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Taipei, Dresden universities ink agreement on semiconductor talent

TSMC is investing 10 billion euros, or over NT$350 billion, to build a fab in Germany. Slated to begin production in late 2027, the fab is estimated to create at least 7,000 jobs. As chipmaking technology advances, semiconductor talent must stay ahead of the curve. Taipei Tech and the Dresden University of Technology recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the goal of training this next crop of talent early, bringing the two countries’ chip collaboration to the next level.

TSMC’s new fab in Dresden is expected to begin production in late 2027, creating at least 7,000 new jobs. As chip production advances, Taiwan and Germany are looking to train the talent it will take to keep up with future demand.

Karsten Tietz
German Institute Taipei Director-General
The main purpose, of course, is to nurture the semiconductor talent that TSMC’s investment in Dresden needs. Taiwan has become one of Germany’s most important partners in terms of science and research cooperation overall.

Taipei Tech and the Dresden University of Technology signed a four-year memorandum of understanding to select outstanding master’s students from Germany to study in Taiwan. These students will first take specialized semiconductor and Mandarin courses at Taipei Tech, then go to TSMC to gain hands-on experience in chip manufacturing to prepare them for their future careers.

Karsten Tietz
German Institute Taipei Director-General
The field offers great job opportunities beyond TSMC’s Dresden factory. So that’s why we expanded it to the rest of the world.

Jen Yi-jun
Taipei Tech president
Both of our institutions have a long history of emphasizing practical education. We focus on solving industry challenges. So that’s why we have so much in common and why we started our collaboration.

As TSMC’s Dresden fab starts to take shape, cooperation between Taiwan and Germany is expanding beyond construction to include talent and technology exchange, setting the stage for a strong partnership in semiconductor production.

#TSMC #Dresden #TaipeiTech #semiconductors #semiconductortalent #fab #talent #MOU #universities #techtalent

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Time:2026-08-31

最新消息 Latest News

Taiwan and US sign MOU on chip workforce development

TSMC’s global expansion is gaining momentum, and now, the focus is on developing the talent to power the semiconductor industry of tomorrow. Recently, Taiwan teamed up with Germany and Japan on semiconductor talent development. And on Monday the American Institute in Taiwan joined in, with a workforce summit on the matter. Taiwan and the US signed an MOU to bring more American students to Taiwan for hands-on training, while building a new generation of international semiconductor talent. Let’s hear more.

Raymond Green
AIT Director
Our ties with Taiwan have never been stronger especially as our cooperation deepens across high tech and advanced manufacturing sectors. Last year marked a record-breaking period for Taiwan’s foreign direct investments in the United States.

Bill Frauenhofer
US Commerce Department
Taiwan on semiconductor workforce development. As we share so many successful companies. Either to build the skilled workforce that we would bring those fabs to life and run them for the next generation.

Cheng Ying-yao
Minister of Education
This is not one way learning. American students will experience Taiwan’s semiconductor ecosystem first hand, while Taiwanese students gain international perspectives by learning alongside their American peers.

As semiconductor investment between Taiwan and the US continues to expand, workforce development has become a key area of cooperation. AIT Director Raymond Greene and Education Minister Cheng Ying-yao were among those attending the summit, where the two sides signed an MOU covering semiconductor talent development from education through employment. The agreement will give American students opportunities to study and gain experience in Taiwan, and help both sides develop more talent for their semiconductor industries. The summit also sets the stage for SEMICON Taiwan, the international semiconductor trade show kicking off later this week.

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#tech #innovation #semiconductor #semicon #tsmc #chips #ait #us

2026-08-31

AI breakthroughs showcased at Meet Greater South expo

AI is moving beyond the lab and into industries across Taiwan, helping businesses improve efficiency, quality, and competitiveness. With support from the Ministry of Economic Affairs’ Department of Industrial Technology, research institutes and startups have developed a range of technologies, from AI-powered water quality monitoring to next-gen ultra-thin camera lenses. These innovations are were showcased at the Meet Greater South expo in Kaohsiung this past Friday and Saturday The event highlighted how cutting-edge technology can address real-world industry needs and help local businesses expand into global markets.

With support from MOEA’s Department of Industrial Technology, the Institute of AI Innovation has developed a digital twin technology for bio-water quality sensing. The AI component can keep track of the opening and closing of Corbicula fluminea Formosa, a Taiwanese clam species that closes its shell in abnormal water conditions. It takes just 2 minutes to detect toxic pollution, providing an early warning for water quality problems.

AI has also been integrated vertically into the construction industry, helping developers and architects generate volumes, assess the feasibility of development projects, and create 3D models.

ITRI has developed ultra-thin structure chip technology for visual sensing applications. Traditional cameras require many lens components, making them unwieldy and heavy. But this new technology employs semiconductor manufacturing processes to produce meta lenses that allow cameras to be thin and light, and achieve high image clarity thanks to AI.

Kuo Chao-chung
Department of Industrial Technology
AI is used through the entire process, from the initial design and processing, to quality control.

Kao Wei-ya
Ability Opto-Electronics Technology
We hope that our meta lens technology, which uses semiconductor manufacturing to replace traditional lenses, can eventually be used in consumer electronics.

And it’s not just that AI has been integrated into production and applications in a wide arrange of fields. Advanced manufacturing process and innovative tech is helping industries in Central and Southern Taiwan upgrade, to improve production efficiency and quality.

Liu Ching-hua
Li-Xiang Mach. and Elec.
We got great feedback from the Metal Industries Research and Development Center. It greatly reduced defects, significantly improving the yield of our products.

The MOEA is expanding the R&D capabilities of research organizations in Southern Taiwan. These achievements, supported by the Department of Industrial Technology were showcased at the Meet Greater South expo, a major startup and industry event in Southern Taiwan, which also provided opportunities for idea exchanges and collaborations between research organizations and industry players.

#chips #tech #hightech #innovation #metalens #biosensing #clams #polluiton #ai

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2026-08-31

Government launches lucky draw for pet owners who register cats and dogs

Taiwanese people may adore their furry friends, but they don’t always remember to register them. Taiwanese law requires dogs and cats to be registered once they turn four months old. To encourage more people to register their beloved pets, the Ministry of Agriculture is launching a lucky draw. Update your pet registration data or register your pet by the end of September for a chance to win NT$3,000 worth of pet health check-ups and medical care. Let’s find out more.

These days, people have endless ways of pampering their pets, but don’t forget the most basic and important protection: completing pet registration.

To encourage pet owners to register their pets, the Ministry of Agriculture has launched a lucky draw.

Chiang Wen-chuan
Department of Animal Welfare director
Pet registration isn’t just a legal responsibility imposed on you—the public and pet owners. More than that, I believe it is a vital bond built between you and your furry friend.

Pet owners who have already registered should log in to the "Pet Registration Information System" to check and update their data. Those who haven’t registered yet should hurry up and complete the registration before the end of September to be eligible for the luck draw. Currently, there are 1.46 million pet dogs and 1.74 million pet cats in Taiwan, with only 75% and 63% of them having microchips implanted, respectively. The Ministry of Agriculture will continue to promote this practice.

Owner
Likes pet registration system
When I opened the door to grab a package, Bubu instantly darted out from between my feet. The sheer terror of not being able to find her is something I still remember vividly to this day. The pet registration data became a beacon guiding her home.

Chiang Wen-chuan
Department of Animal Welfare director
While current regulations require pet registration, we hope to encourage greater participation from pet owners through incentives.

According to the Animal Protection Act, cats and dogs should be registered as pets when they reach 4 months old. Failure to do so can result in a fine of NT$3,000 to NT$15,000. Pet owners are reminded to complete registration as soon as possible to protect their pets.

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#pet # PetRegistration # LuckyDraw # DepartmentofAnima Welfare

2026-08-31

Bargain Sun Moon Lake hotel room goes viral

An online post recently shared a hidden gem in Sun Moon Lake: a four-person room with lake views and included breakfast, all for just NT$485 a night on a weekday. News of the incredible deal went viral as soon as it was posted. The Yuchi Township mayor said that recent typhoons have hit the hotel industry hard, and hopes that this unconventional marketing ploy will be a boon to tourism.

As hazy twilight settles over the water, it’s impossible to look away from this dreamlike view. You’d never guess that a room overlooking a place like this was only a couple hundred NT dollars a night.

Guest
Booked room
I saw a post about it online and thought I’d check it out. Turns out it’s real, so I booked it.

So how much is it? This four-person room facing Sun Moon Lake is only NT$485 per night, breakfast included. It’s real, and not a mistake, either. The price really is that low.

Voice of Hsiao-chu
Guest
At first I was worried because it was so unreasonably cheap. But after I saw they have a free cancelation option, I just decided to book it. Turns out it’s bright and neat, and at least 80% clean.

The neighboring hotels here at Sun Moon Lake all easily cost several thousand per night. Some even climb to five digits, with lakefront views commanding steep prices. It’s no wonder this incredibly affordable room went viral. If you look at the booking website, nearly all the rooms are booked, no matter the view.

Voice of Hsiao-chu
Guest
The ambience of the room itself might only score a five or six, but the view outside the window is honestly second to none. My dad nagged me that posting about it would ruin it. I knew that, but I wanted to do something nice and let others know about it.

Liu Chi-fan
Yuchi Township Mayor
Recent typhoons have hit the hotel business a bit. We hope this alternative marketing strategy will bring new opportunities to Sun Moon Lake and get more visitors to fall in love with the area.

Other guests said that while the breakfast is simple and beds are on the firmer side, the location is good, views are top-notch, and the room is clean and comfortable. At such a sweet price, travelers wanting to book this limited-time promotion will need to act fast.

#SunMoonLake #hotels #travel #budgettravel #Nantou #lakeview #cheap

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2026-08-31

Kids excited about mobile library van launched by Taipei Public Library

To make books even more accessible to the public, the Taipei Public Library has launched a mobile library van that can deliver offerings ranging from children’s fairy tales to bestsellers directly to schools and communities. Kids particularly are intrigued by the van and this can encourage them to enjoy reading. Let’s find out more.

On a sweltering summer’s day, tired from playing with water, the children pick up markers one after another and start coloring on paper.

Step into the nearby mobile library van and you’ll find a wide selection of books—from colorful fairy tale picture books to the latest best-selling novels—alongside a comfortable reading space. Children seeing the mobile library for the first time immediately pulled their mothers over to check it out.

Parent
Likes the mobile library
It’s quite convenient, because ordinary libraries are stuck in the one location, but these mobile libraries can go anywhere. You might see one on the street and just go in whenever you want.

This mobile library van has traveled from elementary school playgrounds and neighborhood alleys to bustling major tourist attractions on weekends, going wherever there is demand. For seven years, it has traversed every corner of Taipei City, breaking down the spatial limitations of four-walled traditional libraries, and even launching e-book services to make reading more convenient. It also hosts different activities depending on the location; in a single day, it can attract over 300 people to "hop on board!"

Ho Chien-hao
Taipei Public Library
We’ve acquired a legion of fans. They follow the mobile library’s latest itineraries. Like when we visited Yangmingshan Elementary School last time, they said they were very happy to see the truck on campus because they hadn’t seen it in a long time.

However, given the large foot traffic and the target customer group being children, necessary cleaning and maintenance are essential. The manufacturer revealed that the vehicle is cleaned about 2 to 3 times a week, and is also inspected before each trip to ensure children can enjoy themselves safely and hygienically.

Parent
Likes the mobile library
I think this kind of library is actually quite suitable for children, because children will find the car interesting, and there are some tents and chairs, which will pique their interest and make them want to get closer.

Parent
Likes the mobile library
It’s quite different from a typical library space, and it has a car-like feel, which might be more appealing to boys.

The library has proactively "stepped out" and created a mobile knowledge hub, making reading incredibly accessible and filling every corner of the city with a rich literary atmosphere.

#Taiwanlibaries #mobilelibraries #Taipeilibraries #Taipeiattractions #childrensactivities

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2026-08-31

Refreshing peach smoothie is Taoyuan’s new local specialty

A peach smoothie shop in Taoyuan’s Jiaobanshan Commercial District has become a local specialty. The business started out as a simple roadside stand over 20 years ago and is now a bustling shop with its own storefront. The refreshing drink, great in the summer heat, has become a symbol of Taoyuan’s Fuxing District.

A shop owner cuts peaches by hand and puts slices into the blender, along with a special jam and lots of ice. Once it’s all blended together, this refreshing peach smoothie is ready to be served.

Cyclist
Gets free refills
I wouldn’t cycle if not for this, because you get free refills for riding a bike. It’s a great drink and the owner is really friendly.

Tourist
Likes the drink
It’s delicious, the fruit inside is sweet.

This peach slushie store in Taoyuan’s Jiaobanshan角板山 Commercial District started as a roadside stand in 2003. After over 20 years, it’s become a local specialty and lots of tourists come to try it.

Lee Hou-jung
Slushie shop owner
I’ve been doing this for over 20 years. It’s good to sell slushie when it’s hot out.

Lee Jen-liang
Slushie shop owner
The idea came when I was with my grandmother. Her neighbors always gave her peaches, and she likes cold desserts, so we started making peach slushies. We also have some Indigenous relatives who suggested that we try something different.

Inspired by their grandmother, this family business has been running for over 20 years. The shop uses natural ingredients, with ripe peaches cut fresh to order. The jam even includes Chinese herbs, making the flavor richer.

Lee Jen-liang
Slushie shop owner
The peach slushie is made with natural ingredients, with no artificial additives. When the peach trees are blooming, we use the blossoms to make a jam, which we combine with three Chinese medicinal herbs.

This peach slushie, perfected over many years, has a peach’s natural sweetness, as well as floral and fruity flavors from their specialty jam. But this popular shop is only open two days a week.

#peach #slushie #peachsmoothie #Taoyuan #Jiaobanshan #familybusiness #fruit #fruitsmoothie #summer #hot #refreshing

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2026-08-31

Kaohsiung streets flooded and then left caked in mud

Residents of Kaohsiung must be getting sick of all this rain. Just a 10-minute downpour is enough to flood their streets, and even though the water quickly recedes, the pavement is left caked in slippery mud. This morning, flooded streets caused commuter chaos and one elementary school even pushed back its first day, but, once again, the commitment of Chiikawa fans never wavers, rain or shine.

Down in Kaohsiung, it was a wet morning, wet enough to cause flooding in sections of the city’s streets. No wonder this car’s windshield wipers are whipping away rain.

Yellowish, mud-filled water is gushing by the truck of this streetside vendor, who, despite his helpless state, still found it in him to take a video of the scene.

Streetside vendor
Sells stuff and saves scooters
The water was rushing down this way. It looks like a river, don’t it? Every time it rains now it always floods. A lot of scooters over there weren’t able to ride past. I even helped lift up one scooter, because if I didn’t it would’ve gotten pushed over and carried away.

Flooding is so severe on this street in Siaogang District that cars and scooters are leaving wakes that would impress a boat captain. Vehicles are being treated to a free drive-through car wash, thanks to passing cars creating ocean-like waves.

After going down a street inundated by muddy water tinged with yellow, this driver said that today driving felt more like piloting a boat. Scooter riders going from the eastern part of Siaogang District to Daliao District had to prioritize safety, as this morning’s downpours left the area flooded.

During the morning rush hour, traffic in both directions had to slow down and proceed with caution. With sections like Yanhai Road turned into shallow waterways, vehicles had to be careful.

This scooter is parked on the side of the road as its driver films the water rushing by. The drainage system isn’t able to deal with this deluge of water, hence the wakes vehicles are creating as they pass by. With all these recent heavy rains, getting to work on streets like Yanhai Road has become a difficult ordeal.

The heavy rain in Kaohsiung on Aug. 28 is a result of the outer bands of Typhoon Saudel and southwesterly winds, which combined to cause flooding.

In Daliao District’s Zhaoming Borough, the roads have become rivers; essentially stuck in their homes, people are flummoxed about how to get to work.

Member of public
Guesstimated height of water
If you walk from over there to here, the water reaches your knees. If you take the other way, it’ll go up to your calves.

The footage of this security camera showed that the rain started coming down a little after 7 am. A 10-minute downpour was enough to create murky floodwater that was mixed with mud.

Member of public
Described wet scene
It’s flooded all the way to here. The entire area is caked in mud.

After the floodwater receded, the streets were left muddy, creating a slippery situation for scooter riders. The area outside of Zhao Ming Elementary School also was flooded today; the student’s first day back at school was abruptly cancelled.

Liao Shih-hui
Principal of Zhao Ming Elementary
Sometime a little after 6 am, we realized that the roads nearby the school had rising floodwater on both sides of the street. We made the call to inform parents that the first day of school would need to be pushed back.

In Lingya District, many scooter drivers suffered through a commute that featured heavy rain. Life was difficult for workers making their way to the office, but things were much merrier for Chiikawa fans who’d gathered at a department store just to get their hands on knick-knacks. Many braved the rain to arrive at 7 am, even though the event started at 9 am.

The line of these Chiikawa fans almost reached 100 meters, proving that, rain or shine, people can’t get enough of these small and cute creatures, which are now in theaters near you.

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#wet #Kaohsiung #typhoon #rain #flooding #muddy #rainorshine #Chiikawa

2026-08-28

Bus drivers take part in realistic anti-terrorism drills

Bus operators in Taipei on Friday attended an anti-terrorism workshop hosted by the Taipei Department of Transportation. The activities included realistic situations of attacks, with members of the public acting out the roles of perpetrators and hostages. Special task force members also took part, throwing riot-control grenades to test and enhance a bus driver’s response. Let’s hear more.

Yeh Tzu-chuan
Taipei Department of Transportation
All these situations could arise on a bus. We hope the drills will help drivers learn how to respond to these incidents.

Wei Kuang-nan
Metropolitan Transport Corporation
Drivers are the focus of the training. The first step is evacuating passengers safely, then getting off the bus, turning off the power source, and waiting for firefighters to arrive.

The drills covered all sorts of situations that may happen on the road, from traffic accidents to terrorist attacks. Drivers were taught how to respond to large numbers of injured passengers, and most importantly, how to respond to a fire on an electric bus. In such a situation, firefighters are required to constantly hose down the battery with water to keep it cool, as lithium batteries can get hot and reignite even if no flames are present. Of course, the most important aspect is keeping everyone safe, so evacuating passengers and reporting incidents were a key part of the schedule.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#bus #driver #busdriver #driverlife #evacuation #antiterrorism #crash #traffic #lithiumbattery

2026-08-28

Neihu most popular among redesigned wedding photo backdrops in Taipei

After registering their marriage, it’s tradition for newlyweds to take photos with their friends and family in front of the special wedding backdrop set up inside the household registration office. All of the Taipei offices redesigned their displays recently, but some have proven more popular than others. The one in Neihu District had the best feedback. When reporters went to check it out, they found a couple who came there just for the backdrop.

If you were about to get married, which backdrop would you choose to commemorate your big day?

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
When newlyweds register their marriage, besides choosing an office that’s convenient or has some special meaning, a lot of couples now choose the one with the best photo backdrop.

Standing among tea fields gazing at Taipei 101 in the distance as the Maokong Gondola goes by—it’s not hard to spot what’s special about Wenshan District. Or you can stand by a building from Bopiliao, which gives Wanhua District its historic flair. All of the household registration offices in Taipei have redesigned their wedding backdrops, sparking discussion online.

Member of public
Finds Xinyi’s backdrop tacky
I think the ugliest right now is Xinyi District. They just have a Taipei 101 with a heart. It looks tacky, like a place tourists would take pictures.

Newlywed
Likes Neihu’s backdrop
We came to Neihu for the backdrop. Since all the other places in Taipei I thought, eh, no thanks.

Newlywed
Listened to wife
I just listened to her.

Before registering their marriage, this couple took a look at all the office backdrops and ultimately decided on the Neihu one as the best place to take photos with friends and family.

Chou Ming-yi
Neihu office director
We wanted a tech-forward look for modern urban couples. So we blended elements of a circuit board from the Neihu Tech Park into the outline of the Keelung Riverfront and cityscape.

Liu Chia-feng
Taipei Civil Registry Division director
Taipei has a diverse variety of designs this time around. We believe the wedding backdrops won’t affect couples’ desire to tie the knot.

Art is subjective, after all. What’s most important is signing your name next to your partner’s on that marriage certificate, taking the first step toward the rest of your lives together.

#marriage #marriageregistration #Taipei #weddingphotos #weddingbackdrop #Neihu

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2026-08-28

Holiday dessert gift boxes embrace East-West fusion

Competing for a slice of Taiwan’s lucrative NT$5 billion gift market for the Mid-Autumn Festival, bakeries and pastry brands are entering the fray early. This year’s offerings feature many fusion options, such as egg yolk pastries stuffed with pomelo and passion fruit, and pineapple buns with molten filling. One business is stuffing an entire panna cotta into a cake roll, packaged in a traditional gaji shopping bag. Even French sablé cookies are melding with Nantou pineapple and tea leaves, hoping to make for a meaningful gift.

Plump white mochi is tucked inside these Chinese egg yolk pastries, using passion fruit and pomelo to balance out the sweetness. This taro mochi lava pastry uses Western baking methods to make a flaky pastry with rich custard, creating layered textures. And of course, Mid-Autumn Festival isn’t complete without a traditional egg yolk pastry, where a whole salted egg yolk pairs exquisitely with sweet red bean paste.

Cathy Chung
85˚C vice president of marketing
East-West fusion gift boxes are proving popular. Every year, we consistently sell about 30 to 40,000 Mid-Autumn gift boxes. This year, we project revenue for the entire Mid-Autumn period in Taiwan to reach around NT$24 million.

To capture a slice of the NT$5 billion Mid-Autumn mooncake market, one large brand is offering fusion boxes that pair traditional flavors with nontraditional nut tarts, almond slices, and oolong pastries.

Another cake brand is stuffing an entire panna cotta pudding into a cake roll, with Assam tea blended into the sponge. They expect fresh desserts and gift boxes to drive revenue growth of 10 to 20%.

Voice of Kuo Yi-ying
Yannick marketing assistant manager
People prefer to be gifted desserts that are creative and new, providing for richer and more diverse choices. This time, inspired by Taiwanese sensibilities, we put together popular desserts from Taiwan and abroad and packaged them in a traditional gaji bag to make the gift more meaningful.

Charles Huang
Crew’s Dessert director
For this Mid-Autumn Festival, our main highlights are the Taiwan Island Tins, made with local Nantou pineapples and tea leaves. We project revenue this year to grow by about 50%.

This bakery is taking a younger approach inspired by the island of Taiwan, baking local Nantou pineapples into French Sablé Breton pastries to reinvent the pineapple cake. In their cookie tin, they use tea leaves from Nantou to make roasted oolong, sijichun, and earl grey cookies, hoping to put a local spin on this year’s gift giving.

#MidAutumnFestival #MoonFestival #giftbox #pastries #pineapplecake #eggyolkpastry #mooncake

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2026-08-28

Jail cells and painted squares: Taipei smoking areas leave critics fired up

Talk about a smoking hot controversy! Taipei is cracking down on smoking, but some of the city’s designated smoking areas are leaving people pretty fired up. One is located at a 240-year-old historic landmark, raising the question: is the city protecting its heritage, or playing with fire? From smoking spots that are little more than painted squares, to a jail cell replica that got pulled down in less than a month, Taipei’s smoking areas are going up in smoke.

The Lin An Tai Historical House and Museum is a perfectly preserved traditional house in the Min-nan courtyard style. Located in Taipei’s Zhongshan District, it’s free to enter. The architecture is stunning, and so is the fact that the smoking room is inside the landmark.

Chen Yao-chi
FTV reporter
The 240-year-old house recently got a new addition, a smoking area delimited by potted plants. Though most of the building is made in bricks and tiles, the doors and pillars are wooden. Is Taipei playing with fire?

Visitor
Touring landmark
Putting the smoking area in the historic site is questionable. There’s so much wood.

Visitor
Touring landmark
Designating smoking areas is good. Nobody wants to inhale second-hand smoke. But it should be outside, in a separate structure.

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an says regular reviews will be conducted. The city now has 267 smoking areas, many of which are getting dragged through the inferno.

Chou Jung-hsuan
FTV reporter
Taipei is investing big in its popular smoke-free city policy. But can you find the smoking area in this car park? No? Look harder!

The smoking area at this car park is simply a square painted on the floor. No walls, no shed. Nothing to contain the smoke. The local councilor offered her blunt opinion on the design.

Hung Wan-jen
Taipei City Councilor (DPP)
It’s beyond the pale. You draw a square on the ground, just like any other parking spot and tell people it’s a smoking area and ask everyone to just go and stand there.

At this other parking lot, at least the area has a glass walls on three sides, and for some reason, three handrails. Online, critics were fuming, saying “So that’s where the MRT handrails went!”

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
The Taipei City Government has put out ideas, but they lack planning and execution. Everyone’s just guessing what the higher-ups want. From the get go, it’s unclear which unit should be in charge of what. That’s how we ended up here. They can’t even provide data when you ask them for it.

The most egregious example, might be the prison-core smoking area set up in Gongguan, with a price tag of NT$140,000. The bars aren’t just reminiscent of a jail, they also don’t block smoke in any way. The fence didn’t last a month, and has been taken down. What a waste.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#smokingarea #smokefree #prisoncore #aesthetics #carpark #cityplanning #urbanism #taipei #taiwan

2026-08-28

Charging power bank catches fire in sleeping kid’s bedroom

And once again, a reminder to be extremely careful with charging power banks. A family from Taichung posted a video online of a fire that started in their own kid’s bedroom due to a power bank that had been left charging overnight. The child had plugged the power bank into the wall before going to sleep, but not long afterwards the device caught fire, filling the room with smoke. The manufacturer has since contacted the family and has announced a recall for the model. Let’s hear more.

Voice of operator
Power bank company
We contacted the buyer. We’ll be collecting the problematic product for tests, and offering refunds to people who bought the same model.

Cheng Li-yen
Science teacher
The transformer and the battery are combined into one in a power bank. The transformer gets hotter on its own, and so does the battery as the device charges. Together, the temperature climbs higher and higher, which increases the chances of a short circuit.

The outer plastic casing of the self-combusting power bank melted completely, and the battery was charred black. Fortunately, nobody was injured, even though the child was asleep right next to the device. So what should you do if a power bank catches fire? Experts say, first unplug the device, then pour abundant water over it to cool it down. But of course, the best way to stay safe is prevention, by buying power banks that meet standards.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#powerbank #fire #childsafety #family #taichung #danger

2026-08-28

Popular Hualien breakfast shop to take 3-year break for reno

Some loyal food fans have traveled great distances to return to Hualien before a beloved breakfast and brunch eatery closes its doors for three years. The restaurant has been around since 1951, but it’ll be taking a three-year break in order to completely rebuild the structure. Sept. 8 will be the eatery’s last day, so those who delay might just need to wait until 2029 to get their teeth on the shop’s marvelous macarons.

Translated as “Black Tea at the Temple Corner” and serving staples like egg pancakes and Taiwanese-style giant macarons from 6 am to 5 pm, this Hualien restaurant has been a favorite of foodies across Taiwan since 1951. Recently, it’s been especially busy ever since the owners announced that Sept. 8 would be the final day it’d be open.

- Egg pancakes and fried eggs.
- You typically get egg pancakes and fried eggs?
- Yes.
- Isn’t it a shame? Like, won’t you miss it?
- Of course. The people here are incredible.

- You could say I grew up eating here.
- Have you heard that they’ll be taking a break?
- I have.
- And so that’s why you’ve come here?
- Yes.
I order egg pancakes, zongzi or macarons.

This eatery has been around for 75 years. Its most unique aspect is the pipes connected to the ceiling. Starting on the second floor, drinks like black tea and sour plum juice travel down these pipes. But being open for nearly eight decades means equipment has aged, and, to make matters worse, multiple earthquakes have taken their toll. Therefore, the owners decided to re-build the restaurant from the ground up.

- How long do you expect the renovations to take?
- For this place, probably at least three years.
- Three years?
- Two or three years, for sure.
- You’ll re-open at the original location?
- Yes. If not at the original location, then across the street.
- So, you’ll still be in this area?
- Yes.

Loyal long-time customers were worried that the restaurant of their childhood memories was about to disappear. Fortunately for them, the renowned breakfast and brunch shop will open again. Whether that date is in 2028, 2029, or even later, well, only time can tell.

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#macaron #Hualien #breakfast #brunch #eatery #yum #foodie #food

2026-08-28

Yilan farmer grows mini watermelons with edible rind

A farmer in Yilan grows mini watermelons that are just 5 to 15 cm in diameter. Not only are they juicy and sweet, but the rind is even edible! The Yilan branch of the Agriculture and Food Agency held an event to promote the new watermelons, with many people enjoying the bite-sized summer treat.

Fruit is a great snack in the hot summer, but this watermelon looks much smaller than normal. A farmer holds one smaller than the palm of his hand, biting into it to show it’s ripe.

Lots of people are trying these mini watermelons, just one-third the size of a normal one. They’re sweet and juicy with a very thin and edible rind, plus they’re organic.

Cheng Chao-tung
Yilan farmer
This is a next-generation variety developed by crossbreeding a foreign variety. It’s called a mini watermelon, or mini ball. I call it a couple’s watermelon, because it’s too much for one person, but just right for two.

Cheng grows the mini watermelons in a greenhouse. They average around 15 cm in diameter, with some as small as 5 cm. They’re sweeter than most watermelons and just the right size for two people to share.

Cheng Chao-tung
Yilan farmer
Because the rind is so thin, if we grow them outdoors, they can crack easily, especially with all the rain in Yilan. The plants are also more vulnerable to pests and diseases, so growing them in a greenhouse protects them and helps them produce better fruit. Once you chill them, they get even crispier and sweeter. I’d say they have one of the finest textures of any watermelon grown in Taiwan.

The Yilan branch of the Agriculture and Food Agency held an event recently to promote these watermelons and other organic produce from the area, showing the skill of Yilan’s farmers.

#Yilan #watermelon #mini #miniwatermelon #sweet #fruit #refreshing #farmer #organic

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2026-08-28

Mooncakes made by Taitung inmates sell out

To celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, inmates at Taitung’s Taiyuan Prison make and sell mooncakes. This year their cakes sold out fast! The program helps inmates learn marketable skills, and one even found work in the baking industry after release.

A man carefully wraps red bean and salted egg yolk in dough. After baking in the oven, these mooncakes are ready to eat. But this isn’t a bakery. It’s actually a prison. Here inmates make and sell mooncakes during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Ah-lun
Inmate
It’s very rewarding to learn something new from scratch. Plus, lots of customers have said they like our mooncakes, egg yolk pastries, and mung bean cakes.

The inmates take pride in hearing that people enjoy their baked goods. Their “big brother” mooncakes, a Mid-Autumn Festival special, often sell out fast.

Chao Yen-po
Head of operations
We estimate that we make 30,000 to 35,000 mooncakes a year. The quantity of each variety is about what they can make over a two-week period. I think that one inmate’s family does this type of work, so he started helping with the family business when he went home.

Ko Huang-ming
Taiyuan Prison warden
It gives them a chance to learn baking skills. They also get some compensation for the work they do making them.

Learning to make mooncakes gives the inmates a lifelong skill. But these mooncakes can’t be delivered. People have to pick them up in-person at the Taitung District Prosecutors’ Office.

#mooncake #MidAutumnFestival #prison #inmate #baking #learning #education #skill

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2026-08-28

Nvidia posts strong performance in second quarter earnings report

AI industry bellwether Nvidia has posted strong performance in its latest earnings report. Revenue in the second quarter more than doubled to US$96.22 billion, and adjusted earnings per share came in at US$2.22, beating market expectations. The company also made the rare move of providing revenue guidance a full year ahead, forecasting 70% growth in the next fiscal year. Investors are also watching whether major customers like OpenAI and Anthropic developing their own chips could eventually impact Nvidia’s business. Let’s hear from Nvidia’s CEO.

Voice of Jensen Huang
Nvidia CEO
An entire AI factory platform that spans the entire AI lifecycle. I think they’re going to run on NVIDIA all around the world. I have 100% confidence that our technology will continue to be extraordinary for them. And so I’m very confident that they’re going to be customers and partners of ours for a very long time. We just have a lot greater visibility now, never forecasted or never guided a year in advance. Even though our demand is much greater than 70%, our supply allows us to confidently deliver 70%. We’re going to continue to work with our supply chain to increase on that.

Nvidia shares jumped more than 5% in after-hours trading, reaching US$220 and helping Taiwan’s stock market surge more than 500 points in early trading. But the gains narrowed after TSMC and MediaTek turned lower toward the close. Taiwan shares ultimately finished up 142 points, or 0.31% at 45,975.

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#stocks #shares #taiex #ai #nvidia #tsmc #forecast #openai #anthropic

2026-08-27

Cyclist collapses next to light rail tracks, people rush to help

Kind-hearted citizens in Kaohsiung are once again proving that Taiwan’s most beautiful landscape is the people. A cyclist suddenly collapsed besides the city’s light rail tracks, just as a train was moving nearby. Thankfully, a passerby quickly rushed over, signaling the train to stop and calling for help. Light rail staff and police also sprang into action, bringing an AED and keeping the area safe until an ambulance arrived. The cyclist eventually regained consciousness and was able to communicate with rescuers.

A cyclist starts tilting to the side before suddenly collapsing near the light rail tracks as a moving train approaches. A passerby runs to the rescue, signaling the train to stop, and helping the fallen cyclist.

- Call an ambulance
- Ok

The cyclist collapsed at Cianjhen Star Station just as a train was passing by. Light rail staff lept to action, bringing out an AED and teaming up with police to help. Finally, an ambulance arrived at the scene to take the cyclist to hospital.

Voice of passerby
Saw incident
It all happened over there. The part where there’s grass on both sides.

Tai Yu-long
Police officer
Members of the Rapid Transit Police Brigade were conducting a patrol when they found out that a cyclist had collapsed to the ground and sustained injuries at Cianjhen Star Station. Officers immediately approached to inspect the situation and dialed 119 for an ambulance and 110 for local police. They also made sure that the perimeter was safe and guided traffic around the scene to prevent a second incident.

Thanks to the quick action by the passerby, the light rail staff and medics, the cyclist slowly recovered consciousness and was able to speak with responders.

Member of public
Kaohsiung
I think it’s great to see so much courage on display. Nowadays, it’s rare to see people helping out others whenever there’s trouble. Usually most people run away now.

The cyclist ended up on the floor due to convulsions. Fortunately, kind hearted people nearby rushed to his aid, in a heartwarming scene that once again shows that Taiwan’s most beautiful landscape is the people.

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#transit #cyclist #lightrail #commuting #kaohsiung

2026-08-27

NTU student wins runner-up at World Yo-Yo Contest

Another youngster has emerged as the pride of Taiwan! 20-year-old Chang Hong-lun recently competed in the 2026 World Yo-Yo Contest in Japan, taking home silver in the Offstring Division with his flawless display of throwing skill. After transitioning from diabolo only three years ago, the yo-yo virtuoso is already rubbing shoulders with the world’s best. He’s also a high-achieving student at National Taiwan University who plans to challenge for the world title next year in Canada. Here’s FTV’s exclusive report…

A yo-yo flies into the air with the whip of a string, spinning as it lands perfectly again and again.

Taiwan’s very own Chang Hong-lun recently showcased his mastery in this year’s World Yo-Yo Contest, clinching silver in the Offstring Division. The chairman of the Taiwan Yo-Yo Association recalled the excitement.

Moyo Lin
Taiwan Yo-Yo Association chair
In this division, the yo-yo and string are detached. When it’s in the air, you have to stay extra focused on the yo-yo itself.

20-year-old Chang is a student of medical biotechnology at National Taiwan University. Beyond being an excellent student, he also excels at sports and performing. He started learning diabolo in fourth grade and once placed second in the Asian championships. After only three years in the world of yo-yo, he represented Taiwan at this year’s world contest in Japan, defeating competitors from over 10 countries to secure an impressive second-place finish.

Moyo Lin
Taiwan Yo-Yo Association chair
He was also quite accomplished in diabolo. He won a national championship and placed in some international ones, too. He wanted to try out something new for fun, got hooked, and spent three years developing his touch and yo-yo muscle memory. He manages his time very well. He goes to class in the morning, and basically spends all afternoon in the practice room.

Even former president Tsai Ing-wen has personally congratulated this skilled student athlete, noting that with just a yo-yo and a single string, he’s made his entire country proud. Next year, Chang will be headed to Canada with his eyes on the gold.

#yoyo #WorldYoyoContest #diabolo #ChangHonglun #sports #offstringyoyo #internationalcompetition #NTU

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2026-08-27