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Keelung partners with UC Berkeley for remote courses
Keelung City Mayor George Hsieh has announced a collaboration with the University of California, Berkeley to offer a remote course for high school students in Keelung. Out of 249 applicants, 30 students will be selected for the program, which will begin next month. This initiative is part of Hsieh’s plan to promote academic excellence locally and he aims to introduce more courses in 2024 to provide Keelung’s top high schoolers with high-quality international education. The selected students will participate in a course focused on the autonomous vehicle industry, learning programming in Python and various algorithms. Classes will be held twice weekly from February 24 to March 24 at the city hall briefing room. Upon completion, students will receive a certificate of completion from UC Berkeley. This collaboration aims to encourage local education and retain talented students in Keelung.
2024/01/29 17:08
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Lai Ching-te commits to democracy and Indo-Pacific stability
Vice President and President-elect Lai Ching-te reaffirms commitment to democracy and peace in Taiwan Strait and Indo-Pacific region during meeting with U.S.-Taiwan Business Council. Lai highlights alignment of Taiwan-U.S. economic cooperation with Indo-Pacific Economic Framework. Expresses gratitude for U.S. support following election, acknowledges solidarity against Chinese authoritarianism. Thanks U.S. for commitment to Taiwan’s security and efforts to address double taxation issue. Anticipates strengthened supply chain partnerships between Taiwan and U.S. through enacted double-tax relief act.
2024/01/24 16:17
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Taiwan travel agents urge for earlier pre-strike notices
The Travel Agent Association of R.O.C., Taiwan, has urged aviation unions to give a one-month notice before going on strike to mitigate social repercussions. They warned that another strike could have a devastating impact on the aviation industry. This call comes as EVA Air pilots, in collaboration with the Taoyuan Union of Pilots (TUP), have secured the right to strike. The planned strike is set for the Lunar New Year period, which is a peak travel period. The pilots aim to safeguard their rights, but the Travel Agent Association emphasized that such action would significantly affect consumers and travel agencies. They criticized past unplanned strikes by China Airlines’ cabin crew, pilots, and EVA Air’s cabin crew for disregarding consumer rights. The association emphasized the adoption of international pre-strike notice processes to allow sufficient time for negotiations and consensus-building, benefiting both consumers and labor.
2024/01/23 17:33
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TVBS News draws global media attention in Taiwan’s elections
Global media spotlight on Taiwan’s 2024 elections with TVBS News at the forefront. International collaboration, record-breaking viewership, and insightful analysis.
2024/01/22 20:27
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Eric Chu unveils youth-focused political growth plans
The Kuomintang (KMT) held a post-election gratitude tea ceremony in Yunlin County, where Chairman Eric Chu emphasized the party’s reform strategies and plans to nurture young members for political roles. Chu, along with New Taipei Mayor Hou Yu-ih and Yunlin County Commissioner Chang Li-shan, announced the party’s commitment to increasing engagement with social and web media to appeal to younger voters. Chu highlighted the success of young KMT candidates in the recent legislative elections, with 10 out of 15 securing victory. Mayor Hou emphasized the need for unity and collaboration within the KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan, particularly with proportional representation legislators from the south. He also urged the party to present facts, rectify misconceptions, and attract new voters while strengthening support from existing ones. The KMT has been actively nurturing young talent in its key structure in recent years.
2024/01/22 11:28
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Taiwan’s youth mental health initiative reaches 17,000
Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has successfully implemented a mental health support program for young people, serving 17,000 individuals by the end of 2023. The program offers three free counseling sessions for individuals aged 15 to 30, with 33% of users assessed as high-risk and referred for medical treatment. The majority of users are between the ages of 24 and 30, comprising 66% of the total users. The program has received positive feedback, with a satisfaction rate of 96% and 95% of participants finding the counseling services beneficial. The initiative has utilized approximately 50% of its budget and will continue to provide counseling even after its completion. Currently, 406 partner institutions nationwide contribute mental health services to the program. MOHW aims to combat the stigma surrounding mental health counseling and encourages young people to actively seek help. The ministry plans to further accumulate psychological medical resources to serve the needs of young people. The program was launched on August 1, 2022, through collaboration between seven leading professional medical and psychological associations.
2024/01/18 16:10
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Philippines president breaks norms with Taiwan congrats
Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. breaks tradition by congratulating Taiwan’s president-elect Lai Ching-te on his victory, a rare gesture due to the Philippines’ adherence to the "One-China policy" since 1975. Marcos Jr., in his social media post, referred to Lai as "Taiwan’s president" for the first time since taking office. He expressed his hopes for stronger ties between the two nations, emphasizing collaboration, mutual interests, peace, and prosperity in the future.
2024/01/16 12:06
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Taiwan legislative elections unfold: KMT 52, DPP 51, TPP 8
Taiwan’s legislative election results from Jan. 13 show a close race, with the Kuomintang (KMT) gaining a slight lead over the Democratic Progress Party (DPP). The Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) also made gains. This article explores the implications of the election on Taiwan’s parliamentary dynamics and potential challenges in legislation and governance.
2024/01/14 13:51
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Cynthia Wu promises tighter security after rally scare
Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) vice-presidential candidate Cynthia Wu pledges to reinforce security measures in response to an incident where an individual was caught with an air gun at a TPP rally in Taichung. Wu visits Taichung after TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je held rallies there for two consecutive days. Wu’s campaign trail proceeds to Nantou County. When asked about the chants at the previous night’s rally, Wu expresses that election campaigning is tough and everyone should encourage and support each other. Wu’s final stop in Taichung is Wanhe Temple, where she is accompanied by the temple’s chairman for prayers and blessings. During a photo session with supporters, a vehicle carrying KMT legislative candidate Liao Wei-hsiang passes by, and the KMT’s Taichung branch director greets him, emphasizing collaboration between the TPP and KMT in Taichung.
2024/01/07 18:18
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Convenience chain launches Sichuan peppercorn ice cream
Discover a new winter ice cream flavor in Taipei, featuring vanilla and a Sichuan peppercorn oil infusion. This collaboration between a convenience chain and a spicy hotpot restaurant offers a sweet and numbing taste without intense spiciness. With winter ice cream sales reaching over a million units, this co-branding strategy could result in double growth. Primarily popular among customers over 40 years old, winter ice cream flavors tend to be richer compared to refreshing summer varieties. Explore the unique business opportunities and challenged consumer perceptions created by promoting ice cream during the winter season.
2024/01/03 19:48
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Education Dept. confirms death of stabbed student
A junior high school student in New Taipei City has tragically died after being stabbed by another student. The victim suffered five knife wounds to his neck and lungs, despite receiving emergency treatment at the hospital. The incident occurred after a female student, who felt rebuked by the victim, recruited a male student to retaliate. The victim was stabbed twice in the lungs and neck, resulting in significant blood loss. Speculation of his death was confirmed by the Education Department. Following this incident, the department has pledged to strengthen measures to ensure student safety, including dispatching counselors and social workers for follow-up guidance and collaboration with police agencies. The Education Department is also providing support to the victim’s family through legal consultation and coordination with relevant departments. Additionally, efforts will be made to enhance teachers’ campus security capabilities.
2023/12/27 10:45
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King of Mandopop Jay Chou drops surprise Christmas single
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.
2023/12/22 17:56
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Lan I-chen appointed as FJU’s new president
Dr. Lan I-chen has been appointed as the new president of Fu Jen Catholic University (FJU), marking a new chapter for the institution. Lan’s appointment was authorized by the Vatican’s Congregation for Catholic Education and is awaiting final approval from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. As a seasoned scholar and administrator, Lan, 54, is expected to lead the century-old university towards an innovative future. Lan has proposed a five-point development plan for the FJU, known as G.R.A.C.E, which focuses on global positioning, student recruitment, international partnerships, collaboration with hospitals, academics, government, community, and industries, as well as entrepreneurship and charity involvement. These objectives aim to enhance the university’s international reputation, increase enrollment of both domestic and foreign students, and foster collaborations across various sectors for sustainable development. In response to Taiwan’s declining birthrate, Lan plans to establish overseas outposts in collaboration with Catholic universities to expand student intake while ensuring educational quality.
2023/12/22 15:40
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DPP’s Lai promises High Speed Rail, expressways for Pingtung
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.
2023/12/22 11:00
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U.S. language expert shares holiday joy at Kaohsiung school
U.S. Department of State English language specialist Maureen Rooney visited Heti Elementary School in Kaohsiung to introduce American holiday traditions to students through an interactive English language program. Rooney’s effortless English and expressive body language helped the children overcome their anxiety about fully English-taught lessons. The course, rich with audiovisual aids, guided students through the historical context of Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, enhancing their understanding of cultural nuances. Using the festive tune "12 Days of Christmas," Rooney stimulated thoughtful discussions among students about the meaning of gifts and encouraged heartfelt English expressions of gratitude and well wishes for their families. HTPS Principal Tu Chang-lin expressed gratitude for the American Institute in Taiwan’s collaboration with U.S. officials in advancing bilingual education at the school, highlighting the value of such cultural learning opportunities to enrich the students’ English proficiency.
2023/12/20 21:30
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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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Military Police process 415 drug cases, arrest 27 in 2023
The Military Police Command (MP) in Taipei processed 415 drug cases in 2023, resulting in the apprehension of 27 suspects and the seizure of 50.2 kilograms of drugs. The MP, in close collaboration with law enforcement agencies, carried out specialized drug interdiction operations as part of the government’s anti-drug strategy. Unannounced inspections by military police teams, accompanied by drug-sniffing dogs, led to the confiscation of over 50 kilograms of narcotics. More than 400 individuals were referred to judicial authorities for prosecution. The MP serves as judicial police officers and plays an integral role in the anti-drug task force, with a commitment to combat drug trafficking. The MP’s Forensic Science Center supports these efforts by analyzing controlled substances and urine samples collected during operations. These measures aim to protect the living environment and security of the nation’s people.
2023/12/20 14:46
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TSMC Chairman Mark Liu to step down after shareholder meet
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.
2023/12/19 22:03
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Uber Eats Taiwan, Gogoro launch green delivery program
Uber Eats Taiwan has partnered with electric scooter company Gogoro to launch a Green Delivery Program, aiming to promote sustainability in food deliveries. The program aims to increase the proportion of electric scooters in the Uber Eats fleet from 20 to 40 percent within two years. Gogoro’s swappable battery systems are already used in 26 percent of motorcycle logistics in Taiwan. The collaboration will provide a purchasing and battery subscription plan tailored for delivery partners, encouraging more riders to adopt green mobility. Uber Eats Taiwan aims to achieve zero emissions for global deliveries by 2040. The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) supports Uber Eats’ objective and will continue to advance subsidy policies to support green initiatives.
2023/12/19 22:01
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NMEA urges focus on funding, talent for Taiwan’s media hub
The newly appointed Chairperson of the New Media Entertainment Association (NMEA), Daphne Lee, emphasizes the importance of funding, talent, and global integration for Taiwan’s content industry to succeed. At the 2023 Asiahub New Media Summit in Taipei, Lee highlights the need for cross-sector collaboration and industry chain integration in the AI era. The summit features six main themes, 19 keynote speeches, panel discussions, and 7 workshops with 60 speakers. Participants, such as LINE Taiwan Managing Director Roger Chen, discuss Taiwan’s soft power, industry upgrade, transformation, and global outreach. Videoland Television Network Chairman Lee Chung-pei suggests creating quality content to ensure profitability and establish funding recovery mechanisms. Lin Chien-han, Chairman of Taiwan Secom, shares the company’s dual strategy of investment and production, moving from DVD rental services to investing in Taiwanese films. Lin also discusses how Taiwanese creative content is breaking into the international market by integrating local culture and socio-political issues, citing successful films like "The Candidate" and "The Bridge Curse."
2023/12/19 15:38
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Taiwan to merge tourism and weather services for travelers
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.
2023/12/18 21:26
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Hou Yu-ih advocates ’middle way’ for Taiwan’s future
Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih emphasizes a "middle-of-the-road" approach for Taiwan, distancing himself from the "localized Blue" faction and asserting his own identity. In an interview with Chinese Television Service (CTS), Hou advocates for the "1992 Consensus" that opposes Taiwan’s independence and supports the "One-China policy," while upholding democracy and freedom. He emphasizes a middle way for Taiwan, seeking shared prosperity and unity. Hou emphasizes that Taiwan’s future should be determined by its 23 million inhabitants. He expresses satisfaction with Jaw Shaw-kong as his running mate, praising Jaw’s more confrontational approach. Although a potential collaboration with Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je fell through, Hou remains optimistic about a potential alliance with Jaw.
2023/12/18 20:04
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TVBS foundation hosts fundraising dinner for local community
The TVBS Charity Foundation organized a fundraising dinner in Taipei, inviting social welfare agencies and disadvantaged households to participate. The event is part of a series of fundraising dinners in collaboration with municipal government teams, churches, and social welfare charities. Over 12,000 disadvantaged families have already been assisted through these events. New Taipei Acting Mayor Liu Ho-jan emphasized the beauty of Taiwanese society and the contributions made by individuals in improving the land. Through public-private partnerships, vulnerable families are receiving warmth and care before Christmas.
2023/12/18 19:49
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Taiwan and India’s MOU to boost skilled talent exchange
Explore how Taiwan’s impending Memorandum of Understanding with India aims to address labor shortages by fostering an exchange of skilled professionals, enhancing the high-tech workforce, and promoting cultural integration.
2023/12/18 17:08
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Dengue spreads like needle-shared diseases: study
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.
2023/12/18 15:25