Taiwan Super Dome BOT deal signed; Taichung City Government aims to build Taiwan's largest indoor baseball stadium
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台中市政府 and Taiwan Life have signed the build-operate-transfer (BOT) agreement for the Taichung Sports Industry Park project, which will create Taiwan's largest indoor baseball stadium, the Taiwan Super Dome, with a total investment of NT$60 billion.
Changhua Three Mountain Kings Hakka Culture Festival to take place in Xizhou on the 24th and 25th
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Changhua County Three Mountain Kings Hakka Culture Festival will take place on the 24th and 25th at 三千宮 in Xizhou Township. It is being jointly organized by Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei and related associations, with events including a pilgrimage ceremony bringing together deities from across the county and Hakka arts performances.
Academia Sinica uncovers how cells stop waves of mass death; findings published in top international journal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A team led by Chen Sheng-hung at Academia Sinica found that cell density and arrangement determine how waves of ferroptosis spread. The findings were published in the journal Cell.
Chiang Wan-an proposes easing urban renewal requirements; Shen Po-yang says bottlenecks at the exit must also be addressed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chiang Wan-an announced plans to ease urban renewal requirements and held a news conference to explain the policy. Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang criticized the proposal, saying it would not solve the problem if entry requirements were eased but exit procedures remained unchanged. Citing hospital emergency departments as an example, he also said he would propose policies including an exit mechanism for stalled urban renewal projects.
Trump does not rule out attacking Iran after midterm elections; U.S. assesses strike on Gao Mountain nuclear facility
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States could attack Iran after the midterm elections and was assessing a strike on the deeply buried Gao Mountain nuclear facility. He stressed that nuclear weapons would not be needed, but did not rule out using the massive air-dropped “Mother of All Bombs.”
Effects of property speculation curbs emerge; Taipei has the largest decline in mortgage burden among the 6 special municipalities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The effects of the Central Bank's 7th round of selective credit controls have emerged, with mortgage burden ratios falling across Taiwan and all 6 special municipalities in Q1 2026. Taipei saw the largest decline, at 4.41 percentage points. 中信房屋 said that although the burden ratio has improved, Taiwan's overall mortgage burden remains relatively low, and the bar to homeownership remains high.
Facts
A decline of 4.41 percentage points
The nationwide mortgage burden ratio was 41.46%
Down 3.07 percentage points from the same quarter in 2025
New Taipei male officer accused of taking underage girl to hotel; Yonghe Precinct clears out officer after internal review and refers case for prosecution
Explore Tuku on foot: Cycling and smart guides connect visitors with local highlights
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Yunlin County's Tuku Township has launched the “Explore Tuku on Foot” program, combining short-distance bicycle travel with QR Code smart audio guides to connect attractions, food and cultural assets in Tuku and Huwei Township, allowing visitors to explore the towns in depth.
Major false alarm in Japan's emergency earthquake alert: magnitude 6.9 quake wrongly reported as 9.9; weather agency apologizes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Due to a system error, 日本氣象廳 mistakenly reported a magnitude 6.9 earthquake off Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula as a magnitude 9.9 quake in the Kuril Islands and issued an emergency earthquake alert. It later canceled the alert and apologized.
味全龍 drop Magic Dragon from Taiwan Series roster; Chi Li-chi-lao Kung-kuan left off list
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
味全龍 announced its 32-player roster for the Taiwan Series, leaving foreign player Magic Dragon off the list. Team captain Chi Li-chi-lao Kung-kuan was also left off because of an injury. Manager Yeh Chun-chang said Liu Chun-wei and Chang Yu-ming would compete for the designated hitter spot.
台積電 slips slightly as Taiwan stocks gain 141 points and return above 47,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan stocks opened higher and rebounded today, closing up 141.39 points at 47,111.26. 台積電 fell NT$20 to NT$2,420, 聯發科 rose 2%, and 聯電 fell, while PCB stocks performed strongly.
Japan may not set explicit target for defense spending at 3.5% of GDP; government still expected to increase spending significantly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Japanese government is considering not specifying the 3.5%-of-GDP defense spending target sought by the United States when revising its “Three Security Documents,” but is expected to significantly increase defense spending to secure Washington's understanding.
Liu Xueyi and Bai Jingting both lose out! The mainland drama Top 10 most acclaimed leading actors ranking is topped by him: versatile roles, strong acting and no negative reviews
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Media ranked the reputations of dramas starring post-90s male actors over the past 7 years. Li Xian topped the list with 7 highly rated dramas, followed by Bai Jingting. Liu Xueyi, Xiao Zhan, Yang Yang and others failed to make the top 10 due to the number of highly rated dramas they had or their ratings.
Facts
Media ranked the top 10 actors by the reputation of their work, counting dramas starring post-90s male actors over the past 7 years that scored above 7 or 8 on Douban.
Li Xian took first place in the post-90s male stars’ reputation ranking with 7 highly rated dramas.
Bai Jingting took second place with 6 works scoring above 7.
Liu Yuning placed tenth with 3 highly rated dramas, including The Way of the World, which scored 8.8.
Bai Yu is the only post-90s male star with a drama scoring 9 or higher. His representative work The Long Night scored above 9.0.
Liu Xueyi had only 2 highly rated dramas and therefore failed to make the top 10.
Graphic》Li Sichuan and Su Chia-hui both discuss social housing! Can New Taipei households earning less than NT$1.45 million a year apply? Miss this 1 requirement and you may still be ineligible
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 New Taipei mayoral race has focused on social housing, with Li Sichuan and Su Chia-hui each proposing related policies. The New Taipei Housing and Urban Regeneration Center released the latest rental data, showing strong demand, and detailed the income threshold, household registration and property restrictions for applicants.
Facts
In the 2026 New Taipei mayoral election, KMT candidate Li Sichuan proposed the “Five New Arrows for Housing,” while DPP candidate Su Chia-hui advocated for youth family housing and senior-friendly housing.
On Oct. 13, the New Taipei Housing and Urban Regeneration Center announced that it had received 11,222 applications for the first round of its 115 annual rolling joint rental program.
To qualify for New Taipei social housing, household annual income must not exceed NT$1.45 million, and average monthly income per person must not exceed NT$62,125.
The latest rental round introduced a “marriage and child-rearing households” program for the first time, raising the share of units reserved for such households to one-third.
Applicants and their family members generally may not own a home in New Taipei City, Taipei City, Keelung City or Taoyuan City.
The two new social housing developments, Tucheng Yuanhe No. 2 and Banqiao Jiangcui No. 2, have a combined 252 units. They attracted 8,619 applications, of which 7,456 qualified after review.
Could 特斯拉’s flying sports car be driven on Taiwan’s roads? The Ministry of Transportation gives its answer: it must first clear this hurdle to be road-legal in Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
特斯拉 unveiled its new-generation Roadster, which features hovering capability, prompting discussion over whether it can legally be driven in Taiwan. The Ministry of Transportation said it must pass safety inspections, and any flight functions must comply with civil aviation regulations. It has not yet been approved for road use.
Facts
特斯拉 unveiled its new-generation Roadster electric sports car on the evening of Oct. 15, U.S. time.
The new-generation Roadster is said to incorporate aerospace technology and be capable of briefly hovering above the ground.
特斯拉’s Roadster can accelerate from a standstill to 100 kilometers per hour in less than 1 second.
The Ministry of Transportation said that if the Roadster has actual flight capabilities, it would generally also have to meet civil aviation regulations.
According to information on 特斯拉’s official website, the new car has not yet been approved for use on public roads.
Military recall training clashes with election day! Hsu Chiao-hsin reveals emergency measures for the armed forces: Are you tired, Wellington Koo?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin criticized the Ministry of National Defense after reserve force training dates clashed with local election day, affecting only 311 members of an Air Force security battalion. The All-out Defense Mobilization Agency later notified them that their reporting time would be delayed. Hsu urged Defense Minister Wellington Koo to address administrative oversights and the physical and mental strain on service members.
Facts
KMT Legislator Hsu Chiao-hsin posted on the 16th that the reporting date for reserve force training clashed with local election day.
The All-out Defense Mobilization Agency notified 311 members of an Air Force security battalion that they could delay their reporting time until 8 p.m. that evening.
Hsu Chiao-hsin questioned why the Ministry of National Defense had not detected and changed the date in advance, with fewer than 50 days remaining before the vote.
Hsu Chiao-hsin urged the government to implement the amendments to the Military Personnel Compensation Act to improve service members’ working conditions and leave.
Hsu Chiao-hsin stressed that the armed forces face pressure from personnel losses, recruitment and retention, and that service members remain under strain.
特斯拉’s all-new Roadster was unveiled on the 16th, Taiwan time. Its Rocket version used cold-gas thrusters to demonstrate brief hovering and midair flips.
Original交通部表示車輛須符合車輛安全檢測基準，若兼具飛行功能原則上也須符合民航法令。
特斯拉 Taiwan’s official website states that the Rocket version is “not approved for use on public roads.”
Taiwan Tesla announced that preordering the Performance version requires an initial payment of NT$1.51 million, while the Thrust version requires NT$7.55 million.
The Roadster Rocket version is expected to enter production in 2028 and will be available by invitation only.
Xi Jinping invites 100,000 American youths to China, but only 1,749 U.S. students go to China to earn academic credits! Is this about cultivating China experts or creating a channel for united front work?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Xi Jinping announced an invitation for 100,000 American youths to visit China, but only 1,749 students have actually gone to China to earn academic credits, far fewer than the number of Chinese students in the United States. The policy has raised U.S. concerns over united front work, surveillance and security risks, although supporters say it could help develop much-needed China experts.
Facts
Xi Jinping announced at the White House that 100,000 American youths would be invited to China for study and exchanges over the next five years.
In the 2023–2024 academic year, only 1,749 U.S. students took credit-bearing courses in China.
In the 2024–2025 academic year, 265,919 Chinese students were enrolled at U.S. colleges and universities.
U.S. government-funded programs, including Fulbright and the Boren Awards, have successively suspended their activities in mainland China.
The Chinese government fully funded the trip to China for the first group of American students invited from Muscatine High School in Iowa.
Curbing the flow of AI chips to China? Bloomberg: Taiwan plans tougher penalties for “chip smuggling” through legal amendments, aligning with Washington’s controls
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin announced plans to amend the law to impose tougher penalties for chip smuggling. AI servers and advanced semiconductors would be added to export controls, and unauthorized shipments to China would incur criminal penalties, aligning with U.S. policy.
Facts
Economic Affairs Minister Kung Ming-hsin said the government plans to add AI servers and advanced semiconductors to its export control list.
Shipping restricted AI hardware to China without authorization would constitute a criminal offense.
Taiwan’s future measures on controlled items will correspond with those of the United States.
Original過去數年已有價值數十億美元的輝達硬體透過非法管道流入中國。
Taiwanese courts can currently prosecute suspected smugglers only under other existing domestic laws.
Promised free health insurance for seniors but skipped the vote! Fan Qi-ming names 8 DPP lawmakers: a wide gap between campaign promises and votes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Media personality Fan Qi-ming questioned why 8 DPP lawmakers did not vote in favor of amendments to the Senior Citizens Welfare Act, which would provide central government subsidies for health insurance premiums for people aged 65 and over who meet income requirements. DPP members also stressed the need to clarify funding sources and cost-sharing arrangements.
Facts
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Senior Citizens Welfare Act on the 16th, providing central government subsidies for health insurance premiums for people aged 65 and over who meet income requirements.
Media personality Fan Qi-ming named 8 DPP lawmakers who did not vote: Shen Boyang, Chen Su-yue, Chen Ting-fei, Chen Ying, Liu Chien-kuo, Lai Jui-lung, Tsai Yi-yu and Wang Mei-hui.
The passed provisions stipulate that the central competent authority will subsidize health insurance premiums for seniors whose total consolidated income over the past 1 year falls below the filing threshold, or whose consolidated income tax rate is below 20%．
Chen Ting-fei, the DPP’s Tainan mayoral candidate, has proposed waiving health insurance premiums for seniors without an income cap．
Changhua County mayoral candidate Chen Su-yueh has pledged to fully subsidize health insurance premiums for seniors aged 65 and above if elected．
The “Warmth and Care for Seniors” platform proposed by Yunlin County mayoral candidate Liu Chien-kuo includes waiving health insurance premiums for seniors aged 65 and above．
DPP caucus secretary-general Chuang Jui-hsiung said waiving health insurance premiums for seniors would involve major public spending and that the funding source must be explained．
Want to run despite fraud or money laundering？CEC reviews 10 candidates and finds them “ineligible to run”；New Party candidate rejected over residency issue
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The CEC reviewed candidate qualifications for the 115 elections on the 16th．Five candidates each for municipal councilor and county（city）councilor were rejected over criminal records or residency requirements, including New Party’s Yu Chih-pin, who was rejected for having been registered as a resident for less than 10 years．
Facts
The CEC held a committee meeting on the 16th and approved candidate qualifications for the 115 elections at all levels．
New Party’s Yu Chih-pin was found ineligible to run for municipal councilor because he had been registered as a resident in Taiwan for less than 10 years．
New Taipei City candidate Lin Cheng-feng was convicted of money laundering and is barred from registering as a candidate．
Taoyuan City candidate Hsiao Hsiang-han is barred from registering as a candidate because his sentence in an obstruction of official duties case has not been fully served．
Taichung City candidate Cheng Po-chi was convicted of fraud and is barred from registering as a candidate．
Blue and White team up to waive seniors’ health insurance premiums；Shih Chung-liang warns of serious consequences：risk of intergenerational inequity and crowding out social welfare budgets
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Senior Citizens Welfare Act on third reading, stipulating that seniors aged 65 and above would be exempt from health insurance premiums．Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang strongly opposed the move, saying it violates the ability-to-pay principle and could lead to intergenerational inequity and crowd out social welfare budgets．
Facts
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Senior Citizens Welfare Act on third reading on the 16th, adding an exemption from health insurance premiums for seniors aged 65 and above．
Health and Welfare Minister Shih Chung-liang criticized the amendments as akin to an “illegal structure” that would seriously disrupt the operation of the health insurance system．
The amendments could mean that people aged 15 to 64 would pay more than NT$3,000 per person annually in additional premiums．
Each household is expected to pay more than NT$8,000 in additional annual expenses due to the amendments．
Older adults make up 20% of the population but account for more than 42% of health insurance spending．
The long-term care budget grew from less than 5 billion in 2015 to more than 110 billion this year．
Why are all the lights turned off during takeoff and landing？Taoyuan airport reveals the aviation secret behind it：they must be turned off even when it is dark at night
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
桃園國際機場 clarified that dimming cabin lights during takeoff and landing is a flight safety measure, using dark adaptation to assist with emergency evacuations．The measure complies with the 90-second golden escape standard, ensuring passengers can quickly identify escape routes in an accident．
Facts
Cabin lights are dimmed during takeoff and landing to buy precious time for an emergency escape, not to save electricity or create a mood．
When the human eye moves from a bright environment into darkness, rod cells need about 30 minutes to fully regain their optimal sensitivity to dim light．
U．S．civil aviation regulations require passenger aircraft with more than 44 seats to demonstrate that the entire aircraft can be evacuated within 90 seconds under simulated accident conditions．
Window shades are opened so passengers can observe conditions outside the aircraft and rescue personnel outside can see into the cabin．
Most Taiwanese and international airlines strictly follow rules requiring cabin lights to be dimmed during takeoff and landing, whether by day or night．
Veteran KMT media figure Jaw Shaw-kong is facing a petition launched by KMT Central Committee member Chiang Yung-hsiung calling for his expulsion from the party after he interviewed DPP Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang twice．Jaw said he wished the petition success and stressed the importance of media professionalism and fairness．
KMT Central Committee member Chiang Yung-hsiung launched a petition urging the party’s disciplinary committee to expel Jaw Shaw-kong．
Jaw Shaw-kong responded in person to the petition on the 16th, saying, “I wish the petition success．”
The petition launched by Chiang Yung-hsiung lists 4 main accusations, including violating the KMT’s core values and disrupting its election strategy．
Jaw Shaw-kong stressed that he is a media professional and that interviewees with differing views should not be excluded because of his personal political background．
台灣順豐 partners with Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office on motorcycle training, marking five consecutive years of traffic safety initiatives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台灣順豐 has partnered with the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office for five consecutive years．This year, it sponsored motorcycle training for 100 people to improve road safety and supported employees and their families with heat allowances and a family movie day, fulfilling its corporate social responsibility．
Facts
台灣順豐 has joined forces with the Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office for five consecutive years on traffic safety initiatives, sponsoring more than 100 people to take motorcycle training this year．
According to statistics from 陽明交通大學, people who take both motorcycle range and road training see a 64% reduction in the risk of traffic violations and a 51% reduction in accident risk．
Taipei City Motor Vehicles Office Director Tai Pang-fang presented a certificate of appreciation to 台灣順豐 General Manager Pan Yi-chun, thanking the company for its long-term commitment to traffic safety initiatives．
台灣順豐 held more than 10 private movie screenings across Taiwan this summer, inviting more than 1,000 employees and family members to take part in family movie days．
台灣順豐 continued to provide heat allowances to frontline employees this summer, offering practical support for the challenges of working in hot conditions．
High-speed rail announces “1 major new measure”！Launching nationwide on 10/15；passengers praise it：a longstanding problem finally solved, a real public service
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台灣高鐵 has launched its “High-Speed Rail 2.0” plan．The first 700T train will enter service on 10/15 with double-deck luggage racks, increasing capacity to 106 items．All 34 trainsets are expected to be upgraded by year-end to address the lack of luggage space．
Facts
台灣高鐵’s first upgraded 700T train officially entered service on October 15．
With the addition of double-deck luggage racks, each train’s luggage capacity has increased from 61 items to 106．
The upgrade has increased luggage storage space in the cars by about 74%．
台灣高鐵 expects to install double-deck luggage racks on all 34 existing 700T trainsets by the end of this year．
The upgraded 700T trains have 19 large luggage areas．
The large luggage areas are still only for large luggage measuring 26 inches or more．
The upgraded 700T trains have greater capacity for large luggage than some configurations of Japan’s Shinkansen N700S．
Don’t put leftover toast straight in the fridge！Nutritionist reveals the right way to store it；heating makes it “crispy outside and chewy inside,” just like freshly baked
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Nutritionist Tsai Cheng-liang offered advice on storing toast, noting that Taiwan’s humid climate makes it prone to mold．He said refrigeration can inhibit mold but accelerates starch staling, making freezing individual portions the best option．He also warned that mold threads have spread through moldy toast, so the whole bag should be discarded to ensure food safety．
Facts
Taiwan’s hot and humid climate means it is not unusual for toast left at room temperature for a few days to grow mold．Poor storage can even cause it to go moldy before it is finished．
A typical refrigerator temperature of about 4 to 7 degrees can effectively slow mold growth, so sealing and refrigerating toast does delay mold better than leaving it at room temperature．
Refrigeration can cause the starch in toast to stale, making it dry and hard．
Freezing can only slow microbial growth and cannot eliminate mold．It is recommended to divide into portions and freeze any toast you will not eat within 2 days after bringing it home．
Explainer》Chen Ting-fei proposes 5 major tourism routes to boost Tainan tourism！How busy are existing attractions？Data for Chihkan Tower and Chimei Museum reveal a contrast
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
DPP Tainan mayoral candidate Chen Ting-fei has proposed a platform of “5 major tourism routes．” Tourism data for 2025 released at the same time show that although Chihkan Tower had more total visits, Chimei Museum had more paying visitors, reflecting differences in the statistics．
Facts
Official records show about 2.809 million visits to Chihkan Tower in 2025, compared with about 553,000 to Chimei Museum．
Taiwan Series》Dragons-Elephants showdown begins at Taipei Dome on the 17th！味全龍 leave out Chu Li-chi-lao；the full 32-player rosters at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 CPBL Taiwan Series begins on the 17th, with 味全龍 facing 中信兄弟 in a record-setting Dragons-Elephants showdown．Foreign pitcher Chiang Han made 味全龍’s roster, while Chu Li-chi-lao was left out．中信兄弟 will field foreign pitchers including Winning Knight．味全龍 have home-field advantage for 5 games, and tickets for the opener have sold out．
Facts
The 2026 Chinese Professional Baseball League championship series（Taiwan Series）will be held at Taipei Dome on October 17, with 味全龍 facing 中信兄弟．
味全龍’s Chiang Han, who led the league in both ERA and strikeouts this season, made the Taiwan Series roster, while home run leader Chu Li-chi-lao Kung-kuan was surprisingly left off．
Original中信兄弟從四名洋投候選人中選出勝騎士、羅戈及菲力士三人參加台灣大賽。
As the regular-season leader, 味全龍 has home-field advantage in Games 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7 of the Taiwan Series.
Lee Duo-hui and Lee Ya-ying lose out! Taiwan’s most popular cheerleaders Top 10: “She’s the champion”—her sweet looks rival an idol’s, and her captivating smile and strong dance skills win fans over.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
《網路溫度計》 released its professional cheerleader popularity rankings for 9-10/2026, with 富邦悍將’s Lee Zhu-yin taking the top spot and Lee Duo-hui and Lee Ya-ying placing second and third, respectively, reflecting the high popularity and market influence of Korean cheerleaders in Taiwan.
Facts
Lee Duo-hui ranked second with 30,805 mentions.
Lee Ya-ying ranked third with 19,203 mentions.
The survey period ran from September 16 to October 15, 2026.
Lin Xiang ranked No. 6 with 13,063 mentions and officially joined 味全龍’s cheerleading squad, Dragon Beauties.
Park Seong-eun made the Top 10 with 6,057 mentions.
Lee Ya-ying’s positive influence had a PR value of 92, the highest among the Top 10.
Taiwan stocks rebounded 141 points to 47,111 today, but the three major institutional investor groups posted combined net sales of NT$67.8 billion. 外資 recorded 8 consecutive days of net selling, while 投信 bucked the trend with 6 consecutive days of net buying. 台積電 weakened after its earnings briefing, while 聯發科 rose on reports of AI orders.
Facts
The Taiwan Stock Exchange Weighted Index closed at 47,111 today, up 141.39 points.
外資 posted net sales of NT$46.147 billion today, marking 8 consecutive trading days of net selling.
投信 posted net purchases of NT$11.754 billion today, extending its buying streak to 6 consecutive trading days.
In charts》How do Chiang Wan-an and Shen Po-yang’s policies differ? Eight hours of temporary childcare versus 4 hours a week; 25 pupils per elementary school class versus 24—six major policies at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article compares the differences between 2026 Taipei mayoral candidates Chiang Wan-an and Shen Po-yang on six major everyday policy areas, including transportation, housing and child care, covering current city policies and campaign pledges.
Facts
Taiwan’s 2026 local elections will take place on November 28, with 6 people registered to run for Taipei mayor.
The 8-hour electronic temporary childcare voucher for newborns introduced by Chiang Wan-an can be used at designated locations before the child turns 2, for up to 8 hours of subsidized care.
Shen Po-yang has proposed up to 4 hours of free temporary childcare per week for children aged 6 months to under 7 years.
Shen Po-yang proposes improving school zones for more than 150 elementary schools citywide within 8 years and establishing unified standards for roadworks.
The senior citizen card introduced by Chiang Wan-an provides 600 points per month and is already in effect.
Chiang Wan-an’s 2026 plan proposes subsidies of up to NT$4,000 for young people’s AI subscriptions.
Don’t throw away plastic bottles or milk bottles just yet! Bring them here to get cash—“earn NT$50 on the spot.” Old clothes can also be exchanged for cash: a look at 全聯 and 愛買 locations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
愛買 is offering bonus rewards for recycling used clothing, old phones and light bulbs, with cash vouchers available. ECOCO smart recycling machines are installed at retailers including 全聯, where points earned from plastic and milk bottles can be redeemed for shopping credit.
Facts
愛買 is holding a used-clothing recycling campaign through October 31. Customers can bring at least 5 used garments to the customer service center to receive a cash voucher for NT$50 off a purchase of NT$500 or more.
Through October 27, 愛買 customers at 6 stores—Nanya, Yonghe, Taoyuan, Fuxing, Shu'nan and Fengyuan—can recycle designated old phones at BUNNIT machines to receive an electronic voucher for NT$100 off a purchase of NT$1,000 or more.
ECOCO smart recycling machines are available at retailers including 全聯, 小北百貨, 家樂福 and 特力屋. Each PET plastic bottle, aluminum can or HDPE milk bottle deposited earns 2 points.
At 全聯, 1,000 ECOCO points can be exchanged for NT$50 in shopping credit, with a limit of one redemption per week. There is no minimum purchase, but no change is given.
At 愛買, every 300 ECOCO points can be exchanged for NT$60 in shopping credit, which can be applied once to a single purchase of at least NT$399.
In charts》Taiwan’s population shrank by more than 100,000 in a year! People aged 65 and over now make up 20.7% of the population. One chart explains how low birth rates and an aging population are changing Taiwan
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Interior Ministry statistics show Taiwan’s population continued to decline in September 2026, falling to just over 23.21 million, with people aged 65 and over accounting for 20.7%—the threshold for a super-aged society. The National Development Council projects the population could halve to 12.15 million over the next 50 years, putting pressure on health care and the labor market.
Facts
Taiwan’s total population was 23,213,251 in September 2026, down 103,780 from the same month last year.
People aged 65 and over accounted for 20.70% of Taiwan’s population in September 2026.
There were 16,712 deaths in September 2026, 2.17 times the 7,704 births.
Taipei had the highest share of people aged 65 and over in Taiwan, at 24.86%.
The National Development Council projects Taiwan’s total population could fall to 12.15 million by 2075.
Taiwan’s total fertility rate fell to 0.695 in 2025, a record low.
Responding to years of South China Sea tensions! China’s ambassador to the Philippines: “We could easily win by using force, but we love peace”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
China’s ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, claimed at a forum that China could easily win in a conflict if it used force but chose peace, and warned that the Philippines would face greater risks if it did not restore the military hotline. The Philippine Foreign Ministry condemned the remarks as a threat, further straining bilateral ties.
Facts
China’s ambassador to the Philippines, Jing Quan, said Beijing could easily win but would not resort to force if a military conflict broke out between China and the Philippines. He was responding to media questions at a forum held at Diliman College in Quezon City.
Philippine Defense Secretary Teodoro insists on keeping direct military communication channels with China frozen, citing security concerns and Beijing’s past misuse of the hotline.
Jing Quan warned that the Philippines would face a greater risk of confrontation and conflict if it did not restore a direct communication hotline between the two militaries.
Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Rear Adm. Tarriela criticized Jing Quan’s remarks as coercion, not peace.
Free health insurance for people aged 65 and over? Legislature passes bill on third reading: Government to fully cover premiums for “2 groups,” saving nearly NT$10,000 a year. Eligibility and requirements explained
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Senior Citizens Welfare Act on third reading on the 16th, providing full central government subsidies for health insurance premiums for people aged 65 and over who meet income requirements. The measure aims to ease the medical burden on disadvantaged older households and is expected to add NT$39 billion in annual spending.
Facts
On the 16th, the Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to Article 22 of the Senior Citizens Welfare Act on third reading.
Eligible recipients are people aged 65 and over whose total consolidated income for the past 1 year is below the filing threshold or whose consolidated income tax rate is below 20%.
The central competent authority will provide full subsidies directly, so older people will not have to pay health insurance premiums themselves.
Based on a monthly health insurance premium of NT$826 per person, each older person would save nearly NT$10,000 a year.
After the amendment passes, the central government is expected to spend nearly NT$39 billion more annually on related social welfare programs.
The Legislative Yuan passed the bill with 60 votes in favor and 39 against.
In charts》Is a NT$20,000 cash handout confirmed? Latest developments as of October 16! When could next year’s NT$10,000 arrive at the earliest, and who is eligible? Find out at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The KMT’s draft special act for a NT$20,000 cash handout has been sent directly to a second reading, while the Executive Yuan has budgeted NT$235.7 billion for a NT$10,000 handout. The Finance Ministry says tax revenue has risen, but the central government has limited disposable funds, so a NT$20,000 payout could require borrowing. The Executive Yuan reiterated that the policy must meet principles including no increase in actual borrowing.
Facts
On October 16, the Legislative Yuan voted to send the draft Special Act on Sharing Economic Gains and Stabilizing Livelihoods directly to a second reading.
The Executive Yuan has allocated NT$235.7 billion in the 2027 central government budget proposal for a NT$10,000 cash handout per person.
The Finance Ministry estimates that a NT$20,000 cash handout would require more than NT$470 billion.
National tax revenue in the first 9 months of 2026 rose by about NT$700 billion from the same period in 2025.
If the process goes smoothly, the first round of NT$10,000 payments is expected to be deposited on January 26, 2027.
Video／How powerful is an MRI magnet? A wrench gets sucked in in less than 1 second, leaving online users stunned: “Final Destination is real”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
奇美醫院 used decommissioned MRI equipment to conduct a magnetic force test. Critical care physician Chen Chih-chin released a video showing a wrench being pulled in instantly to promote medical safety. The hospital urged the public to remove all metal items before examinations and designated the video as official patient education material, prompting a strong online response.
Facts
奇美醫院 Vice President Tang Hung-jen and chief radiology technologist Huang Chien-chung used an MRI machine slated for replacement to conduct a magnetic force test.
Critical care physician Chen Chih-chin posted a video on Threads on the 16th showing a metal wrench being pulled into an MRI machine in less than 1 second.
Online commenters said that if a metal object is pulled into the machine while it is operating, demagnetization and repairs could cost up to one million dollars.
奇美醫院 plans to use footage of the test in official patient education videos in the future.
During the test, the “Chi-en doll,” which contained a metal wrench, was brought near the machine. Once released, the doll was instantly pulled inside.
After three and a half years of perseverance, 河堤國小’s cup-stacking team reaches the top! It claims the championship in Kaohsiung’s first competitive cup-stacking league.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
河堤國小’s cup-stacking team defeated 福康國小 to win the upper-grade team championship at the 115年度 elementary school sports promotion association’s competitive cup-stacking league, thanks to three and a half years of perseverance and teamwork. The achievement was highly praised by 中華競技疊杯推廣運動協會 and the school, showcasing the results of a diverse sports education program.
Facts
河堤國小’s cup-stacking team won the upper-grade team championship at Kaohsiung’s first elementary school competitive cup-stacking league.
河堤國小’s cup-stacking team defeated 福康國小 in the final, winning in three rounds.
河堤國小’s cup-stacking team trained and persevered for three and a half years.
中華競技疊杯推廣運動協會 has long sponsored coaching costs for 河堤國小.
河堤國小 won the boys’ overall team championship last year.
A total of 9 teams from across the city competed in this single-elimination tournament.
Why do some people regret the downfall of “the mayor who understands the economy best,” Huang Qifan, who once warned of the 恆大 crisis and dared to speak the truth?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Former Chongqing Mayor Huang Qifan was officially announced as suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations on 2026-10-13, drawing widespread attention. He used his expertise to drive Chongqing’s economic boom and repeatedly warned of risks in real estate and corporate debt. His downfall has been linked to recent anti-corruption cases in Chongqing and the sentencing of a think tank executive.
Facts
Huang Qifan was officially announced as suspected of serious disciplinary and legal violations and placed under investigation on 2026-10-13.
During Huang Qifan’s tenure as Chongqing mayor from 2010 to 2016, the city’s GDP growth rate led the nation for three consecutive years.
Huang Qifan once warned that major companies such as 恆大 and 萬達 had enormous asset bases but staggering debt burdens.
Bi Jingquan, the second chairman of 中國國際經濟交流中心, was sentenced to 14 years in prison in 2026年9月.
Huang Qifan harshly criticized P2P lending, saying it was essentially a Ponzi scheme based on passing the parcel and illegal fundraising.
Hu Henghua, then mayor of Chongqing, was placed under investigation in 2026年3月.
Huang Qifan published works including Restructuring and Breakthrough, systematically compiling his approach to restructuring as a way to resolve local development bottlenecks and debt crises.
Don't trust the U.S. dollar? Buy gold? Berkeley professor reveals 3 advantages and 2 major drawbacks: Why central banks are rushing to stockpile gold
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Berkeley professor Barry Eichengreen analyzed why central banks are buying more gold and the limitations involved. He noted that while gold can diversify dollar risk and reduce the impact of sanctions, it pays no interest and is inconvenient for payments, making it difficult to replace the dollar.
Facts
Barry Eichengreen, a distinguished professor at the University of California, Berkeley, said that gold reserves held by central banks worldwide are on the rise.
Gold has regained favor largely because it differs fundamentally from dollar assets: gold itself is not a liability issued by any national government or financial institution.
If a central bank’s foreign currency assets are held at financial institutions or within settlement systems in other countries, they may face the risk of being frozen or having financial transactions restricted.
Gold has significant limitations. First, it generates no interest, and returns on holdings depend mainly on market price movements.
Gold is not suited to directly meeting the large payment demands of the modern international financial system. It usually must first be sold and exchanged for currency before it can be used for payments.
Is the shishamo commonly eaten in Taiwan actually fake? The “fish” sold at salt-and-pepper chicken stalls is something else! A chart unravels the mystery of喜相逢
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Reports say that the “shishamo” commonly found in Taiwan’s food industry is actually imported capelin, known locally as 喜相逢, a different species from the shishamo caught in Hokkaido, Japan. Because they come from different places, shortages of Hokkaido catches have not affected supply in Taiwan.
Facts
Most of the fish long referred to as shishamo in Taiwan’s markets are capelin, commonly known as 喜相逢.
喜相逢 commonly sold in Taiwan is mainly imported, with Norway, Canada and Iceland among its common sources.
喜相逢 commonly sold in Taiwan costs about 150 to 250 dollars per jin.
True Hokkaido shishamo are about 12 to 15 centimeters long, with larger eyes and a more prominent mouth.
喜相逢 (capelin) commonly sold in Taiwan are about 15 to 25 centimeters long, with smaller heads and slender bodies.
The Hokkaido shishamo fishing season is concentrated mainly between October and November each year.
Is the city too noisy? smith+hsu Zhongshan flagship store officially opens, offering a one-stop experience of choosing tea by aroma, four contemporary tea rituals and chewable “tea-scent jewelry”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Contemporary tea brand smith+hsu opened a new flagship store, “Tea House,” in Taipei’s Zhongshan District on October 16. It offers tea selection by aroma, reservation-only immersive tea sessions and specialty snacks, emphasizing an intuitive tea-tasting experience.
Facts
smith+hsu’s Zhongshan flagship store (Tea House) officially opened on October 16.
Since its founding in 2007, smith+hsu has continued to use contemporary design to rethink the relationship between Eastern and Western tea cultures and modern life.
The store offers four contemporary tea rituals: “Stillness,” “Flow,” “Sharing” and “Relaxation.”
smith+hsu developed chewable “tea-scent jewelry,” made with Earl Grey citrus black tea as its base.
How tragic were the later years of famed general Qi Jiguang? He pacified the Japanese pirates but was purged by the court; historians reveal his heartbreaking end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article recounts the tragic later years of Qi Jiguang, a Ming dynasty general famed for resisting Japanese pirates. After his political patron Zhang Juzheng died, Qi was purged by the court and dismissed from office, losing his income and family support. He ultimately died in his hometown amid poverty and illness.
Facts
Qi Jiguang spent more than 40 years fighting, earning renown for pacifying Japanese pirates in the south and defending against the Mongols in the north.
Qi Jiguang was born in 1528. His ancestral home was Dingyuan, Anhui, and he was from Dengzhou, Shandong.
During Qi Jiguang’s campaigns against Japanese pirates along the southeastern coast, his direct superior was Governor-General Hu Zongxian.
After Zhang Juzheng died of illness in the tenth year of the Wanli reign, Qi Jiguang was transferred to Guangdong and impeached and dismissed from office.
Qi Jiguang died of illness in the twelfth month of the fifteenth year of the Wanli reign (January 1588), at the age of 61.
In his later years, Qi Jiguang suffered from severe lung disease and, unable to afford medicine, relied on neighbors for assistance.
It was only years after Qi Jiguang’s death that the court posthumously bestowed on him the title “Wuyi.”
More than just Doctor X! The top 10 best-reviewed Korean dramas adapted from Japanese dramas: The champion beats That Winter, the Wind Blows in ratings and will keep you watching
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article selects 10 classic Korean dramas remade from Japanese dramas or adapted from the same source, ranked by Douban ratings. The top-ranked show is Mother, starring Lee Bo-young, with a rating of 8.6. The list also includes well-known titles such as That Winter, the Wind Blows and Queen's Classroom, and discusses their adaptations and audience reception.
Facts
Mother, starring Lee Bo-young, topped the ranking of Korean dramas adapted from Japanese dramas with a rating of 8.6.
That Winter, the Wind Blows, starring Jo In-sung and Song Hye-kyo, has a Douban rating of 7.5.
Queen's Classroom, starring Go Hyun-jung and Kim Hyang-gi, has a Douban rating of 7.5.
The Greatest Divorce, starring Cha Tae-hyun and Bae Doona, has a Douban rating of 7.5.
On a Wednesday Afternoon at 3, starring Park Ha-sun and Lee Sang-yeob, has a Douban rating of 7.5.
Spring, starring Jo In-sung, Go Hyun-jung and Ji Jin-hee, has a Douban rating of 7.7.
Tell Me That You Love Me, starring Jung Woo-sung and Shin Hyun-bin, has a Douban rating of 7.7.
The series God of Study, starring Kim Su-ro and Bae Doona, has a rating of 7.8 on Douban.
Southeast Asia’s largest economy is unexpectedly home to the world’s worst-performing stock market this year! MSCI issues downgrade warning as Indonesia is hit by a triple sell-off in stocks, currency and bonds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, was warned by MSCI that it could be downgraded from emerging-market to standalone-market status over market transparency and governance concerns. The warning sent stocks plunging more than 10% and triggered a sell-off in the currency and bonds, with international funds potentially set to pull out in force.
Facts
MSCI warned that it would consider downgrading Indonesia from emerging-market to standalone-market status if the country fails to address issues including transparency.
Indonesia’s stock market plunged more than 10% at one point intraday on the 16th, triggering a trading halt.
MSCI said that reclassifying Indonesia as a frontier market alone would not adequately reflect the deep-rooted problems facing its stock market.
Potential capital outflows could reach billions of dollars.
The Indonesian rupiah weakened against the U.S. dollar, while government bond yields rose in tandem.
Ukraine, Argentina and Zimbabwe are currently classified by MSCI as standalone markets.
Homin Lee, senior macro strategist at French bank Lombard Odier, said the downgrade threat could be a negotiating tactic.
Companies mentioned：MSCI、Barbican Advisory、Lombard Odier、Allspring Global Investments、風傳媒
Latest on the universal NT$20,000 payout! KMT’s special bill sent directly to a second reading as it races to “this date” to return tax revenue to the public
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Legislative Yuan today approved a KMT caucus proposal to send the “NT$20,000 for everyone” special bill directly to a second reading, aiming for a third reading on Nov. 28. Ruling and opposition parties agreed to invite the premier to report on the general budget on Oct. 27, while the ruling party insisted on submitting a budget for a NT$10,000 payout for review.
Facts
The KMT caucus proposed the “Special Bill on Sharing Economic Gains with the Public and Stabilizing Livelihoods,” calling for the universal payout to be increased to NT$20,000.
The Legislative Yuan’s plenary session voted 52 to 40 to send the special bill directly to a second reading.
Original國民黨團總召傅崐萁指出去年政府超收稅額約5,000多億元，今年預計超收破兆元。
Ruling and opposition caucuses reached a consensus to invite Premier Cho Jung-tai to report on the “116th Fiscal Year Central Government General Budget Proposal” on Oct. 27.
The Executive Yuan’s budget proposal for a universal NT$10,000 payout amounts to NT$235.7 billion and has been included in the 116th fiscal year general budget proposal for review.
All 8 Taiwan People’s Party lawmakers were absent from the vote on sending the universal payout special bill directly to a second reading.
Auto exports to China plunge 66%, and Germany has finally had enough! Merz and Macron propose a “one-click termination” mechanism to kick rule-breakers out of the EU market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
German Chancellor Merz and French President Macron proposed a “one-click termination mechanism” to exclude countries engaging in unfair trade from the EU market, in response to competition from Chinese auto exports and a widening trade deficit.
Facts
German Chancellor Merz and French President Macron jointly wrote to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, proposing a new mechanism to exclude unfair trading partners.
Original根據榮鼎集團數據，2022年至2025年間，德國對華汽車出口暴跌了66%。
According to data from Germany Trade & Invest for the first half of 2026, China has fallen from Germany’s second-largest export market to its ninth-largest.
Last year, the EU’s goods trade deficit with China was about €360 billion, and it widened further in the first half of 2026.
In the first half of this year, China exported $254 billion worth of goods to the EU, more than the $172 billion it exported to the United States.
In the first 7 months of this year, the number of China-made new cars imported by Germany rose 121% from the same period last year.
The EU and China reached a consensus in China-EU trade talks that could cut the number of hybrid cars China exports to the EU by more than half.
An ambulance behind you means more than just pulling over! Highway bureau outlines 3 scenarios with different ways to yield; beware fines of up to NT$100,000 and license revocation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Directorate General of Highways issued guidelines on yielding to emergency vehicles, explaining the proper way to give way on single-lane roads, multilane roads and at intersections. Starting Jan. 31, those who fail to yield will face hefty fines and license revocation, to protect the golden hour for rescue.
Facts
The Directorate General of Highways outlined how to yield in 3 common situations: “single-lane roads,” “multilane roads” and “meeting at an intersection.”
Starting Jan. 31 this year, penalties for failing to yield to emergency vehicles will increase. Drivers of cars and motorcycles may face fines of up to NT$100,000, along with revocation of their driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Drivers of cars and motorcycles who fail to yield immediately to emergency vehicles face fines of NT$6,000 to NT$30,000, revocation of their driver’s license and a 6-month suspension of their vehicle registration.
If failure to yield results in injury or death, drivers of cars and motorcycles may face fines of NT$10,000 to NT$100,000 and revocation of their driver’s license and vehicle registration.
Riders of slow vehicles such as bicycles, electric-assist bicycles and micro electric two-wheelers who fail to yield immediately to emergency vehicles may be fined NT$300 to NT$1,200.
Japan and Thailand lose out! Top 10 countries worldwide for retirement: winner has low prices, pleasant weather and a quality of life that feels like a vacation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The UK’s Expatriate Group released its 2026 Global Retirement Index, with the Philippines taking the top spot as the world’s best country for retirement with a score of 78. The report assessed 5 key indicators, including healthcare, visas and cost, and selected the Philippines for its low cost of living, English-language advantage and accessible SRRV visa.
Facts
The UK’s Expatriate Group released its 2026 Global Retirement Index, with the Philippines taking first place with a score of 78.
The Philippines’ Special Resident Retiree’s Visa (SRRV) requires applicants to make a $15,000 fixed-term deposit.
The Philippines comprises more than 7,000 islands and is home to world-class destinations such as Boracay and Palawan.
Medical treatment in Manila and Cebu in the Philippines costs just one-third or even less than in Western countries.
味全龍 have finalized their foreign-player roster for the Taiwan Series, bringing Chiang Han, Meisaisi and Steel Dragon while leaving out Moshen Long.
Head coach Yeh Chun-chang said Ji Li Ji-lao’s performance had not been steady enough since returning from injury, and that he was not yet ready technically or mentally.
A final dance for Yili, Lee Le and 7 other Wing Stars members! Farewell show offers just 370 seats; ticket rules spark fan outrage: “Trying to cash in one last time?”
The farewell show, “Looking Back to Our Roots × Flying Toward the Future,” will be held on Nov. 29, with just 370 seats available.
The special A-section gift bag costs NT$1,200, with 100 available. It includes an event ticket and a pass to a signing session with the 7 members.
The team is also launching the “2026 WS Commemorative Card Pack,” priced at NT$500 per pack and containing a jersey card with a printed autograph.
Fans said the event should be renamed “Looking Back at Our Wallets, Cashing In on the Future,” accusing the team of exploiting the farewell to make money.
People with a first-degree relative who has had colorectal cancer face 2 to 4 times the risk of the general population.
People with a family history of colorectal cancer are advised to start colonoscopies at age 40, or 10 years before the youngest age at which a family member was diagnosed.
Original曾經長過大腸息肉的人，約有2至3成可能再次發現息肉。
The Health Promotion Administration provides government-funded fecal occult blood tests using an immunochemical method every 2 years for people aged 45 to 74.
Cash handout moves into high gear! Plan to distribute 10,000 before Lunar New Year advances; KMT proposes 20,000 and seeks to force the Executive Yuan to comply before the election
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Cross-party negotiations in the Legislative Yuan have concluded, setting Oct. 23 and 27 for reviews of the 115 supplementary budget and the 116 central government budget, respectively. Lai Ching-te called for swift review to allow the 10,000 cash handout to be distributed before Lunar New Year, while the KMT is pushing a 20,000 handout bill to pressure the Executive Yuan into countersigning it before the election.
Facts
The Legislative Yuan has scheduled a report and questioning on the 115 central government supplementary budget bill for Oct. 23.
The Legislative Yuan has scheduled a report and questioning on the 116 central government general budget bill for Oct. 27.
President Lai Ching-te said that if the general budget passes its 3rd reading by Jan. 5 next year, preparations for the 10,000 cash handout could begin as early as before Lunar New Year next year.
The KMT caucus has drafted a special bill for a 20,000 cash handout and proposed sending it directly to a 2nd reading.
The Executive Yuan must decide by Nov. 27 whether to countersign the special bill for a 20,000 cash handout.
The 8 lawmakers in the Taiwan People’s Party caucus abstained during the vote on sending the 20,000 handout bill directly to a 2nd reading.
Green camp mayoral candidates skip vote! Legislative Yuan passes senior health insurance premium subsidy bill in 3rd reading; Shih Chung-liang estimates costs will be shifted
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to the Senior Citizens Welfare Act in a 3rd reading on the 16th, shifting senior health insurance subsidies to full central government funding and introducing an income threshold. The health minister warned that the costs would be shifted to younger generations, while the absence of several Green camp lawmakers running for local executive posts sparked controversy.
Facts
The Legislative Yuan passed amendments to some provisions of the Senior Citizens Welfare Act in a 3rd reading on the 16th, shifting senior health insurance costs to full central government funding.
The amendments set an income threshold, covering people whose total consolidated income is below the filing threshold or whose income tax rate is below 20%.
Health Minister Shih Chung-liang estimated that if the costs were shifted, people aged 15 to 64 would have to pay an additional NT$3,000-plus a year per person.
If the costs were shifted to taxpaying households, each household would have to pay an additional NT$8,000-plus a year.
DPP lawmaker Chuang Jui-hsiung said the opposition’s amendments would turn National Health Insurance into a social welfare program, with annual subsidies reaching NT$40 billion.
The vote passed 60 to 39.
Several DPP candidates for county and city magistrate or mayor, as well as KMT Taichung mayoral candidate Chiang Chi-chen, did not take part in the vote.
Up 32% in 3 days to NT$82! What does 台郡 do, and why is it riding the 輝達 concept-stock wave? 台虹 soars above NT$300—is this the next dark horse?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台郡 has benefited from the 輝達 NVLink PTFE theme, hitting the daily limit-up for 3 straight sessions, but it still posted a loss in the first half and foreign investors were net sellers, leaving its transformation progress to be seen.
Facts
台郡 (6269) hit the limit-up price of NT$82 for 3 consecutive trading days.
輝達 showcased its next-generation NVLink PTFE high-speed transmission technology at the 2026 OCP Global Summit, with 台郡 and 台虹 appearing on the display board.
台郡 posted a loss of NT$4.27 per share in the first half of 2026.
台郡’s combined revenue share from FPCs for mobile phones, tablets and computers was 91%.
台虹’s share price has climbed above NT$300, hitting the limit-up price of NT$311.5 intraday.
台郡's revenue in September 2026 was NT$2.099 billion, down 2.7% year over year.
Foreign investors were net sellers of 台郡 shares for 2 consecutive days, selling a total of 762 lots.
Latest update on the nationwide NT$10,000 cash payout! Finance Ministry reveals the first online registration date and schedule for 5 disbursement channels; 5 areas offer an additional NT$6,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Executive Yuan announced a budget of NT$235.7 billion for its nationwide NT$10,000 cash payout policy, aiming to distribute the money before Lunar New Year in 2027. Legislative Yuan negotiators agreed to invite the premier to report on the budget proposal, marking a key step toward distributing the money before the holiday.
Facts
The Executive Yuan is promoting the “AI Dividend for All: NT$10,000 Cash Payout” policy, with a budget of NT$235.7 billion.
If the Legislative Yuan passes the budget proposal in its third reading by January 5, 2027, the first payments are expected to be distributed as early as January 26, 2027.
Every person will receive a uniform cash payment of NT$10,000, with no income-based exclusion clause.
Huatian Township in Changhua County is offering an additional local stimulus payment of NT$6,000 per person.
Yanping Township in Taitung County will distribute an additional NT$5,000 per person, raised from the original NT$3,000.
Linnei Township in Yunlin County is distributing NT$3,600 per person; paper applications will be accepted through December 31, 2026.
Members of the public can register a financial account on the official designated website, which is expected to open on January 25, 2027.
Where did Taiwan's beef noodle soup originate, and which was the first shop? It wasn't in Gangshan, Kaohsiung! Food expert Liang Youxiang reveals the secret: this 1 shop was the original pioneer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Food expert Liang Youxiang used historical research to reveal the origins of Taiwan's beef noodle soup, identifying the first shop as “Old Li Beef Noodle Soup” in Tainan, established in 1958, and disputing the claim that it originated in a military dependents' village in Gangshan. The article details how the braised and clear-broth styles were developed by veterans from different backgrounds, and how the dish gained popularity under a U.S. aid flour policy.
Facts
Taiwan's first bowl of beef noodle soup was created by Li Shizhen, an Air Force veteran, in Tainan in 1958.
The dish of braised beef noodle soup does not exist locally in Sichuan.
Clear-broth beef noodle soup was introduced to Taiwan by Hui veterans from Gansu who came to Taiwan after the war.
The China-Russia bridge has just opened, and China and North Korea are following suit! The long-idle New Yalu River Bridge finally opens after 12 years — what signal does this send?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The New Yalu River Bridge, connecting Dandong in China and Sinuiju in North Korea, opened on October 15, ending 12 years of idleness. The move is seen as a sign of warming China-North Korea ties and a reshaping of Northeast Asian geopolitics, reflecting the two sides' shared interests in maintaining border stability and economic cooperation.
Facts
The New Yalu River Bridge officially opened on October 15, with Chinese Premier Li Qiang and North Korean Premier Pak Thae Song delivering recorded remarks.
The New Yalu River Bridge is about three kilometers long and is a four-lane, two-way road bridge. The first vehicles to cross were freight trucks.
Construction of the New Yalu River Bridge began in December 2010 and was completed in October 2014. It opened after more than 12 years of idleness.
China still accounts for more than 90% of North Korea's total foreign trade.
Just five weeks ago, North Korea and Russia opened their first road bridge across the Tumen River.
Exclusive: Interview with Shen Po-yang angers the KMT! KMT Central Committee members sign petition urging party headquarters to “expel Jaw Shaw-kong”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
KMT Central Committee member Jiang Yongxiong launched a petition strongly condemning Jaw Shaw-kong for interviewing Shen Po-yang and recommending that he be expelled from the party, accusing him of damaging the party's reputation and electoral prospects.
Facts
KMT Central Committee member Jiang Yongxiong launched a petition urging party headquarters to expel Jaw Shaw-kong.
Jaw Shaw-kong recently gave 2 interviews to Shen Po-yang, the DPP's candidate for Taipei mayor.
The petition describes Shen Po-yang as a Taiwan independence hardliner formally registered and tracked by mainland China.
The proposal says Jaw Shaw-kong's conduct poses 4 serious threats, including trampling on the party's core values and severely damaging its electoral prospects.
Those signing the petition believe that Jaw Shaw-kong, as a former vice presidential candidate, represents the KMT's image through his words and actions, yet is associating with pro-independence separatist forces.
The petition statement stresses that the current goal is to stand united, secure the party's voter base and win the nine-in-one elections.
翰可能源 (7859): Announces its invitation to attend a pre-emerging stock investor briefing hosted by 華南永昌證券
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
翰可能源 announced that it has been invited to attend a pre-emerging stock investor briefing hosted by 華南永昌證券, where it will discuss its operating results, core businesses and future development strategy.
Facts
1. Date of occurrence: 115/10/19
(1) Date of investor briefing: October 19, 115 (Monday).
Jing Rui Guang (6787): Announces regulatory approval to extend the payment period for designated subscribers in its 115 cash capital increase
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
Jing Rui Guang (6787) announced that regulators approved a three-month extension of the payment period for designated subscribers in its 115 cash capital increase, through 116/01/06. It also offered compensation, including interest, to shareholders and employees who have paid but wish to withdraw from the subscription.
三地能源 (6946): Announces on behalf of important subsidiary 合豐能源股份有限公司 that its board has resolved to cancel the first extraordinary shareholders' meeting of 115
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
三地能源 announced that the board of its important subsidiary 合豐能源股份有限公司 resolved to cancel the first extraordinary shareholders' meeting, originally scheduled for 115/10/30.
國碳科 (4754): Announces a change in the company's corporate governance officer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
國碳科 (4754) announced that corporate governance officer Lin Donghe has resigned for career-planning reasons, effective 115/11/01. A successor will be announced after the board makes a decision.
國碳科 (4754): Announces a change in the company's general manager
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
國碳科 (4754) announced that General Manager Lin Donghe has resigned for personal career-planning reasons, effective 115/11/01. The chairperson will temporarily perform the duties.
Facts
Date of board resolution or change: 115/10/16
General Manager Lin Donghe's departure takes effect on 115/11/01.
華宇藥 (6621): The company has obtained a patent certificate from the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China for its “Method for Detecting Fibrin/Fibrinogen Degradation Products in Companion Animals”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
華宇藥品 (6621) announced that its application for a patent on a “Method for Detecting Fibrin/Fibrinogen Degradation Products in Companion Animals” has been granted an invention patent certificate by the Intellectual Property Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China. This strengthens the company's patent portfolio in companion-animal tumor biomarker detection technology.
湧盛 (2249): Announces collection of employee subscription payments for cash capital increase before initial OTC listing of company shares
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
湧盛電機 announced collection of employee subscription payments for a cash capital increase before the initial OTC listing of its shares. Employees who did not pay by the deadline of 115年10月16日 must complete payment from 115年10月19日 through 11月18日; those who miss the deadline will forfeit their subscription rights.
泰合 (6467): Announces full receipt of proceeds from cash capital increase before initial listing of company shares and record date for the capital increase
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
泰合生技藥品股份有限公司 announced full receipt of proceeds from a cash capital increase before the initial listing of its shares and set 115年10月16日 as the record date for the capital increase.
Facts
Issue of 7,500,000 common shares
Minimum underwriting price: NT$88 per share
Weighted average price: NT$177.88 per share
Public subscription offering price: NT$105.6 per share
中茂 (5205) announced that general manager 詹益國 resigned on 115/10/16 because the number of independent directors fell below 4, making it impermissible for the chairman and general manager to be the same person. Business division deputy general manager 卓立 will serve in the role on an interim basis; a new general manager will be announced after board approval.
富喬 (1815): The company's securities recently met the criteria for the publication of trading information on the OTC market, so the company is releasing related financial and business information to help investors make an informed assessment.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
富喬 (1815) released recent financial and business information showing substantial year-on-year growth in monthly and quarterly revenue, pretax net profit, and net profit attributable to owners of the parent, with results turning from a loss to a profit.
Facts
Operating revenue (NT$ million) 938
Pretax net profit (NT$ million) 433
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent (NT$ million) 331
Earnings per share (NT$) 0.56
Operating revenue (NT$ million) 2,131
Pretax net profit (NT$ million) 955
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent (NT$ million) 843
Earnings per share (NT$) 1.45
Operating revenue (NT$ million) 7,182
Pretax net profit (NT$ million) 2,353
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent (NT$ million) 2,019
和詮 (6673): Announces acquisition of right-of-use assets from a related party (lease agreement amendment)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
和詮 (6673) announced an amendment to its lease agreement with related party 威克半導體股份有限公司, reducing the leased area from 1,483 ping to 1,017 ping and the monthly rent from approximately NT$623,000 to NT$427,000.
三地能源 (6946): Announces full receipt of proceeds from private placement of common shares and capital increase record date
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
三地能源 announced full receipt of proceeds from a private placement of common shares and the capital increase record date. It issued 30,000,000 shares for total proceeds of NT$300,000,000.
富味鄉 (1260): Announces that the company's 115 first special shareholders' meeting approved lifting restrictions on directors-elect and their representatives from engaging in competing businesses
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
富味鄉 (1260) announced that its first special shareholders' meeting, held on 115年10月16日, approved lifting the restrictions on 洪群雄, a newly elected director, and 尤愛齡, an independent director, from engaging in competing businesses.
富味鄉 (1260): Announces elected directors from by-election at the company's 115 first special shareholders' meeting
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
富味鄉 (1260) announced the directors elected in a by-election at its 115 first special shareholders' meeting: 洪群雄, representative of 宏貿投資股份有限公司, as a director, and 尤愛齡 as an independent director.
Facts
Holds 9,719,483 shares
Director turnover rate during the same term: 2/9
Change rate of independent directors during the same term: 1/4
富味鄉 (1260): Announces key resolutions of the company's 115 first special shareholders' meeting
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
富味鄉 (1260) announced resolutions passed at its 115 first special shareholders' meeting, including waiving preemptive subscription rights for a cash capital increase, electing directors in a by-election, and lifting restrictions on engaging in competing businesses.
中探針 (6217): The company's securities have repeatedly met the criteria for publication of trading information recently, so the company is announcing related information to help investors make an informed assessment
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
中探針 (6217) announced that its securities have repeatedly met the criteria for publication of trading information recently and disclosed monthly, quarterly, and cumulative financial and business information for the most recent four quarters.
Facts
Operating revenue (NT$ million) 352
Pretax net profit (NT$ million) (33)
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent (NT$ million) (34)
Earnings per share (NT$) (0.30)
Operating revenue (NT$ million) 1,193
Pretax net profit (NT$ million) (49)
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent (NT$ million) (35)
Operating revenue (NT$ million) 4,321
Pretax net profit (NT$ million) (68)
Net profit attributable to owners of the parent (NT$ million) (43)
合富-KY (4745): Announces balance and collection status of self-reported accounts receivable for 115年9月
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
合富-KY announced the balance and collection status of accounts receivable for 115年9月. Overdue amounts were mainly due to delays in medical insurance subsidies to public hospitals; the company is stepping up collection efforts and legal proceedings.
金居 (8358): Announces establishment of a nomination committee
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
金居 (8358) announced the establishment of a nomination committee, comprising four independent directors: 梁彥平, 王禮剛, 何健隆, and 曾煥雄. 梁彥平 was elected convener, effective 115/10/16.
金居 (8358): The company's board resolved to make a capital increase in subsidiary Co-Tech Development (Penang) Sdn. Bhd.
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
金居 (8358) board resolves to inject NT$1.4 billion into its 100%-owned subsidiary, Co-Tech Development (Penang) Sdn. Bhd., to meet business development needs and expand its production site in Malaysia.
Facts
NT$1.4 billion
100% owned
Companies mentioned：金居、Co-Tech Development (Penang) Sdn. Bhd.
樺晟 (3202): Announces correction to the company’s reported information on loans to others from 115年1月 to 8月
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
樺晟 (3202) announced corrections to its reported information on loans to others from 115年1月 to 8月, revising the loan balance, previous month's balance, maximum limit and other fields for certain months. The information has been updated on the Market Observation Post System.
群聯 (8299): Announces that the company has been invited to attend the 3Q26 earnings announcement online investor conference hosted by 麥格理證券 (English session)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
群聯 announced that it has been invited to attend the 3Q26 earnings announcement online investor conference hosted by 麥格理證券 at 115/11/06 17:00.
昱展新藥 (6785): The company has submitted an application to 美國FDA for a Phase 2 clinical trial of ALA-3000, a new-formulation drug for treatment-resistant depression
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
昱展新藥 (6785) announced that it has submitted an application to 美國FDA for a Phase 2 clinical trial of ALA-3000, a new-formulation drug for treatment-resistant depression.
Facts
Approximately 320 million people worldwide suffer from depression
Nearly one-third of patients have treatment-resistant depression
The global antidepressant drug market was valued at US$19.71 billion in 2025
力旺 (3529): The company has been invited to an overseas investor conference hosted by 櫃買中心 and 台新證券
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
力旺 (3529) announced that it has been invited to an overseas investor conference hosted by 櫃買中心 and 台新證券 in Singapore on 115年10月29日, where it will discuss financial and business information.
晶呈科技 (4768): Announces a change in the company’s accounting officer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公開資訊觀測站
晶呈科技 announced that accounting officer 鄭雅玲 resigned for personal career-planning reasons, effective 115/10/16. The successor will be announced after appointment by the board.