Massive fireworks displays to ring in 2024 across Taiwan

2023-12-12

2023 is coming to an end, and many cities and counties in Taiwan are readying their New Year’s fireworks displays. Over in the capital, Taipei 101 has announced it will put on a show lasting 300 seconds. All in all, 16,000 rockets will, just like last year, be launched from the skyscraper into the night sky. The pyrotechnics extravaganza will for the first time feature something new: multicolored fireworks from Japan. Let’s hear from the organizer.

Chang Hsueh-shun
Taipei 101 chair
The title of this upcoming New Year’s fireworks display is “Colorful World.” The fireworks show is actually not part of the commercial operations at Taipei 101. It’s held via fundraising, making it the tallest charity event in the world.

E-Da Theme Park in Kaohsiung will put on a massive 999-second firework display. Meanwhile, the city’s Dream Mall will be organizing a 240-second pyrotechnic display at the waterfront in the Asia New Bay Area. Yunlin is not falling far behind, with a night display at the Janfusun Fancyworld theme park that will also incorporate 400 light-up drones.

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101跨年煙火超繽紛! 首度引進日本彩色煙火

2023-12-12

2023年進入尾聲，許多人都開始安排跨年看煙火，台北101週二宣布，首度引進日本彩色煙火，和去年一樣1.6萬發，長度300秒，準備迎接解封後第一次跨年。

[[101董事長張學舜]]
“在這邊宣布，今年跨年煙火的主題，叫彩色世界Colorful World。台北101的跨年煙火，其實不在101的營業範圍內，是透過募款的方式，來舉辦這個世界最高的公益活動。”

各縣市煙火比豪華、比花樣，最長煙火秀在義大，999秒的大型藝術煙火。同樣在高雄的煙火秀還有夢時代跨年，240秒的亞灣煙火多了水面倒影，雲林劍湖山煙火之外還有400架無人機演出。

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Latest poll puts support for Lai at 35.1% followed by Hou with 32.5%

2023-12-12

Lai-Hsiao ticket releases third wave of campaign videos with election on the horizon

Lai Ching-te’s campaign office has released the third round of videos for the Lai-Hsiao ticket. The videos showcase Taiwan’s accomplishments in international trade, democracy and economic rankings, and reaffirm the DPP’s commitment to ensuring Taiwan remains a strong democracy that seeks to compete on the world stage.

The third round of campaign videos for the Lai-Hsiao ticket have been released, allowing viewers to see how Taiwan is drawing on international ideals as it forges ahead on its path towards being a strong democracy recognized on the global stage.

Tai Wei-shan
Lai Ching-te’s campaign spokesperson
It’s clear to see that during the height of the Ma Ying-jeou era Taiwan relied on China for 40% of its overall trade, but at this moment in time that’s been brought down to 34%. We’ve increased the amount of trade we do with the U.S. and other countries around the world. We truly have our sights set on the world stage. As of right now, our agricultural products trade with China has gone from 20% to 10%, and all of this is a result of the hard work we’ve put in during the last eight years.

With President Tsai Ing-wen in her seventh year as president, Lai Ching-te’s campaign office shared some numbers that show the world has noticed Taiwan. In an evaluation by the magazine The Economist, Taiwan’s democracy is ranked No. 1 in Asia. It’s also ranked No. 21 for biggest economy in the world and No. 18 in trade. The DPP says 2024 is a crucial juncture in whether Taiwan will either continue on its path towards the world or chummy up with China.

Pan Men-an
Lai Ching-te campaign office
Taiwan is on show for the world to see. We think it’s a shame that the opposition party is only thinking about how to make Taiwan a nation that’s a democracy in name only. We want to be a Taiwan that’s part of the world; we’ll be a country that competes with the world. So, in terms of how will we create a hale and hearty path forward, the 2024 election will determine how we forge that path.

The DPP is calling on the public to elect the right people in 2024, to take Taiwan down the right path so it continues its journey on the world stage.

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

2023-12-12

ITRI lists out key strategic trends for Southern Taiwan at forum

The Industrial Technology Research Institute on Monday held a forum focusing on industrial development and strategy in Southern Taiwan. At the event, ITRI unveiled a regional strategic roadmap for 2024, taking into account trends in net-zero emissions, electric vehicles, green energy and marine-based industries. Officials urged industries in Southern Taiwan to be prepared for expansion driven by EVs and the marine industry.

The Industrial Technology Research Institute on Monday held a forum on Southern Taiwan’s industrial strategy. At the event, the institute unveiled its 2024 industrial strategy plan for Southern Taiwan. Trends such as the transition to net-zero carbon emissions, the shift to electric vehicles and green energy, and the market for ocean related industries and blue carbon were highlighted as potential drivers for growth. Experts advised industry players to be ready.

Jeff Lin
ITRI vice president
Trends point to a market for 14 million electric vehicles in 2030. As such Taiwan’s EV industry will bring about new development trends to Southern Taiwan. The question is how to utilize these industrial clusters in a way that generates more benefits. The answer is interdisciplinary innovation, implementing things such as compound materials, semiconductors and so on in electric vehicles. Developments in hydrogen vehicles could also provide opportunities for interdisciplinary innovation.

As an industry think tank, ITRI has deployed 700 engineering experts to four parks in Southern Taiwan. The policy aims to form a technological network that safeguards the competitiveness of Southern Taiwan’s industry. ITRI has also assumed the responsibility to coordinate collaboration between industry and academia in the south, in order to promote industrial development in the region.

Lee Tzong-ming
ITRI vice president
One of the aspects we’re focusing on in Southern Taiwan is responding to developments in net-zero sustainability. Net-zero sustainability has become a very important issue for us, and it poses a huge challenge for our industries. So we hope that these technologies and projects that ITRI has established in the field of net-zero sustainability can be applied to industries in Southern Taiwan.

With electric vehicles and marine-based industries as potential drivers for expansion, ITRI hopes technological developments will be able to nurture a future of economic growth for Southern Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2023-12-12

Tainan featured as one of 30 cities in the National Geographic’s ‘Cool List 2024’

The city of Tainan has featured as one of 30 cities in the National Geographic’s “Cool List 2024.” The article highlights 30 world cities that are especially “in vogue” right now and will be hot tourist destinations in 2024. Tainan is singled out for its rich history, famous street foods and spectacular Beehive Fireworks Festival. Tainan celebrates its 400th birthday next year, and officials are keen to encourage more tourists to discover this unique gem on the west coast.

The Yanshui Beehive Fireworks Festival in Tainan marks the start of the Lantern Festival. Festivalgoers wear protective gear to walk safely through a storm of fireworks. The folk custom has been dubbed “unforgettable” by National Geographic magazine.

National Geographic reports that Tainan celebrates its 400th birthday in 2024, as the oldest city in Taiwan. The former capital of Taiwan wears its wealth of history more clearly on its sleeve than its successor Taipei.

Huang Wei-cheh
Tainan mayor
This is the only Taiwanese city that made the “Cool List.” They make a point of saying Tainan isn’t about steel buildings, but about rich historic beauty. 400 years old is quite young. Tainan is younger than Scotland’s Edinburgh at 900, or some French cities that are over 1,000 years old. But Tainan is so rich in culture and civilization, and has such a deep culture, that it’s attracted the attention of the editor of National Geographic, and many other travelers. That’s an honor for us.

Beloved actor Chen Shufang is a tourist ambassador for the city, and took viewers on this tour of some of Tainan’s delightful back alleys to learn about temple culture. Even supermodel Lin Chi-ling, a Tainan native, held her wedding at Tainan Art Museum.

With its forts and towering temples, Tainan is full of historical charm. Everywhere you look is a beauty spot.

Huang Wei-cheh
Tainan mayor
We will continue to ensure that this capital of culture, fine dining, religion and even brand-new technologies leaves a deep impression on people who come to Tainan, as well as foreign friends who have never visited, both online and in in-person visits, and to ensure the impression continues to improve. We will keep working hard on this.

A major highlight of Tainan life are street foods like these danzai noodles with prawns. This is “coffin bread:” a bread bowl is hollowed out and filled with a creamy chowder – another Tainan specialty.

Hong Kong traveler
People say “you have to get this,” “you have to get that,” at the night market. But our time is limited and we can’t try everything.

Singapore traveler
Singapore is more busy and bustling. But the local conditions and customs are better here, I think – people are kinder.

Tainan is the only Taiwanese city to feature in the “Cool List,” among world cities like New York. Locals hope it will help draw in more international tourists.

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

2023-12-12

Japanese architect Toyo Ito to help design National Children’s Future Museum

One of the world’s most famous architects will help design the National Children’s Future Museum, which is to be Taiwan’s first-ever children’s cultural venue. Japanese architect Toyo Ito is considered to be a rock star in the field of architecture. He designed the National Taichung Theater and is a winner of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize. His team will work in tandem with a local award-winning architectural firm, MAYU Architects, Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan and former Premier Su Tseng-chang said. Construction on the museum will begin in 2025. Our very own FTV reporter Stephany Yang gives us the scoop.

Vice Premier Cheng Wen-tsan and former Premier Su Tseng-chang listen intently as architects explain their conceptual designs. Renowned Taiwanese and Japanese architects have been selected to design Taiwan’s National Children’s Future Museum.

Cheng Wen-tsan
Vice premier
The project was finalized during the tenure of former Premier Su Tseng-chang, and now the contract has finally been completed. It will be jointly designed by MAYU Architects and Japan’s Toyo Ito & Associates. It will be a cultural landmark in the future and will become an international museum for children in the future. I believe this museum can stimulate intelligence, creativity, imagination, and scientific and cultural abilities.

Su Tseng-chang
Former premier
I approached the Ministry of Culture, Taiwan Design Research Institute, the Public Construction Commission, and many experts and scholars. I have discussed this project 17 times when I was premier.

The design is based on the concept of "A Children’s City Emerging in the Forest." In this model, dense woods surround the architectural design base. Each floor has a different theme.

Wei-ya Fang
Architect
Because there are large forests on both sides of the building. The first floor is semi-outdoor, connecting the woods on the north and south sides. The first floor is open to citizens and children 24 hours a day. Each floor has a different city.

Malone Chang
Architect
Every city is a castle. In addition to games, it also hopes to educate children on various social issues. There will be various workshops. Construction will begin at the end of 2025. It will take another five years to complete, a total of seven years.

The National Children’s Future Museum will focus on three main topics: themed adventure, learning and exploration, and leisure and play. It hopes to provide a venue for children to explore culture, art, and technology. The project base covers an area of approximately 3.3 hectares and will be located on Hansheng East Road in Banqiao District. Organizers hope that it will become a new cultural landmark.

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Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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2023-12-12

Minimum wage bill clears Legislative Yuan

2023-12-12

China Medical University and Healthcare System showcases innovations

The China Medical University and its Healthcare System recently showcased some of its latest innovations and tech at this year’s Healthcare Expo Taiwan. The health institution has focused its efforts on fields such as smart healthcare, precision healthcare and public health. Many of the technologies on display harness some of the latest tech trends such as artificial intelligence, resulting in these advancements garnering much attention from all over the world.

The 2023 Healthcare Expo Taiwan recently took over Taipei. At the event China Medical University and its Healthcare System showcased its latest innovations.

Previously, doctors and nurses had to spend countless minutes organizing medical records. Now, thanks to generative AI and voice-recorded consulting, a medical report can be generated in a few seconds with just the press of a button.

Der-yang Cho
China Medical University Hospital superintendent
It can be used in such ways as doctors’ consults, lab reports and operating room records. What makes it very impressive is that it can process several languages mixed together, like Mandarin and English, and even Hakka and Taiwanese, and still maintain an accuracy rate of 94%. With it, a handover that would otherwise take one hour now takes just 15 minutes. So it can save time by 75%.

Every year in Taiwan, about 160,000 people are diagnosed with sepsis, which has a high mortality rate of 40%. An AI-powered technology can help increase a patient’s survival rate by 20%.

Der-yang Cho
China Medical University Hospital superintendent
Drawing blood to test for blood cultures usually takes about 72 hours. But with the AI system, we can detect any antibiotic-resistant bacteria within just one hour. That’s a significant difference that can reduce the mortality rate by at least 20%.

China Medical University and its Healthcare System has won numerous international medical awards for its innovations in five fields including AI smart healthcare, renewable healthcare and precision healthcare. The university and its hospital hopes to set a new milestone for Taiwan’s medical technology.

The hospital is a world leader for innovative R&D, with technology transfer systems that allow biotech startups to produce market-ready products. Some of the breakthroughs that have attracted significant attention include the development of a new mRNA CAR-T immunotherapy by Ever Supreme Bio Technology. There’s also the hospital’s mRNA electroporation technology, which was approved by the U.S. FDA in September. The medical center hopes to launch human clinical trials for the technology, a move that could revolutionize the treatment of difficult to treat cancers such as lung cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer and, in the process, save lives.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2023-12-12

Team Taiwan sweeps to glory at the 2023 WorldSkills Asia Competition

2023-12-12

Japan’s and Taiwan’s most famous high school marching bands perform in Taipei

The Orange Devils are back in Taiwan; this time they came to celebrate the 120th anniversary of Taipei First Girls High School. Everyone from young fans to alumnae of yesterday witnessed a back-to-back show, with the marching band of Taiwan’s most famous girls’ school also putting on a dazzling display of musical entertainment.

These young musicians are playing instruments as they march around, smoothly transitioning into different formations. But one thing remains constant: the bright smiles on their faces.

Boasting the nickname of the Orange Devils, the Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band accepted an invitation to perform at the school anniversary of Taipei First Girls High School. Fans shared their excitement about seeing the Japanese band live.

Member of the public
I feel it’s really wonderful, to be able to see them perform in Taiwan.

The Orange Devils were invited to perform on National Day last year in October, and this time around they returned to Taiwan to perform during Taipei First Girls High School’s 120th anniversary. The Japanese band delivered a music-laden happy birthday message to Taiwan’s most famous girls’ school, but the Taipei high school’s own Marching Band, Honor Guard, and Color Guard didn’t just sit back idly to watch the show.

Showing off difficult tricks that involved rifles being spun around and tossed between different sets of hands, band members of Taipei First Girls High School didn’t shy away from a bit of friendly competition with the musicians from Japan. In addition to the talented young Taiwanese students of today, alumnae from yesteryear put on their old uniforms to soak in the atmosphere at their alma mater’s anniversary.

Taipei First Girls High School alumna
Every year on Dec.12 I come back here for the school anniversary.

Taipei First Girls High School alumna
The feeling is something like, “Wow! I’m so proud to be from Taipei First Girls High School, to have been part of its band.”

The principal of Taipei First Girls High School explained that the band is the best in Taiwan, and the same goes for the Kyoto Tachibana Senior High School Band in Japan. So, he said, it’s only natural to have these two schools get to meet one another, offering audiences two performances that redefine the possibilities of what high school marching bands can do.

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

2023-12-12