A comb designed by high school students in Karatsu, made using a machine built by university students in Okayama. Workshop held by 倉敷芸術科学大学’s 「プラ芸」 and Setouchi City Library, with around 30 participants
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NPO法人唐津Farm&Food collaborated with the 倉敷芸術科学大学 student team 「プラ芸」 to test-mold a comb designed by high school students in Karatsu using an injection molding machine built by university students in Okayama, and held a workshop for around 30 participants at Setouchi City Library.
Kabuki actor Nakamura Hashinosuke to appear in post-show talk for “The World of Kyogen with 六世野村万之丞”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A kyogen performance, “The World of Kyogen with 六世野村万之丞,” featuring 六世野村万之丞 will be held at 六本木トリコロールシアター, with kabuki actor 中村橋之助 set to appear in a post-show talk.
Facts
Original「棒縛」「仏師」「萩⼤名」「佐渡狐」「蝸⽜」の5つ
Made a stage debut at age 3, playing the baby monkey in 「靱猿」
Original20歳（2017年）六世野村万之丞を襲名
Founded 日仏フォーラム in 1981 as Japan’s first “full-fledged club”
More than 870 events to date
Date: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026
SS seats: ¥12,800
S seats: ¥9,800
Companies mentioned：Société Le Théâtre Elysée、六本木トリコロールシアター、Roppongi Tricolore Theater、日仏フォーラム、NHK、チケットぴあ
New York-based fashion brand 「Merci Dema」 to hold its first solo Tokyo pop-up in Harajuku on Oct. 11 and 12
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
New York-based fashion brand 「Merci Dema」 will hold its first solo pop-up in Harajuku, Tokyo, on Oct. 11 and 12, 2026. The event will introduce its second collection, “Borough Appreciation,” and feature an artist exhibition and food provided by Pon Pon Burger.
Top 5 most desirable neighborhoods to live in Shinagawa Ward [Results announced]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A survey conducted by 株式会社フィリアコーポレーション announced the top 5 most desirable neighborhoods to live in Shinagawa Ward: Oimachi, Meguro, Gotanda, Musashi-Koyama and Osaki.
Announcement of the 3rd event celebrating 『にゃんこ大戦争』 surpassing 120 million downloads
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
To celebrate the 『にゃんこ大戦争』 smartphone game provided by ポノス株式会社 surpassing 120 million cumulative downloads across the series, the 3rd limited-time commemorative event will run starting Oct. 4, 2026.
[Taking place Oct. 21-23] Kento Homma, who gives more than 200 talks annually, to deliver keynote speeches for 3 consecutive days at “DXPO福岡’26”｜がばいAIコンサルティング to exhibit at IT and back-office DXPO as well
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
がばいAIコンサルティング株式会社 will exhibit at “DXPO福岡’26,” taking place in Fukuoka from Oct. 21 to 23, 2026, where its president and CEO, Kento Homma, will deliver keynote speeches for 3 consecutive days.
[New opening in Soka City] Storage facility 「スペラボ草加青柳店」 to open on Nov. 1, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The storage facility 「スペラボ草加青柳店」, operated by 株式会社UKCorporation, will open in Soka, Saitama Prefecture, on Nov. 1, 2026. An opening campaign is underway.
[In the spotlight on 「令和の虎」] “Shy CEO Sakakibara, first and last appearance!?” Seichi Sakakibara, with 500,000 followers, to appear at a networking event co-hosted with a salon organized by Tomoaki Iguchi! Sharing a highly practical SNS strategy for directly boosting sales and customer acquisition
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Seiichi Sakakibara, president and CEO of 株式会社EMOLVA, appeared as a special seminar speaker at a networking event co-hosted with an online salon organized by Tomoaki Iguchi, sharing sales and customer acquisition strategies using SNS.
“A place where observation and imagination emerge through learning from art”—all 30 pages available free. Discover possibilities you could not have imagined on your own.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
リクエスト株式会社 has released for free “A Place Where Observation and Imagination Emerge Through Learning from Art,” an illustrated, hands-on workbook for people working in organizations.
[NPO法人さぼてんの花 in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture] Trip for people with severe disabilities and their families to experience interacting with dolphins to air on テレビせとうち. Catch-up streaming now available on TVer!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A trip planned by NPO法人さぼてんの花 in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, for 5 people with severe disabilities and their families to experience interacting with dolphins at 日本ドルフィンセンター in Sanuki, Kagawa Prefecture, has aired on テレビせとうち and is available for catch-up streaming on TVer.
A feast of art woven from myth and otherworldly realms: Japanese-style painter フジイフランソワ’s solo exhibition “Pilgrimage to the Tsukumo Gods: Playing with the Gods Between the Mundane” to be held at Okage Yokocho in Ise
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社伊勢福 will present a solo exhibition by Japanese-style painter フジイフランソワ, “Pilgrimage to the Tsukumo Gods: Playing with the Gods Between the Mundane,” at the ART＆CULTURE山徳 gallery in Okage Yokocho, starting Oct. 9, 2026. In addition to exhibiting and selling artworks, special events will include sales of “Manju-bo,” a collaborative Japanese confection with 赤福-affiliated 五十鈴茶屋, and a gagaku performance featuring Fujii.
[Free appraisals] Get organized this fall! 「高価買取おたからや」 buyback fair to be held at 「イオンスタイル西ノ京小町」 in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture｜Monday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 11
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いーふらん will hold a 「高価買取おたからや」 buyback fair at 「イオンスタイル西ノ京小町」 in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, starting Oct. 5.
New designs added to antiqua’s popular “Animal Series,” which has been re-released many times! 5 new patterns bring the total to 10
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社antiqua has released a long-sleeved T-shirt adding 5 new designs to its popular “Animal Series,” bringing the total to 10 designs. Made from 100% cotton and priced at ¥1,990.
The season is here with the opening of the fishing season in Higashiizu! [Ise lobster banquet—premium] Whole live lobster sashimi, grilled lobster shell and sushi
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
吉祥ＣＡＲＥＮ in Higashiizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, will offer a special gourmet stay plan featuring seasonal Ise lobster from Oct. 1, 2026, through Mar. 31, 2027.
[New store] 高価買取おたからや expands into MEGAドン・キホーテ旭川店 in Asahikawa, Hokkaido! | 高価買取おたからや MEGAドン・キホーテ旭川店 opens Monday, Oct. 5, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いーふらん will open 高価買取おたからや MEGAドン・キホーテ旭川店 inside MEGAドン・キホーテ旭川店 in Asahikawa, Hokkaido, on Oct. 5, 2026. The company currently operates more than 2,040 stores worldwide.
“Turn your dog's running smile into one-of-a-kind merchandise”: わんこ村's 10th anniversary [My Dog PHOTO GOODS COLLECTION]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The dog run わんこ村 in Tamano, Okayama Prefecture, is marking its 10th anniversary in November 2026 with a project to create a 5-piece set of personalized original goods featuring photos of customers' dogs. The event brings together 4 local companies, including a photoshoot by Dog Throb, production by 有限会社ヒカリシルク, and promotional support from 株式会社イケル.
Using EVs to secure power during disasters: 株式会社EV GARDEN and ネッツトヨタ福島株式会社 sign disaster-prevention cooperation agreement
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社EV GARDEN and ネッツトヨタ福島株式会社 signed a disaster-prevention cooperation agreement on Sept. 20, 2026, to secure power during disasters and for other purposes. At the 2nd EV Disaster Preparedness Day, held the same day, they demonstrated supplying power from an EV and served curry, showcasing efforts to achieve disaster preparedness that is “fun, sustainable, and waste-free.”
PartnerProp to exhibit at “SaaS Showroom 2026,” an interactive AI and SaaS event hosted by SB C&S
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
PartnerProp will exhibit at all 4 venues of “SaaS Showroom 2026,” an interactive AI and SaaS event hosted by SB C&S, in Omiya, Sapporo, Nagoya, and Osaka, and demonstrate its PRM product, “PartnerProp.”
Congratulations on 2 consecutive titles! Thank you for the inspiration! Reservations open for the 阪神タイガース 2026 League Championship commemorative RAKU shirt
Fitness brand “sissy,” created by コロチキ's Nishino, known for his body transformation, launches!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“sissy,” a fitness apparel brand created by コロコロチキチキペッパーズ' Sōjin Nishino, will launch 4 collaborative items with ウルマ∞ on FANY Mall starting Oct. 4, 2026.
[にじさんじ] Promotional videos featuring Oriens and Dytica for “MECHATU-A 1st LIVE ‘Over Drive!’” to air on street screens in Tokyo and Osaka
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ドワンゴ announced a live stream of “MECHATU-A 1st LIVE ‘Over Drive!’,” the first in-person concert by the VTuber group にじさんじ's unit MECHATU-A, as well as promotional videos featuring members Oriens and Dytica to be shown on street screens in Tokyo and Osaka.
Mermade tears, a company launched by students at 品川女子学院, to present on marine plastic pollution at the school's cultural festival on Oct. 11 and 12; students will try upcycling at Hitachi Academy in Tokyo using molds from Karatsu
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NPO法人唐津Farm&Food supported a project in which students from 品川女子学院 presented on marine plastic pollution at their cultural festival, and held an upcycling workshop using discarded plastic bottle caps at 株式会社日立アカデミー in Tokyo.
[New store] 高価買取おたからや expands into ヨークタウン佐野田島町 in Sano, Tochigi! | 高価買取おたからや ヨークタウン佐野田島町店 opens Monday, Oct. 5, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いーふらん will open 高価買取おたからや ヨークタウン佐野田島町店 at ヨークタウン佐野田島町 in Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, on October 5, 2026. The company operates more than 2,040 stores worldwide and will expand its presence in the area with this new location.
Facts
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026
More than 2,040 stores worldwide
High rating rate 96.2%
Overseas-made gold bullion, 1kg: 30,002,000 yen
Accessories found at a family home (K18, 238.9 g): ¥5,368,400
Advancing human capital management through business and work — a 48-page practical guide for executives, HR professionals and frontline managers released for free
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
リクエスト株式会社 has released a free practical guide to human capital management for executives, HR professionals and frontline managers. Based on data from 980 companies and 338,000 people, the A4 landscape-format, 48-page PDF includes a 60-minute meeting plan, guidance on how to proceed over 90 days, and 5 worksheets.
Theme song CD featuring the opening and ending themes of 『僕らが選んだベストアドベンチャー』 set for release on Wednesday, November 25!!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A theme song CD featuring “SHAKARIKI!!,” the opening theme, and “Limitless Dreams,” the ending theme, of the TV anime 『僕らが選んだベストアドベンチャー』, which airs on フジテレビ, will be released on November 25, 2026.
【New store】いーふらん opens 高価買取おたからや ひたちなか大成店 in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture!｜Opening Monday, October 5, 2026!｜For appraisals and purchases of gold, watches, brand-name bags and more, visit 高価買取おたからや!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いーふらん will open 高価買取おたからや ひたちなか大成店 in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture, on October 5, 2026. The company currently operates more than 2,040 stores worldwide and aims to expand its presence in the area with this new location.
October 4 is Foster Parent Day. 認定NPO法人日本こども支援協会 partners with popular program “REAL VALUE” to share the message “A family for every child”! [Calls for support in spreading the message simultaneously on social media]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
認定NPO法人日本こども支援協会 will run the “ONE LOVE” campaign with the program “REAL VALUE” ahead of Foster Parent Day on October 4, calling for greater awareness of the foster care system.
【New store】高価買取おたからや expands into LCモール花園 in Fukaya, Saitama Prefecture!｜高価買取おたからや 花園インター店 opens Monday, October 5, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いーふらん will open 高価買取おたからや 花園インター店 at LCモール花園 in Fukaya, Saitama Prefecture, on October 5, 2026. The company currently operates more than 2,040 stores worldwide and offers purchase services for gold, branded goods and more.
Two meals a day, with a hearty dinner. The health strategy reached by a life scientist who turns 70 next year after more than 20 years of practice and trial and error
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
サイアンスアカデミー has announced that 『若さを保つ 超合理的な健康戦略』, a new book by Masaru Tomita, professor emeritus at 慶應義塾大学, will be released on October 4, 2026. The author advocates 3 health strategies he has practiced for more than 20 years since his 40s: “two meals a day,” “ultimate time-efficient exercise” and “smart drinking.”
【Hanshin League championship merchandise】Sales begin for 2026 Hanshin Tigers league championship commemorative goods! More than 60 items, including limited-edition towels and apparel deliverable in about 1 week, our original “back-to-back champion” logo, and alcoholic beverages, available online
To mark the start of the anime 『彼方から』: all episodes available free in a campaign on マンガPark
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The manga app マンガPark, jointly operated by and factory株式会社 and 白泉社, will hold a campaign offering all episodes for free from October 4 to November 3, 2026, to mark the start of the TV anime 『彼方から』.
Facts
4 million copies in cumulative circulation
Serialized from 1991 to 2002
To mark the 35th anniversary of the start of serialization
Broadcast begins on TOKYO MX on Sunday, October 4
On ABCテレビ on Saturday, October 10
Broadcasts begin sequentially on WOWOW from Tuesday, October 13
Campaign period: Sunday, October 4, 2026–Tuesday, November 3
Capital: 70 million yen (as of the end of Jan. 2026)
【Additional session announced】Unlock the “insider” PR techniques that influence the media and dramatically change internal evaluations! The afternoon session of legendary PR consultant Takehisa Inoue’s 『広報PRエリート養成講座（10/23）』 will be held after the course sold out
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社カレー総合研究所 has announced that it will add an afternoon session on October 23, 2026, after the morning session of the special in-person course 『広報PRエリート養成講座』 by Takehisa Inoue of 井上戦略PRコンサルティング事務所 sold out.
In Musashi-Kosugi, authentic Taiwanese castella made with high-quality Japanese ingredients and prepared using traditional methods, with a “fluffy, springy” texture—a hugely popular treat that draws long lines!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Taiwanese castella specialist 台楽蛋糕, operated by BOCジャパン合同会社, will open a limited-time shop at Musashi-Kosugi Tokyu Square from October 6 to 12, 2026, selling Taiwanese castella made using authentic methods and high-quality ingredients.
For the EIKEN® second-stage test: 6 mock exams and a scored report after each one. スタスタLIVE英検 announces its “Second-Stage Test Intensive Package”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Online EIKEN prep school スタスタLIVE英検, operated by スタディスタジオ株式会社, has announced its “EIKEN® Second-Stage Test Intensive Package” for those who pass the first-stage test. The package includes 6 one-on-one lessons with an instructor and scored reports for 6 full-format mock exams; fees vary by level.
New Taipei police: Crackdown nets 10 drug-impaired drivers and 12 drunk drivers in 1 night
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To prepare for the National Day gala and safeguard traffic safety, 新北市警局 mobilized 624 officers on the evening of the 3rd to conduct a crackdown on drug- and alcohol-impaired driving at 72 roadside checkpoints across the city. Officers caught 10 drug-impaired drivers and 12 drunk drivers, arrested 32 wanted fugitives and handled other cases.
Taiwan’s delegation entered 36th at the Nagoya Asian Games closing ceremony, under the English letter “T,” with 17-year-old taekwondo rising star Wang Chieh-ling serving as flag bearer.
Facts
Taekwondo rising star Wang Chieh-ling, just 17 years old
Drug debate escalates; 沈伯洋: Issue of protecting students has become political sparring
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
民進黨 Taipei mayoral candidate 沈伯洋, responding to criticism over drug issues from 國民黨’s 蔣萬安 and 楊植斗, said frontline workers felt stigmatized and it was regrettable that the issue had become political sparring. 沈伯洋 stressed that his policy aims to protect students and provide health education, and also mentioned the possibility of debating drug policy with 李四川.
Kaohsiung borough chief candidate accused of bribery with jade rings and other jewelry; released on NT$100,000 bail
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Zhu-surnamed candidate for borough chief in Kaohsiung’s Gushan District was suspected of offering jade rings and other jewelry as bribes and failing to legally set up a political donation account. After an investigation into alleged violations of election and recall laws and the Political Donations Act, prosecutors released the candidate on NT$100,000 bail pending questioning.
Pitchers unable to contain Dominican Republic at U15 Baseball World Cup as Taiwan falls
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the U15 Baseball World Cup’s super round, Taiwan’s pitchers could not contain the Dominican Republic’s offense, while the team committed 3 fielding errors. Taiwan ultimately lost 4-11, suffering its 2nd defeat and dropping to a 2-3 record, ruling it out of the championship game.
New immigrant language learning camp promotes cross-cultural understanding through cooking and Vietnamese calligraphy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
教育部’s 國教署 is promoting new immigrant language learning camps, using immersive classes and cultural experiences to improve students’ language skills and cross-cultural understanding. In 114, the program was held by 14 counties and cities at 103 schools, with 1420 students participating. Through 115, it had provided about NT$15.8 million in subsidies, benefiting 5470 students and 460 parents.
New Tainan Station, part of the underground railway project, to open on 10/17
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
交通部鐵道局 announced that the new Tainan Station will officially open on Oct. 17. In coordination with the first phase of railway service, 23 level crossings along the route will be gradually eliminated, with highway bus connections provided.
Facts
Officially opens on Oct. 17
23 level crossings
8.23 kilometers long
Unveiled on Sept. 10
7 “items requiring improvement before operations”
The eastbound main track will first be closed at 10 p.m. on the 16th
成大’s “Tree Navigation” helps users find shade; 環境部 plans to integrate it with a thermal comfort map
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 成大 team developed the “Tree Navigation” system to help people find shaded routes. 環境部 said it plans to integrate the system with “Cool Map,” linking points and routes to create a citywide heat adaptation protection network.
Tainan attends National Day reception at Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, hopes to expand exchanges through agricultural products
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Tainan Deputy Mayor 趙卿惠 attended the National Day reception hosted by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Toronto, showcasing agricultural products including Madou pomelos, as well as achievements in technology development, in hopes of expanding agricultural and technology exchanges between Taiwan and Canada.
Facts
台積電 established a plant in Tainan Science Park about 30 years ago
The Liuying Technology Industrial Park is expected to begin developing robot-related industries by the end of this year
Concerns raised over beef at 日本麥當勞; 食藥署 says supply chains differ and none was imported
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
日本麥當勞 stopped selling some beef products after they failed to meet quality standards. 食藥署 said Taiwan and Japan have different supply chains and that the relevant ingredients were not imported.
Hsinchu County wins dual honors in smart city survey for public and traffic safety
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Results of the 2026 Smart City Survey are out, with Hsinchu County winning awards in public safety and traffic safety. The county government has introduced AI image recognition to improve public safety through its “Smart Eyes for Protection” initiative, and launched a smart traffic control project to ease bottlenecks. Tests showed that travel times on major commuting routes could be cut by 17% to 18%.
MO Digital Affairs’ NT$10 billion AI investment program opens to overseas companies with primary operations in Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ministry of Digital Affairs revised the operating guidelines for its “Program to Boost Investment in AI Startups,” expanding eligibility to overseas companies whose primary operations are in Taiwan. As of the end of August this year, it had invested in 10 companies, putting in about NT$255 million and spurring about NT$570 million in private investment.
Facts
National Development Fund sets aside NT$10 billion
Has invested in 10 AI startups and digital economy-related companies
Invested about NT$255 million
Generated about NT$570 million in private investment
A total of 46 co-investors
National Development Fund investment of about NT$194 million
Dodgers open postseason against Braves with a win; White Sox’s Murakami hits first postseason homer against Guardians
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In Major League Baseball’s postseason, defending champions the Dodgers opened with a 5-3 win over the Braves, while the White Sox beat the Guardians 3-0, with Munetaka Murakami hitting his first postseason home run.
Japan and South Korea see 2-tenths rise in fall foliage tour demand, with South Korea’s price advantage driving the biggest growth
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Demand for fall foliage tours to Japan and South Korea grew 2 tenths this year compared with last year. South Korea’s price advantage and strong value for family trips made it the fastest-growing destination among all tour options.
Facts
Demand for fall foliage tours to Japan and South Korea grew 2 tenths from last year
Taiwanese travelers made 14,532,351 overseas trips from January to August this year
Up 15.2% from the same period last year
The number of people joining fall foliage tours this year rose about 2 tenths from the same period last year
Tours sold briskly as early as 2 to 3 months before departure
Overall growth of more than 17% from last year
The number of travelers increased nearly 4 tenths from the same period last year
The share of travelers choosing fall foliage itineraries rose 2 tenths from the same period last year
South Korea saw growth of about 15%
Japan grew about 20%
Demand for South Korea’s Jeju Island grew by more than 1-fold
Major Taiwanese companies hold investor conferences; analysts see a choppy but firm market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese stocks extended their closing-high streak last week. Analysts said U.S. stocks and investor conferences will influence the market, which may move higher amid volatility this week and test 50,000 points.
Storm batters Greece’s Crete, causing floods and evacuation of tourists
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A storm battered Greece’s Crete, triggering floods that trapped some tourists in their vehicles and forced evacuations. Roads were cut off and facilities were damaged.
Facts
Trapping 23 people in vehicles
3 tourists and their taxi driver had to abandon the vehicle and flee
Israeli airstrike targets senior Hamas figure; 5 killed on anniversary of Oct. 7 attack
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An Israeli airstrike hit an apartment in the Gaza Strip in an attempt to kill senior Hamas leader al-Amoudi, leaving 5 people dead. The operation came on the anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack. The Israeli military said the target was Sinwar’s “right-hand man” and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.
Clean needles and methadone help prevent HIV; Lo Yi-chun says every 1 dollar spent saves 19 dollars in medical costs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Centers for Disease Control Director Lo Yi-chun said needle-exchange programs and methadone substitution therapy are highly cost-effective in preventing HIV among people who inject drugs in Taiwan: every 1 dollar invested saves 19 dollars in medical spending. The remarks came amid a debate over harm-reduction strategies involving Shen Po-yang and Chiang Wan-an.
Facts
Every 1 dollar invested in prevention saves 19 dollars in medical spending
Comments totaled 330,000
Every 1 dollar invested can save 19 dollars in medical spending
Prevented 13,664 people who inject drugs from being diagnosed with HIV
Prevented 10,821 people who inject drugs from being diagnosed with HIV
Cost just NT$21 billion
Saved NT$404.1 billion in HIV-related medical costs
Will cost NT$28 billion
Save NT$321.3 billion in HIV-related medical costs
The benefit-cost ratios were 18.94 and 11.47, respectively
2 Iranian delegation members expelled from U.S. for staying after U.N. General Assembly against orders
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The U.S. State Department said it had expelled 2 members of the Iranian delegation who remained in the country after the U.N. General Assembly ended, in defiance of an order to leave.
7 Chinese military vessels and 8 government ships operate near Taiwan; military monitoring closely
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ministry of National Defense said it detected 7 Chinese military vessels and 8 government ships operating around the Taiwan Strait from 6 a.m. yesterday to 6 a.m. today. The military is monitoring them closely with aircraft, naval vessels and shore-based missile systems.
Chinese military opens overseas base in Laos; analyst says it is part of Beijing’s Indo-Pacific strategy
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Scholar Su Tzu-yun said the Chinese military’s “Joint Support and Training Center” at Bounkham Airport in Laos is part of Beijing’s version of an Indo-Pacific strategy. It aims to project military power into the Indian Ocean, secure routes from the South China Sea to the Indian Ocean, and work with railway construction on the Indochinese Peninsula to safeguard maritime transport.
Facts
Officially established on Sept. 29
Located 45 kilometers northwest of the Laotian capital, Vientiane
余茂春: U.S. and China cannot resolve fundamental issues such as tariffs and security; this is an opportunity for Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
余茂春 said differences in political systems prevent the U.S. and China from resolving fundamental issues such as tariffs and security, and that for now they can only maintain strategic stability. The situation presents an opportunity for Taiwan, helping further integrate U.S.-Taiwan trade and security cooperation.
資策會 multimodal AI technology aids dementia care, turning old photos into videos that revive memories
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
資策會 partnered with 創意金點科技 to develop multimodal AI technology with support from the Administration for Digital Industries under the Ministry of Digital Affairs. The technology turns old photos and voice recordings into personalized video content and has been tested in reminiscence therapy at 花蓮門諾醫院’s dementia care home.
Naha hotel robbery-murder case: 20-year-old U.S. Marine urgently arrested
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A 39-year-old woman was found dead in a hotel room in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. Police urgently arrested Ballard, a 20-year-old Marine based at the U.S. military’s Futenma base. He is suspected of killing the woman and stealing her belongings, but denies the allegations.
Wu Der-rong: Northern Taiwan to turn cooler from the 5th; lows to dip to 16 degrees from the 7th to 9th
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Central Weather Administration warned of high temperatures in Nantou, Yunlin and Tainan. Wu Der-rong said the northeast monsoon will strengthen from the 5th, bringing cooler weather to northern Taiwan, with lows in flatland areas falling to 16 degrees from the 7th to 9th.
Cruise ship calls at Magong Port; international visitors tour Penghu
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 海洋富士號郵輪 docked at Magong Port early in the morning, carrying 291 Japanese and other tourists for a half-day tour of the main island. It was the last cruise ship to dock at Magong Port this year.
Fire engulfs building materials store in Yilan's Yuanshan Township; 4 dead
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A serious fire broke out at a building materials store in Yuanshan Township, Yilan County, on the evening of the 3rd. Firefighters rescued the owner's mother, but the owner's father, wife and two children—4 people in all—died. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Facts
3-story building
The fire department received a 119 emergency call from a member of the public at 10:36
Latvian parliamentary election exit poll shows pro-European forces in the lead
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An exit poll in Latvia's parliamentary election shows a center-right joint list led by Prime Minister Evika Siliņa's party in the lead with 35.6% of the vote, and is expected to maintain a pro-European course. However, populist parties performed well, and the governing coalition partner Union of Greens and Farmers may fail to clear the 5% threshold, leaving Siliņa needing to form a new coalition.
Store water now! 10 counties and cities face major water cuts tomorrow, with outages lasting up to 34 hours and leaving households without water all day; check outage areas with one click
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台灣自來水公司 has announced water outage information for Oct. 5, affecting parts of 10 counties and cities. The outage in Donggang, Pingtung, will last the longest, at 34 hours. The article lists outage times and areas in detail and provides a Line lookup tool, along with safety tips on storing water and preventing siphon contamination, urging residents to prepare in advance.
Facts
Water outages are scheduled in parts of 10 counties and cities on Oct. 5.
Donggang Township in Pingtung County will have the longest outage, at 34 hours.
Some areas of Yunlin and Chiayi counties are scheduled to have water outages lasting up to 10 hours.
Residents are advised to finish storing water 六 hours before the outage.
Before the outage, turn off 3 major appliances: water pumps, booster pumps and electric storage water heaters.
Weather forecast: Cold air cools Taiwan! Temperatures fall to 16 degrees; heavy rain to continue until this day, with National Day long-weekend forecast revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Weather expert Wu Derong said the strengthening northeast monsoon will bring cooler, rainy weather to northern Taiwan and the east. From Wednesday to Friday, the lowest temperatures in low-lying areas could fall to 16 degrees. Northern and eastern Taiwan will turn damp and cool on National Day, while central and southern areas will be sunny. Neither of the two typhoons is expected to affect Taiwan.
Facts
Nantou and Yunlin counties have issued orange high-temperature alerts, with temperatures potentially reaching 36 degrees Celsius for consecutive days.
From Wednesday to Friday (the 7th to the 9th), the lowest temperatures in low-lying areas across Taiwan could fall to around 16 degrees Celsius.
The 26th typhoon, Caiyun, is expected to develop into a large typhoon with a 300-kilometer radius of gale-force winds.
On National Day (Oct. 10), moisture will increase in northern and eastern Taiwan, bringing scattered rain.
Hurricane NOLO in the eastern Pacific is expected to cross the International Date Line tomorrow and become a typhoon in the northwestern Pacific.
Chiang Wan-an challenges Shen Po-yang's drug policy! Chiang's Facebook flooded with 300,000 comments; campaign team mocks him: "Getting desperate," with money going up in flames
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
KMT Taipei mayoral candidate Chiang Wan-an posted a question about DPP candidate Shen Po-yang's harm-reduction drug policy, sparking heated online discussion and 300,000 comments. The two clashed over methadone treatment and community centers providing needles. Chiang's campaign team mocked Shen as "getting desperate," while Shen hit back, saying the policy should be discussed clearly rather than manipulated for election purposes.
Facts
Chiang Wan-an questioned Shen Po-yang's drug policy in a Facebook post, which drew more than 300,000 comments within 9 hours.
Chiang Wan-an questioned Shen Po-yang's proposal to establish community centers providing drugs and clean needles.
Chiang Wan-an's campaign team criticized Shen Po-yang as "getting desperate" and said "money is going up in flames."
Shen Po-yang said Chiang Wan-an proposed methadone replacement therapy in 2021, when he was a legislator.
Shen Po-yang stressed that Taipei currently provides clean needles and methadone replacement therapy as part of its drug prevention efforts.
The Wall Street Journal: Google AI enters schools, prompting reflection: "It's making my brain slower"
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Wall Street Journal reports that Google is aggressively bringing AI into U.S. schools through Chromebooks and Gemini, reaching more than 170 million teachers and students worldwide. But the move has sparked concerns over declining academic performance and cognitive dependence, while PISA scores have fallen to a 25-year low.
Facts
Richard Scott, a 八th-grade student in Pennsylvania, saw his math grade fall from a B in previous quarters to a failing grade at the end of the term after using the AI feature in Google's search box to complete algebra homework.
Former Google research scientist Mikel Rodriguez said Google is effectively experimenting on an entire generation's cognitive development.
In 2025, the average PISA student score fell to its lowest level in 25 years, covering 760,000 students aged 15 across 91 countries and territories.
Students who use AI daily to complete specific schoolwork tasks score an average of 20 points lower in science than students who never use AI.
Google serves more than 170 million teachers and students worldwide through its educational software partnership program.
Google Search's AI Overviews and AI Mode chatbot are free, and partner school districts cannot turn them off through the management console provided by Google.
Through a yearlong fellowship program co-sponsored by GSV, Google invites school district leaders to its Chicago office to build their understanding of Google technology.
Fairfax County Public Schools has developed its own browser extension to filter Google AI search results and plans to install it on all student devices.
He paid into labor insurance for 24 years and died at 54; his family got not a penny! Expert reveals key mistake: choosing wrong means losing 1.5 million
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A labor insurance expert analyzed the case of a Taoyuan worker, saying that he could not claim benefits because he left the system at 52 and died at 54. The expert warned that middle-aged workers who leave their jobs and choose the National Pension instead of continuing labor insurance coverage could lose up to 1.5 million in benefits.
Facts
A worker in Taoyuan had 24 years of labor insurance coverage at the highest insured salary bracket of 45,800 yuan. He left his job and ended coverage at 52, then died in an accident at 54.
When the worker's family applied for labor insurance benefits, they received not a penny because he was no longer covered when he died and had not met the requirements for a lump-sum claim when he ended coverage.
If he had continued labor insurance coverage through a trade union, benefits calculated using the maximum insured salary would have amounted to 1,603,000 yuan upon his death (30 months of survivor benefits plus 5 months of funeral benefits).
A 67-year-old man takes on more than 10 kinds of odd jobs—not to make money! The reason will surprise you
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Kenji Tanaka, a 67-year-old man from Chiba Prefecture, Japan, tried more than ten kinds of odd jobs to understand the pressure his son Atsushi, who has autism, had faced at work. He found that some platforms screen out older workers, while the Timee platform has no such restrictions, prompting him to reconsider the workplace challenges faced by people with disabilities.
Facts
Kenji Tanaka, a 67-year-old self-employed man in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, began using a gig-work matching app to find jobs.
Tanaka took on gig work not to earn money, but to personally understand the work circumstances his son Atsushi, who has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), had faced.
During university, Atsushi's financial situation worsened, and his debt quickly grew to 200,000 yen.
Tanaka began trying gig-work platforms in late 2024. He first registered on a website his son had used at university, but his applications were rejected 3 times in a row.
Tanaka learned about the gig-work app Timee through a television commercial and signed up. The platform does not screen applicants based on age or disability.
Tanaka tried more than ten kinds of jobs, including light warehouse work, farm work and cleaning.
Government money is available—don't forget to claim it! “500 yuan in cash for each person” if you meet just 1 condition; here's when and how to claim it
Does he support decriminalizing drugs? Shen Po-yang hits back at the KMT in a late-night post: Don't distort “harm reduction policy” for election gains
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Shen Po-yang, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, hit back at the KMT in a late-night post, saying that his past comments about drugs had been unearthed and his stance questioned. He stressed that harm reduction policy should not be distorted into encouragement of drug use for the sake of an election.
Facts
Shen Po-yang, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, posted on Facebook late at night to push back against the KMT's accusation that his position on drugs amounted to “support for decriminalizing drugs.”
Shen Po-yang said Taipei's current drug prevention policy includes providing clean needles to prevent the spread of disease and offering methadone replacement therapy.
Shen Po-yang holds a PhD in criminology from the United States and teaches at a criminology research institute in Taiwan, giving him a professional background in anti-drug policy.
The KMT questioned Shen Po-yang for equating drugs with medicine and dug up his position on “providing drugs and needles.”
Don't wait until the weekend to shop at 好市多! Experienced shoppers tested “these 2 days” and found parking easy and no lines: the most discounts and a full selection
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A longtime 好市多 member shared shopping tips for avoiding holiday crowds, saying weekday evenings after 8 p.m. and Tuesdays and Wednesdays are the best times. The member also mentioned ways to find bargains at the end of the month and before closing.
Facts
After 8 p.m. on weekdays is the most comfortable golden shopping window of the day at 好市多.
The downside of visiting 好市多 in the evening is that the sample stations have usually closed.
A Black Diamond member recommends arriving at 8:15 a.m. on weekends to queue, so shoppers can enter at 8:30 and check out quickly.
The beginning of the month is 好市多's busiest period because people have just been paid.
Never order 2 kinds of drinks on a plane! Flight attendant warns of a disgusting truth: “They’re hardly ever cleaned”—you can’t imagine how dirty they are
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Former U.S. flight attendants Kat Kamalani and Lorna Luxe have publicly warned passengers to avoid hot coffee and tea because aircraft water tanks are rarely cleaned and coffee machines may be unhygienic. EPA data indicate that some aircraft water tanks may be contaminated with E. coli.
Facts
Former U.S. flight attendant Kat Kamalani warned passengers not to drink anything involving hot water on a plane.
Aircraft water tanks are usually cleaned only when they are damaged or cracked.
The British newspaper Mirror quoted former flight attendant Lorna Luxe as saying that if a plane is 15 years old, its water tank may have gone 15 years without being cleaned.
Photo of Bo Guagua and his wife revealed! He revisits his Oxford years with Xu Huiyu: What kind of life does the son of a red family lead?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Bo Xilai's son, Bo Guagua, has rarely shared a photo with his Taiwanese wife, Xu Huiyu. The couple attended a 20th anniversary alumni reunion at Balliol College, University of Oxford. The appearance brought the long-low-profile Bo Guagua back into the public eye and sparked discussion about his family background and current life.
Facts
Bo Guagua recently posted a photo of himself with his Taiwanese wife, Xu Huiyu, on the social media platform X.
Bo Guagua and his wife attended a reunion marking the 20th anniversary of their entry to Balliol College at the University of Oxford in the U.K.
Xu Huiyu is the third-generation daughter of the family behind Lotung Poh-Ai Hospital in Yilan. The couple married in 2024.
In his post, Bo Guagua said that returning to campus brought back memories of interactions with alumni from his time studying PPE.
Bo Guagua mentioned academic concepts including Arrow's theorem and universal prescriptivism.
Bo Xilai served as a member of the Chinese Communist Party's Politburo and secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Party Committee, before being imprisoned in Qincheng Prison.
Balliol College has had an academic community at its current site since around 1263.
Seniors aged 65 and up are getting money! Starting 10/8, “2,000 yuan in cash per person” will be deposited directly in 1 county or city; nationwide Double Ninth Festival senior benefits: payment dates and amounts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A roundup of 2026 Double Ninth Festival senior benefits, covering amounts, eligibility and payment dates in all 22 cities and counties across Taiwan. Taitung County will pay 2,000 yuan starting October 8, New Taipei City offers up to 20,000 yuan, and centenarians in Nan'ao Township, Yilan, can receive up to 70,000 yuan.
Facts
The 2026 Double Ninth Festival falls on October 18, and Taitung County will begin distributing its senior-citizen festival benefits on October 8.
Eligible Taitung County residents aged 65 and over can each receive 2,000 yuan, with payments continuing through November 2.
Centenarians in Nan'ao Township, Yilan County, who qualify for both county government and local additional benefits can receive up to 70,000 yuan.
New Taipei City's Double Ninth Festival benefit for residents aged 100 and older is 20,000 yuan.
Taipei City's Double Ninth Festival benefit for residents aged 99 and older is 10,000 yuan and 1 senior gift.
Taoyuan City's Double Ninth Festival benefit is 2,500 yuan for residents aged 65–98 and 20,000 yuan for those aged 99 and older.
Where were consorts sent when they fell out of favor and were “banished to the cold palace”? Experts reveal where they really lived in the Qing palace; mainland Chinese dramas have it all wrong
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Qing history expert Mao Liping says there was no building called the “Cold Palace” in the Forbidden City. Yanxi Palace actually served as a place to house Qing dynasty consorts who had fallen out of favor. Located on the outer edge of the palace grounds, it was overcrowded and filled with women whose status had been lowered, confirming that TV dramas portray it inaccurately.
Facts
Among the more than 9,000 rooms in the Forbidden City, not a single building was named the “Cold Palace.”
Mao Liping, an associate professor at Renmin University of China's Institute of Qing History, says the famous Yanxi Palace was instead filled with consorts who had fallen out of the emperor's favor.
The status of Qing dynasty consorts directly determined where they lived; the closer to the central axis, the more favored they were.
During the Daoguang era, Consort Tian was the senior consort at Yanxi Palace. She went decades without receiving another promotion.
The Daoguang Emperor packed large numbers of low-ranking, disfavored consorts into Yanxi Palace, where as many as 4 or 5 lived at the same time.
Never put baking soda in your washing machine to clean it! Tan Tun-tzu uses 2 cheap products to “flush out a whole tub of black water,” bringing mold and grime to the surface
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Toxicology expert Tan Tun-tzu warns against using baking soda to clean washing machines because it has no disinfecting power and can clump, damaging the machine. She recommends soaking with sodium percarbonate or bleach and warm water to effectively remove mold and grime.
Facts
Toxicology expert Tan Tun-tzu says baking soda could leave a washing machine dirtier after each wash and even risk damaging it and requiring repairs.
Baking soda readily forms small particles in cooler water, settling at the bottom of the washer tub and around the drain outlet.
Sodium percarbonate releases active-oxygen bubbles when dissolved in water, effectively breaking down stubborn grime without readily leaving sediment.
The recommended bleach-to-water ratio for cleaning a washing machine is 1:1000.
Taiwan's climate is hot and humid year-round. If you habitually close the washing machine lid immediately after doing laundry, mold and biofilm can quickly grow in the damp, stuffy tub within just a few days.
No more health insurance premiums! 15 counties and cities announce that older residents will receive full government payments automatically, with no application required: a 2026 guide to enhanced subsidies across Taiwan
Taiwan's National Health Insurance Act stipulates that people in Category 6 who are unemployed and have no dependents through whom they can be insured pay NT$826 per month.
Taitung County will begin fully covering older residents' health insurance premiums on Jan. 1, 2026. Eligible residents must have been registered in the county for at least 1 year, be aged 70 or older, and have lived in Taiwan for at least 183 days during the past year.
Nantou County will launch a health insurance subsidy for older residents on April 1, 2026, with no income or asset restrictions and no application required. It is available to residents aged 65 or older registered in Nantou County.
Hualien County will expand its health insurance subsidy for older residents on June 1, 2026, with no income or asset restrictions and no application required. Eligible residents must have been registered in the county for at least 1 year, live there, and be aged 65 or older.
Chiayi City will launch a health insurance subsidy on Oct. 1, 2026, with no income or asset restrictions and no application required. It is available to residents aged 80 or older who have been registered in the city for at least 6 months.
Miaoli County will pilot full premium waivers starting in July 2026, with no income or asset restrictions and no application required. Eligible residents must be aged 80 or older, registered in the county and actually living there.
Pingtung County will launch the first phase of subsidies for low- and middle-income residents aged 65 to 69 in July 2026. The second phase is scheduled to begin on Jan. 1, 2027.
Hsinchu City plans to officially launch the program in the fourth quarter of 2026, automatically enrolling residents aged 65 or older who are registered in the city, with no income or asset restrictions and no application required.
After Work: International》Don't just bet on AI in 2027! Chen Yi-kuang reveals the “FORTUNE＋GOLD” stock-picking strategy, with 10 sectors poised to take the baton and surge
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chen Yi-kuang, chairman of 富邦投顧, outlined a “FORTUNE＋GOLD” stock-picking strategy for Taiwan stocks in 2027 on the program 《下班國際線》. With the index starting from a high base, he said betting solely on the broader market is becoming more difficult and recommended shifting investment focus to individual stocks.
Facts
Chen Yi-kuang, chairman of 富邦投顧, presented the “FORTUNE＋GOLD” stock-picking strategy for 2027 on the program 《下班國際線》.
The FORTUNE stock-picking strategy covers 6 sectors: Fiber, Optical, Rack, Thermal, Utility and Equipment.
Chen Yi-kuang believes that if Taiwan's stock index reaches 50,000 points by year-end, it would be unrealistic to expect it to repeat next year this year's gain of more than 20,000 points.
Chen Yi-kuang described financial stocks as “AI-like concept stocks,” reasoning that the financial sector's corporate clients and business opportunities could benefit from the expansion of the AI industry.
Profile》Missed stops, overcrowding and a clash over quiet cars: How did 史哲 turn 台灣高鐵 into an Indian train?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Before the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, 台灣高鐵 experienced severe delays and disorder amid peak crowds. Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai apologized and called for a review of crowd-management plans. Chairman Shih Che, who has no transportation background and has faced a series of missteps, has drawn questions about his leadership ability.
Facts
The night before the Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, severe overcrowding occurred in a high-speed rail station concourse, with some passengers waiting nearly an hour and still unable to board.
Passengers with non-reserved tickets flooded reserved-seat and business-class cars, prompting criticism that the high-speed rail was like an “Indian train.”
Transportation Minister Chen Shih-kai apologized for the chaos on the high-speed rail and called for a comprehensive review of crowd-management plans.
In May 2026, high-speed rail chairman Shih Che was responsible for widespread delays caused by a signaling malfunction.
Shih Che has no professional background in transportation, prompting questions about whether he can manage the rail system.
Behind the scenes》Investigation Bureau makes a rookie mistake in Tzu Chi case! Chen Bai-li furious, orders a full probe of the “No. 1 team”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau Northern Region Mobile Task Force Station (Northern Station) made a basic blunder in a case, damaging the reputation of its “No. 1 team.” Investigation Bureau Director Chen Bai-li was furious and has ordered a thorough probe to establish responsibility.
Facts
The Ministry of Justice's Investigation Bureau has established 4 regional mobile task force stations in northern, central, southern and eastern Taiwan.
The Northern Region Mobile Task Force Station (Northern Station) is known as the “No. 1 team.”
The Northern Station's predecessors included the “Lightning Team” and the “Northern Mobile Team.”
Cost pressures drive appliance price hikes as industry targets 2027 energy-efficiency standards to capture replacement demand
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Taiwan's home appliance industry is raising prices amid higher raw material and shipping costs, with SAMPO and Tsann Kuen expecting increases of 3% to 5%. To prepare for new energy-efficiency standards in 2027, companies are pairing government subsidies with promotions on top-tier efficiency products to capture replacement demand.
Facts
燦坤(2430-TW) and 聲寶(1604-TW) have both announced coming price hikes, with the market expecting prices for standard refrigerators and washing machines to rise by around 3% to 5%.
LCD TVs are the main product category where the impact of surging memory prices is most evident.
燦坤 says air conditioners and refrigerators will rise in price by about NT$1,000 to NT$3,000. For air conditioner installations, rising costs of materials such as copper tubing have pushed charges for work beyond standard installation up by 20% to 30%.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs has revised refrigerator energy-efficiency ratings and testing requirements, with the minimum efficiency standards set to rise significantly starting in 2027.
燦坤 has teamed up with leading international brands to offer Grade 1 energy-efficient refrigerators and washing machines at 8折 pricing, alongside government energy-saving subsidies of up to NT$5,000 and a commodity tax reduction.
三洋電(1614-TW) says that, as electricity consumption rises nationwide and energy standards are tightened, its entire air conditioner and refrigerator lineup already meets Grade 1 energy-efficiency standards.
Who profited most as the market hit a new high? 18 ETFs also set records, spanning active, market-cap and overseas technology funds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Taiwan's weighted stock index hit a record 48,475.74 points on Oct. 2, with total market capitalization reaching NT$170.17 trillion. A total of 18 ETFs reached record prices, including 8 active ETFs, reflecting a bull market spreading across a range of themes.
Facts
Taiwan's weighted stock index closed at 48,475.74 points on Oct. 2, setting a new all-time high.
The total market capitalization of listed and over-the-counter stocks reached NT$170.17 trillion.
A total of 18 ETFs reached record prices, including 8 active ETFs.
Active ETFs accounted for about 44% of the ETFs that reached new highs.
The 中信台日韓PCB ETF (009828) set a new listing high with a closing price of NT$10.68 on Oct. 2.
Starship ignites a space-computing revolution! A supercycle for next-generation “AI computing satellites” begins
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
SpaceX’s Starship technology breakthrough is sharply lowering launch costs and driving the evolution of low-Earth-orbit satellites into space-based edge computing nodes. Taiwan-based suppliers such as 昇達科 and 華通 are benefiting from increased demand for radio-frequency components and PCBs, as a supercycle in the space industry gets underway.
Facts
The third-generation Starship has a payload capacity of more than 100 tons and is fully reusable.
Launch costs per kilogram have plunged from several thousand dollars to several hundred dollars, or even below 200 dollars.
Next-generation Starlink V3 satellites are evolving from purely communications nodes into “AI computing satellites.”
昇達科’s low-Earth-orbit satellite revenue share is projected to climb to more than eight-tenths.
華通 remains the global leader in high-end HDI space boards for satellites.
U.S. stocks could see a short squeeze in Q4! CTA positions have swung sharply bearish, and a $1.3 trillion wave of buybacks is about to begin
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. stocks could see a short squeeze in the fourth quarter as CTA positions swing sharply bearish and $1.3 trillion in corporate buyback funds are about to enter the market. Tech stocks stand to benefit from resilient AI capital spending and a recovery in semiconductor expectations, but volatility in the oil market warrants attention.
Facts
The Z-score for CTA positions fell from positive 2.35 to negative 0.80.
U.S. companies have approved $1.3 trillion in stock buyback plans.
The corporate buyback window reopens on Oct. 15.
The S&P 500 has averaged gains of 5.6% in the fourth quarter of midterm election years.
Bond issuance by hyperscalers is projected to reach $420 billion in 2027.
Large technology companies have a net leverage ratio of just 0.4 times.
台積電’s advanced-process capacity utilization rate is above 100%.
“AI should be subject to nuclear-level safeguards”! After resigning, the head of OpenAI’s safety systems team writes an article blasting his former employer’s corporate culture
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
David Robinson, OpenAI’s head of safety transparency, left the company last week and criticized its overly reckless corporate culture in an article for The Atlantic, arguing that AI companies should adopt nuclear-level safeguards. Anthropic CEO Amodei also called for slowing development and bringing in third-party reviews.
Facts
David Robinson, who was responsible for transparency on OpenAI’s safety team, has left the company.
David Robinson criticized OpenAI’s corporate culture in an article for The Atlantic on the third.
Robinson criticized OpenAI for developing through “trial and error.”
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei called for slowing the development of frontier models and bringing in third-party evaluators.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Elon Musk of Grok publicly backed Amodei’s plan.