Logo
  • Home

頭條新聞 Headline News

Japanese lawmaker Furuya Keiji receives Order of Brilliant Star

This Monday morning President Lai Ching-te awarded an Order of Brilliant Star with Grand Cordon to Japanese House of Representatives Member Furuya Keiji for his outstanding contributions towards deepening Taiwan–Japan relations. Lai also said he looks forward to working with Japan in the future and having the support of Furuya, who is head of the Japan-ROC Diet Members’ Consultative Council. Together, Lai said, the two countries will help one another prosper while contributing towards fostering peace, stability, and economic development in the Indo-Pacific.

During his speech, Furuya expressed his gratitude to Lai. The Japanese lawmaker also shared how China sanctioned him back in April for his many visits to Taiwan. China’s punishment included freezing his assets in China as well as banning him from entering the country. Furuya said the sanctions will have no effect on him, as these coercive tactics are part of China’s playbook. For this reason, he believes all countries having shared values of democracy, rule of law, and human rights should strengthen their cooperation.

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

#Chinesesuppression #diet #Japan #Taiwan #FuruyaKeiji #PresidentLai #OrderofBrilliantStar

Time：2026-07-27

最新消息 Latest News

Popular swim spot under scrutiny after man drowns

A popular natural swimming spot in Keelung has come under scrutiny, after the death of a swimmer this past weekend. The location is Shigong Pond, in Qidu District, where locals flock to on hot days, despite a sign saying that swimming is forbidden. The man who lost his life was surnamed Chu, and was in his 50s. He had submerged himself underwater, and didn’t come to the surface for a period of time, prompting others in the area to rush to his rescue. People who frequent the spot say there are plenty of areas where the water isn’t deep, and there’s even a swimming club that meets at the pond. But a government official says the site is dangerous, and a city councilor is urging the government to do something about it.

In the blazing summer heat, swimming spots like these are packed. It was here where tragedy struck on Sunday, as a 53-year-old man lost his life after he submerged himself and never came back up.

Swimmer
Tried to help with rescue
His wife told us her husband was underwater. When we brought him up, his body was all white. His feet were white. He wasn’t breathing, and had lost his pulse.

The man drowned at the Shigong Pond in Keelung’s Qidu District, considered a hidden gem for locals trying to stay cool in the heat. The victim was Mr. Chu, who’d brought over his wife and two kids on a day out. His wife started getting alarmed when she felt he was underwater for too long, and called for help. Two men jumped right in the water to rescue him, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Tsai Fu-ning
Keelung official
Though Shigong Pond appears calm, there are often whirlpools and areas where the water is very deep. It’s dangerous. It’s a water-management facility, not a recreational pool.

Officials say the site is not meant for dips, but judging from the amount of swimmers, one would think otherwise. The pond is 300m long and can reach depths of 2.5m. There’s even a swim club.

Swimmer
Swims safely
It’s not that different from a natural stream. It doesn’t get deep all of a sudden. You can reach the bottom until quite far in.

The sign says no swimming, and yet, there’s an area to rinse off after a swim. Since last year, City Councilor Tong Tzu-wei has been warning about the potential dangers of the site, saying that it’s not managed properly. He’s calling on the city government to do more than just put up a sign and consider the matter done with.

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

#swimming #keelung #naturalpool #pond #summer

2026-07-27

Staff at all-you-can-eat buffet go on mad chase after rat

The customers at an all-you-can-eat buffet were treated to a dinner-and-show spectacle starring a sewer rat. The incident happened on Sunday evening in Kaohsiung. The rat wreaked chaos as soon as it showed up in the dining area, setting off a mad chase by members of staff. Some suspect that the recent pest-control measures at the department store pushed the rat to make its public appearance. Let’s hear more.

Voice of Chung Yun-yan
Restaurant group PR
The rat ran to the emergency exit at the back, where it was caught and later killed. After the dining service last night, we will strengthen our disinfection and hygiene measures. None of the diners felt unwell or felt that the matter was not resolved properly.

Member of public
Commenting on rat chase
At department stores, the air ducts are connected. Rats and things like that are inevitable.

Member of public
Commenting on rat chase
I’d freak out. But, it’s quite normal for there to be rats and roaches at restaurants.

- Would you be worried about safety?
- Yes. If there’s rats, it’s not clean.

A diner reports that she was chowing down her food when the rat crawled past for the first time. What’s worse is that the rodent decided to make a second pass, practically touching her feet. Staff members rushed to corner the rat, in a scene fitting of a high-stakes action movie. Health authorities say they will inspect the premises to find any rule breaches, while the restaurant says it has expanded it pest-control measures.

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

#buffet #upscale #allyoucaneat #mukbang #rat #funny #lol

2026-07-27

Tainan, Kaohsiung restaurants earn Michelin star within year of opening

This year’s Michelin Guide has been released! After just opening last year, Yu Dao in Tainan was awarded a star for its seasonal Taiwanese flavors prepared with French techniques. Hābu in Kaohsiung was also given a star after being open for less than a year. Coming from a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, the founder incorporates medicinal herbs into Japanese kaiseki cuisine, making it Taiwan’s very first starred restaurant inspired by traditional medicine.

A crispy shell made from red dates complements perfectly with the date puree inside for the perfect guilt-free treat. It’s hard to imagine using medicinal herbs in fine dining, but this small bistro in Kaohsiung, Hābu, has managed to do just that. Their creativity earned them a Michelin star this year.

Shawn
Hābu owner
I was surprised of course, but I also hope that the recognition can help us continue to make traditional herbal medicine a part of people’s lives in different ways.

Coming from a family of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, the owner, Mr. Lu, carefully selects herbs sold wholesale by his family and uses them to craft signature spice mixes, seamlessly blending them with everyday cuisine.

Shawn
Hābu owner
We use traditional medicinal ingredients along with fresh herbs. When guests take it home, it’s a bit like a scent diffuser, but it’s actually very soothing.

Just as traditional medicine emphasizes seasonal wellness, so does the chef by incorporating French marigold and thyme into the dessert. Ingredients with light and refreshing herbal scents help dispel internal heat, cementing the establishment as Taiwan’s very first “herbal medicine” restaurant with a Michelin star.

Tsai Chih-fan
Hābu executive chef
In the summer, we focus on nourishing the heart, so we use more red ingredients. As for spices, during the summer, we adopt milder, more refreshing spices and medicinal herbs.

Yu Dao in Tainan, which also opened last year, was also awarded a star by the Michelin Guide. They source about 70% of their ingredients from Tainan, which they prepare using French culinary techniques to reinterpret these seasonal foods.

Yang Po-wei
Yu Dao executive chef
Lotus seeds from Baihe, as well as pineapple and green bamboo shoots from Guanmiao are all items we frequently have on the menu.

The executive chef is a Tainan native who returned from Taitung to open the restaurant. He hopes to prove that there’s more to Tainan than just street food.

Chen Yi-ting
Yu Dao manager
I got goosebumps when I heard we got a star! I truly feel like this recognition reflects the hard work put in by every single member of the team.

From reinterpreting local Tainan flavors to pioneering uses of herbal medicine in Kaohsiung, a new generation of restaurateurs has landed Michelin stars with their creativity. They’ve not only breathed new life into traditional cuisine, but also opened a fresh chapter in Taiwan’s culinary map.

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

#MichelinGuide #Michelin #restaurants #Tainan #Kaohsiung #Yudao #Habu #traditionalChinesemedicine #herbalmedicine

2026-07-27

Public embraces piano outside Weiwuying to perform

A public piano outside the Weiwuying performing arts center in Kaohsiung has been getting a lot of use recently, with people giving spontaneous piano, violin, and vocal performances. In a report live from the venue, FTV found that shockingly, many of these talented musicians don’t have any formal training. They only came to Weiwuying to share their passion for music.

A lilting melody lifts from the piano, accompanying a vocalist’s haunting voice. They’re performing at the main hall outside Weiwuying in Kaohsiung while many spectators listen, spellbound.

Another pianist plays while singing in his deep, resonant voice. This musician, Chen Yin-chun, just graduated from high school and is set to attend Taipei National University of the Arts later this year.

Chen Yin-chun
Performer
It seemed like anyone could go play, so I thought, hey, why not give it a shot? Then more and more people stopped to listen, and I started getting a greater sense of accomplishment. It feels like I’m sharing something.

Many videos have been going up online of amateur musicians giving stunning performances here outside Weiwuying. While professionals are gracing the stage inside, many different talents can have their time to shine out here. Playing in this plaza has become a cherished hobby for many.

Hsu Chia-fang
Performer
Many of the people here are self-taught. It made me realize that I could also try teaching myself piano. Actually, all of this was taught to me by the people here.

With both amateurs and professional teachers popping up to perform, it’s also become a favorite spot for spectators.

Local resident
Relaxes at Weiwuying
Often when I’m at home, I feel uncomfortable and find it hard to relax. But coming here to listen to this really relaxes me.

Local resident
Listens to music at Weiwuying
I think it’s fantastic that we can come to a public space like this to listen to music that you’d otherwise hear in the concert hall.

Hsu Chih-wei
Weiwuying technical manager
We’ve seen so many casual musicians and all kinds of people coming to play and showcase their talent here. It makes all the hard work of maintaining and caring for this place feel truly worth it.

A single piano placed out in public can draw out all kinds of hidden talent. People here are making friends too, filling both the inside and outside of Weiwuying with the joy of music.

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

#Weiwuying #publicpiano #hiddentalent #musician #amateurmusician #music #selftaught #talent

2026-07-27

Shifen trip to set off sky lanterns almost ends in hospital trip

A fun trip to set off sky lanterns almost ended with a hospital visit in the town of Shifen in New Taipei. The town is famous around the world, with tourists flocking to the area to take picturesque photos and videos of lanterns being released into the sky from the railway tracks. But this past weekend, one of the lanterns floating away turned into a fiery projectile. The bundle of burning paper used as fuel detached itself from the lantern and came crashing down on the crowd, right next to a visitor’s feet. The lantern itself then crashed against an electrical transformer box, which could have started a fire. Let’s hear more.

Visitor
Shifen
It’s quite dangerous if it falls on someone.

Visitor
Shifen
Maybe it’s the design, or maybe they should’ve secured it better.

Visitor
Shifen
It’s really dangerous, and it could start a fire! I’ll only be buying stickers here. I haven’t set off any lanterns and I don’t plan to.

Lantern shop owner
Unrelated to incident
Usually, you only have seven, eight or nine sheets. If you put too many it will likely fly further. But if the wind blows it down, it could fall.

Lantern shop owner
Unrelated to incident
If you don’t hook the fuel paper properly, it could fall off when the lantern rises to the sky. When we turn the lantern around, we check that it’s caught on tightly. Otherwise, it’s dangerous.

Sky lanterns have a long tradition in Shifen, where they were originally used as a tool for communication. Releasing a lantern to the sky symbolized safety for all to see. But now the tradition has morphed into a way for people to make wishes. There have been many incidents over the years, as fire and paper are the perfect recipe for a spectacular blaze. In one recent incident caught on camera, a lantern drifted into a local resident’s balcony, where clothes were hanging up to dry. The lantern crashed against the stand, causing a fire that burned the garments.

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

#shifen #taiwantourism #skylantern #magical #wishes

2026-07-27

Aussie rescued in cave in May trains to be volunteer firefighter

The Taitung County Fire Department just held its first-ever high-tech search-and-rescue training session, an event that featured a variety of drones and remote-controlled life buoys as well as volunteer firefighters. One of the trainees stood out from the pack; it was Matthew, an Australian man who was rescued back in May after he got lost in the mountains of Donghe Township. It turns out that Matthew is an adept surfer, making him perfect for water rescue.

Four different types of drones are all airborne during this mock water rescue training session, which also requires each unit to operate a remote-controlled lifebuoy. Being able to simultaneously perform search-and-rescue in the air and water showcases how different units can coordinate on an integrated disaster response.

One face stands out from the crowd: it’s Matthew, the Australian national who rose to fame in May when he was rescued in the mountains of Donghe Township.

On May 15, Matthew grabbed his saxophone case and hopped on his scooter. He originally was just trying to find some peace in the mountains after an argument at home, yet he accidentally ended up getting trapped in a cave, where he stayed for 7 days. Lacking food and having no electronics, the man was able to find water despite having sandals on his feet. With the odds against him, he was saved.

When he was being rescued, the firefighters realized that he quickly picked up how to climb and rappel using ropes. He also excels at surfing, making him a standout candidate in the water. Seeing his potential, back in May his rescuers told him he should consider becoming a volunteer firefighter.

Lu Tung-fa
Taitung County fire chief
Our partner Matthew’s expertise is in surfing, so he can do water rescue. He wants to join us, to join the ranks of the Water Area Rescue Volunteer Firefighters.

One of Matthew’s rescuers was also part of the training event, and once again the two appeared on candid camera. Back in May they were rescuer and rescued, but two months later they’re training together, meaning that someday they might just be on the same rescue team.

- Has he filled out the application form?
- Not yet. But as long as he’s willing, then we’ll get him a form to fill out.

Low-key as usual, Matthew didn’t want to be interviewed. But his appearance at the event was a sign of good things to come, because the Taitung County Fire Department is looking forward to the day when the former survivor fills out his volunteer firefighter application and completes his training to become a life saver.

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

#volunteer #firefighter #firefighting #waterrescue #Taitung #Matthew #Australia

2026-07-27

Taiwanese baseball fans flock to New York for 22nd MLB Taiwan Day

The New York Mets’ Taiwanese Heritage Day celebrated its 22nd anniversary on July 26, but this year had a special first: Taiwanese-American NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren threw out the first pitch. Lindgren faced stiff competition from two other celebrity pitchers: CPBL commissioner Tsai Chi-chang and Ive vocalist Jang Won-young, a pitcher whose change-up might’ve stolen the hearts of Taiwanese K-pop enthusiasts.

NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren throws a pitch and CPBL commissioner Tsai Chi-chang hurls another strike. The Taiwanese duo is in Citi Field, home of the New York Nets. But today the Big Apple is full of Taiwanese baseball fans who are wearing Taiwan No. 1 shirts for Taiwanese Heritage Day, which celebrated its 22nd anniversary this year.

Kjell N. Lindgren
Taiwanese-American NASA astronaut
I’m more nervous about throwing out a first pitch than I was ever about launching into space.

Born in Taipei in 1973, Lindgren fulfilled his lifelong dream back in 2015 when he first went into space. Regardless of whether he’s on Planet Earth or in the cosmos, Lindgren has always cherished maintaining his connection to Taiwan.

Kjell N. Lindgren
Taiwanese-American NASA astronaut
Celebrating Taiwan Day for 22 years at Citi Field with the Mets, and I’m excited to be here.

For years Taiwanese fans have called on the MLB to hold games in Taiwan, and even CPBL Commissioner Tsai Chi-chang promised he’ll be extending an invite to the world’s biggest professional baseball league.

Tsai Chi-chang
CPBL Commissioner
For Asia, MLB currently only holds regular season games in South Korea and Japan. We have many fans who are looking forward to the day when games might be played in Taiwan. So, I’ll bring this matter up with the MLB’s commissioner.

It may have been Taiwan Day, but Asian neighbor South Korea also had its talent on display in the ballpark. Ive’s Jang Won-young threw the game’s official first pitch.

Jang must’ve practiced her wind-up as well as that coquettish pose for the camera. Overall, it was a great day for Taiwanese baseball fans, who were able to witness Taiwan sports diplomacy blended with a touch of K-pop entertainment.

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

#K-pop #Ive # JangWon-young #KjellLindgren #NASA #MLB #baseball #Mets #NewYork

2026-07-27

Taoyuan engineer develops mini palm-sized watermelon

It’s common these days to see watermelons so big you can’t even wrap both arms around one. But have you ever seen one small enough to fit in the palm of your hand? An engineer in Taoyuan’s Guanyin District with a penchant for farming came up with a new cultivation method to grow these mini watermelons in a greenhouse. He says they’re perfect for smaller households that can’t finish a full-sized watermelon, as these fruits are only a single portion.

There’s nothing better than taking a refreshing bite of watermelon in the searing summer heat. But what’s this? It fits in one hand!

Someone with larger hands picks up two at once, proving that they can fit in the palm of your hand. These unusually small fruits are perfect for gift baskets.

Chiang Lin-ta
Farmer
There aren’t many people in a single household these days. If you want a regular watermelon to bring home, you’re caught in a dilemma whether to buy it or not, since it’s hard to keep if you don’t finish it. But a melon of this size is perfect for a single serving, so people are more willing to buy it.

The creator of these mini watermelons is Chiang Lin-ta. Although he works as an engineer, as a third-generation melon farmer, he started growing watermelon as a side hustle. In his free time, he works hard in his greenhouse and fields to come up with innovative cultivation methods. Each tiny watermelon is less than 10cm in diameter, weighs 300g to 600g, and has a sweetness level of 7 to 10 degrees. The fruit is also crunchier than regular watermelon.

Chiang finds growing fruit to be interesting and stress-relieving. It’s also a way to spend time with his dad, giving him a deep sense of accomplishment.

Chiang Lin-ta
Farmer
Planting in the greenhouse yields a fruit-bearing rate of over 95%. In the 116-square-meter greenhouse, we can plant 400 vines that will yield over 1,000 melons.

Guanyin Farmers’ Association chair
The timing coincides with the Guanyin Lotus Festival, so the whole setup can be made into a leisure farm where tourists can come and pick fruit.

Although he hasn’t completely taken over the farm yet, Chiang continues to work alongside his father, leveraging his expertise to create new agricultural techniques and specialty produce that’s high-quality, marketable, and competitive.

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

#farmer #watermelon #fruit #Taoyuan #miniwatermelon #agriculture

2026-07-27

Chimei Museum pulls out rare instruments for festival

The 2026 Chimei Music Festival is coming up soon in September. This year, audiences are to enjoy a whole new level of splendor with the rare addition of 13 centuries-old stringed instruments. Among them are the extraordinary Viennese black viola and lion-head viola, which were crafted exclusively for royalty. Let’s go on a special sneak peak of this one-of-a-kind event.

The rich sound of strings resonate among the paintings in this gallery to tease the start of this year’s highly anticipated Chimei Music Festival.

This year, classical music aficionados will get to hear 13 rare stringed instruments from the Chimei Museum collection. One of them is this 300-year-old viola. Traces of its original black varnish are still visible, applied by order of the Holy Roman Empress in mourning for the late Emperor.

Chung Tai-ting
Chimei Museum stringed instruments advisor
After the Holy Roman Emperor passed away in 1765, the Empress felt that instruments played on stage should show respect to the royal family and ordered them to be varnished black.

Although the varnish has worn away over time to reveal the wood underneath, the instrument itself remains as a testament to its history. This other viola crafted in 1674 reflects the unique tastes of European royalty of the time with its carved lion-head scroll. It’s one of only four surviving Stainer violas in the world today.

Chung Tai-ting
Chimei Museum stringed instruments advisor
Lion-head instruments were all ordered custom. They’re no ordinary instruments. This is the first time we’re hosting a performance with this viola.

This year’s festival will feature music by Johannes Brahms, the leading luminary of German composition, bringing audiences on a journey through 19th-century central European music.

Chung Chia-hsin
Chimei Museum representative
We’re featuring 13 rare stringed instruments, each with centuries of history. It’s also exceptionally rare that they’re all related to Brahms in some way.

Playing masterpieces of composition with instruments from the time offers a unique opportunity for classical music lovers to hear the music as it would have sounded. By bringing 13 instruments out of its collection for the public to hear, this year’s festival promises to be the best yet.

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

#ChimeiMuseum #violin #viola #classicalmusic #Brahms #Stainerviola #ChimeiMusicFestival #historic

2026-07-27

New patrol vessel shows military’s commitment to resilience

On Friday morning, President Lai Ching-te presided over the commissioning ceremony of the indigenous naval vessel ROCS Tan Chiang, a Tuo Chiang-class corvette that Lai emphasized is highly capable and can be mass-produced. The ship is the first of its batch to be constructed. President Lai also called on the people in Taiwan, as well as the Legislative Yuan, to support the Ministry of National Defense’s special defense budget.

Featuring a design that makes it less detectable by radar, this new patrol vessel’s surface-to-air missiles and anti-ship missiles are the brainchildren of National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology. The ROCS Tan Chiang is an important part of Taiwan’s defense resilience and asymmetric warfare approach, and its presence represents many aspects: Taiwan’s ability to domestically build naval vessels, the Navy’s commitment to defense, and how the country is taking a proactive approach to maintain peace.

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

#defense #navy #corvette #shipbuilding

2026-07-24

Airsoft shooting competition kicks off to improve defense resilience

And if you’ve ever wanted to experience a military-style combat scenario without the danger of live ammunition, the Defense Ministry is giving the public a chance to do just that. It has launched its first-ever nationwide airsoft shooting competition, featuring close-quarters combat simulations, tactical shooting and even battlefield casualty-care challenges. The goal is to build practical skills, teamwork and whole-of-society defense resilience. This Saturday, the northern regional event will kick off at National Defense University.

The enemy has captured intelligence personnel. The squad storms in and enters a close-quarters battle, quickly taking aim and opening fire.

This weekend, the Ministry of National Defense will hold its first-ever airsoft gun shooting competition. The northern regional event will take place at National Defense University’s Fu Hsing Kang Campus. Participants will be put to the test on their combat skills and casualty care in close quarters.

Liao Wei-hung
FTV reporter
The T91 air soft rifle is a realistic replica of a real weapon, which allows competitors to safely train their muscle memory and firearm handling skills.

Individual participants will be challenged to shoot in restricted areas, while teams will have to engage in close-quarters combat scenarios. A key goal of the event is for reservists to train physically and hone their teamwork and marksmanship.

Chou Pei-shan
Influencer
If you’re a beginner, there are clubs all over Taiwan where you can get started. They have online and in-person courses.

Hsiao Tzu-yun
Former Army Special Forces soldier
If you want to get better fast and cheap, airsoft is great as a training aid. Then, when you hold a real firearm, your body will adapt quickly to the recoil from live ammunition.

Yen Chia-hung
Ministry of National Defense
We will also hold events in Central and Southern Taiwan, and we are also planning to hold semifinals and finals. The contest will run from this July through to July next year.

The opening event on Friday featured a spectacular helicopter display, as an Apache and a Black Hawk rolled up flying low and blowing up clouds of dust. The military also showcased the combat capabilities of drones.

An attack drone locks into the target, dips down at full speed and fires at the target to demonstrate the power of precision strikes. The Defense Ministry says it hopes these kinds of events can encourage more people to learn about whole-of-society resilience through hands-on experiences.

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

#defense #taiwan #battle #drone #helicopter #chopper

2026-07-24

Chang Ching-sen quits DPP after Yilan approved to get HSR

The Executive Yuan recently passed the proposal to extend the high-speed rail to Yilan, a plan that has supporters and detractors. One critic is Chang Ching-sen, a veteran lawmaker who shockingly announced he was leaving the DPP over the Executive Yuan’s decision to extend the HSR to Yilan. Chang’s sudden decision was not understood by many, including Yilan residents who are looking forward to the HSR being a transportation option.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
I’m still going to ask Chang Ching-sen, to see if he’ll be willing to continue working with us on this plan of ours to extend the high-speed rail to Yilan.

Yilan resident
Fan of HSR, not of driving
Having the HSR makes traveling more convenient. Like if we want to go to the south, now we need to transfer first at an HSR station. If we can go down south directly, isn’t that more convenient? Driving is tiring.

Yilan resident
Fan of evidence-based decisions
I think he should’ve pointed out some more data if he wanted to convince us to think the way he does. Because, in the end, to those of us living in Yilan, I think this proposal is something that’ll be an important mode of transportation for us.

Hochen Tan
Former minister of transportation
I think, to us, the decision that’s been made is shocking, it’s even something we can’t understand. The only thing that explains it is Cho, after something suddenly happened, made a decision, in order to skirt some issues. But avoiding something like this, whether it’s a political maneuver or manipulating an election, it’s just not something we do as politicians.

In general, Yilan residents support the HSR being extended, as this will benefit the area’s transportation. Chang, however, is not the only politician who finds the proposal’s timing to be peculiar. Former transport minister Hochen Tan also questions why the HSR extension was approved in the midst of an upcoming election. Nevertheless, the Executive Yuan passed the proposal, which will cost over NT$352 billion and has a goal of being open by 2036. Once complete, an HSR train from Yilan to Nangang will take just 28 minutes.

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

#Yilan #HSR #MOTC #highspeedrail #statsnotstories #bullettrain #EastTaiwan

2026-07-24

Scooters with Tibetan dragon motif on sale in Palace Museum collab

The National Palace Museum has worked hard on transforming its image in recent years by selling all kinds of creative products inspired by items from its collection. Right now, it’s offering entire electric scooters for limited sale, designed with flying dragon motifs from the Tibetan Dragon Canon. There are also new items in the store symbolizing wealth and good fortune, hoping to bridge the gap between the collection and the public.

Isn’t it boring having a scooter that’s just one color? The National Palace Museum thinks so. In a creative collab, they’re selling electric scooters wrapped with motifs from the Tibetan Dragon Canon.

- It looks pretty good.
- How so?
- There’s a dragon on the front.
- Do you think it’s a cool design?
- Cool for sure.

- It’d be a little too flashy to drive this around. I like more understated vehicles.
- But it has the gods’ blessing!
- I’m not interested.

Some people love it, while others don’t get the appeal. But regardless, it’s 100% genuine Made in Taiwan.

Voice of Wei Chuan
National Palace Museum marketing representative
Combining Taiwanese manufacturing with artistic design to develop an electric scooter based on the Tibetan Dragon Canon also incorporates concepts of energy conservation and carbon reduction.

Tung Ya-yun
FTV reporter
The Canon conveys wishes for a smooth journey, as well as peace and attracting wealth. Like the amulet and wallet I’m holding, people can use these items in their daily life.

The Canon, packed with images of the Buddha and dragon motifs, is currently on display at the National Palace Museum. Visitors said they had more energy and felt positive after seeing it in person. But did they really?

- After seeing it I got goosebumps and it really lifted my spirits!

- I feel about the same as before.
- As long as he aces his test, it doesn’t matter if he’s in good spirits or not.

Whether it really brings sudden enlightenment by divine intervention is a matter of personal opinion. Or maybe the key is sincerity!

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

#TibetanDragonCanon #Kangyur #NationalPalaceMuseum #creativeproduct #scooter #fashionable #electricscooter #artifact

2026-07-24

Construction site workers caught harness-free on 3rd floor beams

A construction site in Kaohsiung has left locals open-mouthed, and not because of the stunning architecture. Instead, it’s because of the complete lack of any safety features for the workers doing their job on steel beams suspended 3 floors above the ground. A passerby filmed a video of the workers, who can be seen balancing precariously on the building’s frame without a harness or rope in sight. Let’s hear more.

Voice of witness
Saw the construction workers
Neither of the two construction workers was wearing any kind of safety gear, and they were walking around as if it were nothing. I was shocked to my core.

Member of public
Weighing in
If there’s no safety measures… the moment you fall, it’s all over.

Member of public
Weighing in
If they miss a step, they’d come crashing down and lose their lives. They should be wearing a safety harness and be secured to ropes.

Pi Chung-mou
Kaohsiung Labor Affairs Bureau
We’ve sent staff to carry out an investigation. If they are confirmed to have broken rules, they could face a fine of between NT$50,000 and NT$3 million.

The construction site is located in Linyuan District’s Yanhai Road. The workers were left to rely on their own hands to grip the columns of the frame and avoid a deadly fall. Current regulations state that safety measures are a must in situations where workers are at risk of falling from a height of 2m or more. Safety measures could be features such as guard rails or safety nets. In addition, workers must wear personal protective equipment, which includes helmets and harnesses, to prevent any tragedies.

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

#tradie #construction #worker #osha #labor

2026-07-24

AMD CEO Lisa Su unveils ‘best AI rack in the world’

AMD CEO Lisa Su has unveiled the company’s newest Helios AI rack, which she boldly calls “the best AI rack in the world.” Built for large-scale AI inference, the system features next-gen components made using TSMC’s cutting-edge 2-nm process. With AMD promising shipments by the end of the third quarter and mass production in the fourth, the battle between Lisa Su and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is only heating up.

Lisa Su
AMC CEO
Helios is simply the best AI rack in the world.

AMD CEO Lisa Su has a big announcement: full-scale production for the company’s newest AI rack system, Helios. It was specially designed for large AI model inference and features next-gen MI455X GPUs. For the first time, it’s also equipped with EPYC server CPUs produced with TSMC’s 2 nm processes.

Lisa Su
AMC CEO
We’re talking about 320 billion transistors. This is built with TSMC’s leading 2-nanometer and 3-nanometer process technology.

Helios reportedly is more advanced than Nvidia’s Vera Rubin when it comes to peak performance and high-bandwidth memory capacity. Su stressed that demand was strong, and that shipments would begin in Q3 and in higher volumes in Q4. She said the market for products like these is so big that there’s no single company that can do it all.

Lisa Su
AMC CEO
The only way you’re going to be able to service a market like that is for us to work together as an ecosystem. There’s no one company that can solve it all. And we have never been in a better position to lead.

Chun Hwai Tom Su
Lisa Su’s father
With a rival, you push each other to improve. Without a rival, you can just coast by, and that’s when you stop getting better.

In a recent interview, Su’s father discussed how the rivalry between AMD and Nvidia was conducive to faster developments in AI tech. According to Su, demand for AI inference is exploding, with the AI accelerator market expected to hit US$1.4 trillion by 2030. Taiwanese suppliers in the industry all stand to benefit, no matter how the rivalry plays out.

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

#tech #ai #aiinference #technology #amd #nvidia #tsmc #lisasu #jensenhuang

2026-07-24

Austrian student who swam in Love River could be fined NT$25,000

A late night stroll alongside Kaohsiung’s Love River is free, a river cruise sets you back NT$150, but a late night dip is the most expensive experience of all, as the maximum fine for swimming in the river is NT$25,000. Two exchange students from Austria were sipping on cold adult beverages when the boyfriend decided the best way to cool off would be jumping in, an innocent mistake that could have costly consequences.

- You can’t swim here
- Sorry sorry

Fearing someone had accidentally fallen into Kaohsiung’s Love River, police rushed over to the shore, where they saw a foreign exchange student enjoying a late night swim.

-This is a river, not a swimming pool. We’re here at the scene, It was a foreigner imming;
no one fell into the river

The male student quickly got out of the water and put on his shirt. His girlfriend, who is also a student from Austria, looked nervous as she stood on the riverside walkway. At 1 am this morning, the couple realized that not even cold adult beverages could cool them down in the heat of the Kaohsiung night, so the 22-year-old boyfriend took a late night dip, which he later realized could be a costly error.

- You need to go to the police station
- This might be a finable offense

Apparently, the Love River is for lovers, not swimmers. The police later notified Kaohsiung’s Tourism Bureau, who will fine the Austrian national anywhere between NT$5,000 and NT$25,000.

Chien Chun-cheng
Kaohsiung Police Department
This case will be handled according to Article 13 of the Kaohsiung City Self-Government Ordinance for the Management of Love River.

Despite the city government’s recent policy of “returning the river to the people,” currently only a few areas allow people into the water, providing that they use non-motorized floating devices. People are not allowed to swim wherever and whenever they please.

Riverside exerciser
Proponent of swimming safety
You can’t swim in Love River. People drowned in it before. It’s dangerous.

Member of public
Advised against swimming in river
The river’s gotten a lot cleaner ever since the government started regulating it. But still it’s not a good place to swim like that, because there’s dangerous aspects involved.

Visitors from other countries might not be familiar with local laws, but even a fine of NT$25,000 will hurt much less than a swimming experience that ends in tragedy.

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

#intheheatofthenight #LoveRiver #Kaohsiung #Austria #swimming #latenightswim

2026-07-24

Residents hand paint their own traffic signage in alley, causing crash

Some residents living in a small alley in Banqiao have taken both their creativity and the law into their own hands. They’ve painted their own traffic signage in the alley with garish colors and an obvious home-made feel. This has already caused a motorcyclist to have an accident by slipping on one of their hand-painted markings. And, unsurprisingly, the police say this is all illegal. Let’s find out more.

A motorcyclist rode into an alley and ran over a patch of paint on the ground. The vehicle then got out of control and the rider crashed. On closer inspection, the motorcyclist realized that the asphalt road here looked a little, well, unusual.

The entire area is covered in garish paint, complete with crooked yellow dotted lines and traffic signs never seen anywhere else—it’s like stepping into another world.

Hung Chiao-hsuan
FTV reporter
Returning to the scene of the accident, we can actually see that the traffic markings on the asphalt road are extremely sloppy and even include simplified Chinese characters.

This mysterious alley is located near Songbai Street in Banqiao District, New Taipei City. The yellow area means no littering, the red circle means no cigarette butts, and the yellow dotted line means be careful of uneven road surfaces. These are not official traffic signs, but rather signage painted by the residents themselves.

Resident
Painted the traffic directions
We painted these ourselves. The Transportation Department didn’t paint these lines. Like that slow sign, I spray painted that myself too. That corner is very dangerous, often downhill and a blind spot. We spray painted this all ourselves.

This alley only leads to one household. People are questioning if they are treating a public road as their private property. However, those involved say they have good intentions. They want to beautify the environment, improve traffic and make the place even more vibrant.

Resident
Painted the traffic directions
My wife just does what she feels like. She wanted to paint blue colors and green in the back. It’s just to keep this place clean and look nice.

However, private individuals are strictly prohibited from drawing markings on public roads—especially using regular paint, which has already caused a motorcyclist to slip and fall.

Cheng Yu-wen
Traffic police officer
The Transportation Department and Banqiao District Office have been notified to restore the road. For the unauthorized installation or alteration of traffic signs and markings, and the arbitrary placement of obstacles, our precinct will issue a citation for this violation in accordance with Article 82 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act.

Road markers can’t be painted by individuals on a whim, nor can the public invent their own traffic rules, or they’ll end up being ticketed and fined.

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

#Taiwantraffic #Taiwancreatives #Roadsafety #crazycreatives #creatives

2026-07-24

Turtles swim in shuttered nuclear power plant’s water outlet

A group of adorable sea turtles was recently captured by a passerby on video. The animals were paddling in a cooling water outlet of the shuttered Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant in Pingtung County. The video was shared online, where it attracted over 10,000 likes and comments. It turns out the turtles were taking advantage of a strong current to wash algae off their bodies. Let’s find out more.

Strong waves crash against this concrete-lined canal, whipping up spray into the air. At least five sea turtles can be seen swimming, paddling with their flippers on the surface of the water. This rare sight was captured by a passerby at a cooling water outlet coming out of a nuclear power plant in Hengchun.

The passerby was just taking a walk on the beach to relax when he unexpectedly saw sea turtles poking their heads out of the water. The video was shared online and attracted more than 10,000 likes and comments, with many exclaiming it was incredibly therapeutic.

- Yes, we just went down and saw two. There were two or three.

The area near Taiwan’s Maanshan Nuclear Power Plant outlet has always been a popular diving spot, and snorkelers say they often see sea turtles in the vicinity.

Lee Tsung-hsien
Marine biologist
From what we can tell, these sea turtles seen in the waterway seem to be using the strong current to swim upstream and wash the algae off their bodies.

It turns out that these adorable sea turtles were swimming against the strong current gushing from the outlet, constantly paddling their front flippers to go upstream, sometimes surging forward to breathe in the spray, sometimes being swept back by the current, but persevering and continuing to swim forward. They were taking a “turtle bath”. The rising tide allowed a member of the public to capture this rare and therapeutic scene.

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

#Hengchuntourism #Taiwanturtle #turtlesightings #Pingtungtourism

2026-07-24

Thousands nationwide join group searching for painted stones

After Pokémon and Pikmin, did you know about Taiwan’s next most-popular treasure hunt game? Kids are going crazy looking for stones. But they aren’t any ordinary rocks—they’re colorful treasures! What started as a small Facebook group now has over 80,000 members. Anyone can hide painted stones in parks and post clues to find them, providing hours of wholesome fun for families. The creators shared with us their idea behind the game.

A child squats down on the grass, searching for something. Another kid is helped by her mother as she scrounges around under some trees. The entire park is full of kids walking with their heads down, searching.

- I found it! Mom!
- What did you find?
- A rock!

- I found six! This way I don’t have to stay at home. If I’m home, my dad makes me do homework.

- I wait to see who hid them, then I’ll rush out to look. I’ll go even if it’s raining.

Everyone is looking for these colorful rocks. It’s part of a nationwide treasure hunt started by the Facebook group “Xiaoshitou,” or “(Pick up) Stones.” It now has over 80,000 members, with people who share clues for where to find the rocks. Searchers then comment when they find them.

Parent
Kid loves stones
Every day, she tells me how excited she is for Saturday, because she knows that’s the day we come here. I think it’s great. It encourages interaction and gets us to walk around more.

Parent
Kid loves stones
These painted stones can increase interaction between parents and kids.

The creator of the group is a young married couple. They discovered the game during their honeymoon in Australia three years ago, and decided to bring it back with them to Taiwan.

Rachel
Group founder
It’s crazy so many people are doing it. It started spreading this year. Many parents have found it to be a great activity to do with their kids.

Yi An
Group founder
We first discovered this kind of activity while on our honeymoon abroad. In the group, we constantly remind members to only use healthy, non-toxic, water-based paint. People should also only use rocks.

There are also strict rules against hiding the rocks in dangerous places. The founders also recommend buying rocks rather than taking them from the ground, and using only eco-friendly paint to ensure everyone stays safe while having fun.

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

#paintedrocks #treasurehunt #familyactivity #familyfun #scavengerhunt #Facebookgroup #community

2026-07-24