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CWA issues sea warning for biggest typhoon in 25 years

The biggest typhoon in 25 years is approaching Taiwan. The Central Weather Administration issued a sea warning for Typhoon Bavi at 2:30 in the afternoon. The area includes waters off the northeast and southeast coast of Taiwan and the Bashi Channel. The storm circle is gradually approaching Taiwan and is expected to have the biggest impact on Friday evening and Saturday, battering Northern Taiwan, Central Taiwan and Yilan with heavy downpours and strong winds.

Already, more than 300 people across 155 households have been evacuated in Hualien, to prevent a tragedy like last year’s Guangfu disaster. They include residents of Fenglin Township, which sits downstream of the Matai’an and Wanli barrier lakes. A yellow alert has been issued for both waterways. Residents in areas prone to landslides have also been evacuated.

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

#bavi #typhoon #naturaldisaster #storm #巴威颱風

Time：2026-07-09

最新消息 Latest News

Construction workers catch windfall removing banners before typhoon hits

Typhoon Bavi is coming, and preparation is key. For businesses, it means that it’s time to remove added-on structures that could be hazardous, such as ad banners and signboards. In the past few days, construction workers in Hualien and Yilan have been very busy with removal assignments. Some teams say they can expect to get around ten assignments a day. With payment reaching up to NT$7,000 each, these days have sure been lucrative.

Standing in a crane-lifted work box, construction workers are sparing no time to remove canvas banners on the façade.

Typhoon Bavi will soon reach Taiwan, and the northeastern Yilan is expected to be the first area impacted. Locals are worried of the hazards of these large added-on objects.

- How many assignments do you have?
- Around a dozen.
- How much does it cost?
- There’s a charge for the crane and wages. The crane operator gets a little over $2,000. Workers removing the structures are paid separately.
- Will it cost at least NT$5,000?
- Yes, at least.

To remove an ad banner, clients can expect to shell out between NT$5,000 to NT$7,000. There’s a removal fee, personnel fee and crane usage fee, all calculated separately. The final cost also depends on the size of the banner. Should the client wish to put the banner back after the typhoon, they’ll have to pay again. Meanwhile, it’s also busy in downtown Hualien.

Workers are taking advantage of the clear weather to temporarily remove the large signboard.

In another direction, a group of workers are also rushing to remove an ad banner.

Mr. Wu
Construction worker
I have to work on seven, eight assignments, each taking a little more than an hour. Particularly with signboards that are especially high above ground or protruding more prominently, we would suggest that the client have it removed.

Construction worker can catch a windfall before a typhoon, usually with around ten removal assignments a day. After all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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

#typhoon #weather #typhoonbavi #stormalert #巴威颱風

2026-07-09

Clear skies before typhoon let people see the Philippines

And although a typhoon is on the way, the sky was clearer than ever in many parts of Taiwan, especially on the east coast. Visibility was so good that you could spot Green Island and Orchid Island from the coast of Taitung with the naked eye. That’s nothing surprising for older Taitung residents, who know how to read the sky to predict the weather. Local lore say clear skies mean a typhoon is on the way, and the clearer they are, the bigger the storm. Let’s hear more.

Local
Taitung
Elders say that if you can see Orchid Island during the day, it means a storm is coming.

Local
Taitung
People say that. I was in the mountains in Kasavakan the past two days. It’s rare to see the islands so clearly.

Chen Pai-yu
Meteorologist
The North Pacific High creates descending air currents that contain less moisture, and since there is a typhoon approaching its own outer bands also create descending air currents that further reduce the moisture in the air, improving visibility.

And the spectacle isn’t just limited to the coast of Taitung. People in Lanyu could see into a different country, with the northernmost islands of the Philippines peeking over the horizon. Y’Ami Island was visible despite being 114km away, and so was North Island, at 110km away. It turns out that the traditional lore in Taitung actually has basis in science. So you know now that if the marine landscape looks especially pristine, that might just be the calm before the storm.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#typhoon #taiwan #taitung #visibility #amazing

2026-07-09

Professional smellers test odors to hold businesses accountable

Residents frequently complain about the stench of a famous stinky tofu restaurant from Hualien. This is not the only strong odor in the area that people have reported, with other restaurants, manufacturing facilities, and farms also drawing complaints. Taipei’s Department of Environmental Protection has hired professional smell testers to determine whether odor levels exceed standards.

Professionals set up devices to test wind speed and identify odor sources, then use a special vacuum box to extract samples.

These specially made sampling bags cost over NT$1,000 each. After samples are collected, filtered air is injected into them to create control samples before they are analyzed. To address complaints over strong smells including those from a stinky tofu restaurant, the Taipei Department of Environmental Protection brought in six odor evaluators to conduct blind tests.

Odor evaluator
Smells well
It’s very pungent, really very pungent. It doesn’t scare me, but when you squeeze the sample, the smell is truly overwhelming.

Odor evaluator
Smells well
I don’t care for my nose in any special way. As long as I don’t have a cold and haven’t eaten spicy food before the test, it should be fine.

Before starting work, odor evaluators first test their smell sensitivity by identifying the solutions in five test tubes. After passing the test, they need to rest for 30 minutes before they can start working.

The evaluators test the samples through funnels, with the result determined by the average reading from six people. The entire process can take up to three hours.

Wui Hui-chen
Inspector
If the odor levels exceed the standards, we follow the prescribed procedures and issue data showing the odor levels. After we submit the results to the Department of Environmental Protection, it decides whether to impose penalties.

Fearing penalties, many restaurants have installed electric odor removal and carbon filtration systems to eliminate smells. If the odor evaluators determine that odor levels exceed standards, restaurants could be fined up to NT$20 million.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#stinkytofu #stinky #smell #odor #odorcomplaint #fine #odorpolice #Hualien #Taipei

2026-07-09

Hualien Bus Station adopts cat that stole its snacks

Last June, an orange tabby stole four bags of dried fish strips from Hualien Bus Station. Rather than having the cat taken away, the station adopted him, naming him Egg Tart. Egg Tart now calls the station his home and often appears “on duty” at the service counter, garnering smiles from fawning travelers.

An employee at Hualien Bus Station holds a bright-eyed orange tabby, looking dapper in his plaid scarf and blue bandana. It’s time for this cat to start his shift.

Ms. Lin
Traveler
I think he’s so cute. He’s very friendly and not shy at all.

Mr. Chiu
Traveler
I noticed the cat about a month or two ago. The staff is always holding him. It makes the station feel more welcoming.

The station’s resident cat is named Egg Tart. He got his position not due to his resume, but by stealing.

Chen An-te
Station tourist information director
One morning we found that someone had eaten some of the dried fish strips we were selling. When we caught Egg Tart, we realized that he had been the one eating the fish strips.

Last June, Hualien Bus Station discovered that four bags of fish strips had been nibbled on. After tracking down the culprit, staff found a tiny one-and-a-half-month-old kitten hiding behind a storage locker. Rather than call the police, the station decided to adopt the little thief as its resident cat.

Chen An-te
Station tourist information director
After all the employees agreed, we named him Egg Tart and incorporated him into the team.

Egg Tart regularly patrols the station, bringing joy to travelers. After a video of the cat went viral last month, many people came especially to see him. This little thief has spent a year charming people with his cuteness, bringing new life to the station.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Hualien #station #cat #EggTart #thief #fishstrips #pet #tabbycat #orangecat

2026-07-09

Diving captain saves two sea turtles entangled in fishing net

Touching sea turtles while snorkeling or diving is subject to a NT$300,000 fine, but this doesn’t apply when saving them. A snorkeling guide in Penghu recently encountered two sea turtles trapped in fishing nets while leading a tourist group. The divers used scissors to carefully cut the net off the turtles and untangled them, rescuing the two baby animals.

Divers haul up a clump of tangled fishing net with two small sea turtles squirming inside. One takes a pair of scissors and starts to cut them free.

They carefully cut the baby turtles free, untangling them one string at a time to make sure not to harm them. One had part of the net wrapped around its neck and was struggling to breathe, but thankfully they got it free in time.

The captain notified authorities at the closest port in Qimei and turned the ship around to get them treatment as soon as possible.

Voice of Yeh Sheng-hung
Captain
I saw what looked like sea turtles out of the corner of my eye. I told the divers to hold on a second and went back to check, and it turned out there were two sea turtles tangled up in a net.

The captain was taking tourists snorkeling in the waters around Qimei, south of Penghu, when he noticed a fishing net on the water’s surface with something moving inside. He turned around and managed to rescue two baby sea turtles.

Hsueh Chieh-yin
Penghu Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau secretary
After the coast guard and county personnel were notified that two sea turtles had been found entangled in a fishing net, the turtles were sent to a sea turtle research center for observation and treatment.

A similar incident occurred on Xiaoliuqiu recently. Divers said a sea turtle was swimming toward them when they realized it was completely entangled in a fishing line.

The divers used a small knife to carefully cut the tangled line, allowing the turtle to swim freely once again. Thanks to helpful divers around Taiwan, these turtles were able to escape danger.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#seaturtle #Penghu #Qimei #Xiaoliuqiu #fishingnet #fishingline #trash #endangered #tangled #conservation

2026-07-09

June inflation hits 17-month high as CPI rises 2.6% from 2026

June’s inflation has hit a 17-month high. Prices rose 2.6% from a year ago, staying above the government’s warning threshold for a second straight month. At the same time, the New Taiwan dollar has weakened past 32 against the US dollar, while Taiwan’s AI-fueled stock rally is raising concerns of a market bubble. But Central Bank Governor Yang Chin-long says inflation expectations remain stable, that Taiwan’s economy is strong, and the AI boom has not yet reached bubble territory.

June’s CPI saw an increase of 2.6% from the year before, marking the second month in a row above the government’s warning threshold of 2%, and a 17-month high.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
As of June this year, nearly 20 major institutions forecast an average inflation rate of 1.9% for the year, with the figure expected to drop to 1.7% next year. Overall, inflation is expected to remain stable.

A stronger US dollar, and net selling by foreign investors in the Taiwan stock market has depreciated the New Taiwan dollar, which dropped past NT$32 to the greenback. The Central Bank says it will continue with its “willow theory” approach, and allow the currency to sway.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
Though the US dollar is indeed strong, and interest rates are on the higher end, Taiwan’s economy is performing well. Exports are strong, growth is robust and inflation is under control. So these solid fundamentals are helping offset the impact of a strong US dollar.

The stock market has been bustling with activity, and investors have been taking out loans to cash in on the AI surge. But concerns are rising about a bubble.

Yang Chin-long
Central Bank Governor
The government’s tax revenue is strong, and the stock market has been very active. Though we are keeping an eye on the issue, I think the AI wave is fueled by genuine momentum. We need to watch closely whether excessive leverage is building up through credit expansion. That’s what we should be concerned about.

While acknowledging concerns over an overheated stock market and increasing investment leverage, Yang cautioned investors about potential risks. However, he said he does not believe the AI boom has entered bubble territory.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#ai #aibubble #stockmarket #shares #taiwanshares #taiex

2026-07-09

President invites DPP mayoral candidates to hospital groundbreaking ceremony

President Lai Ching-te on Thursday attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building at National Taiwan University Hospital’s Jinshan Branch in New Taipei’s north coast. Once completed, the new building will also house a long-term care center. To drum up support for the year-end local elections, the president invited the DPP’s mayoral candidates for New Taipei and neighboring Keelung to the ceremony. He also credited the hospital’s origin to ex-Premier Su Tseng-chang, who was then-Taipei County Commissioner.

President Lai Ching-te attends the groundbreaking ceremony for a new building at National Taiwan University Hospital’s Jinshan Branch in the north coast. Lai announces that the central government will conditionally provide supplementary funding for the project.

Lai Ching-te
President
Here’s the deal. This is our plan: if construction is completed on schedule, before Lunar New Year in 2029, which should normally be in February, we’ll subsidize NT$100 million.

The president invited DPP New Taipei mayoral candidate Su Chiao-hui to the event, while also recognizing the hospital’s origin, which traces back to her father Su Tseng-chang’s term as commissioner for then-Taipei County.

Lai Ching-te
President
It used to be the North Coast Jin-Shan Hospital Foundation. It wasn’t easy to recruit doctors back then, not to mention retain them. When former Premier Su Tseng-chang took office as Taipei County Commissioner at the time, he supported administrative and construction works. Later, as Premier under President Chen Shui-bian, he coordinated with National Taiwan University and NTU Hospital to incorporate this hospital into their system.

Su Chiao-hui
New Taipei mayoral candidate (DPP)
In the future, I hope to attract and retain local talents with subsidies and bonuses for local medical practitioners, so that we can boost the north coast’s healthcare capacity and allow local residents healthy and decent lives.

Lai also invited Keelung mayoral candidate Tung Tzu-wei, for a rare public appearance between the distant relatives.

Tung Tzu-wei
Keelung mayoral candidate (DPP)
We’re in Jinshan, which is right next to the president’s hometown and Keelung. The three places form a neighborhood. I’m very grateful that the president is so dedicated to advancing the development of Northern Taiwan.

The DPP hopes to join forces in healthcare at the grassroots and bring neighboring communities in the north coast together.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#healthcare #newtaipei #NTUHospital #賴清德 #侯友宜

2026-07-09

Kinmen to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kinmen Marathon

The Kinmen Marathon will hold its 20th anniversary on January 16 next year. The Kinmen county government has announced various activities, including a nostalgia exhibition area and upgraded Kaoliang liquor and other special gifts for contestants. Let’s find out more.

Bang! The starting guns fire simultaneously as a massive pack of runners surges forward like wild horses, filling the air with excitement. The annual Kinmen Marathon is a major event in the sporting world; to welcome next year’s milestone 20th anniversary, the county government has specially produced a promotional video.

Chen Hsiang-lin
Deputy Kinmen County Commissioner
The 2027 Kinmen Marathon marks its 20th edition. For any brand, reaching a 20-year milestone is quite an achievement. We hope the Kinmen Marathon will continue to thrive and establish itself as a premier brand on the international marathon circuit.

Ou-yang I-hsiung
Kinmen County councilor
It began when I was a student at National Quemoy University. Seeing all this along the way until today makes me very moved.

The Kinmen County Government held a press conference to officially announce that the 20th Kinmen Marathon will be held on January 16th next year. This 20th-anniversary limited edition not only features a "nostalgia exhibition" at the event but also offers a rich variety of commemorative gifts for finishers. Additionally, to encourage former participants to return, a secret “homecoming gift" will be provided.

Chen Hsiang-lin
Deputy Kinmen County Commissioner
For the gift for completing the race, we have made a special upgrade to the Kaoliang liquor. We also encourage all the runners who have participated in the Kinmen Marathon to keep coming back to Kinmen to relive their past memories here. That is why we are offering a special “homecoming gift.”

The Kinmen County Government invites runners from all over the world to embark on this internationally certified course, experience the charm of battlefield culture and the warmth of Kinmen residents, and together, write the most exciting chapter of the Kinmen Marathon.

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

#Kinmenmarathon #Kinmen #Kinmenactivities #marathons

2026-07-09

Londoner becomes traditional Chinese medicine practitioner

Sean Dyer from London has become something of a local celebrity in Kaohsiung, for working at a traditional Chinese medicine clinic. He initially moved to Taiwan after falling in love and getting married to his Taiwanese wife. He liked it here so much that he even gave up his British nationality to become a Taiwanese citizen, even though that forced him to do military service in Taiwan. Now, he treats patients in fluent Mandarin, which is shocking for many.

With his fair hair and deep-set features, Sean Dyer speaks flawless, accent-free Mandarin during consultations. He’s a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who works at a Chinese medicine clinic in Nanzih District in Kaohsiung -- but he’s originally from the UK.

Patient
At first I thought there might be a language barrier, but once you enter the consultation room, you feel completely at ease. Dyer has not only mastered Mandarin, but also speaks great Taiwanese.

Most people associate traditional Chinese medicine practitioners with ethnically Chinese people, so Dyer’s appearance often sparks discussion among patients. Coming from a family of medical professionals, Dyer originally worked as a martial arts and boxing coach. With his family’s support, he later decided to pursue his strong interest in traditional Chinese medicine.

Sean Dyer
Traditional Chinese medicine practitioner
After I started studying traditional Chinese medicine, I just read books, and the more I read, the more I loved it. After all, both my parents are doctors: my mother is an anesthesiologist, and my father is a nephrologist.

Dyer met his future wife when visiting friends in Kaohsiung. After they got married, they decided to stay in Kaohsiung. For the sake of his family, Dyer not only became a Taiwanese citizen, but also served in Taiwan’s military.

Sean Dyer
Chinese medicine practitioner
I gave up my nationality for my family and became Taiwanese. But at the time, they said: You’re not even 36 yet! You still have to serve! So I joined the military and served as an artillery soldier in Chiayi. Most patients are pleasantly surprised but sometimes I’ll run into people asking if I’m really capable. Actually, no matter what the illness is, I feel quite interested in anything that’s challenging.

Dyer says with a smile that although some patients were initially skeptic due to his looks, they all find the right treatment after a consultation in fluent Mandarin, making for a unique visit to the clinic.

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

#foreignersintaiwan #Chinesemedicine #Kaohsiung #TCM #immigration

2026-07-09

Chimei Museum staff tie down hippo to prevent typhoon escape

Staff at Tainan’s Chimei Museum are taking no chances of another hippo escape, as Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan. We don’t mean a real hippo, of course, but their now-famous hippo sculpture, which made headlines late last month after heavy flooding caused it to float away and drift across the museum grounds. This time, museum staff and the artist have moved the hippo and secured it with ropes to make sure it doesn’t run away again.

Visitor
Commenting on hippo
It’s all to protect the artwork. When typhoon passes, they can let it be free again.

Visitor
Commenting on hippo
People coming here for the first time might think the hippo is meant to be there.

Tsai Hai-kuang
Chimei Museum
We tied the hippo down from three points on the boardwalk to keep it safe and prevent it from drifting away in the typhoon.

The 350kg sculpture was originally displayed beneath a grove of trees outdoors. But on June 26, torrential rain flooded the museum grounds, causing the sculpture to float and drift roughly 40m before coming to rest in its current location in Lake Muse. The unexpected journey quickly went viral online. With a typhoon now approaching, museum staff consulted with the artist and decided to secure the runaway hippo with ropes to prevent another escape.

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

#hippo #sculpture #art #tainan #museum

2026-07-09

Massive sinkhole causes gas leak Taipei’s busy Dunhua North Road

Another massive sinkhole has destroyed a road in downtown Taipei. At around 11:00 on Wednesday morning, an alley along Dunhua North Road in Songshan District caved in, leaving a 4-by-2-meter gap with a depth of 2 meters. What’s worse, the collapse caused underground gas pipes to break, resulting in a leak that alarmed local residents.

Authorities believe the most likely culprit is an urban renewal project along the road, which is managed by Formosa Plastics Group. Excavation work at the site may have loosened the soil and rocks under the ground before operators had time to backfill the gap. It also didn’t help that the area rests on a sandy layer that is prone to subsidence. The Construction Management Office has ordered construction to halt and will impose a maximum fine of NT$90,000 on the contractor and supervisor of the project.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#sinkhole #collapse #construction #taipei #urbanrenewal

2026-07-08

72-year-old woman alive after crash sets leaky scooter on fire

It was nothing short of a miracle when a 72-year-old scooter driver made a narrow escape from a traffic accident in New Taipei on Tuesday morning. The scooter crashed into a big truck that was making a right turn. It fell to the ground and caught fire within seconds, likely due to a punctured gas tank. People quickly came to the rescue and pulled the driver out of the blaze. The truck driver got out of the vehicle and put out the fire with an extinguisher. The scooter driver sustained burns on many parts of her body, but is fortunately alive.

The lorry is turning right at the light when… Bang! A scooter crashes straight into its side, sending the driver to the ground. Within seconds, the scooter is ablaze. What’s worse is that the driver, a woman in her 70s, is pinned under the vehicle inside the fireball.

A traffic warden and a volunteer rush to the rescue, while the truck driver himself runs over with a large extinguisher to put out the blaze. The foam and smoke engulf the entire road.

Hung Chiao-hsuan
FTV reporter
The accident took place at a main thoroughfare near a popular American retailer. This place is always busy with commuters and truck drivers, making it a crash hotspot.

Member of public
Concerned about crash
I often see accidents here. At rush hour, it’s always jam-packed, and everyone is in a time crunch. There’s tons of cars and motorbikes.

Member of public
Concerned about crash
If you’re driving a car, it could take you half an hour to get over here from the Oriental Science Park. You’re stuck in traffic for 20, 30 minutes.

The crash happened past 7 on Tuesday morning, at Xintaiwu Road in Xizhi District. Police believe the cause was failure to account for the turning radius of the truck, and the scooter’s location in a blind spot. As the truck driver, Mr. Su, turned right onto the highway, his vehicle collided with the scooter rider Ms. Wu, aged 72. The scooter’s fuel tank ruptured and caught fire as it scraped against the ground. Ms. Wu sustained burns on her face, torso and legs, but was conscious when rescued.

Chang Chih-wei
Police officer
Our staff rushed over to pull out the rider, who was trapped under the burning scooter.

Fortunately, thanks to everyone’s quick thinking, the fire was put out, and the driver made it out of the crash alive.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#traffic #scooter #fire #fuel #leak

2026-07-08

Sports lottery rep who criticized Olympian apologizes after backlash

The altercation between the head of a sports lottery association and the Ministry of Sports has come to an end. In a recent social media post, Ho Yu-chi criticized the leadership of Sports Minister Lee Yang, who was advocating for reforms to the sports lottery system. Ho took the potential change as an affront, saying that Lee had painted the sports lottery industry as an obstacle to reform with vested interests. After public backlash against his criticism, Ho has put up a new post, apologizing to Lee and announcing he would leave the industry forever. Let’s hear from him.

Ho Yu-chi
Sports lottery industry representative
I would like to offer a deep bow in apology to Lee Yang, who brought glory to Taiwan. I am sorry. I didn’t know the ministry was working with schools to address the shortage of badminton shuttlecocks. In the rush of the moment, I vented my opinions on Facebook. That was unrelated to the efforts by the Ministry of Sports to reform various sports associations. As a leader in the industry, I am deeply saddened by the development. The government doesn’t care. And I am getting flamed online. So I might as well give back my sports lottery license. I mean what I say. Once again, my apologies to Lee Yang. I hope the controversy ends with me.

Ho said that his intention with the original post was for the Sports Ministry to listen to the voices from the grassroots. But now that public opinion has turned against him, he says he will give back his sports lottery dealer license in September. In addition, he will withdraw from the business and no longer be associated with lottery-related industries.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#sportslottery #lottery #drama #controversy #sports

2026-07-08

Banks open doors, insurers offer heat protection to combat extreme temperatures

As summers get hotter by the year, more businesses are opening their doors to offer relief from the heat. Last year, convenience stores began telling people they could come in to cool off, and this year First Bank has set up indoor cooling stations with air conditioning, drinking water, seating, and restrooms, and you don’t even have to be a customer to gain access. Meanwhile, a life insurance company is offering Taiwan’s first policy that covers heat-related injuries.

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
Summer is incredibly hot this year, making walking down the street like torture. In addition to being able to cool off in convenience stores’ AC, First Bank also set up indoor cooling stations.

In response to the extreme heat, the Ministry of Environment launched a “cool map” listing 9,192 cooling spots as of June, including convenience stores, public facilities, shaded areas, and now banks.

Member of public
Likes the idea
I think it’s a good idea in general, but due to their location, people still might not think to go.

Member of public
Loves the idea
I think it’s great! Summer is so hot most of the time, so if there’s a place for people to cool off, I think it’s a good thing.

Voice of Hung Hsiu-ching
Bank employee
We already have safety and security measures in place for our banks’ main halls. If banks determine they can provide people with a place to cool off while maintaining operational safety and order, they will make that assessment themselves.

As extreme heat becomes increasingly common, a life insurance company introduced an insurance policy for heat-related injuries, offering payouts to vulnerable groups who suffer heat-related harm.

Wang Hsin-li
Insurance broker
In the past, products to address high temperatures included accident insurance, life insurance, and accidental medical coverage, but their scope of protection was somewhat limited. Nan Shan Life Insurance’s willingness to design a product like this can provide significant help to vulnerable groups.

Businesses are introducing their own strategies in response to the dangers posed by climate change, helping people adapt to the warming environment.

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

#heat #hot #extremeheat #climatechange #summer #heatstroke #heatwave #bank #cool #coolmap #insurance #heatinsurance

2026-07-08

Hsinchu borough has highest average household income in Taiwan

The Ministry of Finance has published the latest statistics on income taxes for the year 2024. According to the document, the richest neighborhood in Taiwan is once again in Hsinchu’s East District. Households in Guanxin Borough had an average income of just under NT$4.6 million in 2024.

The median -- at a little over NT$3.43 million -- is just as impressive. It means that wealth is quite evenly distributed in the neighborhood. Among the top five boroughs, three are in Hsinchu, with most taxpayers affiliated with the tech industry. Meanwhile, the second richest is Yongfu Borough in Taipei’s Shilin District, located on Yangmingshan. Many business tycoons live here, including Taishin Financial Holdings Chair Thomas Wu, Yulon Motor Company CEO Yen Chen Li-lien and Far Eastern Group Chair Douglas Hsu. Meanwhile, last year’s richest neighborhood, Zhonghua Borough in Taipei’s Songshan District, has dropped to third place at just under 3 and a half million NT.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#rich #affluent #richestneighborhoods #CEO #oldmoney

2026-07-08

Experts and officials from16 countries attend International Ocean Forum

Top officials and think tank experts from 16 countries gathered in Taipei on Wednesday for the opening of this year’s edition of the Taiwan International Ocean Forum. This year, the event will focus on maritime affairs related to economic resilience, strategic stability and international cooperation. At the opening ceremony, Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling delivered a speech that addressed China’s launch of coast guard patrols into waters off the east coast of Taiwan. She urged for cooperation among democracies to counter Beijing’s increased gray-zone provocations. This is what she had to say.

Kuan Bi-ling
Ocean Affairs Council
When an isolated incident happens, it doesn’t trigger an international crisis. When tensions escalate, we don’t consider it the start of war. But cumulatively, these constant incidents give rise to a new normal. As democratic partners, we must effectively and jointly prepare and coordinate response mechanisms.

Raymond Sung
Ocean Affairs Council
I think that China is pursuing expansionism under the guise of law enforcement. If that is the case, and China is doing so illegally, then the critical issue would be to formulate a joint response as part of the international community and as allies. China’s so-called law enforcement is actually just expansionism.

Tammy Duckworth
US Senator
China is trying to establish new norms that are not in compliance with what the international order has agreed to and ratified on a global basis. And we cannot allow them to do that because they will continue to push forward.

Also condemning China’s actions at the event was US Senator Tammy Duckworth, an outspoken supporter of Taiwan. Besides slamming China’s expansionism, she called for deeper strategic cooperation among democratic partners to build a resilient and solid chain to safeguard peace in the Indo-Pacific.

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#marine #maritime #peace #indopacific #internationallaw

2026-07-08

ITRI develops AI-powered precision fish feeding software

Raising fish in aquaculture isn’t as simple as just feeding them. Giving too much feed doesn’t just incur waste, it also pollutes the water. Luckily, the Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI, has a solution. With input from farmers, ITRI has developed an AI-powered precision feeding software that feeds the fish just enough, for bigger and better yields while saving on production costs. Let’s take it look.

Pingtung’s Fangliao Township is the country’s grouper kingdom. Farmers all wish that their prized dragon-tiger groupers will grow as quickly as possible. It used to be hard to tell whether the fish is well-fed, but not anymore, thanks to a new AI software.

Chen Jhih-ren
ITRI Smart Sensing & Systems Technology Center
With smart sensing, we can determine whether the fish has eaten enough. Our feeding mechanism, which is automated and AI-powered, can feed the fish just enough.

Chiang Kun-lung
Fish farm owner
In the past, I’d had to check on the fish every now and then. I also needed people on every shift, all that stuff. Now, all I have to do is check my phone and take a look at the data.

The farm can be monitored in real-time with a smartphone, thanks to an AI-powered precision fish-feeding software developed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI.

Chen Jhih-ren
ITRI Smart Sensing & Systems Technology Center
Fish feed roughly accounts for at least 50% of the cost of fish farming. Our smart feeding software prevents feed waste. We’re mentoring farmers of five main economic fish breeds.

Chiang Kun-lung
Fish farm owner
It allows higher density of fish and lowers our costs, which shows the importance of precise data for us.

ITRI has trained and developed an AI software with input from fish farmers, allowing them to save on feed consumption and labor costs, while increasing yield of better quality. It has been tested in several fish farms so far, benefitting farmers and showcasing the success of precision aquaculture.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#aquaculture #fishfarms #grouper #seafood #fish

2026-07-08

Leisure farm, beekeeper keep their animals safe before Typhoon Bavi

Typhoon Bavi is gaining power on its approach to Taiwan, as it slows down and expands. Bavi is expected to be closest to Taiwan on Friday and Saturday, and the Central Weather Administration now says there is a chance it could make landfall in Taiwan’s Northeast Coast. As the storm draws closer, a beekeeper in the mountains of Keelung is moving his 120-plus bee boxes down a mountain, while a leisure farm in Yilan is making preparations to keep its animals safe and take flood prevention measures.

As Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan, staff at Yilan Animal Kingdom are hard at work, digging ditches to prevent flooding. They will also put away all the canopy tents outdoor, so the animal kingdom doesn’t get blown away by the gales.

Chao Fei
Yilan Animal Kingdom
This time we’re adding reinforced steel before covering the exterior with wooden planks. It’s to prevent the wooden planks from getting blown away when the typhoon comes. The most important thing is drainage. We have about 20 to 30 dry wells and ditches to tend to before the typhoon. We’ve gotten around to half of them now, and we’ll continue with the rest tomorrow.

Staff at the leisure farm are making preparations to avoid flooding, before the typhoon hits, making sure that every precaution is taken. The farm will also arrange for staff members to stand guard when the typhoon arrives, for the animals’ safety.

Chao Fei
Yilan Animal Kingdom
Speaking of the animals, indoor animals will stay indoors, naturally, and there will be staff on duty. As for outdoor animals, of course, they’ll go indoors during a typhoon, and staff on duty will watch over them.

The farm says that even though their architecture are designed to withstand Force 17 winds, they still get worried every time there’s a typhoon. Meanwhile, over in Keelung’s Qidu Township, a beekeeper up in Malingjian is also rushing to move more than 120 bee boxes. Because honey is only collected once a year, the beekeeper is taking no chances.

Chang Ching-po
Beekeeper
I keep my boxes on terraced fields. I place about three to five boxes on each step. The worse to happen during a typhoon is for the boxes to get blown away. We’re at the mercy of the weather. Every time there’s news that there’ll be a typhoon, I’ll move the bee boxes to the lowest level. They must be fastened securely on both the front and back, and stabilized with a large rock on top.

The beekeeper carries each 40kg box downhill, before fastening them shut with a wire and adding weight on the lid with a large block. He’s taking no chances with the strongest typhoon so far this year.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#typhoon #weather #typhoonbavi #stormalert #巴威颱風

2026-07-08

Many renters face hardships as housing policies are not always effective

In Taiwan, there’s a large underground rental market. Many landlords do not officially report their rental income to the tax office to avoid paying higher taxes. With housing prices and rents both soaring, the government has stepped in to offer rental subsidies to help people who are struggling. But some landlords are resistant to putting their rental contracts on the books, even going as far as refusing to rent to people who want to apply for these subsidies. There’s also a shortage of social housing. The Ministry of the Interior is now turning to government-subsidized rental subleasing and management services, revitalizing vacant private housing to serve as an alternative supply. Let’s see how renters are reacting.

Hsiao En’s most comforting moment is when she returns home and is welcomed by her dog and two cats. However, her landlord’s participation in an urban renewal project has forced her to move again from her two-bedroom, one-living-room apartment, which is over 80-square meters. She originally hoped for social housing, but this repeatedly fell through. With rents increasing, they can eat up almost half her month’s salary.

Hsiao En
Renter
Everyone is on a waiting list, maybe dozens or even hundreds, so I’ll never get a turn. From what I can sense, the average rent in New Taipei City has probably gone up by over NT$5,000. For apartments in better condition, not like those creepy dumps, it’s probably at least NT$25,000 or more.

With housing prices and rents rising year after year, housing pressure has intensified. After the government expanded rent subsidies, some landlords are now restricting tenants from applying for them as they are concerned their tax burdens will increase. In addition, social housing has long been in short supply. The Ministry of the Interior has now turned to government-subsidized rental subleasing and management services, revitalizing vacant private housing to serve as an alternative supply.

Ou Cheng-hsing
National Land Management Agency
There is a massive resource in the private sector: a large number of vacant homes. We hope these landlords will make these properties available, essentially creating a private-sector version of social housing.

Ms Chen
They said I was too old and landlords wouldn’t rent to me. They said "What will I do if you die in the apartment?” They refused me outright. Policies sound good, but they can’t achieve anything.

Although social housing subleasing and management regulations prioritize taking care of vulnerable groups, elderly people who live alone often face rejections from landlords due to concerns about health and income.

Wang Tse-jen
New Taipei City rental association
Let’s look at the actual data: vulnerable tenants are not the same as bad tenants; they still pay their rent as normal. Looking at current subsidized housing operators, the proportion of vulnerable tenants within our association has already reached as high as 45%.

Ou Cheng-hsing
National Land Management Agency
For the operators that provide leasing and management services, we will use our evaluation mechanism.

While subletting and managing rental housing may not be able to replace government-built social housing, it is considered an important supplementary measure. However, how to ensure that vulnerable people can rent and live stably remains a policy challenge.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#Taiwanhousing #socialhousing #rentals #rentersrights #housing

2026-07-08