Only 4.5% of Americans are willing to pay for AI, yet GPU costs keep rising. a16z reveals the truth about the AI market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
In reports on consumer AI applications and the market, a16z said that just 4.5% of U.S. consumers pay for AI, while GPU rental prices keep rising instead of falling, highlighting the contrast between soaring demand for computing power and limited willingness to pay.
Facts
Just 4.5% of U.S. consumers have paid for a personal subscription to ChatGPT, Gemini or Claude
The top 1% of paying users spend an average of $903 per month, more than all users in the bottom 50% combined
ChatGPT’s monthly active users on mobile are about 2.5 times Gemini’s and about 14 times Claude’s
Paying users on Claude’s highest-priced individual plan, Max, account for 7.3% of its users
The top 1% of paying users account for 19.5% of total consumer AI spending
OpenAI says ChatGPT advertising reached $1 billion in annualized revenue in August 2026
A100 rental prices have not fallen; instead, they have stayed at or above their levels from early 2026
The U.S. technology sector accounted for about 76% of the S&P 500’s total earnings growth in 2026
台灣櫻花 revenue rose 5.28% year over year to NT$8.127 billion in the first 3 quarters, with overall operations maintaining steady growth
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
台灣櫻花 (9911-TW) reported revenue of NT$8.127 billion for the first 3 quarters of 2026, up 5.28% year over year, reflecting steady operations. September revenue edged down as inventory was worked down, but sales of AI products and water-purifier consumables were strong, and the company remained positive about full-year growth.
Facts
台灣櫻花 revenue for the first 9 months of 2026 reached NT$8.127 billion, up 5.28% year over year
台灣櫻花 revenue in September 2026 was NT$851 million, down 5.89% year over year
台灣櫻花 sales of AI smart products in September 2026 rose 8% from a year earlier
台灣櫻花 sales of filter consumables rose 28% in September 2026
台灣櫻花 revenue from its overall home business rose 9% year over year in September 2026
Solidigm has selected lead underwriters for its U.S. IPO, which is expected to raise about $10 billion at a valuation of up to $100 billion
Original高盛與摩根士丹利擔任Solidigm IPO的主辦銀行
摩根大通, 花旗集團 and 瑞銀 have been invited to join the underwriting syndicate for Solidigm’s IPO
Solidigm was established in 2021 after SK海力士 acquired 英特爾’s NAND memory and storage business in stages
Solidigm reached an enterprise SSD capacity supply agreement with CoreWeave in August this year to support its AI cloud platform
Solidigm is headquartered in Rancho Cordova, California, and has 13 locations worldwide and more than 2000 employees
SK海力士 listed in the U.S. in July at $149 per share, raising $26.5 billion in the largest U.S. listing by a non-U.S. company
SK海力士 said on September 30 that it was evaluating several strategic options to strengthen Solidigm’s market competitiveness, but had not settled on any specific financing structure
派拉蒙 and Warner Bros. join forces! Creating a Hollywood giant worth $110 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
派拉蒙 and 華納兄弟探索 completed a $110 billion merger, forming a new entity, Skydance. The deal reduces Hollywood’s traditional Big Five to four, with David Ellison and Ynon Kreiz at the helm, and aims to achieve $6 billion in annual cost synergies through streaming integration.
Facts
派拉蒙 (Paramount Skydance) completed its acquisition of 華納兄弟探索 (Warner Bros. Discovery, WBD) on October 6.
The new company formed by the merger is named Skydance.
The transaction was worth about $110 billion, making it one of the largest mergers and acquisitions in the history of the U.S. media industry.
David Ellison, former CEO of 派拉蒙, is the new company’s chairman and CEO.
Ynon Kreiz, former CEO of 美泰兒（Mattel）, has become the new company’s co-CEO.
The new company's ticker symbol has changed from PSKY to SKYD, and it will transfer its listing from Nasdaq to the New York Stock Exchange。
The company plans to achieve at least $6 billion in annual cost synergies within 3 years。
Companies mentioned：派拉蒙、Paramount Skydance、華納兄弟探索、Warner Bros. Discovery、WBD、Skydance、派拉蒙影業、華納兄弟影業、美國有線電視新聞網、CNN、哥倫比亞廣播公司、CBS、美泰兒、Mattel、華特迪士尼、Walt Disney Company、環球影業、Universal、索尼影業、Sony Pictures
Anthropic expands Claude startup program, offering 1 year of free Team access and $1,000 in API credits to compete for the next generation of enterprise AI development
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Anthropic announced on the 6th that it was expanding the Claude Startups program, offering eligible startups 1 year of free Claude Team access, $1,000 in API credits and partner discounts worth up to $45,000 to attract the next generation of enterprise customers and applications to its ecosystem。
Facts
AI startup Anthropic announced on the 6th that it was expanding the Claude Startups program, offering eligible companies 1 year of free Claude Team access, a one-time $1,000 in API credits, and discounts and credits for partner tools。
Companies founded less than 5 years ago, or that have raised funding within the past 2 years, can apply to participate in the Claude Startups program。
The free team plan covers up to 5 Premium seats and is available to companies that do not already use Claude Team。
The one-time $1,000 in API credits can be used for testing and development once approved。
The $7,000 cap is calculated based on 5 Premium seats at $100 per seat per month, billed annually, for a total of $6,000 for 1 year, plus $1,000 in API credits。
Claude Startup Stack members can receive partner discounts and credits worth up to $45,000。
The company estimated the maximum value of all offers using partners' list prices as of September 2026。
Anthropic is also offering online consultation sessions with its Applied AI team, where founders can discuss model direction, technical issues and product differentiation。
First-ever record above 100 trillion won！三星's Q3 operating profit surges 782% as AI memory demand explodes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
三星電子 reported Q3 results, with operating profit of 107.4 trillion won, a record high and a 782% year-over-year increase, driven by a surge in AI memory demand that pushed up prices。
Facts
三星電子's Q3 operating profit reached 107.4 trillion won, a record high。
三星's Q3 operating profit rose 782% from the same period last year。
三星's Q3 revenue was 195 trillion won, up 127% year over year。
Counterpoint Research raised its forecast for the quarter-over-quarter increase in DRAM prices in Q3 to 10-20%。
三星 and French AI startup Mistral AI have formed a strategic partnership。
Companies mentioned：三星電子、三星、SK海力士、美光、Counterpoint Research、Mistral AI
This article rounds up key U.S. stock market news on Oct. 8, 2026, including the 聯準會 signaling that it could raise rates again before year-end, 英特爾 shares holding firm as its role in the Terafab plan is clarified, SpaceX weighing on stocks and bonds with fundraising to buy 輝達 chips, and 微軟 teaming up with 輝達 to launch AI laptops to challenge 蘋果。
Facts
Minutes from the 聯準會's September meeting showed that most officials thought another rate hike could be needed before year-end。
英特爾 shares defied the decline in chip stocks。
SpaceX is reportedly in talks to raise $40 billion to buy 輝達 AI chips。
SpaceX shares fell 2%, while the company's bonds were sold off。
Revenue flash report — October 8, 2026: September revenue roundup for major Taiwan-listed companies (48 new additions)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
A September revenue flash report released on October 8, 2026, covered 59 major Taiwan-listed companies with paid-in capital of more than 5 billion。南亞科 led with year-over-year growth of 576.6%, while 愛山林 topped the month-over-month rankings with growth of 114.8%。Most major companies posted revenue growth。
Facts
As of 07:55 on October 8, 2026, a total of 59 major companies with paid-in capital above 5 billion had reported September revenue。
南亞科's September revenue was 45.091 billion, up 576.6% year over year, the highest growth rate。
愛山林's September revenue was 3.261 billion, up 114.8% month over month, the highest growth rate。
Of the 59 companies that have reported, 25 posted revenue growth of more than 25% year over year, while 3 recorded declines of more than 20%。
$1.8 billion bet on AI biology！U.S. government and Google join Zuckerberg's Biohub initiative to build a cell database
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
The U.S. government, Alphabet, Meta Platforms and others have joined Biohub in advancing a virtual biology project with a total budget of $1.8 billion。The goal is to build a large-scale, open biological dataset for AI training and accelerate drug development and biomedical research。
Facts
The U.S. government, Alphabet and Meta Platforms have joined Biohub in advancing a $1.8 billion virtual biology project。
Meta, Google DeepMind and Isomorphic Labs are jointly investing $300 million。
The U.S. Department of Energy will invest more than $500 million over the next 5 years。
The NIH will integrate datasets built with more than $500 million in past federal government investment。
Biohub invested $500 million to launch the project in April this year。
Biohub expects to obtain its first datasets in about 1 year and build biology models with predictive capabilities within 5 years。
Commercial funders can receive a period of priority access to the data before it is made public。
U.S. Defense Department steps in！Wolfspeed secures $1.5 billion in 30-year financing；shares soar 24% after hours
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Wolfspeed secured $1.5 billion in 30-year financing from the U.S. Defense Department in exchange for commitments to produce domestically and a warrant giving the department a 7.5% stake。Its shares surged 24% after hours。
Facts
Wolfspeed reached a financing agreement with the U.S. Defense Department, securing a $1.5 billion financing commitment over 30 years。
The U.S. Defense Department will receive a warrant equivalent to a 7.5% stake in Wolfspeed。
Wolfspeed shares surged nearly 24% after hours。
The financing is contingent on producing silicon carbide materials and other power components in the United States。
Wolfspeed currently has a market capitalization of about $2 billion, and 三 analysts all rate it “Hold”。
Safety features that did nothing? TikTok accused of conducting secret experiments on thousands of children and teens
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
New York Attorney General Letitia James accused TikTok and 字節跳動 of testing ineffective “ghost” or “placebo” safety features on thousands of users, including minors, in 2023. The allegations also involve a minor boy in New York state who died after being exposed to large amounts of suicide-related content.
Facts
TikTok and its parent company 字節跳動 were accused by New York Attorney General Letitia James of testing ineffective “ghost” or “placebo” safety features on thousands of users, including teenagers and children.
TikTok conducted so-called “ghost” or “placebo” experiments multiple times in 2023, selecting thousands of users, including minors.
TikTok’s U.S. revenue reached $16 billion in 2023, setting a record at the time.
Researchers estimate that about 35% of TikTok’s U.S. advertising revenue comes from children and teenagers under 17.
A Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study estimated that TikTok generated about $2 billion in advertising revenue from U.S. users aged 13 to 17 in 2022.
TikTok has been downloaded more than 220 million times in the United States.
In September this year, TikTok reached the first state-level settlement in the United States before a case went to trial, agreeing to pay Alabama up to $300 million.
TikTok removes about 6 million underage accounts worldwide each month.
Can mainland Chinese spouses in Taiwan join National Health Insurance? The NHI Administration reveals enrollment rules for 4 major groups: only those who meet the requirements can enroll
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The NHI Administration sets out eligibility rules for mainland Chinese residents in Taiwan to enroll in National Health Insurance. Professionals, spouses, students from mainland China and other groups must have resided in Taiwan for 6 months before applying through a district office or school, depending on their status.
Facts
Mainland Chinese professionals holding an entry and exit permit for specific purposes may enroll in National Health Insurance as Category 6 insured persons only after residing continuously in Taiwan for 6 months.
Mainland Chinese professionals who establish a company in Taiwan and serve as its legal representative must set up an insured unit and enroll as employers.
Mainland Chinese spouses who already have legal employment in Taiwan must be insured directly by their employer as Category 1 employees.
Mainland Chinese spouses who are unemployed and have no family member through whom they can enroll must wait until they have resided in Taiwan for 6 months, then enroll as Category 6 insured persons through the district office where they are registered.
The university or college attended by students from mainland China serves as their insured unit and assists them in applying directly as Category 6 insured persons.
Is it legal for a company to dock half an hour’s pay when an employee is 10 minutes late? The Ministry of Labor’s answer is often misunderstood
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Labor clarified the rules on docking pay for tardiness, stressing that employers may deduct wages only in proportion to the actual time an employee did not work and may not inflate deductions for short periods. Recent cases in which companies were fined for unlawful wage deductions confirm that this is a common labor dispute.
Facts
Employers may deduct pay in proportion to the time an employee is late and does not work, but must calculate the deduction based on the actual tardiness.
An employee earning a monthly salary of NT$36,000 and working 8 hours a day can have only about NT$25 deducted for being 10 minutes late.
A company rule that imposes a fixed NT$100 deduction each time an employee is late by up to half an hour violates the rules if the pay corresponding to the actual time late is less than the deduction.
Even if a rule on docking pay for tardiness is written into an employment contract, it cannot override the Labor Standards Act.
The Ministry of Labor may impose fines on companies that violate the requirement to pay wages in full.
Major new high-speed rail rules take effect! Nationwide changes to free seating begin today, 10/8; see the latest travel rules
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台灣高鐵公司 announced new free-seat rules to take effect on October 8, 2026. The changes include adding all-free-seat trains during Friday peak hours, introducing a 12-minute rapid turnaround system, and extending operating hours and adding cars during the National Day period, with the aim of increasing capacity and easing crowds.
Facts
台灣高鐵公司 announced that its new free-seat rules will take effect on October 8, 2026, and remain in place through July 1, 2027.
Original自10月8日起，每週五晚間17:00至21:00將加開8班全車自由座南下區間列車。
High-speed rail has launched a flexible rapid turnaround system, allowing trains to be prepared for departure again just 12 minutes after arriving at their terminal.
On the eve of this year’s Mid-Autumn Festival holiday, daily passenger numbers at high-speed rail stations in northern Taiwan surged to 348,000, a record high.
During the National Day travel period, high-speed rail will provide a total of 23 additional trains, with free-seat cars on some services expanded to 9 or 11 cars.
The date for the NT$10,000 cash handout is set! The Ministry of Finance announces registration and payment dates; see the 5 ways to claim it and when to collect cash at post offices and ATMs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Ministry of Finance announced plans for the 116 fiscal year’s NT$10,000 cash handout, with a budget of NT$235.7 billion. If the budget bill passes on schedule, the first payments could arrive as early as January 26, 2027. There will be 5 ways to claim the money, with eligibility based on past programs.
Facts
The 116 fiscal year central government general budget proposal includes NT$235.7 billion for a cash handout of NT$10,000.
The first NT$10,000 cash handout payments could arrive as early as January 26, 2027.
The planned NT$10,000 handout can be claimed through 5 channels: direct deposit, registration for deposit, cash collection at ATMs, cash collection at post offices, or distribution through a register.
Cash withdrawals at ATMs are expected to be available starting February 15, 2027, with 17 financial institutions participating.
The general public is expected to be able to claim the payment through August 31, 2027.
2026 rent subsidies are here》Residents of “1 city” can receive up to NT$7,000 a month! Rent subsidy amounts, eligibility and quick online application
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The New Taipei City Government announced that applications for the 116 fiscal year youth rent subsidy are open starting today. The subsidy is for people aged 18 to 40 who meet the income and homeownership requirements, and provides NT$3,500 to NT$7,000 per month. Applications will be accepted through the end of 2027.
Facts
The New Taipei City Government announced that applications for the 116 fiscal year youth rent subsidy are open starting today and will be accepted through December 31, 2027.
Eligible single young adults can receive NT$3,500 a month, while newly married couples can receive NT$4,500 a month.
Families with or expecting 3 or more minor children or fetuses can receive up to NT$7,000 a month.
Applicants must be at least 18 and under 40, and must currently be registered as residents, studying or working in New Taipei City.
The annual household income limit for the 116 fiscal year New Taipei City youth rent subsidy is NT$1.45 million.
Applicants’ average monthly income per household member, calculated based on household size, must be less than NT$62,125.
Applications are primarily handled online and can be submitted through the New Taipei City Housing Subsidy Information Service website.
“Not a penny for the children”: Couple in their 70s saved all their lives, but after retiring decided to spend it all on themselves
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A Tokyo couple in Japan, both around 70, have assets of 42 million yen and a mortgage-free home. They had initially planned to leave an inheritance to their children, but after the children encouraged them to enjoy life, they decided to spend the money on travel and improving their home.
Facts
The Tanaka couple have about 42 million yen in financial assets. Their combined monthly pension is about 280,000 yen, but they receive less than 240,000 yen after deductions.
The Tanaka couple’s monthly living expenses are only about 150,000 yen, allowing them to continue saving about 80,000 to 100,000 yen from their pensions after retirement.
The 2025 Household Survey by 日本總務省統計局 found that households of people aged 65 and over with no one in employment spent an average of about 263,979 yen per month.
The Tanaka couple chose South Korea for their first trip abroad.
The home where the Tanaka couple currently live is their own, and they paid off the mortgage long ago.
Morning market update》Selling pressure ahead of the holiday? 台積電 plunges NT$30 as Treasury yields hit a 24-year high, raising concerns
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
U.S. stocks pulled back Wednesday amid surging Treasury yields and inflation concerns, with the PHLX Semiconductor Index plunging more than 1%. Taiwan’s stock market opened lower amid cautious sentiment ahead of the holiday, while Taiwan index futures fell below 50,000 in overnight trading. Major stocks including 台積電 and 聯發科 fell sharply.
Facts
台積電 opened down NT$30 at NT$2,550.
The 10-year Treasury yield rose as high as 5.35% intraday, its highest level since 2002.
Taiwan index futures ended overnight trading down 375 points at 49,593.
Original國際能源署同意加快釋放石油庫存，原油價格轉跌。
Minutes from the Federal Reserve’s September monetary policy meeting showed that officials were divided over the reasons for the rate hike.
Remember to update your passbook! The Labor Insurance Bureau is paying out money today: “Cash gifts of up to NT$100,000”; check the deposit dates for all 19 benefits at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Labor Insurance Bureau has released its October 2026 payment calendar, with 19 payments scheduled this month. With additional budget funding for National Pension maternity benefits, the maximum for a single birth is NT$100,000. The bureau also reminds the public of the 5-year claim deadline.
Facts
The Bureau of Labor Insurance has officially released the October 2026 (115) payment calendar for various social insurance benefits and allowances.
From Oct. 1 through Oct. 30, the Labor Insurance Bureau will issue 19 payments in stages.
Starting this year, additional government budget funding has raised the maximum National Pension maternity benefit for a single birth to NT$100,000.
National Pension maternity benefits have a 5-year claim deadline. The right to claim expires if an application is not filed within that period.
On Oct. 29, payments will be issued for Labor Insurance annuities, occupational accident insurance annuities and monthly labor pension benefits, among others.
What benefits are available to Taoyuan residents aged 65 and older in 2026? Health insurance subsidies, senior cards, festival cash gifts... 13 major benefits at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taoyuan City Government has compiled 13 major benefits for older residents, including senior citizens’ festival cash gifts, a Double Ninth Festival gift, automatic payment of health insurance premiums without an application, and subsidies for full dentures. Cash and medical support are complemented by expanded points on the Senior EasyCard and long-term care respite services, bolstering support for older residents.
Facts
Taoyuan is the only one of Taiwan’s six special municipalities that regularly gives senior citizens cash gifts for three festivals, paying NT$2,500 each time.
For older residents who have been registered and actually living in Taoyuan for at least 1 year and meet the tax-rate requirements, the city government pays their full health insurance premiums directly to the National Health Insurance Administration each month.
Taoyuan residents aged 65 and older are eligible for 800 points each month on the Senior EasyCard, which can be used for bus rides or YouBike rentals.
Older residents living in residential long-term care facilities can receive a monthly subsidy of up to NT$15,000, or up to NT$180,000 for the full year, with no means test.
For Taoyuan residents, the Double Ninth Festival gift is NT$2,500 per person for older adults aged 65 to 98, the highest amount for general senior residents among Taiwan’s six special municipalities.
Nangang enters its harvest period! “全陽馥” at the intersection of 2 MRT lines, with EDS seismic damping, is newly completed!
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
全陽建設 has completed its new development, “全陽馥,” in Nangang District at No. 160, Jingmao 1st Road, near Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station. The project sits on a 922-ping site, has a low building coverage ratio, and features an EDS seismic damping system and 0.28g seismic design. It is marketed as a low-density residence for discerning buyers.
Facts
“全陽馥” is located at No. 160, Jingmao 1st Road, Nangang District, Taipei, about a 200-meter walk from Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Station.
“全陽馥” sits on a 922-ping site, with the building coverage ratio kept to about 30.6%.
“全陽馥” is planned as a 24-story building above ground and 4 stories underground, with 174 units in total.
“全陽馥” features 0.28g seismic design and can withstand a magnitude-6 earthquake.
“全陽馥” uses an EDS bidirectional energy-dissipation seismic damping system.
Units at “全陽馥” range from 18 to 42 ping, with a public-facility ratio of about 32%.
A father gives company shares to his son, but he can’t simply name the gift value himself! Valuation differs greatly for unlisted companies and breakfast shops
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 財政部北區國稅局 announced a 2026 case, stating that gifts of shares in unlisted companies should be valued based on net asset value, not par value. A father’s gift of 2 million shares was reassessed, sharply increasing the tax bill. The bureau reminded business owners that organizational structure affects valuation.
Facts
Mr. A gave his son 2 million shares in unlisted A公司. The tax bureau valued each share at NT$17 and assessed the total gift at NT$34 million.
As a general rule, shares or equity in companies that are unlisted, not OTC-listed and not emerging-stock-listed are valued based on the company’s net asset value on the date of the gift.
The gift tax exemption for 2026 is NT$2.44 million per donor per year.
A gift tax return must be filed within 30 days after a gift exceeding the exemption is made.
The Journalist: Business leaders also watch succession dramas in films; 沈國榮 discusses how a “retired emperor” should get along with today’s business leaders
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
大工業 Group President 沈國榮 spoke with The Journalist about his experience with business succession. He stressed that after handing over the reins, the older generation should adjust how they communicate and respect the successor’s authority. He also advised the second generation to build cross-sector operating experience to meet challenges.
Facts
大工業 (1536) Group President and 格斯科技 (6940) Chairman is 沈國榮.
沈國榮 recalled that after leaving 新光, a friend introduced him to a company facing auction. He ultimately invested in and took part in running 和大.
沈國榮 once told his daughter: “If I retire a day later, that gives you an extra day of experience.”
沈國榮 said successors need to develop the ability to assess information, respond quickly and understand operations as a whole.
The Journalist interview: People in Taiwan are also betting on robots and drones; after handing over the reins, he returned to the industry because “it felt like there was still something left to do”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
和大工業 Group President 沈國榮 has returned to business as 格斯科技 (6940) chairman, working to apply battery technology to the robot and drone markets. 格斯科技 is targeting revenue of NT$1.8 billion in 2027 and a break-even result. It has already received orders with a preliminary estimated value of about NT$1.2 billion and is actively building a second production line to expand supply capacity.
Facts
格斯科技 Chairman 沈國榮 said the company is targeting revenue of NT$1.8 billion in 2027 and striving to break even.
沈國榮 estimates that 格斯 monthly revenue of NT$150 million would bring the company to break-even or even a slight profit.
Orders received so far for 2027 deliveries have a preliminary estimated value of about NT$1.2 billion.
格斯科技 is building a second production line, which is expected to begin mass production between late 2026 and early 2027.
More powerful than the emperor! The Qing dynasty’s most powerful official post was “this one”; only 2 people held it in nearly 300 years, with the power to issue imperial edicts directly and appoint or remove officials
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article looks back at the only two regent princes in the Qing dynasty’s nearly 300-year history: Dorgon and Zaifeng. Dorgon wielded enormous power but was condemned after his death, while Zaifeng was forced to resign amid political turmoil at the end of the Qing dynasty. Both met bleak ends.
Facts
In the Qing dynasty’s nearly 300-year history, the position of regent prince was held only by Prince Rui Dorgon and Prince Chun Zaifeng.
During the Shunzhi reign, Dorgon was elevated to “Emperor-Father Regent,” with power equivalent to that of a retired emperor.
In 1778, the Qianlong Emperor issued an edict rehabilitating Dorgon and restoring his title of Prince Rui.
Zaifeng was appointed prince regent in 1908 at the age of just 25.
In early 1909, Zaifeng dismissed Yuan Shikai and sent him back to his home province, citing a foot ailment.
Senior tickets for intercity buses can be booked through bus operators’ official websites or mobile apps, or purchased directly at ticket counters in major transport hubs.
Many long-distance intercity buses have spacious three-seat rows or individual first-class seats, with leg rests and USB charging ports.
國光客運、統聯客運、和欣客運 and 葛瑪蘭客運 are among the intercity bus operators covered by the senior half-price benefit.
On long intercity routes, buses often stop at large highway service areas, where passengers can get off to stretch, use the restroom or buy snacks.
Who actually names typhoons? The weather agency doesn’t come up with a name on the spot after a typhoon forms—the 140 names were arranged long ago
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Typhoons in the western North Pacific and South China Sea follow a rotating list of 140 names provided by members of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee. At its 2026 meeting, the committee added 9 names and retired 8, maintaining cultural diversity and commemorating disasters.
Facts
For the western North Pacific and South China Sea, the 14 members of the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee each contribute 10 names, forming a list of 140 that has been in use since 2000.
Hong Kong’s “Dim-sum” (點心) has officially been added to the typhoon name list, so a future typhoon named “Dim-sum” would not be a prank.
The 2026 58th ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee meeting officially approved 9 new names, including Koki, Gaeguri, Dim-sum, Hebi, Tomo, Tirou, Narae, Burapha and Hoaban.
The same meeting decided to retire 8 names: Wipha, Co-May, Matmo, Mitag, Ragasa, Bualoi, Kalmaegi and Fung-wong.
Behind the Scenes》What is the DPP up to? “Missy” won’t take on Miaoli’s king; mayoral candidate oversteps to attack Chung Tung-chin
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
DPP Chair Lai Ching-te drafted Lin Yue-chin to run for Miaoli mayor, teaming her with county magistrate candidate Chen Pin-an as a two-pronged push into Miaoli County, long dominated by the KMT. But reports that the two are at odds have thrown their plan to break the KMT’s hold into doubt.
Facts
Miaoli has long been governed by the KMT and has never seen a change of governing party.
DPP Chair Lai Ching-te drafted Lin Yue-chin to challenge for Miaoli mayor.
Lin Yue-chin and county magistrate candidate Chen Pin-an have formed a “two-pronged push” into Miaoli.
Miaoli is the only county or city in western Taiwan where the DPP has never held power.
There are local reports that Lin Yue-chin and Chen Pin-an are at odds.
Taitung Food Recommendations》5 Local Favorites Not to Miss During the National Day Fireworks: A Roundup of Salt-and-Pepper Chicken, Opah and Old-Fashioned Shaved Ice
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 National Day fireworks will return to the mouth of the Beinan River in Taitung on October 10. This article rounds up 5 popular local eateries in Taitung City and Chenggong Township, including 梁記鹹酥雞, 林家臭豆腐, 古早味阿桑剉冰, 新澎湖海產 and 王記鬼頭刀, and provides detailed addresses and business hours to help visitors plan their National Day holiday food itinerary.
Facts
The 2026 National Day fireworks will begin at 8 p.m. on October 10 at the mouth of the Beinan River in Taitung, returning to the county after 9 years.
梁記鹹酥雞 is located at No. 228, Fujian Road, Taitung City, Taitung County. Business hours are 17:30~21:30. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
林家臭豆腐 is located at No. 130, Zhengqi Road, Taitung City, Taitung County. Business hours are 14:00~21:30 on weekdays and 12:00~22:00 on holidays.
古早味阿桑剉冰 is located at No. 204, Guangming Road, Taitung City, Taitung County. Business hours are approximately 09:00~18:00, with irregular days off.
新澎湖海產 is located at No. 167, Zhongshan Road, Chenggong Township, Taitung County. Business hours are 11:00~14:00／17:00~20:00. It is closed on Mondays.
王記鬼頭刀 is located at No. 53, Xinsheng Road, Chenggong Township, Taitung County. Business hours are 10:00~18:30. Takeout is the main option, with no dine-in seating.
Commentary: Chiang Wan-an’s Opponent Is the KMT’s Achilles’ Heel
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
During the nine-in-one elections, Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s campaign struggled and he was criticized for failing to make use of his power and media resources. His opponent, Shen Po-yang, drew renewed attention through a revamped public image and online campaigning.
Facts
Chiang Wan-an has turned what was supposed to be a sure win into a difficult race, and his vote share may fall.
Chiang Wan-an does not know how to leverage the advantages and power of incumbency, and the city government team has few accomplishments to show for its reelection bid.
Chiang Wan-an has not actively sought media interviews, leading some to see him as unengaging or lacking the ability to generate online traffic.
Shen Po-yang’s revamped public image includes a consistent smile and frequent animated gestures.
台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in Liu'an and Min'an villages in Jiali District, Tainan City, from October 7 to 12, 2026, to install fire hydrants near a designated factory.
台灣自來水公司 will replace pipelines in Jinsha and Nanhai villages, Xigang District, Tainan City, to improve water supply stability and reduce the risk of pipeline leaks. Water service will be suspended during the work.
台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in Gonglao and Guting villages, Zhuangwei Township, Yilan County, from 8:06 to 14:00 on October 8, 2026, as the Shenshuigou plant carries out minor pipeline relocation work.
健喬 September revenue reaches NT$750 million, up 39% year over year; expects demand for allergy and respiratory medicines to contribute - Global Bio & Medicine Monthly
工研院 Joins 22 Pharmaceutical Companies at CPHI to Expand International Cooperation - Global Bio & Investment Monthly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊
With support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, 工研院 brought together 22 domestic pharmaceutical companies under the “Taiwan Pharma Pavilion” to participate in CPHI Worldwide in Milan, Italy, expanding international cooperation and supply-chain connections.
Facts
Bringing together 22 domestic pharmaceutical companies
More than 170 companies meet the international certification requirements of the Pharmaceutical Inspection Co-operation Scheme (PIC/S) Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP).
More than 9 tenths of active pharmaceutical ingredients are exported.
Original2024年對美國西藥製劑出口額達94.66億元
Selected among the top 8 at the 2026 NVIDIA GPU Technology Conference
啟新生技 Signs MOU with 先勁智能 to Promote Standardization of Cell Analysis - Global Bio & Investment Monthly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊
啟新生技 and 先勁智能 signed an MOU to combine cell analysis and AI data capabilities, drawing on NIST standards to promote consistency in cell analysis methods and comparability of data across laboratories.
Facts
啟新生物科技 (7837)
Yesterday (6)
啟新 was founded in 1979.
Companies mentioned：啟新生物科技、啟新生技、先勁智能、AHEAD Intelligence、National Institute of Standards and Technology、NIST、Flow Cytometry Standards Consortium、FCSC、CellNOVA
Hosting of the 38th National Health and Welfare Festival Saitama Games (Nenrinpic Sai no Kuni Saitama 2026) and decisions on the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award and other prizes at the art exhibition
Published ・ Source Japan | 厚生労働省
Hosting of the 38th National Health and Welfare Festival Saitama Games (Nenrinpic Sai no Kuni Saitama 2026) and decisions on the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare Award and other prizes at the art exhibition
Facts
A total of 493 works were submitted
78 award-winning works have been selected
across 6 categories: Japanese painting, Western painting, sculpture, crafts, calligraphy and photography
The Healthcare Promotion Office of the Accounting Division, Minister's Secretariat, 厚生労働省, is recruiting 1 part-time registered dietitian to handle duties including specific health guidance and nutritional counseling. The appointment period is from January 1 to March 31, Reiwa 9, and the daily wage is ¥13,650 or more.
Minutes of the 5th Meeting of the Safety Measures Investigation Committee, Safety Measures Subcommittee on Pharmaceuticals, Reiwa 8
Published ・ Source Japan | 厚生労働省
Minutes of the 5th Meeting of the Safety Measures Investigation Committee, Safety Measures Subcommittee on Pharmaceuticals, Reiwa 8. The committee discussed proposed revisions to the precautions for olanzapine (a conditional proposal to remove the contraindication for patients with diabetes) and risk classifications for nonprescription drugs.
Facts
At present, all 6 of the 6 committee members are in attendance
Olanzapine was approved in December 2000 for the indication of schizophrenia
In April 2002, after issuing the Yellow Letter shown in Reference Material 1-1 as an “Emergency Safety Information,”
In February 2017, an indication was added for gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea and vomiting) associated with the administration of antineoplastic agents (cisplatin, etc.) (hereinafter “CINV”).
[Residential Fire] [A residential fire on Minsheng Road, Chenggong Township, Taitung County, at 17:16 on the 7th has been extinguished; no injuries or fatalities] Initial/final report
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 內政部消防署
A fire broke out at 17:16 on the 7th at a 3-story reinforced-concrete residence on Minsheng Road, Chenggong Township, Taitung County. The fire department dispatched 9 vehicles and 14 personnel. The fire was extinguished at 17:56. There were no injuries or fatalities, and the area burned was about 40 square meters.
[Hospital Fire] [A fire in the alcohol room (B1) at 衛生福利部臺北醫院 in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, at 15:54 on the 7th was extinguished by hospital staff; no injuries or fatalities] Initial/final report
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 內政部消防署
A fire broke out in the B1 alcohol room at 衛生福利部臺北醫院 in Xinzhuang District, New Taipei City, after a worker accidentally caused it while welding. Hospital staff extinguished the fire. There were no injuries or fatalities.
[Suspected Arson] [A fire suspected to have been deliberately set outside the garage of a residence on Qiucuo North Lane, North District, Taichung City, at 08:03 on the 7th was already out before firefighters arrived; no injuries or fatalities] Initial/final report
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 內政部消防署
A fire suspected to have been deliberately set broke out outside a residential garage in North District, Taichung City. The fire was already out when firefighters arrived. There were no injuries or fatalities, and the cause is under investigation.
A professor of Chinese medicine tells stories about the solar terms / Cold Dew: “Dew turns white first, then comes the cold”! Eat these 3 treasures to ease autumn dryness and depression, and ward off evil - Heho Health
Published ・ Source Taiwan | Heho健康
At 14:31 on October 8, 2026, the seventeenth of the 24 solar terms, Cold Dew, begins. It is the fifth solar term of autumn and the first to feature the character for “cold.”