Statistics agency revises 2022 GDP growth forecast down to 3.76%, CPI up to 2.92%

2022-08-12

Taiwan’s statistics agency has revised its 2022 GDP growth forecast down to 3.76%. That’s 0.15 percentage points lower than the previous estimate. Officials say the revision was the result of the COVID outbreak in May and inflation, which have impacted domestic consumption. They say the economy may pick up speed again in the third quarter, as Taiwan learns to live with the virus. The agency also predicted a GDP growth rate of 3.05% for 2023.

The statistics agency also revised its 2022 consumer price index forecast to 2.92%, up by 0.25 percentage points from the previous prediction. Officials say the rise reflects higher consumer prices for eating out and renting, and the transfer of rising manufacturing costs onto consumers. The agency expects the 2023 CPI figure to be lower, at 1.72%, reflecting more stable raw material prices.

主計總處下修全年GDP至3.76 CPI上修至2.92

2022-08-12

主計總處公布最新經濟預測，全年GDP下修到3.76%，較上次預測相比下修了0.15個百分點，主要是五月疫情爆發，加上通膨影響，衝擊國內消費，但隨著國內防疫改為與病毒共存，第三季有機會改善。同時預測明年經濟成長率3.05%。

針對物價，主計總處表示，由於廠商逐漸反映成本，外食費、房租漲幅擴大，全年CPI 年增率2.92%，較上次預測再上修 0.25 個百分點。而明年隨原物料價格回穩，漲幅縮小為 1.72%。

Mayoral race against Cheng Yun-peng will be harder than against Lin Chih-chien: KMT councilor

2022-08-12

Taiwan experts and diplomats say Tsai as a leader is Taiwan’s safest option: Financial Times

In the face of China’s military threats, President Tsai Ing-wen is "the leader Taiwan needed," according to the U.K.’s Financial Times, quoting an American Taiwan scholar. Shelley Rigger, a professor at Davidson College in the U.S., who is a noted Taiwan expert, said President Tsai was subdued, prudent, thoughtful and cautious. She added that Taiwan’s situation is so difficult that a "normal" politician will often fall short in addressing it. The FT also noted that both foreign diplomats and political analysts were adamant that Tsai represented the safest option for Taiwan.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
The most important reason why I came to our Air Force Combatant Command is to show my appreciation for everyone’s hard work. Especially during this period of time, the tasks of each unit are very onerous. On behalf of all our compatriots, I would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone.

On Thursday afternoon, President Tsai Ing-wen came to the Air Force Combatant Command. After listening to a briefing from a commander, she boosted the morale of air defense units and various squadrons of fighter pilots via videoconference.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
The determination of each of you to defend your homeland, has not only deeply moved me, but is also deeply felt by all our nation’s compatriots. I want all our colleagues to continue to maintain their high morale so that the whole world can see that R.O.C. military will not yield an inch in protecting our sovereign lands and its unwavering resolve in upholding freedom and democracy.

Besides encouraging the troops, President Tsai also stressed that the current threat from China had not gone away.

Tsai Ing-wen
President
At present, China has not lowered its threat of military force. I want to stress once more that we will not escalate conflicts, nor will we provoke disputes. We will firmly defend sovereignty and national security and defend our democracy and freedom.

On Thursday alone, 21 Chinese war planes flew close to Taiwan, with 11 crossing the median line of the Taiwan Strait. As tensions in the region escalate, the Financial Times, quoting Shelley Rigger, a Taiwan expert at Davidson College, wrote: “She is the leader Taiwan needed. Taiwan’s situation is so difficult that a ‘normal’ politician will often fall short in addressing it. Tsai is subdued, prudent, thoughtful and cautious.”

The prestigious British newspaper also noted that Tsai was no “nationalist hothead” and during her six year tenure as president had clearly exhibited a leadership style of a professional bureaucrat. The paper quoted diplomats and analysts as saying that for a fragile Taiwan, Tsai, known for her prudence, was Taiwan’s "safest option."

In the face of non-stop Chinese military threats, President Tsai’s leadership style is attracting international media attention.

2022-08-12

University admission rate reaches record-high 98.94%

High school graduates are practically guaranteed a spot in a local university. University admission lists are out, and the acceptance rate has reached a record high of 98.94%. The sky-high number has come about due to a reduced number of examinees taking the new exam that’s replaced the Advanced Subjects Test. With fewer students vying for more than 39,000 vacant spots at universities nationwide, most students have been admitted to the programs they wanted. But this also means that more than 14,000 spots have been left vacant across 22 universities, both public and private.

University admission lists are out for students who took the new exam that replaced the Advanced Subjects Tests. Uncertainties over the updated exam process, and a lower number of people retaking these tests, propped up acceptance rates to a record high of 98.94%.

Tsai Chun-li
Exam committee
This year, the acceptance rate is 6.84 percentage points higher than the 91.14% rate in 2020. Last year’s high school graduates weren’t willing to sit the updated exam. So there were 11,832 fewer examinees. That’s one of the factors that pushed up the acceptance rate.

Last year, 40,918 students registered to sit the now-defunct Advanced Subjects Test. This year, only 29,086 students signed up for the new version of the test, as re-sitters were put off by the new format of the exam, and examinee numbers shrunk due to falling birthrates. All in all, there were 39,350 vacant spots available at universities around Taiwan, including more than 10,000 spots left empty from the General Scholastic Ability Test earlier in the year. Now that the two university admission routes are closed, 14,493 student spots have been left unfilled. That’s a marked increase from the 2,732-student shortfall in 2021 and the 51-student shortage in 2020.

Tsai Chun-li
Exam committee
This year, the Mathematics A questions in the General Scholastic Ability Test were harder than usual, so that left 14,435 places vacant earlier in the year. Altogether there were 39,350 spots available at universities this time round, but the number of students who took the new test was much lower.

The updated admission exam no longer features the Mandarin, English or Mathematics I tests of its precursor, the Advanced Subjects Test. The changes have made universities have to reconsider the admissions procedures and grades, shifting the acceptance requirements to higher education courses.

2022-08-12

Hotels and amusement parks offer summer camps and experiences for families

Summer vacation is in full swing. Lots of hotels and amusement parks have special summer camps and experiences on offer for families. DIY experiences are big this year, as well as camps that mimic a holiday abroad. We looked into some of what’s on offer.

Parents and children enjoy roasting marshmallows over a fire under the starry sky. Hotels are vying to provide magical family experiences this summer. A camping party is beside the rooftop swimming pool here, with food, drinks and games for everyone.

A little girl pipes icing onto a cupcake. Nearby, a boy is decorating a glass with an LED light to create a starry lamp. Kids may not be able to take a foreign holiday this summer, but they can enjoy this American-style summer camp experience.

Tsai Hui-ju
Hotel PR assistant manager
It’s like a summer camp that you might experience abroad. It’s inside the hotel, and all food and games are included.

Hotels rooms have also been made into games rooms, kitted out with learning materials for preschool kids. Childcare professionals are here to play with the children, giving parents a relaxed option to keep the kids busy.

Parent
I wanted to bring her out to have some fun, otherwise she’s just at home all the time – that’s boring!

Meanwhile, in another hotel, this DIY class is proving popular. Children don chefs’ hats and aprons. The two little chefs are cooking up a storm with these cakes. When they’re tired, there’s real pizza and pasta to fill up on.

Chao Chih-chi
Hotel marketing manager
We’ve prepared for the summer vacation season. The hotel has launched these parents and kids parties. We expect to increase overall profits by about 20%.

The Regent Taiwan and Taipei Garden Hotel have family parties on offer, and the Mu Jiao Xi Hotel has a summer camp program. You can head to Wushi Marina to try your hand at steering a dinghy, or go to Yilan Dazhou Stables to learn horse-riding. Leofoo Village Theme Park even has a tiny vets’ camp where you can play-act taking care of tigers and other big animals. The options are endless this summer.

2022-08-12

Diplomats from 12 countries learn about Atayal culture in Taoyuan

Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan on Thursday led a group of diplomats from 12 countries on a trip to acquaint themselves with Taoyuan’s Indigenous cultures. The diplomats hailed from countries where Austronesian languages are spoken, which have their origins in Taiwan. The foreign visitors experienced Indigenous culture in its fullest, through dance, archery and cuisine. Taoyuan officials hope the trip can lead to closer exchanges between Taiwan and its international friends.

Wearing traditional Atayal clothes, Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan is leading a group of foreign dignitaries to learn about Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures.

Atayal people offer instructions and off they go dancing, hand in hand. It’s a true image of international friendship. The longer they dance, the more rapport they have with each other.

On Thursday morning, Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan invited the ambassadors and representatives from 12 countries where Austronesian languages are spoken on a trip to Taoyuan’s Daxi and Fuxing districts, to get to know Taoyuan’s rural areas. Their itinerary included a visit to the Amuping Marina, a master class in traditional archery, and a traditional blessing ceremony. The trip was designed to get the diplomats better acquainted with Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures.

Cheng Wen-tsan
Taoyuan mayor
Taiwan is the origin of the Austronesian language family. Taiwan has deep ties with Austronesian peoples in other countries in terms of history, kinship and culture. We hope this can boost exchanges with other Austronesian countries.

The diplomats were all smiles during the trip. Through the activities they were able to better understand Taiwan’s Indigenous cultures and policies. Mayor Cheng said that the government should do more to ensure the wellbeing of Taiwan’s 580,000 Indigenous inhabitants.

Cheng Wen-tsan
Taoyuan mayor
Our country should support the development of Indigenous cultures, while taking care of Indigenous industries and employment. We must also pay attention to the welfare systems for Indigenous people living in villages and in the city. I think that, on the front of transitional justice, Taiwan should also push for Indigenous policies.

Cheng and the diplomats enjoyed a delicious meal with many Indigenous dishes that captured everyone’s taste buds. Officials hope that this trip to Indigenous areas can help promote exchanges and deepen the friendship between Taiwan and its allies.

2022-08-12

Running protects the knees as it builds up muscle strength: doctor

Running is getting more and more popular in Taiwan. Jogging and power-walking have many fans too. But some folks worry that running will damage their knees. We spoke to a doctor to find out if that’s true. She says that if you run correctly, you will protect your knees, as it helps you build strength. The bigger danger lies in not getting enough exercise.

Road-running events in Taiwan attract thousands of keen runners. More and more people have caught the bug. In the early mornings, sports pitches are full of people either jogging or power-walking.

Member of public
I’m getting old, so it’s best to keep walking as much as I can. The main thing is to prevent knee injuries. This is no good. You have to stay within the range your body can handle.

Many older people still believe that running will hurt their knees. But is that necessarily true?

Dr. Ko Ping-hsin
Taiwan Adventist Hospital physiatry chief
When the weight of the body presses down on the knee joints, it will cause a certain amount of pressure. But in running, the angle isn’t massive, so it’s not actually such a big stress on the knees. If you use the muscles, they will gradually increase, but if you don’t use the muscles, they will waste away and the loss of muscle strength can be very fast.

Member of public
Don’t go too fast. Just a leisurely jog is fine. This kind of running track has some give. Plus, it’s important to buy good trainers. They serve to protect the knees.

Your knees can feel sore after a run, and if you don’t run for a while, your stamina will slide. A lack of proper stretching and relaxing the foot muscles can also cause injury. But studies show that a suitable amount of running actually reduces your risk of needing knee surgery. And doctors say you can start with power-walking and practice by running in a swimming pool.

Dr. Ko Ping-hsin
Taiwan Adventist Hospital physiatry chief
It’s because you’re more buoyant in the water. And just by being in the water and with it swaying you back and forth, the water resistance is helping you to work out, making your muscles work the same way you do when you do strength training.

Doctors say that running is not going to put your knees at risk, even if you’re getting on in years. It’s sitting at a desk for hours every day that is the biggest threat – or letting your muscles and joints waste away. A suitable amount of regular exercise is good for everyone.

2022-08-12

One Song Orchestra announces two-day music festival in Tamsui

2022-08-12

DPP’s Lin Chih-chien bows out of Taoyuan mayoral race over plagiarism charges

Amid accusations of plagiarism in his master’s thesis, Lin Chih-chien, the DPP’s Taoyuan mayoral candidate annonounced his withdrawal from the race on Friday. He will be replaced by legislator Cheng Yun-peng, who represents a Taoyuan constituency. President Tsai Ing-wen and senior DPP officials met at Tsai’s official residence at noon prior to Lin’s announcement. Lin still insists that he is innocent of the charges made by National Taiwan University, which has already revoked his master’s degree.

Lin Chih-chien
Former Hsinchu mayor
The scandal concerning my thesis has caused uproar. The university has been under pressure from all circles. All the anxiety this has caused to my supporters. I would like to sincerely apologize for all this. The discrediting and attacks on my dissertation concern me only. Yet the matter is taking up resources and time from discussions on public issues. I feel this is very unfair to the people in Taoyuan. Therefore, I have chosen to leave the Taoyuan mayoral race

Faced with an unfolding scandal about his thesis, Lin Chih-chien’s maintained his innocence as he withdrew from the election.

Lin Chih-chien
Former Hsinchu mayor
I sincerely hope that the election campaigning can return to the right track. I am leaving with peace of mind. I thank the DPP’s senior and lower ranks for giving me an opportunity to try and take over Taoyuan’s leadership. I am very sorry that I didn’t complete the mission that everyone had entrusted me with. I’m like a wounded soldier leaving the battlefield halfway through the fight. However, I will maintain my innocence all my life. I will not shy away from this battle. I will continue taking measures to defend my character and show I am innocent.

A National Taiwan University committee on Aug. 9 determined that Lin had committed “serious plagiarism” in his Master’s degree thesis, and decided to revoke him of his degree. The next day, President Tsai Ing-wen in her capacity as party chair said she supported Lin on his attempts to prove his innocence. In the days following the committee’s decision, Lin said he could not accept the charges. But he’s ultimately decided to step down from the race.

Lin Chih-chien
Former Hsinchu mayor
It’s clear that the KMT would use the thesis incident as ammunition. The incident would distract from our other county and city candidates, who have put forth very good platforms, city plans and visions.

Amid the potential that the thesis scandal could impact the DPP’s chances in the local elections, Tsai on Friday held an impromptu meeting with other DPP officials at her residence. They agreed to pass the baton to Cheng Yun-peng, a senior DPP legislator who represents a Taoyuan constituency.

Lin Chih-chien
Former Hsinchu mayor
Legislator Cheng Yun-peng did not only just serve as the head of my campaign, but also fought alongside me every time I needed it. I am full of gratitude to legislator Cheng Yun-peng for taking on that burden. I think that the people of Taoyuan will agree that Taoyuan has made progress in the past eight years thanks to the efforts of Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan. With Cheng Yun-peng, we will continue to move forward.

Cheng Yun-peng
Taoyuan mayoral candidate (DPP)
I am willing to accept the election committee’s appointment. Representing the DPP in the Taoyuan election is both an honor and a responsibility that I will accept.

Current Taoyuan Mayor Cheng Wen-tsan said on Facebook that he believed all the members of the campaign would be resilient enough to make it through the political turbulence and emerge victorious. The DPP says it remains united, despite the fact that its generals have been switched just before battle. But it remains to be seen whether the party will be able to continue the momentum of having a DPP mayor in office.

2022-08-12