Listed companies earn NT$3.67 trillion in first half, up 92% year on year; 61 companies earn more than 1 share capital
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The AI boom fueled a surge in profits at Taiwan-listed companies in the first half, with pretax net profit up nearly 93% year on year. Profit growth spread across industries as the economy rebounded significantly.
Facts
NT$3.6772 trillion
A sharp increase of 92.88%
86 companies had EPS of NT$5 or more but less than NT$10
208 companies had EPS of NT$2 or more but less than NT$5
32 financial and insurance companies, as well as 凌巨公司, did not file
The other 960 domestic listed companies completed filing their 2026 first-half financial reports by Aug. 14
Total revenue of NT$27.4277 trillion
Up 32.83% year on year
A total of 780 listed companies were profitable
A total of 710 listed companies reported higher profits than in the same period last year
Driven by 台積電, outbound investment rose more than 2 times in the first 7 months
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Summary not yet available
Facts
Approved foreign and overseas Chinese investment in Taiwan reached US$13.916 billion in the first 7 months of this year
Up 78.13% year on year
Outbound investment reached US$61.255 billion
Up 208.43% from the same period last year
台積電 increases its capital by a total of US$50 billion in the United States and the British Virgin Islands
226 overseas Chinese and foreign investment cases approved in July
The amount totaled about US$5.016043 billion
A total of 1,389 cases approved from January to July
Investment totaled US$13.91669 billion
Singapore-based Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd. used monetary claims totaling about US$7.44996 billion
Dutch company
Companies mentioned：台積電、Micron Semiconductor Asia Pte. Ltd.、台灣美光記憶體股份有限公司、MIT HAI LONG WIND POWER B.V.、玉山能源股份有限公司、TSMC GLOBAL LTD.、TSMC ARIZONA CORPORATION、南亞科技股份有限公司、NANYA TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, LTD.、光寶科技股份有限公司、LITE-ON,INC.
FamilyMart's fresh-food revenue share tops 35%, deepening joint Taiwan-Japan development
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
FamilyMart's fresh-food revenue share topped 35%. It announced the cross-border co-development of 6 limited-edition desserts with 日本全家 and TOKYO BANANA, aiming to strengthen its differentiated advantages and expand in the health food market.
Traditional Arts Golden Melody Awards ceremony on the 22nd; Japanese monk Yakushiji Hirokuni's ethereal chanting opens the ceremony
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 37th Traditional Arts Golden Melody Awards will take place on August 22, featuring renowned opera artists and Japanese monk and musician Yakushiji Hirokuni, showcasing the transmission of traditional arts.
Facts
The 37th Traditional Arts Golden Melody Awards will be held at the Taiwan Traditional Theatre Center on August 22
Tang Mei-yun, Tang Wen-hua and Wang Hai-ling will jointly perform a blessing ceremony as the 3 Immortals of Fortune, Prosperity and Longevity
Japanese monk and musician Yakushiji Hirokuni will open the ceremony with the “Heart Sutra cho ver.”
Hot money flows back, lifting the Taiwan dollar by 1.94 jiao to return to the 31 level, making it Asia's strongest currency for the day
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The U.S. dollar weakened amid softening U.S. economic data, while hot money flowed in to invest in Taiwanese stocks, driving the Taiwan dollar sharply higher. It rose 1.94 jiao for the day to close at 31.852, its highest level in a month and a half, and was Asia's strongest currency for the day.
Facts
Closed at 31.852
Total trading volume in the Taipei and Yuanta foreign exchange markets was US$2.5415 billion
The U.S. Dollar Index fell 0.38% today
The Chinese yuan edged up 0.05%
The Japanese yen and South Korean won both rose 0.16%
Korean actors 李侑菲 and 文熙景 came to Taiwan to perform in the period drama “Goodbye 1987,” which held its premiere today. The cast shared the challenges of filming and discussed the impact of budget cuts to public television on the film and television industry.
欣銓 signs 10-year power purchase agreement with 天能綠電 for 550 million kWh
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
欣銓 and 天能綠電 signed a 10-year agreement to purchase 550 million kWh of green electricity, aiming to fulfill RE100 commitments and follow the SBTi carbon-reduction pathway as they address power demand driven by AI and HPC development.
Facts
The first phase of cooperation involved about 39 million kWh of green electricity trading
After 30 years in the business, 佛瑞茲 revisits his musical roots in Taiwan performance of “Zarzuela”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Renowned tenor 佛瑞茲 will visit Taiwan on October 14 for a commemorative concert. To mark his 30th anniversary in the business, he will perform light opera works that inspired him.
Facts
佛瑞茲, who was just 23 at the time
More than 30,000 disadvantaged children and teenagers
屏東YouBike adds few stations; county government says it is reviewing funding and continuing its assessment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Pingtung councilor Huang Ming-hsien criticized the stagnation in YouBike station expansion. The county government said it would prioritize county funds to build 2 stations and continue seeking central government subsidies. The issue highlights the challenges local governments face in arranging funding for public transport infrastructure.
Taiwan takes part in Finland’s Asian Design Culture Festival for the first time; Lin Chang-tso leads group to showcase its appeal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan took part in the Helsinki Asian Design Culture Festival for the first time, with Taiwan representative to Finland Lin Chang-tso leading the “台灣杉” band in promoting cultural diplomacy through stage performances and raising Taiwan’s international profile.
Hong Kong government departments report good results from AI use; rollout to expand
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
AI technology introduced by the Hong Kong government has cut processing times for departmental work by up to 90%. The government will expand this successful case to other departments through its AI Efficiency Enhancement Team.
Facts
Hong Kong authorities are piloting the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in several departments.
Approval or waiting times for some pilot projects have been cut by as much as 9 tenths.
The Hong Kong government has established an AI Performance Enhancement Team to coordinate AI applications.
The first AI projects involve 13 departments and a total of 30 projects.
Processing times for some procedures have been reduced from several days to several hours.
Nantou County Government’s 400 employees hike to promote health, hoping to translate it into quality service
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Nantou County Government held employee hiking and environmental education workshops in 2 groups, with about 400 employees taking part. The events combined the Tengshan Trail and Fengtian Temple to promote physical and mental well-being and sustainable development.
Facts
Nantou County Government held an employee hiking and environmental education workshop, with about 400 employees taking part.
The event took place at the Tengshan Trail and Fengtian Temple in Nantou City.
Nantou Deputy County Magistrate Wang Rui-de attended the event.
No proof of improper impact in suspected infant abuse case in Yilan; nanny acquitted at trial
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A court acquitted a nanny surnamed Chen accused of severely injuring an infant in Yilan, citing uncertainty over when the injuries occurred and a lack of concrete evidence of a crime.
Chiayi launches “Puzi Women’s Road Map,” tracing women’s life stories across 13 sites
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chiayi County Government launched the “Puzi Women’s Road” project, mapping 13 sites tied to women’s history to highlight their contributions to the area.
Science and engineering fields attract more university placement applicants than humanities; finance and economics outperform history, philosophy and foreign languages
Life insurers’ new-business premiums neared NT$930 billion in the first 7 months; investment-linked policies topped NT$100 billion in a single month
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Life Insurance Association released its latest figures, showing that life insurers’ new-business premiums rose 59.3% year over year to NT$929.6 billion in the first 7 months of this year. A surge in demand for investment-linked policies lifted overall sales.
Qixi conveys both love and health: Nantou County Health Bureau promotes sexual health protection with creatively designed “incense-pouch condoms”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
To mark the Qixi Festival, the Nantou County Public Health Bureau launched a campaign using “incense-sachet condoms” and short videos to raise awareness about preventing sexually transmitted infections. It aims to improve young people’s health awareness.
Where are Grab’s commitments in its foodpanda acquisition? National University of Kaohsiung professor Liao Yi-ming urges Fair Trade Commission to scrutinize deal carefully
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Grab is seeking to acquire foodpanda’s Taiwan delivery business for $600 million, but the Fair Trade Commission has extended its review. Liao Yi-ming, a professor at National University of Kaohsiung, expressed concern about market concentration and the rights of delivery workers and stores.
Nantou County Agricultural Products Marketing Co. holds a Zhongyuan Festival ritual; Deputy County Magistrate Wang offers incense and prayers for the company and the surrounding area
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Nantou County Agricultural Products Marketing Co. held a Zhongyuan Festival ritual on the eve of the festival, with the deputy county magistrate presiding and praying for the safety of the company and the surrounding area. He also emphasized the company’s sustainable development and the quality of its meat supply.
Latest data on the EV71 vaccine revealed! Protection and antibody durability draw international attention as Medigen gives oral presentation at ACPID
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Medigen presented long-term follow-up data on its EV71 vaccine at ACPID 2026, showing a seroprotection rate of 98.2% after 6 to 7 years. It also completed a study extending the age range to children under 10 and has applied to the TFDA to change the indication.
Farewell to the half-century-old building: Wufeng District Joint Administrative Center to begin trial operations on 8/24
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Wufeng District Joint Administrative Center, built by the Taichung City Government with an investment of more than 720 million yen, will begin trial operations on Aug. 24. The district office and household registration office will be consolidated, and public childcare services will also be introduced.
Here we go again! Executive Yuan announces it will not countersign Taiwan Future Account and Cable Television Act amendments
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan’s Executive Yuan announced that it would not countersign amendments to the “Taiwan Children and Youth Growth and Future Accounts Act” and the “Cable Television Act,” citing concerns about constitutional violations and consistency with existing policies.
Sexual harassment scandal erupts at Taichung school! Graduate accuses teacher of “rubbing her thigh in a car”; school launches investigation swiftly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A graduate of a school in Taichung has accused a teacher of sexual harassment, alleging that the teacher touched her thigh in a car. The school has swiftly launched an investigation. The case highlights the importance of campus gender-equality mechanisms.
At what age is it most worthwhile to claim Labor Insurance retirement benefits? Claiming 5 years early means “20% less per month”—many people don’t know the reduction is permanent
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Summary not yet available
Facts
The statutory age for claiming Labor Insurance old-age pension benefits has been adjusted to 65.
Taichung Transportation Bureau teams up with 瑞艾科技 to introduce AI Agent and create a new model for proactive traffic alerts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung City Government Transportation Bureau partnered with 瑞艾科技 to introduce AI Agent, creating a new model for proactive traffic alerts and improving management efficiency and public safety.
Including universal cash payments! The “6 major areas” in the 116 fiscal-year general budget revealed; Cho Jung-tai: Making Taiwan a more civilized, progressive welfare state
German journalist Chou Chin-heng says he was followed in Taiwan by a “Chinese woman”; Investigation Bureau reveals the woman’s subsequent movements
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
German journalist 周勁恒 said he was followed by a Chinese woman in Taiwan’s Alishan. Taiwan’s Investigation Bureau confirmed the incident, and the woman in question left the country 2 days later. There are concerns about China’s long-distance surveillance.
Make the final push before the end of August: Taichung’s “Resource Recycling Is Great” certification is gaining popularity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau is promoting “Resource Recycling Is Great A+” certification, encouraging organizations to register by August 31 to promote resource recycling and reduce waste. More than a thousand organizations have already been certified.
Take a Mid-Autumn Festival gift box camping! Cheng Ching Hotel launches three mooncake sets;栗比 IP teams up with a specialty coffee champion on chocolate to capture the gift market
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced a cash payment of 10,000 yen to the public, while Hsinchu mayoral candidate 荘競程 pledged an additional 10,000 yen. The goal is to support residents and boost the local economy while maintaining fiscal health.
Actively promoting digital infrastructure: Taichung City Government’s digital infrastructure efforts receive strong central government recognition
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung City Government was named the second-best-performing agency by the Executive Yuan for actively opening public buildings to 5G base stations and improving communications quality. The initiative strengthens the city’s digital resilience and advances smart-city development.
Submarine case ends with no prosecution! Ma Wen-chun says she was smeared as a “Chinese spy” for 3 years and challenges Huang Shu-kuang: “Produce the evidence implicating me in treason”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwanese legislator 馬文君 was repeatedly denounced as a “Chinese spy” for 3 years over an information leak in the “indigenous submarine” case, but prosecutors declined to indict all those involved. 馬文君 demanded that 黃曙光 provide evidence for allegations of treason.
Thailand sees as many as three thousand people shot dead every year! More than ten million privately owned guns; Prime Minister Anutin vows tighter controls
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Between 2,000 and 3,000 people die from gunshots in Thailand each year. Civilians own more than 10 million firearms, with cultural and institutional factors contributing to the problem. Prime Minister Anutin announced plans to tighten regulations.
Taiwan-Thailand exchanges heat up again: 2026 Thailand Cultural Festival moves to Taichung for the first time
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 Thai Culture Festival will be held in Taichung, marking the first time it has taken place outside Taipei. The Taichung City Government and the Thailand Trade and Economic Office are working together to strengthen cultural exchange and city diplomacy.
Taichung education bureau chief attends press conference for the “2026 Chou Ta-kuan Cancer-Fighting Dream Scholarship,” cheering on young cancer fighters
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taichung Education Bureau Director Chiang Wei-min attended a press conference for the Chou Ta-kuan cancer-fighting scholarship, cheering on students nationwide who are battling cancer and presenting scholarships. The event highlighted the needs of disadvantaged children with cancer and called on the government to improve the review system for new drugs, underscoring its social and policy significance.
Buy Bitcoin with a single sentence! HOYA BIT AI Jinbao officially launches, taking the AWS stage before an audience of thousands to lay the groundwork for next-generation financial services
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwanese virtual asset exchange HOYA BIT officially released “AI金宝,” an AI interface that allows users to execute trades using natural language. It unveiled the technology’s implementation at an AWS summit, laying the groundwork for next-generation financial services.
Ding Hsin Hede camp promotes parent-child learning and good character, guiding children to learn gratitude
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ding Hsin Hede Cultural and Educational Foundation held its “Humanities and Character Camp x Junior Tour Guides” in Yongjing, Changhua. The 25 students demonstrated what they had learned, while their parents witnessed their growth and transformation. The activity combined SEL with local culture to deepen character education.
An explanation of whether parents’ monthly transfer of 50,000 yen to a child is subject to gift tax. Living and education expenses provided to meet parental support obligations may be tax-exempt, and the annual tax-free threshold of 2.44 million yen should also be checked.
Koby, an 18-year-old student in Belgium, found gold bars and coins worth about 9 million euros underground while working on a sewer project at his summer job. He reported the entire find, and authorities are investigating ownership. He is seeking a “finder’s reward.”
Companies mentioned：CAW Oost-Vlaanderen、The Guardian、NOS、VRT、The Wall Street Journal
[After-Work Economics] Is now absolutely the wrong time to buy 台積電? Expert sounds the alarm: “It may not rise again next year”! Could this dark horse deliver even more explosive growth?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan’s stock market has made a V-shaped recovery, but concerns have been raised about overheating in 台積電 and AI-related stocks. Former fund manager 溫建勳 urged caution over the outlook for gains next year and suggested investors watch for new dark horse stocks.
One-week weather forecast》Afternoon thunderstorms to pound the island for 5 straight days! Rainfall area largest on “these 2 days”; conditions ease only over the weekend
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Central Weather Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said Taiwan will be affected by a low-pressure system this week, bringing frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Rainfall will cover the largest area on Thursday and Friday, and people should be prepared for short-duration heavy rain and high temperatures. The forecast offers important guidance for outdoor activities and daily life.
Could Chiang Wan-an be overtaken? Lee Cheng-hao urges Shen Po-yang to “complete the other leg of the campaign”: momentum is building in Taipei’s toughest electoral district
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Media personality 李正皓 analyzed the 2026 Taipei mayoral election, saying 沈伯洋 needs to strengthen his ground campaign in addition to his air campaign. With 103 days remaining, there is room for the race to shift.
NT$10,000 cash handout next year, defense budget of NT$1.12 trillion; Cho Jung-tai gives assurance: cash payments will not crowd out government budget plans
The most durable cookware isn’t nonstick or stainless steel! Experts recommend 1 type of pan that’s “suitable for frying, sautéing, boiling and deep-frying”—it hasn’t broken in 10 years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
An article compares the features of various types of pots and says cast-iron pots are the most durable. It also explains in detail how they differ from nonstick, stainless steel and suspended pots.
Why can’t Zhongyuan Pudu rites be held indoors? Elders insist on moving the offering table to the doorway—it turns out there’s more to it than superstition
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
An article explains the customs surrounding the Zhongyuan Pudu observance in Taiwanese folk religion, particularly the background and significance of the custom that worship must not be performed indoors.
High school student trains in a helmet for 1 hour, then takes it off and discovers a “60-centimeter venomous snake”! It didn’t bite him the entire time
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
An American high school student spent about 1 hour unaware that a 60-centimeter venomous snake was hiding inside his helmet during American football practice. It was discovered when he took the helmet off, but fortunately he was not bitten and escaped unharmed. The unusual incident serves as a reminder to stay alert to safety risks.
“Eating feces can cure disease” is no joke! The medical field really does have fecal microbiota capsules, with more uses than you might think
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The U.S. FDA approved the oral fecal microbiota product Vowst in 2023 for preventing recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. Clinical research into peanut allergies also advanced in 2026, drawing attention to the medical value of the gut microbiome.
Trump makes another move with “transactional diplomacy”! He blasts Seoul for refusing to join efforts against Iran and threatens to scale back U.S.-South Korea military drills
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Former President Trump announced a major reduction in U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. He cited improved relations with North Korea, while expressing displeasure over South Korea’s refusal to cooperate on the Iranian nuclear issue. The move could affect the alliance and regional security.
Did the Chinese Communist Party pressure Taiwan to block its military drone budget? DPP caucus: Blue-White version excludes “3 capabilities China fears most”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The DPP caucus accused the KMT of excluding key military drone projects from a special act on unmanned vehicles, suggesting it may have acted under pressure from the Chinese Communist Party. It said these capabilities are asymmetric weapons that China fears most.
雲豹能源 operating profit surges 195%! Investor briefing reveals a “new growth engine”; 雲豹超算 aims to double revenue next year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
雲豹能源’s operating profit rose 195% year over year in the first half of 2026, driven by strong electricity sales and overseas energy storage performance. The company also announced the launch of 雲豹超算 to enter the AI data center market, creating a new engine to support the AI ecosystem.
Taiwan’s GDP growth has outpaced South Korea’s for 13 consecutive quarters! Korean media explain why the gap is widening: it’s not just 台積電—there are 2 key factors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan’s GDP growth has outpaced South Korea’s for 13 consecutive quarters, mainly due to the expansion of the AI semiconductor supply chain and strong domestic demand. The trend reflects structural advantages in Taiwan’s economy and has important implications for Asia’s technology competition.