decade 結果共27筆

the year-over-year (YoY) rate in the rent index has been around 2% for the past two years, a relatively high level. The YoY growth rate in March was 2.24%, the highest increase in the past year. Over the past decade, the average annual increase in the rent index was 1.1%. However, since July 2022, the growth has exceeded 2% and has remained at this level. DGBAS officials pointed out three main factors that contributed to the rise in rent. First, the cost of maintaining houses has increased. In recent years, the increase in residential maintenance costs has been significant, with a sharp rise of 5.8% in 2022 and increases of over 3% in 2023 and 2024. 

Global TV sales dip in 2023, with further decline projected for 2024 amidst changing consumer habits and potential material shortages, impacting prices. Experts foresee growth amid economic recovery.

Taiwan’s bubble milk tea craze is sweeping the United States, with a surge in shops and market growth projected to reach US＄2.2 billion within a decade.

HeySong Corporation, a Taiwanese company, has announced price adjustments for some of its products after 10-20 years of unchanged prices. The adjustments, set to take effect in March, will see prices increase by 10-20%. The most notable increase will be for the popular 330-milliliter HeySong Sarsaparilla, which will surge by up to 25%. The company attributes the price adjustments to rising costs of raw materials, packaging, transportation, and personnel. The recommended retail price adjustments will mainly affect packages less than one liter, with some increasing by NT$4 and others by NT$5-6. Other beverage brands, such as Taisun Enterprise, have also indicated rising drink prices due to increased international raw material costs. The King Car Group had already adjusted the price of its Pocari Sweat drink in November 2020, marking the first price adjustment in 17 years. Public opinion on the price changes seems to be accepting, with many stating that they understand most products are experiencing price increases as long as the surge isn’t too high.

The beloved rubber duck by Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman has returned to Love River Bay in Kaohsiung after a decade, attracting over 600,000 attendees in the first two days of the exhibition. The event, named ＂2024 Kaohsiung Wonderland,＂ features more than just the two popular inflatable yellow ducks. It includes a bouncy castle, a yellow ball pit, a small train ride, street performances, and a food market. The event will run until Feb. 25. Free park tickets are distributed daily at 2 p.m. at Pier 16-18, with opening hours from 3 to 6 p.m. on Monday to Thursday, and from 3 to 9 p.m. on Friday to Sunday and during the first to fifth day of Chinese New Year. The exhibition has also led to almost record-high single-day light rail usage, with over 137,000 rides in the first two days. Additionally, a duck-themed light show has been created for night-time enjoyment along Love River Bay.

The Kaohsiung City Government has announced the return of the beloved yellow rubber ducks to the southern Taiwan port city after a decade away. The ＂2024 Kaohsiung Wonderland Winter Fair＂ will take place at Kaohsiung Port Pier 17 from Jan. 27 to Feb. 25. The fair will feature two rubber ducks and various attractions, including inflatable installations, interactive art displays, circus acts, and children’s theater performances. The yellow rubber duck first toured Taiwan in 2013 and attracted almost 3.9 million tourists to visit Kaohsiung.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported a high flu epidemic, with 127,000 emergency visits due to influenza-like illnesses caused by adenoviruses and influenza viruses. In the span of a week, there were 42 new severe flu complications, including cases of Type A H1N1, Type A H3N2, and Type B. The patients ranged in age from less than 10 years old to over 90 years old, with 30 cases where influenza vaccinations were not received. Eleven deaths were reported during this period, with victims from Type A H1N1, Type A H3N2, and Type B influenza. Eight of the fatalities did not receive flu vaccinations, and the youngest death was a 7-year-old girl from the north, making her the youngest fatality of 2024.

Taiwan’s investment in China has reached its lowest point in a decade, making up just over 10% of the island’s total overseas direct investment, according to a report by Nikkei Asia. Recent official data from Taiwan reveals that foreign direct investments surged by 87% to reach $257 billion through November this year. However, investments in China plummeted by 34% to only $29 billion, representing a mere 12% of the total. Since 2010, Taiwanese investments in China have been steadily declining and are projected to drop below the lowest point recorded since 1999. In contrast, investments in the United States have increased ninefold to $96 billion, accounting for around 37% of the total outbound direct investment. Additionally, Taiwan’s direct investment in Germany has soared 25-fold to $39 billion, largely driven by the operations of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Sun Ming-te, Director of the Business Development and Research Center at the Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER), predicts that if tensions between the United States and China persist, Taiwan’s investment in China will continue to decline.

Taiwanese actor JC Lin announced his engagement to his girlfriend Cindy on December 26. He shared a sweet picture on social media, captioning it with ’Christmas gift exchange -- she got a ring, I got a YES.’ The couple had been in a relationship for 10 years before JC Lin proposed on Christmas day. He posted a heartfelt message alongside the photos, expressing his happiness. JC Lin publicly released a video of his wedding proposal, where he went down on one knee and thanked Cindy for being with him through the happiness and hardships of the past decade. Cindy accepted the proposal, leading to a heartfelt kiss witnessed by friends, including Taiwanese actor Kai Ko. In 2019, JC Lin received praise for his role in the TV drama ’The World Between Us,’ where he skillfully portrayed a character suffering from schizophrenia.

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 Control Yuan revealed that Taiwan has approximately 82,000 missing migrant workers, a result of low wages and labor abuse. Out of the 740,000 migrant workers in Taiwan, over 200,000 have gone missing in the last decade. Contrary to public perception, these missing workers arrived in Taiwan seeking employment opportunities but chose to disappear due to mistreatment and excessive control by their employers. A new book highlights 33 documented cases of migrant workers facing improper treatment, including threats from debt collectors and spouses remarrying due to their prolonged absence. Control Yuan members involved in the investigation emphasized the systemic issues underlying these personal struggles and questioned the government and society’s understanding of the situation. They hope the book will resonate with all sectors and prompt the government to reform the current system, protecting the rights of foreign workers and ending their suffering.

Nvidia’s President, Jensen Huang, stated at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit that achieving U.S. independence in the chip supply chain and reducing reliance on overseas manufacturing could take 10 to 20 years. President Joe Biden’s administration has imposed a ban on chip exports to China, citing national security concerns and the need to maintain the U.S.’s lead in the semiconductor industry. Nvidia, among other companies, is impacted by these export control measures, leading to concerns about negative impacts on the company’s revenue. However, Huang revealed that Nvidia is developing chips compliant with U.S. regulations for the Chinese market and plans to re-enter once they are ready. He also warned that the export ban could accelerate China’s domestic chip development, with numerous Chinese companies already working on competing technologies. Huang emphasized that Nvidia is already a decade ahead in artificial intelligence technology and that AI and deep learning innovation involve more than just designing new chips.

The story discusses the criticism of the revival of the Cross-Strait Service Trade Agreement (CSSTA) by Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) spokesperson Chang Chih-hao. Chang argues that the CSSTA, an outdated agreement from a decade ago, could harm Taiwan’s interests. This statement was in response to calls from Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih and Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) candidate Ko Wen-je to reopen the service trade pact with China. Chang criticizes the China-centric economic and trade policies of former President Ma Ying-jeou, which he believes led to an unbalanced cross-strait economic environment. He highlights the negative impact the CSSTA could have on Taiwan’s industries, jobs, and salary levels. Chang also points out Taiwan’s recent economic achievements, such as the stock market’s performance, while noting China’s high youth unemployment rate. The DPP supports healthy and fair cross-strait exchanges but emphasizes the importance of avoiding political motives and unfair trade. Chang calls for a balanced approach to cross-strait economic and trade agreements and stresses the need for open communication with society when dealing with China’s economic coercion.

Scores of heavy motorcycles surrounded the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) in Taipei on Sunday afternoon, demanding the immediate implementation of laws allowing large motorcycles access to highways. The protest, organized by groups such as the Republic of China Motorcycle Industry Promotion Association and the Taiwan Motorcycle Riders Association (TMRA), aimed to voice discontent with current traffic regulations. The bikers’ demands included immediate access to highways, permission to park in designated spaces, and the abolition of Article 99 of the Road Traffic Safety Rules. The movement’s initiators criticized the MOTC for stalling, pointing out that laws permitting heavy motorcycles on national highways were passed over a decade ago. TMRA secretary-general Liu Cheng-chien expressed frustration at the Highways Bureau’s lackluster response, highlighting the discrepancy between government policies and the desires of the biking community. Protest leaders claimed that 70% of the populace is unaware that the regulation allowing motorbikes on highways has already passed the third reading. They argued that the department’s polling does not reflect public opinion and questioned the legitimacy of basing policies on a single survey. Traffic advocacy groups have long emphasized the need for large motorcycles to have the freedom to choose between car or motorcycle parking spots. Despite recent responses from the Highway Bureau considering trials with some local governments, groups argue that central government intervention is necessary for a uniform solution to parking regulations.

Taiwanese companies have raised fixed monthly salaries in an attempt to address labor shortages, but the annual salary increase rate has declined to 2.5% from last year’s 3.1%. Despite this, the average annual salary in Taiwan reached a new eight-year high at NT$694,000 in 2023. The semiconductor industry remains the highest-paying sector for the eighth consecutive year, surpassing NT$1 million in average salary. Following the semiconductor industry, the computer and consumer electronics manufacturing, electronic components manufacturing, telecommunications and communication services, and software and internet industries are the next highest-paying sectors. In terms of engineering roles, IC design engineers earn the highest yearly earnings, while auditors, computer systems analysts, and network security analysts lead non-engineering jobs. Year-end bonuses in 2023 decreased to an average of 1.08 months’ worth of salary, the lowest in a decade. Financial institutions are expected to provide the highest average year-end bonuses, followed by the semiconductor and construction industries. Looking ahead to 2024, civil servants, educators, and military personnel will receive a 4% pay increase, while private companies anticipate an average increase of 3.2% in salaries, with the accommodation and food services industry having the highest proportion of enterprises raising pay.

Hsiao Bi-khim, a former lawmaker, is set to launch her first campaign rally in Hualien, reigniting her political efforts in the region. Despite facing setbacks in the past, Hsiao has spent a decade building strong ties in Hualien. In 2016, she made history for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) by capturing more than half of the votes, defeating the former Kuomintang legislator Wang Ting-son. However, her 2020 bid for re-election ended in defeat. Nevertheless, Hsiao’s passion for local engagement, campaign experience, and oratory skills are highly regarded within the DPP. As she prepares for the joint rally with Lai Ching-te, there is a renewed sense of vigor and unity within the party. Hsiao’s exceptional achievements in international diplomacy make her an ideal candidate to lead Taiwan forward and ensure national security and stability.

Chiayi City Councilor Cheng Kuang-hung has raised concerns about the declining birthrate in Chiayi and the city’s residents being the least willing to marry compared to other Taiwanese cities. A survey conducted in 2018 with over 8,000 Taiwanese netizens revealed that the number of newborns in Chiayi has been consistently decreasing over the past decade. In 2014, there were 2,100 newborns, but by September 2023, the figure had dropped to 845. Unmarried individuals aged 25-44 accounted for more than half of the population in Chiayi, with 52.52% being unmarried. Men in this age group had a higher unmarried rate of 58.86% compared to women at 46.37%. Cheng suggested that government policies and budget allocations should be redirected towards encouraging early marriage and childbirth instead of focusing solely on post-marriage childbirth subsidies and childcare. Academia Sinica also recommended promoting marriage and procreation at younger ages to address the declining birth rates. The Executive Yuan established a dedicated office in 2018 to combat the declining birthrate, investing over NT＄40 billion in recent years.

Taiwan’s most common cancer has shifted from colorectal cancer to lung cancer, according to the Health Promotion Administration (HPA). This change was observed in 2021, ending a 15-year record held by colorectal cancer. The HPA’s report listed the top 10 cancers, with lung and colorectal cancers being the most common. Other cancers on the list include breast, liver, oral, prostate, thyroid, stomach, skin, and pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer notably made the list for the first time. Dr. Chen Jin-shing, chief of surgery at National Taiwan University Hospital, explained that the shift is not surprising as lung cancer has been the leading cause of cancer-related deaths for the past decade. The HPA’s Cancer Prevention and Control Division director, Lin Li-ju, highlighted an increase in early lung cancer detection following the introduction of low dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening in 2022. In 2021, there were 121,762 new cases of cancer registered in Taiwan, marking the first decline in new patient numbers. On average, a person was diagnosed with cancer every 4 minutes and 19 seconds. HPA Director-General Wu Chao-chun urged individuals to reduce their risk factors and recommended regular screenings for early detection and treatment, especially for those at high risk.

Taipei’s Economics Minister, Wang Mei-hua, announced that power shortages have significantly decreased in recent years, with no shortages reported in 2023. Wang dismissed former President Ma Ying-jeou’s claims of power shortages under the Democratic Progressive Party’s governance as inconsistent with the facts. Since President Tsai Ing-wen took office, improvements have been made to the power scheduling mechanism, enhancing power supply stability. In response to power cuts in May 2021, the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) plans to invest over NT$500 billion in improvements over the next decade. The MOEA aims to add 9.1 million kilowatts to the power supply by 2030, excluding renewable energy, to meet the projected increase in power demand of 7 million kilowatts over the next seven years.

Taiwan faces a widening wealth gap, reaching its highest in a decade. With challenges like high inflation and stagnant wages, the top 20% of families earn significantly more than the bottom, highlighting deep economic disparities.

Over 30 universities in Taiwan have implemented mental health days, according to the Taiwan Youth Association for Democracy. This number has increased from just 12 in May. The association cites data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, which shows that the number of young people under 24 ending their lives has nearly tripled in the past decade. A recent mental health survey revealed that many students feel the need for mental health days but struggle to communicate their stress to adults. The association believes that providing these days off can give students a chance to rest and adjust, reducing their emotional burdens and helping them cope with stress. Most universities limit mental health days to three or five days per semester to prevent excessive absences.

Despite facing economic challenges like inflation and stagnant wages, Taiwanese households are ramping up spending in two unexpected categories: fitness and pet care. With an annual growth rate of over 15% in fitness spending and a 36.2% increase in pet-related expenses over the past decade, these sectors show strong resilience and growth.

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen announced the successful launch of Taiwan’s first domestically-produced weather satellite, the Triton. The satellite, completely ＂Made in Taiwan,＂ signifies Taiwan’s advancement in the global space industry. President Tsai emphasized the government’s commitment to investing TWD 25.1 billion over the next decade to promote the space industry chain and cultivate talent in space technology. The Triton will enhance typhoon forecasting and facilitate scientific research in atmosphere, ocean, and terrestrial hydrometeorology. Its data collection is expected to revolutionize global meteorological observation and forecasting. President Tsai expressed her aspirations for Taiwanese manufacturing to expand towards space.

Lai Ching-te, the presidential candidate from the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), aims to create 20,000 new startup jobs within five years and raise startup investment to NT＄150 billion annually. He plans to make Taiwan a net exporter of innovative solutions in a decade.

The Taipei Astronomical Museum announces that the 2023 Mid-Autumn Festival will feature the roundest moon in a decade, with peak brightness at 5:57 p.m. This rare occurrence offers you a chance to witness a 100% full and bright moon, a phenomenon that happens only about one in three times on the same day as the festival.