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Polam Kopitiam food poisoning survivors upset by light sentences

Six people died, yet the sentences handed down in the deadly Polam Kopitiam food poisoning case from 2024 have left survivors and victims’ families outraged. The heaviest sentence was 1 year and 10 months for the owner of the franchise. One survivor says the punishment is simply too lenient, as she continues to suffer serious kidney damage from the poisoning. The verdict has reignited a political firestorm, with victims’ families accusing Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an’s administration of failing to properly preserve evidence in the aftermath.

- I am absolutely shocked. Six lives were lost. The sentence is way too light.

Ms. Huang chokes back tears outside the courtroom. She is one of the survivors of the Polam Kopitiam mass food poisoning case, and says she can’t accept the sentence.

Ms. Huang
Polam Kopitiam food poisoning survivor
It’s unreal, ludicrous. How can such a major incident be let go with such light punishment? After I got poisoned, I had Stage 3 chronic kidney disease, with a kidney function of just over 30%. I’ll probably start having to do kidney dialysis.

Voice of Liu Shang-ming
Lawyer for franchise owner Li Fang-hsuan
During the subsequent testing process, one thing was clearly established: a lack of refrigeration alone would not have caused the rice noodles to develop the bacteria, which had never before been detected in Taiwan.

The food poisoning case took place at a Polam Kopitiam branch in Taipei in 2024. Two cooks and an intern had served diners dishes that used rice noodles from opened bags that were being stored at room temperature. A total of 33 people contracted bongkrekic acid poisoning, and six died. The franchise owner has been sentenced to 1 year and 10 months in prison for negligent homicide. One of the cooks received a sentence of 8 months, the other a sentence of 6 months commutable to a fine, and an intern a sentence of 4 months also commutable to a fine. The store manager was acquitted of all charges.

The food poisoning incident has become a political issue. In the recent mayoral debate for Taipei, Mayor Chiang Wan-an said he had made sure that Polam Kopitiam would be held accountable, and that all the victims and their families would receive compensation. The comment did not sit well with survivors and relatives, who found it triggering. Among them was Ms. Huang, who took part in a radio interview one day before the verdict. She recounted that she had once run into mayoral candidate Puma Shen and told him that Taipei’s response to the poisoning had been far too slow.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
The city government cannot shirk its responsibility to address municipal issues. As I’ve said before, the mayor does not control the courts. But the mayor is responsible for inspections, for seizing evidence or assets, ensuring investigations continue, and preventing those responsible from hiding or transferring their assets.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
The court should impose a harsh sentence. I’ve long said that penalties under the Act Governing Food Safety and Sanitation are not severe enough. That’s why we’ve been speaking with lawmakers to amend the law and increase the penalties.

Chiang says he wants a harsh sentence. But victims and their families say they haven’t forgotten how his government botched investigations in the aftermath of the incident.

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

#ricenoodles #kopitiam #taipei #沈伯洋 #蔣萬安

Time：2026-11-12

最新消息 Latest News

Acer founder Stan Shih is Taiwan’s envoy to APEC

China will host this year’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. As Taiwan gears up for what will inevitably be an AI-centric forum, President Lai Ching-te held a pre-departure press conference on Thursday where he underscored three major propositions. After 19 years, Acer Group founder, Stan Shih was appointed Taiwan’s envoy to APEC once more. China’s minor aggressions have begun before the conference, prompting the Presidential Office to emphasize that they will speak up against for any unfair treatment.

Acer Group founder, Stan Shih arrives with his wife at the pre-APEC press conference held at the presidential office where President Lai Ching-te relayed his three major propositions.

Lai Ching-te
President
First, as a member of APEC, Taiwan will remain an active participant and contribute to APEC affairs. Second, Taiwan will continue to promote global technology cooperation and innovation exchanges. Third, as geopolitical and supply chain shifts challenge the global economy, Taiwan will continue to be a stable and trustworthy source in the Asia-Pacific.

Having first represented Taiwan at APEC in 2007, Acer’s Stan Shih prepares himself for this great undertaking once more after 19 years.

Stan Shih
Founder of Acer
I am incredibly honored, yet I also understand this great responsibility. AI is this year’s focus at APEC, a field where Taiwan excels. As a core player in the global AI industry, Taiwan will be a stable and trustworthy presence on the international stage.

This year’s APEC will be held in Shenzhen, China. It seems that oppressive tactics are already deployed as Taiwan’s unofficial invite to APEC didn’t address the nation using its name; many believe this was an attempt to belittle the island.

Karen Kuo
Presidential Office Spokesperson
During the conference, if there is any unfair treatment, then we will demand an immediate correction to defend our nation’s rights and interests.

The Presidential Office reiterated the stance and rights of the members. The delegation will represent Taiwan’s semiconductor and AI sectors and underscore their immeasurable value in the global supply chain.

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

#ai #taiwanchips #aisupplychain #taiwansemiconductor #acer #tsmc #semiconductorchips #apec

2026-11-12

NIA revokes Alice Huang’s permit amid national security issues

While many people are focusing on the moral issue surrounding Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s affair, the Legislative Yuan has raised concerns about national security. Jensen’s mistress Alice Huang is allegedly a Chinese spy, but she has freely visited Taiwan multiple times. The Ministry of the Interior and the National Immigration Agency have now revoked her travel documents and permit. Lawmakers are debating whether more and more Chinese spies are using business visas to enter Taiwan and demand stricter screening processes.

With her chin resting on his shoulder, Alice Huang and Jensen Huang appeared very cozy at a fine-dining restaurant, last year.

Jensen was seen with his arm wrapped around Alice’s waist; the two seemed inseparable and openly affectionate which was mistaken then as Western openness. Alice was seen standing back to let Jensen entertain interviews. Recent AI-generated clips have gone viral for depicting this scandal.

Mistress Alice will not only need to face Jensen’s wife and comments from the public. From now on, she will not be allowed to re-enter Taiwan.

Lin Horng-en
Director of National Immigration Agency
The relevant government authorities have all the information regarding Alice Huang’s entries. We can deny permission or invalidate any part that threatens national dignity.

Huang Chieh
Legislator (DPP)
How do we prevent people like this from using business visas to enter Taiwan? She was actually a Chinese spy.

Liu Shyh-fang
Minister of Interior
We need to be able to know that she is a spy, if we knew earlier we wouldn’t have let her enter. We have already revoked Alice Huang’s permit, meaning she will not be able to return to Taiwan.

Both the Ministry of the Interior and the NIA possessed information regarding Alice Huang’s entry and exit. It is rumored that Alice’s visa had been revoked before the affair came to light. Alice Huang, a permanent resident in Hong Kong, has become a hot topic of debate in the Legislative Yuan. How many times has she entered and in what capacity?

- How many times has Alice Huang entered Taiwan?
- We are currently investigating this with the relevant units.
- If Taiwan has these loopholes in tech systems?
- Whether its national security or anti-infiltration, the safety of Taiwan residents is the most important thing.

- How many Chinese citizens have entered on business visas?

Lin Horng-en
Director of National Immigration Agency
We will adopt a three-pronged approach to review this across agencies.

In the last 3 years, more than 60,000 Chinese nationals have entered Taiwan on business visas. With the AI economy boost that Jensen Huang has brought, it remains to be seen how Taiwan will balance the economy and national security?

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

#ai #nvidia #jensenhuang #chinesespy #ccpspy #alicehuang

2026-11-11

China traveler scraps tourist trip due to Taiwan sovereignty rules

A Chinese traveler decided it was a better deal give up a trip to Taiwan than to admit that Taiwan is not part of China. The traveler posted about the incident online. It all started when the visitor was applying for a permit to enter Taiwan and was asked to submit additional documents. It turns out the original hotel booking reservation that had been submitted referred to Taiwan as "Taiwan, China," which rendered it invalid. The immigration office asked for a corrected version, and required the traveler to add an extra document: a signed, hand-written statement saying that "Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other." China is now accusing the Taiwan government of "separatism." Let’s hear more.

Zhang Han
China’s Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson
The DPP authorities stubbornly cling to their separatist stance in pursuit of “Taiwan independence.” Any attempt to reverse the course of history and go against the tide of the times is bound to face a backlash from public opinion.

Lin Horng-en
National Immigration Agency
Taiwan welcomes tourists from all around the world, but visitors are still required to comply with our laws and regulations. Under the Cross-Strait Act, as well as the relevant regulations governing tourism permits, applications may be denied or permits revoked in cases involving conduct that insults or undermines the dignity of our nation. As for the wording used by our staff, we will continue to improve our communication to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings.

Lee Kuen-cheng
Legislator (DPP)
Taiwan is an independent sovereign nation. We are not subordinate to China. So whenever Chinese tourists visit Taiwan, they must abide by our laws. If they don’t respect them, they can’t come to Taiwan. This is a concrete demonstration of the sovereignty and governing authority of the ROC, Taiwan.

The National Immigration Agency underscored that Taiwan has the authority to deny entry to any foreign visitor. People praised the move online saying that the NIA did the right thing, with some saying it was good that they had toughened up, and that they absolutely supported the rejection. Others observed that, when going abroad, one must respect the local laws and politics.

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

2026-11-11

Foreign students and workers show Hualien in new light in just 90 seconds

What do you see when you look at Hualien through a foreigner’s eyes? From breathtaking mountain and ocean views to hidden local gems, international residents are putting this eastern county in the spotlight. Hualien County launched a series of initiatives to boost its international profile, including a short-video competition inviting foreign students and workers to capture what makes Hualien special, in just 90 seconds. And the winning entries are proving that sometimes, it takes a fresh pair of eyes to show a place in a whole new light.

Photos and vertical videos capture Hualien from every angle. The county government recently held a series of events to promote international exchanges and the Hualien brand to the world. One of the events was a video contest, in which foreign residents studying or working in the county created 90-second vertical videos to highlight the diverse beauty around them. The talent was overflowing.

Aniisa Syahlaa Athaasyah
Gold Prize Winner
I feel like Hualien really has the potential for people to see more. It’s just maybe a lack of information or some people don’t know much about it. So I really want to share what we can do here in Hualien.

The Gold Prize winner is a student in Hualien. She says that for international students living in Hualien, or foreigners in general, you don’t have to move far to find beauty. Through the videos created by foreigners, this first edition of the international short video contest highlighted stunning places and memorable moments overlooked by locals.

Lee Yu-jen
Hualien International Affairs official
We’ve been promoting Hualien as a foreigner-friendly destination for three years. Although I was not part of the jury, I did watch every video that you created. They were all amazing, showcasing Hualien from so many different perspectives.

Hualien’s efforts to be recognized as a destination that is friendly to foreigners have garnered praise. But it doesn’t end there. The county has been promoting the use of English in menus, signboards and service pamphlets as well as scenario-based training materials, instructional videos, and other resources for the hospitality and tourism industries. The participants’ videos showed that the county government’s attention to detail and everyone’s hard work have not gone unnoticed.

Tung Ko-ching
Member of jury
In just a short minute, your creations not only captured the breath-taking beauty of Hualien, from our mountains, oceans and the gorgeous and tranquil plains, but also presented the rich variety of our local cultures and vibrant activities.

All the award winners hopped on to the stage, as the most persuasive ambassadors for their second home, Hualien. Equipped with cameras and zeal, they told the stories of Hualien in their own language, for social media users all around the world to see this beautiful county.

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

#hualien #reel #contest #creator #tourism

2026-11-11

Hackers threaten parents of students at international school

A hacker group is allegedly attempt to extort an international school in New Taipei. Parents of students at Kang Chiao International School in Linkou say they have recently received threatening emails. The senders claim to have breached the school’s systems and stolen sensitive personal information about students and their families. They threatened to expose the data if they weren’t contacted within the day. The distressing situation left students and their families on edge. The school has since disconnected its network and reported the matter to the police. Let’s hear more.

Wang Yu-chun
FTV reporter
After discovering the hacker intrusion, the school immediately disconnected its network. The school’s official website is now inaccessible and the smart school app and student system are also completely out of service.

Yu Sheng-tao
Kang Chiao International School Linkou
We’ve provided parents and faculty with all the relevant information, and urged them to double check everything. For example, do not open any suspicious links. We must be extremely careful. There’s a three-point rule: Do not reply to messages, do not open links and do not trust unfamiliar phone calls. Also, do not spread unverified information.

Weng Chien-ming
New Taipei Education Department
Based on our understanding, this is a system independently purchased by the school, primarily used for school administration. We have classified this as a routine personal data protection incident.

The initial contact was last Friday, Nov. 6. Hackers sent an email to the school, demanding the school do download a browser and enter an encryption key. The school refused. But the situation only escalated, as the group started sending intimidating messages to the parents of students, threatening to harm students. The school has brought in cybersecurity forensic specialists to conduct an in-depth investigation. They will examine system vulnerabilities, search for any malicious tasks that may have been planted, and determine the extent of the data leakage.

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

#school #hacker #kangchiao #linkou #taiwan

2026-11-11

Cafe offers space for Taigi classes to preserve language

There’s a coffee shop in Changhua’s Tianzhong Township where you can enjoy your coffee while also surrounded by the sounds of recitations in Taigi. It came about after a Tianzhong local launched a Taigi Romanization class taught by veteran instructor Siau Ping-jih, who has an impressive 30 years of experience. The cafe owner offers her venue free of charge for anyone who wants to learn more about her mother tongue.

Students recite after their teacher, word by word. They’re here in this coffee shop to learn Taigi Romanization.

Siau Ping-jih
Taigi teacher
The first class had eight or nine students who came of their own initiative. If you learn this, whenever you see the Romanized text, you can pronounce it.

Hoping to set down deeper roots for the language, local Taigi enthusiast Hung Chien-chun invited veteran instructor Siau Ping-jih to teach a course on the particulars of pronunciation and Taigi Romanization, including vowels, consonants, and the eight tones.

Hung Chien-chun
Taigi enthusiast
Taigi isn’t just a language. It links all of us in Tianzhong with our centuries of culture. Most importantly, it sets Tianzhong apart from other places. Since everyone here speaks Taigi, it makes it a fascinating cultural hub.

This one-man cultural movement deeply moved local business owners. After hearing about the idea, the owner of a cafe offered her space as a classroom at no cost.

Hanna
Cafe owner
What the instructor here is teaching is totally different from the Taigi in daily life that I’ve learned before, so I find it really interesting.

Inside this cozy cafe in Changhua’s Tianzhong Township, they’re setting down sturdy roots for the continued preservation of their endangered native tongue in the hopes that the sounds of Taigi will keep echoing down their alleys for years to come.

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

#Taigi #Changhua #Romanization #cafe #languageinstruction #charity

2026-11-11

Shen to hold festival while Chiang goes on city parade this Saturday

With less than two weeks to go until Election Day, campaigning is getting serious. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and Lawmaker Puma Shen have both announced they’ll be taking leave from their government duties starting Thursday, to focus fully on campaigning. They both have a packed schedule ahead of them, including a public policy presentation this Saturday. Let’s hear more.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
It’s about time. So I’ll be taking leave starting tomorrow, Nov. 12, so that I have more time to connect with the grassroots and fight my best battle this election. At the O’Shen Festival on Nov. 14, we’ll have a game-like event where we create a physical policy island that lets everyone review our policies.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
I will follow the relevant regulations, and continue to go to every corner to meet locals and exchange ideas with them face-to-face. I will list out our achievements over the past four years, and share our vision for the next four years.

The two candidates will also attend a public policy presentation on Saturday. Shen will be the first of the mayoral candidates to speak, while Chiang will be the third. Their slots are more than 90 minutes apart, so they won’t actually meet. After that, Shen will be off to the 228 Peace Park for the O’Shen Festival, which will feature concerts by popular bands and games to let the public better understand his proposals. At around the same time, Chiang will be holding a parade around the city, which will finish outside Taipei City Hall.

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

#taipei #mayor #election #沈伯洋 #蔣萬安

2026-11-11

Candidate hopes satirical video will inspire political change in Miaoli

Lin Yueh-chin, the DPP’s candidate for mayor of Miaoli City, sponsored a content creator to produce a satirical short film poking fun at the local scandals that once grabbed national headlines by promoting the “country of Miaoli” as a tourist attraction. Lin said they may seem like jokes to outsiders, but to locals, it’s no laughing matter. Through the video, she hopes to inspire young people to return to Miaoli to vote.

The opening of this video shows a passport getting stamped. But what country is that? Why does their travel itinerary include a movement against wind turbines, excavator scandals, and political fighting?

Local scandals that once dominated national headlines, like the demolition of a mom-and-pop pharmacy in the infamous Dapu land-grab incident, are spun as tourist attractions for the “country of Miaoli” in this campaign video.

Lin Yueh-chin
Miaoli City mayoral candidate (DPP)
But to those of us from Miaoli, these are all real things that happened right here in our hometown. They aren’t funny at all.

Lin Yueh-chin, who’s running for Miaoli City mayor with the DPP, sponsored the content creator Lu Lu to create a video highlighting the “country of Miaoli” as an offbeat tourist attraction.

Lin Yueh-chin
Miaoli City mayoral candidate (DPP)
The goal was to use a kind of humor familiar with young people to translate these serious and complex political issues into content that everyone is willing to watch and can understand.

Lin said that the county’s many political scandals have turned Miaoli into a national laughingstock. But for locals, these issues are everyday realities that directly impact their lives and demand rigorous oversight.

Lin Yueh-chin
Miaoli City mayoral candidate (DPP)
This election offers an opportunity for change. That’s why I hope that particularly young folks studying or working away from home won’t just laugh it off after watching the video, but will show care for their hometown and return to vote.

Lin said that Miaoli hasn’t changed political hands for 76 years, making it feel like a chaotic “state within a state.” She hopes young people will enthusiastically return home to cast their ballots and serve as a driving force for change.

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

#Miaoli #LinYuehchin #elections #politics #DapuIncident

2026-11-11

Chiayi woman runs in traffic and jumps in water fountain

A scantily clad woman was seen running through traffic and eventually entering a fountain near a roundabout on Zhongshan Road in Chiayi City, on Tuesday evening. Witnesses were stunned and concerned about her safety. When the police arrived on the scene, the woman’s speech was incoherent and she was eventually taken to the hospital by cops.

Wearing shorts and a long-sleeved shirt, a woman with long hair was seen playing in a fountain. Onlookers remained stunned and wondered if the roundabout fountain had transformed into an amusement park somehow.

- Miss, Miss!
What’s wrong?
- I’m out of place
- You’re out of place?
Do you want to call an ambulance?

When the police arrived on the scene, the woman was still walking in the fountain. It was difficult for them to persuade her to get out of the water, she continued to ramble.

- What are you doing here?
- I also don’t know
- You don’t know?
Do you live here?
- I forgot.

Around 9pm on Tuesday, a 25-year-old woman jumped into one of Chiayi’s most iconic landmarks, a fountain roundabout. Locals began to record her as she ran through the traffic and jumped in the water to play.

- What, what is she doing here? Is she on drugs?

As cars passed by, they had to come to abrupt stops as to not hit the woman. Finally the police convinced the woman to be taken to a hospital.

Hsieh Cheng-che
Chief of Police Station in Chiayi
Officers found the woman looking dazed and incoherent as she entered the fountain to play in the water. After some persuasion, the woman agreed to be taken to a hospital.

The woman seemed to be mentally unstable and requiring medical attention. Thankfully no one was hurt during her puzzling actions.

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

#chiayi #roundabout #waterpark #fountain #chiayifountain

2026-11-11

Hualien unveils tourism concept focused on calm and healing

When people think of Taiwan’s eastern city of Hualien and its surrounding countryside, many think of scenic Taroko Gorge or beautiful coastlines. However, now Hualien’s tourism authorities are coming up with a theme of a “Healing Capital,” with travel itineraries and packages that help visitors relax and heal mind and soul. They combine scenery with hot springs, Indigenous culture and agriculture. The goal is not to attract one-time visitors, but, rather, repeat tourists who want to keep coming back. Let’s find out more.

Yu Ming-hsun
Hualien tourism head
What people want now is something that truly allows them to relax and heal their mind and soul, which is why I call this “purposeful tourism.”

A pandemic a few years ago changed human life and also the landscape of tourism.

Yu Ming-hsun
Hualien tourism head
After three days and two nights here, I took the healing power of Hualien back home because I found that I could sleep well and eat properly here.

It sounds very abstract, but the experience is very real. The Hualien County Government has put forward a brand-new theme of a "Healing Capital".

- Do you know what the “Hero Spring” is?
- Does soaking in it make you a hero?
- Because it’s rich in iron and barium, soaking in it is supposed to help you have a boy.
- Is that an urban legend?

In addition to hot springs, it also combines mountains and sea, food, Indigenous tribal culture and agricultural resources.

Yu Ming-hsun
Hualien tourism head
If a million people come only once, that’s called consumption. But if 10,000 people come 100 times, it’s a connection with the land and the people of the land. I think that’s the real purpose of tourism.

Yu Ming-hsun previously championed Taitung’s “slow economy,” which has since flourished. Now in Hualien, he is promoting the area as a ‘healing capital,” aiming to ensure visitors never forget their experience.

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

#intentionaltourism #purposefultourism #Hualien #Hualientourism #Taiwanhotsprings

2026-11-11

Keelung Mayor fumbles for words leaving his opponent confused

Keelung’s Mayoral debates have kicked off! On the 10, the televised debate featured DPP candidate, Tung Tzu-wei attacking current Mayor George Hsieh suggesting that his governance always ranks the lowest. Hsieh fired back saying that Tung’s stance on the proposed Keelung MRT constantly changes and this remained a hot topic during their discussion. One major hiccup was an awkward silence when Hsieh zoned out and did not ask his questions in time which he spoke candidly about afterwards.

The candidates running in Keelung’s Mayoral race shake hands as they get ready to engage in the first televised mayoral debate.

Tung Tzu-wei
Keelung Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Keelung has been under the rule of Mayor George Hsieh for many years now. Our Keelung city’s governance performance nearly always places last.

George Hsieh
Keelung Mayor
Candidate Tung Tzu-wei’s view on the MRT keeps changing, the DPP just wants to replace the TR with the MRT.

The two sides immediately clashed during the opening statements, but it was during cross-examination that Hsieh stunned everyone.

- And now Mr. Hsieh will ask
Mr. Tung will answer
Questioning time is one minute, please begin

- And now Mr. Tung will answer
You have two minutes, please begin

- Mayor Hsieh didn’t ask anything.

- Apologies, I didn’t read it.

If a question wasn’t asked, how will someone answer? Tung appeared confused as he looked expectantly at Mayor Hsieh. As the Mayor gathered his bearings, the debate came to a standstill in an awkward silence.

George Hsieh
Keelung Mayor
At the time, I was still reading some information, and then the mediator quickly jumped to the next part. The pace is very fast, I was struggling to keep up, but I would recommend the mediator to remind me.

By the time Hsieh finally came to his senses, the damage was done and the memes were made. As Tung posted a screenshot from the debate to his social media, netizens flocked to criticize Hsieh for being unprepared and so “chill.”

Shan Hou-chih
Media professional
Both of you have spoken about the MRT issue for a long time, so I will not ask about it further. What I want to ask is, besides the MRT, what is the policy proposal of your opponent that you most disagree with?

George Hsieh
Keelung Mayor
You are asking what exactly do I disagree with the most regarding the opponent’s policy? I still would like to return to the issue of the MRT.

Hsieh’s obsession with the MRT even frustrated the moderator, but he had one major card to play by quoting a US Senator, James Tarrico.

Love is the stron—strongest force in the universe.
Sorry, my first sentence was a bit…
I will say it again.
Love is the str-strongest force in the universe.

George Hsieh
Keelung Mayor
English pronunciation is like a tongue-twister. So, I had choked on my spit.

Whether Hsieh’s performance during the first Keelung mayoral debate will sit well with voters is yet to be seen.

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

#keelungmayor #georgehsieh #dpp #kmt #taiwanelections

2026-11-10

Incumbent KMT Taoyuan mayor leads latest poll by just 4.1%

Mayor Chang San-cheng is leading the latest poll for the Taoyuan mayoral race. The KMT incumbent had 36.9% of support in the city. That’s just a short 4.1 percentage points ahead of the DPP challenger, Huang Shih-chieh, who has 32.8%. Let’s hear from the two.

Huang Shih-chieh
Taoyuan City Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
I think we should continue doing what we’re doing and push forward in the right direction, so that more voters can get to know us. I think the people of Taoyuan can tell there is a huge gap between Cheng Wen-tsan’s policies, which propelled Taoyuan forward, and the KMT’s Chang San-cheng’s past four years in office. I hope we can get the opportunity to restore Taoyuan to its glory.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor (KMT)
No matter how high or low we rank in the polls, or how much of a margin there is between us. I will make an effort until the very end. The thing is, our administration is not partisan. You can all see that if a DPP councilor makes a good suggestion, we adopt it. So changing the ruling party is not an issue. We can just stay in power and keep going. Changing the ruling party is not necessarily significant.

In the poll, 56.4% of respondents said they thought Chang had a better chance at winning the election than Huang. Only 14.8% believed Huang had the better chance. But also, 33.8% of respondents said they were in favor of letting the other party in power to see what they can do. That was 2.8 percentage points ahead of those who favored letting the KMT stay in power. The analyst who conducted the poll, Tai Li-an, says the narrow margin between the two candidates could be in part due to a boost in support for the DPP candidate from Puma Shen’s mayoral campaign in Taipei.

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

#taoyuan #election #votes #張善政 #黃世杰

2026-11-10

Driver abandons clubgoers citing complex home address

Earlier this year, a taxi driver abandoned a passenger who then met with a fatal accident. A similar case has occurred on Tuesday, where passengers were abandoned, but thankfully in this case, they were safe. A woman surnamed Lee and her friends were heading home from an evening out in Xinyi District to Wanhua District where they lived. But as soon as the driver got on the Civic Boulevard elevated road, he claimed their address was too complex to reach and he couldn’t find it or use GPS and left the three on the roadside. Luckily, a taxi passing by picked them up and dropped them home.

A taxi speeds away as the three passengers laugh helplessly at it. They are stranded on the Civic Boulevard expressway in the middle of the night with barely any cars around.

One of the stranded women, posted a rant on social media. She called the cops after a taxi driver left her stranded on the elevated road, who advised her to flag down a cab or call for another one. Thankfully, within five minutes, another taxi driver noticed there were people stranded on the highway and took them to the Xiyuan Police Station in Wanhua.

Lee Yu-han
FTV reporter
The woman had requested the driver to drop them at a convenience store near her home, but the driver claimed he was unfamiliar with the roads and navigation tools and excused himself by dropping the lot off in the middle of the elevated highway.

Around 3am on the 10, the woman and her two friends were abandoned by a taxi on the Civic Boulevard elevated road. She vented online that they were heading home to Wanhua District from a nightclub in Xinyi District when the taxi driver suddenly claimed that their address was too complicated and he didn’t know how to use navigation. He left them on the expressway and sped away. Once off the expressway, the woman called the cops to file a complaint claiming this was grounds for eventual intent homicide to which the cop said the lawsuit might fall through. The woman, helplessly asked whether only serious accidents warranted attention?

Chao Chih-yun
Lawyer
If the driver believed that the passengers could be struck and killed by other vehicles and still abandoned them and exposed them to danger, the driver could be convicted of dolus eventualis or eventual intent homicide. The passenger’s conscious state does not absolve the driver of criminal liability.

For taxi fare disputes and stopping without cause on elevated roads, police can already issue fines between NT$1,200 to NT$6,000. Earlier this year, a similar incident involved a taxi driver dumping a 25-year-old intoxicated man, who was later struck and killed. An investigation has been launched and police will question the driver.

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

#abandonment #homicide #doluseventualis #taxi #civicboulevard #taiwan

2026-11-10

Young Formosan black bear released after rescue from trap

A 1-year-old Formosan black bear cub was rescued from a trap in Miaoli’s Tai’an Township back in February this year. The bear had sustained severe injuries on its front left paw, and sadly had to have the limb amputated. But after months of rehabilitation and care, the bear was deemed healthy to be released back into the wild on Tuesday. Let’s hear more.

Lin Chia-yu
Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency
The bear was doing well. It now tries to avoid humans, which shows that it can survive in the world. That’s why, after receiving approval from experts, we decided to release the young bear.

When the bear was rescued, it weighed just 30kg. Now, after 9 months in intensive care, it’s grown to 50kg. The young bear underwent environmental adaptation training in April, to learn survival skills such as foraging and climbing. Upon its release, Atayal elders gave the bear a blessing and a name. “Bagan,” meaning summer. The name symbolizes a bountiful harvest and good health and safety for the bear as it grows up.

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

#bear #formosanblackbear #nature #cub #miaoli

2026-11-10

Sports ministry hosts immersive wilderness survival exhibition

As outdoor activities are becoming more popular in recent years, hiking remains a top choice for those looking to spend time in nature. But sometimes, venturing into the mountains requires more than just enthusiasm. The Ministry of Sports recently launched a hiking trends forum and immersive survival skills exhibition at the National Taiwan Science Education Center. Fu Chao-hsuan, a high jumper who won gold at this year’s Asian Games, along with veteran climber Huang Wen-chen came to try out one of the event’s challenges.

As he pulls down hard on the rope, high jumper Fu Chao-hsuan’s partner on the other end rises up into the air. But the Asian Games gold medalist isn’t jumping today. Instead, he’s trying out a wilderness survival challenge.

About 70% of Taiwan is mountainous, boasting stunning peaks, pristine waters, and beautiful landscapes. This abundant environment makes hiking accessible to everyone. But it’s not enough to rely on enthusiasm alone. Sometimes, having thorough knowledge of safety is far more important.

Fang Jui-wen
Sports for All Administration director-general
Since the Sports for All Administration was founded on Sept. 9 last year, we have been promoting information related to mountaineering. With this immersive exhibition, we hope the multi-sensory experiences can help teach the public firsthand how to prepare if they’re planning a trip into the mountains, and what to do if they encounter any difficulties.

Hosted by the Ministry of Sports, this international hiking trends forum and immersive mountain life exhibition opened recently at the National Taiwan Science Education Center. There are many activities simulating mountain survival challenges, disaster rescue, and life skills that you can try, giving visitors a fun way to learn what to do while out in the wilderness.

Fang Jui-wen
Sports for All Administration director-general
This immersive mountaineering exhibition and international hiking trends forum will be held throughout the month. We hope to get perspectives from other countries and other fields to make mountaineering safer here in Taiwan.

Conditions can change in an instant when you’re in the mountains. Only by having proper safety knowledge can hikers properly judge risk and know how to respond. With a little preparation, hikers can mitigate disaster in critical moments to ensure that every mountain adventure ends in a safe return home.

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

#hiking #mountaineering #MinistryofSports #SportsforAll #wilderness #survivalskills #outdoorsafety #FuChaohsuan

2026-11-10

Eatery where Nvidia CEO dated spy launches dedicate set meal

Any publicity is good publicity. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang’s extramarital affair with a Chinese spy has put the tech tycoon’s love life in the global spotlight. But sharing the spotlight is the restaurant where he was pictured having a meal with his mistress. Located by the riverside in Shanghai, the Chinese-style establishment has apparently launched a set meal featuring the same dishes that Huang and his side piece enjoyed during their furtive rendezvous. An employee at the restaurant posted the now infamous photo on social media, welcoming everyone to the restaurant to recreate the scene. Lets’ hear what people think.

Member of public
Would feel hurt
If it were me, I would feel hurt.

Member of public
Disagrees with approach
They just want to ride the trend. But everyone has different opinions and values. I think Taiwanese people wouldn’t find this agreeable. It’s a matter of education.

Member of public
Finds it inappropriate
I think it’s a bit inappropriate. They’re kind of using Jensen Huang, and the optics aren’t good. It’s just a gimmick, but I don’t think they should be making such a huge deal out of this.

Some netizens took the post with humor. Some called the table, the “cheater special.” Others joked that reservations must be off the charts now. While others suggested that the restaurant should cash in on opportunities in the extramarital affair market. But not everyone found it funny, with some saying that it was shameless that the restaurant would try to use the incident to gain notoriety. Whatever it may be, Huang’s love affair has unexpectedly catapulted the Shanghai restaurant onto the global stage.

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

#shanghai #food #jensenhuang #cheater #funny

2026-11-10

Election campaigning heats up as fireworks almost hit scooter rider

Election campaigning is getting explosive in Taichung! A motorcyclist had a close call when fireworks suddenly erupted right in front of him as he rode through a narrow alley, forcing him to swerve to avoid the flying sparks and nearly sending him crashing to the ground. The rider later joked online that dodging fireworks wasn’t part of his driving test, while others wondered if he’d accidentally entered an obstacle course. The fireworks were apparently set off by supporters of a borough chief candidate who were canvassing for votes.

A scooter rider is zipping through narrow alleyways, when out of nowhere, boom! Fireworks fill the street. The rider rushes to escape, weaving to the side to dodge sparks and almost sliding to the ground. Later on social media he wrote, “From what I remember, dodging fireworks wasn’t on the driving test!” Others chimed in, wondering if it was a brand new obstacle course.

Voice of scooter rider
Dodged fireworks
At the time, I was hesitant on whether to go forward or not, because it looked scary. I was shocked. My ears were ringing.

Voice of local ressident
Was scared
It scared me. You shouldn’t set off firecrackers at the intersection.

Voice of local
Finds firecrackers dangerous
If they blow up near someone, that could cause quite a lot of unnecessary trouble.

So who set off the fireworks? Security camera footage shows that at the time, a candidate for borough warden was canvassing for votes. It is thought one of his supporters ignited the pyrotechnics to liven up the neighborhood.

Voice of campaign staff
Denies launching fireworks
I’m telling you, I didn’t set them off. I’ve got nothing to do with it.

The incident happened in the evening rush hour in Taichung’s Wuri District, at an intersection between Chenggong East Road and an alley connecting to Xuetian Road. The fireworks almost hit road users passing by.

Chang Yue-teng
Police officer
We dispatched officers to investigate the site and review security camera footage to determine who was involved and summon them to the police station.

The elections are just around the corner, and campaigning is heating up, literally. But remember that even though fireworks are showy and attention-grabbing, they could land you a fine of up to NT$2,400.

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

#fireworks #sparks #campaign #election #taichung

2026-11-10

Baffled Keelung taxi driver watches men fight over ride

Some people are just looking to pick a fight, even over a taxi! A little after 1am one night in Keelung, two strangers were outside the entrance to Miaokou Night Market trying to hail a cab. When a car pulled up, the two men went to blows, ending up with contusions on both of their faces.

Two men grapple each other on a curb as bystanders rush in to separate them, even as a child stands off to the side watching. What caused the fight? Police said the strangers Chiang, who threw the first punch, and Chen had both been drinking and were arguing over a cab.

Member of public
Keelung resident
There are lots of taxis here. Another one would have come in no time.

Member of public
Keelung resident
There’s a lot of foot and vehicle traffic here. There’s no need to fight over a cab. They were both probably drinking.

The brawl happened just outside Miaokou Night Market in Keelung. The driver said that the two men were standing close to each other, so when he pulled up, he was stunned to see them start fighting. Both men left with bloody faces, but neither got into the taxi. They ended up at the police station instead.

Taxi driver
Involved in incident
I had no idea if they were together or not. They were standing right next to each other. It’s weird to fight over something like this. Why?

Yu Ta-lun
Police officer
Although neither party pressed assault charges, regarding the breach of public order, police are still handling the case in accordance with the Social Order Maintenance Act.

While neither side pressed charges, losing composure like that after drinking—and in front of a child, no less—sets the worst possible example.

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

#fight #brawl #Keelung #taxi #streetbrawl #publicorder #police

2026-11-10

Hostel guest requests refund after stranger takes her bed

A visitor to Kaohsiung was shocked when she found someone else sleeping on the bed she booked at a youth hostel after she got back from a concert. The hostel staff made the unexpected guest leave, as he had not paid for a bed, but asked the customer to change the sheets herself. She later complained and the hostel said it would give her a full refund.

A hostel guest pulled back the curtain on her bed and was shocked to find a stranger sleeping there.

Ms. Lin
Hostel guest
I saw that the curtain to my bed had been drawn and then noticed someone’s leg on the end of the bed.

Ms. Lin traveled to Kaohsiung for a concert and booked a stay at a youth hostel. But when she got back after the concert, there was a stranger in her bed. She said the hostel staff did not handle the situation well.

Ms. Lin
Hostel guest
He apologized to the staff and then left, and they just let him leave. They said they would give me a new bed sheet and pillowcase, but left the bed as it was when the guy left.

The hostel only changes its lock code once a week, so a guest from the night before was able to get back in. Although the staff made him leave, they asked Ms. Lin to change the sheets herself. Unhappy with the still-warm, messy bed, she requested a different one, but was told it was fully booked. Furious, she called the police.

Hostel staff
Anonymous
Guests have to make the bed themselves here, and we gave her new sheets right away. If she had an issue, she should have told me then, but she called the police. I think that according to regulations, I can’t give her a refund.

Voice of Yin Ma-chien
Kaohsiung consumer ombudsman
Handing the guest fresh sheets and asking them to change the bed themself is a shortcoming in service. Given that the guest had already checked in, this lack of service is grounds for a discount. If the hostel and guest cannot reach an agreement on the amount, we urge the guest to file a complaint with the city’s consumer service center as soon as possible.

Ms. Lin said she would gather evidence and continue to push for a refund. The hostel later said it was willing to give the money back, hoping to put the dispute to rest.

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

#Kaohsiung #concert #hostel #stranger #strangerdanger #bed #sheets #service #dispute #consumer #refund

2026-11-10