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Premier Cho admits hasty milk policy implementation
Premier Cho Jung-tai acknowledges the rushed milk policy for schools, urging better planning. With contracts ending in 2024, new measures aim for safe, feasible delivery by 2025.
2024/10/15 23:00
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Taiwan sets carbon fee at NT$300 per metric ton
Taiwan’s Ministry of Environment sets a carbon fee at NT$300 per metric ton, with lower rates for industries meeting reduction criteria. Implementation begins in 2026.
2024/10/07 20:00
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Trade association chair criticizes proposed carbon fee
Discover how Taiwan’s proposed carbon fee sparks debate among industry leaders, with calls for fairness and a gradual implementation to protect the export-driven economy. Learn about the suggestions for a buffer period and the push for equitable treatment of imported goods.
2024/09/18 13:26
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Taiwan Railways to propose fare hike after 29 years
Discover the details of Taiwan Railways Corporation’s proposed fare adjustment plan, aiming for a 3% return on investment. Learn about the tiered increase strategy, the impact on short and long-distance fares, and the steps toward implementation.
2024/09/09 21:00
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Environment minister: Taiwan to introduce carbon fee in 2025
Discover how Taiwan’s government plans to tackle climate change with a new carbon fee in 2025. Minister Peng Chi-ming highlights the debate between environmental and economic interests ahead of the policy’s finalization.
2024/09/06 13:25
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Taiwan’s Digital Minister Tang endorses successor
Taiwan’s Digital Minister Audrey Tang expresses confidence in her successor, Huang Yen-nun, and the new cabinet announced by Premier-designate Cho Jung-tai. Tang highlights the handover process and the submission of key legislative proposals to the Legislative Yuan, ensuring a smooth transition for Huang’s policy implementation.
2024/04/24 14:54
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Legislators urge inclusive HPV vaccine program in Taiwan
Lawmakers and health advocates in Taipei call for gender equality in cancer prevention policy, pushing for junior high school boys to be included in the public HPV vaccination program. Data shows higher rates of oral HPV infections and head and neck cancer in males. Taipei City has already allocated funds for HPV vaccinations for boys, with calls for nationwide implementation. Suggestions include using increased tobacco health surcharge revenue to fund vaccinations. Calls for equal opportunities in cancer prevention measures for all students and a focus on lowering cancer risks for children.
2024/03/05 17:23
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Taiwan’s failed digital ID project costs taxpayers NT$280M
Vice President Lai Ching-te’s failed digital ID card policy during his tenure as Premier resulted in a NT$280 million payout to suppliers, to be absorbed by taxpayers. Despite efforts to replace traditional ID cards with digital ones in 2021, security concerns halted implementation, leading to supplier compensation demands exceeding NT$1 billion. After six rounds of mediation, an agreement was reached to limit the payout. The incident has raised questions about accountability as Lai transitions to the presidency.
2024/03/04 16:42
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Executive Yuan pledges to stabilize market amid fluctuations
The Taiwanese Executive Yuan vows to stabilize the stock market amidst recent fluctuations, according to Cabinet Spokesman Lin Tze-luen. Lin reiterates the commitment to policy implementation during the caretaker period after the cabinet’s resignation. The government remains focused on achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and will continue discussions on energy issues. The upcoming electricity tariff review meeting will maintain established adjustment mechanisms. Despite recent downturns, Taiwan’s economic fundamentals are solid, expressing confidence in economic recovery.
2024/01/18 14:20
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Taipei to reoffer free 30-minute YouBike rides
The Taipei City Department of Transportation will announce the implementation date of the free 30-minute YouBike rental policy after the 2024 budget is passed. The policy aims to reduce carbon emissions by 40% and increase the use of green transportation to 70% by 2030. It was previously implemented in 2012 but ended in 2015. A public opinion poll in 2023 showed support for the policy among motorcyclists and the YouBike community, with over 60% of motorcyclists willing to switch to using YouBike for short trips. To address potential bike shortages, the department has added 1,780 bikes in May and 1,500 bikes in December 2023, increasing the availability of bikes citywide from 80% to 90%. In 2024, the department plans to add another 6,000 YouBikes and improve scheduling and personnel to meet the increased demand.
2024/01/05 18:11
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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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DPP’s Lai criticizes KMT, TPP at new support group launch
DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te criticized the KMT and TPP, stating that neither party reflects mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and lacks the ability to promote stable development. Lai outlined the challenges Taiwan faces, including its future in the Indo-Pacific region, the global struggle between autocracy and democracy, the challenge posed by China, digital transformation, and transitioning to net-zero emissions. He emphasized that the upcoming presidential election will determine Taiwan’s fate and the future of the Indo-Pacific region. Lai aims to ensure Taiwan’s sovereignty and long-term stability, continuing the path toward democracy initiated by President Tsai Ing-wen. He criticized the KMT and TPP for their dependency on China, aligning with the "One China principle." Lai warned that a DPP defeat could hinder policy implementation, cause societal unrest, and cast doubts within the international community. Support for DPP-nominated candidates in the elections is crucial for continuing democratic progress.
2023/12/20 11:01
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Taiwan Railway eyes fare hike in late 2023, awaits approval
The Taiwan Railway Administration (TRA) is considering a potential fare increase, with a plan to review the proposal in the first quarter of next year and a possible implementation in the latter half of the year if approved. The decision on fare adjustments will be made by the board of directors of the newly formed TRA company, which will be established on January 1. The board will determine the necessity, method, and extent of any price changes before submitting their proposal to the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MOTC). Despite submitting several versions of fare increase proposals to the MOTC earlier this year, substantive discussions have not yet taken place. MOTC Minister Wang Kwo-tsai supports respecting the independent decisions of the company’s board of directors regarding fare adjustments. The transition to a company structure will decrease the direct impact of fare adjustments on TRA’s operations, and any losses incurred due to policy factors will be subsidized by the government under the provisions of corporatization. Former MOTC Minister Tan Ho-chen also supports increasing TRA’s ticket prices, arguing that it will help the railway understand its genuine operational costs and develop effective pricing strategies.
2023/12/18 19:41
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Taoyuan City Council cuts funds for garbage bag plan
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.
2023/12/12 18:43
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Education head backs bilingual policy despite union concerns
Taipei’s Education Minister, Pan Wen-chung, responded to concerns raised by the National Federation of Teachers Unions (NFTU) about the 2030 Bilingual Nation policy. Pan emphasized the importance of English proficiency as a crucial competitive skill for students. He emphasized the need for a balanced approach in teaching methods and strategies to ensure that students’ foundational academic abilities are not neglected. The NFTU expressed apprehension that excessive emphasis on English in the bilingual policy could undermine national competitiveness and called for a thorough reassessment of language policies post-election. Pan highlighted the importance of English and digital literacy as vital competencies for students and stressed the necessity of the bilingual policy for English language education. He mentioned that the implementation of the policy allows schools to join gradually and includes plans for teacher training enhancements and the inclusion of foreign instructors. Pan also mentioned that Mandarin courses would be available alongside university courses conducted entirely in English to give students the freedom of choice. He noted that some locales have been overly emphasizing English expertise during teacher recruitment and that the Ministry of Education will issue reminders for a more balanced evaluation. Rolling revisions will be made based on the progress of the bilingual initiative.
2023/12/07 21:17
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Taiwanese tourists now enjoy visa-free travel to Thailand
The commencement of visa-free travel for Taiwanese tourists to Thailand marks a significant boost in tourism relations between the two countries. This policy, effective until May 10, 2024, promises increased travel ease and a surge in tourism activities, especially during Thailand’s peak season from November to February. The Thai government is evaluating the impact of this initiative and its potential for permanent implementation.
2023/11/10 17:20
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MND confirms plans underway for conscripts’ 6% pension fund
The Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan plans to deposit 6% of conscripts’ monthly wages for their pension, with the policy set to be enacted as scheduled. Mandatory service of one year will be reintroduced next year for those born after 2005.
2023/10/14 08:23