Thai tourist becomes Taiwan’s 5 millionth visitor of 2023

Thai tourist becomes Taiwan’s 5 millionth visitor of 2023

2023-11-02

Taiwan has welcomed its 5 millionth visitor this year. A woman from Thailand flew in on Thursday, to visit Taiwan for the third time. She was greeted with gifts from Tourism Administration chief Chou Yung-hui.

Apasiri Khumpibal
Thai tourist
Thank you for the warm welcome. This is my third time in Taiwan and I love your country. Thank you very much.

Chou Yung-hui
Tourism Administration head
This is a joyful day. And we strongly promoted Taiwan, all the fun places we have. We also presented gifts like passes for getting to Alishan and Sun Moon Lake, for the HSR, for the TRA, plus a three-day pass for the Taoyuan Metro and Taipei Metro.

Taiwan aims to welcome 6 million visitors by the end of the year. To drive tourism, it’s holding an event called “Taiwan the Lucky Land,” a raffle draw for foreign independent travelers. Visitors can win NT$5,000 worth of hotel vouchers or electronic pass credit. On Thursday, the government announced that it’s added NT$300 million to support the incentive program.

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

第三度來台! 泰國遊客成"今年第500萬位國際遊客"

2023-11-02

台灣週四迎來年度第5百萬位國際遊客，觀光署長周永暉特地到機場送上大禮，給這名幸運的泰國遊客，她又驚又喜的表示，已經是第三次來台。

[[泰國遊客 Apasiri Khumpibal]]
“謝謝你們的熱情歡迎，這是我第三次來台灣，我很喜歡你們的國家，非常感謝。”

[[觀光署長周永暉] ]
“今天充滿了喜悅，然後我們也大力倡導台灣，有很多好玩的地方，所以我們也贈送了怎麼樣去阿里山、日月潭；高鐵、台鐵，還有桃園捷運、台北捷運的三日券。”

為了吸引更多國際旅客，5月起只要入境台灣3天以上，就能參加抽獎，如今迎來第5百萬旅客，觀光署又宣布加碼3億元，讓外國旅客抽5千元消費金，希望更多自由行旅客來台灣，希望達到年度目標600萬人次。

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Lai campaigns in KMT strongholds of Hsinchu and Miaoli

DPP presidential candidate Lai Ching-te spent all of Thursday in Hsinchu and Miaoli, two traditional KMT strongholds. He attended a religious event in Hsinchu, putting his Hakka language skills to the test while canvassing for votes. In the afternoon, he made four stops in Miaoli, alongside the DPP’s legislative candidates. During his whirlwind tour, Lai weighed in on recent headlines made by his election rival, Ko Wen-je.

He might not be fluent in Hakka, but his sincerity gets across. Here at Hsinchu’s Yimin Temple, Lai reached out to the Hakka community. Besides canvassing for votes, he also stumped for his party’s legislative candidates. After Hsinchu, he continued his campaign tour in Miaoli, completing four back-to-back events.

Lai spent the entire day in Hsinchu and Miaoli, traditional strongholds of the KMT. He showcased goodwill as he tried to consolidate the Hakka vote. With the KMT-TPP alliance in limbo, Lai had some biting criticism for TPP presidential candidate Ko Wen-je.

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
I repeat, the KMT-TPP alliance can be summed up in one word: “hollow.” What’s worse, Ko Wen-je had previously said that he was opposed to smoke-filled rooms. His words are still ringing in my ears. Yet here he is taking part in secret meetings. I don’t think that’s necessary

Lai took issue with Ko’s backroom dealings with the KMT. He also addressed Ko’s remarks about the DPP’s nuclear-free homeland policy. Ko said that the government’s solar power feed-in tariff of NT$9 per kilowatt-hour was too high. Lai said Ko’s criticism was misguided.

Lai Ching-te
DPP presidential candidate
Ko Wen-je shouldn’t just blurt out whatever comes to mind. He shouldn’t jump the gun like this. The feed-in tariff of NT$9 per kilowatt-hour dates back to the Ma administration. When Wu Den-yih was premier, he established a mechanism that would gradually reduce feed-in tariffs. Now Ko Wen-je is using this old data to attack the current administration. He’s got the wrong end of the stick.

Pushing back at Ko, Lai said his rival was protesting an old policy. According to the Energy Administration, in 2023, feed-in tariffs for solar power ranged between NT$3.86 and NT$5.89 per kilowatt hour, depending on the type of solar power panel, installed capacity and the time of the year. As Election Day draws near, clashes between the presidential candidates are only heating up.

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

2023-11-02

Terry Gou submits 1.03 million signatures on nomination by petition deadline

2023-11-02

US House committee proposes ban on Chinese-made drones

The U.S.-China trade war is spreading to drones. According to the Financial Times, the House of Representatives China committee has introduced the American Security Drone Act, which bans the U.S. government from buying Chinese drones. If passed, the bill would deal a blow to China’s DJI, the world’s leading drone manufacturer. According to a Taiwanese drone maker, DJI’s market dominance also poses a risk to information security and national security in Taiwan.

Reporter
CNBC
For almost the last two decades, Chinese-made drones have dominated the consumer market. Now, fears of Chinese espionage have forced some drone operators to switch to American-produced models.

Chinese drone maker DJI holds more than 70% of the global market share. In 2019, the U.S. government believed that DJI was a potential risk to data security. The brand was banned by the Department of Defense and Department of the Interior, while the Department of Commerce added DJI to its trade restriction list for U.S.-based companies. In recent years, Washington has pushed to support American drone manufacturers.

Mark Montgomery
Foundation for Defense of Democracies
I think it is gonna be key that U.S.-produced drones, or drones produced by trusted allies, become more affordable.

The Financial Times reports that on Wednesday, the House of Representatives China committee introduced a bill to ban the U.S. government from buying Chinese-made drones. The bill aims to prevent Chinese technology from undermining U.S. national security. Although the bill does not name specific companies, it will inevitably affect China’s DJI, which has a share of nearly 60% in the American consumer market.

Chen Ling-feng
Taiwanese drone manufacturer
All information from DJI’s drones goes back to the cloud. Although there are different partitions in the cloud system, there’s still a degree of risk. This proposed ban is a great opportunity for us. And I think our government should take note – there are indeed many national security concerns surrounding these drones.

China has dominated the global drone market for nearly 20 years, raising concerns about data security. Another concern is the fact that dozens of critical production lines for drone parts are located in China. Experts say consequences could be grave should the supply chain be disrupted. Amid efforts in Washington to cushion the impact, Taiwan’s government is also facing calls to take action.

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

2023-11-02

Taiwan Science Festival to open Nov. 4

The annual Taiwan Science Festival is about to kick off. The event will run from Nov. 4-12, featuring science activities at five major science museums in Taiwan. FTV reporter Stephany Yang gets us a sneak peek.

A magician performs at a press conference announcing the 2023 Taiwan Science Festival. During the festival, there will be a series of science exhibitions, experiments, workshops, and interactive performances at five science museums across Taiwan. They are the National Museum of Natural Science, the National Museum of Marine Science and Technology, the National Science and Technology Museum, the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, and the National Taiwan Science Education Center.

Stephany Yang
FTV reporter
The Taiwan Science Festival will be held at five major science museums across Taiwan. One of them is the National Taiwan Science Education Center.

Liu Huo-chin
National Taiwan Science Education Center
On the first Saturday and Sunday, we will hold many basic science-related courses and related activities in the museum. On the second Saturday and Sunday, we will hold a science market with 160 stalls in the park. There are many foundations and universities that will demonstrate fun, new scientific principles.

Chen Chi-shiang
National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium
We will display the bones of the first blue whale discovered in Taiwan. We will also showcase our efforts in environmental species conservation, marine research, and marine conservation.

Chen Su-fen
National Museum of Marine Science & Technology
We are taking everyone to rescue corals this year. We will also explore geology and landforms, including sedimentary rocks.

Chuan Chin-chiao
National Museum of Natural Science
The museum will showcase dinosaurs. In addition, everyone can come to the museum to see a glove puppet show. We will use the glove puppet show to introduce the museum’s research and collection.

The Taiwan Science Festival is jointly organized by the Ministry of Education and the National Science and Technology Council. Since 2020, The Taiwan Science Festival has attracted over 1.5 million visitors.

Lin Ming-yu
Minister of Education deputy head
Over the past four years, we have created a festival that’s suitable for everyone, easy to access, and a lot of fun. It brings kids closer to science. It’s an outstanding program.

This year, the theme of the Taiwan Science Festival is “Basic Sciences Create the Future.” The event will run till Nov. 12.

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

2023-11-02

Walking pneumonia cases expected to surge this winter

Mycoplasma infections are on the rise. The disease commonly causes a condition known as “walking pneumonia,” which has already sent several children to the hospital. The symptoms of infection include a fever and a persistent cough. Experts warn that up to 70% of mycoplasma bacteria are resistant to antibiotics, making treatment more difficult.

This 7-year-old girl woke up with a fever and a cough, and had to stay home from school. Her dad took time off work to take her to the doctor.

Parent of patient
She started running a fever. A family member previously tested positive for influenza A, so perhaps this is influenza A. She did have a mycoplasma infection before, when she was little. She had a fever that wouldn’t subside and a persistent cough for a long period of time.

Patient
I’ve had a headache since yesterday, so I came to see a doctor today. A rapid test in the morning came back positive. I went to a classmate’s house without a face mask and now I’m sick. There are two or three students in my class who’ve caught influenza A.

Some have colds, and others have the flu. But one thing that doctors have noticed is an increase in cases of mycoplasma infections, which commonly causes “walking pneumonia.” The disease has already sent several children to the hospital, with the main symptom being an incessant cough. Mycoplasmas are resistant to antibiotics, making treatment difficult.

Lo Yuan-chang
Pediatrician
Patients feel like they want to cough but can’t get it out. They have to exert a lot of force and cough from very deep in. Some children can get severe infections that make their lungs show up all white on X-rays. They get symptoms of atypical pneumonia.

School-aged children, immunocompromised people and older adults are high-risk groups for the disease, which should not be underestimated. And with temperatures dropping, doctors are also seeing an increase in COVID-19 patients.

Lo Yuan-chang
Pediatrician
Over the past few years, everyone was masked up due to the pandemic, so we haven’t seen big outbreaks of some disease for a while. China is seeing a surge in infections, and nearby countries like Taiwan won’t be able to avoid it.

Doctors say that thorough hand washing, using alcohol spray and wearing facemasks can help prevent diseases –not just COVID, but also mycoplasma and the seasonal flu. They urge the public to keep up healthy habits in the winter season.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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Tainan ranked most overweight city in Taiwan for second year in a row

Tainan is a paradise for foodies – and the top city in Taiwan for packing on the pounds. According to the Sports Administration, Tainan was the most overweight special municipality in 2022. More than 43% of the city’s population was overweight, with a body mass index of 25 or higher. Responding to the top ranking, Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che rallied the city to slim down together.

Steaming hot rice is covered in a thick layer of braised meat. Inside the pot, meatballs are cooked on rolling boil. Of course it all goes on the table with a side dish or two. Tainan’s hearty breakfasts are famous islandwide.

Member of public
I think there are tons of great food and snacks at cheap prices for everyone to enjoy.

A savory rice pudding is served up with a bowl of piping-hot soup. As any Tainan native will tell you, the city’s food tends to run sweet, due to its history of sugarcane production. That makes it all the more delectable.

Member of public
We love sugar. This is where sugarcane grows, after all. It’s been this way since very early on.

Member of public
There are a lot of deep-fried foods here and sugary drinks. There are lots of beverage shops here.

With indulgent breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks, and drinks, the calories pile up fast.

Food vendor
There’s tasty food and sweets. Sometimes I go out to buy something and don’t feel like walking, so I ride my scooter instead.

Tempting food and too little exercise could be behind the latest overweight ranking. According to the Sports Administration, Tainan was the most overweight special municipality in 2022. More than 43% of the population was overweight, with a BMI of 25 or more. Tainan is followed by Taichung, with 42.3%, Taoyuan with 41.7%, Kaohsiung with 40.3%, New Taipei with 38.9%, and Taipei with 35.6%. Tainan has topped the list four times in the last five years. Even Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che is battling the bulge.

Huang Wei-che
Tainan mayor
All these years since I became mayor, I’ve gained a lot of weight. So I, the mayor, will lead the city in losing weight together. Perhaps we can start with education at schools. Let’s start in the schools, get students to lose weight, and then find ways to reduce the number of overweight people in society as a whole.

The mayor stresses that food is not the villain. He says he’ll ramp up efforts to instill good habits from childhood, so that everyone can lead healthier lives.

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

2023-11-02

19-year-old golfer Hsu Huai-chien claims World Amateur title

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Billions earmarked for ‘Taiwanese Wave’ to take Taiwan’s film and TV global

The government has set aside billions of dollars for a "Kuroshio Plan," to promote a so-called "Taiwanese Wave," that would see Taiwan’s film and TV make inroads with audiences all over the world. A budget of NT$10 billion was granted to the plan, in the latest revision to the "Development of the Cultural and Creative Industries Act." And private companies are joining the movement to take Taiwan’s content global, with a new foundation funded by Chunghwa Telecom. It aims to attract creative talent from around the world to work in Taiwan’s creative industry, while gaining more share of the global cultural market for Taiwanese content.

Taiwanese drama “Oxcart Trails” tells the story of ordinary people in a farming village in the Japanese colonial era. It was nominated for nine Golden Bell awards, and took home two trophies.

Meanwhile, “The Amazing Grace of Σ” received 10 nominations. The show about a cult was passed over, causing “regret” for Minister of Culture, Shih Che史哲, who attended the awards ceremony.

Shih Che
Minister of Culture
Everyone felt a bit regretful at the Golden Bell awards this year, because there were just too many good shows. That’s a pity. What it means is Taiwan can definitely compete internationally. We need everyone to work together on our Kuroshio Plan, to really create a “warm wave.”

The Ministry of Culture’s “Kuroshio Plan” aims to give a helping hand to the “Taiwanese Wave.” It’s got support from the Executive Yuan, with an approved budget of NT$10 billion over four years. Private business is in on the plan too, with the Taiwan Creative Content Agency and Chunghwa Telecom planning a “Cultural Content Industries Foundation.”

Kuo Shui-yi
Chunghwa Telecom chair
We’re gathering talent from all over the world in Taiwan, to fly the Taiwanese flag and create the brand of Taiwan. We don’t want to let others profit off our wallets or our brains anymore. We can market Taiwan to the world, and profit from the wallets and the brains of others.

Tsai Chia-chun
Taiwan Creative Content Agency chair
This is a defensive battle for our cultural territory, and it’s about the need for Taiwanese culture to be on the attack and seize the space. That’s a very important target.

Chunghwa Telecom has invested an initial NT$3 billion in the foundation, in the hopes of attracting other financial backers to support Taiwan’s film and TV. Who knows – after the Korean Wave, maybe the Taiwanese Wave is coming next.

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

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Spotlight on minimalist artist Tsong Pu

Today we take you to meet one of the most acclaimed abstract and minimalist artists in Taiwan. Master artist Tsong Pu is now holding a solo exhibition called “Off-Road Aura,” showcasing his works throughout his 40-year career. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the story.

Minimalist art is a type of abstract art that is portrayed through hard edges and simple shapes. Artist Tsong Pu is one of its most acclaimed practitioners in Taiwan. He is known for his square stamp painting, where he utilizes 1 centimeter-by-1 centimeter chops instead of a paintbrush.

Tsong Pu
Artist
You can see my earliest conceptual works and juxtapose them with my later works, which are the product of many influences and much simplification. They are more minimalist. Minimalism, as an art form, requires strict adherence to its principles, They are not a narrative. Minimalist works can be seen as bland. They can be said to have a spiritual essence.

After graduating from Fu-Hsin Trade and Arts School, Tsong studied in Madrid and lived in Spain for eight years. He began experimenting with minimalist art in Spain.

Tsong Pu
Artist
Because when I was in Spain, I was also greatly influenced by Spanish artists and their informalist tradition. I felt that the sea and the sky were vast and very free.

Tsong’s newest exhibition “Tsong Pu: Off-Road Aura’” showcases the journey of his minimalist art, with over 100 works on display in a variety of art mediums. The exhibition will be held till Feb. 18 in the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts in Taichung.

Tsong Pu
Artist
The three rooms on the top floor of the art museum feature my graphic paintings from the 1980s to the present. The installation works are showcased in three spaces. There are several three-dimensional works that are connected to the concepts of time and space.

Besides creating, Tsong is also a part-time professor at the National Taiwan University of Arts and Tainan National University of the Arts. He hopes to continue to create works and teach more people about the beauty of minimalist art.

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

2023-11-02