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CWA clarifies criteria for national quake alerts
Explore the ongoing seismic activity in Taiwan, where residents face continuous earthquakes without prior national-level warnings on their phones, unless specific criteria are met. The Central Weather Administration clarifies the conditions for alerts and cautions against misinformation, amidst concerns of more tremors and adverse weather. President Tsai Ing-wen calls for caution, particularly in mountainous regions, and shares crucial safety advice for earthquake preparedness.
2024/04/23 18:17
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Taiwan to face six days of unpredictable weather ahead
Explore the forecast for Taiwan as it faces six days of rain starting April 23, with a warning from Daniel Wu of National Central University about unstable atmospheric conditions due to a lingering front and strong southwestern winds. Prior to the rainy period, hot temperatures and potential thunderstorms are expected, with precautions advised against sunburn and heatstroke. The weather pattern is predicted to continue with the front’s movement around Taiwan.
2024/04/22 12:15
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Dine on a new career: Din Tai Fung offers high-paying jobs
Renowned restaurant Din Tai Fung and the Taipei City Government are partnering for a massive recruitment event, offering 150 vacancies with salaries up to NT$57,000. The job fair will take place on Feb. 24 at the Taipei Youth Salon. Over 90% of the positions are open to applicants without prior work experience, as part of Din Tai Fung’s efforts to invest in talent recruitment, salary welfare, and training. The available positions include catering service specialists, cashiers, restaurant tidying staff, pastry apprentices, chefs, dish quality inspectors, dishwashers, and in-store timing staff. Part-time workers can earn up to NT$240 an hour on weekends. Salaries start at NT$48,000 for waitstaff, with the potential to reach NT$55,000 after assessments. Chefs have the opportunity to make up to NT$57,000. The average monthly salary from previous recruitment drives with Din Tai Fung is NT$40,000, and many companies have increased salaries due to labor shortages caused by the pandemic. The catering industry has seen a rising salary trend, with Din Tai Fung increasing salaries by 3% to 6% in 2023, totaling a 16% increase over three years. This recruitment drive is open to talents in Taipei, New Taipei, Hsinchu, Taichung, and Kaohsiung.
2024/02/15 13:51
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MOTC voices safety concerns over China’s flight path changes
Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and Communications, Wang Kuo-tsai, expresses regret after China unilaterally adjusts flight routes, raising aviation safety concerns. The decision to cancel the "offset measure" for the M503 flight route and start east to west operations near Taiwan without bilateral negotiation has led to potential conflicts between civilian and military aircraft. The proximity of Route M503 to the Taipei Flight Information Region poses a risk, with the nearest point just 4.2 nautical miles away. Take-off and landing in Matsu and Kinmen without prior consultation could also raise safety issues. The national security units are now handling the situation and consulting with the Civil Aviation Administration and the military to develop responsive measures.
2024/02/01 12:18
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Last-minute pair Hsieh Su-wei and Zielinski clinch victory
Taiwanese tennis star Hsieh Su-wei and her Polish partner Jan Zielinski emerged as the champions of the mixed doubles competition at the Australian Open on January 26. Despite their last-minute decision to team up, Hsieh and Zielinski staged an impressive comeback against American player Desirae Krawczyk and British player Neal Skupski, winning with a score of 6-7, 6-4, and 11-9. This victory holds great significance for both players, as it marks Hsieh’s first mixed doubles victory in a Grand Slam tournament and makes Zielinski the first Pole to secure a Grand Slam mixed doubles trophy. Prior to the match, Zielinski recognized Hsieh as a skilled doubles player, and he expressed his gratitude for her ability to break the curse and lead them to victory. Hsieh, in turn, praised Zielinski’s playing abilities, highlighting his skills in areas such as the baseline, net, and serve.
2024/01/26 18:24
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Travel agencies brace for impact of EVA Air pilot strike
The Travel Quality Assurance Association warns that if EVA Air pilots go on strike during the Lunar New Year holidays, it would have a significant impact on travel agencies as all airlines have already filled their fleet. The strike is planned for the Lunar New Year period from Feb. 7-18 and the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays from March 30 to April 7. Travel agencies would face challenges in adjusting operations and relocating passengers if the strike occurs. Limited alternatives would be available for travel agencies during the Tomb Sweeping Day holidays, and managing already-sold bookings would require separate action. The exact date of the strike will only be informed 24 hours prior, although the pilots’ union has announced the duration. The association’s spokesman, Ringo Lee, suggests implementing a strike notice period similar to the Danish model, which allows for a month’s advance notice of strike action.
2024/01/26 17:22
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President-elect Lai Ching-te exits New Tide faction
President Lai Ching-te has announced his departure from the New Tide faction of the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) following the conclusion of the 2024 presidential race. The decision was supported by the New Tide office, recognizing the president’s role in leading the government and symbolizing party unity. Discussions about Lai’s withdrawal began prior to the election, making it unnecessary to explore who initiated the departure. Former legislator Tuan Yi-kang expressed that it is better for the country if President Lai, as the head of state, is no longer a member of New Tide. The New Tide faction, established in 1983, is one of the main factions within the DPP and consists of editors and writers from "The Movement" magazine. Known for its firm beliefs and strict discipline, the faction is considered the most combat-ready within the DPP. The decision of President Lai is further emphasized by frequent public criticisms from Ko Wen-je, chairman of the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP), who has targeted issues of corruption and fraud within the New Tide faction.
2024/01/17 14:15
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Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan amends new property tax law
Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan has passed a law amendment known as "Housing Tax 2.0," which will raise the residential property tax. The new tax will take effect on July 1, 2024, with taxation beginning in 2025. The Ministry of Finance estimates that around 4.45 million households will be affected by the revised tax, with approximately 3.1 million households benefiting from a preferential tax rate for single residency. This could potentially generate an additional revenue of NT$2.27 billion to NT$3.27 billion. Under the new system, residential properties will be categorized as "self-use" or "non-self-use," with a national limit of up to three properties classified as "self-use." The house tax will continue to be collected annually from May 1 to May 31, based on ownership from the prior year’s July 1 to the current year’s June 30. The amendment also requires that "self-use" residences meet household registration requirements in addition to the existing provisions regarding rental and occupancy by the owner, spouse, or direct relatives. The tax reform will have a significant impact on 10 municipalities that have not yet implemented the housing hoarding tax. To support the legislative changes, four supplementary regulations will be introduced, including differential tax rate modules, calculation formulas, principles for determining the number of household property holdings, and revisions to the organization of the Real Estate Evaluation Committees. All subsidiary regulations are scheduled to be amended by July 1, 2024.
2023/12/20 18:10
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Party numbers drawn for Taiwan’s legislative elections
The Central Election Commission (CEC) publicly held a party number drawing for the 11th legislative elections in Taiwan. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured the number 6 spot, the Kuomintang (KMT) got number 9, and the Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) drew number 12 for the at-large legislative seats. Prior to the draw, the TPP’s top legislator-at-large candidate and the KMT’s leading counterpart were seen exchanging pleasantries and handshakes. The CEC reviewed and approved the qualifications of the 16 participating parties before the public lottery. Out of 178 applicants, 177 individuals were confirmed to meet the requirements for legislative candidacy.
2023/12/20 17:17
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New Taiwan policy welcomes more foreign art talent
The Ministry of Labor in Taiwan has announced significant revisions to the regulations governing work permits for foreign professionals in arts and performing arts. The new regulations, which will take effect on December 20, aim to attract more foreign artistic talent to Taiwan’s cultural scene. One major change is the acceptance of documents from important international organizations, such as the United Nations, for residents of Hong Kong and Macau who are unable to obtain official recommendation or certification documents. The framework for foreign artistic professionals’ work is divided into four main types: performance and visual arts, publishing, film and broadcasting, and popular music and crafts. The qualifications for the publishing industry have been relaxed to recognize individuals with over five years of publishing experience who demonstrate originality and special performance in their field. Similarly, the qualifications for crafts-related work have been broadened to accept assistant professors or individuals with equivalent qualifications. Prior to these revisions, the application process for foreigners undertaking artistic work in Taiwan was stringent, requiring an application through an employer or by the professionals themselves if they met the necessary qualifications. As of October 2023, Taiwan had 245 self-employed foreign artists holding valid working permits, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a hub for international art professionals.
2023/12/19 10:02
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Tai reflects on tough year, grateful despite setbacks
Taiwanese badminton star Tai Tzu-ying reflects on her disappointing performance in the second half of 2023 but expresses gratitude towards her team and fans. Despite her struggles, Tai triumphed at the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Tour Finals, claiming the women’s singles title. This victory marked her fourth World Tour Finals title and served as a beautiful conclusion to a challenging year. Prior to the year-end event, Tai had only secured two titles out of the 18 matches she played in 2023. Concerns about her form were raised, but her win on Sunday dispelled any doubts. Tai also mentions the challenges she faced leading up to the championship, including injury and limited training.
2023/12/18 10:55
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Actor Wu Kang-ren spotted at Taipei murder trial
Taiwanese actor Wu Kang-ren, winner of the best leading actor award at the 60th Golden Horse Awards, surprised attendees at the trial of a man surnamed Chung, who is accused of killing his father with a dumbbell. Despite wearing a mask, Wu’s presence caused a stir as he was recognized by the crowd. Wu declined to comment on his reasons for attending. The case involves a dispute over the purchase of a boxed meal that allegedly led to the fatal blow. The Taipei District Prosecutors Office filed charges in May, making this the second case to involve citizen judges. Due to Chung’s mental illness and lack of impulse control, the court ordered a temporary placement for six months. The court selected citizen judges prior to the trial, with six judges and four alternates chosen through a rigorous process.
2023/12/07 19:10
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Taiwan exports to hit US$400B, third-highest on record
Taiwan’s exports for 2023 are projected to exceed US$400 billion, making it the third-highest on record. Minister of Finance Chuang Tsui-yun expressed confidence in the sustained positive trend, with monthly exports in the fourth quarter expected to surpass US$30 billion each. The country has accumulated US$355.1 billion in export figures for the first ten months, putting it on track to achieve the forecast. Year-end stockpiling needs, emerging technologies, and opportunities in artificial intelligence contribute to cautious optimism for November and December’s export performance. Taiwan’s full-year exports are anticipated to trail behind the US$446.4 billion seen in 2021 and the US$479.4 billion in 2022. Since 2017, Taiwan’s annual exports have consistently surpassed US$300 billion, a significant increase from the figures prior to 2016. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics forecasts a 6.3 percent export growth rate for the coming year.
2023/12/04 20:31
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Mayor Chiang Wan-an inspects newly upgraded Taipei Dome
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an recently toured the upgraded Taipei Dome, which has been 32 years in the making and meets high standards verified by Major League Baseball officials. Slated to host international competitions, the dome aims to unite baseball fans of all ages. Test games are planned for November, prior to the Asian Baseball Championship in December.
2023/10/27 15:36
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Taiwan LGBT+ Pride to highlight diversity challenges
The 21st Taiwan LGBT+ Pride , with the theme "Stand with Diversity," will take place in front of Taipei City Hall on October 28th. DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te will attend, while PFP candidate Ko Wen-je will be absent due to a prior engagement in the south. KMT will send youth group members, and Hou Yu-yih will not attend but expresses support for gender equality. Terry Gou and Lai Pei-hsia will also be absent but maintain their support for gender-friendly policies.
2023/10/26 15:17
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Taiwan’s digital learning valued at NT$51.06 billion in 2022
Taiwan’s online education sector witnesses a remarkable surge with NT$51.06 billion in digital learning value in 2022. Former TSMC manager Waki’s online courses shine, surpassing prior income. Practical skills, from baking to dancing, thrive on online platforms, while ’memorizing techniques’ course generates an impressive NT$50 million revenue. Explore the future of digital learning.
2023/09/01 17:35
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Terry Gou visits Hsinchu before second campaign rally
Terry Gou, the Foxconn founder and Kuomintang (KMT) presidential primary candidate, visited supporters and friends in Hsinchu on Tuesday (May 9) prior to his second campaign rally in Pingtung City scheduled for later that day.
2023/05/09 19:10