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Taiwan’s Gen Z takes on AI Boom as startup leaders gather in Taipei

The AI boom is exploding, and Taiwan wants its next generation of young innovators to ride the wave. The Boba Tech Summit kicked off in Taipei on Wednesday, drawing more than 300 startup founders, investors and tech entrepreneurs from over 15 countries. But while the opportunities are huge, so are the challenges, with AI demand fueling a global scramble for chips, memory and GPUs. Now, Taiwan’s Gen Z entrepreneurs are looking to turn that chaos into their next big opportunity.

The Boba Tech Summit kicked off in Taipei on Wednesday, bringing together more than 300 startup leaders, investors and tech entrepreneurs from more than 15 countries.

Caleb Chu
Boba Tech creator
Our goal is to bring resources from Silicon Valley and from other countries to Taiwan, so that young Taiwanese talents can connect with the world right here. That way, they can picture their goals and visions and the things they want to do in the era of AI.

Hank Huang
NYCU Vice President
Entrepreneurship is AI. Having domain knowledge is very important. That is, your own experience is very important. Without it, AI might give you a solution, but you don’t know if it’s right or wrong. Or you don’t have the ability to judge whether it is. When you do, it’s because you have the experience to do so.

Semiconductor giants are expanding their production capacity, as AI drives demand for chips. But amid memory and component shortages, some systems vendors have had to downgrade their specifications.

Pua Khein-seng
Phison Electronics Co-Founder
It’s unavoidable. Everyone agrees it’s inevitable, which is why we’re desperately buying machines. There’s a shortage of everything: CPUs DRAM, SSDs, GPUs… Systems vendors are putting half as much DRAM in their systems, because it’s too expensive now, and you can’t get it easily. By using half as much DRAM, they can make and sell more systems. What about the performance loss? They compensated for it with flash memory.

From AI startups to the global memory chip shortage, this summit puts Taiwan at the starting point, showcasing the entrepreneurial strength of the country’s Gen Z innovators.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#tech #ai #genz #boba #bobatech

Time：2026-09-09

最新消息 Latest News

Outrage after parents force crying toddler down water slide

A pool-goer in Kaohsiung took a shocking video in a recent swim: a father whooshing down a 3-story-tall water slide with a crying toddler in his arms. The video has sparked a backlash online, with critics calling the toddler’s parents “bad parents.” Let’s hear more.

- The point is parents are responsible for their kids.
- So if the parents think it’s OK, they can go?
- Yes.
If the parents aren’t doing anything, we can’t do anything.
- Do you always have two lifeguards at the bottom?
- Yes, there’s always lifeguards.

Swimmer
Commenting on incident
I feel it was wrong. Kids that are 1 or 2 years old can’t say what they want to do or not. It must have been the parents who wanted to do that.

Ho Yu-ling
Doctor
At that age, the brain isn’t fully developed, and the neck isn’t strong enough, so any shaking or swaying could cause bleeding. A hemorrhage could cause permanent damage.

The father slid down the water slide with his kid, who cried in terror all the way down to the water. The poster says they felt bad for the toddler, and claims the parents forced it down the slide more than three times. The video has angered many people online, who say the incident is an outrageous example of bad parenting. The Kaohsiung Social Affairs Bureau says it will investigate the matter to determine whether there were any violations of child welfare laws.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#waterpark #waterslide #parenting #kaohsiung #badparents

2026-09-09

Vote buying scandal shakes Hualien’s Xiulin Township

Former Financial Times correspondent Kathrin Hille recently made explosive allegations on FTV, claiming all the votes in Hualien were bought. Just over a week later, a vote-buying scandal has erupted in the county, involving Xiulin Township chief Sitang Yuci and her husband Hu Chih-min , who is running to succeed her. She allegedly diverted community compensation money from a cement company to the New Hope Foundation, which later organized a banquet for local voters hosted by Hu. Investigators also say there’s evidence that voters may have been offered thousands of NT dollars in exchange for their votes.

The couple, the township office secretary and a New Hope Foundation worker surnamed Hsu, have been taken in for questioning. The couple will be investigated to determine the extent of their involvement, and then it will be decided whether they should be detained. Netizens have pointed out that the case is exposing the hypocrisy of the Xiulin Township Office chief; a slogan posted outside the building ironically reads “It’s only really an election, if nobody buys votes.”

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#election #hualien #votebuying #xiulin #hualien #dirtymoney

2026-09-08

KMT Taipei councilor accused of verbally abusing ER staff

Taiwan has been cracking down on violence towards hospital staff, and so with the local elections a little more than two months out, now would not seem like a good time to start a shocking scene at an emergency room in your electoral district. But, lo and behold, the KMT’s very own Alan Lee, a Taipei City councilor, has been embroiled in controversy ever since he went on a tirade inside an ER room he’d taken his young child to.

KMT Taipei councilor Alan Lee is making a public apology after it was revealed that he caused a scene at an emergency room, where he’d taken his young daughter, who was running a fever.

Alan Lee
Taipei councilor (KMT)
It was because, even right now, my daughter’s health is not exactly in a stable condition. Even though I took her to a different hospital the next day, I’d still like to thank all the nurses and all the doctors for their hard work that night. I’m being sincere in that I’d like to once again apologize, to say that I’m sorry.

In addition to saying sorry, he also apologized by bowing seven times. A close look at Lee’s face shows tears trickling and snot dripping; the emotion is tied to an online post shared by a night shift nurse, who wrote that Lee complained about 30 minutes being too long of a wait, so he took out his cell phone, demanding the doctor’s name. In addition to threatening to sue, he also insisted on videotaping his surroundings. The scene was startling enough to get a visit from hospital administration and the head of the local police station.

Alan Lee
Taipei councilor (KMT)
What I wanted to say was that I wanted to file a complaint, so that’s why I took a photo of him. What he took out was his doctor ID, which I took a photo of. It’s because I wanted to know his name, since I truly was really angry at that time. But, regardless of what’s true, it’s all the same: I would like to offer my most sincere apology to this doctor.

Lee insists that he didn’t start filming, that he didn’t end up suing, and that the incident was not an abuse of power.

Alan Lee
Taipei councilor (KMT)
I didn’t take off my mask, and I also didn’t say anything about who I was. I, as my child’s father, was simply communicating with the doctor. As for my voice being too loud, I think that truly is something that I need to take a deep look at, especially since it being a public place, so I really shouldn’t let my voice be that loud.

Hsu Chin-huang
Financial analyst
If it was not a city councilor saying who he was, just a regular dad, would the head of the emergency room come? Would the administration of the hospital be told to show up at the scene? You’re running for election this year, so I suggest that you need to show a bit more humility when you’re in front of voters. You’re a city councilor in the districts of Da’an and Wenshan, and this hospital is in Da’an District. Alan Lee, it seems like this morning there was an inflamed situation, which is why everybody’s now seeing you bow and apologize.

According to NTU Hospital Doctor Lee Ping-ing’s analysis of the situation, Lee’s actions meet the criteria for emergency room violence. The Taiwan Medical Association will launch an investigation into this incident.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#violenceintheER #KMT #Taipei #hospital #ER #mindyourmanners

2026-09-08

Culture minister talks about Taiwan literature at King’s College London

Minister of Culture Li Yuan is on his first official tour of the UK, which included a stop at King’s College London. Li was invited to speak at a forum titled Taiwanese Literature Through a Global Glaze and spoke with the judges of the prestigious International Booker Prize. Starting off from Taiwan Travelogue, which won the award this year, Li presented how different authors from Taiwan portray their homeland. Let’s hear more.

Li Yuan
Minister of Culture
As the Minister of Culture, my goal here today is to promote our culture. As a writer born after World War II, I have long asked myself one question: “What is Taiwan?” It’s tragic. But now we’ve seen how Yang Shuang-zi found a different approach to find her own identity, for which she received international acclaim. Books from Taiwan is an initiative we’ve promoted for a long time. It aims to translate Taiwanese literature and make it available to the whole world. As of today, works have been translated into 36 languages.

Natasha Brown
International Booker Prize 2026 Judges Chair
I remember when we discussed Taiwan Travelogue, I actually remember that’s when we read it, and I thought, “I think this is the winner.”

Anna Goode
British Centre for Literary Translation
To translate more literature into English is not just about finding translators, it’s creating a community for translators.

More than 100 scholars, translators and exchange students joined the forum, and heard from Li about Taiwanese writers such as Kevin Chen and Syaman Rapongan. From writing, to translation and promotion around the world, the Ministry of Culture is hoping to use its resources to help Taiwanese literature be seen on 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

#literature #taiwantravelogue #kingscollegelondon #author #writers


2026-09-08

Health ministry and Eslite launch dementia related book exhibition

September is World Alzheimer’s Month – and the Taiwanese government has not forgotten. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is collaborating with Eslite Bookstore to launch a book exhibition about dementia to raise awareness of this illness that affects elderly people. A dementia patient even gave a speech at a press event announcing the initiative. Let’s find out more.

Using a pen and paper to record his life, Mr. Lin candidly discusses his interests, food and travels. His speech is so natural, it’s hard to imagine that he is actually a dementia patient. His wife shares her emotional journey since his diagnosis.

Family member of dementia patient
Describing her experiences
The more you understand, the more scared you become. It was a big challenge for me to care for him because there were so many things I didn’t know. I had to write them down one by one, and then, when the outpatient appointment was coming up, a professional was holding a class and I rushed to ask questions.

According to current statistics, the prevalence of dementia among people aged 65 and above is about 7.99%. In response to World Alzheimer’s Month, the Ministry of Health and Welfare has partnered with Eslite Bookstore to launch a dementia-themed book exhibition, which will run until Sept. 30. Selected books on dementia will be available at 11 Eslite Bookstore stores across Taiwan and online.

Chu Chien-fang
Ministry of Health and Welfare, Department of Long-Term Care
There are 133 shared care centers nationwide, commissioned by local governments and set up by our hospitals, where case managers assist with related health education, family support activities, and dementia cognitive training. In addition, there are 580 community service sites nationwide.

Liu Cheng-liang
Taipei City Hospital
Actually, I think using books as a lens to talk about life is quite wonderful. A diagnosis is a bit like placing a bookmark in that book. From the point where that bookmark is placed, we can begin to re-examine the book—and re-examine this life.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare will also host four special lectures on dementia across Taiwan, aiming to help the public gain earlier awareness and more choices. By combining literature with healthcare perspectives, the initiative helps people understand dementia as part of everyday life.

#Agingtaiwan #Dementia #Alzheimers #Worldalzheimersmonth

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-09-08

Monkey vs. Iguana showdown brings tourists to Shoushan

The monkeys in Kaohsiung’s Shoushan get up to plenty of mischief on the regular. But sometimes, even locals who’ve seen everything are surprised by their stunts. In a video that has recently gone viral online, a passerby in the area witnessed a showdown between a macaque and an iguana. Let’s hear more.

- Monkeys love playing around.
- Someone said, that the government is giving rewards for catching iguanas. Shouldn’t the monkey get rewarded too?
- I wouldn’t be opposed to them getting a reward.

Member of public
Commenting on video
It’s strange. Nature can be strange sometimes. They must’ve been dueling.

In the evening, monkeys love to gather in Shoushan. But they’re not alone, as now several huge green iguanas keep them company. The showdown between the macaque and the iguana reminded online users of the Monkey King, the fightmaster from the novel Journey to the West. Some found the duel so impressive that they came to check out the site, ready to feast on some popcorn and watch the drama unfold.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#monkey #iguana #nature #kaohsiung #shoushan #stopmonkeyingaround

2026-09-08

President Lai gives NT$300K in bonuses to Asian Games athletes

With the 2026 Asian Games set to kick off on Sept. 19, President Lai Ching-te and Sports Minister Lee Yang travelled down to Kaohsiung, where they met with Taiwan’s 481 athletes before the delegation flies to Nagoya, Japan. In addition to waving both Taiwan’s national flag and the Chinese Taipei Olympic flag, President Lai also presented NT$300,000 in bonuses.

President Lai Ching-te headed down to the Taiwan Sports Training Center in Kaohsiung, where he waved the country’s national flag and Olympic flag for athletes, coaches, and support personnel who’ll soon be leaving for the 2026 Asian Games.

Lai presented an oversized check of NT$300,000 in delegation bonuses to B-girl Yang Jia-li and a pillow-sized good luck charm to badminton player Wang Chi-lin.

During the sports tradition where giant straws were drawn from a tall box, Yang pulled out “believe in yourself” and Wang got “relax and give it all you got,” two phrases meant to wish the athletes the best of luck in their events.

Lai Ching-te
President
Relax, give it all you got, and believe in yourself. If you give it your all, you can surpass your own past records.

The 2026 Asian Games begin on the 19th of this month. Taiwan has 481 athletes competing in 38 events, such as badminton, equestrian sports, and weightlifting. The total delegation has 744 members, including the athletes, coaches, medical staff, and other support personnel.

Wang Chi-lin
Badminton athlete
I’ll be taking the president’s words of encouragement with me, and I hope that I can medal on the court of the Asian Games.

Yang Yung-wei
Judoka
I’ve already got every part of my body into the best shape possible. Now I just hope that when I’m training over in Japan that I can make the best final preparations.

Kuo Hsing-chun
Weightlifter
The competition just so happens to be at the same time as the Mid-Autumn Festival, so I’m just really happy; I’m even thinking if I want to take some mooncakes with me. I hope that for this Asian Games that I can lift somewhere around my record in the recent past.

In addition to Lai, the group of well wishers also included the Chinese Taipei Olympic Committee’s President Tsai Chia-fu and Vice President Wang Ching-cheng as well as the Republic of China Sports Federation President Yeh Cheng-yen. With the Asian Games on the horizon, all of Taiwan is hoping these athletes will perform their very best.

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

#AsianGames #TeamTaiwan #LaiChing-te #Japan #Nagoya #481athletes #TeamTaiwan

2026-09-08

ITRI honors three new laureates for contributions to tech and medicine

The Industrial Technology Research Institute has once again recognized Taiwan’s tech and medical heavyweights for decades of innovation and leadership. President Lai Ching-te personally presented honors to three new ITRI laureates at the 15th ITRI Laureate Ceremony. The three honorees span the fields of semiconductors, ICT and smart healthcare, and included a veteran TSMC executive who was among the chipmaker’s earliest employees.

President Lai Ching-te himself confers a certificate upon TSMC Executive Vice President and Co-Chief Operating Officer Y.P. Chyn, at the 15th ITRI Laureate Ceremony. Even TSMC CEO C.C. Wei personally attended the event to see the three new laureates receive their honors.

Y.P. Chyn
TSMC Executive Vice President
I left ITRI’s Electronics Research Laboratory in 1987, to join TSMC as one of its early employees. For nearly 40 years it has been my conviction that, when it comes to excellence in manufacturing and technological R&D, there are no shortcuts.

Chen Wei-ming
Taipei Veteran’s General Hospital Superintendent
We’re implementing ways to harness AI and reduce the workload on our medical staff. From shift handover systems to more dangerous procedures such as chemotherapy, where there is the risk of radiation. These treatments for patients can be harmful on practitioners, so administering the drugs with robotic arms can greatly help our staff.

This year’s three laureates are Taipei Veterans General Hospital Superintendent Chen Wei-ming, TSMC co-COO Y.P. Chyn and Realtek Chair Chiu Sun-chien. They were recognized for their outstanding long-term contributions in the fields of semiconductors, ICT and smart healthcare.

Wu Tsung-tsong
ITRI Chair
They aren’t just the creators of technology in Taiwan, they’re also industry leaders. There’s also something special about them, as they all grew up in the Taiwanese university system, obtaining bachelor’s or master’s degrees. They then stayed in Taiwan for three or four decades, which is really remarkable.

Besides the ceremony, a special exhibition at the venue showcased cross-domain innovation, resilience and prosperity. Among the highlights on show are Taiwan-made quadruped robots and superconducting quantum chips, demonstrating ITRI’s latest technologies and Taiwan’s formidable tech prowess.

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

#innovation #technology #chip #tsmc #taiwan

2026-09-08

Character tie-ins, concerts electrify Kaohsiung tourism

For the past three years, Kaohsiung has worked with popular IPs to draw interest to its Lantern Festival, in addition to hosting concerts by major global pop stars. This has translated into significant revenue, with the city earning NT$18.9 billion from concerts alone since 2023. The hospitality and restaurant sectors have also grown to push Kaohsiung into first place among Taiwan’s six special municipalities, instilling pride among the city’s residents.

The Kaohsiung Winter Wonderland earlier this year attracted New Year travelers to the event with an exciting Ultraman collaboration. On the closing day, thousands flocked to the Love River to bid farewell to the beloved Japanese character.

Member of public
It’s a major IP. It has a dedicated fanbase. That then triggers a ripple effect.

The Kaohsiung Lantern Festival has worked with different properties for the past three years, including Ultraman, Chiikawa, and the giant rubber duck that returned to the city after 10 years away.

Liu Yin-chun
FTV reporter
Supported by major international IPs, Kaohsiung’s visibility continues to climb. The concert industry in particular has been lucrative, earning the city NT$18.9 billion since 2023.

When South Korean mega group BTS announced Kaohsiung as a stop on their world tour, tickets for the November concerts sold out immediately, demonstrating the immense potential of the market.

The American rock band Maroon 5 will also hit the Kaohsiung National Stadium stage for the third time next January. It used to be unimaginable that such huge international stars would perform in Kaohsiung. But according to the city’s Tourism Bureau, concerts alone have attracted 5.77 million tourists since 2023.

Member of public
It makes it so much easier to see our idols in person! I hope Mayor Chen Chi-mai never steps down.

Kao Min-lin
Kaohsiung Tourism Bureau director-general
Kaohsiung has ranked first in tourism satisfaction for the past three years running. Between our major events, significant international media coverage, and online travel agencies, Kaohsiung has become widely regarded as one of Asia’s premier travel destinations.

Popular characters and back-to-back concerts by global stars are allowing Kaohsiung to showcase its charms. Its track record proves that city marketing can be engaging as well as extremely lucrative.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#Kaohsiung #tourism #concerts #Maroon5 #BTS #tourismeconomy #IPs #Ultraman #Chiikawa #concerteconomy

2026-09-08

Millions tune in to watch viral farmers’ association videos

Farmers associations in Taiwan are competing to attract talent as the population ages. A middle-aged secretary general of a farmers’ association has responded to this by turning himself into a social media influencer, attracting many youth to his videos. Secretary-General Huang Ching-chien of the Wufeng District Farmers’ Association in central Taiwan has made short videos about Taiwanese farming products that have gained a whopping several million views. Let’s find out more.

- Do I need to wash enoki mushrooms after buying them?
- I’ll show you how enoki mushrooms go from seed to packaging, then you’ll understand.

This secretary general of the Wufeng District Farmers’ Association is keeping up with trends and making short videos.

- Enoki mushrooms can grow to the same length and have the same shape.

A short video introducing the life cycle of enoki mushrooms sparked a discussion online about whether or not to wash them, garnering over 4 million views. Another video sharing lychee trivia also exceeded 2 million views. Secretary-General Huang Ching-chien of the farmers’ association has become an online influencer by creating short videos, and his total viewership has now surpassed 10 million.

Huang Ching-chien
Wufeng District Farmers’ Association
You can use this approach, targeting a younger demographic and reaching a wider audience. It’s also very efficient and relatively low-cost.

With internet traffic comes high exposure, and they’ve created a specialty store similar to a high-end department store. Although the decor is luxurious, the shelves are filled with Taiwan’s most popular farmers’ association specialties, keeping prices affordable.

Huang Ching-chien
Wufeng District Farmers’ Association
The traffic has increased several times, probably at least more than three times, and there has also been a significant increase in procurement volume.

Member of the public
Likes the shop
We can’t possibly travel to that many places, so coming here allows us to collect Taiwan’s unique agricultural products from all over the island.

Visiting the farmers’ association feels different now, and young people love coming here to hunt for hidden gems.

Member of the public
Likes the shop
After watching the video and seeing them unpack the products, I found it very special. I’ve never tried them before, and I’m not familiar with agricultural products, so I thought I could come and buy some to give it a try.

The new internet celebrity is getting real life people to come to the bricks-and-mortar shop, leading the charge in diversifying the operations of farmers’ associations.

#farm #farmlife #viral #influencer #agriculture

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

2026-09-08

Guanxi Night Market in Hsinchu County has a delectable fried steak stall

There’s a delicious steak stall in the Guanxi Night Market in Hsinchu County. It’s only open once a week, but that hasn’t stopped countless foodies traveling from all over the region just to sample the flavors. The owner Lin Li-mei has been running the stall for over 30 years, even when she was heavily pregnant. Now her youngest son has taken over the reins from his father to help out. Let’s find out more.

The owner is frying sizzling steaks on a griddle, and the aroma fills the air.

Next, using the heat of the griddle, she cracks an egg, then drizzles it with a thick sauce, and finally places the steak on top. It’s ready to go!

This is a steak stall in Guanxi Night Market, Hsinchu County. It only opens one day a week. Many people come to the night market just to have a taste.

- He’s almost always open on Tuesdays. The steaks are flavorful and quite cheap. They’re pretty good; I’ve been eating there for a long time.

- This steak is delicious; the cuts of meat are very large.

- I eat here almost every time I come.

This night market steak stall has been popular for over 30 years. The owner said that after getting married, her husband quit his factory job and went to learn the cooking techniques from a relative because he loved steak. She just went with the flow and started living the night market life with her husband.

Lin Li-mei
Owner
Our sauces are all freshly made, simmered for four to five hours. It’s hard work, but the kids are very good to us and sensible. I started working the night market while pregnant—right up until I was heavily pregnant—and it’s been like this ever since. It’s not about how much money we can make; just being able to get by is enough. And the kids have all grown up now.

After getting married, the owner, Lin Li-mei, had four children. In the early days, she sold steaks while taking care of her children. Now that her children are all grown up, her youngest son, after being discharged from the military, was concerned about his parents’ tough life and took over from his father to help out.

Chen Chun-lin
Youngest son
I’ve been helping out for five or six years. My parents work so hard; I knew how tough it was for them once I did it myself. I started helping them in junior high school. Because of the oil and smoke, my dad’s eyes turned yellow from frying the meat. In the mornings, I chop chicken at the traditional market, and in the evenings, I help sell steaks.

By searing steaks at the night market, these parents managed to raise their children. Now, their youngest son has taken over the reins, continuing to pass down this seemingly ordinary steak stall—one that holds a deeply special meaning for the family.

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

#steak #Guanxi #NightMarket #Hsinchu

2026-09-08

7 females accuse pharmacist of sexual assault and harassment

More details are emerging in the case involving a college student who was drugged while worked part-time at a pharmacy in Tamsui. The woman alleges that the pharmacist spiked her drink while she was not looking. Investigators say she was not the only alleged victim. So far, at least seven women have come forward, reporting alleged sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, and sexual harassment. The pharmacist, surnamed Chen, has been detained incommunicado.

In New Taipei City’s Tamsui, the female college student who worked part-time at a pharmacy where she was drugged is no longer the only victim.

A social media user posted online that she had previously worked at the pharmacy. She says the pharmacist would order her to go into the storage room, where he would proceed to hug and grope the victim. This behavior grew more frequent, leading to the part-time worker quitting the job. The pharmacist’s reaction to the drugging incident was just as callous as his behavior.

Mr. Chen (Sept. 4)
Pharmacist in detention
I originally thought that she’d maybe just take one sip, think it tasted strange, and then she’d probably spit it out. So after that I’d just tell her it was just a joke.

The pharmacist had put a drug containing benzodiazepine into the water bottle of the woman. She noticed something was strange when she went to open the bottle yet found that she couldn’t get the top to twist open. The perpetrator pretended not to notice, and even made a joke at the victim’s expense.

-Help me open it, please.
-Isn’t it a bit ridiculous you can’t even open your own bottle?

With her shift coming to an end, he then switched to play the role of the false hero, offering to give a ride home to the young woman, who was disoriented as she went to leave.

-Or would you like for me to give you a ride?
Would you like a ride home?

For the ongoing police investigation, there’s a growing list of female victims: one accused him of sexual assault, another is attempted sexual assault, and three have come forward claiming sexual harassment.

Hsing Yueh
Lawyer (not involved in case)
Putting a Schedule III drug in the victim’s water without the victim’s knowledge is a direct violation of the Narcotics Hazard Prevention Act.

Wu Ching-yi
Political commentator
As for me, I think she was incredibly brave to have contacted the police immediately after realizing that she might’ve blacked out.

The pharmacist has, nonetheless, been brazen when questioned; prosecutors revealed that he continues to repeat himself and is unclear about the process of when he spiked the drink. With his vague testimony and the list of victims growing, it appears this case isn’t going to be settled anytime soon.

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

#sexualassault #Tamsui #pharmacist #drugged #spiked #sexualharassment

2026-09-07

45-year-old woman dies due to eye bag removal surgery

A real estate agent hoping to get a simple eye bag removal operation did not live to see the results. The 45-year-old woman, surnamed Lee, went to a chain plastic surgery clinic in Tainan for the procedure. The problems started shortly after she was put under. She reportedly fell into a coma, and wasn’t sent for emergency treatment until two hours later. Making matters worse is she allegedly suffered gastric perforations in the process. The family of the deceased woman is now suing the clinic for negligent homicide. Let’s hear more.

Family member
Related to deceased woman
She was given an intravenous anesthetic before surgery started. It was the kind that puts you to sleep. Three minutes later, they noticed something was wrong. They said they inserted a nasogastric tube five times. They said they needed to send her out for emergency treatment, but they put it off for two hours.

Chang Chia-hsun
Police officer
The relevant staff have been called in to explain the situation. The case is being investigated for negligent homicide.

Shih Chih-yuan
Lawyer representing clinic
During the process of administering the anesthetic, they realized there was something wrong, as her abdomen began to swell. The surgeon and the anesthesiologist stopped the injection of the anesthetic and began the appropriate treatment.

Family members of the deceased woman say one thing, and the clinic says another. It remains unknown whether the punctures in Ms. Lee’s stomach and bleeding are related to her death. An investigation is also underway into whether the clinic’s handling of the situation led to her passing. An autopsy is set to be performed on Sept. 8 to shed some light on how it all transpired.

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

#plasticsurgery #eyebags #beauty #clinic #anesthetic

2026-09-07

Taoyuan and Gumi, South Korea celebrate 10 years as sister cities

Taoyuan and Gumi, South Korea are celebrating their 10-year sister city relationship. Gumi is nicknamed “the city of electronics” and is home to the largest factory of Nongshim noodles, a type of spicy instant noodles found in supermarkets all over Taiwan. Gumi even participated in Taoyuan’s Longgang Rice Noodle Festival this past April. Since Aug. 18, Taoyuan has been hosting an expo celebrating the cities’ twin town relationship.

Kim Jangho, Mayor of Gumi, South Korea, and Taoyuan Mayor Chang San-cheng are taking a picture with two boxes that contain Taoyuan’s beloved mascot duo, A-Tao and Yuan-Go. A month-long special exhibit celebrated the diplomatic relationship of the two cities, which became sister cities 10 years ago.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
At this exhibit that shows our 10 years together as twin towns, you can see that in the last few years we truly have had frequent interactions with one another.

On display were Gumi’s local specialties and famous tourist sites as well as exhibits showcasing the city’s culture and history. Visitors could take part in a stamp rally; for this activity, stamps set up in different areas explained the sister city relationship. The city of Gumi also put together a video that depicted the cities’ types of exchange, including education, culture and even their economic relationship.

Kim Jangho
Gumi Mayor
I, from the bottom of my heart, would like to express my gratitude, to be able to organize this type of exhibition, an event that showcases Gumi’s famous tourism hotspots and our local products.

Located in North Gyeongsang Province, which is in the southwest, Gumi is South Korea’s largest ICT industry hub; the city also has the biggest factory of Nongshim, a company that makes instant noodles popular in Taiwan. This past April was the first time Gumi’s city government was invited to take part in Taoyuan’s Longgang Rice Noodle Festival, where visitors could also eat authentic ramen noodles cooked up by chefs from Gumi.

Chang San-cheng
Taoyuan Mayor
This year had the unique aspect of featuring Gumi-style ramen, allowing us to add an international touch to this edition of the Longgang Rice Noodle Festival.

Taoyuan and Gumi established their bond through delicious food, and in the next 10 years they’re planning to further strengthen their sister city relationship by having a variety of types of exchange.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#SouthKorea #Gumi #Taoyuan #sistercities #diplomacy #noodles #ramen

2026-09-07

Scooter rider spotted wearing wire mesh tube around head

It can be a hassle to carry bulky items around on a scooter, but a rider in Keelung found an easy but unusual solution. He had apparently just purchased a tube of wire mesh, used to burn joss paper offerings. But instead of tying the tube to the back of his scooter, he was spotted on the road wearing it on his head. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Can’t believe it
It’s ridiculous and dangerous. And it could come flying off. It must be against traffic rules.

Hardware store
Shopkeeper
Usually people load them onto cars. Very few people come on a motorcycle. If they do, they usually tie it at the back. I would not advise people to transport it like that.

Chen Yen-chi
Police officer
We have not received any reports regarding the incident, but we will investigate the online footage. If a violation is confirmed, the rider will be prosecuted according to the relevant laws. We urge scooter riders to wear helmets as required by law, and to not wear any items that obstruct one’s vision or have an impact on traffic safety.

The scooter rider turned heads with his out-there accessory. But not everyone appreciates the dramatic fascinator, pointing out that it partly blocks the rider’s line of sight. What’s worse, if it were to fall off onto the ground, it would become a hard-to-spot booby-trap for other road users, with a hefty fine to boot.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#josspaper #headgear #fashion #helmet #keelung #scooter #dopehat #hatshop

2026-09-07

Typhoons, erosion likely cause of Keelung seal rock decapitation

The “seal rock” along the Daping coast in Keelung’s Badouzi area gained fame for its unique shape resembling a seal craning its neck to gaze out to sea. Especially as it emerges only during low tide, the site is popular with visitors looking for a photo. But recently, people have noticed that the seal’s head is missing! The Keelung City Government confirmed that it broke off, with initial assessments suggesting it was due to years of natural erosion.

The seal rock along the Daping coast in Keelung’s Badouzi has a rounded body, resting front flippers, and a tail... But where’s the most important part, its head?

People visiting the famous “seal-shaped rock” recently have noticed the crucial missing piece. A post about it led to an outcry online, with people lamenting that they never had a chance to visit. Before, the seal looked like it was at attention, craning its neck to gaze out over the ocean. But now its characteristic feature is gone, leaving only the body behind.

Member of public
Sad about rock
I saw the news today about the head breaking off, so I came to see it for myself. It’s such a shame that it broke. We’ll never see what it was like ever again.

The city government believes the destruction was caused by recent typhoons and long-term wind and wave erosion. Both the seal rock and the famous Queen’s Head rock in Yehliu are part of the Taliao Formation. Years of wave erosion sculpted the unique seal-like shape, which only emerges at low tide.

Tsai Fu-ning
Keelung Economic Development Dept.
We encourage the local community to keep offering tours to these geological formations, while also paying continued attention to conservation.

The circumference of the Queen’s Head rock measured only 116.59 cm in 2024. Although it’s safe for now, as to how long it can hold on—only time and nature will tell.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#sealrock #Keelung #Badouzi #geologicalformation #coastline #QueensHeadrock #Yehliu #erosion

2026-09-07

Minister of Culture visits London’s world-famous Barbican Centre

It was once dubbed one of London’s ugliest buildings, but today, it’s a bustling cultural base with countless fans right in the heart of London. Though the Barbican Centre may be famous for its imposing brutalist concrete walls, behind them lies a surprising urban oasis, complete with lush gardens and a massive indoor conservatory. Taiwan’s Culture Minister Li Yuan has visited the Barbican as part of his UK tour. During the visit, he took inspiration from the unique blend of nature, housing and culture, in hopes of bringing these ideas back home to Taiwan.

Lush gardens, shimmering ponds. People enjoy the amazing weather outdoors. The brutalist concrete architecture of this complex previously earned it a reputation as the ugliest building in London. But now people are loving it.

Lin Yung-chi
FTV reporter
We’re at the Barbican Centre, a stunning apartment complex housing thousands of families. There’s a church, a school, a library, and an abundance of arts spaces. Culture is right at your doorstep here.

The 40-acre site integrates residences with spaces such as cinemas and galleries, and houses Europe’s largest performing arts center. Fans of the building call it a utopia in the heart of the city, and many artsy individuals have moved in over the years.

The Barbican Centre even has a massive conservatory packed with 1,500 plant species that have taken over the concrete structure. This architectural marvel was the first stop on the itinerary for Minister of Culture Li Yuan, who is on a tour of the UK. The guided tour of the facilities presented an opportunity to learn.

Li Yuan
Minister of Culture
An urban forest is essentially a green space created within the city. It’s a concept that we will work on as part of a four-year plan encompassing all the institutions under the Ministry of Culture.

The Ministry of Culture is set to launch a project next year to integrate ecological planning at museums, cultural facilities and 100 cultural bases. The plan is not just about urban forests, but about equal access to culture.

Li Yuan
Minister of Culture
What I’ve seen here at the Barbican Centre, is the environment I envisioned for Taiwan: a space with a close connection between residential areas, nature and culture. Our goal is to promote cultural equality, and ensure that people can easily access culture near their homes.

Patrick Moran
Barbican Centre
The conservatory is really emblematic of the utopian idea of the Barbican, that this was a new way to live. Thinking about how London could be very different, how people’s relationship to culture. We’re going into a very big refurbishment, renewal project, which I mentioned earlier. The Minister was saying those ideas of making the institution more open.

The Barbican Centre is set to undergo a year-long renovation, and will reopen to the public with a brand-new look.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#barbicancentre #london #getthelondonlook #brit #culture

2026-09-07

Heavy rains transform lakeside park into magical underwater park

Dapu Lakeside Park has been transformed into a stunning, water-covered wonderland after nearly two weeks of heavy downpours across Southern Taiwan. The park is located in Chiayi County, upstream from the Zengwen Reservoir. Some visitors showed up hoping to enjoy a relaxing stroll through the park, only to reach the entrance and discover that it had been closed because water levels were simply too high. But for others, the flooding itself has become the attraction, with people coming just to catch a rare glimpse of this temporary underwater park.

Here’s a look at the before-and-after. On the left, you can see Dapu Park before the flooding. And on the right, the scenery now. The landmark sign is half-submerged, and the park’s hexagonal pavilion is now floating in the middle of the lake. Over at the Lovers’ Pier, the grand archway has become an actual pier. If you’re hoping to catch this unusual water park while it lasts, remember to stay safe, and do not attempt to enter the flooded area on your own.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#magical #mountains #lake #nature #rainyday #waterworld

2026-09-07

Winning beans in coffee contest come at over NT$2,000 per kilogram

Taiwan has held its first ever Taiwan Coffee Auction, a contest where 37 specialty coffees from across Taiwan were appraised by a team of international judges. The winning Gesha coffee beans came from a plantation in Guoxing Township in Nantou in central Taiwan. They are priced at a whopping over NT$2,000 per kilogram, and there are hopes they will fetch over NT$10,000 after they’re put to an international auction in October. They have a rich aroma with notes of honey, osmanthus and caramel. Let’s find out more.

The DPP’s Taipei and New Taipei City mayoral candidates Puma Shen and Su Chiao-hui make a joint appearance at an afternoon tea event, drinking specialty Taiwanese coffee to perk themselves up and show their support for Taiwan’s coffee industry. Chiayi County Commissioner Weng Chang-liang also made a special trip to Taipei to support the first edition of the Taiwan Coffee Auction.

Weng Chang-liang
Chiayi County Commissioner
Many coffees are actually named after their places of origin, showing that coffee is inextricably linked to the local environment. So, with so many talented people participating in this competition today, we wish everyone the best of luck in winning the awards they’re aiming for.

Led by chief judge Darrin Daniel, a panel of 12 international judges meticulously evaluated the roasting, grind and brewing of specialty coffee beans, selecting the top 20 from 37 specialty coffees from 26 plantations across 8 counties and cities in Taiwan.

Darrin Daniel
Chief Judge
We had a very excellent year. I could say that there’s incredible diversity of flavors from different regions. We had experienced for me one of the highest scores I’ve ever given.

The champion Gesha coffee beans from Guoxing, Nantou, are made with unique honey processing. The coffee has a rich aroma of honey, osmanthus and caramel, with a mellow and layered taste that is addictive.

Lin Yen-chien
Taiwan Coffee Auction winner
The coffee beans we’re using for this year’s competition are mainly Gesha variety. Gesha is a relatively new variety in Taiwan and it’s quite popular worldwide. Based on our past auction records, I’ve seen it fetch nearly NT$10,000 per kilogram before.

Krude Lin Che-hao
Coffee Industrial Alliance of Taiwan
Taiwan is a democratic, free, and egalitarian society. Under these circumstances, plantation owners invest their passion, dedication, and expertise to refine their production methods.

On October 28th, an open bidding process will be held on an international platform. Through healthy competition among local farmers, Taiwanese coffee beans will be gradually promoted to an even larger international 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

#Taiwancoffee #Geshabeans #coffeemaking #Nantoucoffees #Taiwancoffeeuaction

2026-09-07