Saudi energy hub attacked; European natural gas prices surge to highest since 2022
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
Yemen's Houthi movement attacked Saudi energy facilities, sending European natural gas prices to their highest level since 2022. Low storage levels have heightened the risk of supply chain disruptions.
Facts
The European benchmark Dutch TTF front-month natural gas futures contract closed at 97.35 euros per megawatt-hour, its highest level in nearly 4 years.
Yemen's Houthi movement claimed it had hit Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia's largest refinery and crude oil export terminal, with ballistic missiles.
EU underground gas storage was only about 74.6% full, the lowest end-October level since records began in 2009.
LNG vessels have been forced to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope in Africa, adding 10 to 14 days to transit times.
LNG spot deliveries to European terminals have plunged nearly 80% from the same period last year.
Jobs once called it “terrible”! 蘋果 may now launch a touchscreen MacBook
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
蘋果 is expected to unveil its first touchscreen MacBook on Wednesday U.S. time and hold a media hands-on event. The move reverses the opposition to touchscreen laptops previously expressed by Jobs and Cook, but the market's focus has shifted to whether the touch feature can withstand consumers' growing emphasis on AI computing performance.
Facts
蘋果 is expected to unveil its first touchscreen MacBook on Wednesday (the 28th), U.S. time.
蘋果 will hold a media hands-on event in Los Angeles called “Pro and tell.”
蘋果 co-founder Steve Jobs described laptop touchscreens as “terrible” from an ergonomic standpoint in 2010.
The touchscreen MacBook models expected to launch will use M5 Pro and M5 Max chips.
A large share of recent Mac sales growth has come from demand for on-device artificial intelligence (AI) computing.
Then-CEO Tim Cook compared touchscreen products to combining a toaster and a refrigerator in 2012.
穩懋's Q3 peak season lifts EPS to NT$4.55, nearly doubling; Q4 gross margin to remain firmly at a high level of 30%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
穩懋 (3105-TW) reported its third-quarter results, with peak-season demand and non-operating investments lifting quarterly EPS to NT$4.55, nearly double. Looking ahead to Q4, despite the seasonal slowdown in mobile phones, the introduction of new aerospace and satellite specifications is expected to drive revenue growth of 1-3%, while gross margin is forecast to remain at 37-39%.
Facts
穩懋's third-quarter after-tax net profit was NT$1.93 billion, up 80% year over year.
穩懋's third-quarter EPS was NT$4.55, nearly double the previous quarter.
穩懋's third-quarter revenue was NT$5.859 billion, up 11% quarter over quarter and 31% year over year.
穩懋's third-quarter gross margin was 37.4%, up 9.2 percentage points from the previous quarter.
穩懋's after-tax net profit for the first 3 quarters totaled NT$3.44 billion, up as much as 417% year over year.
穩懋's third-quarter WiFi PA posted double-digit quarterly growth as Router applications returned.
穩懋's third-quarter Infrastructure product was the fastest-growing of its 4 major product lines quarter over quarter.
新揚, 群創 and 金屬中心 join forces to drive corporate GAI upgrades
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
金屬中心 joined 新揚科技 and 群創光電 to sign an agreement on GAI adoption, witnessed by 南科管理局. The partnership aims to establish replicable models for smart manufacturing and operational optimization through validation in real-world settings.
Facts
金屬中心 signed an industry partnership with 新揚科技 and 群創光電 to establish a demonstration of GAI adoption in companies’ real-world settings.
The partnership will test the adoption of AI in process optimization, smart production, data applications and operational efficiency.
林秀貞, deputy director-general of 南科管理局, witnessed the signing ceremony.
吳忠春, chairman of 金屬中心, signed the industry partnership on its behalf.
台智雲 Chief Strategy Officer 李立國 outlined a plan for adopting GAI applications, starting from companies’ actual needs and covering computing power, model selection and implementation.
李啟龍, director of the Generative AI Innovation Academy at 創新智庫基金會, shared practical examples of generative AI in corporate operations and manufacturing.
National Development Council Chairman 葉俊顯: Building computing power and securing stable energy supply to make Taiwan a sovereign AI demonstration island
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
National Development Council Chairman 葉俊顯 announced at the AIoT Alliance annual meeting that the government would incorporate computing infrastructure into public-private partnerships and ensure stable energy dispatch to make Taiwan a sovereign AI demonstration island, while focusing on four key sectors to promote real-world applications.
Facts
National Development Council Chairman 葉俊顯 attended and addressed the AIoT Alliance annual meeting, outlining a policy direction to make Taiwan a sovereign AI demonstration island.
The government will bring computing infrastructure within the scope of the Act for Promotion of Private Participation in Infrastructure Projects to encourage private investment in computing infrastructure.
The government plans to incorporate the electricity needs of AI and data centers into overall power dispatch and promote diverse renewable energy sources and technology-based energy storage.
Taiwan’s sovereign AI demonstration island will prioritize real-world AI demonstrations in four key sectors: education, healthcare, finance and the judiciary.
The government is actively developing advanced semiconductor technologies, including AI chips, silicon photonics and quantum technology, while emphasizing system integration capabilities.
TrendForce: iPhone Duo sparks excitement at launch, but foldable-zone structural reliability and hardware-software compatibility remain challenges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
集邦諮詢 analyzed initial reactions to Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, noting that despite delivery delays and software compatibility challenges, it is expected to reshape the foldable market.
Facts
Less than a week after preorders opened for Apple’s first foldable phone, the iPhone Duo, delivery dates for some orders were pushed back to January 2027.
TrendForce estimates global foldable phone shipments will edge up 0.5% in 2026.
Apple’s first foldable iPhone is expected to ship about 5 million units, capturing about 24.8% of the market in its first year.
The iPhone Duo uses a waterdrop-style hinge to keep the screen flat and support touch input.
Initial user feedback pointed to black bars in apps and inefficient use of screen space.
紐西蘭央行 unexpectedly holds rates at 2.75% as committee members split
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
紐西蘭央行 voted 4-3 on the 28th to keep its interest rate at 2.75%, defying market expectations for a hike. Governor Breman said a rate increase remains possible, but the bank chose to wait and see given the fragile economic recovery and global risks.
Facts
紐西蘭央行 decided to leave the official cash rate unchanged at 2.75%.
The Monetary Policy Committee voted 4-3 to keep interest rates unchanged.
Three committee members, Paul Conway, Hayley Gourley and Karen Silk, voted to raise the rate by 1 quarter-point to 3.00%.
The New Zealand dollar briefly plunged 1.7% against the U.S. dollar after the decision was announced.
New Zealand’s annual consumer price inflation rate was 3.7% in the September quarter.
The 2-year government bond yield fell 12 basis points to 3.82%.
Companies mentioned：紐西蘭央行、RBNZ、Bank of New Zealand
大都會投信 unveils new One MIM brand; investment chief says US$748 billion in AUM will support efforts to capture Taiwan stock market’s golden opportunity
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
大都會投信 announced on the 28th that it would consolidate its brands under “One MIM,” combining the strengths of 柏瑞投資 and 大都會投資. Chief Investment Officer 黃軍儒 said headquarters would fully support the Taiwan team, leveraging global resources of US$748 billion in AUM to seize opportunities in Taiwan’s stock market.
Facts
大都會投信 held a news conference on the 28th to announce a new era under the “One MIM” brand.
柏瑞投資 and 大都會投資 have completed their integration and are generating significant synergies.
大都會投信’s global platform has US$748 billion in assets under management (AUM).
大都會投信’s service network spans 19 countries and regions worldwide.
The Taiwan team has real-time access to macroeconomic and industry research data from more than 850 investment professionals worldwide.
大都會人壽集團 has more than 150 years of financial experience.
大都會投信’s new brand slogan is “Where Conviction Leads.”
創奕能源’s overseas expansion gains traction; overseas revenue set to double next year, with plans to list on the emerging stock market
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 鉅亨網
創奕能源 Chairman 黃振聲 said the benefits of the company’s overseas expansion were emerging amid the global shift to electric vehicles, with overseas revenue expected to double next year and plans to list on the emerging stock market next year.
Facts
Original創奕能源今年上半年營收已達16.64億元，達到2025年全年營收目標的8成。
創奕能源 expects revenue this year could reach NT$3 billion.
創奕能源 expects overseas market revenue to potentially double next year.
創奕能源 plans to register on the emerging stock market next year and move to a main-board listing in 2028.
School-life sci-fi meets ball sports in boss-rush action game BAKUDO, announced for Nintendo Switch™ 2 at Indie World 2026.10.28! New trailer depicting school life released
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社集英社ゲームズ announced that the school-life sci-fi and ball-sports boss-rush action game BAKUDO was revealed at Indie World 2026.10.28, with a Nintendo Switch 2 version added. A new trailer and information on 3 main characters were also released.
Ikegawa Akira, Oda Tsuyoshi and Sakata Takeshi among speakers at summit on choosing your own health, to be held in Tokyo on Oct. 31
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Medical Paradigm Shift Summit 2026 in Tokyo, hosted by internal medicine physician and psychological counselor Nogami Noriko, will be held on Oct. 31, 2026, at 損保会館 in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The theme is “Taking back control of your health.” Speakers including Ikegawa Akira, Oda Tsuyoshi and Sakata Takeshi will give talks and take part in panel discussions. The crowdfunding campaign has surpassed ¥1.5 million in total support.
Expanding purchases of ice makers and kitchen equipment in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture | 買取マクサス市川本八幡店 launches advance inspection service for removal and transport of commercial ice makers
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
買取マクサス市川本八幡店, operated by 株式会社わたるコーポレーション, has expanded its purchases of commercial ice makers and launched a preliminary appraisal service that checks water supply and drainage equipment, removal routes and other details.
“The A-GOAL League changed my life”: 16-year-old player Maroba from Kibera, Kenya, to compete in the U-17 Women’s World Cup and face Japan
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Gaudencia Maroba (16), who came through the Kibera A-GOAL League run by 一般社団法人A-GOAL, will compete in the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026 as a member of the Kenya U-17 women’s national team and face Japan.
Facts
16 years old
3 years
9 goals
4-0
Oct. 29
More than 2,000 people
51 clubs
2,108 people
2,853 matches
Companies mentioned：一般社団法人A-GOAL、KIKKOMAN、ADE Foundation、FIFA、朝日新聞 with Planet、A-GOAL公式サイト
株式会社zen space signs comprehensive partnership agreement with 九州栄養福祉大学’s Department of Food Environment Data Science
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社zen space has signed a comprehensive partnership agreement with the Department of Food Environment Data Science at 九州栄養福祉大学 and will launch a practical program in which students handle everything from sourcing products to sales and marketing evaluation.
Facts
Oct. 19, 2026
A vinegar brewery with a history spanning more than 360 years
New defense for an era when AI finds vulnerabilities: Launch of Cyber Crisis Communications
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
共同ピーアール株式会社 has launched Cyber Crisis Communications, a crisis communications support service for cyberattacks, in partnership with its group company 株式会社ULM. With ransomware damage in the first half of 2026 reaching a record high, according to National Police Agency statistics, the service provides one-stop support connecting technical and communications departments to address the accelerating discovery of vulnerabilities by AI.
スターテイル has been named to CB Insights’ 2026 Fintech 100 in recognition of its efforts to build blockchain infrastructure and put real-world assets on-chain.
Facts
100 promising companies
1 of 6 companies
Now in its 9th year
6 fields
21 categories
A cumulative US$10.9 billion
More than US$3.2 billion raised in 2026
More than 330 business partnership announcements
51 companies are at the early stage
13 of them are at the seed stage
Data on more than 12 million companies
Companies mentioned：STARTALE LABS PTE. LTD.、Startale Group Pte. Ltd.、スターテイル、CB Insights
2026-2027 Season: Players whose registrations have been completed (as of Oct. 27, 2026)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
一般社団法人Ｔリーグ announced the players whose registrations have been completed for the 2026-2027 season, as of Oct. 27, 2026. The list names players belonging to each men’s and women’s team.
株式会社NIJIN CEO Tatsuro Hoshino to speak at Osaka Kyoiku University seminar, “Creating New Forms of Learning Through the Metaverse and the Real World”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Tatsuro Hoshino, CEO of 株式会社NIJIN, spoke at a seminar hosted by Osaka Kyoiku University and introduced the work of NIJIN Academy, which combines the metaverse with the real world.
Participants rave that their “perception of social media changed dramatically”! CEO Seiichi Sakakibara, whose social media accounts have 500,000 followers in total, gives an in-depth explanation of next-generation promotion strategies to succeed in the AI era at the 2nd JC special seminar
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Seiichi Sakakibara, CEO of 株式会社EMOLVA, spoke at a seminar on using social media to attract customers and expand organizations for Japan Junior Chamber (JC) members, explaining next-generation promotion strategies for the AI era. The seminar recorded a 100% satisfaction rate and drew a strong response, including changes in participants’ perceptions of social media and a surge in individual consultation requests.
Facts
More than 500,000 total SNS followers
Seminar satisfaction: 100%
Change in perceptions of social media: 95.8% said their perceptions had changed “a lot” or “somewhat”
Generates more than 100 leads every month
Provides social media marketing services to more than 1,000 companies
Has a track record of attracting more than 18,000 job applicants through social media
Partnered with 1.4 million influencers and more than 10,000 general monitors
Mushoku Tensei: Chronicle of Echoes: [Guardian Mage] Fitz appears for a limited time, and the scenario event “Is Free Love a Sin?” begins!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
In Mushoku Tensei: Chronicle of Echoes, a featured gacha for the new character “[Guardian Mage] Fitz” and a scenario event will begin on Oct. 30, 2026. A campaign will also be held to mark 100 days since the service launched.
A lodging-based murder mystery, “星廻る夜は終わらない,” will be held from December 5 at Limelight, the theater at Pension 星めぐる高原 in Kurumayama Kogen, Nagano Prefecture!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A lodging-based murder mystery, “星廻る夜は終わらない,” planned and produced by Akiyama Create and hosted by WooHoo企画（株式会社CHAMPION）, will be held from December 5, 2026, at Pension “Limelight” in Chino, Nagano Prefecture.
Facts
Original参加人数・体験時間：1回9名
Original料金：【33,000円（税込）／1名】
Involved in more than 1,000 experiential events to date
〈ヴィノテラス〉Japan takes second place at the World Blind Tasting Championship! 2 practical courses by Taizo Okurano and Masaki Katayama to be held in November
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Online wine school “ヴィノテラス” will hold courses in November by Taizo Okurano and Masaki Katayama, who took second place representing Japan at the World Tasting Championship in October 2026.
Esports team “REJECT” to hold “REJECT×VARREL SFL2026 Joint PUBLIC VIEWING”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Esports team “VARREL,” operated by 株式会社REJECT and 株式会社CELLORB, will hold “REJECT×VARREL SFL2026 Joint PUBLIC VIEWING” at AKIBA Cultures Theater on November 3, 2026.
Yui Ogura to release new single “すーぱーとくべつみらくるパフェ♡” on Wednesday, February 3, 2027! New artist photo, release event information and more unveiled all at once!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Voice actor and artist Yui Ogura announced that she will release her new single “すーぱーとくべつみらくるパフェ♡” on February 3, 2027. The song was written by Sasaki Kissa and will be released in 3 editions: First-Press Limited Edition Y and Regular Editions U and I. Release events, a lottery, live performance information and more were also announced.
The Tokyo venue of the “Hetalia 20th Anniversary Original Artwork Exhibition WorldFesta” closes to great success! Events set for 3 cities nationwide—Nagoya, Fukuoka and Yokohama—in 2027!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Following the success of its Tokyo venue, the “Hetalia 20th Anniversary Original Artwork Exhibition WorldFesta” will be held in Nagoya, Fukuoka and Yokohama in 2027. The Osaka venue will be held in November 2026, and tickets are on sale through イープラス.
Latest episode of ground-breaking new media outlet NoBorderニュース, which tackles topics off-limits to terrestrial TV, released
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社NoBorder released “NoBorderニュース #60” on October 26, 2026. The episode examines the background to large-scale demonstrations and riots in France, with Yoichi Masuzoe and Akira Iiyama discussing issues including the education environment, rising prices, political division, immigration and misinformation.
VTuber unit “すずみあ” to become a project called “PROJECT NANAIRO”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社Brave group announced that the VTuber unit “すずみあ” will be developed into a project called “PROJECT NANAIRO,” launching in spring 2027. Applications have opened for auditions for new members.
Huoshan Reservoir (discharge to Beigang River): Free Overflow (Yunlin County, Chiayi County)
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
水利署 issued an updated notice on free overflow from Hushan Reservoir into Beigang River, affecting multiple towns and cities in Yunlin County and Chiayi County. Residents along the river are urged to be careful and stay away from the riverbed.
A water leak near the entrance to Lane 241, Section 2, Xinren Road, in Dali District has prompted emergency repairs and reduced water pressure; some areas of Dali District, Taichung, may lose water.
Water service will be suspended in Nanxi Village, Nanxi District, Tainan City, for emergency repairs to a 100mm PVC pipeline beside No. 13, Zhongzheng Road.
台灣自來水公司 is carrying out district metering network installation and leak detection work in the Xinying service area in 115. Some villages in Liuying District, Tainan City, will experience brief localized water outages. Water service will be restored after a shutoff test lasting about 10 to 30 minutes.
To accommodate pipeline relocation work for the widening of Fuxing Road in Xinying, 台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in Jiafang Village, Xinying District, Tainan City.
To accommodate pipeline relocation work for the widening of Fuxing Road in Xinying, 台灣自來水公司 will suspend water service in Nanzhi Village and Jiafang Village, Xinying District, Tainan City.
To accommodate a road improvement project by 六甲區公所, 台灣自來水公司 is suspending water service for work to replace water pipes along County Road 174 at 22K in Xiaying-Hejian, affecting Guigang Village, Liujia District, Tainan City.
Water service will be suspended for work to replace water pipes along Municipal Routes 173 and 171 as part of a road improvement project by the Public Works Bureau.
To improve the stability of water supply and reduce the risk of pipeline leaks, 台灣自來水公司 will replace pipelines in Qingkunshen and other areas of Jiangjun District, Tainan City, resulting in water outages in Xiliao Village, Qigu District, and Kunming Village and Kunshen Village, Jiangjun District.
To improve the stability of water supply and reduce the risk of pipeline leaks, 台灣自來水公司 will replace pipelines in Xiliao Village, Qigu District, and Kunming Village and Kunshen Village, Jiangjun District, Tainan City, resulting in water outages.
台灣自來水公司 issued an update on water outages due to pipeline replacement in parts of Donggang Township and Xinyuan Township, Pingtung County. The affected areas are Dingzhong Village, Chao'an Village, Fude Village and Gonghe Village. The outage is effective from 2026-10-28 16:19 until 2026-10-29 21:00.
To support government efforts to reduce water loss, 台灣自來水公司 is suspending water service for pipeline replacement work along County Road 174 at 22K in Xiaying-Hejian, Guigang Village, Liujia District, Tainan City.
Strong Wind Advisory for Land Areas (Yellow Alert)（Pingtung County，Miaoli County，Taoyuan City，Lienchiang County，Yunlin County，Hsinchu City，Hsinchu County，Changhua County，Taichung City，Taitung County，Penghu County）
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 國家災害防救科技中心
中央氣象署 issued a land-based strong wind alert (yellow light), warning that parts of Taoyuan City, Hsinchu County and City, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Pingtung County, Taitung County, Penghu County and Lienchiang County may experience average winds of force 6 or higher or gusts of force 8 or higher from the afternoon into the evening of the 28th. The public was urged to take care outdoors.
Taipei teacher indicted, faces 30-year sentence over alleged use of video games to lure and sexually assault 38 children ｜ 公視新聞 PNN
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
A Taipei elementary school teacher surnamed Chou allegedly used Lego, snacks and video games to lure 38 students into indecent acts and sexual assault, and filmed sexual images. Taipei prosecutors have concluded their investigation and indicted the teacher on charges including forced sexual intercourse, seeking the maximum sentence of 30 years. The Taipei Department of Education has dismissed the teacher in accordance with the law and imposed a fine of NT$13.5 million. 勵馨基金會 called on schools to strengthen oversight.
Taipei councilor Chen Chung-wen searched by prosecutors over alleged vote-buying at Yangmingshan banquet ｜ 公視新聞 PNN
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
New Taipei City councilor Liao Yi-kun of the Democratic Progressive Party was searched and taken in for questioning by the Investigation Bureau over allegations of vote-buying involving a knife-sharpening service and meals. Chen Chung-wen, an independent candidate for the Taipei City council in the Shilin-Beitou district, was accused of holding a banquet at an upscale Yangmingshan restaurant in an alleged vote-buying scheme and was searched by prosecutors and investigators. Fan Liang-yu, a candidate for township representative in Guanxi Township, Hsinchu County, was accused of buying votes with cash and was released on bail by court order.
Facts
Seeking a 3rd consecutive term
Just on the 26th, accompanied by New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui and others
The New Taipei City Field Office of the Investigation Bureau searched the campaign office on the 28th
Liao Yi-kun and at least 3 aides were taken in for questioning
That was not the only election controversy in the Taipei-New Taipei area
Allegedly through 5 campaign workers, including a man surnamed Lin
At a price of NT$1,000 per vote
Yesterday (27), authorities directed police and Investigation Bureau personnel to search 6 locations
Directed police and Investigation Bureau personnel to search 6 locations
A total of 30 candidates, campaign workers and voters were summoned for questioning
The court ordered Fan Liang-yu and a campaign worker surnamed Lin released on bail of NT$200,000 and NT$100,000, respectively
AI boom fuels shortages of components and memory, pushing up prices of phones and other 3C products ｜ 公視新聞 PNN
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
Strong AI demand has caused shortages and sharp price increases for components and memory, triggering a wave of price hikes for 3C products such as smartphones and laptops. Consumer confidence has fallen to a 17-year low. Experts say investment in AI computing power is driving supply chain adjustments and keeping finished-goods prices high, while the Central Bank says AI has a limited impact on the domestic CPI.
Facts
Fell to just 82.97 points
Plunged by more than 10 points in a single month
A 17-year low
Accounts for only 1.627 percentage points of the weighting
Geneva office chief Lee Kuan-te demoted; 外交部 finds some conduct constituted bullying ｜ 公視新聞 PNN
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 公視新聞
外交部 Minister Lin Chia-lung confirmed that Ambassador to the Marshall Islands Hsu Wei-min would be transferred, and that some conduct by Lee Kuan-te, head of the office in Geneva, constituted bullying, resulting in his demotion. Chen Ying-lien, former head of the office in Guam, was dismissed for absenteeism.
Facts
Minister Lin Chia-lung also confirmed on the 28th
A total of 21 workplace bullying and sexual harassment complaints were received
Of these, 12 involved complaints at overseas offices