New circular bus route planned for Zhunan and Toufen; Miaoli County says 12 stops will connect to existing network
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Miaoli County Government plans a new circular bus route for Zhunan and Toufen, with 12 stops linking to existing routes to provide a metro-like service. If the bidding proceeds smoothly, trial operations could begin as early as early 2027.
臻鼎-KY partners with 中央大學 to train high-level PCB talent
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
臻鼎-KY, 中央大學, 台光電, 大量科技 and 尖點科技 will invest NT$60 million to establish the “Advanced PCB Talent Development Program,” focusing on training key talent and conducting joint research on high-end PCB technology.
財政部: Private investment in public infrastructure reached NT$117.8 billion in first 9 months; full-year total expected to match last year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
財政部 said 93 public infrastructure projects involving private participation were successfully contracted in the first 9 months of this year, with investment totaling NT$117.8 billion. The full-year value of such projects is expected to match last year’s NT$80.5 billion.
Asian Para Games taekwondo champion Hsiao Hsiang-wen defends title, gains confidence for Los Angeles Paralympics
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Nagoya Asian Para Games taekwondo athlete Hsiao Hsiang-wen won gold in the men’s K44 58kg class to defend his title, earning Taiwan’s delegation its first gold medal and boosting his confidence for the Los Angeles Paralympics in 2 years.
Facts
Men’s K44 58kg class
First gold medal
The Los Angeles Paralympics in 2 years
Won 2 Asian Para Games gold medals over his career
Telecom industry joins forces with prosecutors to strengthen AI anti-fraud measures
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台灣電信產業發展協會 and the Taiwan High Prosecutors Office signed a letter of intent on a “Telecom Anti-Fraud Collaboration Mechanism,” aiming to strengthen anti-fraud networks through public-private cooperation and AI technology.
Taipei Fashion Week SS27 closes, attracting more than 29,000 visits
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei Fashion Week SS27 closed at the Air Force Command Headquarters cultural base, drawing 29,000 visits, a record high, with output value estimated at about NT$300 million.
Facts
Attracted more than 29,000 visits
Up 42.8%
Estimated to generate about NT$300 million in output value
A showcase featuring 56 local and international brands
Companies mentioned：中央社、伊勢丹、阪急、高島屋、BAYCREW'S GROUP、URBAN RESEARCH、LUISA VIA ROMA、Andreas Murkudis
數產署 leads 13 IT service providers to Japan to explore market partnerships
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
數產署 led 13 Taiwanese IT service providers to Japan, where they met with AWS Japan, 伊藤忠科技解決方案（CTC）, 日本資訊服務產業協會（JISA） and others to explore market cooperation opportunities in areas including AI and cybersecurity.
Russian overnight attack on Kyiv kills 1, injures 8; Zelenskyy says allies gave no warning
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Russian overnight attack on Kyiv killed 1 and injured 8. Zelenskyy said allies had given no warning; Trump criticized Zelenskyy, while Rubio denied that intelligence sharing had been suspended.
Lee Teng-hui-planted banyan trees removed after root rot diagnosis; tree advocates accuse authorities of letting them die
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Two old banyan trees planted by former President Lee Teng-hui and former Vice President Lee Yuan-tsu in Taipei’s Meilun Park were removed after contracting brown root rot. The Taipei City Government said the removal was necessary for safety and had been approved by 文化局; tree advocacy group 台灣樹人會 questioned whether the city had allowed the old trees to die.
Central bank intervenes late in session, but Taiwan dollar still plunges 1.07 jiao to close at 32.445
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
As foreign investors sold Taiwanese stocks and remitted funds abroad, the Taiwan dollar closed at 32.445 against the U.S. dollar after central bank intervention late in the session, plunging 1.07 jiao to a nearly 18-month low.
Facts
Closed at 32.445
Plunged 1.07 jiao
Total trading value was US$3.853 billion
Plunged more than 940 points
Fell to 46170 points
Closed at 46822.08 points
Down 289.18 points
The three major institutional investors collectively recorded net sales of NT$89.954 billion in Taiwan stocks
Foreign investors recorded net sales of NT$76.742 billion
Cumulative net withdrawals from Taiwan stocks exceeded NT$700 billion
Trump tightens immigration policy; U.S. visa issuance plunges, affecting Taiwan too
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Trump administration's tightened immigration policy led to a sharp drop in the number of immigrant visas issued by the United States, also affecting Taiwan. Only 60 were issued in February.
Facts
The U.S. State Department issued only 26,000 immigrant visas in February this year
Far below the 52,000 issued in the months before Trump returned to the White House
Making it difficult for people from 91 countries worldwide to immigrate to the United States
It also reduced visa issuance for another 61 countries
Immigration from Muslim-majority countries to the United States plunged by more than 90%
The number of immigrant visas issued fell by only 10%
Banned people from 39 countries from obtaining visas or entering the country
Also suspended immigrant visa issuance for people from 52 countries
The United States issued only 60 immigrant visas to Taiwanese people in February this year
A sharp drop from the monthly average of 180 in 2023 to 2024
The 2 countries together accounted for about 30% of all visas issued in February
Original學生和工作簽證數量也較1年前各下滑30%
Tourist and business visas also declined by about 25% in February
CPBL Guardians to hold fan appreciation event on the 31st, with 'Guardians Rookie Day' as the finale
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
中華職業棒球大聯盟富邦悍將隊 will hold the '2026 Fubon Guardians FAN FEST Fan Appreciation Event' in Xinzhuang, New Taipei, on the 31st, with 'Guardians Rookie Day,' where the year's 'Rookie King' will be selected, as the finale. The event will include a morning session for family members and an afternoon session open to the public, offering interactive activities, autograph sessions and perks such as a SUPERPASS handheld sign.
Facts
To be held in Xinzhuang, New Taipei, on the 31st
2026 Fubon Guardians FAN FEST Fan Appreciation Event
Admission will begin with ticket checks at 9:30 a.m.
Thailand cracks down on foreigners illegally buying land, considers forced sale of illegally held property
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Thai Prime Minister Anutin has launched a crackdown on foreigners illegally holding land, ordering local officials to complete investigations by December and considering measures including forced sales of illegally held land and deportation to prevent the use of nominees to hold property.
Facts
There are 13,088 cases
Among them, 1,550 companies are suspected of violating foreign ownership rules
Another 11,538 cases involve suspected landholding on behalf of foreigners
Assets worth more than 6 billion baht were seized
11 suspects, including Chinese nationals, were arrested
Taiwanese tech art showcased at Czech Signal Festival; artist featured on front page of major newspaper
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Works by Taiwanese artists Zhang Fangyu and Huang Hsin-chien were showcased at the Czech Signal Festival. Zhang Fangyu's work appeared on the cover of a major Czech newspaper, earning international recognition.
Facts
A laser installation standing 10 meters tall
Invited to participate for the 2nd consecutive year
An approximately 15-minute journey through a fantastical universe
The 50th anniversary of humanity's first moon landing
Attracts more than 500,000 visits each year
Companies mentioned：中央社、文化部、駐捷克代表處、張方禹工作室、Metro、Deník N
Philippines summons Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to protest 'threats of force' remarks
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs summoned Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan to protest his recent 'threats of force' remarks, which Manila deemed provocative and unacceptable.
Facts
(中央社, Manila, 19, compiled from foreign media reports)
Original井泉15日在馬尼拉1所學校發表演說後受訪時表示
In response to the Philippine defense secretary's statement on the 14th that China was a troublemaker in the region
Retired military police officer and air force personnel indicted in China spy case; High Court orders detention without visitation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A former military police officer surnamed Li and a former air force officer surnamed Sen were indicted by Taiwan's High Prosecutors Office and transferred to the High Court on suspicion of leaking military secrets to the Chinese Communist Party. The High Court ordered both detained without visitation. Two other people involved in the case, surnamed Tsai and Yu, were released on bail of NT$50,000 and NT$100,000, respectively.
Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building opens; Li Sichuan reiterates pledges to seniors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi and KMT New Taipei mayoral candidate Li Sichuan attended the opening ceremony of the Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building. Li reiterated his pledges to seniors, including home safety subsidies of up to NT$30,000, using AI technology alongside long-term care resources, and establishing a senior talent center.
Violent protests in France; 外交部: Avoid protest sites and stay alert
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Large-scale protests broke out in France on the 17th and escalated into serious urban violence. 外交部 said 駐法代表處 had so far received no requests for emergency assistance from Taiwanese nationals abroad, and urged people to avoid protest sites and stay alert.
Facts
Nearly 2400 people were arrested
Nearly 1000 police officers and gendarmes were also injured
Foreign investors sell NT$76.7 billion for 9th straight session; 力積電 leads with 46,400 lots sold
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign and mainland Chinese investors recorded net sales of NT$76.742 billion in Taiwan stocks for 9 consecutive trading days, bringing cumulative withdrawals to more than NT$758.5 billion. 力積電 led with 46,400 lots sold, while 台積電 also saw holdings cut for 9 straight days.
Facts
Net sales of NT$76.742 billion
Net sales for 9 consecutive trading days
晶圓代工廠力積電 had the largest reduction, at 46,400 lots
The three major institutional investors collectively recorded net sales of NT$89.954 billion in Taiwan stocks today
Proprietary traders recorded net sales of NT$36.263 billion
Cumulative withdrawals from Taiwan stocks exceeded NT$758.5 billion
Peng Chi-ming hopes to reduce election billboards; will discuss the issue across agencies with the Central Election Commission
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Environment Minister Peng Chi-ming said he will discuss the issue across agencies, including with the Central Election Commission, in hopes of reducing single-use campaign billboards during election periods to advance environmental protection. He also announced a packaging-reduction policy, setting a target of cutting packaging by 15% by 2030.
China's Q3 GDP grows 4.5% year on year, beating expectations; analysts say export reliance deepens imbalances
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
China's Q3 GDP grew 4.5% year on year, beating expectations. Analysts said strong exports eased pressure from the domestic economic slowdown but deepened structural imbalances. Despite government support measures, domestic demand remains weak and the property market sluggish, but China is expected to meet its full-year growth target.
Facts
Q3 GDP grew 4.5% year on year
Up from 4.3% year-on-year growth in Q2
Full-year growth target of 4.5% to 5%
Exports surged by more than 1/3
Trade surpluses grew by more than 200% year on year
Exceeding last year's US$1.2 trillion
Continued to contribute more than 40%
Fixed-asset investment fell 7.2% year on year
Companies mentioned：中央社、路透社、ITC Markets、法國興業銀行、Societe Generale
Public-sector bank mergers draw attention; 國票金: coexistence of 樂天銀 and brick-and-mortar banks is possible
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國票金控 said coexistence of 樂天銀 and brick-and-mortar banks is possible, and that any future merger or acquisition would be discussed fully. The company posted after-tax earnings of NT$3.692 billion from 1 to 9, up 116.29% year on year. Its compensation reform plan took effect in October and November, respectively.
Japan's Mito City to open 'Tainan Road' in February 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Takahiro Hakamazuka, chairman of the Mito City Council in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, led a delegation to Tainan and announced that Mito City would name a road 'Tainan Road,' scheduled to open in February 2027. Tainan City will name a road near the Feihu General Temple in Annan District 'Mito Street' to commemorate the friendship between the 2 cities.
Chen Ming-hung, preserver of the 'lion head making' craft, dies; 文化部 to present a commendation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chen Ming-hung, preserver of Taichung City's traditional 'lion head making' craft, died on October 16 at the age of 76. 文化部 Minister Li Yuan said a commendation would be presented in recognition of his contributions to preserving and passing on intangible cultural heritage.
Russian foreign minister visits Iran, seeking to mediate Middle East war
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited Iran to seek mediation in the Middle East war. The 2 sides will discuss regional issues, focusing on resolving the international crisis triggered by U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran.
Facts
Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022
DPP warns of Chinese interference in elections; Shen Po-yang urges people to 'stop, look and listen'
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The DPP warned that China was conducting a campaign of 'smearing, poisoning and labeling' Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Po-yang, and could use deepfake technology in the future to 'smear' him sexually. Shen urged supporters to 'stop, look and listen' before sharing online information.
Facts
Key News of the 2026 Nine-in-One Elections
Original台北19日電
With the mayoral television debate scheduled for October 31
TV personality 阿Ken collapses in pain at night from shingles, becomes a pitcher to urge people with diabetes to protect their health
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After suffering from shingles, entertainer 阿Ken became a health education ambassador, urging people with diabetes to take infection prevention seriously. The 糖尿病衛教學會 and doctors at 台北榮民總醫院 reminded people with diabetes to manage blood sugar, get screened for complications and manage their risk of shingles.
Facts
Incidence rate is about 1.8 times that of people without diabetes
Among every 7 patients with shingles affecting the eye
Japan considers cutting consumption tax; Prime Minister Takaichi does not rule out issuing government bonds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Japanese government is working to cut the consumption tax rate on food starting in April 2027. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, responding at a House of Councillors Budget Committee session, did not rule out issuing government bonds and said about 6 trillion yen in non-tax revenue is unallocated and could be used as a funding source.
Facts
Starting in April 2027
Cut from 8% to 1%
Of about 9 trillion yen in non-tax revenue
About 6 trillion yen is unallocated
Tax revenue has exceeded forecasts by more than 6 trillion yen on average over the past 5 years
Lu Shiow-yen to lead delegation to Okinawa, host high-altitude wedding and visit Taiwanese businesspeople
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen will lead a delegation to Okinawa, Japan, for a 2-day visit. The itinerary includes officiating at the wedding ceremony for 66 couples at the “Taichung Citizens’ Joint Wedding,” the first event of its kind in the country to be held at an altitude of 30,000 feet, as well as visiting 沖繩縣政府 to congratulate the new governor and meeting with 琉球台灣商工協會 to show concern for Taiwanese businesspeople, promoting two-way exchanges and strengthening Taiwan-Japan friendship.
India's 蟑螂人民黨 faces continued protests as opposition camp forms new group and calls for peaceful demonstrations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
India's 蟑螂人民黨 has faced continued demonstrations over a voter roll deletion dispute, causing traffic jams and drawing complaints from businesses. Opponents formed 紅剋蟑人民黨, urging young people to participate in the democratic process peacefully and lawfully, and condemning violent protests.
Facts
About 130 million name records
Companies mentioned：中央通訊社、新德里電視台、NDTV、印度時報、Times of India、印度亞洲新聞社、IANS、印度人民黨、BJP、蟑螂人民黨、CJP、全印學生聯會、AISA、紅剋蟑人民黨、Lal Hit Janata Party
OCAC: Legislative Yuan special report is not one page; official overseas travel expenses and data publicly available
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The OCAC clarified that its special report to the 立法院 was not just one page, noting that official overseas travel expenses and related information are publicly available. It also pledged to provide more information on plans and spending for review.
Facts
Written report is only 138 characters
A total of 5 pages and 1,733 characters
3 categories: “inspection,” “visits” and “meetings”
Taiwan and the Philippines sign livestock research cooperation MOU, demonstrating resolve to strengthen cooperation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 13th Taiwan-Philippines Agriculture and Fisheries Cooperation Meeting concluded in Cebu, Philippines. The two sides' agriculture ministries agreed to deepen exchanges and formally signed a “Memorandum of Understanding on Livestock Research Cooperation,” demonstrating their resolve to strengthen livestock cooperation in the future.
MSCI downgrade proposal sparks renewed selling; Indonesia stocks briefly plunge more than 5% to a 6-year low
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Fears that MSCI may downgrade Indonesia from an emerging market to a standalone market have prompted foreign investors to withdraw. The Jakarta Composite Index briefly plunged more than 5%, hitting a 6-year low, before closing down 3.64%. 高盛 warned that removing Indonesia from the MSCI Emerging Markets Index could lead to an outflow of about US$5.6 billion.
Facts
At one point plunged more than 5%
Fell 3.64%
Lowest level since early October 2020
Final decision expected by June next year
Could trigger an outflow of about US$5.6 billion from passive funds
Tainan railway undergrounding: part of old station track area temporarily opened for photos
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
After the first phase of Tainan's railway undergrounding project opened, the old station tracks were taken out of service. The 台南市政府 coordinated with 台鐵公司 and 交通部鐵道局 to open part of the old station track area for visitors to take photos and experience it, from now through Oct. 26.
Woman motorcyclist trapped under vehicle after suspected loss of control and collision with oncoming vehicle in Keelung; dies in hospital
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A crash occurred on Gangxi Street in Keelung. A woman surnamed Pan, riding a motorcycle, apparently lost control and struck a van driven by a man surnamed Zhao. She was trapped beneath the vehicle and died in hospital after firefighters lifted it to free her. A girl about 1 year old inside the van was unharmed.
Good Samaritan in New Taipei donates cardiopulmonary resuscitation machine to improve emergency response on Penghu outlying islands
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chen Yueying, a Good Samaritan in New Taipei, donated a SUNLIFE portable automated cardiopulmonary resuscitation machine valued at NT$680,000 to the 澎湖縣消防局's Jiangjun Brigade to improve emergency response on the outlying islands.
Asian Para Games taekwondo: Hsiao Hsiang-wen successfully defends title, wins Taiwan delegation's first gold
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the men's K44 58-kilogram gold-medal match in taekwondo at the Nagoya Asian Para Games, Taiwan's Hsiao Hsiang-wen defeated Uzbekistan's Valionov 8-2, 18-6 to successfully defend his title and win the delegation's first gold of the Games.
U23 World Cup training team plays exhibition games in Japan; Huang Chin-hao pitches 5 strong innings as starter
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The U23 Baseball World Cup training team played an exhibition game in Japan against 本田熊本社會人隊. Taiwan-based-in-Japan pitcher Huang Chin-hao started and allowed no runs over 5 innings, but the bullpen collapsed and the team ultimately lost 3-8.
Facts
Started and pitched 5 innings
No runs allowed
Lost 3-8
Threw 77 pitches in total.
Recorded 3 strikeouts
3 walks
Gave up 6 hits.
Gave up 8 runs in one inning
Of which 5 were earned runs
Fastest pitch reached about 150 kilometers per hour
TLC-KY painkiller meets Phase III targets, plans to apply for U.S. marketing approval
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Drug developer TLC-KY announced that preliminary analysis of a Phase III clinical trial of its long-acting postoperative painkiller TLC590 for bunion surgery met the primary efficacy endpoint. The company plans to apply to the U.S. FDA for marketing approval after completing its data analysis.
Cheng Li-wun visits Hsinchu City, urges supporters to unite behind Ko Hung-an
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
KMT Chair Cheng Li-wun attended the inauguration of a women's support group in Hsinchu City and urged supporters to unite behind incumbent Hsinchu City Mayor Ko Hung-an as she seeks re-election. Ko said the Kuomintang and the 台灣民眾黨 had reached an agreement to back her re-election under the “incumbents first” principle.
Australian MP Haines critically injured in deliberate SUV ramming
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Independent Australian MP Helen Haines is in critical condition after an SUV deliberately rammed her in Wangaratta, east of Melbourne. A 43-year-old male suspect was arrested, and police seized a knife and ruled out any further threat.
Facts
A 43-year-old male suspect
Haines is 65 years old
First elected to Parliament in 2019
More than 1,000 cases of violent threats targeting public figures have occurred
Singer Hsieh Chen-ting appears in court over alleged threats, seeks court-appointed counsel
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Singer Hsieh Chen-ting, who was indicted by the Taipei District Prosecutors Office on charges including threats and publicly disclosing personal information, has repeatedly failed to appear in court during proceedings. At today's hearing, Hsieh sought court-appointed counsel, citing illness. The judge will consider whether it is necessary.
Facts
Ordered released on NT$50,000 bail
Forfeiture of the NT$50,000 bail deposit
And indictment on 4 charges of violating the Personal Data Protection Act
4 arrested over sale of 'The Biography of Jimmy Lai' at Hong Kong independent bookstore; 祁福德 says he feels guilty
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Hong Kong police national security officers arrested 4 people, including the person in charge of 一拳書館, and seized books deemed seditious, including 《黎智英傳》. Author 祁福德 said he was shocked and felt guilty, believing he had a responsibility toward those arrested. Staff members of 獵人書店, 留下書舍 and 田園書屋 were also arrested.
Facts
March this year
2 people allegedly displayed [items] inside a shop
宸鴻: Advanced packaging TGV targeted for mass production in 2028; first showcase at TPCA
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
宸鴻 announced that its Zhongli plant has completed construction of a pilot production line for advanced packaging TGV technology, targeting validation by the end of 2027 and mass production in 2028. It plans to invest NT$6 billion in expansion over the next 2 years. 宸鴻 will showcase its TGV results for the first time at 2026 TPCA Show and is working with National Tsing Hua University to validate a signal-loss reduction of more than 5 tenths.
Facts
Mass production expected to begin in 2028
Core technology validation targeted for completion by the end of 2027
Generational fairness in health insurance sparks debate; young patients' association calls for review of premium calculations
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台灣年輕病友協會 urged the government to review the National Health Insurance premium system, which is based primarily on wages, saying that different income sources lead to disparities in payments. It put forward 3 reform proposals to promote generational fairness.
Facts
More than 8 tenths of seniors aged 65 and over qualify for a National Health Insurance premium exemption
The same annual income of NT$1 million
Annual out-of-pocket National Health Insurance premiums of about NT$15,612
About NT$72,456 in premium revenue for National Health Insurance over a year
National Health Insurance receives only about NT$37,624 for the year
Nantou joins forces with Chiayi City for pop-up market at highway service area to promote local flavors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Nantou County's "Taste Nantou" and Chiayi City's "Chiayi Good Shops" are jointly holding a sales event at the Hsin Tung Yang Nantou Highway Service Area, bringing together 14 distinctive brands. The partnership between the 2 cities and the highway retail network gives travelers from across Taiwan a chance to discover local products.
Facts
Experience the appeal of the joint showcase between the 2 cities before the 20th
Representative flags rockfalls on County Road 122 and failed bids for rural projects; Hsinchu County to make improvements
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Kuomintang Hsinchu County Councilor 張益生 questioned the county government over frequent rockfalls on County Road 122 and rural projects that fail to attract bids because of high costs. Hsinchu County Magistrate 楊文科 and Public Works Department Director 戴志君 said plans are in place to improve 12 road bottlenecks and that they are considering adjusting unit prices for rural projects to encourage bidding.
Taiwan Series G3: Dragons send Steel Dragon for key 3rd win; Brothers' winningest pitcher Roeg starts
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In G3 of the Chinese Professional Baseball League Taiwan Series, 味全龍 sent Steel Dragon to start as they sought their 3rd win, while 中信兄弟 countered with winningest pitcher 羅戈.
Facts
味全龍 take 2 straight wins
The team that first reaches 3 wins has a certain chance of winning the championship
味全龍 take the opener 3-0
They ended the game with a 3-1 win for 2 straight victories
Original7戰4勝制中職總冠軍賽
A team with 1 win and 2 losses still has a 33% chance of winning the championship
羅戈 posted strong regular-season numbers against 味全龍 this season, making 5 starts in total
Won 3 games
A head-to-head ERA of just 1.16
Steel Dragon also posted solid numbers against 中信兄弟 this season, appearing in 6 games in total
A record of 3 wins and 2 losses
A head-to-head ERA of 1.91
17 plate appearances against them this season
Gave up 9 hits
A head-to-head batting average as high as 5 tenths and 63 thousandths
Research firm: Fiber-optic supply tightens, finished-product spot prices rise 2.8 to more than 5 times year over year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Research firm 集邦科技 said global demand for optical fiber has surged on the back of AI data centers and high-capacity backbone network construction, with the supply-demand gap forecast to reach 180 million fiber-kilometers in 2026. Tight supply has pushed production capacity close to full utilization, sharply driving up spot prices for finished optical fiber products by 2.8 to more than 5 times year over year. Telecom operators are therefore shifting to long-term contracts to secure supply.
Facts
The global supply-demand gap for optical fiber is projected to reach 180 million core-kilometers in 2026
Spot prices for finished optical fiber have risen 2.8 to more than 5 times year over year
Global demand for optical fiber is expected to reach 577 million core-kilometers in 2026
The global optical fiber capacity utilization rate has risen to 92% in 2026
Inventory levels have fallen from 4 months in 2024 to just 1 month
Bend-insensitive optical fiber... Its average price in 2026 is projected to grow by more than 5 times compared with 2025
AI backbone optical fiber prices have risen about 2.8 times year over year
Prices for mainstream optical fiber used in telecommunications services have also risen around 3.7 times year over year
三圓建設 seeks to speed up fund recovery; Taipei Star prices cut by about 15%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
三圓建設 is accelerating fund recovery due to financing needs and has handed sales of the luxury Taipei Star project to 大師房屋. Transaction prices have been reduced by about 15% from those listed in the official transaction registry, and 2 units have been sold to young professionals in the financial investment industry.
Chang Cheng-yu wins Best 9 shortstop award, ending Chiang Kun-yu's record; awards ceremony on Nov. 2
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Chinese Professional Baseball League announced its Best 9 awards, with Wei Chuan Dragons' Chang Cheng-yu ending Chiang Kun-yu's streak of 5 consecutive titles. Chiang Han, Chen Chung-yu, Fan Kuo-chen, Lin Tse-pin, Pan Chieh-kai, Chen Chieh-hsien, Chen Chen-wei, Kuo Tien-hsin and Mighty Eagle were among the winners. The awards ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 2.
Facts
Ends Chiang Kun-yu's record streak of 5 consecutive titles
Half-century-old market transformed into a dream home: Taichung's Central Market housing project breaks ground, creating a one-stop living district with a park and shopping mall
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung City Government is investing NT$1.82 billion in the Central Market Housing Project, which officially broke ground today. The project combines a park, shopping mall and housing, and is expected to provide 219 units, bringing Taichung's social housing total above 10,000 units and improving living conditions in the North District.
Facts
The Central Market Housing Project, built with an investment of NT$1.82 billion by the Taichung City Government, officially broke ground today.
The Central Market Housing Project is expected to provide 219 quality residential units.
The Central Market Housing Project will bring the total number of completed and planned social housing units in Taichung to 10,716.
Original台中市政府祭出「567777」折價優惠，首年租金5折、第二年6折、第三年起7折。
The Central Market site is being redeveloped through a mixed-use model, with three core areas: a park, social housing and a shopping mall.
The Central Market Housing Project has 16 floors above ground and 4 below, while preserving the street-memory axis of the original Central Market's Fulong Street and Guangda Street.
The city government has reserved 20% of the units for priority applications from newlyweds and families with children.
Tainan's new tax-inspection weapon revealed! Drones use aerial images to catch illegal structures; rooftop additions and corrugated-metal sheds could be targeted
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Tainan City Government announced the adoption of drones and 3D modeling technology to assist with tax inspections. The initial phase covers 288 hectares and aims to improve inspection efficiency and save labor costs, while also prompting discussion about tax fairness and privacy protection.
Facts
The Tainan City Government announced on Oct. 19 that it would officially deploy drones to assist with inspections for house and land taxes.
The initial aerial survey will cover about 288 hectares within the jurisdiction of the Xinhua branch.
The initiative is expected to save more than 5,000 work hours and about NT$1.57 million in labor costs annually.
The number of house tax inspections is projected to rise from 142,000 to 200,000 cases.
Land tax inspections are projected to increase from 60,000 to 75,000 cases.
Mayor Huang Wei-che attended the launch ceremony for drone-assisted tax inspections.
Tainan real estate agency manager Pan Po-yen cautioned that not all corrugated-metal sheds are subject to house tax.
“Artful Encounters” at 板橋435藝文特區 opens Oct. 24! 4 resident performing arts groups join 臺灣玩具博物館 to invite the public to “make art together”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
新北市文化局 announced that 板橋435藝文特區 will host its annual joint performance program, “Artful Encounters,” from Oct. 24 to Nov. 1, bringing together 4 resident groups and 臺灣玩具博物館. Performances and workshops will promote cultural equity.
Facts
The joint performance program brings together 4 resident performing arts groups: 新象創作劇團, 莫比斯圓環創作公社, 馬戲之門 and 二律悖反協作體.
臺灣玩具博物館 has been invited to join the program, offering workshops on traditional bamboo pop guns and spool cars.
The program includes 4 artistic performances and 6 collaborative art workshops.
新北市文化局 said the program is curated around the theme of “cultural resilience.”
新象創作劇團 will present “NEXT Star Shine | Inclusive Circus Stage,” combining circus techniques and inclusive arts.
二律悖反協作體's “The Live Sound of Script Reading” features older adults as co-creators.
【After-Work Economics】Has the Taiwan stock market sell-off alert been lifted? Ruan Mu-hua slashes holdings, lowering stocks to 5成! Reveals three reversal signals: won't enter the market until they appear!
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台積電 reported strong AI demand at its earnings conference, but the market is concerned about debt risks and factors affecting the U.S. economy. Veteran expert Ruan Mu-hua adjusted his holdings to 5成 and outlined three reversal signals, stressing that investors should not enter the market until they appear.
Facts
台積電's earnings conference reported that AI demand remains strong, but the market has begun to worry about the debt risks behind massive investment
Rising U.S. inflation and heavy foreign investor withdrawals have made the Taiwan stock market's fourth-quarter outlook highly uncertain
Ruan Mu-hua discusses four stocks to watch, focusing on PCB, IC substrates and passive components
There are currently 26 rural public minibus routes operating in Taichung.
The rural public minibus routes serve 68 schools and communities.
Taichung's rural public minibuses provide residents with rides for daily shopping, students' commutes to and from school, and seniors' medical visits, and are completely free.
Each rural public minibus has seats for about 3 to 4 passengers.
Passengers are advised to book by phone a day before their planned trip so the fleet can schedule shifts and dispatch vehicles.
After 10 Years of Waiting, Construction Begins Today on Lishan’s Ling'en Road Columbarium Wall in Taichung, Helping Indigenous Community Members Fulfill Their Dream of Returning Home After Death
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
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Facts
The Taichung City Government and Heping District Office jointly invested NT$44.03 million in the Ling'en Road columbarium wall in Lishan Village, the third columbarium facility in Heping District.
Construction of the Lishan Village Ling'en Road columbarium wall officially began today (the 19th).
The Ling'en Road columbarium wall will have 1,152 niches for cremated remains and 192 niches for skeletal remains.
The Ling'en Road columbarium wall is expected to be completed by the end of 116.
Taichung Civil Affairs Bureau Director 吳世瑋 attended the groundbreaking ceremony on behalf of Mayor 盧秀燕.
Heping District Chief 吳萬福 and local Indigenous councilors 朱元宏 and 古秀英 attended, noting that mountain communities had previously faced overcrowding in their cemeteries.
Once all 4 columbarium facilities are in place, they will meet Heping District's end-of-life service needs for more than 30 years.
The Taichung City Government Labor Affairs Bureau will hold a joint job fair for older adults in Fengyuan on October 21, bringing together 14 companies offering 480 jobs and providing incentives of up to NT$60,000 to encourage middle-aged and older people to return to work.
Facts
The Taichung City Government Labor Affairs Bureau will hold the “Prosperous Taichung, Successful Employment” senior job fair for the Mountain Line area from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on October 21 in the lobby on the 1st floor of the Fengyuan Yangming Municipal Building.
The event brings together 14 popular companies, including 王品, 萬家福, 統一超商 and 摩斯漢堡.
The event will offer more than 480 full-time, part-time, and flexible-hours jobs.
Modern tarot decks typically contain 78 cards, including 22 Major Arcana cards and 56 Minor Arcana cards.
The relationship between the 12 zodiac signs and the Major Arcana can be traced to material published in Volume 1, Issue 8 of The Equinox in 1912.
In the Golden Dawn system, Pisces corresponds to card 18, the Moon, while Cancer corresponds to card 7, the Chariot.
The Rider-Waite tarot deck’s symbolic content was devised by Arthur Edward Waite and illustrated by artist Pamela Colman Smith; it was first published in 1909.
The Major Arcana consists of 22 cards, 12 of which correspond to the 12 zodiac signs, while the remaining 10 are associated with symbols such as planets or elements.
Police Deploy Around the Danjiang Bridge! Hou You-yi Reveals New Tamsui Precinct Site: Technology-Enabled Investigative Capabilities to Be Boosted
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi announced that the Tamsui Precinct will move to the “Parking Lot 2” site northeast of the intersection of Shalun Road and Danhai Road. A new 9-story headquarters will be built to address increased public-safety needs after the Danjiang Bridge opens and strengthen technology-enabled investigations and policing capacity.
Facts
The new Tamsui Precinct headquarters will have 1 basement level and 9 above-ground floors.
The Tamsui Precinct used big data analysis and linked intelligence to apprehend 12 suspects.
The Tamsui Precinct seized about 2 kilograms of various drugs, including etomidate worth more than NT$1.5 million.
Towed Even Though Parked Within the Lines? New Taipei Parking Space Slammed as “Too Narrow to Fit”; Netizens Fume: “It’s Just a Cash Grab”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A dispute over towing in New Taipei City's Zhonghe District has arisen over a parking space that appears too narrow. Netizens say the design is unreasonable and looks like a cash grab, but enforcement depends on the actual circumstances of the violation.
Facts
A photo of a parking space in New Taipei City's Zhonghe District recently sparked discussion on social media. The space is right next to the roadside, and chalked contact information for a towing company can be seen nearby.
Netizens questioned whether the parking space was too small, asking what car could avoid crossing the white lines, and noted that a concrete-paved area and a drainage ditch were right beside it.
Under Article 190 of the Regulations on Road Traffic Signs, Markings, and Signals, vehicle parking lines indicate the location and boundaries of parking spaces.
The Ministry of Transportation's guidelines for marking parking spaces for small vehicles specify a length of 5 to 6 meters and a width of 2 to 2.5 meters.
A standard motorcycle parking space is 2 meters long and 1 meter wide.
New Taipei Hakka Short Videos Break New Ground: Creative MV for 〈毋係一儕人〉 Released; Golden Bell Director, 粹垢樂團, and Hakka Affairs Bureau Chief Share the Stage for the First Time, Bringing Hakka Culture to Young People
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The New Taipei City Hakka Affairs Department announced the results of its 〈毋係一儕人〉 music video short-form video contest on the 19th, with a new mother's work about raising a child winning the top prize. The event paired an official music video screening with a creative discussion, aiming to connect Hakka culture with stories from younger generations.
Facts
The New Taipei City Hakka Affairs Department announced the winners of its 〈毋係一儕人〉 music video short-form video contest on the 19th.
The contest received 137 entries.
The top-prize winner received NT$30,000.
The official 〈毋係一儕人〉 music video has been viewed more than 79,000 times.
As of the judging date, the Best Popularity Award entry had accumulated more than 4,000 likes.
A special award recognized a work commemorating 周茂益, section chief of the New Taipei City Department of Rapid Transit Systems' Engineering Management Section.
The second-place entry, 《北漂離線訊號》, drew on the childhood game “Big Wind Blows.”
Foreign Investors Sell Taiwanese Stocks in a Frenzy, Dumping $18.9 Billion in a Single Week! Analysts Point to Opportunity for a Rally Toward 50,000
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Foreign investors made a major retreat from South Korean and Taiwanese stocks last week, sending Taiwan stocks back to test the quarterly moving average. But BNP Paribas Wealth Management maintained its “overweight” rating on global equities, citing AI capital spending as support for technology stocks’ fundamentals. Analysts say Taiwan stocks could still challenge 50,000 if earnings are strong, and that a short-term correction offers an opportunity to build positions.
Facts
Foreign investors recorded net sales of $18.897 billion in Taiwan stocks last week, the second-largest outflow of funds in Asia.
法國巴黎銀行財富管理 maintained its “overweight” rating on global equities.
U.S. hyperscale cloud service providers estimate that capital spending will reach $900 billion to $1.1 trillion in 2027.
郭明玉 estimates that Taiwan-listed companies' profits will grow 79% year over year in 2026.
Yields on BBB-rated euro-denominated investment-grade bonds are about 4.4%, up 1.2 percentage points from February this year.
Major Upgrade to Tamsui’s Wastewater Capacity! Hou You-yi Announces Groundbreaking for Water Resource Recovery Center to Support Danhai Tech Park Development
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the Tamsui Water Resource Recovery Center, announcing that daily treatment capacity will increase to 70,000 tons to meet infrastructure needs driven by the development of Danhai Tech Park and population growth.
Facts
After the expansion of the Tamsui Water Resource Recovery Center is completed, its daily treatment capacity will rise from 56,000 tons to 70,000 tons.
The expansion is expected to be completed in September 117.
The expansion can serve a population of 257,000, exceeding the 131-year projected population under the Tamsui urban plan.
Kai Cenat and Taiwanese high school student Ray staged a prank on a U.S. street, with the police appearance serving as a comedic teaser. The two will return to Japan for a livestream on October 21, marking a return to where they first met.
Facts
Kai Cenat and Ray filmed a comedic teaser on a street in the United States, causing such a commotion that police showed up and warned Ray.
Kai Cenat and Ray will return to Japan for a livestream on Oct. 21.
Kai and Ray first met by chance near a 7-Eleven in Tokyo in 2023 and became friends.
Ray announced in early October that he was leaving Clover Boys, but did not publicly say he had fallen out with Kai.
The Japan trip represents the pair's return to Tokyo, where they first met.
Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building opens today! Hou You-yi joins Wang Jianxuan to create a happy-living hub for seniors
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building opened on the 19th. Launched by Wang Jianxuan, it held a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Hou You-yi, who emphasized creating a hub for lifelong learning and social interaction for seniors and realizing a vision of care, learning and fulfillment in old age.
Facts
The Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building officially opened on the 19th.
The Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building was spearheaded by Wang Jianxuan, founder of 無子西瓜基金會.
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building.
New Taipei City has more than 830,000 older residents, accounting for 20.65% of its population.
The Seedless Watermelon Active Living Building offers services including courses for older adults, tours for mature adults, a cultural gallery, a lounge for all ages and a social dining table.
The opening season features a charity art exhibition by octogenarian master Peng Xionghun.
Honoring a mother's kindness and giving back to the community: Changhua's Fuxing Junior High School unveils a financial literacy book bank, with 1,500 books to circulate nationwide
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Hou Zhiyuan, general manager of 鴻詳傢俱, donated NT$500,000 to establish the second “Financial Literacy Book Bank” at Changhua's Fuxing Junior High School on the 19th. The initiative aims to help teenagers develop sound financial habits through the circulation of 1,500 financial literacy books and shared-reading book boxes, while expanding access to reading resources across Taiwan.
Facts
Changhua County's second “Financial Literacy Book Bank” was unveiled and opened at Fuxing Junior High School on the 19th.
Hou Zhiyuan, general manager of 鴻詳傢俱, donated NT$500,000 in his mother Shi Yuhua's name to establish the book bank.
The donation includes 1,500 quality financial literacy books and 50 shared-reading book boxes.
新竹物流 is providing free charitable delivery services to circulate the books among schools and communities across Taiwan.
This is Taiwan's 382nd Love Book Bank.
Changhua County Magistrate Wang Huimei said financial crises often stem from a lack of sound money habits from an early age.
Hsinchu City steps up efforts to attract international visitors! Kao Hung-an announces tourism visits have topped 18.47 million, as the city builds its “just right” brand
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
新竹市政府 and the Taiwan Tourism Institute jointly hosted the “2026 Hsinchu City Tourism Development Forum” on the 19th. Mayor Kao Hung-an announced that Hsinchu City had recorded more than 18.47 million tourist visits in 2025, with its hotel occupancy rate ranking second nationwide. The city government plans to leverage its technological strengths to develop AI-powered smart tourism and build the “just right city” brand through international marketing.
Facts
The 2026 Hsinchu City Tourism Development Forum opened at the Fleur Lis Hotel Hsinchu on the 19th.
Hsinchu City recorded more than 18.47 million tourist visits in 2025.
Hsinchu City's hotel room occupancy rate reached 67.03%, ranking second nationwide.
Original新竹市觀光相關預算由112年的2,600多萬元提高至116年規劃的2億多元。
Hsinchu Park attracted about 3.86 million visits.
Hsinchu Fishing Harbor attracted about 2.25 million visits.
This year, Hsinchu City is using “玩味新竹 Hsinchu Way” as its city tourism brand.
Hsinchu City held an overseas B2B tourism promotion event in Singapore, meeting and connecting with 52 local tourism operators.
Meinong's Hakka village charm crosses borders! Visitors from the U.S., France and Thailand head into the fields to experience Hakka food culture from farm to table
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
高雄市政府客家事務委員會 and 財團法人高雄市客家文化事務基金會 held the “2026 Hakka Farm-to-Table Journey” on the 18th, inviting visitors from the U.S., France, Thailand and other countries to explore Meinong's rural areas and learn about Hakka culture through food and farming education and cooking experiences.
Facts
高雄市政府客家事務委員會 and 財團法人高雄市客家文化事務基金會 jointly organized the “2026 Hakka Farm-to-Table Journey.”
The event took place on the 18th and drew visitors from the United States, France, Thailand and other countries.
Original活動首站走訪美濃又生農場，認識番茄、木瓜等農作物的栽培知識。
Original參與者前往南頭河麻油工廠，了解在地芝麻復耕及傳統製油技藝。
Meinong Hakka chef Wu Shengrong led participants in making Hakka stir-fried flat rice noodles, a dish known in Hakka as “mian-pa-ban.”
The Kaohsiung Hakka Cultural Affairs Foundation said it will hold a Hakka banquet on Oct. 31.
Oct. 19 International Evening Brief | Putin proposes a U.S.-China-Russia summit, Russian lieutenant helps Ukraine kill more than 300 Russian troops, Alberta vote decides whether to hold another independence referendum
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article rounds up major international news from Oct. 19. The main focus is Putin's proposal to hold a U.S.-China-Russia trilateral summit during the Shenzhen APEC meeting to resolve the war in Ukraine, which the United States has not agreed to. It also reports on a Russian lieutenant who defected and aided Ukrainian forces, 特斯拉's unveiling of a flying-capable Roadster, and a diplomatic dispute over China's form of address for Japan.
Facts
Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed holding trilateral talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shenzhen APEC meeting on Nov. 18 and 19 to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
A senior U.S. official said Trump has not agreed to hold a U.S.-China-Russia trilateral summit.
Lieutenant Stupnikov of the Russian army's 36th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade acted as an informant, helping Ukraine kill more than 300 Russian troops, including the brigade commander, Colonel Musaev.
特斯拉 unveiled its next-generation all-electric Roadster, equipped with a SpaceX cold-gas thruster system. Production is expected to begin in 2028, and the Thrust version requires a US$250,000 reservation deposit.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun referred to Japanese Defense Minister Sanae Takaichi by name without the title of prime minister. After Japan's Foreign Ministry protested, Beijing merely replied that it had stated its position several times.
More despicable than Lü Bu! China's most ruthless historical general is still worshipped today after betraying and killing 3 benefactors, yet being revered as a hero after his death
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Zuo Rong, a warlord in the late Eastern Han dynasty, embezzled military provisions and killed Cao Cao's father and several benefactors before eventually being killed by local residents. But because he promoted Buddhism, some temples in later generations revered him as a hero.
Facts
Zuo Rong was a warlord in the late Eastern Han dynasty. He began as a minor local official and later served under Tao Qian, the Inspector of Xu Province.
While escorting Cao Cao's father, Cao Song, Zuo Rong was tempted by his wealth, killed Cao Song and his entourage, and seized their possessions.
Zuo Rong successively sought the backing of Zhao Yu and Xue Li, but took the opportunity to kill them and seize their troops and territory.
Zuo Rong eventually fled into the mountains, where local residents surrounded and killed him. His head was presented to Liu Yao.
Zuo Rong funded the construction of Buddhist temples and organized Buddha-bathing ceremonies, making the areas around Xuzhou and Xiapi important centers for the spread of Buddhism.
Ancestor worship offerings fill the table for the Double Ninth Festival! Online users say, “The daughter-in-law in this family must be exhausted—don't marry into it.” Insiders reveal the truth: it was a big misunderstanding
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A photo of offerings for the Double Ninth Festival sparked online debate, with users questioning whether daughters-in-law were being overburdened. Family members clarified that relatives from several households had jointly prepared the offerings, reflecting a modern trend toward more diverse and equal sharing of ancestral rites.
Facts
With the Double Ninth Festival approaching, a photo of a traditional family ancestor-worship ceremony showing offerings covering an entire table has been circulating on social media.
Some users exclaimed, “Save this post to remember not to marry into this family” and “The daughter-in-law here must be exhausted,” questioning the tradition of women being responsible for preparing food for ancestral rites.
A user claiming to be a member of the same family explained that the offerings in the photo were dishes brought by relatives from several households and gathered for the ceremony.
Users familiar with traditional ancestral rites in family halls said each household takes its offerings home after the ceremony.
For modern ancestral rites, some people buy ready-made food or fried chicken, or order banquet dishes to save cooking time.
Some young users suggested that families could serve pizza, fried chicken or fast food at future ancestral rites.
The family member stressed that everyone helps clean up, regardless of whether they are daughters-in-law, sons or grandchildren.
Visual Arts (Key) announced that Jun Maeda has been diagnosed with pharyngeal cancer and has decided to undergo palliative care.
The main storyline script for Heaven Burns Red, which Jun Maeda oversees, has been completed through the first half of Chapter 6. He may be unable to work on subsequent scripts because of his illness.
National Tsing Hua University President Kao Wei-yuan traveled to the U.S. to take part in the selection process for the University of Hawaii president but was not chosen, sparking controversy.
Tsing Hua University’s university affairs council will discuss a proposal for an “opinion survey” on Kao Wei-yuan on the 20th.
Are typhoon days off a thing of the past? Latest forecast for Typhoon Champi shifts north and east; weather agency estimates it “will not strike Taiwan”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Super Typhoon Champi is expected to peak today and tomorrow. The weather agency’s latest forecast track has shifted north and east, and it assesses that the storm will not strike Taiwan. Strong northerly winds are expected in western Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait from Wednesday, while localized heavy or torrential rain is possible in northern, northeastern and eastern Taiwan from Friday through Sunday next week.
Facts
Typhoon Champi is expected to reach peak intensity today and tomorrow.
Strong northerly winds are expected in western Taiwan and the Taiwan Strait from Wednesday.
Localized heavy or torrential rain is possible in northern, northeastern and eastern Taiwan on Friday.
The center of Typhoon Champi is currently moving west-northwest over waters west of Guam.
Threads and GPT both lose! This 1 app shoots to the top of the charts on both platforms, with “168 million daily active users worldwide”; netizens say: “I can cancel Netflix now”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Hongguo Short Drama, under 抖音集團, topped the free app charts on both platforms, with 168 million daily active users, surpassing the combined total of the 4 major long-form video platforms and prompting discussion about changes to the streaming market.
Facts
Hongguo Short Drama has 168 million daily active users.
Hongguo Short Drama is developed and operated by 北京筆墨留香科技有限公司.
Hongguo Short Drama is a product under 抖音集團.
Hongguo Short Drama uses a “free viewing plus ad revenue-sharing” model.
Hongguo Short Drama’s daily active users outnumber the combined total of China’s 4 major long-form video platforms.
Users watch Hongguo Short Drama for an average of about 125 minutes per person per day.
Popular apps such as ChatGPT and Threads rank between 6th and 9th on both platforms.
Taiwan stocks have fallen for days: short or buy the dip? Market veteran Gu Hai Lao Niu reveals 5 “government support” tactics: “When you see 1 sign, the market is not far from its low”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Amid recent volatility near highs and sharp intraday drops in Taiwan stocks, finance page Gu Hai Lao Niu warned investors against short-selling, citing strong government support. He listed 5 support measures, including short-selling bans and the National Stabilization Fund, and advised investors to take a conservative approach rather than bet against the government team.
Facts
Gu Hai Lao Niu said government support usually begins with officials speaking out to reassure the market, jokingly calling it treating everyone to “chicken noodles.”
In 2022, the government raised the margin requirement for short selling to 120%, increasing the cost of short positions.
Taiwan stocks plunged more than 900 points intraday on the 19th, while foreign investors recorded net selling for 9 consecutive days, selling NT$76.742 billion that day.
Original八大官股行庫在19日盤中逆勢買超，以力積電買超5,028張居冠。
Investment trusts bought NT$23.05 billion against the trend on the 19th, marking 7 consecutive trading days of net buying.
A breeze from Hsinchu connects the city to the world! Hsinchu City tourism development forum brings industry experts together; Mayor Ann Kao: Building a “just-right city” tourism brand
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Original新竹市政府與台灣觀光研訓院於19日共同主辦「2026 HCCG x TTI新竹市觀光發展論壇」，探討如何結合科技優勢推動觀光。市長高虹安公布新竹市2025年旅遊人次破1,847萬、旅宿住房率全國第二等亮眼數據，並宣布將致力於打造「剛剛好的城市」品牌，深化國際行銷與AI智慧旅遊服務。
Facts
The “2026 HCCG x TTI Hsinchu City Tourism Development Forum” was held at Fleur Lis Hotel in Hsinchu City on the 19th.
Hsinchu City recorded more than 18.47 million tourist visits in 2025.
Hsinchu City’s hotel room occupancy rate is 67.03%, ranking second nationwide.
Original新竹市觀光預算從112年的2,600多萬元成長至116年的2億多元。
This year, Hsinchu City is expanding into overseas markets under the “玩味新竹 Hsinchu Way” brand.
In 2025, Hsinchu City attracted 3.86 million visitors to Hsinchu Park and 2.25 million to Hsinchu Fishing Harbor.
Hsinchu City held its first overseas B2B tourism promotion event in Singapore, meeting with 52 local travel businesses.
AI bubble fears? CoreWeave debt worries fuel panic; experts say not to mistake one company’s risk for an industry reversal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Debt pressure at CoreWeave has sparked fears about the AI industry, but expert Lo Yao-ting noted that the company has US$104.2 billion in backlog, indicating that demand has not declined. Investors should distinguish corporate financial risks from industry fundamentals and avoid overreacting.
Facts
Yields on some CoreWeave bonds due for repayment have climbed from about 9.7% at issuance to 15%–16%.
As of the second quarter, CoreWeave had about US$104.2 billion in contracted backlog.
Lo Yao-ting is head of the investment research department at “鉅亨買基金”.
Major technology companies such as 微軟 and Google have cash flow from existing businesses to support AI investment.
A sharp recent pullback in AI stocks has fueled market concerns about credit risks in AI infrastructure.
Ancient emperors’ first night wasn’t with the empress or palace concubines! Their first time was usually with “these people”—the truth behind it upends conventional wisdom
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines the system of sex education for ancient emperors before marriage, saying that selected palace maids or wet nurses served as their instructors, rather than the empress. Though these women received generous treatment or had intimate relationships with the emperor, they lost the freedom to marry after entering the palace and often spent their later years confined there.
Facts
Before they married, ancient emperors were taught about sex by specially assigned palace maids; they were not presented to the empress on the wedding night.
Typically, 8 palace maids were selected to attend to the emperor’s sexual needs, with duties divided into roles such as ritual attendant, door attendant, bedchamber attendant and bed-curtain attendant.
These palace maids who instructed the emperor received better treatment than ordinary palace maids, with fixed salaries and no menial duties.
A wet nurse may have played a special role in the upbringing of a young emperor after spending a long time caring for him as a prince.
Hou Han-ting accuses 15 Facebook pages of posting “ocean currents are taking effect” in sync; cybersecurity expert reveals the group behind them: they are actually from China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taipei City Councilor Hou Han-ting questioned whether multiple Facebook pages posting “ocean currents are taking effect” in sync were part of an online influence operation. A cybersecurity expert confirmed that the pages are run by 無邊界集團, a group based in Qinhuangdao, Hebei, China. The group uses overseas VPNs to drive traffic and profits from sensational news while manipulating public opinion.
Facts
Taipei City Councilor Hou Han-ting found that at least 15 Facebook pages with different names and topics had rapidly posted the same political news image, headlined “ocean currents are taking effect.”
A cybersecurity expert said the pages cited by Hou Han-ting are run by the content farm 無邊界集團, based in Qinhuangdao, Hebei Province, China.
無邊界集團 runs overseas Facebook pages using VPNs in other countries, such as Malaysia, and drives traffic by having numerous pages post in sync.
Pages run by 無邊界集團 repost sensational news. For example, a bus crash in Central or South America was headlined, “Major accident erupts at dawn, killing at least 55.”
Scholar Wang Hong-en found that 無邊界集團 used AI rewriting to post articles supporting Iran in an attempt to steer public opinion.
Why did palace concubines wear a white scarf around their necks? 2 major uses left out of TV dramas—one was to make things easier for the emperor
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article explores the historical background and social significance of the “longhua,” a white scarf worn by Qing dynasty palace concubines. The longhua served practical purposes, covering the neck in keeping with etiquette and providing warmth. Its specific patterns, such as peonies and characters representing good fortune and longevity, also strictly distinguished the status of women in the palace, making it a key way for the emperor to identify them.
Facts
The white silk cloth worn around the necks of women in the Qing palace was called “longhua” or a “longhua scarf.”
The longhua was considered an important accessory that helped the emperor identify women and distinguish their rank.
Ordinary palace maids and low-ranking consorts could wear only plain white longhua with no patterns.
The empress’s longhua symbolized the queen of flowers, and the peony design was usually reserved for her alone.
The longhua gradually became widespread only after palace life grew more elaborate during the Jiaqing and Daoguang periods.
As Western influences spread eastward in the late Qing and early Republic period, new-style qipao with stand-up collars replaced traditional round-collar clothing, leaving no room to wear the longhua, which gradually fell out of use.
During the period when Empress Dowager Cixi held power, the extravagance of dragon robes reached its peak, with gold thread and pearls as embellishments and round longevity patterns and crane patterns embroidered on them.
Graphic》Taiwan once had 163 colleges and universities, but now has just 139! The number has fallen by 24 in 20 years; a timeline of private school closures at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The number of colleges and universities in Taiwan has continued to decline over nearly 20 years, falling from a peak of 164 to 139, a cumulative decrease of 24. The main causes are a declining birthrate that has reduced the pool of students, along with the implementation of the Act Governing the Exit of Private Senior High Schools and Above, which has led to 17 private schools officially closing. The higher education system faces major adjustments.
Facts
The number of colleges and universities in Taiwan fell from 163 in academic year 95 to 139 in academic year 114.
The list of schools that have closed, published by 教育部, contains 17 schools.
4 schools ceased operations in 2024, including Mingdao University and TransWorld University.
There were about 1.057 million college and university students across Taiwan in academic year 114, about 295,000 fewer than in academic year 100.
教育部 commissioned 國立雲林科技大學 to build and manage a database of academic records for students at schools that have closed.
IBF Financial briefing》Kuo Wang Leasing's NPL ratio exceeded 25% at the end of September; aims to bring it below 5% by year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
At its briefing, 國票金控 said the NPL ratio at its investee Kuo Wang Leasing reached 25.04% at the end of September, causing losses for the group, although overall earnings at 國票金控 continued to grow strongly. The company plans to lower Kuo Wang's NPL ratio to below 5%, pursue compensation reforms, and explore options for coexistence with a pure-play digital bank.
Facts
Kuo Wang Leasing's NPL ratio was as high as 25.04% at the end of September this year.
Kuo Wang Leasing posted an after-tax net loss of more than NT$350 million in the first 9 months of the year.
國票金控's after-tax net profit rose 116.3% year over year in the first 9 months.
Kuo Wang Leasing's outstanding credit balance fell by 34.1%.
國票創投 posted an after-tax net loss of NT$183.21 million in the first 9 months.
國票金控's executive compensation reforms took effect on October 1.
Wu Hsiu-hua attends launch ceremony for “Painting Life · Walking Together in Truth, Goodness and Beauty,” calls for public-private cooperation and continued support for disadvantaged families
The Taitung County Government held the launch ceremony for the “115 Painting Life Fund ‘Painting Life · Walking Together in Truth, Goodness and Beauty’ Public Welfare Project” on the afternoon of the 19th.
Original桂田集團朱仁宗董事長號召18位企業夥伴，共同募資1,000萬元投入公益。
The “Truth, Goodness and Beauty Public Welfare Project” launched this time will focus on 四 areas: emergency aid, medical care in remote areas, funeral assistance for disadvantaged families, and support for students in financial hardship.
Taitung County Council Speaker Wu Hsiu-hua was invited to attend the ceremony and deliver remarks.
About 80 people attended the launch ceremony, including fund committee members, business representatives, charity advisers and local social welfare groups.
Lisa Su's father campaigns for Shen Boyang! Kuo Cheng-liang fires back: Why not say he is the Democratic Progressive Party's East Coast U.S. chapter chairman?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Shen Boyang, the Democratic Progressive Party's candidate for Taipei mayor, held a campaign motorcade event and received an endorsement from Su Chun-huai, father of AMD Chair Lisa Su. Su said Shen has strong execution skills and potential in AI applications. Former legislator Kuo Cheng-liang criticized the move, saying it blurred Su Chun-huai's political identity as chairman of the Democratic Progressive Party's East Coast U.S. chapter.
Facts
On the 18th, Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Shen Boyang launched a campaign motorcade in the Songshan and Xinyi districts, ending at Minquan Park.
Su Chun-huai, father of AMD Chair Lisa Su, appeared on stage to show his support for Shen Boyang.
Former legislator Kuo Cheng-liang questioned the way Su Chun-huai's title was presented at the event.
Su Chun-huai said he hoped Shen Boyang would use AI technology to turn Taipei into a modern city.
八 major state-owned institutions》Taiwan stocks plunge more than 900 points intraday! State-owned institutions step in to support the market, buying these 10 stocks; this stock leads with net purchases of 5,028 lots
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan stocks fell more than 900 points intraday on the 19th, dragged down by U.S. stocks. Foreign investors recorded net sales of NT$76.7 billion for 9 straight days, while investment trusts bucked the trend with net purchases of NT$23 billion. The 八 major state-owned institutions led net purchases with 5,028 lots of 力積電 and led net sales with 5,546 lots of 兆豐金, showing divergent investment strategies.
Facts
Taiwan stocks plunged more than 900 points at one point intraday on the 19th, hitting a low of 46,170 points before closing down 289.18 points at 46,822.08.
Foreign investors recorded net sales for the 9th consecutive trading day, with net sales of about NT$76.7 billion for the day.
The 八 major state-owned institutions led net purchases today with 5,028 lots of 力積電. Memory-related stocks including 旺宏 and 華邦電 also received additional buying.
The 八 major state-owned institutions led net sales today with 5,546 lots of 兆豐金, making financial stocks the main target of portfolio adjustments.
Investment trusts recorded net purchases for the 7th consecutive trading day, with about NT$23 billion in net purchases for the day. Financial stocks accounted for 4 of the top 5 stocks by net purchases.
When will the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act pass its third reading? 40,000 young people at risk from “zombie vape” products; National Education League: Without legal authority to investigate, enforcement is all for naught
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The National Education League warned that if the Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act does not pass its third reading, investigations will lack a legal basis, exposing 40,000 young people to the health risks of “zombie vape” products.
Super Typhoon Shanshan could disrupt weddings! Only 3 auspicious weekend wedding dates remain in 2026; 570,000 people on Threads collectively “burn turtles”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Super Typhoon Shanshan threatens weddings during the October 25, 2026, Retrocession Day holiday, prompting 570,000 people on Threads to take part in the “burning turtles” ritual to pray for clear skies. The Central Weather Administration forecasts a northward shift in the storm's path, but the wedding industry and couples still face pressure to adjust their plans.
Facts
Super Typhoon Shanshan could approach Taiwan around October 23 to 25, 2026.
Only 3 auspicious weekend wedding dates remain at the end of 2026: October 25, November 1 and November 22.
A post on Threads by a bride-to-be calling on people to “burn turtles” and pray for sunny weather attracted about 570,000 views.
The “burning turtles” custom plays on the similar sounds of “turtle” and “dark clouds go away,” symbolizing the hope that rain clouds will disperse.
The Central Weather Administration forecasts that Typhoon Shanshan's path will shift north and east, and that it may not directly hit Taiwan.
Typhoon Shanshan keeps strengthening! The Central Weather Administration says it could turn and make landfall on this day; latest track, chance of hitting Taiwan and whether a typhoon day off will be declared, all at a glance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Central Weather Administration issued the latest update on Super Typhoon Shanshan, saying it continues to strengthen and is approaching Taiwan. It is expected to turn north starting October 22, with a risk of passing close to or making landfall. The article also compiles the weather outlook for the coming week, alert status for each county and city, and the regulatory criteria for typhoon days off.
Facts
Typhoon Shanshan is expected to begin turning north on October 22 (Thursday).
The wind-speed criteria for a typhoon day off are an average wind force of at least level 7 or gusts of at least level 10 in areas expected to be affected by the storm's radius within 4 hours.
The rainfall criteria for a typhoon day off are forecast accumulated rainfall over the next 24 hours of at least 200 millimeters in mountainous areas or 350 millimeters in flat areas.
October 23 to 24 is when Typhoon Shanshan is expected to be closest to Taiwan; northern Taiwan and Yilan should be on alert for localized heavy or extremely heavy rain.