Apple Daily Case: 3 Released Early; Former Executive Cheung Kim-hung Expresses Regret in Interview
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the Apple Daily case, former 壹傳媒集團 chief executive officer Cheung Kim-hung and members Chan Tsz-wah and Lam Man-chung were released early. In an interview, Cheung Kim-hung expressed regret and praised China's development.
Facts
Among the 9 people sentenced
Sentence reduced by 55%
sentenced to 6 years and 9 months
were sentenced to 7 years and 3 months respectively
Changhua Public Bicycle Expands Service Area; 13 Stations Open in Shengang and Xianxi
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Changhua County Government has expanded the public bicycle service area, adding 13 new stations in Shengang Township and Xianxi Township and putting in 206 new electric-assist bicycles, with 500 regular bicycles to be added later.
Foreign Investors Net Sell 73.5 Billion Yuan for 3rd Straight Day, Sharply Cut Popular Taiwan Stock ETFs
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Foreign investors net sold Taiwan stocks for three consecutive days, totaling 73.5 billion yuan, and sharply cut popular ETFs; 台積電's share price hit its lowest since late July. The three major institutional investors combined net sold 52.691 billion yuan, with only investment trusts net buying 36.117 billion yuan. Tseng Yen-yu analyzed that the fundamentals of AI tech stocks remain strong, but capital is shifting to low-base stocks, and attention should be paid to the impact of exchange rate trends on Taiwan stocks.
Pingtung Indigenous Peoples Inclusion Center Opens, a New Hub for Urban Indigenous Residents' Life and Exchange
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Pingtung County Indigenous Peoples Inclusion Center has opened, converted from the Indigenous Cultural Center. County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi said it is a cultural exchange space built around all-age care, and Council of Indigenous Peoples Minister Tseng Chih-yung called it a model of central-local cooperation.
Facts
the registered Indigenous population in Pingtung City has exceeded 5,500
construction cost was NT$103.75 million
of which the Council of Indigenous Peoples subsidized 79.43 million yuan
the county government self-funded 24.32 million yuan
construction began on Dec. 16, year 113 of the Republic
allowing 2 Pingtung City urban-area cultural and health stations to move in
Ahead of U.S. Midterm Elections, Gasoline Prices Under Trump Expected to Hit Record High on Average
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ahead of the U.S. midterm elections, average gasoline and diesel prices during Trump's second term are expected to hit record highs; surging fuel costs are pushing up inflation and becoming a political burden for Republicans. Although Trump has taken measures such as sanctions waivers to try to push down oil prices, analysts believe the impact is limited, while record profits at energy companies such as 埃克森美孚 and 雪佛龍 have sparked controversy.
Taiwan-Japan Exchange Summit Held in Nagoya; Japanese Lawmaker Apologizes for Disrespectful Treatment of Lee Yang
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 12th Taiwan-Japan Exchange Summit was held in Nagoya, where LDP Nagoya city councilor Kazuhide Fujita publicly apologized for the disrespectful treatment Lee Yang received during the Asian Games and Para Games. The meeting issued the "Nagoya Declaration," calling for the enactment of a "Basic Law on Japan-Taiwan Relations" and support for Taiwan's participation in international organizations.
The Nov. 2, 2026 ASEAN briefing covers financial developments including Vietnam cutting electricity prices, Laos restricting workers who overstay in South Korea, free trade agreements entering into force between Singapore and Argentina, the Philippines' manufacturing sector pausing expansion, Myanmar introducing 中通 electric buses, Malaysia revising up its economic growth forecast, Thailand's transit trade exceeding 1 trillion baht, Cambodia's LNG power plant starting operations, and Indonesia's widening budget deficit.
Facts
Average retail electricity price cut by 2%
Lowered to 2159.90 dong per kWh
Nationwide overstay rate reaches 70%
Suspends citizens from participating in South Korea's seasonal work program for 3 years
Overstay rate exceeds 20%
Nationwide overstay rate reaches 50%
Total length of about 182.3 kilometers
Revised up to 5.5%
Revised up from 5.2%
Total trade reaches 1.76 trillion baht
Up 18.8% year on year
Trade value exceeds 1 trillion baht
Up 39.3% year on year
Investment of over 1.35 billion US dollars
Original首階段供電450兆瓦
Original總裝置容量將達900兆瓦
Expanded to 734 trillion rupiah
Equivalent to 2.85% of gross domestic product (GDP)
Higher than the originally planned 689 trillion rupiah
Accounting for 2.68% of GDP
Below Indonesia's statutory deficit ceiling of 3% of GDP
Delhi bans up to 1 million vehicles from entering to curb air pollution; 1500 vehicles turned away on first day of enforcement
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
To combat severe air pollution, the Delhi government in India has since the 1st banned vehicles that do not meet BS-VI emission standards from entering; on the first day of enforcement, 1539 vehicles were stopped and fined.
Hualien Fishing Port ice storage plant and freezer construction project advances as county government teams up with fishermen's association
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Hualien County Government said that, to improve fishermen's working conditions, it will work with the central government's cold chain facility improvement program to build a new ice storage plant and freezer at Hualien Fishing Port, with a total budget of about NT$121.94 million; in the meantime, ice supply is being maintained through coordinated ice purchases, return-trip truck deliveries and small ice-making equipment.
Facts
There are 429 fishing boats registered in Hualien
More than 200 fishing boats go out to sea each month
Purchases about 150 buckets of ice each week from 花蓮果菜批發市場
Transports more than 20 buckets of ice via return-trip trucks
NT dollar falls sharply by 1.14 cents to close at 32.592
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
On the Taipei foreign exchange market, the NT dollar closed at 32.592 against the US dollar, down sharply by 1.14 cents from the previous day, with trading volume that day reaching 2.208 billion US dollars.
Ministry of Finance plans to amend rules to exempt major public infrastructure from corporate income tax, including income from operating AI computing facilities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Ministry of Finance has announced proposed amendments to the relevant measures, which would include income from operating AI computing facilities, income from workers' recreation center operations and income from residential care at long-term care service institutions within the scope of major public infrastructure exempt from corporate income tax, and would require private institutions to file their taxable income amount each year.
Facts
Health, welfare and medical facilities from Aug. 28, year 112
Digital infrastructure from March 30 this year
Workers' welfare facilities from Sept. 11 this year
Applies to corporate income tax filings for year 115
Death fall of female second lieutenant in 206th Brigade: KMT demands 國防部 submit investigation report within one week
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
國民黨 legislative caucus secretary-general Hsu Yu-chen demanded that 國防部 Minister Wellington Koo publicly apologize to the family over the death fall of the female second lieutenant in the 206th Brigade and submit a full administrative investigation report within one week.
Facts
Submit full administrative investigation report within one week
Within half a month
3 young lives lost in a row
The military has already recorded 19 self-harm cases this year
Miaoli County's year 116 general budget passes with minor cut; expenditure budget at NT$36.246 billion
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Miaoli County's year 116 general budget bill passed its third reading in the council; after a cut of NT$20 million, the expenditure budget stands at NT$36.246 billion, an increase of about 20% over the previous year, with a focus on education, social welfare and public infrastructure.
Nikkei: Taiwan and Japan studying comprehensive trade agreement, possibly to be signed as early as year-end
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
日經亞洲 reports that Japan and Taiwan are drafting a comprehensive trade agreement covering a wide range of areas, similar in form to the agreement signed between the United Kingdom and Taiwan, and it could be signed as early as the end of this year. The draft agreement covers 5 major areas including economic resilience, disaster prevention and mitigation, and digital trade, aiming to strengthen supply chain resilience and cope with geopolitical pressure.
Catching the emotions of those saying farewell: funeral company wins work-life balance award
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
弘願禮儀公司 introduced psychological support courses to help employees cope with the stress and emotional contagion of funeral work, winning the "Happiness Creative Measure" award in the work-life balance awards of 勞動部.
Facts
The company currently has about 9 employees
About 2 to 3 years after she joined the management
So she began working with related companies in year 114
數產署 warns that free campaign giveaways online are scam bait; reminds public of 4 ways to protect themselves
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
數產署 under 數發部 warns that scam rings are using free campaign giveaways on social media platforms as bait, directing people to click fake links and impersonating customer service to demand financial operations in order to drain deposits, and reminds the public of 4 precautions: verify the source, identify official channels, refuse financial verification and report to police afterward.
Original of sports manga "Middle-Aged Badminton" Yeh Hung-wei: I hope everyone remembers me
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwanese badminton mixed doubles players Yeh Hung-wei and Chan Yu-chen attended the "Double Million Sports Manga Competition" event jointly organized by 文化部 and 運動部; their story will be adapted into the manga "Middle-Aged Badminton," and Yeh hopes the public will remember them through the work.
More than 910,000 vote in first week of early voting in New Zealand election, up 28% from previous election
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
In the first week of early voting in New Zealand's general election, 913,762 people have voted, up 28% from the same period in the previous election. Despite controversy over moving the voter registration deadline up to Oct. 25, turnout has been strong, and the latest polls show no clear leading party.
Facts
A total of 913,762 people have voted
Up 28% from the same period in the previous general election in 2023
More than 190,000 ballots were issued that day
There are still 6 days left to vote
About 600 polling places are open each day this week
The number of open polling places will rise to more than 2,300
US reaffirms security commitment to the Philippines amid continued tensions in the South China Sea
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The US reaffirmed that its security commitment to the Philippines is ironclad, stressing that the US-Philippines alliance is stronger and that bilateral cooperation will deepen. The statement, issued amid tensions in the South China Sea, responds to China-Philippines friction and remarks by China's ambassador to the Philippines.
Facts
75th anniversary of the signing of the Mutual Defense Treaty between the US and the Philippines
Hundreds of millions of dollars in security assistance
Chiayi City catches first case under new drugged driving rules; police impose heavy penalties on driver and confiscate vehicle
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Chiayi City police caught the first case after the new drugged driving rules took effect on Oct. 31. A man surnamed Tsai was referred on suspicion of endangering public safety for drugged driving, and under the new rules was fined NT$150,000, had his driver's license revoked for 3 years, and had his vehicle confiscated.
宏于電機 plans to list on OTC at NT$280 per share in late November, targeting AIDC business opportunities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
宏于電機 plans to list on the OTC market at NT$280 per share in late November, aiming to go after AIDC business opportunities. The company has about NT$2 billion in orders on hand, with visibility through the end of 2028 and even 2029; first-half revenue was NT$1.774 billion and profit was NT$214 million. After its new Vietnam plant begins production, it is expected to add NT$4 billion to NT$6 billion in capacity, and it will work with 施耐德 to produce low-voltage switchgear.
Facts
Underwriting price of NT$280 per share
Orders on hand total about NT$2 billion
First-half consolidated revenue of NT$1.774 billion
First-half gross margin of 23.22%
First-half profit attributable to owners of the parent of NT$214 million
Earnings per share of NT$7.86
Original台灣市占率超過5成
Annual capacity of 1,700 metric tons
Once at full capacity, expected to add NT$4 billion to NT$6 billion in capacity
Kaohsiung Love River embankment park project completed; entire area opens, linking waterfront green corridor
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Kaohsiung's Love River embankment park, damaged by a storm, has opened in full ahead of schedule after the Water Resources Bureau invested about NT$187 million in improvements. It links a waterfront green corridor of about 1 kilometer between Mingcheng 2nd Road and Tianxiang 2nd Road, and improves walkways, lighting and traffic circulation.
President hopes Taiwan and Japan will work together, deepening local and private-sector exchanges
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks at the 12th "Taiwan-Japan Exchange Summit in Nagoya," stressing that Taiwan and Japan share the values of freedom and democracy, hoping to deepen local and private-sector exchanges and cooperation across diverse fields, and thanking 藤田和秀 and 橫山正人 for their support of Taiwan-Japan friendship.
Survey: 64.1% of people confident in financial services; university students invest like adults
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
台灣金融研訓院 released the "2026 Taiwan Financial Life Survey," showing that 64.1% of people are confident in financial services, a sharp rise from the previous survey; university students show a trend of investing like adults, viewing investment as a means of saving and fighting inflation.
Facts
64.1% of respondents said they are confident using financial products and financial services
A sharp rise from 38.9% in 2024 to 64.1%
As many as 86.5% of people feel comfortable or able to cover expenses
51.6% of people have a savings buffer sufficient to cover at least half a year of basic living expenses
The share using related channels fell to 72%
Selling stocks and funds... the share rose by 3.8% respectively
Insurance policy loans... the share rose by... 5.2% respectively
Bank loans rose by... 10.6% respectively
People's confidence in avoiding financial fraud also rose from 65.7% in 2024 to 73.8% this year
Original且有近2成在面對緊急大額用錢時缺乏籌錢管道
Although 76% of people have heard of virtual assets
only 21% consider themselves to truly understand them
67.6% of people view them as an investment tool
Only 30.3% are willing to buy or hold cryptocurrency
Japan's Disaster Management Agency formally established; first minister vows to build the world's number one disaster-prepared nation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Japanese government has formally established the Disaster Management Agency. Its first minister, 細野豪志, issued an urgent appeal, aiming to build the world's number one disaster-prepared nation and calling on citizens to strengthen the earthquake resistance of homes and stockpile supplies.
美光 general agreement with Taichung union opposed; labor minister: can be handled through litigation
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Rank-and-file members questioned and signed a petition to overturn the general agreement signed between 美光 and the Taichung union; Minister of 勞動部 Hung Shen-han said that those with objections to the agreement can pursue litigation, while the Taoyuan union criticized the move as evading collective agreement procedures.
Three major institutional investors net sell NT$52.691 billion of Taiwan stocks
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taiwan stocks closed today at 44920.14 points, with the three major institutional investors collectively net selling NT$52.691 billion, of which foreign and Chinese investors net sold NT$73.52 billion, investment trusts net bought NT$36.117 billion, and dealers net sold NT$15.288 billion.
Facts
Net sell of NT$52.691 billion
Down 291.69 points
Closed at 44920.14 points
Turnover of NT$758.875 billion
Proprietary traders net sold NT$15.288 billion
Investment trusts net bought NT$36.117 billion
Foreign and Chinese investors net sold NT$73.52 billion
Chiang Wan-an Inspects Child-Care Consultation Clinic at Maternal and Child Hospital: Easing New Parents' Minds
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an inspected the "Peace of Mind Child-Care Joint Consultation Clinic" at the dedicated maternal and child hospital, praising the professional team for helping new parents feel at ease. Responding to questions about his campaign pledges, the Taipei City Government stressed that the related services have already been planned and are being carried out.
Facts
Accepted 1705 applications
Assisted with 421 births
Families with children aged 0 to 6
Mainly new-parent families with children aged 0 to 2
High Court Security Vehicle Turns Left and Hits Motorcycle; Rider Slightly Injured, Detainee Securely Held
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A High Court security vehicle collided with a motorcycle while turning left in Tucheng District, New Taipei City, slightly injuring the rider. The 1 detainee on board was securely held, and the High Court has dispatched another vehicle to take over the mission and is cooperating with police to determine fault.
車麗屋 Transforms Into a Platform; Aims for OTC Listing in September Next Year
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
車麗屋汽車百貨 recently registered on the Emerging Stock Board. Chairman Cho Feng-min said the company will shift from traditional directly operated channels to a franchise-service platform model, aiming to apply in April next year and move to the OTC market in September.
Facts
34 directly operated stores
Nearly 2 million members
The ratio of products to repairs is roughly 7 to 3
Another Disciplinary Incident Involving US Forces in Okinawa; Japan Demands US Strictly Control Troop Discipline
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on the US side to strictly discipline US forces stationed in Japan and cooperate with the investigation, following incidents in which US military personnel in Okinawa were suspected of killing a woman and drunk driving.
Facts
A two-day alcohol ban
A 30-day curfew
The incident occurred on Oct. 31
All US military personnel must return to base from midnight until 5 a.m.
Suspected of doing so at a hotel on Oct. 3
The 20-year-old suspect
A 39-year-old woman from Naha City
The US currently has about 54,000 troops stationed in Japan
CCP Fifth Plenum Tightens Party Discipline; Scholar: Officials Avoiding Responsibility Will Challenge Xi Jinping's Governance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 20th CCP Central Committee's Fifth Plenum adopted a decision on comprehensively and strictly governing the Party. Scholars believe this could lead officials to avoid responsibility and inaction, affecting implementation of the "15th Five-Year Plan" policies and economic efficiency, and posing a challenge to Xi Jinping's governance.
AI Chatbots Frequently Give Wrong Information Ahead of US Midterms; Voters May Be Misled
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Ahead of the US midterm elections, research shows AI chatbots frequently give wrong voting information and false claims, raising concerns that voters will be misled. Although some AI can rebut conspiracy theories, most voters have low trust in it.
Facts
Original近4成至少會出現1項事實錯誤
A study covering 8 AI models
The wrong answer was Nov. 3
The actual deadline was Oct. 27
Hundreds of times, treated words that candidates, officials and observers never said as their statements
Original4成美國人曾使用AI搜尋候選人或公投案等選舉資訊
Original僅4成受訪者信任AI提供的投票時間、地點及方式等資訊
Original6成受訪者表示只有些微信任或完全不信任
Companies mentioned：中央社、法新社、Forum AI、Anthropic、谷歌、Google、微軟、新聞守門人、NewsGuard、戰略對話研究所、Institute for Strategic Dialogue、全國公民大會、National Conference on Citizenship、紐約大學布瑞南司法中心、Brennan Center for Justice
Trump and Carney Hold Call, Float US-Canada Deal Concept Including Pipeline Project
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
US President Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Carney held a call and exchanged views on reaching a new trade agreement, with the concept possibly including the Keystone XL pipeline project.
Facts
Can carry 830,000 barrels of oil per day
More than 90% sold to the United States
Daily throughput reached 550,000 barrels of oil
Will decide in 2027 whether to continue pushing forward
Repeat Drunk Driving Despite License Suspension: Tainan Man Suspected of Fatally Hitting University Student and Fleeing Arrested
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A man surnamed Liao in Tainan reoffended in drunk driving after his license was suspended. He is suspected of fatally hitting a male university student surnamed Li and fleeing, and was arrested. Police found his blood alcohol level exceeded the limit and that he was driving without a license. The case has been referred for prosecution in accordance with the law.
Tourists Pitch Tent Beside Tracks at Alishan Forest Railway's Erwanping Station, Outrageous Behavior Could Draw Heavy Fine
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A tourist was found pitching a tent beside the tracks at Erwanping Station on the Alishan Forest Railway. The Forest Railway and Cultural Heritage Office persuaded them to leave and notified police to impose a penalty. Under the Railway Act, a fine of NT$10,000 to NT$50,000 may be imposed.
China's Hybrid Vehicle Exports to EU to Be Restricted, Automakers Scramble to Lobby Officials for Quotas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The EU and China have reached a trade consensus that will cut China's exports of plug-in hybrid vehicles to the EU by more than half. Chinese automakers are actively traveling to Beijing to negotiate for the limited quotas.
Facts
Cut by more than half
302,000 vehicles in 2025
The cap for year 1 is 350,000 vehicles
Increasing by 6% each year
The overall measures will be in effect for 4 years
Florida Crash Kills 9, 11 Kilometers from Mar-a-Lago, Air Traffic Control Recording Released
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
A Learjet 60 jet crashed in a residential area of southern Florida in the US, killing all 9 people aboard. The crash site was about 11 kilometers from President Trump's Mar-a-Lago club. Air traffic control recordings show the plane descended rapidly after encountering icing and turbulence and sent out a distress signal.
Facts
All 9 people aboard were killed
About 11 kilometers from President Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort residence
Reported that the plane suddenly descended at a rate of 10,000 feet per minute
The descent rate had by then increased to 20,000 feet per minute
The descent rate had reached 22,000 feet per minute
About 35 seconds after first issuing the Mayday distress signal
The plane's vertical descent rate at one point exceeded 32,000 feet per minute
Kuala Lumpur's Little Manila: Filipino Migrant Workers Say Hearing Their Mother Tongue Feels Like Going Home
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Kuala Lumpur's Kota Raya shopping mall has become "Little Manila" as Filipino migrant workers gather there, offering their mother tongue, hometown cuisine and everyday services that give migrant workers a sense of belonging far from home.
Facts
About 2.14 million foreign workers
52,340 are Filipino nationals
Became popular with young office workers in the early 1990s
Chinese Communist Party Releases Full Text of Decision on Strict Party Governance, Regulating "Top Leaders'" Powers, No One-Man Rule
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Chinese Communist Party has officially released the full text of the 5th Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee's "Decision on Persistently Advancing Full and Strict Party Governance," regulating how "top leaders" of Party organizations at all levels exercise their duties and powers and prohibiting "one-man rule" and "patriarchal style." It also stresses that cadre selection should not rely solely on age or educational background, and that frequent reshuffling of the same post or cadres should be prevented.
Facts
5th Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee
Closed on Oct. 29
At least every six months to the higher-level discipline inspection commission
Golden Horse 63 Super Lineup Promo Revealed, Stars Pay Tribute to Classic Film World
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 63rd Golden Horse Awards has released a promotional video directed by Yin Chen-hao, bringing together stars including Karena Lam and Kwei Lun-mei to pay tribute to classic films, and announced a partnership with VOGUE Taiwan and 渣打銀行. The awards ceremony will be held on the 22nd.
Facts
63rd Golden Horse Awards
The 63rd Golden Horse Awards will be presented on the 22nd
Run in Legislative By-election? Huang Min-hui: Hope No By-election Is Needed
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Democratic Progressive Party Chiayi City councilor Huang Ta-yu questioned outgoing Chiayi City Mayor Huang Min-hui on whether she would run if a legislative by-election is needed in Chiayi City. Huang Min-hui said that from a party standpoint she hopes no by-election is needed, and stressed that she is currently devoted wholeheartedly to city affairs.
Taichung City Government Pushes Wuri Jiude Zone Expropriation Project, Linking 4 Living Spheres
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Taichung City Government Land Administration Bureau is pushing the Wuri Jiude area zone expropriation project, linking 4 living spheres. Combined with the Green Line MRT and road improvements, it plans about 18.2 hectares of residential and commercial zones and 11.67 hectares of public facility land to create a livable environment.
Chiayi County's 116 Firefighter Hunk Desk Calendar: Green-Uniformed Postal Angels Join in a Crossover Performance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The 嘉義縣消防局 unveiled its 116 Firefighter Hunk Desk Calendar, which for the first time combines 11 diving search-and-rescue personnel with 2 green-uniformed postal angels from 嘉義郵局 in a crossover performance. County Magistrate Weng Chang-liang and Chunghwa Post Deputy General Manager Tsai Wen-ching attended the unveiling.
Facts
116 Firefighter Hunk Desk Calendar
11 professional diving search-and-rescue personnel
Taiwan Stocks Fall 291 Points to Close at 44920, Losing the 45000-Point Mark
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Affected by a sharp sell-off in US semiconductor stocks, selling pressure surged at the Taiwan market open. The index fell as much as 812.73 points intraday and ended down 291.69 points at 44920.14, losing the 45000-point mark, with turnover of NT$758.875 billion. The three heavyweight stocks were mixed: 台積電 fell 1.69%, 聯發科 rose 1.4%, and 台達電 rose 1.5%.
Taiwanese Man Arrested in Manila, Suspected of Confining Filipinos and Forcing Them into Fraud
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
Philippine police arrested a Taiwanese man surnamed Peng and a Malaysian man in Manila on suspicion of illegally confining Filipino employees and forcing them to carry out romance and telecom scams.
This article introduces the "Zhongxing No. 1" military special branch line in Yingge District, New Taipei City. The line connects the Taiwan Railway Western Trunk Line with the 陸軍汽車基地勤務廠 and is one of only two military railway branch lines remaining in Taiwan. The article details its history, mode of operation, and improvements in loading and unloading techniques.
Facts
Next to Taiwan Railway's Yingge Station is a military special branch line code-named "Zhongxing No. 1," located entirely in Yingge District, New Taipei City.
The terminus of the Zhongxing No. 1 branch line is the 陸軍汽車基地勤務廠 (Army Vehicle Base Service Plant), under the 陸軍後勤指揮部.
As road transport has developed, only 2 military special branch lines remain in operation in Taiwan.
The Zhongxing No. 1 branch line opened on September 18, 1985, set up to accompany the relocation of the Army Vehicle Base Service Plant from Taipei City to Yingge Township.
The Bade Road level crossing along the Zhongxing No. 1 branch line is operated manually, and trains must stop and wait for it to be cleared before passing.
The Army Vehicle Base Service Plant platform is the only facility in northern Taiwan capable of flatcar loading and unloading among the 16 commonly used military terminal platforms across Taiwan.
In recent years the military has replaced the old Manila rope fastening method with new lashing devices to improve rapid mobility in wartime.
Illustrated: Want to Visit Old Streets but Afraid of Crowds? Which Month Is Quietest in Lukang, Neiwan, Beipu and Anping? Official Data Reveals the Answer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article analyzes 2025 data from the Tourism Administration of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications, revealing monthly crowd changes at four major old streets: Lukang, Neiwan, Beipu and Anping. Lukang is busiest in October; Neiwan has the lowest total visits in February but the lowest daily average in July; Beipu and Anping are quietest in July, offering visitors a reference for avoiding crowded periods.
Facts
Changhua's Lukang Old Street and surrounding areas had a cumulative 23,249,731 visits in 2025, with October the peak of the year.
Hsinchu's Neiwan Old Street had its lowest total visits for the year in February, but its lowest average daily visits in July.
Hsinchu's Beipu Old Street had its lowest visits of the year in July, at only 65,563 visits.
Tainan's Anping area had its lowest visits of the year in July, a drop of about 31.1%.
Lukang's visits fell to 924,792 in December, the lowest of the year, a drop of 51.8% from the previous month.
How Dangerous Is Bongkrekic Acid Food Poisoning at 寶林茶室? Symptoms Can Appear in as Little as a Few Hours, and Cooking Doesn't Help — Why Did Eating Kway Teow Take 6 Lives
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
In March 2024, Taiwan's first bongkrekic acid poisoning incident broke out at Taipei's 寶林茶室, leaving 6 dead and 35 injured. The toxin is heat-resistant with no antidote, and early symptoms are subtle, making medical rescue difficult. The operator is suspected of transferring assets and has no insurance, and the 消基會 has filed a lawsuit seeking 290 million yen in damages.
Facts
The March 2024 food poisoning incident at Taipei's 寶林茶室 led to 35 people seeking medical care and 6 deaths.
Bongkrekic acid is a toxin produced by Burkholderia gladioli and is a mitochondrial toxin.
Ingesting about 1 to 1.5 milligrams of bongkrekic acid can be fatal, and there is currently no specific antidote.
The 北市衛生局 imposed fines totaling about 3.5 million yuan on 寶林茶室.
The 消基會 filed a class action on behalf of 30 victims and family members, seeking about 290 million yuan in damages.
Survivor Huang Shu-chun was hospitalized for 22 days, including 7 days in a coma, and her liver inflammation index once soared to about 18,000.
The incubation period of bongkrekic acid poisoning is mostly 1 to 10 hours, and for severe patients the time from onset to death can be as short as 1 to 20 hours.
12th Taiwan-Japan Exchange Summit Held in Nagoya! Lai Ching-te Stresses Community of Shared Destiny in Video; Japanese Lawmakers Reveal Chinese Pressure
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 12th Taiwan-Japan Exchange Summit was held in Nagoya, where Lai Ching-te stressed the Taiwan-Japan community of shared destiny. The conference revealed that Chinese pressure had failed and apologized for the discourtesy at the Asian Games, issuing a declaration supporting a Japan-Taiwan relations act and the CPTPP.
Facts
The 12th Taiwan-Japan Exchange Summit was held in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, with about 270 key figures from Taiwan and Japan attending.
President Lai Ching-te delivered remarks in a pre-recorded video, stressing that Taiwan and Japan are a community of shared destiny on the First Island Chain.
The Chinese Consulate General in Nagoya had pressured the Nagoya city government to ask the mayor not to attend, but received no response.
Regarding the downgraded reception of Taiwanese guests during the Asian Games, Fujita Kazuhide publicly apologized on behalf of the conference.
Aichi Prefecture Governor Omura Hideaki was not invited to this summit because of his attitude amid the earlier controversy over discourtesy at the games.
Lee Yi-yang announced that Taiwan's economic growth rate for January to September this year reached 14.22%, the highest among all advanced countries.
The summit issued a declaration strongly backing the enactment of a Japan-Taiwan relations act and Taiwan's accession to the CPTPP.
Undistributed income will be accumulated and added to distributable income for the next period
Investors will have to wait until the next income distribution evaluation at the end of January 2027 at the earliest to confirm whether a dividend will be paid
00403A closed at NT$9.62, below its NT$10 offering price
00403A's largest holding by weight is 台積電, at 14.65%
Nantou County's 115 fiscal year children's physical fitness sports day kicks off with great energy, with over 4000 children and parents taking part
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Nantou County Government held a children's physical fitness sports day on Oct. 31, with over 4000 people taking part, showcasing parent-child vitality. It also announced policies to implement the addition of classes for 2-year-olds and to improve the teacher-student ratio in public kindergartens to 1:12, building a child-rearing-friendly system.
Facts
Nantou County's 115 fiscal year children's physical fitness sports day was held at Caotun Elementary School on Oct. 31.
A total of 48 kindergartens entered teams in the event, with over 4000 participants.
This year the county government added classes and set up new kindergartens at 3 schools, including Guangfu, Yongchang and Beitou elementary schools, adding 4 classes with a total of 77 public-sector places.
Starting from the 114 school year, the teacher-student ratio in public kindergartens across Nantou County has been lowered to 1 to 12 in all schools.
Children from disadvantaged families receive full subsidies and pay no fees for extended care services at public kindergartens.
MOOVO public bicycles launch in Shengang and Xianxi, extending Changhua's public bicycle service to 19 townships and cities
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Changhua County Magistrate Wang Hui-mei announced on the 2nd that MOOVO public bicycles have launched in the two townships of Shengang and Xianxi, extending the service area to 19 townships and cities. The move aims to improve green transportation, link local tourism resources, and give residents more convenient low-carbon travel options.
Facts
Changhua County's public bicycle service area has expanded to 19 townships and cities, with 223 stations and 2,906 bicycles.
A total of 13 new stations have been set up in Shengang Township and Xianxi Township, at locations including Fuan Temple, the White Dolphin House and Xianxi Park.
Since switching to the MOOVO system in August of 110, cumulative rentals have surpassed 7 million trips.
The county government recently put 206 new electric-assist bicycles into service, and will add 500 new standard bicycles later.
Holders of a TPASS commuter monthly pass who use MOOVO public bicycles get the first 30 minutes free.
Publicly funded flu and COVID vaccines expand today! 120 全聯 stores offer shots, and you can also get a "double fruit gift"
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 疾管署 and 全聯 are partnering to expand publicly funded vaccination, with stations at 120 stores, encouraging people aged 50-64 to get vaccinated and earn health coins.
Facts
The 疾管署 held a press conference on Nov. 2, 2026 to announce the second phase of the expanded publicly funded flu and COVID vaccine program.
The number of designated 全聯福利中心 stores in this partnership is 120, including 106 全聯 and 14 大全聯.
The second phase of publicly funded flu and COVID vaccines is expanded to adults aged 50 to 64 without high-risk chronic conditions.
Getting a COVID vaccine earns 900 health coins, and getting a flu vaccine earns 450 health coins.
全聯福利中心 has partnered with the 疾管署 to promote vaccination since 2017, and this year is supporting the "health coin" policy.
Ji Fan's View: Are people of faith better at investing? The Wall Street Journal and academic research give the answer
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article examines the influence of religious faith on investment behavior. Citing academic research and views from The Wall Street Journal, it points out that faith can help investors avoid emotional decisions by building a long-term perspective, reducing comparison anxiety and strengthening psychological resilience, thereby improving long-term investment performance.
Facts
A study published in Oxford Economic Papers in 2012 found that religious households generally have longer-term financial planning, a stronger tendency to save, and place more importance on passing down wealth.
Ensign Peak Advisors, under 耶穌基督後期聖徒教會, avoids industries such as alcohol, tobacco and gambling based on religious principles.
A study published in the Journal of Empirical Finance in 2022 found that households with higher levels of religiosity generally tend to take on less financial risk.
Wall Street Journal investment columnist Jason Zweig discussed faith-based investing, arguing that when money is no longer the only yardstick of success in life, investors have less need to prove their worth through market performance every day.
The author, Ji Fan, is the founder of APcore Global Education and host of the finance podcast "Two Money Lovers: Economics Isn't Omnipotent but Useful."
Companies mentioned：APcore Global Education、Ensign Peak Advisors、耶穌基督後期聖徒教會
全聯's "dragon tiger grouper" and Kinmen fishermen's association's "five fish" found in violation as 食藥署 detects banned antibacterial agents
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 食藥署 released its July-August 115 test results: banned antibacterial agents were detected in "dragon tiger grouper" at 全聯's Penghu store and "five fish" from the Kinmen fishermen's association, and upstream suppliers were fined.
Facts
In July-August 115, the 食藥署 tested 691 poultry, livestock and aquatic products, of which 5 of 161 aquatic product samples were found with veterinary drug residues that did not comply with regulations.
"Dragon tiger grouper" sold by the Penghu Wenguang branch of 全聯實業股份有限公司 tested positive for Leucomalachite green at 0.0006 ppm, an antibacterial agent not permitted in Taiwan for use on edible fish.
"Five fish (noon fish)" sampled from 金門區漁會 also tested positive for Leucomalachite green at 0.0006 ppm.
Health authorities fined the upstream supplier in the 全聯 case, a Mr. Su of Kaohsiung, and another, a Mr. Yang of Pingtung, NT$60,000 each.
"Frozen three-gutted yellow croaker" sampled from 台中市東國興魚業有限公司 tested positive for Leucocrystal violet at 0.0011 ppm, and its supplier 台中市燒魚子商行 was fined NT$120,000.
This 0050 "once the only biotech stock" has fallen to just NT$65! Expert exposes flaw in the national ETF: the stock selection mechanism has problems
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Finance writer Yeh Yu-shuo criticized flaws in the market-cap stock selection mechanism of the national ETF 0050, which often leaves passive funds as the bag holder. Taking 康霈, once the only biotech stock, as an example, its share price fell to a new low of NT$65, proving that inclusion as a constituent is no guarantee of fundamentals, and he urged investors to assess risk objectively.
Facts
Taiwan stocks today (the 2nd) plunged as much as 812 points in early trading before closing down 291 points, or 0.65%, at 44920.
Finance writer Yeh Yu-shuo pointed out that 0050's stock selection mechanism has problems, creating a situation where passive funds end up as the bag holder.
康霈 was once the only biotech stock in 0050, and its share price is now just NT$65, a new low.
Yeh Yu-shuo reminded investors that once they become shareholders they easily bring in bias without realizing it, and should stay objective when looking at information.
Linghu and Zhuge both made the list! What are Taiwan's "rarest surnames"? These 2 surnames are extremely rare, held by fewer than 100 people
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Chinese Rare Surname Culture Exchange Association was founded in Taichung, with former Deputy Mayor Linghu Rong-da as chairman, aiming to preserve rare surname culture.
Facts
The Chinese Rare Surname Culture Exchange Association was formally established in Taichung, with former Taichung Deputy Mayor Linghu Rong-da serving as its first chairman.
Taiwan has 1725 surnames in total. The top 100 surnames cover 96.62% of the population, while the remaining 1625 rare surnames account for 3.38%.
The numbers of people surnamed "Yi" and "Disi" can be counted on one hand, making them extremely rare surnames.
Linghu Rong-da's surname "Linghu" ranks 925th in Taiwan.
Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-yen attended the inaugural meeting and voiced support for the association's development.
There are around 100 or more people surnamed "Ma" in Taiwan.
More than 60 members attended the association's inaugural meeting, including siblings surnamed Jing who returned to Taiwan from the United States.
Where does the waste oil fried at Taiwan's night markets every day go? After collection it can be turned into 3 kinds of products, and many people don't know
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article explains the recycling system and reuse channels for waste cooking oil in Taiwan. According to data from the Tainan and Taichung city environmental protection bureaus, after waste oil is collected by licensed removal agencies, it can be converted into diverse products such as biodiesel, sustainable aviation fuel, soap and stearic acid, and the public is given correct recycling guidance to protect the environment and food safety.
Facts
Taichung City's waste cooking oil collection through October 2025 has reached about 4538 metric tons.
Through a transesterification reaction with alcohols, waste cooking oil can produce fatty acid methyl esters, the main component of biodiesel.
After proper collection and technical treatment, waste cooking oil can be used to make sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) that meets aviation fuel specifications.
When restaurant operators hand over waste cooking oil, they should confirm that the collector is legally qualified. The work permit issued locally carries a QR Code that can be scanned to check its authenticity.
Not just Tsai Ing-wen and Lai Ching-te! Puma Shen's entrance music goes viral, and the man behind it is a producer for 1 top-tier superstar act
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
At an event at Daan Forest Park, the entrance music created for Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen by well-known musician Chou Heng-yi sparked online discussion. Drawing on his extensive experience, Chou created music that netizens praised as comparable to a film score with a strong sense of interaction, making it the highlight of the event.
Facts
Democratic Progressive Party Taipei mayoral candidate Puma Shen began a vehicle campaign sweep of Daan and Wenshan on the 1st under the "Taipei Grand Ocean Current" banner. When he arrived at Daan Forest Park in the evening, supporters packed the walkways.
The man behind Puma Shen's entrance music is keyboardist Chou Heng-yi, a longtime collaborator of Mayday.
Chou Heng-yi has worked with Mayday on a long-term basis since 2000 and took part in arranging classic songs such as 《突然好想你》, 《知足》 and 《我不願讓你一個人》.
Netizens compared Puma Shen's entrance song with Tsai Ing-wen's entrance song from 2016, saying that it has a stronger and more complete sense of interaction, momentum and layering.
Democratic Progressive Party legislator Wang Ting-yu said on Oct. 21 that Chou Heng-yi was the one behind the entrance music Puma Shen previously used at an event in Minquan Park.
CTBC Campus Wellness Village opens for tours: reserve early to enjoy a head start on retirement living, with learning, living and health in one-stop service
中信樂活 has teamed up with 中信科技大學 to build Taiwan's first "campus wellness village," located on the campus of 中信科技大學 in Tainan City.
CTBC Campus Wellness Village offers a total of 100 single and double rooms, combined with 24-hour living services, smart safety design, health management and university learning resources.
Single rooms at CTBC Campus Wellness Village cost NT$36,800 per month (meals not included), with a range of discount plans depending on the length of the stay.
Those who book early at CTBC Campus Wellness Village can enjoy a limited early-bird offer of 88% of the regular price, plus a useful move-in gift.
中信樂活 General Manager Liao Kuei-ting said that retirement is not an exit but the starting point for exploring more possibilities in life.
中信樂活 and 中信科技大學 are holding the forum series "Cheers! Shining Third Life," inviting Golden Bell-winning actress Wang Chuan, senior influencer "King Kong Daddy," author Wu Chuan-yu and aging experts to speak.
Maritime technology and unmanned vehicle expo opens! Major makers of unmanned boats used by the U.S. military are all here, and Hsiao Bi-khim makes a special appearance
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The 2026 Taiwan Maritime Technology and Unmanned Vehicle Expo will soon be held at the Greater Tainan Convention and Exhibition Center. Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim attended the preview and stressed the importance of unmanned vehicles in strengthening national defense resilience, calling for the integration of private industry and international technological strengths.
Facts
The 2026 Taiwan Maritime Technology and Unmanned Vehicle Expo will be held from the 3rd to the 5th at the Greater Tainan Convention and Exhibition Center.
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim made a special appearance at the dynamic demonstration held today (the 2nd) at the Tainan Yacht Hotel.
Hsiao Bi-khim pointed out that unmanned vehicles can replace some missions of large vehicles to strengthen defense resilience.
Companies taking part in the dynamic demonstration include 雷虎科技, U.S.-based STR8 and U.S.-based MARTAC.
Unmanned boats from U.S.-based MARTAC have already been procured by the Coast Guard Administration.
Have Germans lost trust in the U.S.? Only 19% see it as an ally: more people dislike the U.S. than dislike China
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The latest YouGov poll shows German trust in the U.S. has fallen to a low, with 61% holding a negative view and only 19% seeing it as an ally, reflecting doubts about American democratic institutions and distance in U.S.-German relations.
Facts
61% of German respondents expressed negative views of the U.S.
The share holding a negative view of the U.S. (61%) exceeds that for China (59%)
Only 19% of Germans see the U.S. as a friend and ally of Germany
40% of Germans believe American democracy is seriously threatened or partly failing
Iran has the highest share of negative views among Germans, at 81%
Nikkei Asia: Taiwan and Japan reportedly studying a "comprehensive trade agreement" that could be signed as early as year-end! Modeled on the UK-Taiwan arrangement and covering 5 major areas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Nikkei Asia reports that Taiwan and Japan are studying a bilateral trade agreement modeled on the UK-Taiwan ETP, covering five major areas including drones for disaster mitigation, and expected to be signed at the end of 2025 to deepen supply chain cooperation and cope with geopolitical risks.
Facts
Taiwan and Japan are studying a wide-ranging bilateral trade agreement that could be formally signed as early as the end of this year.
The framework of the Taiwan-Japan agreement will draw on the "Enhanced Trade Partnership" (ETP) signed between the United Kingdom and Taiwan in 2023.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry aims to raise annual domestic drone production to 80,000 units by 2030.
Over the past 6 years, relevant Taiwanese and Japanese agencies have signed 15 cooperation agreements covering supply chains, disaster prevention, emergency response, autonomous flight testing and more.
Chairman of the Taiwan-Japan Relations Association Su Chia-chyuan and Chairman of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Shuzo Sumi signed the "Taiwan-Japan Digital Trade Agreement" on Dec. 4 last year.
China's Ministry of Commerce announced on Jan. 6 this year a ban on exports to Japan of dual-use items that could be used for military purposes, covering some rare earths.
Building a startup-friendly environment: Taichung Economic Development Bureau says business registrations up by more than 30,000 over 8 years, first among the six special municipalities, with employed population up 10%
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Data released by the Taichung City Government Economic Development Bureau show that the number of business registrations in Taichung has grown 27% over the past 8 years, with new registrations ranking first among the six special municipalities, and paid-in capital has grown 36%, also ranking first among the six, demonstrating an excellent environment for starting and running businesses.
Facts
Taichung's business registrations rose by 30,032 over the past 8 years, up 27%, with new registrations ranking first among the six special municipalities.
Taichung's paid-in capital rose by nearly 7.3 billion yuan, up 36%, with both the increase and the growth rate ranking first among the six special municipalities.
Taichung's employed population rose by 137,000, up about 10%.
Wholesale and retail was the sector with the largest increase in business registrations, with a rise of 10,954.
The Taichung International Convention and Exhibition Center is expected to attract 2.22 million visits by the end of this year, generating about 65.8 billion yuan in business opportunities.
Taichung's average disposable income per household grew 4.91% year on year in year 113, ranking first among the six special municipalities.
"2026 Rock Taichung": bands from 5 countries — Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore — take turns on stage, with 200,000 fans celebrating together
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
"2026 Rock Taichung" wrapped up on the evening of the 1st, drawing 200,000 attendees over two days and bringing together a total of 50 bands from 5 countries — Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore. Information Bureau Director Luan Chih-yi stressed that this is a platform for exchange among Asian bands and that the city government is committed to making Taichung a capital of pop music.
Facts
2026 Rock Taichung wrapped up on the evening of the 1st, drawing 200,000 attendees over two days.
The event brought together a total of 50 bands from 5 countries — Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Thailand and Singapore — on the same stage.
Information Bureau Director Luan Chih-yi said Rock Taichung has entered its 19th edition and has become an international stage for exchange among Asian bands.
On the second day, Constant's Curveball, Ice Hockey Band and Sorry Youth took turns performing, showing the depth of Taiwan's independent music culture.
Construction of the Taichung Wuri Jiude zone expropriation project continues to advance, linking 4 major living areas
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung City Government Land Administration Bureau is promoting the Wuri Jiude area zone expropriation project, with a total area of about 29.87 hectares, aimed at linking 4 major living areas and creating a livable environment.
Facts
The Taichung City Government Land Administration Bureau is promoting the Wuri Jiude area zone expropriation project, with an overall development area of about 29.87 hectares.
The Jiude area adjoins the 13th-phase Daching land readjustment zone to the north, the Shude detailed planning zone to the east, the old Wuri urban area to the west, and the Qianzhu zone expropriation area to the south.
The project plans residential, commercial and other land-use zones totaling about 18.2 hectares.
About 11.67 hectares are designated for public facilities, including roads, green space, a plaza-cum-parking lot and several distinctive parks.
The project is combined with the already operating Green Line MRT and the elevation of the railway, planning people-oriented bike lanes and pedestrian green belts.
The landscape plan turns the local traditional farming image of the "plow" into distinctive road lighting poles.
A "Green Light Path" is being built on both sides of Huanzhong Road at street level, creating a lush green linear leisure corridor.
On Nov. 4, an additional limited-edition gift event will be launched, giving passengers on designated Route 333 trips (09:50, 10:35, 10:45) a chance to win gifts.
Taiwan's First Innovation Base for People with Disabilities Opens in Keelung as Hsieh Kuo-liang Builds a New Landmark of Inclusive City
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Keelung City Government opened Taiwan's first innovation base for people with disabilities on the 30th, with Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang presiding over the unveiling. The base revitalizes the former Zhongzheng District administration building and operates as a combined social welfare and commercial facility, integrating sports, dining, offices and other functions, with the aim of creating a new landmark of inclusive city life.
Facts
Taiwan's first innovation base for people with disabilities officially opened in Keelung on the 30th.
Keelung Mayor Hsieh Kuo-liang led the city government team in personally unveiling the red curtain marking the opening of the base.
The Keelung innovation base for people with disabilities operates under a combined social welfare and commercial model.
The 2nd and 3rd floors of the base house Taiwan's first inclusive sports space exclusively for people with disabilities.
The 6th floor of the base features "Shijing Tea House," which combines tea culture with psychological recovery.
Over the past 4 years, the Keelung City Government has expanded community service sites for people with physical and mental disabilities to 22 across 7 districts, with service capacity growing 133%.
Each of the base's 7 floors has its own character, and the 1st-floor exhibition hall offers displays, events and on-site consultation.
BBC Names Su Chiao-hui's Family in Controversy! Lee Szu-chuan Presses on NT$40 Million Subsidy: How Hard Is It for Ordinary Young People to Earn Their First Pot of Gold
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
A BBC report named Su Chiao-hui's family in a controversy. Legislator Lee Szu-chuan used it to press on the NT$40 million subsidy and stressed how difficult it is for young people to start businesses or accumulate wealth, implying that the subsidy amount is too high or unreasonable.
How to Cook Sesame Oil Without Bitterness? "1 Move" Ruins the Whole Pot! Expert Teaches the Right Way, Fragrant and Making Soup Sweet and Smooth
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The "Queen Mother of Detox" Tan Dun-tzu and dietitian Hsia Tzu-wen offered advice on cooking sesame oil chicken, noting that sesame oil's smoke point is only about 177°C, and that sautéing at high heat easily produces harmful substances and a burnt, bitter taste. Both recommend avoiding high-heat sautéing, instead slowly frying ginger slices in a cold pan over low heat, or first treating the ginger with camellia oil, and adding the sesame oil just before taking the dish off the heat to preserve its aroma and nutrition.
Facts
The smoke point of sesame oil is about 177°C.
Heating oil until it smokes easily produces harmful substances, and burnt food may produce carcinogens.
Frying ginger over high heat causes the sesame residue in the oil to over-oxidize or even carbonize, producing a burnt, bitter taste and free radicals.
Experts suggest that when cooking sesame oil chicken, one can use camellia oil to lightly fry old ginger, then add the sesame oil before taking the dish off the heat.
Tan Dun-tzu prefers wet cooking with added water, which reduces charring of ingredients from dry-cooking at high temperatures.
Don't Toss Empty Pesticide Bottles Carelessly: Heping District Recycling Offers Useful Gifts to Take Home
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Taichung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau is working with the Heping District cleaning squad to hold 6 outreach events in November on recycling waste pesticide containers and glass bottles. Useful gifts can be exchanged to encourage public participation, and the correct "triple rinse" recycling method is being promoted to improve the handling of local agricultural waste and environmental protection.
Facts
The Taichung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau and the Heping District cleaning squad will hold 6 outreach events on recycling waste pesticide containers and waste beverage glass bottles in November 115.
The events will be held on Nov. 11, 12 and 18, 115.
Residents can exchange recyclables for useful promotional items such as eco-friendly laundry detergent, dish soap, antibacterial soap, toilet paper and Awuwu potting soil.
Recycling of waste pesticide containers must follow the "triple rinse" principle, which means rinsing with clean water 3 times and pouring the rinse water into a sprayer for use.
Locations for the touring events include the Lishan Village Ouyuanqiu parking lot, the Heping District Office, Boai Village, Daguan Village, Ziyou Village and Pingdeng Village.
Because waste dry batteries and lithium batteries contain heavy metals and pose a fire risk, they should be handed in separately from other recyclables.
Recycling information can be found on the Taichung City Government Environmental Protection Bureau's recycling website.
Blood Pressure 140 at the Hospital but Only 120 at Home? Taipei Veterans General Hospital Doctor Shares 1 Way to Tell If You Really Have Hypertension; 3 High-Risk Groups Should Be Especially Careful
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Dr. Cheng Hao-min of Taipei Veterans General Hospital reminds the public that elevated blood pressure at the hospital due to "white coat effect" does not necessarily mean long-term hypertension, and recommends home monitoring using the "722" method. An average of 130/80 mmHg warrants evaluation, and high-risk groups such as diabetics or those who have had gestational hypertension should be especially careful and must not stop medication on their own.
Facts
Cheng Hao-min, attending physician in cardiology at Taipei Veterans General Hospital, said that some people experience the "white coat effect," which causes their blood pressure to rise temporarily in medical settings.
If the home average blood pressure reaches 130/80 mmHg or above, further evaluation is needed to determine whether it is hypertension.
Women who have had hypertension, preeclampsia or proteinuria during pregnancy may be at high risk of cardiovascular disease later in life.
For patients whose medication control remains unsatisfactory, there are also interventional treatment options clinically, such as renal denervation.
Three Major Institutional Investors: Net Sell of NT$52.6 Billion! Foreign Investors Sell for 3 Straight Days, Dumping NT$73.5 Billion; Investment Trusts Buy for 15 Straight Days, Adding NT$36.1 Billion Against the Trend
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taiwan stocks fell 291.69 points, hit by a sharp drop in US tech stocks. Foreign investors were net sellers for 3 straight days totaling NT$73.52 billion, while investment trusts bought against the trend for 15 straight days, adding NT$36.117 billion in financial stocks, and the three major institutional investors combined were net sellers of NT$52.691 billion.
Facts
Foreign investors were net sellers for 3 consecutive trading days, reducing holdings by NT$73.52 billion today.
Investment trusts were net buyers for 15 consecutive trading days, buying NT$36.117 billion today.
The three major institutional investors combined were net sellers of NT$52.691 billion today.
台積電 alone dragged the broader market down by about 317 points.
Financial stocks took the top four spots among the top five net buys by investment trusts.
COCO Stores Give Away Free Golden Pikmin Sprouts! Latest Event Info and Buy-One-Get-One Dates All in One Place
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
CoCo都可 is teaming up with "Pikmin Bloom" in a cross-brand collaboration. From Nov. 5 to 22, stores across Taiwan will serve as special in-game locations where players can collect golden Pikmin sprouts and postcards. During the same period, CoCo都可 is offering buy-one-get-one coffee and discounts on selected drinks, 龜記茗品 is launching a matcha series, and 清心福全 is starting the fourth wave of add-on purchase merchandise from its collaboration with the cat character Capoo.
Facts
CoCo都可 is partnering with the mobile app "Pikmin Bloom," turning its stores across Taiwan into special in-game locations from Nov. 5 to Nov. 22.
At CoCo都可 stores, players can swipe down to receive golden sprouts that grow into "coffee cup" decorations, with 8 random decoration designs in total.
On Wednesday, Nov. 4, Friends Day, CoCo都可 is offering 2 cups of Jasmine Milk Green Tea Jelly for 60 dollars.
龜記茗品 will launch a new matcha series made with locally picked Taiwanese tea leaves starting Nov. 2.
In the fourth wave of add-on purchase merchandise from 清心福全's collaboration with the cat character Capoo, a Capoo-shaped wooden fish is available for an additional 350 dollars.
Can You Change Your ID Number? The 10 Digits Each Have Meaning! Meet 3 Conditions to Apply for a Change, Only 1 Time in a Lifetime
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article explains the coding rules and change conditions for Taiwan's ID numbers, noting that those who meet special conditions, such as a last digit of 4, can apply for a change at the household registration office, but only once in a lifetime and without choosing the number.
Facts
Taiwan's national ID number has 10 digits in total: the 1st digit represents the county or city of initial household registration, the 2nd digit is the gender code (1 for male, 2 for female), the 3rd to 9th digits are a serial number, and the 10th digit is a check digit.
In principle, each person has one ID number that remains unchanged for life, but in cases of duplication, errors or special circumstances, one may apply for correction or change under relevant household registration regulations.
In 2017, the Ministry of the Interior decided to tighten the change criteria and no longer accepts fortune-telling, feng shui or other numerological reasons as grounds for changing an ID number.
After getting a new ID number, data such as driver's licenses, bank accounts, national health insurance, credit cards, commercial insurance and real estate were originally tied to the old number, and the person must apply for changes one by one after the number change.
Taiwanese netizens on Threads are enthusiastically discussing 板農超市, near Fuzhong MRT Station, praising its wide product range, excellent quality and good value, and regarding it as a competitor to 全聯 and 萬家福. The supermarket is popular for offering pesticide-free produce direct from the source and innovative snack gifts.
Netizens recommend the mochi ice cream at 板農超市 as super delicious, with a chewy skin and dried persimmon and Alishan tea ice cream inside.
In recent years, 農會超市 has focused on high-quality fresh produce and pesticide-free local specialties direct from the source, and has turned local crops into snacks that young people love.
板農超市 is located near Fuzhong MRT Station, with a dedicated parking lot downstairs and free parking for shoppers.
Netizens point out that although the prices at this 農會超市 are not the cheapest, the product standard matches the price, and it carries many local Taiwanese agricultural products that other supermarkets do not.
Did 台達電 once fall below 1,300 yuan, and is it collapsing? An expert reveals "all 4 big drops fully recovered to prior highs": check 3 key factors before buying the dip
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
台達電's share price plunged on Nov. 2, hitting an intraday low of 1,255 yuan and falling below the 1,300 yuan level, but closed at 1,355 yuan. 股海老牛 analyzes that all 4 big drops over the past 10 years recovered to prior highs, with recovery times varying, and that the recent faster recoveries are linked to growing demand from AI and data centers. Investors should carefully assess fundamentals, valuation and funding conditions.
Facts
台達電 had 4 major pullbacks over the past 10 years, with declines ranging from 26% to 53%, and each time it eventually returned to the previous peak.
From 2015 to 2020 the deepest decline was 53%, and it took 584 trading days to recover to the prior high.
In recent years, 台達電's share price has recovered faster each time, and the 2025 recovery took only 59 days.
In 2026 the share price has fallen about 48% and has not yet regained its prior high.
Private ice plant damaged by earthquake! Hualien Port "transports 170 barrels of ice across districts every week" to ease crisis, with 120 million yuan to build a new ice storage and freezing hub
The 0403 Hualien strong earthquake severely damaged private ice plants around the fishing port, and the operators decided not to repair them.
The Hualien County Government is helping the fishermen's association buy about 150 barrels of ice every week from the fruit and vegetable wholesale market.
The Hualien County Government is using fish-transport return trucks to bring in more than 20 additional barrels of ice to meet ice demand.
Set-net fisheries mainly rely on fish-transport return trucks to carry ice back to Hualien from Su'ao in southern Yilan.
Original中央已研議核予該新建計畫高達七成經費補助。
花蓮區漁會 decided to make a large ice storage facility its core, and specially added a dedicated ice transport truck as a supporting measure.
This year the publicly funded flu vaccine includes the enhanced type for the first time, giving priority to seniors aged 65 and older in long-term care and nursing facilities.
No more tricking guests into "free cleaning"! Airbnb's new global rule takes effect, and furious hosts threaten to quit
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Airbnb announced a new global rule effective Nov. 20 that bans hosts from requiring guests to perform cleaning tasks such as washing dishes, stripping beds and taking out trash. The move aims to improve the guest experience but has upset most hosts, who worry about higher operating costs and cleaning burdens, and some are considering cutting listings or shifting to direct bookings.
Facts
Airbnb's new rule takes effect worldwide on Nov. 20.
Hosts may no longer require guests to wash and put away dishes, strip bed linens, or take trash off the property for disposal.
Hosts can now set only seven standard house rules, and may make additional "reasonable" requests.
According to data from the AirROI platform, 63.2% of Airbnb listings charge a cleaning fee, with an average fee of 55 pounds.
Lisa Cruise said the cleaning fee she charges covers about 75% of her cleaning costs.
Jessica Newhook once booked an Airbnb in Florida, US, and paid a cleaning fee of 250 US dollars.
There are always people willing to hold an umbrella for children! 賴順仁 teams up with Xiang Ai to keep protecting Beitun students
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Taichung city councilor 賴順仁 is working with 臺灣翔愛公益慈善協會 to launch an emergency education fund in Beitun District, raising 2 million yuan to help students at 27 elementary and junior high schools who have suffered family crises.
Facts
Taichung city councilor 賴順仁 has teamed up with 臺灣翔愛公益慈善協會 for the second year in a row to hold the event.
The event is named the "Kindness Continues, Flying with Love" Beitun campus emergency education fund warm-up launch event.
This event raised 2 million yuan.
The funds will help 27 elementary and junior high schools in Beitun District.
The chairman of 臺灣翔愛公益慈善協會 is Wang Senyuan.
Siwei Elementary School principal Huang Cuiqin thanked 賴順仁 and kind-hearted donors for providing the emergency education fund.
Taichung City Education Bureau Director Chiang Weimin, on behalf of the city government, thanked and praised Councilor 賴順仁 and the Xiang Ai association.
Farewell to the 20-year detour and U-turn nightmare! The Sanhe Bridge approach on the flood-control road along Yunlin's Xinhuwei River opens to traffic today
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
The Yunlin County Government self-funded 36 million yuan to complete the Sanhe Bridge approach improvement project, solving the local 20-year detour pain point, and County Magistrate Chang Li-shan presided over the opening ceremony today. The move will improve commuting efficiency and safety from both banks of the Xinhuwei River to the Mailiao area and eliminate a long-standing traffic bottleneck and accident risk.
Facts
The Yunlin County Government self-funded 36 million yuan to carry out the improvement project of the flood-control road approach to Sanhe Bridge on Yun 29 Route, which officially opened to traffic today (the 2nd).
Because the Sanhe Bridge approach was not connected, vehicles had to detour to Yun 29 Route to make U-turns, causing a traffic bottleneck and accident risk for more than 20 years.
The project includes building two standard vehicle culvert boxes, resurfacing 2.1 kilometers of road, and adding 107 street lights.
Erlun Township Office and Huwei Township Office agreed to take over and maintain this road section after the project is completed.
The county government has planned a project to connect the Xiafeng Bridge approach on Provincial Highway 19, with an expected investment of about 80 million yuan.
Nearly 400 billion yuan burned in the "most expensive midterm election": can money really buy congressional seats? Democrats raised more than twice as much as their rivals, while Republicans rely on billionaires to prop them up
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
This article analyzes how the US midterm elections have become the most expensive campaign in history, with total spending reaching 11.6 billion US dollars. Democratic candidates lead Republicans in fundraising by two times, but Republicans rely on outside funding from billionaires such as Musk. The article explores the impact of money on seats and the effectiveness of advertising strategies.
Facts
Total spending in the US midterm elections is estimated at 11.6 billion US dollars, a record high for midterm elections.
Donors leaning Republican gave more money to outside groups than donors leaning Democratic.
In the Texas Senate race, Talarico raised the most money but faces heavy advertising attacks from Republicans.
Tsai Chi-chang slams the administration's only achievement as fresh milk, "treating citizens like fools"; Chiang Wan-an demands an apology: ask Shen Boyang to talk to him
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
Tsai Chi-chang publicly criticized Chiang Wan-an's record as amounting to nothing more than handing out fresh milk, and mocked him for treating citizens as feeble-minded. Chiang Wan-an expressed strong displeasure, demanded an apology, and instructed Puma Shen to step in and communicate.
Far left surges to second place! Accused by French authorities of being the "mastermind" behind the riots, Jean-Luc Mélenchon personally leads the march
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 風傳媒
French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon personally led members of his La France Insoumise party in a Paris demonstration on Oct. 31. Although the government accuses him of manipulating student protests and inciting violent unrest, Mélenchon insists he advocates peaceful demonstration.
Facts
French far-left presidential candidate Jean-Luc Mélenchon appeared at the very front of a Paris demonstration on Oct. 31, personally leading the column.
Mélenchon walked at the head of the column as leader of La France Insoumise, and his support in recent polls has jumped to second place.
The French government singled out Mélenchon and other LFI members, arguing that they escalated what had been a limited protest by high school teachers and students into nationwide unrest.
A French intelligence report last week said an alliance between radical groups and suburban youths had emerged on the streets, estimating about 5,000 trained Antifa members nationwide.
In the large-scale looting on Oct. 17, French businesses and government agencies suffered losses of more than 1.3 billion dollars.
Authorities mobilized about 70,000 police officers and gendarmes to respond to the demonstrations, and Nantes local authorities said Oct. 31 was a "high-risk day."