Online event for seafarers held to mark IMO International Day for Women in Maritime
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines held an online event to mark IMO International Day for Women in Maritime, with the aim of supporting women seafarers. The company has included promoting diversity as part of its management plan.
From demolition to building communities with the next 100 years in mind: “千葉スピード解体” marks its 2nd anniversary and accelerates efforts toward asset-circulation-based community development
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社トミオ is strengthening its asset-circulation-based community development efforts as its demolition business “千葉スピード解体” marks its 2nd anniversary. Positioning demolition as a starting point for community revitalization, it provides one-stop services for vacant-home measures and land use.
A newspaper page featuring King & Prince’s Ren Nagase goes on sale through “Sports Hochi Convenience Store Print”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
報知新聞社 is releasing a newspaper page featuring King & Prince’s Ren Nagase at a Dior event through convenience store printing. There are 2 versions in total.
Newspaper pages featuring Hey! Say! JUMP’s Kota Yabu and ABC-Z’s Ryosuke Hashimoto go on sale through “Sports Hochi Convenience Store Print”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
報知新聞社 is releasing a newspaper page featuring an open rehearsal for a musical starring Kota Yabu (Hey! Say! JUMP) through “Sports Hochi Convenience Store Print.” It is available at major convenience stores nationwide.
『Dolphin Wave』 × 『The Eminence in Shadow』 collaboration launches! Alpha and Beta appear in the collaboration gacha!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
『Dolphin Wave』 has launched a collaboration with the popular anime 『The Eminence in Shadow』. The campaign includes a limited-time character gacha, a story event and commemorative item giveaways, aiming to expand its fan base and attract active users.
A new hero from Takarajimasha’s toy brand “Takarajimasha Toys”! “Gao Gao Heroes,” where you can create your own hero, goes on sale 5/28
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Takarajimasha will release the customizable hero figure book 『Super Battle Corps Gao Gao Heroes BOOK』 under its toy brand “Takarajimasha Toys.” The publisher is bringing its editorial expertise to the toy market and releasing a variety of series.
Automating social media posts with in-house AI. Cuts Instagram and X management workload by 25 hours per month, replacing the work of 1 employee with AI
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
SynergyAI has automated social media management with AI, cutting workload by 83%. Weekly post volume has increased 4.6 times.
Tatung moves into U.S. renewable energy and power grid supply chains amid AI infrastructure boom
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
大同公司 has successfully entered the North American market by participating in U.S. power industry trade shows, securing multiple orders for transformers and solar farms to meet electricity demand driven by AI infrastructure.
Muslim tourism operators love Taiwan; warmth and local culture are major attractions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan held a tourism promotion event for Muslim visitors in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting its Muslim-friendly environment. Malaysian tourism operators praised Taiwan’s hospitality and cultural appeal, but also said understanding of halal culture in society needs to improve to enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors.
Exchanges on sidelines of World Health Assembly; Shih Chung-liang says China suspected of surveillance and pressure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan has gone 10 consecutive years without being invited to participate in the WHA. Health Minister Shih Chung-liang said in Geneva that Taiwan’s delegation was suspected of being monitored by Chinese individuals at sideline events, and that the number of diplomatic allies participating in civil society events had also fallen due to pressure from Beijing.
Surveillance camera at 台中LaLaport allegedly pointed at fitting room; police seize recording equipment and investigate
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A suspected hidden-camera incident at the Under Armour counter in 台中LaLaport came to light after a female customer found a surveillance camera in the fitting room. Police seized the recording equipment and launched an investigation after receiving a report. The operator has removed the device, and the company’s headquarters will conduct a thorough review of stores across Taiwan. The city government has also asked department stores to step up inspections of private spaces.
Putin set to visit China; Russian ruble rises against yuan to more than 3-year high
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
On the eve of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China, the Russian ruble rose against the yuan to its highest level since February 2023. The rally was supported by high oil prices, the U.S. extension of sanctions waivers and market optimism about new business agreements between Russia and China.
Ambulance reverses on Danjiang Bridge, drawing online debate; fire department says it was turning around at a wider spot
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An ambulance reversing on the pedestrian and bicycle path on New Taipei City’s Danjiang Bridge sparked online debate. The fire department explained that a road barrier at the Bali end blocked passage, and that the ambulance had to reverse to a wider spot to turn around and shorten the trip to the hospital. The department will continue reviewing its response procedures.
Russia steps up drone-related accusations; Lithuania warns risk of provocation is rising
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Senior Lithuanian officials rejected as absurd Russia’s accusation that Lithuania allowed Ukrainian drones to use its airspace to attack, but warned the country could face serious provocations from Russia. A drone has recently crashed in the country, and officials suspect it was connected to Russian electronic warfare interference.
Surveillance camera at 台中LaLaport store allegedly pointed at fitting room; city conducts inspection
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Under Armour counter at 台中LaLaport has come under scrutiny after a surveillance camera was found facing a fitting room. The city government launched an inspection after a customer contacted police. The brand has removed the device and is reviewing all its stores across Taiwan. Judicial authorities are investigating the case on suspicion of offenses including invasion of privacy.
Wang Chen-chi Cup: Hsu Ting-kai hits go-ahead homer; Taitung prevails in 13-inning battle to reach final 4
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the losers’ bracket championship game of the Wang Chen-chi Cup high school baseball tournament, 台東縣隊 and 台南市隊 battled for 13 innings. 台東縣隊’s Hsu Ting-kai hit a go-ahead solo home run in the top of the 13th, and key relief pitching by Li Yin-en helped secure a narrow 7-6 victory and a place in the final four.
Heavy rain devastates several provinces in southern China; at least 18 dead and 11 missing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Days of heavy rain since May 16 have triggered floods and landslides across several provinces in southern China, including Guangxi, Guizhou, Hubei and Hunan. As of the 19th, at least 18 people had died and 11 were missing, while homes collapsed and transportation and communications were disrupted.
Cybersecurity Administration revises critical infrastructure security guidelines, focusing on three core areas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To strengthen national cybersecurity, 數位發展部資安署 has revised its “Cybersecurity Protection Recommendations for Critical Information Infrastructure.” The revisions focus on three priorities: aligning with international standards, providing alternatives for outdated equipment, and clarifying responsibilities. The goal is to build more resilient public services.
Chinese military aircraft and vessels conduct combat readiness patrol; military releases footage of F-16 Sniper pod monitoring
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國防部 detected 11 sorties of Chinese military aircraft crossing the median line on the 19th, conducting a combat readiness patrol in coordination with Chinese naval vessels. The military released footage of an F-16V fighter using a Sniper pod to monitor Chinese aircraft, as well as footage of the Navy’s Su Ao vessel monitoring Chinese ships, showcasing its surveillance and countermeasure capabilities.
Clinic fined 300,000 after unapproved freight elevator causes fatality; Tainan to conduct joint inspections
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A fatal freight elevator accident at a clinic in Tainan City killed an employee after the equipment was found to have been installed without legal approval. The Public Works Bureau will impose a fine of 300,000 yuan and refer the case for prosecution. It also announced joint inspections of elevators at clinics with more than two floors across the city.
ANC ratios fall amid Taiwan stock market boom; 10 futures firms plan capital increases or bond issuance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In response to falling ANC ratios caused by the Taiwan stock market boom, 10 of Taiwan’s 14 specialized futures firms are planning capital increases or bond issuance to strengthen their capital. No firm has yet reached the 15% threshold for suspension of operations.
Russian missiles and drones strike northern Ukraine, killing 4
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine’s northern Chernihiv and Sumy regions killed 4 people and injured several others. Targets included civilian facilities in the center of Pryluky, such as a company, a shopping center and a supermarket.
Chou Chih-ming resigns as chairman; 中工 to elect successor on 5/21
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After general manager Su Li-mei stepped down, 中華工程 chairman Chou Chih-ming also resigned on the 19th for personal reasons. The company will elect a new chairman after its shareholder meeting on the 21st and stressed that operations remain normal.
A fatal traffic accident occurred in Miaoli City on the evening of the 18th, when a car struck a 90-year-old woman surnamed Chiu as she crossed the road. She died after being taken to hospital. The driver was not under the influence of alcohol and said the darkness made it difficult to see pedestrians. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.
Transcend to showcase industrial and consumer products at COMPUTEX
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Memory module maker 創見資訊 announced it will participate in COMPUTEX Taipei, showcasing a range of products for industrial applications and everyday consumers. These include enterprise-grade SSDs, DDR5 memory and embedded camera modules, as well as portable hard drives and memory cards for the consumer market.
Taiwan’s Coast Guard Administration and the U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have worked together since October last year to intercept 14 cross-border drug-smuggling cases at airports, arrest 22 suspects and seize 23.3 kilograms of heroin, marking a major achievement in international law enforcement cooperation.
Russia holds large-scale nuclear drills as Putin makes state visit to China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Russia announced a nationwide nuclear weapons exercise lasting three days on the eve of President Vladimir Putin’s visit to China. The exercise simulates the use of nuclear forces in response to an invasion, mobilizes 64,000 personnel and includes tactical nuclear weapons operations in Belarus.
Prescription drug becomes party drug; pregabalin poisonings rise among Berlin teens
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Misuse of the prescription drug pregabalin among teenagers in Berlin, Germany, is worsening as it is used as a party drug for its sedative effects. Poisoning cases have increased significantly, and experts warn that mixing it with alcohol or other drugs carries a risk of death.
Manufacturing output reaches 5.9 trillion in first quarter, marking 9 consecutive quarters of growth; ministry sees trend continuing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
經濟部 reported that manufacturing output reached 5.95 trillion yuan in the first quarter of this year, up 20.58% year on year and marking 9 consecutive quarters of growth. The increase was driven mainly by strong growth in the information and electronics industries, fueled by AI and high-performance computing, while some traditional industries, including chemicals and metals, contracted amid weak demand.
Thailand reports 2 new cases of mpox variant; authorities step up monitoring
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan has detected its first imported case of the mpox variant Ib subclade from Thailand, which has recently reported 2 new cases of the same variant, prompting authorities to step up monitoring. Infections with this variant are associated with high-risk contact behavior. There are 18 cases worldwide so far, with no deaths.
Taoyuan airport honors baggage-handling partners; annual passenger volume forecast to top 50 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taoyuan International Airport has won Skytrax’s World’s Best Airport Baggage Delivery award for a consecutive year and honored 8 partners. Chairman Yang Wei-fu announced that annual passenger traffic is forecast to exceed 50 million, while the airport’s overall ranking climbed to 24th worldwide. The achievements were credited to data-driven management and the adoption of AI technology.
Stocks and currency both fall; New Taiwan dollar plunges 1.05 jiao to close at 31.65
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Market caution over the stalemate in U.S.-Iran negotiations, along with three consecutive days of foreign investor withdrawals from Taiwan stocks, sent Taiwan’s stock and foreign exchange markets lower on the 19th. The New Taiwan dollar plunged 1.05 jiao to close at a more than one-month low of 31.65.
Suspected sales dispute leads to assault injuring minor; Yunlin police arrest 3 suspects and refer case for prosecution
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Yunlin police arrested three suspects in Chiayi City today over allegedly taking a minor to a tin-roofed building and beating them, causing injuries, in a dispute over a sale. One suspect was wanted by police, who also seized drugs and an aluminum bat.
中信金 estimates the central bank will raise interest rates by half a percentage point in June; the New Taiwan dollar is expected to strengthen before year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中信金 reported record profits at its first-quarter earnings briefing and forecast that Taiwan’s central bank would raise interest rates in June, with the New Taiwan dollar strengthening before year-end. General Manager Kao Li-hsueh also outlined growth in overseas business and plans for domestic wellness villages.
Keelung expects to distribute rat poison on the morning of the 20th; plans to use reserve funds for rat control
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In response to a confirmed hantavirus case in Keelung, Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang announced that rat poison would be delivered to district offices before the morning of the 20th. The city government has also purchased new bait and is considering using reserve funds for a rat-control contract to strengthen disease-prevention measures.
Inspections for heat hazards to begin in June; violators face fines of up to 3 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan’s 勞動部 will launch 3230 inspections of outdoor work in high temperatures starting June 1 to prevent heat-related hazards. The inspections will include targeted checks of high-risk industries such as construction, as well as follow-up inspections of general outdoor work.
Ancestral textiles discovered in European storage; Atayal museum shares traditional weaving arts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
烏來泰雅民族博物館 in New Taipei City will hold a workshop on June 13 to share findings from research into traditional Atayal textiles at 維也納世界博物館 in Vienna, Austria, and let the public experience traditional weaving techniques. The research led to a partnership between the two museums, bringing Taiwan’s Indigenous culture to an international audience.
Gunfire at busy Egyptian transport hub leaves 8 dead and 5 injured; suspect shot dead
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A gunman opened fire at a transport hub in Egypt’s southern Assiut Governorate, killing 8 people and injuring 5. The suspect had a history of mental illness, and the motive was unclear. He was eventually shot dead in an exchange of gunfire with police.
In a small village in Wuhan, Hubei, with just 585 residents, more than 62 people have cancer, a rate exceeding 10%. Residents allege that long-term illegal discharges from the nearby “Changsheng Sodium Silicate Factory” since 1986 are the main cause. The Wuhan municipal government has formed an investigative team.
Thailand officially cancels 60-day visa-free entry; Taiwanese travelers may return to 30-day stays
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Thailand’s cabinet approved visa amendments that cancel 60-day visa-free entry for 93 countries, potentially restoring the limit to 30 days and affecting Taiwan. The move is intended to take national security, economic interests and improvements to tourism quality into account.
Taipei councilor calls for free public transit on Saturdays and Sundays; transportation department open to idea
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei City Councilor Yu Shu-hui proposed offering free public transportation on weekends, following the example of Europe, to promote car-free days and let residents experience the convenience of going without cars. The transportation department said it would give the proposal positive consideration.
Iran submits latest peace proposal, calling for US ceasefire, troop withdrawal and compensation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Iran has presented the United States with its latest peace proposal, calling for a ceasefire, troop withdrawal, compensation and the lifting of sanctions. Although Trump previously rejected similar proposals, he has paused attacks following appeals from leaders of several Middle Eastern countries and said an agreement may be possible.
Rakuten Monkeys re-sign left-hander Chiu Wei-lun, citing improvements in control and pitch quality
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 中華職棒樂天桃猿隊 announced that it had re-signed 21-year-old left-handed pitcher Chiu Wei-lun. After not receiving a contract extension following the season, Chiu showed significant improvement in amateur competition. The team praised his improved control and pitch quality and decided to bring him back to strengthen its pitching depth.
Tainan braces for high temperatures on the 20th; front expected to approach Taiwan around the 27th
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The weather service forecasts warm to hot conditions on the 20th, with temperatures in Tainan possibly reaching 36 degrees Celsius. Moisture will increase on the 21st-22nd, bringing afternoon thunderstorms to a wider area. Conditions are expected to stabilize from the 23rd-26th. A new front is forecast to approach Taiwan around the 27th.
Puyuma tu'tu woodcarving designated cultural heritage; Haku recognized as a living national treasure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
文化部 has officially recognized “Puyuma tu'tu woodcarving” as a nationally important traditional craft. Haku, the chief of Jianhe Village and its inheritor, has been recognized as a living national treasure. Taitung County Magistrate Jao Ching-ling visited the village to offer congratulations, stressing the significance of the recognition for preserving Indigenous culture.
Technology stocks lead mixed Asian markets lower; oil prices retreat as Trump pauses Iran strikes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Asian markets ended mixed on the 19th, as easing US-Iran tensions and weakness in technology stocks exerted opposing pressures. Oil prices retreated on expectations of diplomatic talks, but high energy costs continued to stoke inflation concerns. South Korean shares slumped under pressure from tech stocks, while losses in Japan were limited by better-than-expected economic data.
新光三越 updates uniforms for first time in 16 years, with members of the wider Shin Kong Group joining the effort
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After 16 years, 新光三越 announced it will replace all its uniforms in June, aiming to project a younger image and a commitment to sustainability. The update was a joint effort by members of the wider Shin Kong Group, including designer Wu Hsin-wei and manufacturer 新光紡織, highlighting cooperation within the group.
Nantou’s first sports center to break ground in June, with courts, fitness facilities and more
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
南投縣政府 announced that construction of the Nantou City Sports Center will begin on June 11, with completion expected in ROC year 117. It is the first of three planned sports centers in Nantou County and will offer multipurpose facilities, including courts, fitness areas and a climbing wall, to expand residents’ access to sports facilities.
Business leaders: 10 years of DPP rule reduced reliance on China and doubled economic strength
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Business leaders say that over the 10 years of Democratic Progressive Party rule, Taiwan reduced its reliance on China and shifted toward a global strategy, helping GDP, exports and the stock market double in size. Social welfare and international democracy rankings also improved.
South Korean and Japanese leaders meet for the fourth time in 7 months; Lee Jae-myung hopes to expand cooperation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi visited South Korea and met President Lee Jae-myung in his hometown of Andong. It was their fourth meeting in seven months, with the aim of expanding cooperation and deepening bilateral ties. Both sides emphasized the importance of cooperation in energy, technology and regional security.
Bernstein raises TSMC target price, sees Intel and Samsung failing to close the gap
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Research firm Bernstein raised its target price for TSMC ADRs to $430 and maintained an “outperform” rating. The report said TSMC’s technological lead in AI remains firm despite competition from Intel and Samsung, making it a reliable growth stock.
“Trump-Xi meeting” to address AI regulation; China agrees to begin government-to-government dialogue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中國外交部 announced that during US President Donald Trump’s visit to China, the leaders of the United States and China agreed to begin government-to-government dialogue on AI. The talks aim to coordinate cooperation on AI technology and global governance, and establish safety standards.
Transport ministry considers 90,000 fine for repeat drug-driving offenders and penalties for passengers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To combat the growing problem of drug-impaired driving, the Ministry of Transportation is considering amendments to the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act. The plan would impose an additional fine of 9萬元 on repeat offenders and introduce penalties for passengers in the same vehicle. A draft amendment is expected to be proposed by the end of June at the earliest.
Standard Chartered targets higher profits, to cut more than 7000 back-office jobs within 4 years through AI adoption
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
UK-based Standard Chartered raised its profit target and plans to cut more than 7000 back-office jobs within four years by expanding the use of AI. The move aims to redirect capital from labor costs and shift the bank’s focus toward higher-margin businesses such as wealth management.
Greens accuse Ko Chih-en of backing presidential impeachment to curry favor with Xi Jinping; campaign office says they can only smear opponents as pro-China
Airborne Service Corps loses dismissal case; to appeal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Airborne Service Corps will appeal a ruling by the 高雄高等行政法院 that overturned the dismissal of a pilot over a 2020 helicopter crash. The court cited management shortcomings, but the corps maintains that the main cause of the accident was the pilot’s violation of operating procedures, resulting in losses of NT$324 million.
儒鴻 maintains 6 months of order visibility; Hung Chen-hai says traditional industry stocks are undervalued
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Textile leader 儒鴻 said at an investor conference that its order visibility remains at 6 months, with a monthly revenue target of NT$3 billion. Founder Hung Chen-hai said traditional industry stocks have been unfairly treated as market funds concentrate in AI.
17 Taiwanese indicted over scam operation in the Philippines; ringleader faces 25-year sentence
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese and Philippine police worked together to bust a scam operation in Cebu. 17 Taiwanese suspects were deported to Taiwan and indicted. The group swindled more than NT$60 million, and prosecutors are seeking a sentence of at least 25 years for the ringleader.
Sun An-tso homemade flamethrower case: 2 accomplices released on NT$20,000 bail each and placed under house arrest
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Sun An-tso, son of actor Sun Peng, was detained incommunicado over a homemade flamethrower. Today, a photographer surnamed Chiang and a financier surnamed Chiu, both implicated in the case, voluntarily turned themselves in. After questioning by prosecutors, both were released on NT$20,000 bail each and placed under house arrest on suspicion of threatening the public.
Hypnosis Mic tops NT$10 million at the box office; ONE OK ROCK concert film also posts strong results
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japanese interactive animated film Hypnosis Mic has grossed more than NT$10 million in Taiwan. Its audience-voting format, which determines the ending, is a key feature. Meanwhile, a concert film by Japanese band ONE OK ROCK continues to hold the box office champion record in Taiwan. Both films have released new bonus items for fans.
Frequent problems with China-made electric buses at Expo prompt Osaka Metro to retire them
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Osaka Metro has decided to retire 190 China-made electric buses that have frequently broken down, citing safety concerns. The buses were originally planned for use at the Osaka Expo and for transportation around the city, but problems including brake failures have led to the cancellation of plans to use them as public buses or in autonomous driving trials.
Hsinchu County’s 1999 hotline shifts to 24-hour service to ensure uninterrupted county services
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
新竹縣政府 announced that its 1999 public service hotline will upgrade to 24-hour service starting May 22. The measure will combine with the existing policy offering free calls for the first 5 minutes to provide round-the-clock county service consultations, complaint handling and repair requests, improving convenience for residents.
Taiwan Youth Team holds health diplomacy forum on sidelines of WHA, focusing on smart healthcare
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taiwan Youth Team hosted the Global Health Diplomacy Forum on the sidelines of the WHA, focusing on smart healthcare and youth empowerment. The event drew officials from multiple countries and nearly 100 participants, showcasing the expertise and international outlook of Taiwanese youth in global health diplomacy.
Berlin exhibition features images of Taiwan’s street movements; former East German foreign minister praises transitional justice
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A photography exhibition in Berlin features images of Taiwan’s street movements. After visiting, former East German foreign minister Markus Meckel praised Taiwan’s democracy and transitional justice, and shared Germany’s experience with “culture of remembrance,” emphasizing that understanding the past is essential to understanding freedom.
Far EasTone becomes authorized Amazon Leo reseller; low-Earth-orbit satellite service to launch in Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
遠傳電信 announced that it has become Taiwan’s authorized reseller for Amazon’s low-Earth-orbit satellite service Amazon Leo, which will offer high-speed satellite internet of up to 1Gbps. The service is expected to launch in Taiwan in the first half of next year, leveraging 遠傳電信’s advantage in holding the 28GHz band to provide highly resilient communications for businesses and government.
Hotai alleges unfair selection in nuclear plant dry-storage bid; Taipower rejects accusations as false and considers legal action
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
合泰公司, a bidder for the dry-storage project at the Third Nuclear Power Plant, accused Taipower of an unfair selection process, questioned whether winning bidder NAC met the qualifications, and alleged Taipower had lowered safety standards to facilitate the plant’s restart. Taipower rejected the claims in a press release, stressing that it had followed the law and would consider legal action over the false accusations.
Companies mentioned:合泰公司、台灣電力公司 (台電)、經濟部、NAC International (NAC)、行政院公共工程委員會、美國核管會 (NRC)、日本核能管制機關 (NRA)、美國機械工程師協會 (ASME)
Ebola deaths in DR Congo rise to 131; WHO to convene emergency committee
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The World Health Organization (WHO) voiced deep concern over the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, declaring it a public health emergency of international concern. The outbreak has killed 131 people and produced 513 suspected cases in the Congo, and spread to Uganda, where it has caused 1 death. WHO will convene an emergency committee to respond.
Companies mentioned:世界衛生組織 (World Health Organization)、非洲疾病管制暨預防中心 (Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention)、法新社
Illegal childcare center packs 20 children into 10 ping; Taoyuan City launches inspection and imposes penalties
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An illegal childcare center in Taoyuan City was caring for 20 infants and toddlers in a 10-ping space. It had previously been fined NT$300,000 in March. City councilor Huang Wan-ju and city officials carried out a surprise inspection on the 18th and found only 2 foreign nationals and 1 unlicensed person caring for the children in concerning conditions. The city will help parents find alternative care and impose another fine.
May 19: Impact of the US-Iran war on the global economy, financial markets and livelihoods
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The global economy is facing a severe shock from the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. 路透社 reported that losses to companies worldwide have reached $25 billion, while soaring energy prices have driven up fuel costs in India, sparked strikes in Kenya and prompted Ryanair to warn about its future operations.
Li Sichuan questions constitutional amendment over “two-state theory”; Su Chiao-hui camp urges focus on city affairs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國民黨 New Taipei City mayoral candidate Li Sichuan questioned opponent Su Chiao-hui’s stance on the “two-state theory,” demanding that the 民進黨 provide a unified explanation. Su’s camp said that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait not being subordinate to each other is a consensus shared by the public, and urged the election to return to discussions of city affairs.
New national pension measure automatically grants old-age benefits to eligible recipients without an application
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that, to address public concerns about the National Pension, the Bureau of Labor Insurance will proactively review cases and automatically issue old-age benefits to eligible people aged 65 and over who have no unpaid premiums, without requiring an application. The change follows an unusual case in which an insured person died just after turning 65 and could not receive any benefits because they had not applied.
Elderly farmer helps people with intellectual disabilities grow lychees for independence; Pingtung’s Bethany Home launches charity preorders
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An elderly farmer surnamed Wang in Pingtung has provided a lychee orchard free of charge, allowing residents with intellectual disabilities at Bethany Home to take part in rehabilitation through farm work. With the Yuhebao lychees now in season, the home has launched a charity preorder campaign, hoping for public support to help residents become more independent. Proceeds will go toward their care.
Infant girl in northern Taiwan diagnosed with whooping cough; household contacts to be monitored through 6/2
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Centers for Disease Control announced that an infant girl under 1 year old in northern Taiwan has been diagnosed with whooping cough. Since newborns cannot be vaccinated during their first 2 months, officials recommend that pregnant women receive the Tdap vaccine at their own expense between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy to protect infants through maternal antibodies.
E Ink to showcase digital photo frames at COMPUTEX, advancing personalized e-paper applications
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
E Ink announced that it will showcase personalized e-paper applications at COMPUTEX 2026, including color e-paper digital photo frames and displays. The move aims to bring e-paper into personal spaces and next-generation workplaces.
China’s economy remains weak as household borrowing demand contracts for first time in 30 years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A report by the National Institution for Finance and Development of China said household and personal debt posted its first negative growth in nearly 30 years in Q1 2026 (-0.4%). The trend was attributed to pessimism about income and employment prospects, which has caused demand for mortgages and consumer loans to shrink across the board, with borrowers increasingly repaying debt early.
Cold War 1994: Tse Kwan-ho wears aging makeup, praises Taiwan’s techniques as prosthetics blend into real skin
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The film Cold War 1994 has scored a box office hit, with Hong Kong actor Tse Kwan-ho’s special-effects aging makeup becoming a highlight. The makeup was done by Taiwan’s 百嘉堂, whose impressive work drew high praise from Tse, who said the prosthetics had blended into his real skin.
This roundup of ASEAN business and financial news covers key developments across the region, including Vietnam’s slowing economy, Laos exporting hydropower to Vietnam, a surge in Singapore’s exports driven by AI demand, Thailand’s rise as a PCB hub, and the depreciation of Indonesia’s currency.
Companies mentioned:世界銀行 (World Bank)、越寮電力股份公司 (Viet-Laos Electricity Joint Stock Company)、越南色卡曼4號電力公司 (Xekaman 4 Electric Power Company)、新加坡企業發展局 (Enterprise Singapore)、馬來西亞國家電力公司 (TNB)、泰國投資促進委員會 (BOI)、GCE金像電子、Compeq科技公司、MFLEX公司、東山精密 (DSBJ)、柬埔寨國家銀行、印尼工商總會 (KADIN)
大聯大 posts record Q1 results; expects strength to continue in Q2, with EPS aiming for NT$4
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
IC distributor 大聯大 posted record highs in both revenue and net profit in the first quarter, driven by AI-related demand, with revenue of NT$316.5 billion and net profit of NT$5.548 billion. EPS reached NT$3.3. The company expects demand to remain strong in the second quarter, with EPS potentially reaching NT$4.