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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

Time：2026-11-11

最新消息 Latest News

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

Taiwan influencer scammed and threatened at Seoul cosmetics store

A Taiwanese beauty influencer who goes by the social media name of Wang Hsun recently had a terrifying experience at a cosmetics store in Meyeong-dong District, which is Seoul’s premier business district. First he got hit with a massive NT$20,000 bill, then when he tried to get a refund, five or six people that included burly men surrounded him and pressured him to go into a small room at the back of the shop to talk it over in a way he found scary. While in the end he was able to get a refund, he was still coerced into spending over NT$3,000 on stuff he didn’t want. And after he complained to the Korean tourism authorities and made a video about his experiences, the store’s legal team threatened him and hackers tried to get inside his social media accounts. Let’s find out more.

Taiwanese beauty influencer Wang Hsun was happily shopping in Meyeong-dong district in Seoul, South Korea, intending to buy some beauty and skincare products. However, he never imagined that stepping into a store would be the start of a nightmare.

Wang Hsun
Taiwan tourist in Korea
As soon as I stepped out of the store, I checked my credit card record. It showed NT$20,000. I wanted to return the products, but they were incredibly scary. Suddenly, five or six people, including some burly men, surrounded me and said: “Why do you want a refund? Let’s go inside and talk.”They kept trying to lead me into a small room.

Although he eventually got a refund, Wang was forced to spend over NT$3,000 on unnecessary skincare products before he could leave. Afterwards, he complained to VisitKorea and even made a video of his experience back in Taiwan to warn other Taiwanese tourists. Unexpectedly, he received a threatening message.

Wang Hsun
Taiwan tourist in Korea
The message basically said that they wanted me to take down the video, and that their company had a legal team that could prevent me from posting it. Many, many people said they encountered the same situation in the comments section of my video. Later, I actually received more than a dozen notifications that hackers were trying to enter my accounts, which has kept me up at night for the past few days.

If you’re just traveling abroad and don’t know anyone, what should you do to protect yourself if you encounter aggressive sales tactics?

943
Travel writer
You should search for reviews online, or look out for Taiwanese people using coded terms to warn that a particular employee at a store might ring up extra items. After you pay, don’t just leave—double check your receipt against the items you actually received.

Wang originally went to Korea to buy beauty products, but instead of coming home with cosmetics, he left with a bellyful of infuriation.

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

#scaryshopping #Seoulcosmetics #meyeong-dongdistrict #Seoulshopping #badtourismexperiences #touristhazards

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

France awards Taichung chef prestigious Order of Agricultural Merit

Taichung’s six-time Michelin star-winning French restaurant now has another accolade to its name. The head chef, Justine Li, recently became the first in Taiwan to be awarded the Order of Agricultural Merit, an honor that’s been handed out by the French government for over a century. Let’s take a look at her latest autumn-winter menu, featuring local Taiwanese elements fused with French fine dining.

This squab breast was slow-cooked over a locally sourced longan wood fire, infusing the crispy skin and tender meat with a subtle woody aroma. It’s a seasonal dish, only offered as part of the autumn-winter menu.

Justine Li
Chef
I rotate the menu with the seasons. We only offer squab and roast duck during the autumn and winter.

This seafood dish is equally as stunning, with ocean fish and water snowflake intricately woven together by hand to allow the crispness of the vegetable to play off of the tender fish.

The dessert course has strong Taiwanese influences. This mont blanc is made from an autumnal mix of lotus seeds, lotus root, and osmanthus. Every one of these exquisite French creations is the brainchild of Taiwanese chef Justine Li.

Justine Li
Chef
We use lotus seeds and lotus root to make a dessert similar to a mont blanc, a dish served in the transition from autumn to winter.

Li has been running her own French restaurant in Taichung for over 20 years. She was recently awarded the Knight rank of the Order of Agricultural Merit, becoming the first Taiwanese chef to earn the prestigious French accolade.

Justine Li
Chef
It was a surprise. I’ve been quietly making French cuisine for years. France is of course very proud of its culinary heritage. Earning their recognition is no easy feat. So I feel particularly honored and overjoyed.

Established over 140 years ago, the Order of Agricultural Merit is bestowed by the French government upon those who make substantial contributions in the fields of agriculture, food science, and gastronomy. For Li to receive the Knight rank is a point of pride for Taiwan’s entire culinary industry.

Justine Li
Chef
The food and beverage sector has been a bit sluggish in Taiwan of late. I hope that winning this distinction will encourage the public to support the industry and give people working in the field a boost of confidence.

Li retains a passion for cooking as strong as it was on her first day in the kitchen. Through her mastery, she’s showing the world all that Taiwan has to offer to French fine dining.

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

#JustineLi #Frenchcuisine #cooking #chef #Michelin #OrderofAgriculturalMerit

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

2026-11-10

Chiayi releases picture book promoting disability awareness

The Chiayi County Government recently released a picture book promoting disability inclusion and awareness. The book tells stories of how people with disabilities use assistive devices to make the most of their lives. At its launch event, Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang tried blindfolding himself and using a cane to experience the daily challenges of people with visual impairments.

Chiayi County Commissioner Wen Chang-liang walks blindfolded with a cane, slowly moving forward while feeling the tactile signs on the ground to experience what it’s like for visually impaired people to walk on the road.

The county government recently published a picture book promoting disability inclusion, telling the story of someone who develops vision problems but learns to live independently with assistive devices. The protagonist leads people to safety during a disaster, showing that the unique experiences of people with disabilities are strengths that can help others. Over 400 people attended the launch, which included a drawing contest for children to express their creativity.

Student
Award winner
A grandma is sitting in a wheelchair, just like when I push my grandma across the road.

Student
Award winner
I drew a grandmother and young woman walking by, just like my sister helping my grandmother.

In addition to designing more accessible roads, the county also set up a dedicated contact window to connect people with disabilities with employment opportunities.

Wen Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
Businesses that employ people with disabilities receive government subsidies. We also help redesign jobs to meet the needs of people with disabilities, so they can smoothly integrate into the workplace.

The county is not only promoting disability awareness, but helping match people with disabilities with suitable positions and creating inclusive workplaces.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#disability #disabled #wheelchair #job #employment #inclusion #awareness #Chiayi #picturebook

2026-11-10

Nvidia CEO admits to cheating on wife with suspected China spy

For years, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang cultivated the image of the ultimate family man, taking his wife Lori everywhere he went and proudly telling the story of their teenage romance. But now, that picture-perfect love story is facing a spectacular crash landing. Huang’s admission that he had an affair with a woman suspected of being a Chinese spy have sent shockwaves through Taiwan and the US. And it isn’t just a marriage scandal. With billions in chip deals and national security concerns investors are wondering whether Jensen’s love life could become everyone’s business.

No matter where in the world, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang was inseparable from his wife Lori Huang. But the image of a couple deep in love came crashing down, after it came to light that Jensen was having an affair, with a suspected spy from China, Alice Huang.

The Financial Times reports that American intelligence agents first photographed Jensen and his mistress Alice back in June 2024 drinking whisky together at a bar in Taipei. The most explosive detail surrounding that is that after their whisky date, Singapore-based Megaspeed, where Alice is a senior executive, bought more than US$4.8 billion worth of advanced chips from Nvidia.

Hadas Gold
CNN reporter
And they were seen together at dinners, they were seen together travelling together in cars. But US officials have increasingly become… believe that Alice Huang is a Chinese intelligence asset.

Member of public
Shocked by affair
He’s my sugar daddy. I must say I’m quite shocked. Like, how could something like this happen? But I think his personal life won’t really impact his image as a business tycoon. His private life is his own business.

Member of public
Shocked by affair
I’m shocked. I didn’t think someone like him would do such a thing. She must have been gunning for it.

- Men are always… like this… hahaha.

Seeing their idol cheat on his wife has led many of Huang’s fans to stop believing in love. Others were simply stunned at the CCP’s audacity. One political commentator Grace Woo wrote on social media, “With Nvidia stocks set to fall by almost 3%, and send ripples along Asian suppliers, I never thought my daily bread would crumble due to your love affair.” Many agreed with the sentiment, observing bitterly that they were paying the consequences for someone else’s adultery.

But Huang’s infidelity is nothing new. Last year, the New York Times reported that Nvidia’s board had launched an investigation into allegations that Huang was having an extramarital affair. But many people came to his defense, after all, who could suspect a man who travels with his family to be having a secret relationship with a peer in his industry? It turns out, even supernatural forces knew about Huang’s unfaithfulness.

Proco Huang
Fortune teller
- How is he emotionally?
- Daddy Jensen Huang is feeling like a lovebird.
- Like a lovebird?

- I was 17, she was 19.
- They were young!
- But at that time, I didn’t dare tell her I was just 17. We were lab partners, and I tried to impress her. Of course, not with my looks. My strong capability to complete homework.

Jensen has long claimed to be a romantic who fell head over heels for his wife when he was just a teen and who ended up marrying his first love. But it seems he was looking for a second love too, and with a Chinese spy at that. The US Congress has reportedly asked Huang to attend a closed-door hearing later this month. Meanwhile Nvidia has announced an independent investigation, while backing him to remain CEO so that Jensen’s love betrayal won’t be seen as a betrayal for the US as well.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#affair #jensenhuang #nvidia #infidelity #cheater

2026-11-09

Lithium battery explosion at Foxlink Headquarters

It seems Terry Gou’s younger brother will have a full plate this week! A fire broke out at his company, Foxlink, on Monday morning in Tucheng Industrial Park. Preliminary investigations revealed the explosions were linked to EV lithium batteries on the fifth floor warehouses. Among the 30 people on-site, one was unaccounted for, who was guided by firefighters to the window and successfully rescued from the window.

Deafening sirens filled the air as firefighters and ambulances rushed to put out a fire at Foxlink, a listed company located in Tucheng. The entire building was covered in smoke.

Firefighters deployed a ladder to rescue a 50-year-old trapped on the fifth floor of the building. The man did not suffer from any severe injuries and was sent to the hospital for examination.

Although the fire was under control, the interiors of the warehouse continued to explode and blacken the windows. Firefighters on-site were covered in soot.

A fire broke out at Foxlink, a publicly listed company in Tucheng Industrial Park in New Taipei on Monday morning. The intense fire terrified nearby residents.

Member of public
Lives nearby
It seemed that someone was trapped. Making such precise things can be dangerous; it happened in the warehouse, the fire kept growing.

Preliminary investigations reveal the fire broke out on the fifth floor of the warehouse possibly by the explosion of lithium batteries from electric vehicles. The exact cause is yet to be determined. The fire department dispatched 47 vehicles and 102 staff to the scene. There were 30 people on-site; one person was unaccounted for who was guided via phone and later rescued from the window.

Chen Chung-yueh
Chief of Fire Department
They noticed problems with the batteries in the warehouse. They moved the lithium batteries to the hallway but the batteries continued to explode. There were three storage rooms and the damaged area was roughly 150 to 200 square meters.

A Foxlink representative has spoken out saying that public safety is a priority. As updates continue to be released, matters will be clarified for investors. The cause behind the lithium battery explosion is still under investigation.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#warehouse #foxlink #scandal #lithiumbattery #explosion #terrygou

2026-11-09

Stormy winds in Central Taiwan cause chaotic incidents all over

Strong winds caused a ruckus in Central Taiwan today, some reaching up to 11 on the Beaufort scale. Wuqi District in Taichung is in the lead with a water tower toppling and a Ferris wheel halting. In Beitun District, one candidate’s campaign banner flew off the rails. In Changhua, one car’s wind visor flew off and hurtled like a frisbee towards a restaurant.

A loud crash at a storefront shocks the owner. It seems a large part of a grey car driving along the road broke off and flew towards her shop.

Xiushui Township in Changhua, saw very strong winds on Monday afternoon reaching 9 on the Beaufort scale. They had blown a car door’s rain guard into the store.

Member of public
Nearby resident
We all have to be careful; if the wind is strong it will fly away. See, I was careful and so I stuck it together.

In Changhua, a line of scooters lay toppled over like dominoes along Nanguo Road which some assumed was an indicator of a typhoon arriving.

- Isn’t there a typhoon?
- No, there isn’t. It’s probably the northeast monsoon.
- Can’t find a place to park your motorcycle?
- Right.
- What happened?
- They’ve all fallen.

In Taichung’s Beitun District, along Dongshan road, one candidate’s campaign banner folded over in the wind from the fifth floor rooftop triggering him to quickly fix the mishap.

Tseng Tzu-yao
Taichung Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Because we tied so many knots, so if it just folded over in one place, at least the other side was securely fastened.

It seems Wuqi District in Taichung, met a similarly twisted fate with the winds. Netizens speculated that a water tower might have lost a battle to the typhoon gusts. Neighborhood residents clarified that the empty water tower was abandoned on the road for a week, and had tumbled onto the road.

- Now it’s just left there, I don’t know where it came from. I don’t know.
- Did you not hear a loud crash?
- No, the wind these days is loud.

Wuqi District ranks first for strong winds in Taichung as wind speeds reached 11 on the Beaufort Wind Scale; the Ferris wheel was also stopped as it became too dangerous to operate.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#storm #taichung #changhua #taiwantyphoon #typhoonwinds

2026-11-09

Public art by Pingtung rapist to be removed from train station

A set of statues at Pingtung Train Station have caused controversy, after locals dug up that the artist behind them is a rapist. The sculptor is Pingtung local Sakuliu Pavavaljiung. The artist was sentenced to 4 years and 6 months in prison back in 2021, after being found guilty of raping a student. Amid complaints that keeping the statues at the station was not a good look, the Taiwan Railway says they will soon be removed. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Wants statues out
I think they shouldn’t be there. The artwork can be triggering to the victim. It’s a stain.

Member of public
Wants statues out
They should be removed. They should be taken away. It’s not a good look.

Member of public
Agrees with statue removal
If they are hurting people, I think they shouldn’t be there. After all, it is a train station and people are passing by all the time. If the victim sees them, it could be very triggering.

Chen Lien-cheng
Pingtung Train Station Stationmaster
The head office has been notified about the issue, and the statues will be removed. But it is quite a large project. We’ll have to submit a plan and wait for approval before it can go ahead.

Pavavaljiung was honored with the National Award for Arts in 2017. But after his sex offenses came to light, he was stripped of his prize. Though he has already served his sentence, most people agree that his work should not be displayed at Pingtung’s train station for everyone to see. The TR says a plan will be submitted to remove the statues.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#statues #publicart #trainstation #sculptor #pingtung

2026-11-09