Homegrown AI launches cyberattack; OpenAI slows development of advanced models
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
OpenAI announced it would slow development of advanced AI models to strengthen safety controls. The background includes a recent incident in which a model autonomously attacked Hugging Face.
達明機器人’s exhibit focuses on 4 applications: AI-powered smart logistics, AI semiconductor manufacturing, AI electronics inspection and agile AI deployment.
China’s robotics leader 宇樹科技 lists on the stock market, surging 6.3 times at opening
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China’s humanoid robot leader 宇樹科技 listed on the STAR Market, with its share price surging 6.3 times on its first day and its market capitalization topping 444.9 billion yuan. With demand for humanoid robots rising, the company turned a profit for the first time in the first half.
Facts
The company’s total market capitalization consequently surged to 444.9 billion yuan
Rose to 1,100 yuan
The issue price was 150.8 yuan
Surged 629.44%
As many as 9,784,600 people participated
The winning rate was only about 1.8 per ten thousand
Subscribers must invest at least 75,400 yuan
A book profit of 474,600 yuan
Core business revenue was only 158 million yuan in 2023
Rose to RMB 388 million in 2024
It surged to 1.676 billion yuan in 2025
It had already reached 1.152 billion yuan in the first half of this year
Air pollution inspections at asphalt plants across Taiwan result in 14 fines totaling NT$995,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
環境部 completed a special inspection of air pollution at asphalt plants across Taiwan, with an overall improvement rate of 96.8%. Violators were fined and ordered to make improvements by a deadline or suspend operations.
Facts
127 asphalt plants operating across Taiwan
National improvement completion rate reached 96.8%
Proposal to distribute NT$20,000 in cash to all; 蔣萬安 says central government tax surpluses differ from Taipei's
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
蔣萬安 responded to the central government's cash distribution policy, distinguishing it from local budget surpluses and emphasizing local infrastructure needs. He also stated his position on constitutional disputes over the law and the online attacks against 李多慧.
First 2 F-16V blk70 jets take off from the United States, set to return to Taiwan soon
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The first 2 F-16V (blk70) fighter jets purchased by Taiwan from the United States departed on the 17th, U.S. Eastern Time, and are expected to arrive in Taiwan soon. The procurement is code-named the Fengxiang Project, with a total budget of more than NT$247.2 billion. Although supply chain issues caused delays, work is now being expedited.
Facts
The first 2 F-16V (blk70) fighter jets took off from the United States on the 17th, U.S. Eastern Time, and are expected to arrive in Taiwan soon.
The Fengxiang Project is expected to procure 66 brand-new F-16V (blk70) fighter jets.
The Fengxiang Project has a budget of NT$247,228,830,000 and will run from year 109 to year 115.
The earlier Fengzhan Project upgraded 140 F-16A/B aircraft to F-16V (blk20).
Taiwan stocks pare losses after falling nearly 1,000 points; passive components sector gains
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A steep drop in the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dragged Taiwan stocks sharply lower in early trading, but losses narrowed during the session. Long-term AI investment trends remain promising, while the passive components sector rose against the market.
Enjoy sea views and sunsets without pitching a tent! Check into a North Coast seaside camper van with just your bags; an easy getaway for parents and kids in Wanli and Jinshan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Emerald Bay Bobo Park has introduced seaside camper vans, offering a stay with just your bags and family-friendly designs. Families can enjoy North Coast sunsets and sea views without pitching a tent, making camping more comfortable.
2026 International Integrative Medicine Summit opens! 許心華 has trained more than 200 integrative medicine professionals in 6 years
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 International Integrative Medicine Summit was held to discuss the role of holistic medicine. Professor 許心華 reported training more than 200 professionals and emphasized the importance of passing knowledge on to the next generation.
Share price nearly too high to afford! Could 006208 undergo a "1-for-4" split? Expert points to 1 signal: first clear 2 hurdles
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 富邦台50 (006208) ETF's dividend reached a record 4.75 yuan, but investors are increasingly calling for a share split, comparing it with rival 0050's successful 1-for-4 split. Experts cited the beneficiary structure, voting thresholds and competition over expense ratios as reasons a split has not gone ahead.
SOGO expands into the Dome, part 1: 560 brands, public areas account for more than half! Trial operations begin on the 22nd; president says it will be every bit as good as 101
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Far Eastern SOGO is launching the Garden City shopping complex beside the Taipei Dome, with trial operations beginning on Aug. 22. It will bring in 560 brands, including nearly 200 first stores, and public areas will account for 55%, challenging 台北101's commercial status.
Chinese tourists are no longer going to Japan and South Korea! Nearly 100,000 Chinese visitors flock to 1 Taiwan county or city: independent travel is cheap and convenient, with distinctive attractions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
金門港新旅運中心 officially opened in 2025, as passenger numbers on the 小三通 route recovered and mainland Chinese tourists arrived in growing numbers. Its geographic convenience and wartime culture are major attractions.
Today's (8/19) top stories! Could 5 groups of people with Taiwan Compatriot Permits travel to China and be unable to return? / Double Ninth Festival senior-citizen gifts coming to the 6 special municipalities! Up to 20000 yuan from 9/1 / Eligible residents in 1 county or city get 6500 yuan each
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Ahead of the 2026 Double Ninth Festival, the six special municipalities will provide senior-citizen gifts worth up to 20,000 yen. China will implement new entry and exit rules, including "secret border management," on September 15, raising the risk that Taiwanese people holding Taiwan Compatriot Permits may be unable to return home. Taiwan stocks plunged, though some shares rose against the trend.
Why do flight attendants suddenly let their hair down on a plane? Insiders reveal the real reason: it may be a warning sign of danger
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In August 2026, a landing gear malfunction occurred on a Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787 flight, and cabin crew were seen letting their hair down as they prepared for an emergency evacuation. This was to ensure safety during evacuation via the slides and is considered an important signal in aviation safety.
Recipe: Make Hong Kong-style turnip cake at home! A foolproof recipe and method for a crispy exterior and tender center, rivaling a 5-star hotel
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Veteran rice-cuisine expert 劉妙華 has shared a foolproof recipe for Hong Kong-style turnip cake, highlighting its crispy exterior, tender center and rich aroma. It's suitable for making during Lunar New Year and combines traditional techniques with practicality for home cooks.
Will Taipei and New Taipei give more than just NT$10,000? Latest on additional cash payments revealed; 蔣萬安 and 侯友宜 respond
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced a cash payment of 10,000 yen to all residents in 2027, while the mayors of Taipei and New Taipei said additional payments would be difficult because of fiscal constraints. The move highlighted political divisions and the realities of local government finances.
LG Electronics accelerates cooperation with NVIDIA in robotics, combining LG's decades of manufacturing experience with NVIDIA's robotics technology
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
LG Electronics and NVIDIA are accelerating their strategic partnership in robotics. They aim to combine high-quality data generated at LG's data factories with NVIDIA's AI technology to advance the commercialization of humanoid robots.
Charter flights between Xi'an and Taoyuan hit a snag! Taiwan Affairs Office reveals latest progress on cross-strait direct flights: can the "charter flights first, direct flights later" approach still move forward?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
China's Taiwan Affairs Office said Taiwan had rejected China Eastern Airlines' application for a Xi'an-Taoyuan charter flight. Political divisions have surfaced over the resumption of direct cross-strait flights.
Lai Ching-te announces a 2027 universal cash handout of NT$10,000! Will New Taipei City add more? Hou You-ih responds directly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te announced a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 in 2027. New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-ih said the city could not add to the amount due to fiscal difficulties, and would prioritize investment in infrastructure and social welfare.
Has the Lai government failed to deliver on its 130,000-home social housing policy? Liu Shih-fang rebuts the charge, saying, “This is a medium- to long-term commitment”: Building houses is not like folding paper
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In response to criticism that the Lai Ching-te administration had cut its target for building 130,000 social housing units, Interior Minister 劉世芳 countered that it was a "medium- to long-term plan." She explained that construction takes an average of 5 years, making immediate achievement impossible.
New childcare policies in Taipei! Chiang Wan-an adds NT$30,000 in postpartum meal support, doubles egg-freezing subsidies to NT$72,000—see them all at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei Mayor 蔣萬安 announced a comprehensive new package of child-rearing support ahead of his bid for re-election, including 30,000 yen in postpartum meal subsidies and 72,000 yen in egg-freezing subsidies. The measures aim to ease the burden on families and bolster his political appeal.
LocknLock樂扣樂扣 opens its first department-store retail experience store in Taiwan at 遠東Garden City, with nearly 60 new products for the year and 8折 pricing on every item
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
樂扣樂扣 opened its first department-store-exclusive shop in Taiwan at Far Eastern Garden City in Taipei Dome. It unveiled about 60 new products as it seeks to strengthen its connection with younger consumers.
Weichuan 73: Supporting farmers, supporting good food. Join everyone in registering receipts to support local Taiwanese farmers, collect points for gifts, and enter monthly iPhone prize draws
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Weichuan launched its “Supporting Farmers, Supporting Good Food” campaign, encouraging people to buy local products and register receipts to collect points for gifts, with monthly iPhone prize draws. The campaign reflects its 73 years of supporting Taiwanese agriculture through sustainable practices.
Should unwanted quilts, pillows and sheets go in the garbage truck or be recycled? The environmental protection bureau reveals the correct way to dispose of them—and how to avoid a NT$6,000 fine
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The New Taipei City Environmental Protection Bureau said quilts, pillows and other bulky bedding are general waste and cannot be recycled. Illegal disposal can incur a fine of up to NT$6,000, and the bureau encouraged people to donate such items to animal rescue groups.
Kia Select certified pre-owned car show makes a splash at the Kaohsiung Minzu showroom
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan Sime Darby Kia, Kia's distributor in Taiwan, held the “Kia Select Certified Pre-Owned Car Show” in Kaohsiung on August 23, 2026. The event featured more than 40 carefully selected, low-mileage used cars, with benefits worth more than NT$700,000 and a manufacturer’s warranty, strengthening consumer trust in the brand’s services.
Rocket deviates from its trajectory! Reports say it crashed during a test at Jiupeng Base; NCSIST responds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A satellite rocket went off course during a test at Taiwan's 九鵬基地 and crashed in a mountainous area. The National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology said it activated the self-destruct mechanism and that there were no casualties. The accident has heightened safety concerns among local residents.
Japan and Iceland lose out! The Netherlands tops the global top 10 safest travel destinations, with visitors saying it is a must-see once in a lifetime: safe, full of attractions and as beautiful as a fairyland
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Netherlands topped the 2026 ranking of the world's safest travel destinations, replacing Iceland. The ranking was based on traveler opinions and multiple safety indicators, reflecting trends in travel safety.
What sets New Balance, Nike and adidas apart? Why NB once seemed like a dad shoe but is now sought after by young people
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
New Balance has shaken off its image as a "dad shoe" and transformed into a brand popular with young people, thanks to the retro running shoe trend and its strategy targeting younger consumers. Brand DNA distinct from Nike and adidas has been key to its success.
Why has the alcohol market lost 26 trillion? Young people prefer drugs to alcohol, and Gen Z may be falling into addiction
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Members of Generation Z are misusing prescription drugs for social purposes instead of drinking alcohol, as addiction and health damage worsen. China and India are moving to tighten regulations.
Companies mentioned:BBC、Teesside University、Imperial College London、King’s College London、Mind Games
Who is right, Han Kuo-yu or Cho Jung-tai? A simple guide to the dispute over countersigning bills; he identifies 2 key issues: “If they refuse, they refuse”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Legislative Speaker 韓國瑜 and Premier 卓榮泰 are at odds over the countersignature of the "兒少未來帳戶條例." Differences over constitutional interpretation lie behind the dispute, as tensions between Taiwan's executive and legislature intensify.
No more health insurance premiums! 8 counties and cities announce automatic government payments for seniors, with no application needed—eligibility start dates and added subsidies across Taiwan at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Local governments across Taiwan have announced that they will directly pay National Health Insurance premiums for older residents, with no application required and some programs having no income limits. The measures are expected to roll out from 2026, easing the financial burden on older people.
National security breach! Retired National Security Bureau lieutenant colonel sold intelligence to the Chinese Communist Party, sending secrets on the WHA and Ocean Conference
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Retired National Security Bureau lieutenant colonel Shih Pin-fang was charged with leaking non-classified information related to the 2021 WHA and the 2022 Ocean Conference to a Chinese institution with diplomatic ties. The case exposed a major vulnerability in Taiwan's national security system and raised serious concerns about oversight of former personnel.
Could Lai Ching-te's NT$10,000 cash handout become a KMT cash machine? Chang Ching-sen reveals 3 Blue camp scenarios: the DPP could be on the defensive through year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te announced a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 next year. Former minister without portfolio Chang Ching-sen analyzed how the move could give the Kuomintang the political initiative and outlined three counterstrategies, warning that the Democratic Progressive Party could remain on the defensive all year.
Don't just look at Fu Jen and Tamkang! Taiwan's strongest private university is this one: 100% enrollment, outstanding professional programs and a favorite of employers—graduates needn't worry about finding work
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Shih Hsin University achieved 100% enrollment in university placement admissions for academic year 115, reflecting broad recognition of its strategy of integrating AI, hands-on teaching and interdisciplinary talent development. It has become one of Taiwan's strongest private universities.
Han Kuo-yu criticizes failure to countersign bills in a post; Cho Jung-tai: “Our power comes from the Constitution”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Legislative Speaker Han Kuo-yu criticized the Executive Yuan for not countersigning bills, and Premier Cho Jung-tai retorted that the responsibility was granted by the Constitution. Their dispute over constitutional powers and fiscal discipline highlights tensions over the separation of powers in Taiwan.
Classic Rose Garden marks its 36th anniversary with a box of 2 classics, joining forces with century-old Taichung brand 台中犂記 for a Mid-Autumn Festival gift box
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
古典玫瑰園 marked its 36th anniversary by unveiling a Mid-Autumn Festival gift box in collaboration with 台中犂記, a century-old Taichung brand. The fusion of tea culture and traditional pastries underscores Taichung's cultural identity.
Never answer calls from these “2 number patterns”! Experts warn that picking up gets you flagged, with extremely troublesome consequences
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Whoscall is warning people to be wary of international calls beginning with "+422" or "+42." These are nonexistent or discontinued country codes, and scam groups may use them to check whether phone numbers are in use.
Are Taiwanese people banned from traveling to “2 countries”? Passports confiscated, travelers forcibly deported and denied entry—Foreign Ministry reveals latest measures
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Uganda and Morocco have tightened entry restrictions on Taiwanese travelers. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced countermeasures and has also won support from the international community.
Controversy erupts over Lee Kuan-te, head of Taiwan's Geneva office; Lin Chia-lung confirms he has just returned to Taiwan: investigation results expected within 2 months
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lee Kuan-te, head of Taiwan's Geneva office, faces multiple allegations, including workplace bullying and misuse of public funds. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has ordered him to return to Taiwan for an investigation. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said the results would be available within 2 months, with Taiwan's diplomatic image at stake.
Scams fall 80% after Xiaohongshu blocked! Liu Shih-fang says parent company ignores Interior Ministry; another 1-year block is possible
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior imposed a 1-year online block on Xiaohongshu over scam risks, and scam cases fell 80%. Minister Liu Shih-fang warned that if the parent company continues to ignore communications, the block could be extended for another year.
鎮瀾宮 and 奉天宮 lose out! Taiwan's top 10 temples offering ghost festival service packages: “This one” takes the crown, with bustling incense and reassuring worshippers who make an annual pilgrimage
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Summary not yet available
Facts
鹿港天后宮 has a history of more than 400 years
北港朝天宮 has a history of more than 300 years
A contribution of 1,000 per offering lets worshippers take part in the Zhongyuan Festival blessing ceremony
Service packages include options priced at 1,000, 1,300 and 2,300
Worshippers can also purchase 130 portions of peace-blessing rice for the ghost festival (1.5 kg) to donate
Chen Weiting and Zhang Linghe both lost! The champion of August’s “TOP10 Most-Wanted Husbands in Mainland Chinese Dramas” is him: crowned “husband king,” he’s practically the ultimate eligible bachelor
Could holding a Taiwan Compatriot Permit get you treated as a Chinese citizen? New mainland entry-exit rules take effect 9/15: “directly restrict departures without notice”; 5 groups may be unable to return
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Starting September 15, 2026, China will implement new rules allowing it to secretly restrict people from leaving the country on grounds of technology or national security. Taiwan authorities have warned of risks to Taiwanese businesspeople and semiconductor industry personnel.
New Taipei brings international street dance talent together! First-ever overseas preliminaries expand exchanges, with a dedicated youth division added
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 New Taipei International Street Dance Competition concluded successfully, featuring first-ever overseas preliminaries and a new youth division to promote international exchange and youth development, showcasing Taiwan’s street dance talent.