387 received, 387 listed, 2 sources ・ Page 4 of 4
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 337 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 50 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Mathmaji Inc. received the "TOKYO SUTEAM Award" at "DEMO DAY 2026" for its Japanese-style math learning app. The award recognizes its efforts in expanding education globally to address disparities, its US download success, and Indonesian adoption.
Companies mentioned：Mathmaji Inc.、Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Kokuyo will launch 2 types and 4 SKUs from its KOKUYO WP writing instruments brand on April 17, 2026: the 2026 limited-edition “Limited Color 2026,” inspired by the natural ebb and flow of thought and handwriting, and the select-store-only “Store Exclusive.” They will go on sale early at the company’s Haneda flagship store, KOKUYODOORS, starting April 10.
Companies mentioned：コクヨ株式会社
株式会社セガ フェイブ plans to release “Sega Lucky Kuji: Detective Conan Neo City Pop” on April 10, 2026 (Friday), featuring newly illustrated artwork of 8 characters, including characters from the latest theatrical film. The lineup includes plush toys, acrylic blocks and tumblers, among other fan must-haves, in a stylish design themed around Neo City Pop.
Companies mentioned：株式会社セガ フェイブ、セブン‐イレブン、イトーヨーカドー、ゆめタウン、小学館、読売テレビ、TMS
FM AICHI will devote a full-day feature to Mihama Town in Aichi Prefecture on April 15, 2026 (Wednesday), as the 54th installment of its popular “MEETS MY AICHI” series. On-the-ground reports from morning through evening will showcase the town’s many attractions, including its history, nature, food, tourism and culture.
Companies mentioned：FM AICHI、株式会社エフエム愛知
Ezaki Glico has relaunched its consumer community site “with Glico Park.” Enhanced member interaction features and expanded learning content will transform it into a multi-layered community pursuing social contribution. A launch event will also be held on April 17.
Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance and ナビタイムジャパン will launch an app to reduce rental-car accidents among international visitors to Japan during fiscal 2026. All participants in the pilot program had no accidents, and the companies aim to reduce crashes as rental-car use by international visitors increases.
Companies mentioned：あいおいニッセイ同和損害保険株式会社、ナビタイムジャパン
Hotlink launches "ULSSAS AD," a new SNS advertising method that converts ad spend into lasting UGC and branded search, addressing low follower display rates and information saturation on platforms like X.
Companies mentioned：Hotlink、X
Vision Inc. has installed a new “Smart Pickup” locker exclusively for “NINJA WiFi®” in the arrivals lobby of Terminal 2 at Chubu Centrair International Airport. This enables international visitors to pick up rental devices without lining up at the counter, improving convenience.
On April 11, 2026, a YouTube livestream will be held immediately after the broadcast of “Tatsuki-sensei Is Too Sweet!” for parents of children who do not attend school and experts to share their impressions. The event is for members of the LINE OpenChat “不登校の親ネット” (Network for Parents of Children Who Do Not Attend School).
Companies mentioned：キズキ共育塾、Branch
Randstad Japan will host a free webinar on April 15, 2026, for employment transition support offices, focusing on the shift to 'quality' in disability employment as the legal employment rate rises. The event addresses evolving corporate needs and new roles for support institutions.
CHIKYU Inc. has launched its eco-friendly "Chikyu NASA Randoseru Original Randoseru Cover" for the new school year. This product, made with sustainable materials, aims to protect children's randoseru while being kind to the environment.
Companies mentioned：CHIKYU株式会社
Mercury Inc. has released its monthly report on new condominium sales results for January 2026. Using real estate big data and AI, it has compiled an independent survey of market information, supply and demand trends, housing starts, and supply rankings in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Kansai.
AlphaDrive has launched the "Customer Interview and Insight Analysis Service Package," which conducts in-depth research and analysis of key customer challenges in the early stages of new business development. The service helps companies pursue new business development with greater confidence.
Companies mentioned：株式会社アルファドライブ
Serverworks has adopted Anthropic's "Claude Sonnet 4.5" for the conversation summarization feature of its "Cloud Contact Workspace" softphone for Amazon Connect. This enables highly accurate summaries even for long calls, significantly improving operational efficiency.
Companies mentioned：Amazon Web Services (AWS)、Anthropic
KAGOYA Japan will add an AI-powered email writing assistance feature (beta) to its business email service, "KAGOYA MAIL," as a standard feature at no extra cost. The feature aims to reduce the time spent writing business emails and ease the burden on busy professionals.
Companies mentioned：カゴヤ・ジャパン株式会社、一般社団法人日本ビジネスメール協会
UNPASS CAFE, operated by 株式会社日本セレモニー, launched its spring-only menu on March 16, 2026. The sakura- and strawberry-themed afternoon tea and sweets offer seasonal flavors and a festive experience.
Companies mentioned：株式会社日本セレモニー、愛グループ
一般社団法人日本ワーキング・ホリデー協会 released "ワーホリCafe," a listening game app set in an Australian cafe, on April 2, 2026, to help working holiday travelers improve their practical English listening skills. The app features rapid-fire orders and slang to help users build practical English skills.
Companies mentioned：一般社団法人日本ワーキング・ホリデー協会
Benjamin Steakhouse, originating in New York, will serve a seasonal afternoon tea with a matcha cocktail at its KITTE Osaka location from April 25 to June 28, 2026. The special menu combines New York style with Japan's seasonal sensibilities, offering an elegant afternoon during the season of fresh green leaves.
Companies mentioned：株式会社 オーイズミフーズ、Benjamin Steakhouse
株式会社ハイデイ日高 signed a franchise agreement with Niigata-based 株式会社オーシャンシステム and opened "Netsuretsu Chuka Shokudo Hidakaya Niigata Station Bandai Exit Branch" on April 3, 2026, marking Hidakaya's first location on the Sea of Japan coast. This is Hidakaya's first external franchise.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ハイデイ日高、株式会社オーシャンシステム
全国賃貸住宅新聞社 has opened entries for the "Real Estate Tech AI Contest." The contest is seeking real estate tech services that use AI, aiming to promote digital transformation in the industry and spark business growth.
Companies mentioned：全国賃貸住宅新聞社、一般社団法人不動産テック協会、クリアル株式会社、ハッチ・ワーク株式会社
株式会社丸福繊維 will launch the "GM Emboss Face Cover," a collaboration between its popular sun-protection face cover "Yake-nu" and golf brand レザレクション, in April. The product combines high performance with style to make sun protection more comfortable for golfers.
Companies mentioned：株式会社丸福繊維、レザレクション
The 13th "Organic Life TOKYO," one of Japan's largest yoga and lifestyle events, will be held at WITH HARAJUKU in Harajuku from April 17 to 19, 2026. More than 80 instructors and 50 brands will participate, and admission is free. This year's theme is "Sangha."
Companies mentioned：株式会社アンダーザライト
Palabra held a talk session to mark the streaming launch of "Doc-chan," a documentary film about Nguyen Duc. The film is available with accessibility subtitles and audio description, and Duc spoke about the horrors of war and his hopes for peace.
Companies mentioned：ポールトゥウィンホールディングス株式会社、Palabra株式会社
Local Design Inc. has unveiled "Loire Mansion Ohashi" in Ohashi, Fukuoka. Going beyond a simple renovation, the project proposes a home where residents can shape and design their own way of living.
Fintech Global Inc.'s joint venture, PMC & Public Denryoku, signed an agreement to install solar power facilities for Minamisoma City's public buildings under a PPA scheme. This initiative supports the city's zero-carbon goals and renewable energy targets.
Companies mentioned：フィンテック グローバル株式会社、株式会社パブリック・マネジメント・コンサルティング、株式会社パブリック電力、環境省
A survey by the Better Home Association found that 96.4% of respondents were interested in maintaining muscle, while 98.4% recognized the importance of diet. However, there was a gap in practical knowledge about specific protein intake, highlighting strong awareness of healthy life expectancy.
Companies mentioned：一般財団法人ベターホーム協会
株式会社クラスカ will hold an exhibition at GALLERY CLASKA in Gaienmae, Tokyo, to mark the publication of a special edition of "DIARY," French artist Philippe Weisbecker's object diary spanning 10 years. The venue will also sell a limited edition and host an "Object Flea Market" featuring around 300 objects selected by Weisbecker.
Companies mentioned：株式会社クラスカ、FRAGILE BOOKS
SPACE COTAN and STARTUP HOKKAIDO実行委員会 will hold "HOKKAIDO SPACE SUMMIT, SAPPORO LINK 2026" in Sapporo on June 2, 2026. The summit aims to encourage industry participation in the space business and create new business opportunities.
Companies mentioned：SPACE COTAN株式会社、STARTUP HOKKAIDO実行委員会
The “Hiroshima Like” series from Hiroshima kendama brand “MUGEN MUSOU” has been selected for a project aboard NYK Cruises’ passenger ship Asuka III. It will be displayed in guest rooms as part of Hiroshima’s culture and help promote the region’s appeal.
Companies mentioned：郵船クルーズ株式会社、株式会社イワタ木工
Panasonic will exhibit at NAB Show 2026, the world’s largest broadcast equipment exhibition, held in Las Vegas, United States, in April 2026. It will showcase the latest AV ecosystems and filming-efficiency solutions powered by AI technology.
株式会社ニューラルポート presented at Demo Day in New York and Tokyo for Japan Inclusive Ventures Lab (JIVL), an acceleration program hosted by Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. This marks an important step in the company’s efforts to expand globally and drive technological innovation.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ニューラルポート、三菱UFJモルガン・スタンレー証券株式会社、Morgan Stanley
合同会社wellty launched a new chocolate brand, “re:nuka (Rinuka),” made with 20% of rice bran, an underused resource, and released “re:nuka Chocolate” online on April 18, 2026. The product combines rice bran’s nutritional value with great taste and proposes “natural social action” as a way to contribute to society without strain.
Companies mentioned：合同会社wellty、Makuake
“中國國際青年藝術周” is launching the “2026 National Youth Orchestra Arts Season.” The national-level event aims to promote arts education for young people through orchestra capability assessments and an annual grand exhibition in July 2026, and will establish multiple regional branches across China.
Companies mentioned：中国国际青年艺术周
A press release concerning wantgoo.com. The text mentions only “www.wantgoo.com” and provides no information about specific activities or services. The domain name suggests it may be a Taiwanese financial information or stock-related website.
晶喜美牙醫診所 provides professional aesthetic dental services, including dental implants, all-ceramic veneers and Waterlase periodontal treatment.
Companies mentioned：晶喜美牙醫診所
上立美學皮膚科診所 was founded by director 林上立 and offers the latest aesthetic treatments, including Ellansé, 逆時針 and picosecond laser treatments, covering a wide range of anti-aging and skincare needs.
Companies mentioned：上立美學皮膚科診所
Welcome to the Violin Experts - Musician Instruments website, offering a thoughtful violin shopping experience.
Companies mentioned：violiner.com
Taiwan, the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala and the Guatemalan government jointly held the first overseas workshop under the Global Cooperation and Training Framework (GCTF), focusing on strengthening cybersecurity resilience and digital infrastructure. The event was held in Guatemala City on the 6th local time, bringing together about 100 experts from government, industry and academia from Taiwan, the U.S., Guatemala, Japan and other countries to discuss telecommunications product risks, the development of highly resilient digital infrastructure and cross-border cybersecurity cooperation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Taiwan will continue sharing its cybersecurity governance experience through the GCTF platform and help its diplomatic partners build a transparent and resilient digital environment.
Australian Defense Minister Marles and Japanese defense leaders, including Shinjiro Koizumi, made reciprocal visits in quick succession, paving the way for Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s visit to Australia.
Companies mentioned：朝日新聞、海上自衛隊、オーストラリア海軍、防衛省
The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Food and Drug Administration issued a red alert for the premature infant medication 凱適福氣管吸入懸液劑 after the Czech Republic and Italy reported a risk of microbial contamination in the same product line manufactured by CHIESI FARMACEUTICI S.P.A. Taiwan importer 和聯生技藥業股份有限公司 has voluntarily launched a precautionary recall, expected to be completed by April 24, covering 70 bottles of the medication, and will submit an investigation report. The FDA stressed that inventories are currently sufficient and there is no risk of a drug shortage.
The Criminal Investigation Bureau said online shopping scams and phishing scams are the most frequently reported types of fraud. In March, an average of 460 fraud cases were reported nationwide each day, with financial losses of about NT$150 million, down from the same period last year. Scammers advertise low-priced goods or free gifts and impersonate public agencies to steal personal information and money. The bureau warned that messages such as “real-name verification incomplete” or “payment flow verification failed” are signs of fraud, and urged the public to stay alert.
A woman in Kaohsiung City who falsely reported being assaulted by a cemetery caretaker was sentenced to 6 months in prison for making a false accusation.
Companies mentioned：橋頭地方法院、高雄市某公墓
Nantou County Councilor 簡千翔 announced his departure from the Taiwan People’s Party, saying the party’s ideals had increasingly diverged from his values. He served as chair of the party’s Nantou County chapter for four years and was elected Nantou County councilor representing the party. 簡千翔 will run as an independent in the 2026 local council elections. Taiwan People’s Party spokesperson 張彤 said the party respected his personal plans and stressed that it is a party with clear rules.
The United States presented Iran with a 15-point plan based on the negotiating framework agreed in May 2025. It includes dismantling nuclear facilities, transferring enriched uranium to the IAEA and lifting sanctions. Iran, meanwhile, set out 10 conditions, including continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of indirect sanctions and the termination of IAEA resolutions. President Trump called Iran’s conditions “a workable basis,” but later said the version Iran made public differed from the one received by the United States. The White House said Iran agreed to a ceasefire after revising its proposal.
A bamboo fence has been installed at the Budai salt fields in Chiayi County to protect a little tern breeding ground from stray dogs.
Companies mentioned：嘉義県農業処、海洋委員会海洋保育署
Autopass will roll out smart mobility solutions in Kumamoto, where the population is growing rapidly and the city is developing amid factory construction by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC). In partnership with Toyota Tsusho, it will build a platform integrating electric scooter rentals and battery swapping, digital payments and points. The plan marks Autopass’s first step in international expansion. Services are scheduled to launch in Kumamoto in Q3 this year, with the aim of expanding across Kyushu and eventually throughout the Asia-Pacific region. The Tourism Administration, Ministry of Transportation and Communications, is also supporting the initiative to promote exports of Taiwan’s smart technologies.
The Taichung City Cultural Heritage Department completed restoration in 2024 of the city-designated historic site “潭子農會穀倉,” built during the period of Japanese rule. Equipped with moisture-proofing and rodent-proofing technology, the granary is an advanced building with natural air-conditioning that can remain cool even after a century. Following the restoration, the 潭子農會 plans to entrust a private organization with its operation and use the site for SOHO spaces, rest areas, dining and a marketplace. The project gives the building new life as a regional cultural heritage site and a symbol of low-carbon, sustainable architecture.
Meta announced its AI model Muse Spark, a small, fast model developed by Meta Superintelligence Labs in 9 months. Muse Spark handles complex problems in science, mathematics and health, and supports advanced logical reasoning and multimodal tasks. It is now available in the Meta AI app and on the Meta.AI website, with plans to roll it out to Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, WhatsApp and AI glasses in the coming weeks. It can also understand visual information and generate custom websites and mini-games.
As the Kuomintang’s selection of a candidate for Changhua County magistrate has been delayed, the party’s central leadership has decided to use a nomination process. Former legislator 謝衣鳯 has expressed interest in running for county magistrate but faces opposition from her family. She emphasized her political responsibility and capabilities, saying she is seeking support not only from her family but from all the people of Changhua County. While expressing gratitude for her family’s connections and standing in past elections, 謝衣鳯 said she would continue seeking their support.
An Indian business delegation visited China for the first time in 5 years to explore cooperation in renewable energy and electric vehicles. As ties between China and India improve, Indian companies have praised Chinese automation technology, though challenges such as high tariffs remain.
Companies mentioned：環球時報、CNBC
台泥 will invest NT$26.8 billion to redevelop its assets in Taipei’s Xinyi District as “Tower Urban Oasis,” a near-zero-carbon corporate headquarters. The project aims to achieve world-class green building standards by using ultra-high-performance concrete and low-carbon building materials and installing solar power generation and large-scale energy storage facilities.
Companies mentioned：台泥
Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam will visit China from April 14 to 17, it was announced. Recently elected president of Vietnam, he breaks with the country’s tradition of sharing power among the “four-horse carriage” and will become its most powerful leader in decades.
Companies mentioned：新華社
國際青年商會中華民國總會 held a press conference for the “64th Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection” and launched the call for nominations. Vice President Hsiao attended as chair of the judging committee and emphasized that young people in Taiwan are responding to challenges with a proactive attitude and innovative thinking. The government supports young people through policies such as tax incentives and the “青年百億海外圓夢基金計畫,” and is also promoting the “青年諮詢委員會機制” to bring young people’s voices into government administration. The vice president said she hopes the selection will identify more outstanding young people and share their stories at home and abroad.
Panama’s Supreme Court ruled in January this year that CK Hutchison’s port concession was invalid, prompting the Panamanian government to revoke the related rights. Since then, China has repeatedly detained merchant ships flying the Panamanian flag, prompting Panama’s foreign minister, 艾查, to call on China to respect its sovereignty. The ship detentions have become a focal point in the U.S.-China contest for trade influence, with the Panama Canal, a strategic location, at the heart of the dispute. The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission and Secretary of State Rubio expressed serious concern. CK Hutchison has launched international arbitration over the seizure of its assets, seeking more than US$2 billion in compensation.
Taiwan’s Veterans Affairs Council reported on its stockpile of medical supplies for wartime, saying it has secured medicines and sanitary materials for 250,000 people. The stockpile is part of a mobilization preparedness plan that takes into account developments such as the war in the Middle East.
When meeting a delegation from the Asian Taiwan Hakka Association, President 賴清德 stressed that the government will make every effort to advance the Hakka Six Arrows policy, aimed at passing on Hakka culture and bringing it to the international stage. The policy covers public Hakka, culinary Hakka, youth Hakka, revitalization Hakka, regional Hakka and international Hakka. He said the government has designated Hakka as a national language, promoted Hakka cuisine, established a youth advisory committee, helped young people return to their hometowns to start businesses and connected Hakka communities. The government has also promoted local Hakka economies by issuing Hakka currency and deepened cooperation with Asian countries in trade, industry, education and other fields, with the spirit of “fearing no hardship and breaking new ground,” to help Hakka culture flourish internationally.
A dispute over dividing stolen proceeds broke out between members of a fraud ring and cash couriers in Taichung City, and police arrested 3 people. They had argued in the street over the NT$1.5 million received from a victim and were referred to prosecutors on suspicion of fraud and violating the Money Laundering Control Act.
The Penghu County Government and Kaohsiung’s Yu Ying Junior College of Health Care and Management signed a strategic alliance to train nursing professionals and address Penghu’s nursing staff shortage. Deputy County Magistrate 林皆興 said the county government has promoted nurse training since 112年 and partnered with 6 medical and nursing colleges nationwide on a publicly funded student program. The alliance with Yu Ying will recruit new students and add a pathway for self-funded students to switch to publicly funded status, drawing on the school’s professional training capacity. Yu Ying chair 侯明鋒 said the school’s nursing department has a high pass rate on national certification exams and 16 Penghu students are currently enrolled. Health Bureau Director 陳淑娟 emphasized the goal of localizing medical care, saying the first group of publicly funded students is expected to return to serve their community next year. The alliance will further ease the nursing shortage on outlying islands and improve local healthcare quality.
A 68-year-old woman surnamed 魏 suddenly fainted while playing cards after drinking soda, hitting the back of her head on the ground. 林嶸洲, a neurologist at Changhua Hospital, diagnosed her with vasovagal syncope; examinations of her brain and heart found no problems. 林 said overstimulation of the vagus nerve can slow the heartbeat and lower blood pressure, reducing blood flow to the brain and causing fainting. Triggers include pain, emotional distress or irritation of the esophagus by soda. The doctor advised managing emotions and noted that a patient with gastroesophageal reflux who frequently fainted because of vagus nerve stimulation improved after treatment. Vasovagal syncope is usually benign, and lying flat for several minutes is enough to recover, but other causes should still be ruled out and triggers identified.
台積電 paid dividends totaling 155.595 billion yuan on March 17, 2026, and the funds were replenished in seconds. Morris Chang is expected to receive about 750 million yuan, C.C. Wei 43.3 million yuan, and 行政院国家発展基金管理会 9.922 billion yuan. Taiwan stocks fell amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Companies mentioned：台積電、行政院国家発展基金管理会
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is advancing a proposal to ban U.S.-bound electronic products from being inspected by laboratories owned or controlled by the Chinese government, citing national security concerns. Last year, 23 Chinese laboratories were banned, but 75% of electronic products are still inspected in China. The FCC will vote on the proposal on April 30 and is also considering measures to encourage inspections at laboratories in the United States or other trusted countries. The move is part of a broader tightening of existing restrictions on Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE.
Pitcher Lin Wei-en delivered strong performances in 2 consecutive games in the 2A league, but is still waiting for his first win. He pitched 3.2 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 earned run, with 2 strikeouts and 3 walks, for an ERA of 2.57.
Shohei Ohtani started against the Blue Jays and pitched 6 strong innings, allowing 1 unearned run, but the Dodgers lost after the bullpen failed to protect the lead. At the plate, he reached base in 43 consecutive games, tying Ichiro's record for a Japanese player in Major League Baseball. He said he needs to manage fatigue and adjust his pitching mechanics.
Companies mentioned：大聯盟 (MLB)、藍鳥 (Blue Jays)、道奇 (Dodgers)
Taiwan's Ministry of Labor announced plans to introduce the concept of "fair recruitment" into its evaluation of brokers recruiting migrant workers. In line with international human rights standards, the policy would prohibit employers from illegally withholding documents such as passports or collecting security deposits. The government also plans to amend the law so that employers eventually cover recruitment costs overseas. The policy is expected to take effect as early as 2027.
Quan Hongchan, China's Olympic gold medalist in diving, has been subjected to online bullying, details of which were reported by state media. She was allegedly harassed for a long time in a WeChat group called "水花征服者聯盟." The Guangdong Ersha Sports Training Center has filed a complaint with police and intends to take legal action.
Companies mentioned：人物、微信、廣東省二沙體育訓練中心、中國國家體育總局游泳運動管理中心、檢查日報、每日經濟新聞、人民網
Chilean police uncovered a copper theft and smuggling operation involving copper worth 29.8 billion Chilean pesos that was due to be smuggled to China, and arrested 25 people. The criminal organization allegedly fraudulently claimed more than $55 million in VAT refunds over 5 years. Its method included knocking down utility poles with trucks and stealing the wires.
Companies mentioned：南華早報、彭博
A Hsinchu City councilor criticized the city for failing to pay more than 2 months of overtime wages to 3,000 civil servants who worked on distributing January stimulus payments. The city said it was checking the data and would make payments in stages.
Companies mentioned：新竹市政府
The Taoyuan District Prosecutors Office uncovered 512.69 kg of ketamine, a Category 3 narcotic, smuggled from Germany to Taiwan, and indicted 3 men surnamed Liao, Chen and Tsai. The drugs could have served about 1.7 million people if sold on the market. Citing the serious harm to society, prosecutors are seeking harsh sentences.
Companies mentioned：桃園地檢署、關務署台北關、調查局桃園市調查處、高雄少年及家事法院
Wu Tzu-chia, chairman of 美麗島電子報, was given a final sentence of 8 months in prison for aggravated defamation over his claim that Su Tseng-chang and Chen Shih-chung were corrupt in purchasing BNT vaccines. In a civil case, he was ordered to pay 900,000 yuan in damages to Su and 2 million yuan to Chen.
Companies mentioned：美麗島電子報
Cheng Shih-chung, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Education's Sports Administration, resigned, citing the completion of his mission. He said he would return to his school before his term expires next February and use his expertise to contribute to the development of sports in Taiwan. Sports Minister Lee Yang said he would discuss the details with Cheng after receiving formal notification from the Executive Yuan, and stressed that the resignation would not affect operations.
陳冠廷, convenor of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee, said negotiations on the draft special defense act, originally scheduled for the afternoon of the 9th, were postponed at the KMT caucus’s request to the 15th or 16th. 陳 urged KMT lawmakers to attend the negotiations, stressing the importance of the discussions, and expressed regret over the actions of KMT caucus whip 傅崐萁. Key provisions of the bill remained unresolved during a joint committee review on March 26 and were reserved for caucus negotiations.
Taiwan's stock market was little changed as investors watched the outcome of U.S.-Iran negotiations and shares of major companies moved in mixed directions. Petrochemical stocks rose as international oil prices rebounded, while short-term risk aversion driven by geopolitical concerns weighed on the market. Investors are expected to focus on developments in the technology industry, including 台積電's earnings conference.
Companies mentioned：台積電 (TSMC)、台達電 (Delta Electronics)、鴻海 (Foxconn)、南亞 (Nan Ya Plastics)、華夏 (China General Plastics)、台達化 (Delta Chemical)、国泰投信 (Cathay Securities Investment Trust)
After warning Iran on social media, Trump withdrew the threat two hours before the deadline and announced a ceasefire agreement brokered by Pakistan. Media analysis suggests the move may have been intended to keep the U.S. out of an “endless war,” despite Trump’s boasts about military gains, as Iran’s strategy of prolonged attrition had been underestimated. Experts say Trump’s “madman theory” may deter adversaries, but could also alarm allies and the American public.
A delegation from the United Pacific Innovation Alliance (UPIA) in the United States, representing the unmanned maritime systems industry, visited Taiwan and was welcomed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Taiwan and the United States are deepening their strategic partnership in economic and security matters, and the visit aims to strengthen supply-chain cooperation in the unmanned systems industry. UPIA hopes to better understand Taiwan's industrial needs and build closer supply-chain ties through technical exchanges.
Companies mentioned：聯合太平洋創新聯盟 (UPIA)
A total of 182,868 students registered for the 2026 Comprehensive Assessment Program for Junior High School Students, which will be held on May 16 and 17. Admission tickets will be mailed on April 10. Students should check the details and apply to correct any errors on April 13 or 14.
Companies mentioned：教育部、全国試務会
香港科技大学 announced a 5-year "科大華人健康長壽研究" project to explore key factors behind the longevity of Hong Kong residents. The study will examine 500 Chinese adults aged 90 and older, with the aim of developing personalized health management strategies based on its findings. Hong Kong has the world's highest life expectancy, surpassing Japan, but a gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy has also been noted, underscoring the growing importance of the research.
Companies mentioned：香港科技大学、鵬程慈善基金
技專校院招生委員會聯合會 announced the admission guidelines for the 115 academic year for the skills-based route to 2-year technical programs. Applicants do not need to submit scores from the unified entrance exam for 2-year technical programs. Graduates of vocational colleges and people with equivalent academic qualifications may apply if they have achieved outstanding results in certain skills competitions or hold relevant technician qualifications. There are 490 places in total, and applications for eligibility review will be accepted from April 9 to 13.
Companies mentioned：技專校院招生委員會聯合會
Originalカナダ連邦上院議員団が台湾を訪問し、外交部と会談。台加間の経済貿易、医療衛生、原住民交流、そして偽情報対策について意見交換を行いました。台湾はカナダにとってアジア太平洋地域で重要な貿易パートナーであり、両国関係の深化が期待されます。
Companies mentioned：外交部
Originalアストロズの鄧愷威投手が、満塁のピンチで登板し、三振で無失点に抑える活躍を見せました。彼は1.1イニングを無安打無失点、1奪三振で終え、今季5試合目の登板で防御率2.35を記録しています。
Companies mentioned：アストロズ
The Ministry of Economic Affairs said Taiwan Plastics will increase polyethylene production by 5,000 tons and ship it tomorrow, which is expected to ease the shortage of plastic bags. CPC said a tanker carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil is expected to arrive within 2 weeks, enough to cover more than half a month of domestic demand. To address localized shortages of petrochemical feedstocks and downstream products, the ministry is taking 5 measures: increasing supply, accelerating production, strengthening distribution and establishing a reporting platform, among others.
Tainan City confirmed its 2nd imported dengue fever case. A man in his 20s from Yongkang District developed symptoms after traveling to the Maldives, prompting the Health Bureau to implement emergency prevention measures. A total of 33 imported cases have been reported in Taiwan.
Legislator Li Yang refused to accept a document from Changhua County Magistrate Wang Mei-hui during the opening ceremony of the Changhua Homey Sports Center, stating that the budget had not passed and therefore no funds were available for sports facility construction.
At a meeting with Rutte, Trump voiced frustration that NATO member states had not adequately supported military action against Iran. Rutte said he could understand Trump's disappointment with many NATO allies. Trump criticized NATO as "useless" on social media and again hinted at a threat to Greenland. The clash is heightening tensions between the United States and its European allies.
Meta announced Muse Spark, a new AI model designed to compete with OpenAI. It is the starting point for Meta's new Muse series and is small and fast while capable of reasoning through complex problems in science, mathematics and health. Meta also introduced a "Deep Think" mode that runs multiple agents simultaneously, positioning it against Google's Gemini Deep Think and OpenAI's GPT Pro. Muse Spark will initially be available in the Meta AI app and is expected to power AI features in WhatsApp, Facebook and Meta smart glasses in the future.
Taiwan presidential envoy Lin Chia-lung led a delegation to the Marshall Islands from the 7th to the 9th, during which the two sides signed a letter of intent for the Taiwan-Marshall Islands Economic Resilience Financing Fund, which will establish a credit guarantee mechanism to assist local businesses. Lin also visited the AI Telemedicine Center, launched in 2024 by President Lai Ching-te and Marshall Islands President Hilda Heine, and attended a donation ceremony for a solar-powered parking lot with energy storage, highlighting Taiwan-Marshall Islands cooperation in healthcare, education, the economy and green energy.
Yen Teh-fa said peace depends on strength and that Taiwan should strengthen its self-defense capabilities in the face of threats from the Chinese Communist Party. He called on the governing and opposition parties to support the Ministry of National Defense's arms procurement budget, stressing that defense planning is based on operational needs. The Executive Yuan has proposed a special bill on procurement for a plan to strengthen defense resilience and asymmetric capabilities, with a budget of NT$1.25 trillion. The KMT and Taiwan People's Party caucuses have also proposed related bills of NT$380 billion and NT$400 billion, respectively. Yen stressed that time is running out and combat capabilities must be built up quickly.
The Taiwan Athletics Open was canceled after its budget failed to pass the legislature. The event had been recognized by World Athletics as a Continental Tour Silver Label meet, but a lack of funds made it difficult to hold. Lee Yang urged the use of foundation funds and voiced concern about the impact on athletes.
Companies mentioned：中華民國田徑協會、世界田徑總會