Will Friday 10/23 be a typhoon day off? Latest responses from Chiang Wan-an and Hou You-yi; announcement on whether Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan will suspend work and classes to be made at a unified “time”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Typhoon Champi has strengthened into a severe typhoon. The mayors of the 4 cities and counties of Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung, and Taoyuan, including Chiang Wan-an and Hou You-yi, confirmed they will jointly announce at 8 p.m. on the 22nd whether there will be a typhoon day off.
Facts
Typhoon Champi’s maximum sustained winds near the center reached 60 meters per second.
The 4 counties and cities of Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung and Taoyuan are expected to jointly announce at 8 p.m. tomorrow (the 22nd) whether work and classes will be suspended.
The most severe impact on Taiwan is forecast for the first half of the day from the 23rd to the 24th.
Typhoon Champi was over waters about 1,050 kilometers east-southeast of Cape Eluanbi this morning.
Coastal gusts could reach 9 to 11 on the Beaufort scale, while gusts in urban areas could reach 8 to 10.
Puma Shen’s huge poll lead surprises even the pan-green camp? Writer flags 2 major ‘overpraise’ risks: Beware of the current turning into a stream of tears
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A poll by 信民兩岸研究協會 showed Puma Shen leading Chiang Wan-an by 17 percentage points, with 50.3% support. Writer 漂浪島嶼 warned that a loss despite such high polling numbers could trigger a backlash from blue and white voters, creating an ‘overpraise’ and ‘flood of tears’ crisis for the pan-green camp.
Facts
The latest poll by 信民兩岸研究協會 showed support for Puma Shen at 50.3%, compared with 33.3% for Chiang Wan-an.
The polling gap between the 2 candidates is 17 percentage points.
The poll was conducted from Oct. 14 to 16 through telephone interviews by 畢肯市場研究公司.
Writer 漂浪島嶼 wrote that even the pan-green camp itself was surprised by Puma Shen’s dramatic turnaround and huge poll lead.
漂浪島嶼 warned that a loss despite high poll numbers could trigger an ‘overpraise’ effect and turn a great current into a great flood of tears.
The poll obtained 1,075 valid samples, including 753 landline and 322 mobile phone interviews.
Polling expert Dai Li-an was responsible for questionnaire design and analysis, while the survey was funded by the 信民協會.
$15.7 billion upgrade! 台積電’s Kumamoto No. 2 plant to adopt 3-nanometer process for the first time; 2028 plans revealed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry approved 台積電’s Kumamoto No. 2 plant switching to a 3-nanometer process, with production set to begin in December 2028 and initial monthly capacity of 6,000 wafers. Total investment is estimated at more than $15.7 billion, while Kumamoto No. 1 will also adjust production to focus on 22- to 28-nanometer processes.
Facts
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry formally approved on the 16th an application by 台積電 and JASM to amend the production plan for the Kumamoto No. 2 plant, adjusting the process to 3 nanometers
The Kumamoto No. 2 plant is expected to begin production in December 2028, with initial monthly capacity of 6,000 wafers
After the Kumamoto No. 2 plant adopts the 3-nanometer process, total investment is estimated to exceed $15.7 billion
The Japanese government’s subsidy cap was adjusted from 732 billion yen to 645.15 billion yen
Kumamoto No. 1 will stop producing 12- to 16-nanometer chips and focus on 22- to 28-nanometer chips, with monthly capacity adjusted to 45,000 wafers
台積電 Chairman C.C. Wei explained plans for the Kumamoto No. 2 plant to adopt the 3-nanometer process to Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in February this year
In 2025, there were 38 major traffic congestion hotspots across Kikuyo, Koshi and Ozu, an increase of about 40% from 2021
Passive components surge across the board! 5 stocks hit the daily limit, with analysts bullish on this stock and setting a target price of NT$900
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan stocks rebounded on the 21st, with passive components surging across the board and 5 stocks hitting the daily limit. Analysts are bullish on 禾伸堂, which they say will benefit from AI demand, and set a target price of NT$900.
Facts
Taiwan’s weighted index opened up 161.4 points on the 21st and was temporarily at 47,001.72 points, up 708.79 points, or 1.53%.
信昌電, 光頡, 華新科, 金山電 and 鈞寶 were among 5 passive component stocks that hit the daily limit during trading on the 21st.
Domestic analysts are bullish on 禾伸堂, citing demand from next-generation AI applications such as Nvidia’s Vera Rubin platform and Google TPU. They assigned it a Buy rating and a target price of NT$900.
禾伸堂’s MLCC capacity is set to grow 30% and 40% year over year in the current and following years, respectively, while earnings per share (EPS) are expected to reach NT$15.999 and NT$35.43, respectively.
信昌電 suspended over-the-counter trading of its old shares from Oct. 7 to 16 as it carried out a cash capital reduction and issued new shares, with trading resuming on the 19th.
華新科’s revenue has posted year-over-year and month-over-month growth for 4 consecutive months, while upgrades to AI server power architectures are driving demand for high-end multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs).
‘Healthy 3D Red Yeast Rice + Chromium Dual-Action Tablets’ effectively lower cholesterol, according to a human consumption study, and have won 8 gold medals worldwide
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
統一健康 has launched ‘Healthy 3D Red Yeast Rice + Chromium Dual-Action Tablets,’ with human studies confirming cholesterol reduction and animal experiments showing support for blood sugar regulation. The product has also won invention gold medals in multiple countries and offers a solution to metabolic issues among people who frequently eat out.
Facts
Healthy 3D Red Yeast Rice + Chromium Dual-Action Tablets are Taiwan’s first health food shown in a human consumption study to effectively regulate blood lipids in 2 weeks.
The human consumption study involved 30 adults with total serum cholesterol levels of 180–239 mg/dL, who took the product for 8 weeks.
After 2, 4 and 8 weeks of use, the experimental group showed significant reductions in TC and LDL-C compared with the control group (p<0.05).
The product contains a patented sequence of 19 bitter melon peptides concentrated 320 times and recognized by the U.S. FDA under NDIN.
The blood sugar regulation effect is based on an animal study conducted on 60 male Wister rats.
The product won a total of 8 gold medals at international invention exhibitions in Taiwan, Malaysia, Russia, Singapore, the United States, Belgium and South Korea.
Explainer: Traveling or doing business in China, only to find you cannot leave on your return trip! 3 major risks under new mainland exit and entry rules, from phone data to exit bans
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
China State Council Order No. 841 took effect on Sept. 15, 2026, setting rules for checks of electronic data at border crossings and exit restrictions based on technological security concerns. Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council warned that 5 groups, including Taiwanese businesspeople and technology professionals, face risks, while the Taiwan Affairs Office called the warning alarmist.
Facts
The full text of China State Council Order No. 841, the Regulations of the State Council on Exit and Entry Administration, contains 19 articles and took effect on Sept. 15, 2026.
Article 3 of the new rules stipulates that immigration authorities and visa offices may require individuals to present or provide electronic data when verifying their identity and reasons for applying.
Article 4 of the new rules states that authorities may ban a person from leaving the country if they violate export controls or rules on technology imports and exports and may endanger national industrial or technological security.
Article 6 of the new rules stipulates that authorities may withhold notice of an exit restriction if disclosure could affect national security or a criminal investigation.
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian criticized the warning from Taiwan as ‘alarmist,’ saying the new rules are intended to protect the rights of people engaging in lawful exchanges.
Why burn paper houses and cars at funerals? They are not just for the deceased—the original purpose was to comfort the living
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines Taiwan’s funeral custom of burning paper offerings, tracing it to the belief that ‘the dead should be treated as the living.’ The symbolic items express care and filial devotion toward the deceased, and reflect how people seek emotional comfort when confronting death.
Facts
Traditional funeral culture has long been influenced by the belief that ‘the dead should be treated as the living,’ holding that people should be respected and cared for even after they have passed away.
The Book of Rites records, ‘Serve the dead as you served the living, and the departed as if they were still present,’ reflecting the traditional emphasis on attending to and remembering the deceased.
Paper offerings were brought to Taiwan by Han Chinese migrants and gradually became part of local religious beliefs and funeral customs.
Alongside the paper houses and furniture once commonly seen, paper cars, televisions and phones have now appeared, as well as large paper mansions.
Paper houses symbolize the provision of a home, expressing the hope that the deceased will have a place to live in the other world.
Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor wins 57 medals at international competitions! Taiwan distillery makes the shortlist for Distillery of the Year for the first time, with a record 28 gold medals
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
金門酒廠 announced that its kaoliang liquor range won 57 medals across 4 major international spirits competitions, a record high, and was shortlisted for the IWSC Distiller of the Year award for the first time. To celebrate, the distillery has launched a 20th-anniversary special edition of its Red Label and is holding limited-time promotions and scratch-card activities at stores across Taiwan.
Facts
Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor won a total of 57 medals at 4 major international spirits competitions, including 28 gold medals.
金門酒廠 was shortlisted for the first time for the final round of the Chinese Baijiu Distiller of the Year award at the International Wine and Spirit Competition in the UK.
Six specific products received double gold awards.
The promotion will run from Nov. 1 to Nov. 15, 115, at company-operated stores across Taiwan.
A 20th-anniversary special edition of Red Label 58-degree Kinmen Kaoliang Liquor has been released.
《0.75L-38度金門高粱酒》 won gold awards at 3 major international competitions.
The promotion offers an on-site scratch card with qualifying purchases. Winners can receive a free bottle of 0.6L-58-degree Kinmen Kaoliang liquor.
Will Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung and Taoyuan suspend work and classes on Friday because of the typhoon? Chiang Wan-an and Hou You-yi respond! Cities and counties across Taiwan suspending work and classes / latest path of Typhoon Jambi
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
As Severe Typhoon Jambi approaches, New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi and Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an responded to questions about a typhoon day on 10/23. Hou is expected to announce the decision on suspending work and classes jointly with Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung and Taoyuan at 8 p.m. on the evening of the 22nd. Some areas may meet the criteria.
Facts
New Taipei Mayor Hou You-yi said Taipei, New Taipei, Keelung and Taoyuan are expected to jointly announce their decision on suspending work and classes for Oct. 23 at 8 p.m. on Oct. 22.
Typhoon Jambi has maximum sustained winds near its center of 60 meters per second, making it one of the strongest typhoons of the year.
Typhoon Jambi is expected to come closest to Taiwan on Oct. 23, then move northeast.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said it is not yet possible to determine whether conditions meet the criteria for suspending work and classes, and that the typhoon's path and wind and rain conditions must continue to be monitored.
Wu Der-rong said the likelihood of Jambi making a direct landfall in Taiwan has declined, but northern and eastern Taiwan should still prepare for strong winds and heavy rain.
Chef Lai Yu-chun of 鹽之華法國餐廳 awarded France's Order of Agricultural Merit, becoming the first Taiwanese chef to receive the honor
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Chef Lai Yu-chun of 鹽之華法國餐廳 received the knight rank of France's Order of Agricultural Merit, becoming the first Taiwanese chef to receive the honor. The award recognizes her contributions to promoting French food culture.
Facts
Lai Yu-chun, founder and chef of 鹽之華法國餐廳, received the knight rank of France's Order of Agricultural Merit.
Lai Yu-chun is the first chef in Taiwan's food and beverage industry to receive this honor.
鹽之華法國餐廳 was founded in Taichung by Lai Yu-chun in 2004.
France's Order of Agricultural Merit was established in 1883.
Original頒授儀式由法國在台協會主任龐維德主持。
Lai Yu-chun combines traditional French culinary craftsmanship with local Taiwanese ingredients.
Previously, only wine-related experts in Taiwan had received this order.
The 4 zodiac signs set to see their fortunes rise first in 2027! Career promotions and income gains; No. 1 gets good news right at the start of the year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article introduces the 4 zodiac signs forecast to have the best fortunes in 2027, the Year of the Fire Goat, predicting significant gains in career advancement and income. The sign ranked first is expected to get off to a lucky start.
Facts
The article reflects folk beliefs and does not represent the publishing website's position.
Admits Yang Liu-chao is being put on a pedestal! Lawyer backing Shen Po-yang sees poll showing him trouncing Chiang Wan-an and worries about one thing: swing voters will be confused
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
With less than 38 days until the 2026 Taipei mayoral election, the latest poll shows Shen Po-yang leading Chiang Wan-an by 17 percentage points, with 50.3% support. Lawyer Lee Yi-chen is concerned that a public-opinion 'hero-making' effect could influence swing voters, and sharply criticized Chiang Wan-an's platform as confused and said he refuses to admit mistakes.
Facts
Puma Shen had 50.3% support in the latest poll.
Chiang Wan-an had 33.3% support in the latest poll.
Shen Po-yang leads Chiang Wan-an by 17 percentage points
French riots spread across Europe! Stores and supermarkets looted in Milan, Italy; Albania firebombs target Interior Ministry; protests also erupt in Spain and Portugal
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Soaring prices have sparked nationwide unrest in France. The government has imposed partial curfews and has not ruled out a state of emergency. Violent protests have spread to Milan, Italy, Albania and other areas, with demonstrations and looting over the rising cost of living reported in several European countries.
Facts
The French government has imposed partial curfews in several cities and has not ruled out the possibility of declaring a state of emergency.
About 500,000 people took to the streets across France to protest the soaring cost of living, and the demonstrations later escalated into violent clashes.
At least 3000 stores in France were damaged, with losses totaling hundreds of millions of euros.
Protests in Milan, Italy, descended into riots, leaving at least 14 security personnel injured.
Protesters in Albania threw firebombs at the Interior Ministry, and clashes left about 300 people injured.
A new landmark at Hsinchu's AI technology gateway: Dali Wutong opens to strong sales, boosted by the industry gold corridor
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
達麗建設（6177）has launched Dali Wutong, a twin-tower residential project along Hsinchu's Gongdao 5th Road technology corridor. Benefiting from the industrial cluster around the nearby Hsinchu Science Park X Base, the project signed contracts for more than 100 units just 1.5 months after launch, showing strong market demand.
Facts
達麗建設's Dali Wutong project signed contracts for more than 100 units within 1.5 months of launch.
Global tech giants such as 輝達（NVIDIA） and 艾司摩爾（ASML） have moved into Hsinchu Science Park X Base.
Dali Wutong covers a site of 3,157 ping and is planned to include a total of 386 units.
The second- and third-phase software buildings at Hsinchu Science Park X Base are expected to be completed in 2028.
Fengcheng Cultural and Creative Center, part of the Fengcheng Cultural and Creative Park BOT project, is expected to open in 2027.
Dali Wutong's main offerings are 2-4-bedroom homes ranging from 26-47 ping.
No more health insurance premiums to pay! 16 counties and cities announce automatic full premium payments for seniors with no application needed; a look at extra subsidies across Taiwan in 2026
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
To address Taiwan's super-aged society, 16 counties and cities across Taiwan will expand health insurance premium subsidies for seniors starting in 2026. Most require no application and have no income limits, or have county and city governments pay premiums directly. The maximum subsidy is 826 yuan per person per month or full payment, easing seniors' financial burdens.
Facts
Counties and cities across Taiwan can save each senior up to 9,912 yuan in health insurance premiums annually.
Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Taitung County will pay the full premium directly to the National Health Insurance Administration, up to 826 yuan per person per month, for seniors aged 70 or older who have been registered residents for at least 1 year and have lived in Taiwan for at least 183 days in the past year. There is no income limit and no application is required.
Starting Apr. 1, 2026, Nantou County will pay the full premium, up to 826 yuan per person per month, for residents aged 65 or older, or Indigenous residents aged 55 or older. There is no income limit, no application is required and no withdrawal from the insurance plan is needed.
Keelung City offers a maximum subsidy of 826 yuan per person per month. Residents must apply for a review at their district office; approved subsidies are paid directly by the city government.
How did Taiwan's typhoon day system begin? It didn't start after Typhoon Toraji! Rules were already in place 54 years ago, and the person who decided whether to close offices back then was different
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article clarifies the origins of Taiwan's typhoon day system, noting that regulations date back to 1972, not the aftermath of Typhoon Toraji in 2001. Under current regulations, county and city governments make their own decisions based on wind and rain thresholds; the central government does not issue uniform announcements, allowing local authorities greater flexibility.
Facts
Taiwan's earliest typhoon-related work suspension rules were set in 1972 (ROC year 61) in the Guidelines on Whether Government Agencies Should Suspend Operations During a Typhoon.
In July 2000 (ROC year 89), the Executive Yuan established the Regulations Governing Suspension of Work and Classes Due to Natural Disasters to consolidate the rules.
Under current regulations, local governments may suspend work and classes if any one of the conditions is met, including sustained winds of at least level 7 or gusts of at least level 10.
During Typhoon Toraji in 2001, local announcements on suspending work and classes were inconsistent. Taipei City suspended work and classes for the entire day, while Hsinchu City continued work and classes as usual.
The Ministry of Labor says that if a worker's workplace, residence or usual commute route is in an area where work has been suspended by official announcement, the employer may not treat the worker as absent without leave.
Typhoon latest: Will Thursday be declared a typhoon day early? Peipah changes course; experts say a land warning could come as early as 'this time,' with the threat level exceeding 60% in 4 counties and cities
Typhoon Peipah's maximum sustained winds near its center have reached 60 meters per second, making it this year's strongest typhoon, alongside Sinlaku, Bavi and White Dolphin.
The Central Weather Administration expects to issue a sea warning from tonight (21) to the early hours of tomorrow (22). A land warning may be issued from tomorrow afternoon to evening.
Keelung and Yilan have a 66% probability of damaging winds, the highest in Taiwan.
Typhoon Peipah is centered at 18.1 degrees north latitude and 130.1 degrees east longitude, moving northwest at 23 kilometers per hour.
Peipah's radius of 10-level winds reaches 120 kilometers. Its circulation is exceptionally well organized, and the storm is expected to expand further into a giant severe typhoon with a radius of 300 kilometers.
Latest typhoon update: Peipah's track shifts farther west, bringing it closer to Taiwan! Warning could come as early as 'this time'; northern Taiwan braces for heavy rain, while 6-meter waves batter the east coast
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Severe Typhoon Peipah's track has shifted west. The Central Weather Administration expects to issue a sea warning as early as the evening of the 21st, followed by a land warning on the 22nd. Northern Taiwan and the east face threats from heavy rain, strong winds and giant waves. Friday is expected to bring the heaviest rainfall.
Facts
Typhoon Peipah is currently over waters about 1050 kilometers east-southeast of Eluanbi, with maximum sustained winds near its center of 60 meters per second, maintaining its severe typhoon status.
The Central Weather Administration expects to issue a sea warning as early as the evening of the 21st or the early hours of the 22nd. A land warning may be issued from the afternoon to evening of the 22nd.
Typhoon Peipah is expected to make its closest approach to Taiwan from Thursday evening to early Saturday morning.
Heavy rain is possible in northern Taiwan, Yilan and Hualien on Friday, with torrential rain or worse possible in mountainous areas of the north.
Waves approaching 6 meters are possible along the east coast.
Northern and northeastern Taiwan will turn markedly cooler from Wednesday to Thursday as the northeast monsoon strengthens, with highs of only 23 to 24 degrees.
Some areas in eastern Taiwan may be affected by subsidence, with localized highs potentially reaching 36 degrees.
A 'merger of the century' between SpaceX and 特斯拉? Musk builds a $3.5 trillion empire and reveals the latest on Terafab
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
SpaceX posted strong third-quarter results, and Musk publicly voiced support for a merger with 特斯拉 to integrate AI, space and electric-vehicle operations, potentially creating an empire valued at nearly $3.5 trillion.
Facts
SpaceX reported third-quarter net income of $4.4 billion, far above the estimated $1.88 billion.
SpaceX AI business Super Intelligence generated $7.56 billion in third-quarter revenue, more than 9 times the figure for the same period last year.
SpaceX and 特斯拉 have each formed special committees to discuss a merger.
Starlink has 13.6 million subscribers, and revenue from its connectivity business rose 69% year over year to $5.25 billion.
SpaceX aims to begin mass production of chips at its Terafab facility in the 3rd or 4th quarter of 2028.
The companies owned by Musk have a combined market value of nearly $3.5 trillion. A merger would rank among the largest in history.
SpaceX's AI business posted third-quarter operating income of $431 million, compared with a loss of $1.7 billion in the same period last year.
Asked which municipal achievement he is most proud of, Chen Shui-bian impersonates 'Chiang Wan-an,' piles on filler words and quips, 'Does that even answer the question?'
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Former President Chen Shui-bian imitated Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an's speaking style, using numerous filler words to dodge a question about his municipal record and mock the way Chiang speaks.
Facts
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an recently appeared on the political talk show News Face to Face. His repeated evasions and failure to directly answer questions sparked widespread discussion.
When asked by a netizen which achievement he was most proud of during his term, former President Chen Shui-bian imitated the 'Wan-an style,' sidestepping the question and peppering his response with catchphrases and filler words.
In his response, Chen Shui-bian said residents find the MRT very convenient nowadays, especially the Muzha Line, which opened that year.
At the end of his post, Chen Shui-bian asked, 'Does Ah-bian's answer have anything to do with your question?'
Government jobs are losing their appeal! Civil service exam vacancies surge 2.3 times in 4 years to a record 882; 1 subject has gone unfilled for 4 straight years
A record 882 positions went unfilled in the 115-year high and general civil service examinations, up 2.3 times from 268 in year 112.
Civil engineering positions in the Grade 3 civil service examination have gone unfilled for 4 consecutive years. In year 115, 298 positions went unfilled.
The number of categories with unfilled positions in the year 115 high and general examinations rose to 36, continuing an upward trend.
In year 115, the shortfall rate for auditing positions reached 91.67%, the highest among administrative categories.
The Budget Center said the shortfall in successful candidates could affect government agencies' ability to fill positions and carry out public services.
68-year-old brother never married and had no children; sister sorting his belongings finds receipts for 12 million! She realizes she misunderstood him her whole life
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
After Takashi, a 68-year-old Japanese man who never married, died, his sister found that he had long paid his mother's substantial care expenses and held assets worth 70 million yen. His will showed that he had donated his estate to charity, leaving his family shocked and prompting deep reflection.
Facts
Takashi never married and had no children. After retiring, he lived alone in a rental apartment nearly 40 years old.
During his lifetime, Takashi quietly paid more than 12 million yen for his mother's care at a residential facility.
Takashi provided financial assistance to his nephew, including a university admission gift, moving expenses and tuition for professional certification courses.
When Takashi died, his financial assets, including deposits and securities, totaled about 70 million yen.
Through a notarized will, Takashi donated part of his estate to a social welfare corporation and a local scholarship organization.
Labor insurance pension benefits are expected to rise by more than 6% next year under the consumer price index adjustment mechanism. A financial expert's calculations show that someone whose statutory claiming age is 65 and who claims 5 years early at 60 would receive 20% less per month, but the cumulative total would roughly break even with the delayed-claiming option at about age 85. Workers are advised to consider their years of service, survivor benefits and opportunity costs, and use the official calculator.
Facts
Labor insurance pension benefits will be adjusted next year under the consumer price index mechanism, with an increase that may exceed 6%.
Original符合條件者可提前最多5年請領老年年金，每提前1年減給4%
For someone with an average monthly insured salary of 45,800 and 28 years of service, the cumulative total from claiming early at 60 and claiming at the normal age of 65 would roughly break even at age 85.
The labor insurance old-age pension formula includes average monthly insured salary multiplied by years of insurance coverage and a specified coefficient.
Retired workers in Taiwan claim old-age pension benefits at an average age of 61.5.
Remember to claim the government's cash giveaway! '600 dollars in free money per person'—everyone who meets 1 condition can get it; here's when and how to claim
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 桃園市政府觀光旅遊局 is holding the Daxi Dried Tofu Tourism Festival from October 20 to December 31, 2026, featuring tours that include a 600-dollar subsidy and a stamp-collecting activity. It has also invited a celebrity chef to create a limited-edition tofu feast, aiming to promote local woodcraft and food culture.
Facts
The 2026 Daxi Dried Tofu Tourism Festival, organized by the 桃園市政府觀光旅遊局, officially launched on October 20 and will run through December 31.
Groups taking part in designated tour routes can receive a 600-dollar subsidy per person toward tour costs.
The award-winning state banquet 'Daxi Tofu Feast' will take place on November 14, with national gold-medal chef Chang Ho-chin creating ten exclusive dishes.
Independent travelers who collect 3 stamps can redeem a limited-edition premium gift. Those who collect 4 stamps and register their information will qualify for a prize draw.
The event features three in-depth guided tour routes: 'Dried Tofu Old Street Stroll,' 'Woodcraft and Dried Tofu Artisan Culture,' and 'Dalongmen Mountain, Water and Food Tour.'
Companies mentioned：桃園市政府觀光旅遊局、綠野鄉村湘菜館、老地方薑母鴨、蕃薯藤 TINA 廚房、溪友緣、大溪山水庭園、姚茶館、美樂地我家小館、亨味食堂、桃園大溪笠復威斯汀度假酒店、石門水庫福華渡假飯店
Could police and firefighters get a pay raise for operating drones? Liu Shih-fang says it could be considered as a professional allowance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
DPP lawmaker Su Chiao-hui proposed a pay raise for police and firefighters who operate drones. Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang responded that the skill could be considered for a professional allowance. The head of the Fire Agency said procurement is open and not limited to domestically made products, but emphasized the need for a non-Red supply chain and a mechanism requiring vendors to replace equipment unconditionally.
Facts
Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang said the possibility of including police and firefighters' drone-operating skills in a professional allowance could be considered.
Fire Department Director Hsiao Huan-chang said drone procurement would be open and would not be limited to domestic products.
Liu Shih-fang added and emphasized that all drones, regardless of type, must use a “non-Red supply chain.”
If a drone is damaged, the vendor will replace it with a new one unconditionally under the maintenance contract.
Fans heartbroken! Mainland actor Zhang Linghe applies to hold a fan meeting in Taiwan, but the DPP government rejects him; Taiwan Affairs Office cannot sit by
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
On Oct. 21, the Taiwan Affairs Office responded to the rejection of mainland actor Zhang Linghe’s application to visit Taiwan, criticizing the DPP authorities for rejecting cross-strait cultural exchanges for political manipulation and urging them to lift the restrictions in response to public wishes.
Facts
The mainland said on Oct. 21 that entertainer Zhang Linghe’s application to visit Taiwan for audience meet-and-greet events and other exchange activities had been rejected.
Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhang Han urged the DPP authorities to heed the shared wish of people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait to strengthen exchanges and contacts, and to abandon political manipulation.
Zhang Linghe has built a large following through works including “The Story of Pearl Girl,” “Love You,” and “Chasing Jade.”
The Taiwan Affairs Office said the DPP authorities rejected the application for political reasons, disregarding the wishes of people in Taiwan.
The Taiwan Affairs Office said the move harmed cross-strait cultural exchanges and ran counter to the wishes of the people of Taiwan.
Can you receive a pension with less than 15 years of Labor Insurance coverage? Homemaker without Labor Insurance for 32 years retires with NT$15,000 a month through “this trick”
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Labor insurance and labor relations expert Chen Rui-zhu explained on a program that people with less than 15 years of Labor Insurance coverage can combine their Labor Insurance and National Pension coverage to reach 15 years and receive both pensions. One case involved a homemaker with 11 years of Labor Insurance and 32 years of National Pension coverage, receiving a total of NT$15,381 a month. She emphasized the key role of the National Pension in making up for insufficient Labor Insurance coverage.
Facts
Labor Insurance and the National Pension are the 2 main pillars of retirement security for the public. Those without other social insurance are covered by the National Pension.
People with less than 15 years of Labor Insurance coverage can apply for both pensions if their combined Labor Insurance and National Pension coverage totals 15 years.
The homemaker in the case had 11 years of Labor Insurance coverage and accumulated 32 years of National Pension coverage after marriage.
After retiring, the homemaker in the case can receive a combined total of NT$15,381 a month.
With 11 years of Labor Insurance coverage, the monthly pension under Formula B is NT$7,161.
Because the recipient is also receiving a Labor Insurance pension, the National Pension old-age benefit can only be calculated using Formula B.
The government has raised the monthly insured amount for the National Pension to NT$19,761.
You’ll want to stock up on this 1 kind of steamed bun from 全聯! Food lovers praise its “simple ingredients and firm texture with a hint of wheat aroma”: affordable and delicious, steamed every day for the kids’ breakfast
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In 全聯’s frozen steamed bun market, the 餐御宴 and 大玉成 brands have sparked lively discussion in consumer communities. The former has won parents over with its simple ingredients, while the latter has been praised for the texture of its taro-flavored old-dough buns. Experts also offer tips on choosing and preparing them creatively.
Facts
餐御宴’s brown sugar steamed buns are described as having a naturally rich aroma and moderate sweetness, with none of the harsh smell of artificial flavoring.
大玉成’s taro-flavored old-dough steamed buns have a high rate of repeat purchases thanks to the perfect combination of a subtle taro aroma and a springy, chewy texture.
Traditional Shandong or whole-wheat steamed buns can be sliced horizontally and filled with ingredients such as freshly fried scallion eggs and pork cutlets, serving as the base for a “Chinese-style burger.”
Food experts advise consumers buying frozen dough products to first check the sugar and calorie information on the nutrition label to manage sugar and calorie intake.
奇美’s range of steamed buns and 義美’s nut-studded steamed buns are also recommended in the market for their consistent quality and generous fillings.
Good news for pet owners! Hsu Hsin-ying puts forward 4 pet-friendly policies, with spay/neuter subsidies raised to as much as NT$2,500
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Hsu Hsin-ying, the KMT’s candidate for Hsinchu County magistrate, put forward 4 pet-friendly policies on the 21st, covering higher spay/neuter subsidies, better pet-friendly spaces, digital passports and stray animal management, with the aim of creating a livable city.
Facts
On the 21st, Hsu Hsin-ying, the KMT’s candidate for Hsinchu County magistrate, put forward 4 policies for a “pet-friendly city.”
Spay/neuter subsidies for dogs and cats will be increased, with a maximum subsidy of NT$2,500 for female animals.
The subsidy for male dogs and cats will rise from NT$800 to NT$1,300, while that for females will increase from NT$1,500 to NT$2,500.
Hsu Hsin-ying proposed using smart technology to launch the “Hsinchu County Furry Friends Digital Passport.”
The fourth policy calls for expanding source management through TNVR (trap, neuter, vaccinate and return).
The plan will connect local restaurants, lodging providers and leisure businesses to build a “pet-friendly business and lodging network.”
Taiwanese woman found dead at Lake Kawaguchi hotel! She and female suspect in the same tour group signed up separately but shared a room; Japanese media reveal kitchen knife was bought during the trip
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A Taiwanese woman was killed in Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. A 27-year-old female suspect from the same tour group was arrested on suspicion of illegally possessing a kitchen knife, and police are investigating the relationship between the 2 women and the circumstances of the death.
Facts
On the morning of the 19th, Yamanashi Prefectural Police found a 38-year-old Taiwanese woman dead at a hotel in Fujikawaguchiko and arrested Yang Min-han, a 27-year-old Taiwanese woman who shared her room.
A forensic autopsy found that the victim had been stabbed deeply in the left side of her neck with a kitchen knife; the cause of death was blood loss.
The kitchen knife held by suspect Yang Min-han had a blade about 12 centimeters long and was bought during the tour group’s trip.
Both the victim and the suspect had signed up individually for the same tour group, but were sharing a hotel room when the incident occurred.
The Tourism Administration under the Ministry of Transportation and Communications said the tour ran from Oct. 17 to 21, and that it had contacted the family and was helping with follow-up arrangements.
Typhoon Podul latest update》Super Typhoon Podul changes course! 3 areas most likely to get a typhoon day off; see the chances of work and school closures and when the worst winds and rain are expected
The maximum sustained wind near the center of Typhoon Podul, the 29th typhoon of 2026, reached 60 meters per second, with maximum gusts of 75 meters per second.
The probabilities of the storm’s radius affecting Keelung City, Yilan County, Taipei City, New Taipei City, Hualien County and Taoyuan City are 72%, 71%, 66%, 62%, 62% and 56%, respectively.
The wind threshold for suspending work and classes during a typhoon is an average wind force of at least Level 7 or gusts of at least Level 10.
Typhoon Podul joins Sinlaku, Bavi and White Dolphin as the strongest typhoons of 2026.
Can you boil and drink tap water directly? Water utility reveals the correct answer! It’s not what many people think
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台北自來水事業處 and 台灣自來水公司 clarified the guidelines for drinking tap water. The Taipei Water Department stressed that water can be drunk directly if it meets standards and the water tank is cleaned regularly. 台灣自來水公司, citing risks related to pipes and equipment maintenance, recommends boiling water and also reminds users to maintain filters regularly to prevent secondary contamination.
Facts
Taipei tap water meets drinking water quality standards and can be consumed directly as long as cisterns and water tanks are cleaned and maintained regularly every year.
The Taipei Water Department has 95 water quality monitoring stations at water treatment plants, pumping stations and water supply networks, where water quality is monitored 24 hours a day.
台灣自來水公司 does not encourage people to drink tap water without boiling it, given that pipe repairs and household water storage equipment may affect water quality.
If a water filter is not cleaned properly and its cartridge is not replaced regularly, bacteria can grow on the filter and cause secondary contamination.
The white particles floating in boiled water may be sediment formed when minerals such as calcium and magnesium are heated; this is commonly known as limescale.
Explainer》Husband suddenly dies, and his wife’s NHI coverage is canceled too! Why can’t she go directly to the district office when she has children? NHI Administration explains
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The NHI Administration under the Ministry of Health and Welfare explained how a wife’s health insurance status is handled after her husband dies. Her dependent status is canceled along with his coverage, so her insured status must be confirmed again. She can enroll as a dependent of a family member or under the area-based category, and the rules for calculating premiums in the month of death must also be clarified.
Facts
After a husband dies, his wife’s NHI coverage as his dependent is canceled along with his; it is not automatically transferred to their children’s plans.
If the wife is not working and has no other eligibility to enroll independently, but has children who qualify, she should enroll through one of their insurance enrollment units.
A son and a daughter are both first-degree lineal blood relatives, and NHI regulations do not give priority to the eldest son; the wife may enroll as a dependent of either one.
After household registration authorities report a death, the NHI Administration takes about 3 to 5 business days to complete the cancellation of coverage.
Latest typhoon update》Typhoon Podul’s path could change! Cheng Ming-te reveals the “key factor” at play: AI and traditional forecasts diverge
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
As Super Typhoon Podul approaches Taiwan, former weather bureau director Cheng Ming-te said AI and traditional forecasting models show extreme differences in their path predictions, leading to disagreements among international meteorological agencies. The Central Weather Administration forecasts that Podul will turn north on Thursday. A sea warning could be issued as early as late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning, while northern and eastern Taiwan face a threat of heavy to torrential rain from Friday to Saturday.
Facts
Former Central Weather Bureau Director Cheng Ming-tien said forecasts for Severe Typhoon Champi were highly unusual because AI forecasts and traditional numerical weather prediction models differed sharply on its path.
An intensifying northerly wind front has emerged, and it will be an important factor affecting the typhoon’s eventual direction of movement.
The Central Weather Administration forecasts that Champi will begin turning north on Thursday, then gradually move northeast.
A sea warning may be issued as early as late Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. If the typhoon follows the forecast track, a land warning may be issued late Thursday night or early Friday morning.
Typhoon update》Will there be a typhoon day off? Chiang Wan-an’s latest response on the 21st! The odds of Severe Typhoon Champi hitting Taiwan revealed, with the strongest winds and rain expected “at this time”
This year’s 29th typhoon has strengthened into Severe Typhoon Champi and continues to approach Taiwan.
The Central Weather Administration estimates that a sea warning for the typhoon may be issued as early as between the evening of the 21st and the 22nd.
Original雙北市超過6成、基隆市則為72%有暴風侵襲機率。
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said residents’ safety takes priority over all election-related work.
Taipei expects the most significant impact from wind and rain to occur from early Friday morning through late night on the 23rd.
Any work and school closures must follow existing procedures and will be decided after joint discussions by Keelung, Taipei, New Taipei and Taoyuan.
Due to the typhoon’s outer circulation and the northeast monsoon, northern Taiwan, Yilan and Hualien should be alert for heavier rain.
Explainer》Taipei and New Taipei senior citizen cards both provide 600 points a month. Why can they be used in some places but not others? A guide to the differences for trains, taxis and doctor visits
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Starting in July 2026, the monthly subsidy for senior citizen cards in Taipei and New Taipei will increase to 600 points, but the two cities have different rules for medical and transportation use. Taipei has a higher cap on points deducted for medical services and includes health checkup programs, while New Taipei’s use is more restricted. YouBike eligibility is determined by where the bike is rented; users crossing city boundaries should note the issuing city and location restrictions.
Facts
Starting July 1, 2026, the monthly subsidy for senior citizen cards in Taipei and New Taipei will rise to 600 points.
Original台北市立聯合醫院萬芳醫院門診掛號費每次最高可扣抵100點。
Outpatient registration fees at designated hospitals and health centers in New Taipei can be offset by up to 50 points per visit.
Receive NT$54,000 a month in retirement benefits until death! The most advantageous way to claim labor insurance annuity or old-age benefits revealed, with pension payments available without working
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article analyzes strategies for claiming labor insurance old-age benefits, noting that receiving monthly payments for 97 months can exceed the maximum available from a lump-sum claim. Statistics show that the number of recipients has topped 2 million, but benefit amounts vary widely, with the highest monthly payment reaching NT$54,000. The article details eligibility, formulas and the risk of dying before recovering the value of deferred claims.
Facts
The number of recipients of labor insurance old-age annuities has surpassed 2 million, with 53.55% receiving less than NT$20,000 a month.
Only a single-digit number of labor insurance annuity recipients nationwide receive more than NT$50,000 a month; the highest recorded payment is NT$54,902.
For example, at a monthly payment of NT$18,600, the cumulative amount received after 97 months exceeds the maximum available from a lump-sum claim.
A lump-sum old-age benefit is calculated using a maximum of 45 months; those who continue working after age 60 can receive credit for up to 5 additional years.
Where has global capital gone after pulling out of AI stocks? Fidelity: Chinese tech stocks are bottoming out; AI applications could produce “hundredfold stocks”
SpaceX is valued at US$1.77 trillion ahead of its listing but is still posting net losses; traditional models struggle to assess the valuations of large language models.
U.S. CPI rose 3.7% year over year in September, while core CPI climbed to 2.6%, both exceeding expectations.
Truly promising application companies need to have unique data or use cases, and gross margins capable of withstanding inference costs.
A “65% U.S. content” rule circulated recently by a legal team triggered a sharp drop in optical modules, but the rule was not formally discussed by the FCC.
No need to join discounting and promotions! adidas keeps selling at full price, with tariff refunds helping boost its profit forecast
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
adidas raised its full-year profit forecast to 2.5 billion euros after receiving U.S. tariff refunds and benefiting from strong product sales. Third-quarter operating profit hit a record, demonstrating the success of its full-price sales strategy. The company plans to invest in improving operational efficiency in the fourth quarter.
Facts
adidas’ third-quarter operating profit rose 37% year over year to 1.008 billion euros, a record high.
adidas received about 200 million euros in U.S. tariff refunds in the third quarter.
adidas expects full-year operating profit to reach 2.5 billion euros, up from its previous estimate of about 2.3 billion euros.
adidas plans to reinvest about 100 million euros in the fourth quarter in measures to improve operating leverage.
adidas maintained its previously announced full-year revenue outlook, estimating revenue growth of 9% to 10% at constant exchange rates.
AI moves from generating text to the physical world: ASI raises US$325 million to expand critical infrastructure, reaching a US$3 billion valuation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. AI startup ASI has completed a US$325 million Series C funding round at a valuation of US$3 billion. The company specializes in AI simulation and monitoring for critical infrastructure in the physical world. Backed by several prominent venture capital firms, it will use the funds to expand deployments in energy, logistics and military sectors.
Facts
ASI completed a US$325 million Series C funding round at a valuation of US$3 billion.
ASI secured a 12-year contract worth US$875 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation and FAA for the National Airspace System modernization program.
ASI secured a 5-year contract worth US$99 million from the U.S. Army to support its next-generation command-and-control program.
ASI’s founder and CEO is Phillip Buckendorf.
ASI has about 220 employees, including about 80 at its Boston headquarters.
ASI has established customer relationships with 達美航空, 聯合航空 and 阿拉斯加航空.
ASI and National Grid are collaborating on grid planning and operational analysis.
Australia’s CoreWeave? AI infrastructure “bellwether” NextDC plunges 44%, wiping out years of gains in a day
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Australian data center operator NextDC cut its forecast after its M3 project hit a roadblock, sending its shares plunging 44% and highlighting the power and financing constraints facing highly leveraged AI infrastructure expansion.
Facts
Shares of NextDC, Australia’s largest homegrown third-party data center operator, plunged more than 44% intraday on Wednesday (21).
NextDC lowered its EBITDA forecast for the fiscal year ending June 2027 to A$245 million-A$265 million from A$385 million-A$410 million.
Power supplier Jemena suspended the power connection for the Melbourne M3 data center project amid community opposition.
NextDC’s capital expenditure was about A$3.4 billion in fiscal 2026, while revenue was just A$496.5 million.
According to estimates by 摩根士丹利, global spending on AI data centers and chips will reach about $2.9 trillion by 2028, of which $1.5 trillion will need to come from external financing.
Research firm 顧能(Gartner) warned that if spending continues at its current pace, more than $3.5 trillion in AI infrastructure investment could face impairment risks before 2030.
進泰電子’s AVR products at its Bac Ninh, Vietnam plant are poised to drive shipments toward a growth peak; new warehouse facility opens today
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
進泰電子(3465-TW)’s new AVR warehouse facility in Bac Ninh, Vietnam, opened on October 21, 2026, and the company announced that its first high-end AV receiver had entered mass production and shipping. Revenue for the first 3 quarters reached NT$1.473 billion, up 11.22% year over year, while a return to profitability in the third quarter injected new growth momentum into the group.
Facts
進泰電子 successfully completed mass production and shipment of its first batch of audio-video receiver (AVR) products in the third quarter of 2026.
進泰電子’s new AVR warehouse facility in Bac Ninh Province, Vietnam, was completed and opened on October 21, 2026.
進泰電子 recorded revenue of NT$1.473 billion from January to September 2026, up 11.22% year over year.
進泰電子 posted after-tax net profit of NT$6.56 million in the second quarter of 2026, with earnings per share of NT$0.19.
進泰電子 entered the mass production and shipment phase for its first high-end AV receiver in October.
〈Stocks in Focus〉華新科 shares extend gains after leaving trading restrictions, head toward limit-up and reclaim 5-day moving average
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
華新科 shares continued to strengthen and hit the daily limit after leaving trading restrictions, buoyed by strong capacitor and resistor orders driven by AI demand, with capacity nearing full utilization. The company plans to increase capacity by 10% by year-end, with full-year capital expenditure reaching NT$4 billion.
Facts
華新科(2492-TW) shares strengthened after leaving trading restrictions, hitting the daily limit price of NT$405.5 in early trading on the 21st.
華新科 was bought net by investment trusts for 3,729 lots yesterday, bringing net purchases to 3,033 lots over the past 5 trading days.
華新科’s plants in Kaohsiung, Dalang in Dongguan, China, and Malaysia are operating near full capacity.
華新科 expects its overall capacity to increase 10% by the end of this year.
華新科 will raise its full-year capital expenditure to nearly NT$4 billion this year.
From allies to trading barbs: What happened to Trump and Zelensky? A look at three major disputes
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelensky have fallen into serious disagreement over energy attacks, delays in military aid and intelligence sharing. The two sides are at odds over strikes on Russian refineries, the delivery schedule for Patriot missiles and restrictions on satellite communications, underscoring the U.S.-Ukraine alliance’s shift from a solid partnership toward a transactional relationship.
Facts
Trump believes Zelensky should be held responsible for high U.S. energy prices and the Republican Party’s electoral troubles.
The Trump administration has not yet approved the transfer of Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine.
Ukraine accused the United States of imposing speed limits on its “Starshield” and “Starlink” satellite communications systems.
Zelensky said Ukrainian forces in several frontline areas continue to face restrictions on their use of Starshield and Starlink.
Some political analysts believe the U.S. and Ukraine are moving toward a fragile alliance that is highly “transactional.”
Asian stocks rebound! South Korean shares surge nearly 4% as AI newcomer Elice hits limit-up on second day of trading
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Asian stocks rebounded on Wednesday, led by South Korean shares. AI stock Elice hit the daily limit on its second day of trading, recovering from a record plunge on its debut. Strong results from Super Micro Computer lifted memory giants SK海力士 and 三星電子, reflecting optimism about AI demand and corporate earnings.
Facts
The MSCI Asia-Pacific ex-Japan index rose more than 1% in early trading on Wednesday.
South Korean shares rose 3.6% in early trading on Wednesday.
Elice rose as much as 30% on the Kosdaq, reaching the daily limit.
SK海力士 shares surged 5.9%.
三星電子 shares jumped 6.4%.
Earnings at 86% of S&P 500 constituents beat market expectations.
Super Micro expects first-quarter revenue of $18.5 billion to $19.5 billion.
CoreWeave shares have been halved, with more pressure ahead: 匯豐 sees another 37% drop, cuts price target to $39
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
匯豐 maintained its Reduce rating on CoreWeave with a $39 price target, citing structural disadvantages and saying slower LLM growth could weaken demand.
Facts
匯豐 maintained its “Reduce” rating on CoreWeave, with a $39 price target.
CoreWeave shares closed at $62.13 on Tuesday, down about 55.6% from their 52-week high.
匯豐 estimates CoreWeave’s annual revenue per megawatt of capacity will be about $12 million in 2027.
高盛 upgraded CoreWeave to “Buy” from “Neutral,” while lowering its price target to $106.
Evercore ISI maintained its “Outperform” rating on CoreWeave, with a $150 price target.
匯豐 expects CoreWeave’s long-term non-GAAP operating margin to reach 15%-16%.
SpaceX has struck deals with Anthropic and Alphabet’s Google, with estimated annual revenue per megawatt of capacity ranging from $22 million to $50 million.
〈Real Estate〉Taiwan’s population has declined for 33 consecutive months; these three districts in Taipei and New Taipei top the rankings for small-home sales
As of the end of September this year, Taiwan’s population had declined for 33 consecutive months.
From 2023 through July 2026, Zhongshan District in the greater Taipei area ranked first in cumulative small-home transactions, with 3792 deals.
The top 3 districts for small-home transactions in the greater Taipei area were Zhongshan, Tamsui and Sanchong.
Four New Taipei City districts—Sanchong, Tamsui, Banqiao and Zhonghe—made the list of the top 10 hotspots for small-home transactions.
The average total price of a small home in Taichung’s Xitun District was NT$3.23 million, compared with NT$2.859 million in North District. The average total price in both districts was below NT$4 million.
群翊's orders surge; new plant scheduled to break ground in January next year and begin production in 2028
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
群翊 plans to break ground on a new plant in January 2027 and bring new capacity online in 2028 to meet surging demand for IC substrate and glass substrate process equipment. Analysts estimate its 2027 revenue will grow 20% from 2026. Its current orders total NT$6 billion.
Facts
群翊 has drawn up plans to expand with a new plant, which is expected to break ground in January 2027, with new capacity coming online in 2028.
Analysts estimate 群翊's revenue could grow 20% in 2027 from 2026.
群翊 currently has orders on hand worth as much as NT$6 billion.
群翊 makes PCB coating and baking equipment. In recent years, it has actively expanded into IC substrates and advanced packaging, as well as related semiconductor equipment.
高通 reportedly to cut jobs worldwide starting in November, accelerating diversification of semiconductor business
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
高通 announced global layoffs starting in November to address slowing smartphone demand and accelerate expansion into non-phone businesses such as AI data centers. It raised its 2029 non-phone revenue target to US$40 billion.
Facts
高通 CEO Cristiano Amon told employees in an internal memo that layoff notices are expected to begin going out in November.
As of September 2025, 高通 had about 52,000 employees worldwide.
高通 raised its non-phone business revenue target for fiscal 2029 from US$22 billion to US$40 billion.
高通 expects data center business revenue to reach US$15 billion in 2029.
Analysts expect 高通 to report earnings per share of US$2.16 in its earnings report on November 4.
Companies mentioned：高通、Qualcomm、蘋果、AAPL-US、QCOM-US、Benzinga、路透社、TD Cowen、Piper Sandler、RBC Capital
Former SpaceX executives launch self-flying aircraft startup, raising US$115 million at a valuation topping US$1 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Autonomous flight startup Reliable Robotics raised US$115 million in a Series D round, reaching a valuation above US$1 billion and attaining unicorn status. Founded by former SpaceX executives, the company is developing automated flight systems that can be retrofitted to existing fleets and is pushing ahead with FAA certification.
Facts
Reliable Robotics raised another US$115 million in a Series D round, bringing its total funding to US$275 million.
Reliable Robotics' valuation topped US$1 billion, and the company has raised a total of US$380 million since its founding.
Nimble Partners led a US$90 million equity investment, while 矽谷銀行 provided US$25 million in debt financing.
Reliable Robotics' first product, “continuous automated flight intervention,” is expected to receive FAA certification within 18 to 24 months.
Reliable Robotics' third product, a solid-state collision avoidance radar, is expected to receive certification by the end of 2027.
Reliable Robotics' subsidiary Reliable Airlines currently operates cargo flights six days a week from Albuquerque, New Mexico, using six Cessna Caravan aircraft.
Reliable Robotics was co-founded by former SpaceX flight software director Robert Rose and Chief Technology Officer Juerg Frefel.
星巴克 announces new policy! China stores to require purchases for seating starting tomorrow, with notices posted
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
星巴克 China announced that a purchase will be required for seating across its stores in China starting October 22, with notices to be posted in stores. The company said the policy would be implemented with care and that assistance would be provided to customers with special needs to preserve the Third Place experience.
Facts
星巴克 China announced that it will begin requiring purchases for seating across China starting October 22.
Notices will be posted in stores to inform customers of the relevant rules.
星巴克 will provide its partners with consistent service guidelines and necessary support.
Partners will address customer needs in accordance with principles of friendly and courteous communication.
Partners will give priority assistance to customers who need help, including pregnant women and people with limited mobility.
Memory price hikes taking their toll? Chinese phone brands reportedly turn to “recycled DRAM” to cut costs and boost shipments
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Amid AI-driven memory shortages and price hikes, Chinese smartphone brands are reportedly expanding their use of recycled DRAM to cut costs and boost shipments, with plans to use secondhand chips removed from phones that are 5 to 6 years old in entry-level models.
Facts
Some Chinese smartphone brands are expanding their use of dynamic random-access memory (DRAM) recovered from old phones.
Plans call for secondhand DRAM that has been in use for 5 to 6 years to be adopted across entry-level models.
Early this summer, low-power memory (LPDDR) faced significant price increases and supply bottlenecks.
Leading PC brands including 聯想, 惠普(HP) and 戴爾(Dell) have all signed long-term supply agreements with memory suppliers covering through 2027.
Huaqiangbei electronics market in Shenzhen, China, has spawned an industry and trading market specializing in recovering DRAM from discarded electronic products.
The process for recycling DRAM mainly involves removing chips from old devices, testing their quality and then resoldering them onto the circuit boards of new devices.
Even 亞馬遜 is short on power: billions of dollars' worth of 輝達 chips sit gathering dust in warehouses
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Internal 亞馬遜 documents reveal that billions of dollars' worth of 輝達 GB300 chips are sitting idle in warehouses because the data centers where they are destined lack sufficient power. AWS adopted an “early receipt” process to secure hardware ahead of time, pushing free cash flow to negative US$7.6 billion and creating a bottleneck in computing capacity and inflationary pressure.
Facts
AWS, 亞馬遜's cloud computing division, is temporarily storing 輝達 GB300 racks in transit warehouses because the intended data centers lack enough available power to turn them on and operate them.
亞馬遜 was expected to receive about US$5 billion worth of GB300 racks in August alone, followed by about US$3 billion worth each month.
亞馬遜's free cash flow over the past 12 months has turned sharply negative, reaching negative US$7.6 billion for the first time in years.
亞馬遜 has introduced a new process called “Early Rack Receipt,” taking ownership before racks arrive at data centers.
Competition for 輝達 GPUs is so fierce that 亞馬遜 must secure hardware before it even has a place to install it, to prevent competitors from snapping it up.
AWS Chief Financial Officer John Felton told Prasad Kalyanaraman, a senior executive responsible for AI infrastructure construction, at an internal employee meeting in September that the company's free cash flow had turned negative.
Showdown! U.S. vice president: Ukraine is not a formal U.S. ally and should not join NATO; it should stop attacking Russian energy facilities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
U.S. Vice President Vance said on the 19th that the United States and Ukraine have no formal alliance and opposed Ukraine joining NATO. Citing concerns about the impact on U.S. diesel prices and election prospects, he urged Ukraine to stop attacking Russian energy facilities, signaling a more pragmatic shift in Washington's position.
Facts
U.S. Vice President Vance said there is no formal alliance between the United States and Ukraine.
Vance believes Ukraine should not join NATO.
Vance called on Kyiv to stop attacking Russian energy facilities.
The US is concerned that Ukrainian strikes on refineries could drive up diesel prices at home.
Zelenskyy criticized the US for easing pressure on Russia and said he felt “betrayed”.
Waymo expands into Spain! Madrid to launch fully autonomous ride-hailing service in 2027
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Alphabet’s Waymo announced plans to expand into Madrid, Spain, with a fully autonomous ride-hailing service expected to launch in 2027. It will initially deploy vehicles for testing. The move marks a significant push into Spain and Europe, Waymo’s first, but the company faces pressure from competitors such as 文遠知行 and Uber, which are set to launch ahead of it by the end of 2026.
Facts
Waymo announced Madrid as its first European location, aiming to launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in 2027.
Waymo will deploy electric Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Madrid for initial testing in the coming days.
Waymo’s autonomous fleet completes more than 500,000 paid passenger trips per week in the US.
Waymo’s autonomous driving system has logged more than 400 million kilometers of fully autonomous driving.
Waymo plans to launch services in London in 2026，Tokyo in 2027，and Toronto in 2028.
Trilateral talks next? Talks on Ukraine to be held in Norway as US envoy heads to Russia on Wednesday to meet Putin
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
US envoy Witkoff plans to travel to Russia to meet Putin and advance the peace process，after the US and Ukraine made substantive progress on engagement with Russia during talks in Oslo. Ukraine has proposed a meeting of the three leaders，but differences over US military aid to Ukraine and a Starlink dispute have complicated the situation.
Facts
US envoy Witkoff will meet Russian President Putin in Russia on Wednesday (the 21st).
US and Ukrainian delegations held talks in the Norwegian capital，Oslo，which the US described as “constructive”.
The Trump administration has largely halted direct arms shipments，allowing Europe to purchase weapons on Ukraine’s behalf through the PURL program.
Defense Secretary Hegseth has yet to approve Ukraine’s latest request for Patriot interceptor missiles.
Russian forces attacked 7 regions overnight，causing power outages; 4 districts in Kyiv lost power.
Zelenskyy discussed the supply of Patriot interceptor missiles and the Starlink system with US Secretary of State Rubio.
Trump’s son-in-law Kushner participated in the Oslo talks remotely.
美超微 shares surge 15% after hours on strong AI demand; chip investors remain cautious?
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
美超微 raised its revenue forecast for the first quarter of its fiscal year to $18.5 billion to $19.5 billion，about 27% above its previous forecast. Its shares surged 15% after hours，also lifting related stocks including Dell，慧與，輝達，and 超微.
Facts
美超微 forecasts first-quarter revenue of $18.5 billion to $19.5 billion for the fiscal quarter ending September 30，up from its previous forecast of $14.5 billion to $15.5 billion.
Based on the midpoint of the range，the latest forecast is about 27% higher than the previous one.
If the forecast proves accurate，revenue will be nearly four times the level of the same period last year.
美超微 closed at $32.47，and its shares rose as much as 15% in after-hours trading.
Original戴爾科技與慧與科技盤後分別上漲5.3%及4.5%
輝達，超微，美光科技，and 邁威爾科技 shares all rose about 2% in after-hours trading.
The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index had fallen for eight consecutive trading days before rebounding on Monday.
美超微 expects to report official results for the first quarter of its fiscal year on November 3.
“The Big Short” investor Burry warns US stocks could repeat the 2000 market pattern as money leaves leading stocks
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Investor Burry warned，based on historical data，that the US stock market’s record highs mask deteriorating breadth，resembling a precursor to the 2000 bubble. He predicted that money would shift from large-cap growth stocks to laggards，and that the market could enter a volatile，divided phase.
Facts
Burry warned that US stocks could repeat the rotation seen after the 2000 dot-com bubble，with money moving out of leading stocks and into laggards.
When the S&P 500 hit a record high on October 6，55% of its constituents were down at least 20% from their highs of the past 10 years.
During the dot-com bubble in March 2000，about two-thirds of leading stocks had fallen more than 20% one year after the index peaked.
After the 2000 dot-com bubble，the median share price of lagging stocks rose 14% in the year after the index peaked.
亞灣醫 (7435) to be listed on the Emerging Stock Board from 10/23 - 環球生技月刊
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊
亞灣醫智庫股份有限公司 (stock code 7435) will be listed on the Emerging Stock Board from 115年10月23日. It is classified under biotechnology and healthcare，with 元大證券 serving as its stock affairs agent.
10/20 biotech stock roundup: 仁新’s Australian clinical trial received TGA confirmation，安盛生技 secured EU IVDR certification，亞灣醫 was listed on the Emerging Stock Board，and 全福生技 approved a capital increase of up to 39 million shares. 泰合 posted the biggest gain that day，while 松瑞藥 had the highest net buying.
長佳智能 (6841): 長聯科技 approves purchase of Fubon Life Insurance cumulative subordinated corporate bonds worth NT$202 million - Global Bio & Investment Monthly
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 環球生技月刊
長聯科技 approved the purchase of Fubon Life Insurance cumulative subordinated corporate bonds for a total transaction amount of NT$202 million.
White House envoy to meet Putin in Russia; Ukraine hopes to hold trilateral summit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that the United States has resumed providing air-defense early-warning intelligence and called for an end to the war as soon as possible. White House envoy Steve Witkoff will travel to Moscow to meet Putin, and Zelenskyy proposed a trilateral summit involving the United States, Russia and Ukraine. US President Donald Trump stressed that Ukraine must be willing to reach an agreement, while analysts said the foundation of trust between the US and Ukraine has collapsed.
Facts
A war about to enter its 5th year
Britain, France, Germany and Poland form Europe's 4-country delegation
It's not just about “no pain”—restoring knee function matters, too! Taipei Veterans General Hospital's “Skiing Sports Medicine Clinic” boosts skiing safety - Heho Health
Be careful! The location of back pain could be a warning sign: A graphic guide to the link between internal organs and back pain - Heho健康
Published ・ Source Taiwan | Heho健康
This article explains that the location of back pain may be linked to referred pain from internal organs, such as the cardiovascular system, pancreas or kidneys. It also outlines common causes, clues to watch for in different areas, and warning signs that warrant medical attention.