Wei Che-chia confirms team sent to Texas to assess expansion；discussions on Terafab cooperation underway
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台積電 Chairman Wei Che-chia confirmed that the company is assessing the possibility of expanding in Texas and is discussing cooperation with Terafab。The discussions are still at the communication stage。
Pepper spray accidentally discharged at Pingtung high school；7 students feel unwell but are unharmed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A seventh-grade student at a high school in Pingtung accidentally discharged pepper spray，causing 7 students to feel unwell after inhaling the irritant and seek medical attention。All have since returned home。The school will strengthen safety education and awareness efforts。
Thai influencer illegally works in Taiwan and films videos, drawing attention; immigration authorities arrest 20 migrant workers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Thai influencer “Xiao Li” filmed her illegal work in Taiwan and posted the videos on TikTok to recruit fellow nationals, drawing so much attention that she came under the scrutiny of immigration authorities. The Southern Taiwan Affairs Corps of the National Immigration Agency arrested 20 overstaying Thai migrant workers and 5 illegal employers in a raid in a rural area of Kaohsiung, and is investigating the case under relevant laws.
Facts
More than 100,000 views
5 illegal employers
A fine of up to NT$750,000
A fine of up to NT$500,000
Face up to 3 years in prison
A fine of up to NT$1.2 million may also be imposed
Anti-child-abuse rally to take place at Ketagalan Boulevard on the 17th; Taipei police release traffic-control information
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 台北市警局 released traffic-control information for an anti-child-abuse rally on the 17th. Ketagalan Boulevard will be subject to restrictions while a stage is set up and the event takes place. Councilor Hsu Li-hsin said 審計部 statistics showed that the handling of more than 300 suspected child abuse cases was delayed last year.
味全龍 sponsors 1,000 Taiwan Series tickets, sparking a surge in donors lining up to give blood
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
味全龍 sponsored 1,000 Taiwan Series tickets for 台北捐血中心, sparking a surge in blood donations. 台灣血液基金會 statistics show that blood supplies across Taiwan stand at just 6.8 days, a relatively low level.
竣邦-KY wins key products from major customer, ramps up shipments; optimistic about 4th quarter
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
竣邦-KY has entered the supply chain for core products of a major customer, with shipments ramping up from July and driving 3rd-quarter revenue to a record high. Revenue for the first 3 quarters neared the level for all of last year, and the company is optimistic about operations in the 4th quarter.
Facts
3rd-quarter revenue of NT$636 million
Up 11% quarter over quarter
Up 77% year on year
Revenue of NT$1.646 billion for the first 9 months
Up 35% year over year
2025 full-year revenue of NT$1.67 billion
Revenue from key new customers grew nearly 6 tenths year on year
Taiwan stocks plunge 1,655 points, fall below monthly moving average and 47,000-point threshold
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Amid concerns over U.S. inflation and a sell-off in chip stocks, global markets fell in tandem. Taiwan stocks plunged 1,655.96 points to 46,969.87, falling below the monthly moving average and the 47,000-point threshold. 台積電 shares dropped after its investor conference, while tech stocks including 聯發科 and 台達電 led the declines.
The 高雄選委會 disqualified 20 candidates for borough chief. A prospective candidate surnamed Yeh from Zuoying District, dissatisfied with the eligibility review results, drove a crane to the front of the election commission and hung up a protest banner. He took it down and left after police persuaded him to do so.
Facts
A total of 20 candidates disqualified
Drove a crane at 10:15 a.m.
A total of 1,657 candidates completed registration to run for borough chief in Kaohsiung's 893 boroughs
Following amendments to the Public Officials Election and Recall Act in ROC year 112
Contract workers allegedly faced contract changes and pay cuts; labor groups urge 勞動部 to investigate and review system
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Labor groups alleged that an offshore wind company brought in overseas technical workers under the title “contract workers,” then changed their contracts after they arrived in Taiwan, cutting their pay and switching them to hourly wages. 勞動部 said it had asked local governments to investigate in accordance with the law and strengthen review mechanisms.
Facts
5 migrant contract workers
Work 8 to 10 hours a day
Hourly wages of only a little over NT$100
This company had 508 contract workers in 2025
508 contract workers
An employment contract with a monthly salary of NT$48,000
Another contract listed an hourly wage of 80,000 Indonesian rupiah
Contract workers who had been in Taiwan for more than 30 days
First mid-term cabinet replacement under Sanae Takaichi; Japan's new agriculture minister Takebe Arata takes office today
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi appointed Takebe Arata, a House of Representatives member from the 自民黨, to replace the resigning agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister Kazuo Yanagida, marking the first mid-term personnel change since the Takaichi Cabinet was formed.
Facts
Original（中央社東京15日綜合外電報導）
Has been elected 6 times to date
Since it was formed last October
Less than a month after the Takaichi Cabinet reshuffle in mid-September
Deliberations are expected to begin in the House of Representatives as early as the 20th
Amid U.S. inflation data exceeding expectations and selling pressure on chip stocks, Taiwan stocks plunged 1,655 points, and the Taiwan dollar weakened to NT$32.4 against the U.S. dollar.
台積電 raises full-year U.S. dollar revenue growth forecast to 44%; 4th-quarter revenue seen rising 14% quarter on quarter
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台積電 gave an optimistic outlook for 4th-quarter operations, forecasting revenue of US$52.3 billion to US$54.3 billion, up 14% quarter on quarter. Chairman C.C. Wei said strong demand for advanced process technologies could drive U.S. dollar revenue growth of about 44% in 2026, above the previous forecast.
日月光率 18 supply-chain companies on a visit to Pingtung; county chief says it has advantages in water, electricity and land
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
日月光半導體 led 18 supply-chain companies on a visit to Pingtung. County Chief Chou Chun-mi emphasized that the county has a reliable water and power supply and level land, while 日月光副總經理李叔霞 praised Pingtung's potential to catch up and overtake.
Cheerleader Wenwen attacked; prosecutors indict suspect for attempted murder
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
汶汶, a member of the 中華職棒 中信兄弟 cheerleading squad, was stabbed in the neck by a 52-year-old man surnamed Hsu. 士林地檢署 indicted Hsu on suspicion of attempted murder, assault and aggravated stalking, and the case will be heard by a citizens’ judge court.
Trump promotes investment by Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, focusing on semiconductors and energy infrastructure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Trump announced that Japan would provide funding to help 格羅方德 build 2 semiconductor plants in New York state, and cited investment commitments by South Korea and Taiwan for an Alaska liquefied natural gas project, although some figures were questioned by media outlets or confirmed to be unilateral claims.
Facts
Total investment reportedly reached $21 billion
Total investment reached $21 billion
Japan will provide $10 billion
Another $10 billion will be used to build the 2nd wafer fab
The 美國商務部 will invest $955 million
The 2 Japanese funding installments total $20 billion
The amount is between $70 billion and $80 billion
Taiwan agreed to invest $4.4 billion in equity in the project
Estimated investment of up to $4.4 billion
中油 will purchase 6 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas annually
Reform of school affairs meetings aims to prevent frivolous complaints; 教育部 to subsidize legal consultations for teachers
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
教育部 announced guidelines to subsidize local governments in setting up legal consultation services for teachers, with a general subsidy of NT$30,000 per person per case, and is amending the law to reform school affairs meetings and prevent frivolous complaints.
國光客運 canceled 65 services over 2 days; 公路局: maximum fine of NT$90,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國光客運 unexpectedly canceled 65 services on October 14 and 15. The Taipei District Motor Vehicles Office of 公路局 said the company had not applied to reduce services and would be fined up to NT$90,000 under the law.
Symphony joins forces with Yuju opera to tell a heroic tale; Guan Yu to be portrayed in New Taipei on the 17th
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 南台灣交響樂團 and 國立傳統藝術中心台灣豫劇團 will stage the original music theater production “The Hero’s Tale: Guan Yu, the Martial Sage” at the Xinzhuang Culture and Arts Center theater on the afternoon of the 17th. The production combines symphony, Yuju opera and multimedia to present the spirit of Guan Yu.
Man uses fake currency exchange to rob 2 caregivers of more than $200,000; Chiayi prosecutors indict him on robbery charges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Cheng and a teenager allegedly used a fake currency exchange as a pretext to rob 2 Vietnamese caregivers in Chiayi City and Nantou County of more than $200,000 in cash, using pepper spray as a weapon. Chiayi prosecutors indicted them on suspicion of robbery.
北醫附醫: King of Eswatini makes personal visit, marking milestone in Taiwan-Eswatini medical exchanges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
King Mswati III of Eswatini and the queen visited 台北醫學大學附設醫院. 北醫附醫 said it has provided medical services in the country since 2009, serving more than 220,000 people in total, and that the visit marks a milestone in Taiwan-Eswatini medical exchanges.
Facts
More than 220,000 people served in total
More than 50,000 teaching and training services provided
北醫體系 has provided medical services in Eswatini since 2009
台積電 reiterates capital spending of about $60 billion to $64 billion this year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台積電 reiterated at an investor conference that its capital expenditure budget this year remains between $60 billion and $64 billion, and forecast a significant increase in capital spending from 2026 to 2028. Chief Financial Officer Huang Ren-chao said strong customer demand, including from the agentic AI market, supports the investment plan, while the company continues investing in advanced CoWoS packaging capacity and shareholder returns.
Facts
$60 billion to $64 billion
Capital spending in the 3rd quarter totaled $13.84 billion
$15.7 billion in the 2nd quarter
$9.7 billion in the same period in 2025
台積電's capital spending totaled $40.64 billion in the first 3 quarters of this year
$29.39 billion in the same period last year
台積電's 3rd-quarter capital spending was NT$443.21 billion
Xiaolin Taivoan Tribe’s night ceremony to be held on the 24th, showcasing the depth of its cultural heritage
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Xiaolin Taivoan Tribe’s night ceremony in Jiasian, Kaohsiung, will be held on the 24th. Community members are jointly preparing for the event and repairing the ancestral shrine. Activities include traditional rituals, a cultural exhibition, a food market and craft experiences, with several Indigenous groups invited to take part and foster交流.
Tainan Municipal Jianxing Junior High School’s century-old red-brick building restored and reopened, integrating heritage education
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
“Hongxue Building,” the century-old red-brick building at Tainan Municipal Jianxing Junior High School, was unveiled and reopened after restoration. Built during the Japanese colonial period, it once served as the former Tainan City Government offices and is now used for teaching and administrative purposes, with heritage education incorporated.
Facts
Total budget of about NT$152 million
Restoration work began in 2023
Built in 1919
Served as the former Tainan City Government offices for 23 years
Became a school building for Jianxing Junior High School in 1969
Seibu Lions to play exhibition games in Taiwan in February 2027, facing 統一獅 and 中信兄弟
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japan's 埼玉西武獅 will hold the Taiwan Series at Taipei Dome on Feb. 27 and 28, 2027, facing the CPBL's 統一7-ELEVEn獅 and 中信兄弟, respectively. A friendly game between Seibu alumni and Taiwan alumni will also be added. Tickets go on sale at 12 p.m. on Nov. 4.
BCG survey: AI investment paying off, nearly half of companies creating tangible value
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
BCG's 2026 AI Adoption Index report says corporate AI investments are paying off, with nearly half of companies already generating tangible business value. AI spending rose from 1.7% of revenue at the end of 2025 to 3.3% currently, an increase of nearly 1 times.
Nangang Bus Station's East Terminal opens, upgrading waiting areas and moving all 12 routes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The East Terminal of Taipei's Nangang Bus Station opened today, with all 12 intercity bus routes from the original West Terminal transferred to the East Terminal. The waiting area has been upgraded and more platforms added to improve efficiency.
Broadcasting Golden Bell Awards take place this weekend; 哈哈台's 'street interview master' to bring a fresh spin to ceremony
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 61st Broadcasting Golden Bell Awards will take place on the 17th. 哈哈台's 'street interview masters' Gary and Jenny will take the stage to present awards for advertising and innovation, while veteran broadcasters including Cheng Kai-lai, Zhao Ting and Liang Ming-da will return to host the awards.
Yang Li-hua makes rare variety show appearance; Hu Gua calls it the pinnacle of his career
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
'National treasure of Taiwanese opera' Yang Li-hua recorded the variety show 'Weekend's Mightiest' to promote her documentary. Host Hu Gua called it the pinnacle of his career and shared some humorous exchanges with Yang.
China's September exports exceed expectations, heightening trade war concerns
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China's exports rose 36.3% year over year in September, exceeding expectations, while its trade surplus reached US$133.5 billion, raising concerns about a trade war. Although 環球時報 pushed back against the 'trade imbalance theory,' the export surge has exacerbated tensions with Europe and the United States. China and 歐盟 reached an understanding on limiting exports of plug-in hybrid vehicles, and the central bank approved Visa to prepare a bank card clearing institution.
Facts
China's exports in September rose 36.3% year over year
Above the expected 25.9%
Trade surplus of US$133.5 billion
The annual economic growth rate should be able to reach the 4.5% target
Grew 11 times since 2020
China and 歐盟 reached 16 understandings recently
This is therefore a '25-year delay'
China's trade surplus surpassed the US$1 trillion mark for the first time in 2025
Hai Kun submarine conducts 25th sea trial; expert says testing has entered final stage
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Hai Kun submarine conducted its 25th sea trial. An expert said the testing phase has entered its final stage, with increased test difficulty and depth, and that most system integration issues have been resolved.
輝達 plans to provide computing resources worth more than NT$8 billion to advance agentic AI research in the UK
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
輝達 announced it will donate computing resources worth US$250 million (about NT$8.08 billion) over the next 5 years to support research into agentic AI safety and cybersecurity in the UK, partnering with the Open Learning and Exploration Lab, the Foundation AI Research Science Lab and Imperial College London.
Wang Jian-ying takes over as head of New Taipei United Hospital, focusing on critical care and community services
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Wang Jian-ying has taken over as president of 新北市立聯合醫院 and will strengthen emergency and critical care while working with the Department of Health and primary care clinics to deepen long-term community care services.
DeepSeek suffers 2 outages in 3 days; users say website and app issues remain unresolved
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
DeepSeek's website and app experienced operational problems on the morning of the 15th, with the official site reporting that the servers were temporarily unavailable. Reports say the company has suffered at least 10 widespread outages so far this year, with the previous one occurring on the 12th.
Facts
Just 3 days ago
8:11 a.m.
At least 10 widespread outages
DeepSeek officially recorded 6 service disruptions in September
華航 has updated its light travel membership program, adding a points reward mechanism for carbon offsets on environmentally friendly trips. Members can earn points and receive ticket discounts by completing designated green actions and carbon offsets.
資安院 signs memorandum of cooperation with Ørsted to bolster cybersecurity resilience in offshore wind
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國家資通安全研究院 and 沃旭能源 signed a memorandum of cooperation focused on exchanging cybersecurity threat intelligence and protecting energy infrastructure, strengthening cybersecurity at offshore wind farms.
台積電’s third-quarter profit tops NT$763 billion, setting a record; earnings per share reach NT$29.43
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台積電’s third-quarter revenue reached a record US$46.72 billion, while net profit attributable to the parent company also set a record at NT$763.06 billion. Earnings per share were NT$29.43; advanced processes accounted for 79% of revenue.
Taiwan stocks plunge 1,655 points, fall below monthly moving average in sixth-largest single-day drop
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. and Asian stocks fell after U.S. inflation data came in higher than expected. Heavy selling in heavyweight and high-priced stocks dragged Taiwan shares down 1,655.96 points to close at 46,969.87, below the monthly moving average. Trading value reached NT$1.31977 trillion. 台積電, 聯發科, 台達電 and 鴻海 were among the heavyweight stocks that fell.
Taipei stocks opened lower and continued to fall today, closing down 1,655.96 points at 46,969.87, a drop of 3.41%. Trading value reached NT$1.31977 trillion.
Accident at Meng’ao Harbor project: 3 workers in Matsu’s Dongju Island found without breathing or pulse
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
An accident at a project at Meng’ao Harbor on Matsu’s Dongju Island left 3 workers suffering oxygen deprivation after inhaling an unidentified gas. All were pronounced dead after being taken to hospital.
CPBL team holds 33-player training camp for Asian Championship; 3 overseas players included, Guo Tianxin among wild-card contenders
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Asian baseball championship is about to begin, and the 中華職棒聯盟 has announced a 33-player training camp roster, including 3 players based in Japan and 4 eligible for wild-card selection. Training is scheduled to begin on Nov. 1, with 28 players ultimately selected to represent the team.
Facts
33 players in CPBL team training camp
Includes 3 players based in Japan
4 wild-card-eligible players, including Guo Tianxin
Training camp begins Nov. 1
28 players will ultimately be selected to represent the team
The Asian Championship will be held at Tokyo Dome in Japan from Nov. 12 to 15
統一7-ELEVEn獅: 10 players
樂天桃猿: 7 players
味全龍: 4 players
中信兄弟: 4 players
台鋼雄鷹: 3 players
富邦悍將: 2 players
15 pitchers
4 catchers
8 infielders
6 outfielders
Must be 24 or younger, or have less than 3 years in professional baseball
"wild card" spots outside each team's 3 restrictions
Tapping into international markets: Standard Chartered Bank and 摩根大通 launch cross-border collateral service for listed shares
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
渣打銀行 announced a partnership with 摩根大通 to launch Taiwan’s first cross-border collateral service for listed shares, helping international institutional investors improve asset utilization and liquidity management.
Facts
First solution for pledging Taiwan-listed securities as collateral
Colombia-Israel ties warm as new embassy opens in Jerusalem
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Colombia’s new president, Aispuraya, reversed the previous government’s policy of severing ties with Israel, opening an embassy in Jerusalem and restoring diplomatic relations and the free trade agreement between the two countries.
Facts
Becomes the 10th government to take this step
Right-wing politician Aispuraya took office as president in August
Since the United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018
U.S. accuses Chinese hackers of infiltrating Fiji; Fiji turns to New Zealand intelligence agency for reforms
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After the United States warned that Chinese hackers had infiltrated Fiji, the Fijian government announced cooperation with the 紐西蘭安全情報局 (NZSIS) to reform the country’s intelligence system.
Car has been parked at home for a long time? Forgetting its inspection can still bring a fine. A license may be canceled if it is more than 6 months overdue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Kaohsiung City Motor Vehicles Office and the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office reminded owners that cars must undergo regular inspections even if they have been parked for a long time. Failure to do so could result in fines or even license cancellation. Applying online to suspend a vehicle’s registration is recommended to avoid violations.
Facts
Owners of cars that fail to undergo regular inspections by the deadline will be fined between NT$900 and NT$1,800.
A car’s license will be canceled by law if its inspection is more than 6 months overdue.
After a car’s license is canceled, it can be reissued only after 6 months have passed and the vehicle has passed inspection.
Private passenger cars more than 10 years old must be inspected at least 2 times a year.
Store water now! Major water cuts in 11 counties and cities tomorrow: “The whole family will have no water from early morning.” Check whether your home is affected with one click
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台灣自來水公司 announced water cuts or reduced water pressure in parts of 11 counties and cities on Oct. 16, including Taipei, New Taipei, Taoyuan, Tainan and Kaohsiung, mainly due to pipe replacement and leak investigations. Beigang Township in Yunlin County will face the longest outage, lasting 10 hours. Residents should store water in advance and use it carefully.
Facts
台灣自來水公司 announced that parts of 11 counties and cities will have water cuts or reduced pressure on Oct. 16: Taipei City, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Changhua County, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Pingtung County and Penghu County.
Water will be cut in Beigang Township, Yunlin County, from 8:00 to 18:00 on Oct. 16, for 10 hours, the longest outage in this round.
Water will be cut for 6 hours, from 21:00 on the 15th to 3:00 on the 16th, in 5 villages in Xinwu District, Taoyuan City: Xiatian, Dongming, Kanglang, Shipai and Chilan.
Water will be cut for 6 hours in Guiren District, Tainan City, from 23:00 on the 15th to 5:00 on the 16th due to a pipeline network closure investigation and water meter maintenance.
Most areas of Taipei City will have a water outage for 4 hours during the day on the 16th, while Zhongshan District and parts of Xinyi District will be without water for 6 hours.
A new attraction opens in Taiwan! “Free admission, lots to see, and so beautiful it feels like Japan”: easy to get to and enjoy—see the highlights and address at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The New Taipei City-designated historic site “淡水日商中野宅” completed restoration and officially opened on October 3, 2026. The century-old Japanese-Western-style residence was originally the home of Japanese merchant Nakano Kintaro. Historical details such as the fireplace and swimming pool have been preserved, and the site is open to visitors free of charge year-round, adding a new cultural tourism attraction to the Tamsui area.
Facts
The New Taipei City-designated historic site “淡水日商中野宅” officially opened to visitors on October 3, 2026.
淡水日商中野宅 is a 三-story brick building whose exterior combines Western architectural ornamentation with Japanese residential culture.
The first floor of 淡水日商中野宅 retains 本業燒 floor tiles from Japan.
Beneath the second-floor ceiling of 淡水日商中野宅 are the remains of a brick lattice parapet left behind when a third floor was added.
The west-facing windows on the third floor of 淡水日商中野宅 retain a rare pair of double-hung windows with counterweights.
Original淡水日商中野宅在第二次世界大戰後增建了名為「澹寧園」的私人游泳池。
淡水日商中野宅 is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with hours extended to 6 p.m. on holidays.
Just NT$48 per shot! South Korea’s 天光 laser weapon successfully shoots down drones, with no need to worry about ammunition stocks
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
韓華系統 announced that its 天光 laser weapon successfully shot down 3 drones during an Army exercise, demonstrating extremely high precision and a cost advantage.
Facts
韓華系統 successfully shot down 3 target drones during the “Army TIGER+ Future Combat Integrated Execution Exercise.”
Each shot from the 天光 laser weapon costs just 2,000 won.
One Piece faces a crisis after 29 years of serialization? Elbaf arc blasted for dragging pace and boring plot; Eiichiro Oda questioned over his attitude toward his work
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
One Piece is facing a reputation crisis after 29 years of serialization. Japanese users launched criticism on X, faulting the latest arc for its slow pace, boring plot and issues with the author’s attitude. The discussion has drawn more than 5.74 million views.
Facts
ONE PIECE began serialization in 1997 and has now been running for 29 years.
An X post criticizing One Piece and Eiichiro Oda has amassed more than 5.74 million views.
Some readers complain that One Piece often inserts flashbacks or switches scenes at dramatic high points, disrupting the pacing.
Some readers say that exaggerated comic scenes, such as Luffy’s bulging eyes, and the addition of a baseball sequence have made the world feel disjointed.
Some users question why Whitebeard’s son Weevil was once given a major role but has since not received enough page time.
She leaks urine every time she coughs! A 60-year-old woman “uses 3 panty liners a day”; Chi Mei Medical Center treats her incontinence with a hydrogel injection
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Lin Tsai-yang, a urologist at 奇美醫院, said a 60-year-old woman with stress urinary incontinence underwent urethral hydrogel injection treatment, which successfully improved her leakage. The minimally invasive therapy offers a new option for patients who do not want major surgery.
Facts
After receiving urethral hydrogel injection treatment, a 60-year-old female patient said her urine leakage had improved by about 7 to 8 tenths.
According to a 2007 survey by the Health Promotion Administration of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, 1 in every 4 women aged 54 and older suffers from urinary leakage.
Hydrogel is made primarily of 97.5% water and 2.5% cross-linked polyacrylamide.
A 2003 community study in Taiwan found that about 18% of adult women reported symptoms of stress urinary incontinence.
Urethral hydrogel injection treatment usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Ants keep appearing in your room even when there’s no food! Home expert shares “4 ways to cut them off at the source” and scare the colony away for good
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The article explores why ants appear indoors after heavy rain and how to deal with them. Experts recommend cutting off their source and removing scent trails. It particularly warns households with cats against products containing pyrethrins and advises using bait correctly to eliminate ant infestations.
Facts
Flooding of ant nests during heavy rain is one of the key triggers that sends ants indoors.
Ants follow scent trails left by their companions, so removing those trails is a basic step.
Did Chiang Wan-an only propose relocating Songshan Airport before the election? Yu Shu-hui shows a 3-year-old document to directly refute the DPP
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an briefed the Executive Yuan on relocating Songshan Airport. KMT city councilor Yu Shu-hui released a 2023 document to counter the DPP’s claim that the proposal was only put forward before the election. Premier Cho Jung-tai questioned the change in Chiang’s position and demanded an explanation.
Facts
Chiang Wan-an attended an Executive Yuan meeting on the 15th to brief officials on the Songshan Airport relocation plan.
The Taipei City Government formally sent a document to the Ministry of Transportation and Communications on August 8, 2023.
In the document, the Chiang administration urged the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to include the Songshan Airport relocation plan in its subsequent overall airport planning.
Premier Cho Jung-tai questioned the major shift in Chiang Wan-an’s position compared with 4 years ago.
Chiang Wan-an proposed that medical evacuation services could be planned further, or that the rights of outlying-island residents could be addressed through shuttle services or subsidies.
Yu Shu-hui said relocating Songshan Airport is an issue the DPP itself has talked about for more than 20 years.
清心福全 offers hidden food favorites as well as drinks! Online users rave that “even the staff love them”: 7 little-known facts about 清心福全
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Bubble tea brand 清心福全 has shared 7 little-known facts, including its exclusive oolong green tea recipe, its history of making its own ice, and its hidden-menu tea eggs. The brand highlighted its ties to traditional Chinese medicine shops, its partnership with 統一企業, and its decision not to open stores in Penghu out of consideration for family ties, while also showcasing its leading ESG initiatives.
Facts
清心福全 was founded nearly 40 years ago and now has more than 900 stores across Taiwan.
In 1988, 清心福全 introduced Taiwan’s first oolong green tea, with a recipe inspired by the blending principles of traditional Chinese medicine shops.
清心福全 was Taiwan’s first chain bubble tea brand to make its own ice, purchasing Hoshizaki ice machines from Japan starting in 1990.
清心福全 partnered with 統一企業 to launch “清心優多,” Taiwan’s first OEM live-culture fermented milk drink.
In 2024, 清心福全 became Taiwan’s first chain bubble tea brand to adopt paper cups certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
About 35 清心福全 stores across Taiwan sell tea eggs simmered in oolong green tea.
In its early days, 清心福全 required franchisees to be married couples or direct relatives. Its first franchise store was in Hunei, Kaohsiung.
Tan Songyun and Dilraba Dilmurat both lose out! The winner of the “most audience-friendly female lead” TOP8 in Chinese dramas: she combines acting skills and popularity, with top-tier looks and acclaim
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chinese internet users ranked post-90s actresses by “audience appeal.” Yang Zi took the top spot for her acting and choice of roles, while Tan Songyun and Dilraba Dilmurat placed 2nd and 4th, respectively, reflecting the market’s emphasis on performers’ overall qualities.
Facts
Chinese internet users compiled a ranking of post-90s actresses with the “greatest audience appeal.” The top 8 are Bai Lu, Ju Jingyi, Zhou Dongyu, Li Yitong, Dilraba Dilmurat, Li Qin, Tan Songyun and Yang Zi.
Yang Zi took first place in the “most audience-friendly female lead” ranking.
Explainer》Chiang Wan-an and Shen Po-yang’s mayoral election: voting on November 28! Can you still vote if you recently moved? A difference of just 1 day in household registration may matter—see the guide
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan’s 2026九合一 election will be held on November 28, with the race between Chiang Wan-an and Shen Po-yang heating up. The article explains voter eligibility, noting that Taipei mayoral candidates must have registered residency in the city by July 28, and that moving across districts after the announcement may cost voters their right to vote for city councilors. Referendum eligibility is less restrictive.
Facts
The 2026 local elections will be held on Nov. 28, with voting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To be eligible to run in the Taipei mayoral election, candidates must have moved their household registration to Taipei City by July 28, 2026 (inclusive).
People who move into a different city council electoral district after the election announcement is published (starting Aug. 21) are not eligible to vote in that district.
The voter rolls will be open for public inspection from Nov. 10 to Nov. 12, 2026.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an is seeking re-election, while the DPP candidate is Shen Po-yang.
Nov. 8 is the deadline for completing the 2026 voter rolls.
From NBA superstar to police officer! At 43, Amar’e Stoudemire completes 848 hours of training and joins Miami police, fulfilling his childhood dream
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Former NBA superstar Amar’e Stoudemire graduated from the Florida police academy on the 14th after completing 848 hours of training. He will join the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department. The move fulfills his childhood dream of becoming a police officer, and he hopes to help the community and young people.
Facts
Amar’e Stoudemire graduated from the Florida police academy on the 14th and will join the Miami-Dade Schools Police Department.
Amar’e Stoudemire spent about 10 and a half months completing 848 hours of police academy training.
Amar’e Stoudemire was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame this August.
Amar’e Stoudemire played 846 games over 14 NBA seasons.
Amar’e Stoudemire earned more than $167 million over his NBA career.
Big Three institutional investors’ net trading: Foreign investors sell heavily! Sales of “NT$302.5 billion” set an all-time record, while investment trusts buck the trend with NT$28.3 billion in net buying; stocks they added revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan stocks plunged on the 15th under pressure from global markets, with the benchmark index falling below 47,000 points. Foreign investors sold more than NT$302.5 billion in a single day, a record, while investment trusts bucked the trend, buying NT$28.3 billion worth of traditional industry stocks. The Big Three institutional investors recorded combined net sales of nearly NT$370 billion.
Facts
Foreign investors recorded net sales of NT$302.555 billion today, setting a record for the largest single-day foreign sell-off in Taiwan stock market history.
Investment trusts recorded net buying of NT$28.303 billion today, adding to their holdings for 5 consecutive trading days.
The Big Three institutional investors recorded combined net sales of NT$370.075 billion today.
The benchmark index plunged 1,655.96 points at the close, ending at 46,969.87.
The top 5 stocks bought by investment trusts were concentrated in traditional industries, including petrochemicals, textiles, cement, and wire and cable.
A Japanese YouTube channel tested storage methods and found that refrigerating individual bananas in separate plastic bags worked best, keeping them fresh for about 3 weeks. Experts recommend paying attention to ripeness and storage conditions.
Facts
The Japanese educational YouTube channel “料理教室のBonちゃん” conducted a 3-week test of 4 common methods for refrigerating bananas.
The test found that separating the bananas and placing each one in its own clean, ordinary plastic bag kept the fruit in the best and firmest condition after 3 weeks.
The main reasons bananas over-ripen are ethylene gas released from their stems, exposure to air, and moisture.
Generally, bananas can be kept in the refrigerator’s fruit and vegetable compartment for about 1 to 2 weeks.
Could a nationwide NT$20,000 cash handout be coming? Latest developments from the Legislative Yuan and Executive Yuan revealed as they push for a third reading by “this date”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The KMT caucus proposed a universal NT$20,000 cash handout and plans to pass it in a third reading on 11/28. The Executive Yuan insists on a NT$10,000 handout included in the overall budget, emphasizing 3 principles and urging the Legislative Yuan to review it quickly so funds can be distributed before the Lunar New Year.
Facts
The KMT caucus in the Legislative Yuan proposed a special bill seeking to increase the universal cash handout to NT$20,000.
The KMT Central Standing Committee has approved the bill, calling on its caucus to complete a third reading by Nov. 28.
Executive Yuan spokesperson Li Huizhi reiterated the administration’s 3 principles: not crowding out other policies, no actual borrowing, and following legal and constitutional procedures.
The Executive Yuan’s budget for “sharing the AI dividend with all through a NT$10,000 handout” has been included in next year’s central government general budget proposal and submitted for review.
President Lai Ching-te urged the legislature to pass the general budget in a third reading by Jan. 5 next year so people can receive NT$10,000 before the Lunar New Year.
The Executive Yuan will ensure that the NT$5,000 child and youth development allowance for each person aged 0 to 18 begins on schedule next year.
Frequent booking disputes with Agoda! Japanese hotels reveal the truth about “third-party reselling”: Skip this step and you could be left out in the cold
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Hotels and inns across Japan have revealed booking disputes involving Agoda, saying third-party reselling leads to inaccurate information. The Japan Tourism Agency has stepped in and demanded improvements, while businesses urge travelers to double-check their bookings to avoid being unable to check in.
Facts
A hot spring inn in Yonezawa, Yamagata Prefecture, issued a warning on social media on Sept. 22, urging travelers not to book rooms through overseas booking sites such as Agoda.
The Japan Tourism Agency had already called on Agoda to address booking-related disputes in March 2025.
Some hotels make rooms available to travel agencies or wholesalers, which then resell them to other platforms. This means booking websites without direct business relationships with a hotel may also list its rooms.
Data released by the Health Promotion Administration show that 30.8% of people aged 30 to 39 have abnormal “3 highs” indicators, prompting a call for young adults to pay attention to their health. The agency also announced a health coin program launching in 2026, encouraging people to earn coins through publicly funded health checkups and redeem them for goods.
Facts
Adult preventive health services were expanded starting in 2025, lowering the eligible age to 30.
In 114, about 355,000 people aged 30 to 39 received adult health checkup services nationwide.
Among those aged 30 to 39 who received checkups, 30.8% had at least one abnormal indicator related to the “3 highs.”
Original30至39歲族群中，BMI肥胖過重比例最高，近5成。
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will launch “health coins” starting in October this year (2026). Completing a publicly funded adult health checkup will earn 800 coins.
Meng Ziyi and Wang Churan aren’t No. 1! The winner of TOP10 most beautiful striking-featured actresses in Chinese dramas looks like a video game character model; online fans call her China’s ultimate beauty
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article compiled a TOP10 list of the most beautiful striking-featured actresses in Chinese dramas based on social media discussions. Dilraba and Meng Ziyi did not take the top spot, which went to an actress praised for looking like a video game character model.
Facts
This article compiled a “TOP10 most beautiful striking-featured actresses in Chinese dramas” list based on discussions among social media users on Weibo, Douban, and other platforms.
Tong Liya played Zhao Feiyan, Empress of Emperor Cheng of Han, in the historical palace drama “The Queens” and ranked No. 10.
Ni Ni played Ye Liuxi in the fantasy adventure Chinese drama “Parallel World” and ranked No. 9.
Ju Jingyi played Shangguan Zhi and Yang Caiwei in the historical suspense romance drama “In Blossom” and ranked No. 8.
Angelababy (Yang Ying) played Jun Qiluo/Jun Feifan in the historical romance drama “相思令” and ranked No. 7.
Song Zuer played Xiao Qiao in the historical romance drama “折腰” and ranked No. 6.
Zhang Yuxi played Cheng Ruoyu in the historical political romance drama The Song of Glory, ranking 5th.
Wang Churan played Liu Miantang in the historical romance drama Are You the One, ranking 4th.
Meng Ziyi played Dou Zhao in the historical romance drama Blossom, ranking 3rd.
Have the causes of the global stock market plunge been found? U.S. tech stocks tumble, Japanese and South Korean markets plunge: 3 major headwinds spark market panic
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Global stock markets plunged in tandem as U.S. inflation data came in higher than expected, stoking rate-hike concerns, while AI industry valuations came under scrutiny and oil prices rose. South Korea's KOSPI fell more than 8%, triggering a circuit breaker, with semiconductor stocks among the hardest hit.
Facts
The U.S. CPI rose 3.7% year over year in September, above the market forecast of 3.6%.
Original三星電子股價下跌約9.7%，SK海力士跌幅超過11%
The U.S. Nasdaq fell about 1.88%, while the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index plunged about 4.3%.
The U.S. core CPI rose 2.6% year over year in September.
Japan's Nikkei 225 fell more than 5% at one point during trading.
China's Shanghai Composite Index briefly fell below 3,700 points.
Is the dollar's dominance faltering? The renminbi wants to take the crown, but Berkeley professor reveals a “harsh reality of 2%”: its biggest weakness exposed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Berkeley professor Barry Eichengreen said that although the dollar's dominance is weakening as its share of foreign exchange reserves declines, the renminbi, euro and digital currencies cannot replace the dollar in the short term because of insufficient liquidity, a lack of safe assets or governance issues. The future will see multiple currencies coexist.
Facts
About 90% of global foreign exchange transactions involve buying or selling dollars.
The renminbi accounts for only about 2% of global foreign exchange reserves.
The New York clearing system processes about 30 times the daily clearing volume of the corresponding renminbi clearing system.
As of November 2025, mBridge had completed about 4,000 transactions, worth a total of about $55 billion.
The SWIFT system processes more than $5 trillion in transactions each day.
About three-quarters of the dollar's lost share of global foreign exchange reserves has been taken up by nontraditional reserve currencies.
Taoyuan mayoral race heats up! Ling Tao presents “hard evidence” and questions whether Huang Shijie's team benefited improperly from land rental
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taoyuan City Councilor Ling Tao accused Huang Jinde, father of Democratic Progressive Party mayoral candidate Huang Shijie, of using the Agriculture and Irrigation Agency's Shiguan Office to rent 1,655 ping of land at an extremely low rate for a campaign event, potentially conferring an improper benefit. Ling called for the disclosure of the rent assessment committee's membership and an investigation by prosecutors and investigators.
Facts
Ling Tao questioned whether Huang Shijie's team had benefited improperly from renting land in a Facebook post on the 15th.
Huang Shijie's team discussed renting 1,655 ping of land for an event, with the rent to be reviewed by the rent assessment committee.
The Shiguan Office's written reply listed the rent as NT$81,700.
Ling Tao accused Huang Jinde, Huang Shijie's father, of serving as chairman of 財團法人桃園農田水利研究發展基金會.
Ling Tao questioned whether acting director Jiang Meizhen had become Huang Jinde's subordinate, cooperating in an on-site inspection and approving the rent at lightning speed.
Ling Tao criticized Agriculture Minister Chen Chun-chi for coming to Huang Shijie's defense.
Taiwan stocks plunge 1,655 points: Is it time to snap up bargains? Don't wait for the bottom! Analyst reveals when to start building positions
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
U.S. September CPI came in above expectations, sending Treasury yields soaring. Taiwan stocks plunged 1,655.96 points on October 15 to close at 46,969.87, with all heavyweight stocks falling. Chen Liang of 永豐投信 and Guo Kuiguo of 顧德投顧 said the correction would be limited and saw room for further gains before year-end.
Facts
Taiwan's weighted index plunged 1,655.96 points at the close on October 15, ending at 46,969.87 and falling below 47,000.
Both the U.S. September CPI and core CPI came in above market expectations.
The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield briefly jumped to 5.32%, while the 2-year yield reached 4.94%.
Original台積電盤中最低來到2,420元，緯穎開盤即跌停，聯發科跌幅超過6%。
Chen Liang, a fund manager at 永豐投信, said this correction would not be as deep as the one in July.
Chen Liang advised investors to build positions in stages when Taiwan stocks retest the quarterly and semiannual moving averages.
顧德投顧 analyst Guo Kuiguo forecast that October 16 was the most likely date for the month's low.
Guo Kuiguo expects Taiwan stocks to have room to rise 4,000 points before year-end.
Can the NT$20,000 cash handout be issued without borrowing? Lai Shih-pao names 中油 and 台電: savings from additional budgets would provide the money
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
KMT Legislator Lai Shih-pao questioned the need for this year's NT$600 billion in additional budgets, proposing cuts to spending on 中油, 台電 and defense to fund a NT$20,000 cash handout without borrowing. Finance Minister Chuang Tsui-yun clarified that most additional tax revenue goes to local governments, leaving the central government with limited resources, and that the current NT$10,000 handout plan does not involve additional borrowing.
Facts
KMT Legislator Lai Shih-pao said that cutting part of the additional budget would provide enough money for a NT$20,000 cash handout without borrowing.
This year's additional budget is about NT$600 billion, and Lai Shih-pao identified 中油, 台電 and defense spending as areas open to discussion.
National tax revenue in the first 9 months of this year rose by about NT$700 billion from the same period last year, including an increase of about NT$250 billion for the central government.
Deputy Finance Minister Juan Ching-hwa said increasing the cash handout to NT$20,000 would cost more than NT$470 billion and could require borrowing.
The KMT is pushing to pass a special bill providing NT$20,000 in cash handouts by a third reading before the Nov. 28 local elections.
Hurry for Taiwan Railways' new commemorative tickets! New station opens on 10/17; limited-edition tickets will be gone for good, with sale time and location revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan Railways announced that the first phase of the Tainan railway undergrounding project will open on October 17, and has released limited-edition commemorative passes and tickets to mark this century-old railway transformation. The new Tainan station will open at the same time, signaling the end of the railway's above-ground era and the start of a new phase of underground operations.
Facts
The first phase of the Tainan railway undergrounding project will officially open on October 17, covering 8.23 kilometers.
The “府城躍昇 台鐵EASY” commemorative pass set costs NT$399, with a limited run of 2,000 sets and a limit of 2 sets per person per purchase.
The “府城躍昇 台鐵EASY” commemorative pass set contains 5 different types of tickets, including tickets for Tze-Chiang Limited Express trains, local trains and station platforms.
Yongkang Station has launched commemorative “Yong Bao An Kang” tickets, priced at 31 yuan each, with a limited run of 10,000.
The newly opened Tainan underground railway station has 2 island platforms and 4 tracks.
No need for 微信 when traveling to China? 騰訊’s new payment app TenPayGo sparks buzz; scan-to-pay users can link a credit card with just an email address
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
騰訊 has launched the standalone payment app TenPayGo, allowing overseas visitors to spend in China without registering for a 微信 account; they only need to link an international credit card. The move is aimed at simplifying payment for foreign tourists and addressing the inconvenience of not having a local mobile number or bank account.
Facts
騰訊 officially launched its standalone payment app TenPayGo in Shenzhen on Sept. 24.
TenPayGo allows users to create an account with an email address and link an overseas bank card to make payments.
TenPayGo has partnered with 7 major international card networks, including 銀聯 and Visa.
TenPayGo primarily serves overseas visitors traveling to China for short-term tourism or business trips.
騰訊 began testing TenPayGo as early as June this year.
Companies mentioned：騰訊、微信、支付寶、銀聯、Visa、深圳通、Google Play
Land Bank recognized by FSC for fair customer treatment for 8 consecutive years! Ranked among the top 25% of banks for the 7th time, with AI fraud prevention a highlight
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The FSC announced its 115年度 fair customer treatment assessment, with 土地銀行 rated a top performer for 8 consecutive years and ranking among the top 25% of banks for 7 consecutive years, highlighting its long-term efforts in fraud prevention, complaint handling and accessible services.
Facts
金融監督管理委員會 announced the results of its 115年度 “Fair Customer Treatment Principles Assessment for Financial Services Industries” on Oct. 6.
土地銀行 has ranked among top performers for 8 consecutive years, including 7 years in which it placed among the top 25% of banks.
土地銀行 signed an MOU with 高等檢察署 to improve the accuracy of its AI fraud-detection model.
土地銀行 received a fraud-prevention award from 銀行公會 for the “Central Prosecutors’ Office God Says Fundraising Project.”
土地銀行 has launched an accident insurance product with the maximum eligible age for coverage raised to 78.
土地銀行 established a Customer Care Committee and held an interdepartmental meeting to review the causes of customer complaints.
土地銀行 has launched a fire insurance policy specifically for traditional markets.
LINE Pay loses to iPASS MONEY! Taiwanese people’s favorite electronic payment service is this one: “7.36 million users” — wide acceptance, generous rewards and easy to use
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Data released by the FSC show Taiwan’s electronic payment market continued to heat up in 115年8月, with a total of 41.89 million accounts. JKO Pay led with 7.36 million users, followed by iPASS MONEY, amid fierce competition.
Facts
Taiwan had about 41.89 million electronic payment account users in 115年8月.
The amount of funds handled as agents for actual transactions that month was about 34.13 billion yuan.
Taiwan currently has 10 dedicated and 19 dual-purpose electronic payment institutions.
Racing to meet AI memory demand, 美光 opens its second advanced packaging and testing plant in Taichung today! Expanding its HBM footprint, with much of its 2027 capacity already booked
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
美光科技 opened its second AATT2 plant in Taichung on the 15th, strengthening its advanced HBM packaging and testing capabilities. With most of its 2027 HBM capacity already booked, 美光 expects memory supply and demand to remain tight.
Facts
美光科技 opened its second Taiwan Micron Advanced Packaging and Testing plant (AATT2) in Taichung on the 15th.
美光 disclosed that customers have already booked most of the company’s HBM capacity for 2027.
美光 expects demand for HBM to continue growing faster than demand for conventional DRAM through 2028.
美光’s HBM advanced packaging plant in Singapore is expected to begin contributing capacity in 2027.
美光 has had a presence in Taiwan for more than 30 years.
台積電 (2330) reported record consolidated revenue of NT$1.49424 trillion and net income of NT$763.06 billion for Q3 2026, with EPS of NT$29.43. The 2nm process accounted for 8%, up from 3%, while HPC made up 68% and was the largest source of revenue.
Facts
台積電’s consolidated revenue for Q3 2026 was NT$1.49424 trillion.
台積電’s net income for Q3 2026 was NT$763.06 billion, up 68.7% year over year and 8% quarter over quarter.
台積電’s Q3 earnings per share were NT$29.43.
台積電’s Q3 revenue in U.S. dollars reached US$46.72 billion, up 16.2% quarter over quarter.
台積電’s 7nm and more advanced processes together accounted for 79% of wafer sales in Q3.
台積電’s HPC business accounted for 68% of Q3 revenue, up from 66% in the previous quarter, with revenue rising 22% quarter over quarter.
台積電’s Q3 operating margin was 58.7%, above the upper end of its guidance of 58%.
Wu Zetian was with Li Shimin for 12 years. Why did they have no children? Historical records reveal the truth: the problem lay with her
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines why Wu Zetian had no children during her 12 years under Emperor Taizong, attributing it to the emperor’s focus on state affairs and personal preferences. It also recounts how, after becoming a consort to Emperor Gaozong, she gave birth to six children and eventually became emperor, founding the Wu Zhou dynasty.
Facts
Wu Zetian entered the palace in 637, the 11th year of the Zhenguan era, at the age of 14 and was named a fifth-rank cairen.
Wu Zetian served as a cairen under Li Shimin for 12 years, but never won his favor or rose in rank.
Historians say one reason Wu Zetian did not win Li Shimin’s favor was that he was approaching 40 and focused largely on state affairs.
Wu Zetian bore six children with Emperor Gaozong, Li Zhi, helping secure her position as empress.
Wu Zetian officially declared herself emperor in 690, changed the name of the state to Zhou and established its capital in Luoyang.
Graphic: What is Taiwan’s most common elementary school name? Zhongzheng tops the list with 18 schools! Zhongshan and Chenggong fall behind as the 10 most duplicated school names are revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article analyzes Taiwan’s most common elementary school names, noting that “Zhongzheng” tops the list with 18 schools, and explores the historical figures behind the names and the local stories of the schools’ founding.
Facts
According to Ministry of Education statistics for the 110 academic year, Zhongzheng Elementary School topped the ranking of schools sharing the same name nationwide, with 18 schools.
Zhongshan Elementary School and Chenggong Elementary School had 16 schools each, ranking second and third, respectively.
There is one Zhongzheng Elementary School each in West District and Wuqi District in Taichung City, located on Yingcai Road and Section 2 of Zhongyang Road, respectively.
Zhongzheng Elementary School in Zhubei City, Hsinchu County, was given its name in 1958 because the road in front of it was Zhongzheng Road.
Scandal hits Lee Soo-man’s new girl group A2O LITE! 13-year-old member AIJING’s parents accused of owing millions in unpaid wages, leaving her labeled the “daughter of deadbeat debtors”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A2O LITE member AIJING has come under public scrutiny over wage arrears and debts involving her parents’ company. Her mother, Zhang Jing, has apologized and distanced herself from the matter.
Facts
The 9-member girl group A2O LITE, created by Lee Soo-man, has officially debuted. Its members include 13-year-old AIJING.
北京索菲思教育科技有限公司, run by AIJING’s parents, is involved in disputes over unpaid wages and debts.
AIJING’s parents are alleged to owe about 3.45 million yuan in unpaid wages.
A2O LITE released its first digital single, “NEON,” on Oct. 13.
Huang Wei-han has had enough! After being accused of “fake neutrality,” he speaks out: “I’m green and disdain associating with today’s blue camp”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Veteran media personality Huang Wei-han was accused of fake neutrality over his comments on the New Taipei mayoral poll. He responded by openly acknowledging his affiliation with the pan-green camp and saying he disdains associating with the current Kuomintang, stressing that his support is based on shared values, not on who is winning.
Facts
Pollster Tai Li-an released a New Taipei mayoral poll on the 13th, showing Su Chiao-hui leading Lee Sichuan by 13.1 percentage points.
Huang Wei-han posted on Facebook, saying the Kuomintang should face reality and assess the impact of the poll.
Responding to a user’s criticism, Huang Wei-han said he was green and disdained associating with today’s blue camp.
The Kuomintang caucus in the New Taipei City Council commissioned TVBS to release four New Taipei polls.
Lee Sichuan’s poll numbers did not increase in October after Hou You-yi accompanied him to register and after he took over as party chairman.
Solve the power challenge before expanding AI capacity! 西門子’ Chang He-xi: Taiwan must strengthen power supply resilience and improve energy efficiency
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
President Chang Ho-hsi of 台灣西門子 delivered a speech at 2026 Taiwan International Smart Energy Week, stressing that power-supply resilience and energy efficiency must be strengthened in tandem with AI development. 西門子 showcased technologies including DC power distribution, SF₆-free clean gas and virtualized power protection to help semiconductor companies and data centers tackle power challenges.
Facts
SIPROTEC V virtualized protection technology can perform functions equivalent to those of up to 60 physical protection relays, reducing the space required by up to 40%.
西門子’s SCCB semiconductor circuit breaker can detect and interrupt faults within microseconds, responding up to 1,000 times faster than conventional mechanical circuit breakers.
The SIVACON S8 low-voltage power distribution system supports DC applications of up to 1500V and can accommodate future 800VDC distribution architectures at AI data centers.
blue GIS equipment has been deployed and put into operation at 台電’s Yuli Substation in Hualien.
The central bank eased the daily limit on foreign-currency sales, hoping to boost the U.S. dollar supply in the market and stabilize the exchange rate.
台積電 posts third-quarter EPS of NT$29.43, with profit up 68.7% year over year! Revenue nears NT$1.5 trillion, beats forecast; 2nm share rises to 8%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台積電（2330）reported its 2026 third-quarter results, with consolidated revenue nearing NT$1.5 trillion, up 17.6% quarter over quarter and 50.9% year over year. U.S. dollar revenue exceeded the upper end of its forecast by US$920 million; profit rose 68.7% year over year, and EPS reached NT$29.43. 2nm accounted for 8% of wafer sales, while HPC made up 68% of total revenue.
Facts
台積電’s third-quarter consolidated revenue was NT$1,494.243 billion, up 17.6% quarter over quarter and 50.9% year over year.
Net income attributable to shareholders of the parent company was NT$763.064 billion, up 8% quarter over quarter; earnings per share rose from NT$27.25 in the second quarter to NT$29.43.
Third-quarter revenue in U.S. dollars reached US$46.72 billion, up 16.2% quarter over quarter and 41.2% year over year. This exceeded the original estimate of US$44.6 billion to US$45.8 billion, beating the upper end of the forecast by US$920 million.
The 2nm share of wafer sales by value rose to 8% from 3% in the second quarter, while the 3nm share increased to 33% from 30%, surpassing the 5nm share of 28%.
Revenue from advanced processes (7nm and more advanced technologies) accounted for 79% of total wafer sales for the quarter, up 2 percentage points from 77% in the second quarter.
HPC’s share of total revenue rose to 68% from 66% in the second quarter, up 22% quarter over quarter.
Third-quarter gross margin was 66.4%, down 1.3 percentage points from 67.7% in the second quarter, mainly due to margin dilution from the initial ramp-up of 2nm production.
Cash inflow from operating activities was about NT$919.77 billion in the third quarter, capital expenditure was about NT$443.21 billion, and free cash flow was about NT$476.56 billion.
Typhoon Champi expected to form; latest track revealed! Expert forecasts it will be “big and strong” and could affect the weather during the holiday weekend
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Weather pages and experts said this year’s 29th typhoon, Champi, could form as early as the 15th and is forecast to become a severe typhoon. Its later track will be affected by the Pacific high-pressure system; if it turns north near Taiwan, it could affect the weather during the holiday weekend.
Facts
This year’s 29th typhoon, Champi, could form as early as today (the 15th).
Typhoon Champi could reach severe typhoon strength next Monday or Tuesday (the 19th to 20th).
Typhoon Champi’s radius of storm-force winds could expand to 280 kilometers or more.
Over the next 5 to 6 days, the developing Typhoon Champi is expected to move steadily west to west-northwest along the edge of the Pacific high-pressure system.
After next Thursday (the 22nd), Typhoon Champi is expected to gradually turn north as it approaches waters south of Okinawa, east of Taiwan and northeast of the Philippines.
If the typhoon turns north closer to Taiwan, it could affect the weather around Taiwan and nearby waters from the 22nd to 24th.
Asking others to pay? KMT orders “pass 20,000 cash handout before the election”; Cabinet responds: maintaining 3 principles of zero borrowing
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Executive Yuan reiterated that the NT$10,000 cash handout would follow the principle of zero borrowing. It opposed the KMT proposal to borrow money to distribute NT$20,000 and urged the Legislative Yuan to pass the budget as soon as possible to deliver AI dividends and child and youth allowances.
Facts
The Executive Yuan reiterated that the cash handout would follow 3 principles: not displacing other policies, effectively zero borrowing, and legal and constitutional procedures.
The KMT called on its legislative caucus to pass a special bill for a NT$20,000 cash handout at third reading before the local election on November 28.
The KMT’s proposed NT$20,000 handout would be funded through borrowing or by drawing on the annual budget surplus.
President Lai Ching-te is promoting a NT$10,000 cash handout to ensure everyone shares in the AI dividend.
The Executive Yuan hopes the Legislative Yuan will review next year’s central government general budget as soon as possible, so the NT$10,000 handout can be distributed before Lunar New Year.
Chiang Wan-an visits Executive Yuan to discuss Songshan Airport relocation; Cho Jung-tai tells him his position marks a “major shift from 4 years ago”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an attended an Executive Yuan meeting to present plans for relocating Songshan Airport, offering views on an overall plan for 2040. Premier Cho Jung-tai questioned what he called a major shift in Chiang’s position compared with 4 years ago. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stressed Songshan Airport’s importance for medical evacuations to outlying islands and said any relocation requires careful assessment.
Facts
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an attended an Executive Yuan meeting on the 15th to discuss the proposed relocation of Songshan Airport.
Premier Cho Jung-tai said Chiang Wan-an’s position marked a major shift compared with 4 years ago.
The Taipei City Government submitted written comments on the results of its 2040 overall plan for Songshan International Airport.
Chinese tourists are no longer going to Japan or South Korea! Visitors from China flock to 1 country, with numbers surging nearly 70%; Taiwanese also love visiting for its fun, affordability and food
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Philippines Department of Tourism released data for the first 8 months of this year, showing 4.11 million international visitor arrivals. Chinese arrivals led the growth, rising nearly 70% year over year, while Taiwanese visitor numbers also grew steadily to rank among the top 7.
Facts
The number of Chinese visitors to the Philippines from January to August this year rose 69.15% year over year, reaching 310,000.
The number of Taiwanese visitors to the Philippines from January to August this year was 154,957, up 9.63% year over year.
The Philippines generated 694 billion pesos in tourism foreign-exchange revenue in 2025.
South Korea, previously a major source of tourists, saw a decline of 17.42%.
The Philippines has more than 7,000 islands and lies at the heart of the subtropical Coral Triangle.
In pictures》Looking to change jobs and earn more？Traditional industries have 86,000 vacancies to fill！Experts reveal 6 sought-after certifications；this one offers the highest starting salary at NT$55,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
1111人力銀行 said traditional industries in Taiwan have 86,000 vacancies，and identified 6 sought-after certifications，including forklift operation and occupational safety management。The occupational safety management certification offers the highest starting salary，at up to NT$55,000；experts stressed that smart manufacturing skills are also needed to earn a high salary。
Facts
Traditional manufacturing industries in Taiwan have posted more than 86,000 job openings，up 5.5% from the same period last year despite the broader trend。
Entry-level salaries for occupational safety and health management Class B technicians range from NT$35,000 to NT$55,000。
Forklift operation technician（single-level）certification ranked first in demand among sought-after certifications at traditional industry companies。
Starting salaries for Class C industrial wiring technicians are around NT$35,000 to NT$39,000。
Starting salaries for fixed crane operation technicians are around NT$29,500 to NT$35,000。
Starting salaries for Class C accounting technicians are around NT$29,500 to NT$35,000。
More than 18,000 people were confirmed to have been affected by deductions in the amount of the shortfall。
The total amount of supplemental payments is approximately NT$5 million。
The supplemental payments will be deposited on November 1，2026。
For 99% of affected service members，the supplemental payment is no more than NT$1,000。
Shortfalls are deducted first from preferential savings interest；any remaining amount is deducted from retirement pensions。
The shortfall arose because the calculation of pension increases did not account for the factor of deducting any shortfall in preferential savings interest from retirement pensions。