staff reduction 結果共28筆

Discover the alarming trend in Taiwan’s workforce where 70% of employees are virtually on call 24/7, with a significant portion working unpaid overtime, as revealed by a Yes123 survey. This situation has led to an indirect salary reduction of 11.6% for many, exacerbated by the constant connectivity enabled by smartphones.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Education reduces the maximum number of regular exams for first and second graders to two per semester, emphasizing life habits and moral cultivation. The amendment aims to boost confidence and study abilities, suggesting schools use diverse assessments for a more flexible education approach, including digital learning for those unable to attend in-person classes due to various reasons.

Discover how the Taipei City Egg Merchants Association plans to lower egg prices this summer due to decreased demand, as announced by executive director Liu Wei-chih. Learn about the expected market adjustments and the Ministry of Agriculture’s insights on Taiwan’s egg supply and demand dynamics.

Explore the debate in Taipei as lawmakers advocate for sales tax exemption on menstrual products, facing opposition from the Ministry of Finance over concerns of insufficient consumer benefits and potential NT$380 million annual revenue loss. Amidst discussions on gender wage gaps and period poverty, the ministry highlights the challenges of tax exemption policies and the broader implications for the tax system.

National Audit Office Auditor-General Chen Jui-min calls on Taiwan Power Co. (Taipower) to enhance management and boost revenue amid consecutive losses. Chen emphasizes the need for electricity price adjustments and debt interest reduction. Kuomintang Legislator Lin Ssu-ming questions Taipower’s deficits and government subsidies, urging a review of energy policy. Chen confirms NT$100 billion subsidy and stresses the importance of green energy for profit sustainability.

President Tsai Ing-wen urges manufacturers to assist rural elders in replacing appliances with energy-efficient ones at the Taipei Electronics, Air Conditioning, Audio-Visual, and 3C Expo. The government offers subsidies for purchasing energy-saving appliances, encouraging both individuals and manufacturers to contribute to energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Amid inflationary pressures, Taiwan plans to raise electricity prices, impacting daily life and industry, especially high-energy-consuming businesses like hot pot restaurants. The increase, projected to be across-the-board, could lead to higher operating costs and consumer prices. Taiwan Power Company faces substantial losses, with a potential 20% price surge predicted to affect economic growth and consumer prices. Some workers see the adjustment as a step towards sustainable energy development, encouraging energy-saving and emission-reduction industries.

The Directorate-General of Personnel Administration Personnel Division Director in Taipei supports adding mental health leave days for civil servants. The proposal includes granting one day of mental health leave each month without wage deductions. Discussions with the Ministry of Civil Service are ongoing to modify leave regulations. Democratic Progressive Party legislator Rosalia Wu advocates for this change, emphasizing no reduction in pay for civil servants taking mental health leave.

Discover how the Environmental Protection Bureau of Pingtung County cleared 3,100 plastic bottles from remote coastlines, urging the public to reduce single-use plastic waste. Join the effort to protect marine life and the environment. #Pingtung #PlasticPollution #EnvironmentalProtection

Taipei mayor Chiang Wan-an announces the return of free 30-minute YouBike rides, part of a plan to expand operations and promote safety and physical activity in the city. The initiative aligns with ambitious environmental goals for 2030, aiming for a 40% reduction in carbon emissions and a 70% green transportation usage rate.

Taipei City Egg Merchants Association announces wholesale egg prices will decrease from NT＄52 to NT＄49 per Taiwan catty due to unsold stock from before the Lunar New Year. The egg market was closed during the holiday, resulting in no quotations. To alleviate pressure on sales, the farm-gate price has been reduced by NT＄3, now at NT＄42.5. The association is monitoring demand and potential price adjustments as primary and secondary schools reopen. Current pricing remains unchanged.

Vietnam’s oyster exports experienced a substantial increase of 56% in 2023, surpassing US＄14 million in value. Taiwan played a significant role in this growth, accounting for over 77% of Vietnamese oyster exports, marking a 26% increase compared to the previous year. The Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP) reported that the export value of Vietnamese shellfish products, including oysters, clams, and snails, reached US＄127 million in 2023, showing a decline of 12% compared to the previous year. Among the shellfish exports, clams accounted for 62%, snails for 12%, and oysters for 11% of the total. While the export of Vietnamese clams and snails experienced decreases, oyster exports saw a remarkable surge, with Taiwan alone contributing to more than three-quarters of this growth, amounting to almost US＄11 million. Other significant markets for Vietnamese oysters include Laos, Cambodia, and Japan. Clams remain Vietnam’s most crucial shellfish export, with an export value of nearly US＄79 million in 2023, showing a 17% decrease from the previous year. This decline can be attributed to a significant reduction in imports by key markets such as Spain and Italy, which decreased by 15% and 36% respectively.

Taipei’s Executive Yuan Spokesperson, Lin Tze-luen, announced a budget surplus for the 2023 fiscal year, attributing the achievement to the combined efforts of civil society and the government. The surplus will be allocated responsibly to maintain fiscal discipline, primarily focusing on debt reduction and infrastructure investment. Taiwan’s economy has experienced consistent growth, resulting in a budget surplus for seven consecutive years. In 2022, the surplus reached an impressive NT$500 billion, leading to a proposed special budget of NT$380 billion. This special budget aims to enhance economic and social resilience, with provisions such as a cash payment of NT$6,000 per citizen, support for labor and health insurance programs, and assistance for Taiwan Power Company. Additionally, the special budget includes programs to aid residential loan holders from the middle class and below. Lin emphasized the government’s commitment to considering public opinion and promoting national affairs to facilitate Taiwan’s sustainable development.

Taipei’s flower market is experiencing a nearly 30% reduction in certain flowers due to the recent colder weather and damp conditions. The Chairman of Taipei Flowers Auction, Li Ming-tsung, predicts that flower prices will rise by an average of 5% this year, citing inflation as the main cause. For example, the cost of a bouquet of lilies, typically priced at NT$250, could increase to between NT$600 and NT$700 during the Lunar New Year, with prices peaking at up to NT$1,000. In preparation for the Lunar New Year, the Taipei Flower Market will extend its opening hours to 3 p.m. and remain open for a total of 108 hours, expecting to supply around 904,000 bouquets.

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.

This story discusses the fluctuation in shares of AUO Corporation and TV panel prices in late December. The article mentions that the price of 55-inch 4K open-cell panels dropped by US$1 (0.8%) on December 22 due to TV manufacturers ceasing production for year-end demand. However, analysts predict that tier-one TV panel makers may increase their price quotes by US$1 to US$3 in January 2024. Despite this, final transaction prices are expected to remain unchanged due to market demand. The report also suggests a potential decline in quotes for larger panel sizes, while prices for all TV panel sizes are anticipated to stabilize and rebound in February. Furthermore, favorable conditions in the panel market are predicted for 2024, driven by stabilizing industry trends and the launch of AI phones and AI PCs. AUO Chairman Paul Peng expects mild growth in the first quarter of 2024 and a market growth rate between 3% to 5% throughout the year, with higher production capacity utilization compared to 2023. Peng also notes steady demand for automotive and industrial products, which will contribute to a stable production utilization rate, and highlights the increasing use of Human Machine Interface (HMI) technologies for LED and LCD panels.

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of Transportation and Communications in Taiwan have announced a new ＂Subsidiary Tourism＂ program aimed at boosting business travel. Foreign business travelers will be eligible for a subsidy of up to NT＄2,000 starting next year. The program has a budget of NT＄10 million and aims to support foreign business visitors to Taiwan. Stocks of related hotels have surged in response to this policy push, with analysts predicting positive growth for the tourism industry. The reduction in extended public holidays next year is expected to favor domestic tourism momentum and improve hotel occupancy rates. Overall, businesses and investors anticipate a robust year ahead for the hotel industry in Taiwan.

National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYMCU) has partnered with the American Climate Club (ACC) to establish the American Taiwan Climate Club. This collaboration aims to contribute to the global net-zero carbon emissions target by 2050. The two institutions have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop international carbon standards and propose a white paper on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies. NYMCU is committed to raising global citizens with sustainability awareness and plans to integrate the 17 Sustainable Development Goals into its academics and research. The partnership also has the potential to pave the way for Taiwan’s engagement in international carbon trading and promote green economic growth. The American Climate Club, registered in Texas, collaborates with government agencies, carbon reduction technology firms, carbon quality monitoring, carbon asset services, and climate and carbon finance funds. The newly formed American Taiwan Climate Club will focus on climate education, international cooperation, carbon project investment, carbon advisory services, and policy research to strengthen climate protection efforts.

President Tsai Ing-wen calls on businesses to collaborate with the government in conserving energy and reducing carbon emissions. During a meeting with representatives of the National Golden Award for Architecture and the National Brand Yushan Award winners, President Tsai highlights the significance of public-private partnerships in promoting urban renewal and the reconstruction of old and unsafe buildings. She emphasizes that Taiwan shares the global objective of achieving a ＂net-zero transition.＂ President Tsai encourages award winners and industry leaders to continue offering suggestions to enhance Taiwan’s international presence.

The New Taipei City Police Bureau announced that NT＄147.19 million was intercepted from potential fraud in October and November 2023, bringing the total amount of prevented fraud in New Taipei to NT＄700 million. Deputy Mayor Chu Ti-chih urged local law enforcement to continue cracking down on illegal activities and emphasized the significant decrease in traffic fatalities in 2023. From January to September, there were 188 vehicle accident-related deaths, a 20% reduction compared to the same period last year. Notably, the number of elderly traffic fatalities dropped by 36%, the highest reduction nationwide.

The Ministry of Education in Taiwan is reviewing whether to increase the allowance for special education teachers due to a significant attrition rate in the field. Special education teachers are leaving the profession due to increased administrative duties and stagnant wages. The special allowance for these teachers has remained unchanged for 32 years. Concerns have been raised about the heavy workload and lack of compensation for summer and winter breaks. The Taiwan Special Education Professional Personnel Association has proposed raising the allowance to incentivize teachers to stay. The Ministry of Education has acknowledged the need to enhance special education services and is considering adjusting the compensation scheme. They are also exploring the possibility of allowing administrative supervisors to receive full extra-duty pay despite a reduction in teaching hours. The ministry aims to ensure fair treatment and reflect the realities of the educational environment.

The Ministry of Education in Taiwan has clarified that the new Curriculum Guidelines have not abandoned traditional virtues, but rather aim to encourage students to contemplate and practice these values in everyday life. The guidelines emphasize competency-based learning and include selections of classical Chinese texts from different eras, authors, and genres. The Ministry responded to criticism by stating that traditional virtues such as righteousness and integrity have not been discarded. They also highlighted that Taiwanese students possess strong competencies, which can be attributed to the new competency-driven curriculum. The curriculum for Mandarin Chinese is designed to develop students’ ability to articulate and rationalize thought, with materials reflecting various historical periods, ideologies, literary genres, Taiwanese modern literature, world Chinese literature, translations, and literary discourse. Classical Chinese texts still constitute an average of 35% to 45% of high school students’ studies over three years, reflecting diverse epochs, authors, and genres. The focus of Taiwanese education should be on developing critical thinking skills and enabling students to learn independently and build cultural depth.

The New Taipei City Education Department has been allocating an annual budget of NT$17 million to subsidize volunteer activities at schools, including the purchase of guide and protective equipment. The department also ensures the safety of school volunteers by coordinating the procurement of insurance for them every year. This response comes after concerns were raised by New Taipei City Councilor Huang Shu-chun about the discrepancy between the budget for volunteer equipment and the actual number of volunteers. Huang pointed out that the current budget provides equipment for over 5,000 volunteers, despite an estimated 32,000 volunteers on the roster. Huang also compared the benefits granted to school social workers with those provided for police civil defense, neighborhood chiefs, and patrol teams. While school social workers receive an average of NT$495, the others receive a volunteer reward of NT$3,840. Huang emphasized the need to review and improve the system in order to address concerns about a potential reduction in volunteers and difficulties in recruitment and retention.

Presidential candidates in Taiwan have unveiled energy policies that prioritize renewable energy and low-carbon gas as bridging fuels. Taipower, the national power company, has announced plans to accelerate the construction of gas turbine units across the country. The Hsieh-Ho Power Plant, which supplies electricity to the northern region, is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment. Shifting from oil to gas can reduce air pollution by 96% and greenhouse gas emissions by 52%. In recent years, the government, private sector, and Taipower have made significant efforts to increase the capacity of renewable energy devices. As of September this year, the cumulative capacity of photovoltaic installations exceeded 11.55 million kilowatts, and wind power reached 2,583,000 kilowatts. By prioritizing green energy and using gas, Taipower has reduced air pollution emissions from thermal power plants by 60%, dropping from approximately 107,000 metric tons in 2016 to about 42,000 metric tons in 2022.

The Ministry of Environment (MOENV) has established the Asia Pacific AERONET Calibration and Training Center (APAC) in collaboration with NASA. The center, located at the Lulin Atmospheric Background Station, aims to improve air quality monitoring data and contribute to climate change research. The project, co-run by the EPA, CWA, and TASA, will aid regional smog control and carbon reduction strategies, as well as elevate Taiwan’s global standing. The center will enhance Taiwanese scholars’ confidence in data mastery, research quality, and expert talent, increasing Taiwan’s international competitiveness and benefiting Southeast Asian nations. The calibration center is expected to enhance international cooperation and strengthen Southeast Asian countries’ capacity to use and analyze data. The data produced by AERONET will directly or indirectly contribute to global air quality and climate change research, highlighting Taiwan’s sustainable responsibility and proactive participation in environmental monitoring.