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First F-16 Block 70 Jet delivery by September: Deputy defense minister

The Armed Forces are set to enter an unprecedented and critical phase for receiving military equipment in the second half of this year. Highly anticipated among these deliveries are 66 F-16 Block 70 fighter jets. Recently, military observers spotted the very first of these taking off from Lockheed Martin’s production plant in Texas and flying to the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth.

Following the news, Deputy Minister of National Defense Hsu Szu-chien on Wednesday reiterated that the first F-16 Block 70 jet is expected to arrive by the end of September, as previously stated by the minister.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taiwan #defense #military #armsprocurement #texas

Time：2026-06-17

最新消息 Latest News

China pressure blamed for over 20-hour detention of Taiwanese academics in Kenya

Members of Taiwan’s delegation attending the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Kenya were jailed at the nation’s airport for over 20 hours, and their mobile phones and passports were confiscated-- all owing to Beijing’s pressure on Nairobi. The word “Taiwan” was also deleted from the event’s registration system. Following the incident, the Ocean Affairs Council decided to withdraw from this year’s conference. Let’s find out more.

The 11th Our Ocean Conference has been marred by allegations that Kenya, the host country this year, unreasonably obstructed the participation of the Taiwan delegation.

Ocean Affairs Council Minister Kuan Bi-ling took to social media to voice her outrage in a post titled "OOC Tarnished." She slammed the actions as "brutal," noting that not only was the option for "Taiwan" removed from the registration system, but entry permits for two delegates were also abruptly revoked. Furthermore, Taiwan’s delegation members from academia were detained at the airport, with their cell phones and passports confiscated in a virtual house arrest, although, fortunately, they have since been able to return to Taiwan. Observers have pointed the finger directly at pressure from China.

Chen Kuan-ting
Legislator (DPP)
We deeply regret this. We hope that if China wants cross-strait relations to ease, then such petty actions will be unnecessary.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lodged stern protests with China and Kenya. The Ocean Affairs Council and the Mainland Affairs Council also issued statements. The former condemned political interference in international maritime cooperation platforms and called on the international community to safeguard an open and fair space for Taiwan to hold exchanges. The Mainland Affairs Council’s statement strongly condemned the CCP’s pressure that obstructed Taiwan’s participation, stating that the people of Taiwan will never yield.

Chen Kuan-ting
Legislator (DPP)
In Uganda, Kenya, and other parts of East Africa, at the least we can see that China’s investment in water conservation facilities, various infrastructure and telecommunications facilities is enormous. Therefore, local leaderships have very deep ties with the CCP.

Kenya, with its capital Nairobi, is a financial center in East Africa. The ruling party is lambasting the East African nation for being China’s political henchman. The incident also confirms that China’s aggressive diplomatic bullying is intensifying.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#crossstrait #Taiwan #OOC #ocean #international #kenya

2026-06-17

Bank robber still counting cash when police arrived to arrest him

A robbery occurred in broad daylight Wednesday morning at a Taishin International Bank branch in Banqiao, New Taipei. The suspect, a 50-year-old-man, had threatened to attack a bank clerk and a client, who had just exchanged some NT$400,000 cash, with a pair of scissors. Other tellers reported the incident, and police arrived in just 30 seconds, as some of them were patrolling the area. The suspect was arrested on the spot. Let’s hear more.

Eyewitness
Watched from short distance
Suddenly, lots of people ran out, and many police cars arrived shortly afterwards, and they rushed over. By the time I passed by, the police had already restrained him.

Tsai Yuan-hsiang
Banqiao Precinct officer
Members of the public and bank tellers on the scene looked quite frightened. When we arrived on the scene, he was still holding the scissors. We made him drop them. He also didn’t resist much.

Fang Yang-ning
New Taipei Police Commissioner
This instance of crime, the suspect’s cash robbery at the bank, has concrete evidence. Whether it was premeditated or whether there are accomplices remain to be investigated.

After the suspect surnamed Wang got hold of the NT$404,200, instead of running off, he calmly took a seat and started counting the money. He was also compliant when the police arrived. Fortunately, no one was injured. According to the police, Huang is a repeat offender. The police have also requested prosecutors order him to be detained.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#robbery #bank #cash #safety #police

2026-06-17

Traveler’s hissy fit over carry-on weight limit flabbergasts others

On Tuesday morning, a traveler at Taoyuan International Airport took our her frustrations on the check-in counter staff when she was asked to lighten her carry-on baggage, which exceeded the stipulated 7kg weight limit by 2kg. She insisted that because her suitcase itself weighed 2kg, her baggage was within limit, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Other travelers waiting to check in were shocked at her stubbornness and abuse towards airport staff.

The traveler already had a serious case of air rage before even boarding.

It’s only 9kg. The suitcase is 2kg. Subtract that and it’s just under limit.

The traveler’s carry-on baggage exceeded the weight limit by 2kg. However, she insisted otherwise, as the suitcase itself is 2kg. She was furious that the ground crew wanted her to take some of her items out to lighten the load. Yelling at airport staff, she also delayed other travelers.

Traveler
At airport
The rules say that you shouldn’t go over the limit, so don’t. If you must pay, pay up.

Traveler
At airport
The ground crew is just doing their jobs, so they could only try to persuade her. I also believe that their jobs come with difficulties. Faced with a traveler like her, they could only try gentle coaxing. What else could they do? They also fear becoming the subject of complaints.

The airline company she traveled with declined to respond. But regardless, she did create a nuisance for both airport staff and other travelers.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#travel #travelaborad #flights #airport #nightmare

2026-06-17

4th-grader skips class for dangerous ‘rafting’ with polystyrene on sea

An angler almost couldn’t believe it when, on Tuesday afternoon, he spotted a kid sitting on a large chunk of polystyrene at sea, as if he were rafting. The stunt is dangerous enough on its own, but the tide was also rising at the time. The angler took no time to report the incident to the Coast Guard, fearing for the kid’s safety. It turned out that the kid was only 11 years old, and skipped class for an adventure that could’ve cost him his life.

- The kid was just having fun.
- It was a kid?
- Yeah.
- He was sitting on polystyrene, on a rising tide.
- So he was drifting out?
- Yeah, also from around here.
- The kid later approached me holding a broken fishing rod, asking for a hook and bait.

Chiu Wan-ting
Miaoli County Education Dept.
The homeroom teacher noticed the first thing in the morning that the kid was absent, and called his family, but no one picked up. The school was vigilant. They visited his home and called the police. The kid is from a more vulnerable family. For his sake, we will refer him to a counselor for comprehensive treatment services.

The kid was spotted at the estuary of Zhonggang River in Miaoli amid a rising tide, alone and precariously supported by the polystyrene raft. Fortunately, the Coast Guard was notified and took him back to shore before the worst could happen. Later, the kid was taken to an inspection office to wait for his father, who works in neighboring Hsinchu. In the morning, his teacher had already noticed his absence and launched a home visit after failing to contact his parents. The local education department will be referring his case to a counselor.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#dangerous #rafting #watersports #beach #stayschooled

2026-06-17

Tao people from Orchid Island recreate ancient route to the Philippines

A group of Tao people from Orchid Island on Wednesday managed to retrace an ancient sea route that once connected them with the Batanes archipelago in the Philippines. After constructing an indigenous wooden plank boat known as an ipanitika, a team of 60 Tao people took turns paddling the vessel through rough weather, including 4m-high waves. They finally arrived at Mahatao Port on the island of Batan, where they were greeted by the locals as long-lost relatives.

The sea breeze howled, and a wooden plank boat was battered by the waves that nearly submerged the entire boat. But the Tao warriors on board paddled with all their might, maintaining their upright posture and carefully controlling the direction forward.

Finally, the wooden plank boat successfully arrived at a port on Batan Island in the Philippines. Hundreds of Batan residents lined up to welcome it, dancing excitedly and lifting the boat high in the air and tossing it. This lively ceremony symbolized a reunion after three hundred years.

Ljaucu Zingrur
Minister of Indigenous Peoples
Three hundred years ago, there were frequent voyages and deep connections between Orchid Island and the Batanes Islands. Later, due to historical changes, this sea route was interrupted.

To reconnect this cultural umbilical cord, the Council of Indigenous Peoples provided a special subsidy for this project. Six tribes on Orchid Island then came together to build the "Golden Friendship," a large 20-seat plank-built boat crafted from over 20 types of local timber. Carrying a total rotation of 60 Tao paddlers, it set off at 9 a.m. on June 16. Originally expected to reach the Philippines by evening, the crew completed the challenge ahead of schedule at 3 p.m., thanks to the paddlers’ concerted efforts.

Maraos
Indigenous People’s Cultural Foundation
We faced severe challenges, battling powerful southwest air streams, southwest winds, and Force 7 gales throwing up 4m-high waves.

After departing from Orchid Island, the wooden plank boat was battered by strong southwest winds of up to level 7 and waves as high as four meters. At one point, 80% of the boat was submerged in the sea. Fortunately, after pumping out water and reinforcing the boat, it finally arrived safely.

Ljaucu Zingrur
Minister of Indigenous Peoples
The most important thing is the power of culture, which can transcend time and oceans.

The successful sea crossing of the “Golden Friendship” not only reopened an ancestral route, but also reconnected a cultural umbilical cord severed for hundreds of years, once again uniting the emotions and memories of the people in Taiwan and the Philippines.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Orchidisland #ancientroutes #indigenouspeoples #Tao #Butanes #Butanisland

2026-06-17

Chiayi temple stages over 1,000 shows for god’s birthday

Every year on the 23rd day of the fourth lunar month, Lord Yu Ciye Temple in Chiayi’s Lucao Township celebrates the deity’s birthday by hiring troupes to perform for the god. The number of stages has ballooned in recent years from the hundreds to over 1,000, resulting in a marathon of shows lasting over a month. The roads leading to the temple are packed on either side with temporary stages, transforming this sleepy town into a thrilling month-long spectacle.

The side of this road is lined with makeshift stages, extending into the distance until they finally reach the temple gates. Hundreds of puppet theater shows are to be staged here, along with traditional Taiwanese opera.

Every year around the 23rd day of the fourth lunar month, Lord Yu Ciye Temple in Chiayi’s Lucao Township celebrates the deity’s birthday by inviting hundreds of troupes to perform. Devotees from around the country hire performers to join this theatrical marathon that continues on day or night, rain or shine.

How many years have you participated?

Chang Chin-chung
Performer
Over 40 years. When a downpour hits, it’s not just the performers who get soaked, but the puppets too. The losses are significant.

I’ve seen a few dozen stages before, but never this many.

The festival has grown over the years from hundreds to over 1,000 troupes, resulting in over a month of nonstop performances. Many pious devotees will come for the festivities, including this man from Tainan who has brought his personal effigy to its home temple every year for over 30 years.

Mr. Ko
Devotee
I’ve come here every week for 38 years now. I sponsored a number of these stages.

Mr. Shih
Temple manager
There are over 1,000 stages this time. The shows started on the 23rd day of the fourth month and haven’t stopped since.

Unique in all of Taiwan, visitors are spellbound by the sheer scale of the festivities. This extraordinary display of local devotion has transformed this modest countryside temple into Taiwan’s grandest open-air theater.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#temple #templeculture #Chiayi #YuciyeTemple #puppetry #Taiwaneseopera #folkbeliefs #traditionalculture #theater #performance

2026-06-17

University campus turned government office becomes pigeon paradise

Pigeons have taken over the campus of the former Taiwan Shoufu University in Tainan. After the school closed in 2023, the campus reopened as Zengwen Civic Park in 2024, becoming home to government offices. Now its green, open environment has attracted so many pigeons that they outnumber office workers, raising hygiene concerns. The Tainan City Government said it would address the issue while maintaining coexistence between humans and birds.

Even with loudspeakers playing eagle cries, this flock of pigeons remains calmly perched on the building. This is Zengwen Civic Park in Tainan, which was converted from a university campus to government offices two years ago. About 300 government employees work across seven buildings in the park. With its open, green spaces and limited human activity, it’s become a paradise for pigeons.

Member of public
Concered about droppings
If you park for a while, especially over there, your car will definitely get bird droppings on it.

Cleaner
Has to deal with pigeons
We emptied around 20 trash bags and found about 20 to 30 live young pigeons.

The open environment and easy feeding attract pigeons, but with the buildings now covered in droppings, people are concerned about hygiene. Authorities have tried to deal with the problem by installing protective netting and setting up kites and sounds that resemble eagles to deter them, but their efforts have had a limited impact.

Government employee
Deterring pigeons
The kite resembles an eagle in flight, which makes the pigeons think a predator is here and discourages them from coming too close.

Wu Cheng-lung
Mayoral office director
Catching them would be very inappropriate, so at the moment, we’re adopting these measures to keep their numbers under control and stepping up cleaning and disinfection.

While agricultural consultants said that capturing the pigeons would be most effective, the city government, concerned for animal welfare, decided to pursue coexistence with the birds. It said it would continue with mild deterrent measures, while stepping up cleaning and disinfection to ease hygiene concerns.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#pigeons #Tainan #pigeonparadise #CivicPark #campus #university #pigeonproblem #citygovernment #government

2026-06-17

Distinguishing locally harvested green mussels as imports fill production gap

Green mussels are a favorite at stir-fry restaurants to pair with drinks. But did you know that the green mussels that were originally a local speciality from Bali have largely been replaced by imports from New Zealand? They not only look different, but also have a distinct taste and texture.

These green mussels in their colorful shells are served stir fried with Thai basil, minced garlic, and chili. It’s a classic choice at stir fry restaurants to pair with drinks. But the mussels that most places serve these days usually aren’t from Taiwan anymore. They’re actually another type of imported mussel.

Restaurant owner
Sells mussels
It’s very hard these days to find someone to dive into the shallows to find them. I’ve been working with this supplier for a long time now.

The area near Bali and Tamsui used to produce lots of green mussels. At one time, 300 kilograms could be harvested in a single day. But the population has been declining due to river pollution, forcing many restaurants to use imported mussels from New Zealand instead, as the supply and pricing is relatively stable. For example, the same serving of New Zealand mussels is about NT$250, while Taiwanese green mussels sell for NT$320.

Ms. She
Restaurant owner
With so many added ingredients and the labor involved, selling a plate for NT$250 actually doesn’t leave that much profit.

Restaurant owner
Sells mussels
The New Zealand mussels have a similar shell color to ours. They’re colorful. The imported ones are all half shells. I’ll make a plate of imported ones and another of the Taiwanese ones so you can see for yourself.

The local green mussels are smaller, but the meat is delicate and sweet with a distinct ocean flavor. The imported New Zealand ones are mostly frozen and processed. They’re larger, with plump meat and a chewy texture.

Member of public
Likes mussels
The salt and water quality in Taiwan make them especially sweet.

Based just on their appearance, it’s hard to tell them apart. But for the discerning foodie, frozen imports are no match for the freshness of Taiwanese green mussels.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#mussels #greenmussels #imports #NewZealand #NewZealandimports #seafood #stirfry #Bali #Tamsui #restaurant

2026-06-17

Officials warn of NT$3,600 fine for dumping beverages down storm sewer

It’s common knowledge that littering and throwing cigarette butts out on the street can result in fines, but did you know that dumping a leftover beverage into the storm drain is also against the law? A post went viral on social media recently from someone who said they were reported for dumping coffee into the sewer, resulting in a NT$3,600 fine.

Chen Meng-hsuan
FTV reporter
When walking along the street, what do you do if you accidentally spill your drink or can’t finish it? Many people will dump it down the storm drain. But be careful—it’s actually against the law.

- I’ll dump it down the storm drain.
- Because it’s convenient?
- Yeah.
- You can actually be fined for that, did you know?
- I didn’t.

In a social media post, a man in Keelung said he poured his coffee into a storm drain after discovering that it was leaking while he was driving. But to his surprise, he was captured on camera and received a fine from the local environmental protection bureau for NT$3,600. He said he certainly learned his lesson, along with many commenters who said they never knew it was illegal. You obviously aren’t allowed to litter or discard cigarette butts on the street, but few people know you could also be fined up to NT$6,000 for dumping a beverage.

Member of public
Up to NT$6,000? That’s so steep. I’d be pissed. At home we dump expired drinks down the toilet. Isn’t that the same thing? Toilets eventually drain into the sewers, too.

Member of public
They need to educate people. Why is it not allowed? If they explain it and people know the reason, of course we’d understand.

Chen Hao-chang
Taipei maintenance division chief
Dumping any liquid other than rainwater or clean water into the storm drain is considered to be polluting the drainage system and can result in a fine of up to NT$6,000 under the Waste Disposal Act.

Storm drains are meant for rainwater, not lattes. Saving yourself a quick trip to the trash can could result in an expensive lesson from the local environmental bureau.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#stormdrain #fines #WasteDisposalAct #environmentalprotection #littering #sanitation #Keelung

2026-06-17

Lai visits Greater Taipei troops ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

Ahead of the upcoming Dragon Boat Festival holiday, President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday visited two troops in Greater Taipei, the Navy’s Shongshan Radar Station and the Army’s Guandu Area Command, where he inspected drills and herd presentations.

In remarks, the president pledged to make remedies on slashed items in the special defense budget. He insisted that the administration will deliver on the difference, either through proposing an additional regular budget, raising the annual regular budget, or by introducing additional packages.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#defense #military #taiwanpolitics #drones #defensebudget


2026-06-16

AmCham releases 2026 Taiwan White Paper, lauds ‘golden age’ for economic relations

The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan has released the 2026 Taiwan White Paper on Tuesday. According to AmCham Taiwan President Carl Wegner, Taiwan-US economic relations could be said to have entered a golden age. Bilteral trade volume grew by at least 30% on both sides in 2025, and the US has become Taiwan’s largest trading partner, replacing China. Wegner also urged the US to pass a double taxation avoidance agreement, and called on Taiwan to continue bolstering its grid.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Taiwan has released the 2026 Taiwan White Paper, in which 221 suggestions were made to Taiwan and US authorities, including implementing the US-Taiwan trade deal and strengthening drone cooperation.

Carl Wegner
AmCham Taiwan President
Taiwan and the United States are experiencing what some are calling a golden age of economic relations. The United States became Taiwan’s No. 1 trading partner in 2025, for the first time in over 20 decades.

Taiwan and the US are becoming closer economic partners. Last year, Taiwanese exports to the US grew by almost 35%, while US imports to Taiwan, by almost 30%. Bilateral trade volume in 2025 exceeded US$246 billion. The US also became Taiwan’s largest trading partner last year, while Taiwan became the US’ fourth largest.

Carl Wegner
AmCham Taiwan President
Taiwan is one of the Top 10 trading partners with the US. Taiwan is the only country without a dual taxation agreement… for better opportunities for SMEs to go to the US, and also for American companies to come to Taiwan.

AmCham Taiwan urged US lawmakers to swiftly pass a double taxation avoidance agreement, saying that it will benefit Taiwan investors in the US, such as TSMC, and vice versa. It also lauds the progress Taiwan made on its power system, while urging long-term vision on the issue.

Carl Wegner
AmCham Taiwan President
Predictability, stability, continue to enhancing the grid. It’s not a short-term issue. It’s a long-term issue, and we continue to see that making progress.

The US had initiated Section 301 Investigations, and is expected to conclude investigations and hearings by mid-July. Regarding whether a decision will be made on Taiwan, AmCham emphasized that the investigations concern 60 economies worldwide, instead of being targeted at Taiwan. It also called on continued dialogue for closer bilateral relations.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#taiwan #business #amcham #trade #investment

2026-06-16

Rent hikes hits four-year low, but tenants feel no relief

Many young people feel hopeless in the face of Taiwan’s steep property prices and high rents. The latest DGBAS statistics show that growth in rent prices has stayed below 2% over the past five months, and even slipped to a four-year low of 1.76% in May. It seems like rental pressures are easing, but does this translate to actual relief for tenants? One young professional who has been renting in Taipei’s Wanhua District for nearly a decade said he doesn’t dare sign a new contract with his landlord out of fear they’ll raise the rent.

Omo
Renter
I came to Taipei after starting college, and I’m 30 now. Before I settled in my current apartment, I moved basically once a year.

From college to now, Omo has had nearly a decade of experience renting in Taipei. He’s currently in a second-floor apartment near Wanhua Station with three bedrooms, a living room, and one bath for NT$25,000 a month. It’s convenient living near two rail lines with a bus stop 30 seconds from his door.

Omo
Renter
This place is a little bigger than where I lived before and the transport is more convenient. So even though it’s a little more expensive, I think it’s worth it.

According to DGBAS statistics, rents have grown at an average annual rate of less than 2% over the past five months. In May, it reached a four-year low of 1.76%. But to renters, it hasn’t made much of a difference.

Omo
Renter
I haven’t noticed. I have a fixed contract now. If I were to feel the effects of this trend, I’d have to sign a new contract, but there’s no way I’d renegotiate now. If I approached my landlord and said I wanted to sign a new lease, I highly doubt the rent would drop. So unless I had to move to a new place, this market cooldown doesn’t really affect me.

Tseng Ching-te
Real-estate researcher
Rental increases have already plateaued. It’s not like in the past two or three years, which was driven by inflation and rising real-estate prices, which in turn led to relatively dramatic rent hikes.

As salaries fail to keep pace with housing prices, experts recommend easing the financial burden by applying for government rental subsidies. Although rental hikes are finally subsiding, most tenants are still waiting to see any real relief in their bank accounts.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#rent #realestate #Taipei #DGBAS #propertymarket #costofliving #rentalsubsidies #rentindex

2026-06-16

Yilan township local expertly catches fish from sewers

A diner in Luodong Township, Yilan thought he might’ve had too many drinks on Monday night when he stumbled upon a local man reeling in a fish from the sewers. Only it wasn’t his imagination. The man did actually catch a fish. Let’s hear more.

Voice of eyewitness
Dined at izakaya in Luodong
I find it really absurd that sewers can possibly be so clean. Usually, there are only rats and cockroaches. But we’re speaking of angling at those large sewers. That’s nothing to write home about. I also fish myself.

Member of public
Luodong Township resident
In the past when it rained often, the water levels get quite high. Water from the upstream would flow down via the Sports Park, and the fish would make their way here from there.

The angler had set up on Fuxing Road in the township. All he needed to do was to remove the drainage grate, grab a stool and wait for a fish on the hook. He looked like quite the expert of roadside angling. According to locals, the drains used to be part of the irrigation system, and the water passing through is still quite clean, so it’s quite common for them to fish there.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#fishing #leisure #hobby #yilan #taiwan

2026-06-16

Yilan school gifts grads pens with misprinted proverb

Another day, another creative graduation gift! Yuan Shan Junior High School in Yilan gifted its grads pens that say “The early worm gets the bird” — quite the difference from the usual phrase. The school explained that it was a misprint by the factory 13 years ago, but later became a massive hit. It eventually morphed into an inspirational phrase, meant to tell students that although their school is small, its students have grand ambitions.

This ordinary pencil case comes with an ordinary pen with an inspirational phrase. The early bird gets the... wait a minute. It says “The early worm gets the bird!” Is it a typo?

Member of public
I was confused for a moment, but then it made me smile. I think its pretty clever. It’s like a brain teaser, using a clever way to subvert your logic.

This is one of 100 pens given to graduates of Yilan’s Yuan Shan Junior High School as a gift this year. By subverting the classic proverb “The early bird gets the worm,” it’s generated a lot of discussion and proven popular among students.

Student
It subverts tradition.

Student
Maybe the school means to encourage us to break through our limits. To become another you and achieve things you normally wouldn’t be able to do.

But make no mistake: This isn’t a cynical phrase meaning the worm will get eaten by the bird. The school clarified that 13 years ago, they asked the manufacturer to make pens in both Chinese and English. The English turned out right, but the Chinese swapped the words for bird and worm. A student noticed and reported it to the school, but since it was funny and inspirational in its own way, they decided to make it a tradition.

Chu Yung-chih
Head of student affairs
We’re a small school, meaning we’re “early worms.” But even though we’re small, our students have grand ambitions. So to us, this misprinted phrase can serve as a source of great strength.

Yilan’s Yuan Shan Junior High only has 212 students across 10 classes, averaging out to fewer than five classes per grade. Although small like the worm in the phrase, they’ve found the limelight with this creative gift.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#graduationseason #grads #creative #earlybird #Yilan #students #misprint #proverb #funny

2026-06-16

Boss orders pure gold chicken drumsticks to gift employees

Have you ever seen a chicken drumstick made of pure gold? A business owner in Kaohsiung custom ordered 40 of them to give to his employees, leaving onlookers envious. But the jeweler said you can get more than just drumsticks. Also popular are their burgers, excavators, and even fire trucks, all made of gold.

Golden drumsticks are lined up in neat rows, glittering in the light. But don’t eat them! They’re all made of real gold. The owner of a steel company in Kaohsiung bought 40 of these to give to his employees, leaving everyone else jealous.

- It’s great! That boss is so generous. Which company is it? Are they hiring?

- What do you think about it?
- They’re very creative.

The business owner said that one drumstick is about 3 grams, worth NT$16,000. The store also offers chicken wings and entire roast chickens, all made of gold.

Chuang Shu-ting
FTV reporter
You can arrange these chicken wings and drumsticks on a literal golden platter to make a delicious fried chicken combo. But beyond these chicken figurines, there’s a whole world out there of eccentric collectables.

There’s also a cement mixer, fire truck, hamburger, and lighter, not to mention dogs, bears, and horses. The wheels and claws even move on the excavator and forklift.

Voice of jeweler
Sells eccentric wares
They may look large, but they only weigh about 7.5 to 11.25 grams, valued at NT$50,000 to NT$60,000 at most. Since they’re light, the entry-level price remains accessible.

Inspired by his own interests, the jeweler sources all kinds of eccentric figures to sell at his store—even a fully functioning golden straw. Every piece looks exquisite.

Voice of jeweler
Sells eccentric wares
We have a lot of clients who like to collect them to display. It’s safe to say that each younger customer of mine has two or three of these.

Traditionally, the gold market has been dominated by the sale of standard bullions, nuggets, or jewelry. But in the past few years, these intricate figures have been taking the market by storm. They not only retain their value, but also attract interest from a younger generation of buyers.

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

#gold #friedchicken #goldcollectibles #companygift #goldmarket #eccentric

2026-06-16

Retiree builds electric miniature railway park

A retired civil servant in Pingtung built a miniature railway park that takes up his entire living room, with high-speed and normal train models running along the tracks. While helping his grandson assemble a toy train set, he unexpectedly developed a passion for building miniatures. Using cardboard and wood, he made a mini railway park entirely by hand, scaled to less than one hundredth of the real size, complete with lifelike scenery.

A train runs down a track, winding around houses and trees, passing platforms, and crossing bridges. This miniature railway park was built entirely by hand and takes up the whole room.

With the flip of a switch, the trains slow to a stop. This miniature railway was created by 62-year-old Lan Wen-hsien. After retiring from the Jiadong Township Office in Pingtung, Lan went with his grandson to a train exhibition and was inspired to start building his own railway models.

Lan Wen-hsien
Railway enthusiast
At first it was just for my grandson, but as I built it, I found it really interesting. Beyond the trains themselves, you can create any scene you want, like railway bridges and farms, and even rivers.

Now there are four railway parks assembled in his living room, with lifelike stations, bridges, and fields.

Lan Wen-hsien
Railway enthusiast
There are two types of turf. One is more lifelike, and the other is made of paper. I buy scrap wood from a lumberyard, so it’s very cheap.

Lan built the model with recycled materials, assembling the tracks piece by piece. He even connected electricity to the tracks so that the trains can move.

Lan Wen-hsien
Railway enthusiast
I knew nothing about electricity before. It looks like a toy, but it’s kind of complicated. I didn’t understand how positive and negative currents worked, but if they collided, the trains wouldn’t move.

Lan taught himself about electricity, installing remote controls that can change the train’s speed and direction. His friends were astonished at what he built.

Chang Meng-wei
Friend
It’s incredible. I’ve never seen a railway model of this scale or with this kind of scenery. Everyone is asking where the model is and if they can see it.

Lan has collected hundreds of different model trains and set them up along tracks in his home, each section with its own unique scenery. With his newfound hobby, Lan has found a way to enjoy retired life to the fullest.

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Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#modeltrain #railway #trains #tracks #electricity #miniature #model #Pingtung #retired

2026-06-16

Wealth god shrine next to Kaohsiung mall frequented by staff

Every department store hopes for stellar sales and crowds of shoppers. Next to the parking garage for a mall in Kaohsiung’s Caoya, a shrine to the God of Wealth was built especially for the staff. Employees stop by to pray before their shifts, asking for their counters to make good sales and see an endless flow of customers. The sight has become a unique feature of the shopping center.

While on her way to work, a retail employee stops by this God of Wealth shrine for a quick prayer. Before the mall doors open, staff stop by one after another to pay their respects.

Mall employee
Prays at shrine
I’ll stop by on my way to work. It’s become a habit to pray for the day to go well.

This shrine in Kaohsiung’s Caoya is in a unique spot, right next to a department store parking garage. It’s there for the exclusive use of the retail staff to pray for sales, making it known as the “mall god shrine.” With an altar full of snacks and other offerings, it’s easy to see how effective it is.

Mall employee
Prays at shrine
I’ll go whenever I can to pray for the mall’s sales to keep improving. Everyone goes.

This tiny shrine nestled right next to the mall is frequented by employees praying for booming business, making it a quirk of the neighborhood.

Down a small alley over in Sanmin District, there’s another Wealth God temple that’s also a must-go spot among locals looking for a little pocketbook assistance.

This temple houses the Martial God of Wealth who can help with sales, as well as the Civil God of Wealth for regular income and financial wisdom. Since it’s in the city center, many people working in sales-driven jobs come here to pay their respects.

Member of staff
Temple
We’ve gotten a very positive response online. A lot of young people come here to pray for wealth.

Although tucked away in an inconspicuous alley, locals will tell their neighbors to come pray for business prosperity and wealth, becoming a pre-work ritual for many local professionals.

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

#GodofWealth #shrine #temple #prayer #mall #departmentstore #Kaohsiung #retail #religion

2026-06-16

Truck scares fellow drivers with precariously stacked scooters

Drivers in Nantou’s Mingjian Township were met with a frightening sight recently, when a flatbed truck roared by with six scooters stacked up on the back, seemingly without anything tying them down. People were afraid to drive behind it for fear that one would fall off. Police said that the driver broke the law, and could be fined up to NT$18,000.

The driver is absolutely right—those scooters are stacked too high!

On this slick road in Nantou’s Mingjian Township, motorists noticed a vehicle carting what seemed to be at least six scooters crammed onto the truck bed. They bounced around with every bump, scaring the drivers behind it. If one were to fall off, it could cause a massive accident.

The bikes on the back of this truck were stacked up three high. No wonder people were calling it scooter Jenga.

Member of public
They didn’t even tie them down properly, yet managed to stack them up so none of them fell off. Even though it’s pretty dangerous, I couldn’t look away.

Lee Cheng-chang
Nantou precinct deputy chief
The loading height for small vehicles cannot exceed 2.85m from the ground. Furthermore, according to Article 29 of the Road Traffic Management and Penalty Act, carrying an oversized load can incur a fine of up to NT$18,000.

The driver was surely angling to cut corners by stacking the scooters up that high, but now they’re facing a fine of up to NT$18,000. The police said they’d set up a checkpoint along that section of road to pull over any suspect vehicles, and would issue fines on the spot.

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

#jenga #scooterjenga #roadsafety #trafficviolation #Nantou #driving #oddity

2026-06-16

Wild culinary mashups at Pingtung University turn heads

The cafeteria at National Pingtung University has shot to fame on and off campus for its unusual sweet and savory combinations. They not only offer milk hot pot noodles with boba or fresh slices of strawberry, but recently even introduced a chocolate soup, essentially adding noodles to classic drinks. They’ve even put their spin on pork cutlet curry by adding a strawberry or chocolate sauce on top. You can even get a pudding on top of minced pork rice.

This steaming bowl of noodles in a milk broth is almost ready to be served. All it needs is an extra scoop of... boba? Another bowl is getting a topping of fresh strawberry. These eccentric meals can be found in the student cafeteria at National Pingtung University.

Student
Trying the food
This is my first time eating such a weird bowl of noodles. When I first saw it, I was afraid, but now that I’ve tried it, I actually think they complement each other pretty well.

Student
Trying the food
If they also add tea, I think it would be even better. It would be like a cup of bubble tea.

Pairing salty soup noodles with sweet tapioca or strawberries is strange enough, but the chef wasn’t finished there. It’s not just curry they douse their pork cutlet in. They also put strawberry jam and fresh strawberries right on top of the fried meat. Despite how bizarre it sounds, it’s become a hit among students, and has even gotten attention off-campus.

Wang Hsin-lan
Cafeteria vendor
The school asked us to make some new products to give the students more choice, so we decided to collaborate with a drink shop.

Yang Po-yuan
NPTU deputy dean of student affairs
As long as all sanitary conditions comply with guidelines, we’re on board with the vendors serving a variety of creative offerings.

These sensational dishes have sparked conversation online, prompting the vendor to double down with even more creations. Just from looking at this dark broth, can you tell what it is? That’s right—it’s chocolate. The curry didn’t escape experimentation either. That one is served with a turtle-shaped chocolate.

Student
Likes the experimental food
I’ve tried the hash brown with pudding or strawberry. They’re actually pretty good. Not too much.

But wait, there’s more! You can also get minced pork with a fried cutlet over rice, drizzled with honey and topped off with pudding. If the sight itself is too much of a shock, just wait until you taste it! As the chef’s imagination runs wild, students are looking forward to whatever bizarre combination they dream up next.

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

#weirdfood #cafeteria #Pingtung #foodmashup #creativecooking #controversy #boba #bubbletea

2026-06-16