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NT$10,000 cash handouts could be distributed before LNY 2027

The Executive has finalized its plans for a universal cash handout of NT$10,000 next year. The money could hit bank accounts as early as Jan. 26, so long as the Legislative Yuan passes the general budget on Jan. 5. That means the handouts could come just in time for the Lunar New Year, and some foreigners are included. Recently, some opposition lawmakers had suggested doubling the handouts to NT$20,000. Here’s the response from the Ministry of Finance.

Juan Ching-hwa
Deputy Finance Minister
If we double the handouts to NT$20,000, the budget would exceed NT$470 billion and require borrowing, which would impact financial stability.

Michelle Lee
Executive Yuan Spokesperson
We also adhere to three principles including not crowding out other policies and not accruing substantial debt. We hope that the government and the opposition can work together to improve the people’s well-being.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
The estimate from the Ministry of Finance is based on the general budget clearing its third reading by Jan. 5 next year, and be promulgated by the president before Jan. 20. Since this is everyone’s money, if there is a tax surplus, it’s best to distribute it back to everyone, especially ahead of the Lunar New Year.

Amid explosive growth in the AI industry, and strong exports, Taiwan’s GDP is expected to grow by 11% this year. Eligibility will be the same as previous handouts, and not just limited to Taiwan nationals with household registration in Taiwan. Foreign spouses with ARCs and foreign nationals with APRCs will also be able to get the cash. Whether the money will actually be handed out before the Lunar New Year now depends fully on how speedily the legislature approves the budget.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#cash #handout #aprc #arc #taiwan

Time：2026-10-08

最新消息 Latest News

Presidential Office light show tells Taiwan’s democracy story

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the National Day light shows at the Presidential Office. And it so happens to be the 30th year since Taiwan held its first democratic presidential election. That’s why this year’s light show is titled “Democratic Taiwan, the Heartbeat of the World.” The dazzling projection covers every aspect of life in Taiwan, from every day affairs, to the nation’s democratic development.

The sky is dark, and the Presidential office becomes a huge canvas of glimmering lights. There’s the iconic tri-color gaji bag pattern, the distinctive geometric window grates and even the red round tables from roadside banquets. The 100-year-old building can’t get more Taiwanese than this.

The scenes change rapidly to focus on the athletes of Team Taiwan, high-tech chips and even drag queen Nymphia Wind. The lights and music take everyone from the cozy alleys of Taiwan to the world stage.

But then the lively colors fade into black and white, to display historical footage of Taiwan’s democracy movement. Scenes from 11 films including A City of Sadness, Super Citizen Ko and A Foggy Tale traced Taiwan’s journey from authoritarian rule to democracy.

Lai Ching-te
President
Over the past 10 years, the light shows have covered everything from film, literature and photography to national defense and everyday life, turning our century-old Presidential Office Building into a glowing storybook. I would like to thank all the artists and creators for bringing the images, memories and creativity of different generations to the Presidential Office.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Taiwan’s first democratic presidential election. To mark the occasion, this year’s light show, organized by the National Cultural Association of Taiwan, has been titled “Democratic Taiwan, the Heartbeat of the World.” The images illustrate decades of Taiwan’s memories, from everyday life and workers across different industries to the democratic movements that began in the 1980s. The opening show was kicked off with a performance by the Taipei Jazz Orchestra, followed by a ceremony with President Lai Ching-te and other important guests.

Lai Ching-te
President
One person’s power may seem small, 23 million people can come together to shape Taiwan’s future with their choices. Generation after generation, the mountain of democracy continues to grow. Tonight, we light up Taiwan together and let the world see the light of our democracy.

The projections will light up the Presidential Office Building every evening until Oct. 10. So, if you’re looking to whet your appetite with the true taste of Taiwan, head over to Ketagalan Boulevard and enjoy the show.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#projection #lightshow #doubletenth #nationalday #taiwan

2026-10-08

Chiang Wan-an suddenly proposes shutting down Songshan Airport

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an dropped an eyebrow-raising campaign proposal on Thursday, with just 51 days to go until Election Day. The mayor, who is seeking reelection, said he planned to shut down Taipei’s Songshan Airport to build a 300-hectare AI tech park. He says Taoyuan International Airport’s future Terminal 3 could take over Songshan’s duties. But officials from the central government say the process is not so straightforward. Let’s hear more.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei mayor
Taoyuan International Airport’s Terminal 3 will be completed in 2027, and opened in 2033. So there is still a long time to go, but we must start planning now. Of course, we will discuss the matter with the central government, and work together on the project.

Michelle Lee
Executive Yuan Spokesperson
As for Songshan Airport’s relocation, we just saw how it is. From what we know, when Mayor Chiang spoke on the matter four years ago, he mentioned that any proposals would have to be carefully reviewed within the framework of national land planning. He said it was not a matter that should be brought up willy-nilly for election season. The closure of Songshan Airport would have to be discussed with the central government.

Chen Yen-po
Transport ministry official
Over the past four years, Taipei didn’t once bring up any plans to shut down Songshan Airport. Our position, of course, is that we respect all the different opinions. But since this matter affects aviation, urban development and transport to outlying islands, it’s something that must be carefully considered.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayor Candidate (DPP)
His time as legislator and his four years as mayor add up to some 10 years. But yet I don’t know what kind of preparations Mayor Chiang has done regarding the relocation of Songshan Airport’s services.

Songshan Airport was built in 1935, as a military airbase. It later became the first airport with shared military and civilian use in Taiwan. The issue of its closure or relocation has been a perennial topic of debate when election season comes around. Back in 2014, when the DPP’s Pasuya Yao ran for Taipei mayor, he advocated for tearing the airport down and building a public park. The idea was refloated by the DPP’s Enoch Wu in 2022, when he was up against Chiang for the legislative seat. Back then, Chiang said that the matter would have to be evaluated from every angle, including the impact on civilian, military and commercial aviation, and on urban development. The issue, he said, was not something to be brought up in haste just for the elections.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#election #songshan #airport #aviation #urbanplanning

2026-10-08

Crocodile YouTuber holds event for children at Hualien mall

A crocodile was spotted in downtown Hualien?! Don’t worry, it was an official event organized by the city office and a local department store. YouTuber Sashimi brought a crocodile for the event to give local children a close-up look. Even many parents took advantage of this rare opportunity.

Keeping their voices down to avoid scaring the crocodile right in front of them, children in the audience duck down to see its teeth, full of curiosity and trepidation. You can usually only see crocodiles in a zoo, but this one is in a shopping mall!

- It’s smooth and bumpy.
- Are you scared of the big crocodile?
- A little bit.

Sashimi
YouTuber
Everyone was super passionate and extremely excited! At one point, the crowd seemed on the verge of getting out of hand, but I’m grateful everyone came out to join us.

YouTuber Sashimi, who specializes in crocodiles, was invited by the Hualien City Office and a department store to hold the special event educating the public about crocodile types, their diets, sayings associated with them, and how different species live. Attendees were even allowed to take photos with the reptile.

Wei Chia-yen
Hualien Mayor
We want children to understand that crocodiles aren’t really that terrifying. But we also hope that if you encounter one in the wild, you should stay cautious.

Even though its sharp white teeth were a bit scary, many of the attendees, even parents, took the chance to see the creature up close and learn about them. Sashimi also said she hopes close encounters like this will help reshape people’s perception of crocodiles as scary creatures.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#crocodile #Sashimi #YouTuber #animalencounter #Hualien #exoticpets

2026-10-08

Religious group stopped in time to avert ecological disaster

A group of religious practitioners nearly caused an ecological disaster in Yilan. Dozens of worshippers gathered on the banks of the Dongshan River to release captive animals to the wild to earn good luck and personal merit. The problem is they had gathered large amounts of animals from invasive species such as American bullfrogs, Chinese stripe-necked turtles, and goldfish. Fortunately, officers stepped in just in time to prevent the release of the bullfrogs, which do not have any predators in Taiwan. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Appalled by animal release
It would unbalance the ecosystem and ruin it. After all, there are already animals living in this ecosystem.

Member of public
Appalled by animal release
Those animals are not endemic to Taiwan, they are invasive species. You don’t have to release these animals specifically; there are other ways to do things.

Voice of Chiang Wei-ming
Environmental conservation organization
Frogs are generally carnivorous, so if you introduce them in a new environment they will prey on other animals and pose a danger to the ecosystem.

Liu Pi-yang
Yilan agriculture official
Under Article 18 of the Wildlife Conservation Act, there are species that require approval before they can be released into the wild. We will also investigate whether the animals were illegally obtained and how.

By the time officials had arrived at the scene, the group had already released pond loaches into the river. Fortunately, they arrived in time to prevent the release of invasive bullfrogs, which reproduce rapidly and could’ve quickly destroyed the ecosystem. The Yilan County government may issue a fine of NT$90,000 to NT$450,000, while authorities investigate where the animals were procured.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#release #fish #karma #loach #bullfrog

2026-10-08

Tsai Ing-wen shares on Taiwan at DEFCON address in Stanford

Former president, Tsai Ing-wen made her first trip to the US since her presidency. She delivered a keynote at Stanford University, sharing Taiwan’s strengths and challenges and underscored its importance in global security. She called on other democracies to strengthen their defense cooperation with Taiwan. For her half-hour full English address, she received a standing ovation. During the campus tour, she even signed autographs for Taiwanese students and wished them to graduate soon! Let’s hear more.

Former president, Tsai Ing-wen just got on stage and barely spoke a word before the entire audience erupted into cheers and applause.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Please be seated, don’t make me nervous.

Tsai attended Stanford University’s annual DEFCON Technology & National Security Conference and delivered a speech on Building Security Together: Taiwan’s Role in Global Stability, sharing how Taiwan, located at the center of the first island chain and facing frequent harassment from China, is building an asymmetric defense on its own.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Because of terrain interference, often times exploit the goodness of democratic societies. Even the most sophisticated military systems cannot compensate for weak institutions, disruptive critical services or a loss of public confidence. Deterrence, in other words, is a property of an entire nation not only of its military.

Tsai gave a detailed account of her tenure, where she focused on building cyber security and developing domestically produced warships. She also mentioned that the US makes up 75% of global AI computing power, but most of the manufacturing is done by Taiwanese firms. This demonstrates Taiwan’s manufacturing resilience and its importance in global supply chains.

Tsai Ing-wen
Former President
Taiwan has the combination of advanced manufacturing, accumulated process knowledge, engineering talent, dense electronic supply chains, and the ability to take complex design and produce them reliably.

Many Taiwanese students attended the event, and during Tsai’s campus tour, she kindly signed autographs for them and encouraged them to “graduate soon.” Through her wit and warm demeanor, Tsai created frenzy at Stanford.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#femalepresident #tsaiingwen #蔡英文 #stanforddefcon #taiwandemocracy

2026-10-08

High tide and monsoons cause seawater flooding in Pingtung

Imagine the road you take home suddenly flooded? This was the case for some locals in at the creek located at the border of Taitung and Pingtung. The water here is normally clear and calm, but on Wednesday due to northeast monsoons and high tides, the seawater rapidly rose and flowed into the creek. The two locals were nearly swept away with their scooters as the current grew stronger, but they managed to escape to the shore and wait it out.

An inspector from the Aljungic Historic Trail was heading home on his scooter when he suddenly heard someone shout that seawater was flooding the stream.

- Just got off work and there’s no way to cross, seawater flooding, what to do?

The stream levels suddenly started to rise and flow backwards, people and vehicles had to evacuate to the shore. This is the Makuljikulji, a river where Taitung’s Daren Township meets Pingtung County and also the north entrance to the Aljungic Historic Trail. Normally, the creek has calm and level waters, but with the northeast monsoon and high tide, the seawater has begun to flow upstream.

Chou Hung-wen
North Aljungic Historic Trail Inspector
During the northeast monsoon, there will be high tides and so all of this is seawater that’s flowed in.

Two inspectors were riding their scooters home after work when they saw a sudden high tide that left them stuck on the shore. They considered calling for help, but after assessing the water level and waiting for it to drop, they were able to safely cross the river, half-carrying and half-pushing their scooters.

Chen Yang Cheng-hua
Historic Trail Guide
When faced with such incidents, we can mostly just wait it out, otherwise walk upwards. We’ve encountered this before, we just walk upwards and eventually cross to the other side and walk slowly down.

Local guides who are familiar with the terrain remind visitors and residents to check tidal updates and the weather before making the trip to Makuljikulji and forbid people from recklessly crossing the creek as it could cost them more than any saved time.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#alangyitrail #flooding #seawaterflood #monsoon #taitung #pingtung

2026-10-08

Cars wrapped in plastic to shield from construction

A row of cars parked in an outdoor lot in Kaohsiung were recently all wrapped up in plastic covers. A construction site next to the lot was pouring concrete, and to prevent any dust from being blown onto the cars and damaging the paint, the crew put protective covers over the vehicles.

The cars in this lot all have white plastic covers, like giant shower caps blowing in the wind. This is an outdoor lot by the intersection of Jiuru and Dacheng roads in Kaohsiung.

Tseng Hung-wen
FTV reporter
Why did they cover the cars like this? The neighboring construction site was pouring concrete. Concerned that cement slurry would splash onto the vehicles, they put protective coverings on them.

Voice of construction worker
Found new approach
If it splashes onto the cars, we have to cover the damage. In the past we’ve had to pay NT$20,000 to NT$30,000 for one car.

Construction workers spent the morning covering nearly 80 cars. If one wanted to leave, workers had to go back and take the cover off. Even though it’s annoying for drivers to wait for them to take the cover off, it’s better than their car being covered in spots from cement spray.

Car owner
Likes the idea
It’s better than the car getting sprayed. Once the cement dries, it hardens, and the cost of cleaning it can get into the thousands, even the tens of thousands.

Car owner
Likes the idea
Yeah, it’s not bad. It’s a great idea. This way nothing will damage the car.

It’s unusual to see cars wrapped up like this. While it causes an extra hassle for the construction workers and drivers, it prevents any cement from damaging the vehicles.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#car #parking #Kaohsiung #cement #construction #cover #carcover #protection

2026-10-08

Police practice safely breaking car windows for DUI cases

When people driving under the influence refuse to get out of their car for an inspection, police officers may have to break the window to apprehend them. To help officers do this quickly and safely, police are training with a new window-breaking tool that can shatter glass with just light pressure.

Police officers pull over a car and demand the driver get out, but there’s no response. They approach the car and bang on the window, but still nothing, leaving them no choice but to break the glass.

- We should all stand here. It’s safer for us to stand in this position.

With this device, they can break the window with just one push.

Chen Chin-feng
Miaoli police head instructor
It’s automatic. You just grab it like this, put it right here, and push it in in one go.

Chang Yu-cheng
Police officer
We just need to push it down. If the first push isn’t enough, we can just use our palms to press down harder, and it shatters the window easily.

When police are pursuing people driving under the influence, the drivers often refuse to get out of the car. Breaking the window by force is hard, but this small device can do it quickly and safely.

- There’s a striker in the middle. You need to press it firmly against the surface, then push the whole thing down.

Chen Chin-feng
Miaoli police head instructor
We want our officers to be able to get drug-impaired drivers on the ground as quickly as possible, reducing the risk of them hitting something with the car.

Lin Ting-chun
Miaoli SWAT officer
It’s not only highly effective for SWAT officers during raids, but also makes it much easier for regular officers out on patrol to break windows efficiently.

Ye Yun-wei
Miaoli SWAT police officer
It’s much lighter and easier to carry, and it’s actually really strong. It’s a useful and convenient tool for ordinary people to use.

This tool makes breaking windows safer for police and the drivers they’re apprehending. Police are continuing to train using the device, but where do the extra windows come from?

There are piles and piles of old car windows at this glass recycling facility, which officers can use to practice breaking windows.

Voice of manager
Recycling facility
This piece is also from a driver’s side window. This one is higher grade. It’s made of two laminated panes of glass.

Most imported cars use laminated glass, which blocks light and noise. After learning that police officers need car windows for training, the facility donated 550 panes for them to use.

Chen Shao-wei
Recycling facility manager
I think it’s very meaningful. Especially considering they’re just trash, it’s a great idea to make the best use of resources.

Chen Chin-feng
Miaoli police head instructor
One piece can cost NT$500 to NT$1,000, because we need laminated glass rather than regular single-pane glass. We could have it cut at a glass shop, but the strength and resistance are completely different from the glass used in cars. We need the same kind of strength and resistance, so we need laminated glass.

Discarded glass has been repurposed to help police officers train. Laminated glass is especially strong, so officers need practice to master how to break it quickly and safely.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#police #officer #Miaoli #DUI #drugdriving #drunkdriving #training #glass #window #technology

2026-10-08

Matai’an Bridge northbound lanes slated to reopen to traffic this year

Guangfu Township in Hualien was devastated last year by a deadly flood caused by the collapse of a barrier lake in the Matai’an River. One of the critical pieces of infrastructure destroyed was the Matai’an Bridge, which has been under reconstruction since then. The good news is progress is proceeding ahead of schedule, and the two sides of the bridge were connected on Wednesday. Transport Minister Chen Shih-kai headed to the east coast to witness the engineering feat, and said the northbound lanes could open to traffic before the end of the year. Let’s hear more.

- Thanks to the hard work from everyone of the team, who’ve been sweating it out on the front lines, we’ve reached this important milestone. Let’s give them all a big round of applause.

Chen Shih-kai
Transport Minister
It’s incredibly moving and exciting. Today, we’re celebrating the connection of the two ends of the bridge. We’ll work hard to wrap up construction on the northbound lanes by the end of this year. So, the people in Hualien and Taitung will have a permanent structure to cross the Matai’an River by year’s end.

Lin Ching-shui
Guangfu Township Head
We can really see how close Matai’an Bridge is to completion. Very soon, the bridge will be done, and we can all get some peace of mind.

The construction team has been hard at work day and night, to link up the connection of the two riverbanks by the end of the year. The connection of the northbound lanes marks an important milestone in the reconstruction of the bridge, with completion expected at the end of the year. The southbound lanes were initially slated for completion in late 2027, but considering how smoothly construction is going, they could be completed as early as June or July of next year.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#guangfu #hualien #bridgebuilder #bridge #engineering


2026-10-07

Lost egret gives Kaohsiung cops a run for their money

There’s never a rest day for the Taiwanese police. Yesterday evening, an egret was spotted hopping through traffic in the busy streets of Kaohsiung. Police officers put on their birdhunting hats as they chased the bird off the road. Luckily, they managed to bring the lost egret back to safety. Experts believe the bird may have been injured which is why it wandered onto the streets. The Great White Egret will be released back into the wild after treatment.

A large white egret was seen standing in the middle of the road in Kaohsiung City.

The egret strolled around smack in the middle of the road leading to locals reporting the incident.

Sensing police officers approaching, the egret started to nervously flap its wings and meander through traffic, promptly starting a birdhunt.

A small egret gave some cops a hard time proving harder to catch than a criminal. They chased the bird all the way to the sidewalk. The two police officers surrounded the bird, but worried they might hurt the bird. Finally the egret hid outside a barbecue restaurant, and the police carefully used a large black trash bag to contain it.

- You should first report the situation is under control
- It was on the road,
that’s why locals reported it.
- Can you open the car door for me?
No one’s opening the door

Staff
From nearby store
There were cops at the front of my store, they held a large black trash bag and carried the egret away.

Chang Ko-lun
FTV Reporter
An egret was seen following cars on Kaohsiung’s Zhongshan First Road, due to injuries it couldn’t fly higher, which is why it’s so dangerous for it to be navigating traffic.

Member of public
Awestruck by bird
It’s rare to see them in the city, and also it’s dangerous for those who try to go catch it, they could get hit by a car.

Egrets normally live near water, near streams or swamps, how did it end up in a place like this?

Voice of Huang Shu-ting
Formosa Wild Bird Conservation Association
This bird is a small white egret, it was probably injured, and accidentally wandered here, it must not know how to fly back home.

Experts believe the egret may have flown from nearby Xingfu Canal. The officers notified the Animal Protection department, who took the bird in for treatment and care. Once recovered, it will be reunited with its family.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#egret #heron #formosabirds #lostbird #injuredbird #animalsafety #kaohsiung

2026-10-07

‘Handsome firefighters’ help free cat with head stuck in carrier

And while police proved they could catch a bird in Kaohsiung, firefighters in Yilan proved they could save a cat. A British shorthair that had just gotten spayed at the vet was so traumatized that she got her head stuck in a small slit of her carrier on the way home. In a panic, the owner rushed her beloved cat to the fire station for help. Let’s hear more.

Voice of Ms. Chen
Cat got head stuck in carrier
I think she was feeling uneasy as the anesthetic started wearing off. She must have shaken her head around and tried to get out of the carrier through the gap. I don’t know what she did, but after poking her head through, she got completely stuck.

Chuang Ting-cheng
Firefighter
We usually just rescue humans, but if we can help, we’ll do whatever we can to help. We took a look at what tools we had, and tried to break it open. All the while, someone was consoling the cat and protecting its head. We didn’t want to scare it when the plastic finally snapped.

Lee Meng-hsi
Firefighter
I’m a cat owner too, so I knew she would be really nervous not knowing how to get help.

A firefighter used an electric shear to cut open the carrier, while another one held the lid in place and comforted the cat. The feline was ultimately freed, and the grateful female owner brought drinks to the fire station to thank the "handsome" firefighters for their help. The 6-month-old cat is called Yi-yi Mei-mei, meaning "100-Million-Dollar Sister." But after her case went viral online, people have given her a new memorable nickname, Ka Tou Cat, meaning "Head-stuck cat."

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#卡頭貓 #cat #cute #Britishshorthair #wholesome

2026-10-07

Super Junior members thrill local fans by wearing high-school uniforms

Leeteuk and Heechul of the South Korean boy band Super Junior recently performed at the Kaohsiung Music Center. During the show, for their exit, and even at a hot pot restaurant afterward, the duo delighted local fans by sporting jackets from Kaohsiung Industrial High School and Feng-Shan Senior High. The uniform shop owner realized who his customers were after seeing footage of the concert. Later that evening, orders from fans came pouring in.

At a recent concert in Kaohsiung, Super Junior members Leeteuk and Heechul played an interactive game with their fans while wearing high-school tracksuits.

They even kept the blue and green jackets on during their farewell, and for the afterparty at a hot pot restaurant. Eagle-eyed fans quickly noticed that the uniforms were familiar.

Tseng Hung-wen
FTV reporter
The tracksuits worn by these two K-pop superstars are the PE uniforms for Kaohsiung Industrial High School and Feng-Shan Senior High. They quickly went viral after footage from the concert was released.

Voice of shopkeeper
Sold uniforms to K-pop stars
They asked us to embroider names on them, Heechul and Leeteuk. I thought to myself, aren’t those K-pop stars? But I didn’t think too much about it at the time.

The owner of a long-standing school uniform store in Kaohsiung said he received a call, likely from event organizers, ordering six tracksuits. It wasn’t until he saw clips from the concert that he realized they were for the Super Junior members themselves. Fans started placing orders immediately after the concert finished, with some requesting their idol’s name embroidered on it. Feng-Shan Senior High students were especially thrilled.

Feng-Shan Senior High student
Super Junior fan
I’m so happy! Now I own the exact same outfit as my idol without doing anything.

Feng-Shan Senior High alumnus
Fashion fan
Young people really wear them differently these days. I admire that!

These K-pop stars seamlessly integrated into Kaohsiung while also sparking a fashion trend, elevating these everyday school tracksuits into an overnight sensation. The event gave attendees an unforgettable night, while also evoking cherished school memories for their legions of Kaohsiung fans.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#SuperJunior #Kpop #fashion #schooluniform #Kaohsiung #Leeteuk #Heechul

2026-10-07

Man steers e-moped with one hand while holding child with the other

A reckless balancing act on an electric moped turned heads in Kaohsiung in the evening rush hour. A man was spotted with one hand steering the vehicle, while holding a young child with the other. Onlookers were horrified to see the moped zip through the heavy traffic. Let’s hear more.

Kuo Pei-chi
FTV reporter
The man weaved through the heavy evening traffic with one hand on the handlebar and the other holding a young child. It looked everything but safe.

Member of public
Outraged at recklessness
It’s so dangerous. If you want to carry a child that young, you could put them on a child carrier. That way you wouldn’t have one hand busy holding the child. What if you suddenly have to brake?

Member of public
Outraged at recklessness
How reckless! Your balance is off center, and if anything happens you only have one hand holding the handlebars!

Member of public
Outraged at recklessness
When cars pass by, their wind can make you wobble. I would stay away from him, cause if you accidentally hit him, he would easily fall over. And who’d be held responsible for that?

Lu Ming-lung
Police officer
Mini electric two-wheelers cannot carry any passengers by law. Fines go from NT$300 to NT$600.

The man in the video was riding a small electric vehicle, commonly known as an electric bicycle and officially classified as a "light electric two-wheeler." No driver’s license is required, and riders must be at least 14 years old. However, helmets are mandatory, and carrying passengers is prohibited, as the vehicle is for one person only. It goes without saying that riding one-handed is already dangerous, but holding a child with the other hand is downright reckless.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#taiwan #scooter #electric #child #circus

2026-10-07

Arizona attends Taiwan representative office ceremony despite China warning

A new chapter in Taiwan-US relations is opening in Phoenix, Arizona. Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung joined Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs to officially unveil Taiwan’s new representative office in the state capital, despite reported pressure from China opposing its establishment. The new office comes as Taiwan continues to deepen its economic ties with the southwestern US state, and TSMC’s massive semiconductor investment is turning Phoenix into a key hub for Taiwan-US cooperation.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung and Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs unveil the plaque for the future Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Phoenix.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
This is an important milestone in the Taiwan-US symbiotic partnership. Taiwanese investment in Arizona continues to grow creating stronger connections between our economies.

Preparations for Taiwan’s mission in Phoenix started six months ago. According to US media outlets, China was not happy about the development and sent two letters to Hobbs from China’s consulate in Los Angeles, asking her to oppose the establishing of the office. The letter called on her to “stop any political gimmicks to harm the friendship and cooperation between China and the State of Arizona.” Hobbs rejected the warnings, and attended the plaque-unveiling ceremony herself.

Katie Hobbs
Arizona Governor
Thank you to every elected official who did the right thing, put partisan politics to the side by voting to support it. Every Arizona elected official should show the courage necessary to support the partnership between Arizona and Taiwan and the jobs this has created.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Through two-way investment, we can connect our advances in technology, capital talent and market and further deepen the Taiwan-US symbiotic partnership.

Taiwan-US ties continue deepening by the day, and semiconductors are at the center of it all. Phoenix is the state capital of Arizona, and is a major hub for TSMC’s investments in the US, which have now reached US$265 billion. That’s the largest foreign direct investment project ever in the US.

Lin Chia-lung
Minister of Foreign Affairs
In the first quarter of this year alone, its business operations generated nearly US$600 million in profits, already more than it made in the entire year of 2025. And as these connections create shared value, they move Taiwan and the US from being stakeholders to becoming shareholders.

The Arizona mission will be Taiwan’s 14th representative office in the US, marking a new milestone in bilateral ties.

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#arizona #phoenix #tsmc #semiconductor #taiwan

2026-10-07

NTUT engineering students deliver electric, futuristic racecar

Taiwanese students are hitting major milestones in engineering! Established just 12 years ago, the Taipei Tech Racing team at National Taipei University of Technology unveiled their 9th-generation all-electric race car, the "TTR9". Constructed by 40 students over the span of two years, the new car exchanges the traditional steel tube frame for a one-piece molded "aluminum alloy monocoque chassis." And the motor power has doubled in capacity to 80 kilowatts. It will be heading to Australia at the end of the year to compete in the International Student Formula League.

The TTR9’s high-efficiency motor burst forth instantly, its low, electrical hum vibrates off the racetrack. The newly optimized chassis suspension delivers incredible grip allowing for agile cornering without deforming.

40 incredible students at NTUT built the 9th gen electric racecar “TTR9”. The new car is 25% lighter and its biggest breakthrough is abandoning the traditional steel tube frame and taking on the challenge of a one-piece aluminum alloy chassis for the first time.

Voice of Lin Che-yu
NTUT Taipei Tech Racing PR Officer
The previous generation used a steel tube frame, but by using a single aluminum alloy shell, we can effectively improve torsional stiffness.

Power output has made considerable progress as well, with motor capacity doubling from 40 kilowatts to 80 kilowatts. The team addressed the challenge with high temperatures by developing a “high-efficiency thermal management system,” that uses water cooling technology to reduce temperatures quickly.

Fan Shao-chieh
NTUT Taipei Tech Racing Captain
Regarding thermal management, this time, we used a heat dissipation device technology. We’ve designed a water channel to dissipate heat from the side of the battery. Our goal is to reach Australia and compete in the Formula SAE-Australasia Competition and achieve a better ranking than last time.

From design, fundraising, and securing sponsorships to actual processing and manufacturing, students transform classroom theory into practical skills with limited resources, making it the best launch pad to connect with top foreign companies.

Chiang Hsin-han
Associate Professor, NTUT
Many things are not in textbooks. Students accumulate experience through continuous learning, referencing the technology of domestic and international racing teams, and then coming up with their own ideas. One of our team members was able to apply to top-tier research institutes like the University of Manchester, because of his experience participating in this racing team.

By overcoming various technical hurdles, the TTR9, is the culmination of the student team’s hard work and it boasts superior performance compared to the TTR8, which finished in 13th place in Australia last year. After optimization, the racecar will again take Taiwan’s top engineering capabilities to the Formula-SAE Australian circuit at the end of the year.

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#racing #formula1 #fsae #engineering #stem #ntut #ttr9

2026-10-07

Frenetic campaigning causes dramatic weight loss

With the local elections approaching at the end of November, candidates are going all out to win over voters. The DPP’s Nantou County Commissioner candidate Wen Shih-cheng is a first-time politician and had his staff schedule as many events as possible in hopes of gaining more name recognition. After several months of campaigning from dawn to dusk, he lost a whopping eight kilograms. Let’s find out more.

Upon hearing a dog bark, Wen Shih-cheng, the DPP’s candidate for Nantou County Commissioner, immediately becomes alert, as he had been bitten by a dog while campaigning recently. Therefore he’s extra careful.

Interacting with voters at close range face-to-face and visiting everyone’s homes are basic campaigning routines. Since starting his candidacy, Wen says he has lost 8kg.

Wen Shih-cheng
Nantou County Commissioner candidate (DPP)
I lost a total of 8 kilograms and got more tanned. Look, this is dark and this is white, I got several shades darker. I got darker and thinner, but actually my body became healthier, my body fat percentage decreased, and my muscle mass increased. I think this is also a side benefit of the election.

To boost his name recognition, he embarked on an "Iron Man" schedule, resulting in less body fat and more muscle mass. Wen says he would instruct his staff to keep his schedule as full as possible, often leaving before dawn and returning home late at night. He describes it as an absolute physical challenge, and the secret to his high energy levels was the ginseng tea his mother brewed for him.

Wen Shih-cheng
Nantou County Commissioner candidate (DPP)
I take a sip whenever I’m tired. The taste is wonderful, it tastes like motherly love. Most importantly, it contains some secret ingredients, like vitamin B or something that my mom adds for me.

His words are full of gratitude towards his mother.

Wen Shih-cheng
Nantou County Commissioner candidate (DPP)
So actually the person it’s hardest for when I return home is my mother. Normally, she only needs to take care of my father and herself. Now that I’m back and living at home, she has to take care of one more person every day.

Wen, a dentist who returned to Caotun, Nantou from his hometown of Taipei, entered politics as an amateur. With zero experience, he gradually gained recognition, step by step. He now works hard to win the support of voters, hoping to bring change to Nantou.

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#Taiwanelections #Nantoupolitics #Wenshihcheng #DPPcanddiates #DPPpolitics #weightloss #Taiwanpolitics

2026-10-07

Paper Windmill Theater Troupe tackles the zombie vape crisis

Zombie vapes are dangerous illegal e-cigarettes laced with a powerful anesthetic called etomidate, and they are causing a public health crisis in Taiwan. In response, the Paper Windmill Theater Troupe has come up with an anti-drug drama project targeting youth. Through dramatic performances, kids and teenagers are warned about the dangers of drug addiction. Both corporations and the public are giving financial backing to Paper Windmill’s project. Let’s find out more.

- Can I take a puff?
- You want to take a puff? Do you dare?
- Do you dare, you coward? Try it!
- I’m game!

Paper Windmill Theatre’s anti-drug drama project aimed at youth incorporates emerging drugs like zombie vapes into its plot lines to help kids realize that drugs can be disguised in many forms and quietly creep into their lives.

- Once you’re on drugs, your soul belongs to me. Come on, hand over your soul!

In recent years, the infiltration of e-cigarettes into schools, coupled with the threat of drug-impaired driving caused by zombie-vape pods, has become a key focus of anti-drug campaigns. The medical anesthetic etomidate, a drug that may end up laced in e-cigarettes, tempts the curiosity of teenagers. Paper Windmill uses theatrical performances to directly "highlight the key points" and tell kids drugs are dangerous.

Chen Chin-tsai
Chair of Paper Windmill Arts and Educational Foundation
Cultural drama performances can help children naturally understand the dangers of drugs and how drugs can get close to them.

Since its launch, Paper Windmill’s anti-drug drama project targeted at youth has attracted support ranging from traditional charitable donations to various industries, including technology, finance, manufacturing, and services. Launching anti-drug efforts in schools seems to have become a social issue of common concern across different industries.

Chu Chun-chang
Administrative Deputy Minister of Education
We hope to keep drugs entirely outside and prevent them from entering campuses

Alex Chuang
Chroma ATE
It’s actually an immersive performance, and children can learn about anti-drug knowledge in a subtle and gradual way.

Paper Windmill launched its campus tours in 2012 and has performed more than 1,200 shows in the past 14 years. To date, 123 companies have joined the fight against drugs, expanding the protection network for teenagers. Support for anti-drug efforts from all walks of life is urgently needed.

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#Taiwandrugs #Taiwanaddicts #Paperwindmill #zombievape #Taiwantheater

2026-10-07

Parents furious after son-in-law who killed daughters gets life sentence

A man who stabbed his wife and her sister to death last July was sentenced to life in prison on Tuesday. But the parents of the deceased, who have been left childless, say that it is not enough. The parents are furious at the court ruling, which states that there is insufficient evidence to prove that the killer had planned the murders. The case also falls short of the conditions to allow for a death sentence, which is reserved for crimes of the “most serious crimes.” Let’s hear more.

- I hope that we can sentence that devil to death in the second trial.
- Our two daughters were our hope.

Victims’ father
Furious at ruling
How many people does he have to kill? It’s what it says there! Our daughters were unjustly killed and that’s it? They were hacked to death.

Victims’ mother
Furious at ruling
He killed two people! How many should he have killed for it to count? Should he have wiped out our entire family? It was on a public road! Everyone saw what he did. He did all that, yet the court thinks he can be rehabilitated!

Ho Meng-lin
Lawyer not involved in case
When two lives have been taken in a completely irreversible way, and the criminal responsibility involved is extremely grave, I believe the justice system should not dilute the culpability of the crime simply because the offender may be capable of rehabilitation.

The killer in the case is Hsieh Wen-hsiung, who had a criminal record of domestic abuse. The double murder happened after he found out that his sister-in-law had urged his wife to divorce him. He first rammed his car into a scooter they were both riding, then pulled out a knife and stabbed them to death. But the judges say that the murders do not count as “most serious crimes,” as the rule only applies when at least three people have been killed. The victims’ family has appealed the ruling, saying they won’t stop until they find justice for their daughters.

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#crime #murder #deathpenalty #lifesentence #crime

2026-10-06

AMD CEO Lisa Su visits Taiwan amid growing AI chip demand

Taiwan is once again leading the dialogue for semiconductor chips. AMD CEO Lisa Su has made her second trip to Taiwan this year. Upon her arrival on Tuesday morning, she met with four of Taiwan’s leading tech supply chain companies at her hotel, and later headed straight to TSMC in Hsinchu to ensure production capacity amid tight supply for AI chips.

The queen of semiconductors is back in town. AMD CEO Lisa Su immediately held several urgent closed-door meetings with Taiwanese tech companies including ASUS Chairman Jonney Shih and Foxconn Chairman Liu Yang-wei at her hotel.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
Especially given today, the market is so dynamic, it’s important for us to be very closely partnered with our key suppliers. We are going to substantially improve our supply in 2027, but we can definitely use more and so that’s one of the reasons I’m here.

With concerns rising over chip supply, Su’s arrival underscores the urgency of securing production capacity in Taiwan. She went directly to a meeting with TSMC in Hsinchu on Tuesday afternoon. She did not respond to rumors about TSMC’s potential factory in Texas.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
The US facility in Arizona has done extremely well of course. And we look forward to more capacity worldwide to satisfy this high demand. Before we planned one year or two years and now we are talking about planning three, four or five years together.

AMD’s AI Rack-Scale platform, Helios, will continue to ship in the third quarter, with shipments increasing rapidly. From wafer foundry and packaging to physical substrates, AMD relies on Taiwanese manufacturers’ capacity. Su did not address questions raised over tensions in the Taiwan Strait.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
We would encourage all of our partners to have geographic diversity. But there is no question that Taiwan is absolutely critical to the semiconductor supply chain, and very, very critical for AMD.

Su emphasized the significance of Taiwan, as evidenced by her visit to Taiwan in May where she announced a US$10 billion investment in the supply chain.

Lisa Su
AMD CEO
I’m happy to report that it’s absolutely on track. We’re increasing that number going forward because our demand has continued to go up and we’re going to continue to invest in the supply chain going forward.

AMD continues to make major moves, including expansion into the ASIC market and acquiring AI startup, World Labs for US$8.2 billion. The company’s market value also hit a major milestone by surpassing a market cap of US$1 trillion, making it the world’s 15th largest company.

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#amd #lisasu #nvidia #taiwanchips #tsmc #semiconductor #chipsupplychain

2026-10-06