputes reports of surging growth in emigration
Recent media reports claiming a tripling growth in emigration businesses in Taiwan due to war fears have raised public concerns. However, statistics from emigration companies show no increase in approved applications over the past five years, with annual numbers ranging from 1,077 to 704. The National Immigration Agency (NIA) states that the overall migration level, currently around 20,000 people, may fluctuate significantly in the event of major events such as pandemics or wars. The NIA also notes that the pandemic has caused an increase in citizens unable to return to Taiwan, rising from 180,000 to 220,000 between 2021 and 2022. The agency emphasizes that immigration consultancy firms represent only one channel of advisory services and do not reflect the total number of emigrants. They request that the public avoid generalizations that could lead to societal instability. The NIA further highlights that exaggerated media portrayals of war-evading migration risk can cause unnecessary social anxiety and emphasizes that population mobility is part of the freedom of migration.
2023/10/30 14:27
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China unveils new plan for cross-strait integration
Beijing’s new plan aims to foster closer integration between Taiwan and the Fujian province by promoting residency applications for Taiwanese, easing business sector restrictions, and encouraging property investment. Learn about the latest developments in Taiwan-Fujian relations.
2023/09/14 20:19
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Taiwanese students’ college placement results announced
Discover the latest news on Taiwanese college placements with a remarkable 96.14% acceptance rate. Learn about the surge in applications, the challenge of vacancies due to Taiwan’s birth rate decline, and the importance of distinct academic offerings. Review applications available till 5 p.m. Friday.
2023/08/15 20:46
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Taiwan to expand rent subsidies, targets 500K households
The Taiwan government’s expanded rent subsidy program, which aims to assist residents in coping with housing costs, is again accepting applications. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. on Dec. 31. This initiative, implemented by the Construction and Planning Agency under the Ministry of the Interior, targets the general public and tenants throughout Taiwan.
2023/07/03 19:03