LA Dodgers sign 17-year-old outfielder Ko Ching-hsien

LA Dodgers sign 17-year-old outfielder Ko Ching-hsien

2024-06-17

Seventeen-year-old outfielder Ko Ching-hsien is officially a Los Angeles Dodger. He signed with the Major League Baseball team for a bonus of US$700,000, or about NT$24.2 million. That’s the biggest signing bonus ever for a Taiwanese outfielder. During the signing ceremony, he was congratulated by his new teammates in prerecorded messages.

Clayton Kershaw
Dodgers pitcher
Hey Ko. Congratulations on signing with the Dodgers, man. Welcome to the organization and uh, looking forward to seeing you at the Dodgers Stadium soon.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Dodgers pitcher
Ko, congratulations on becoming a member of the Dodgers. I very much look forward to playing with you.

Ko Ching-hsien
Dodgers outfielder
It’s thrilling to have these stars cheering for me. I’ll continue to work hard so that I can play with them on the field as soon as possible. My goal is to reach the highest stage within four years and play alongside my hero Shohei Ohtani.

The teen is the tenth Taiwanese player to join the Dodgers organization. His cousin, Lin Wei-en, signed with the Oakland A’s earlier this month. They had made a pact to make it to the major leagues together, after graduating from their Taoyuan high school. Now their dream has become reality, and they look forward to a potential showdown in an American baseball stadium.

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平鎮強棒柯敬賢加盟道奇簽約金創台外野手紀錄

2024-06-17

桃園平鎮高中強棒柯敬賢，正式加盟大聯盟道奇隊，披上了91號球衣，合約總值75萬美金，約合台幣2421萬，創下台灣旅美外野手最高身價。加盟記者會上，還有道奇球星事先錄好的影片，歡迎小老弟。

[[道奇隊投手柯蕭]]
“嘿，小柯，恭喜你和道奇簽約，歡迎加入球團，希望很快能在球場看到你。”

[[道奇隊投手山本由伸]]
“柯選手，恭喜你簽約成為道奇隊一員，很期待能和你一起比賽。”

[[道奇隊球員柯敬賢]]
“我很開心有這些明星幫我加油，我會繼續努力，然後盡快上去，跟他們在同一個球場比賽。我的目標就是希望自己在4年內，可以上到最高的舞台，然後跟自己的偶像大谷翔平，在同一個球場比賽。”

17歲的柯敬賢，守備位置外野，他是第10位加盟道奇的台將。已經加入運動家的林維恩，是柯敬賢的表哥，兩人約好高中畢業一起旅美追夢，也期待兩人對決。

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Lai urges cadets not to give in to defeatism

Amid continued PLA provocations, President Lai Ching-te is urging cadets not to give in to defeatism. Speaking at the R.O.C. Military Academy’s centennial celebration, the president said that today’s cadets must acknowledge the challenges of “the new era,” in particular the rise of China. He referenced a phrase used by former President Ma Ying-jeou in 2020, calling it defeatist and absolutely unacceptable.

Last Friday afternoon, a Chinese electronic reconnaissance ship appeared roughly 36 nautical miles southeast of Wushibi, Yilan. Taiwan’s Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force immediately initiated surveillance.

Just one day later, the CCP’s Chengdu and Nanyang vessels were sighted in the same area, and were monitored closely by Taiwan’s Navy. Amid continued harassment from China, President Lai Ching-te had forceful words in his speech at the R.O.C. Military Academy’s centennial celebration on Sunday. He said that Taiwan cannot accept the “first battle is the last battle” theory, calling it defeatist. He was referring to a 2020 interview with former President Ma Ying-jeou, in which Ma said China intends to take over Taiwan in one swift operation. Lai’s remarks were decried by Ma’s office.

Wellington Koo
Defense minister
What Lai meant is that we cannot accept defeatism. He said that we can’t accept the theory of “the first battle is the last battle,” that our goal is to continue to strengthen our defense capabilities and to demonstrate our resolve. We must create a strategy based on actions the enemy might take. We must develop a defense that weakens the enemy’s ability to attack Taiwan.

Defense chief Wellington Koo pushed back against Ma’s office, saying Lai meant to emphasize the need for asymmetrical warfare and a layered deterrence strategy to thwart the enemy. But according to Ma’s office, the DPP’s Tsai administration had acknowledged the “first battle is the last battle” notion in a defense report, citing it as the PLA’s strategic goal.

Wellington Koo
Defense minister
The CCP wants the first battle to be the last battle. It’s wishful thinking. This goal contrasts sharply with our own goal, which is that we will not yield an inch of territory.

Hsu Chiao-hsin
KMT lawmaker
He says the so-called defeatism of the “first battle is the last battle” theory is unacceptable. Who are these people embracing defeatism? Can you name some for me? Who holds such views? I want to join President Lai in scolding them.

Wellington Koo
Defense minister
I can’t speak for President Lai.

Responding to the opposition’s challenge, Koo remained composed, allowing Lai’s words to speak for themselves.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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2024-06-17

Fundraiser underway for US Air Force Academy alumnus Hsu Hao-ming

A fundraising campaign is underway for Hsu Hao-ming, a Taiwanese airman who graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy on a scholarship. Hsu, his mother, and grandmother got in a car crash in the U.S. last month, just before Hsu’s graduation ceremony. A nonprofit organization and seven corporations are working together to raise NT$10 million, with nearly NT$8 million already collected. The defense ministry is also coordinating with U.S. authorities to arrange the family’s medical evacuation back to Taiwan.

A choir belts out military songs at a fundraiser for U.S. Air Force Academy alumnus Hsu Hao-ming and his family. Late last month, they got in a serious car accident in the U.S. state of Colorado, shortly before Hsu’s graduation ceremony. The family, which was struggling financially, now faces enormous medical fees.

Wang I-lang
Taiwan Good Association head
Our goal is to raise at least NT$10 million, and we’re nearly at NT$8 million. The money will go to Hsu’s family to provide peace of mind, so that they can focus on recovery.

Pan Men-an
Presidential Office secretary-general
The very day he received the news, President Lai ordered our friends in the private sector and various welfare groups to launch support initiatives. The president’s close friend, Director Wang, rallied others to ease the financial strain on Hsu Hao-ming’s family.

To ensure optimal care for Hsu’s mother and grandmother, Taiwan’s defense ministry is working with their U.S. hospital to plan a medical evacuation back to Taiwan.

Wu Ming-yen
Taiwan Nongovernmental Hospitals and Clinics Association director
We’ve asked Taiwan’s best emergency medicine group to send nurses or doctors to join them on the trip back, to ensure their safety.

Wang I-lang
Taiwan Good Association head
We’ve asked a lawyer to negotiate with the hospital on cost, because the fees are truly too expensive. We’ve also inquired with China Airlines. The most economical route is for them to take China Airlines to Los Angeles for a pickup.

As Taiwanese rally to support a compatriot in need, the defense ministry is taking the lead to support a military family.

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

2024-06-17

Reservoirs in central and southern Taiwan are replenishing thanks to plum rains

2024-06-17

Consumers’ Foundation to file class action for food poisoning victims

The Consumers’ Foundation has announced a class action suit against the Polam Kopitiam restaurant in Taipei’s Xinyi District. The lawsuit is on behalf of the six people who died and 24 others injured from food poisoning, after eating at the restaurant in March. At the foundation’s news conference on Monday, the first victim with serious injuries to be discharged spoke via video. She said she’s still wary of dining out and will not eat flat rice noodles again. Even though she’s recovered, she said she’s still feeling the effects and decided to come forward to protect her rights.

Huang Shu-chun
Food poisoning victim
When I was in the ICU, I just wanted to survive. After getting out, my energy has been so low. I don’t dare to eat any Southeast Asian food or flat rice noodles.

Huang Shu-chun is a victim of the Polam Kopitiam food poisoning case that has killed six and injured 24. After recovering from a serious reaction, she decided to file a class action lawsuit against the restaurant through the Consumers’ Foundation.

Huang Shu-chun
Food poisoning victim
Polam Kopitiam absolutely has to bear responsibility. I think they should get a heavy sentence because they bear the weight of six lives.

Heavy concentrations of bongkrekic acid were found in the victims, but 19 food samples taken from the restaurant and its suppliers all tested negative for the respiratory toxin. Many questions remain about the case, including attribution of responsibility. All branches of the restaurant have closed down, meaning there might also be no way to seek compensation.

Joann Su
Consumers’ Foundation honorary chair
Assets held by the restaurant might not be able to cover the victims’ damages. Under the Consumer Protection Act, business owners must bear joint and several liability. If our investigation finds no one at fault, then the department store has insurance.

Wu Jung-ta
Consumers’ Foundation chair
The Supreme Court’s view is that psychological compensation can be claimed as punitive damages. It’s possible that damages could exceed NT$100 million.

According to the foundation, if the victims are awarded the same psychological damages as those of the 2015 water park fire case, those with minor injuries could get NT$5 million, while those with serious injuries could get NT$10 million. The families of the deceased could be awarded NT$50 million. Altogether, the claims are expected to exceed NT$100 million. The foundation will also seek punitive damages if the restaurant is found at fault. Regardless, it said it will simultaneously seek damages from the department store to protect the rights of the victims.

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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Taiwanese films win at Cannes Film Festival

Taiwanese films and immersive works won several awards at this year’s 77th Cannes Film Festival. The Ministry of Culture and the Taiwan Creative Content Agency held a press conference to congratulate the award-winning and shortlisted teams. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the details.

The 77th Cannes Film Festival has just concluded. Several Taiwanese films and immersive works were shortlisted and a few even won awards.

Among them is the AR work "Colored,” a collaboration between Taiwan and France. The film takes audiences back to 1955 and into America’s segregated society. Viewers witness 15-year-old teenager Claudette Colvin’s fight against the system and how she helped launch the civil rights movement. The AR work was shot in Taiwan using the 4DViews technique. It won Best Immersive Work at the Cannes Film Festival.

Chen Chia-yu
Administrative coordinator
This work brought together people from over 20 countries to participate in this production. In addition to France and Taiwan, all our actors live and study in Taiwan: American, Ugandan, British, or Russian, among others. This work can be considered an international production.

“Mongrel” depicts the life of an undocumented Thai caregiver in Taiwan. The film explores themes of immigration, labor exploitation, and resilience.

Lynn Chen
Producer
This film is about the communication between the caregiver and the person being cared for, and the presence of the bridge between them.

To support creators, the Ministry of Culture and the Taiwan Creative Content Agency launched a series of subsidies and awards for creators as part of an effort to help Taiwanese artists shine on the international stage.

Homme Tsai
Taiwan Creative Content Agency chair
In addition to the Taiwanese team’s seven shortlisted and award-winning works at the 77th Cannes Film Festival this year, in the future, the Taiwan Creative Content Agency will send more Taiwanese filmmakers to well-known international film festivals. Whether it’s directors or some stars, by having them go abroad we can show the world our outstanding teams from Taiwan.

Li Yuan
Culture minister
Based on our situation this year, our grants and funds have increased to a maximum of NT$50 million. Add that to money invested into Taiwanese filmmakers by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency, I think that, even for a new talent, our filmmakers are very lucky compared to those in other countries.

The Ministry of Culture and the Taiwan Creative Content Agency held a press conference to congratulate the winners, and also express their hope to foster more talent and create more opportunities for international co-productions.

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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Taiwan-Poland trade grows as Poland offers subsidies

TSMC’s factory in Germany is expected to start construction at the end of 2024. Close by, Czechia and Poland are also targeting the vast business opportunities afforded by semiconductors. They’re reaching out to Taiwanese companies, incentivizing them with flexible subsidies and the hardworking spirit of their workforce. Poland recovered quickly after World War II and has frequently exchanged with Taiwan over the last three years. Now it is expanding Taiwan-Poland trade, which already exceeds NT$320 billion annually.

Looking at Warsaw today, it’s hard to imagine that the Polish capital was almost destroyed during World War II. More than 90 percent of churches, castles, and monuments have since been rebuilt. But the economy here has been growing rapidly for the past five years.

Ryan
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When I came here five years ago the pandemic was just starting. But in the last few years suddenly a lot of new things have come up.

The local light rail has a history of over 100 years and intersects with bus routes, offering public transportation to Warsaw’s 1.76 million people. Since the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war, 3.31 million Ukrainian refugees have fled to Poland. The government issues work permits to refugees, making the labor force a factor in attracting Taiwanese businesses.

Lukasz Piotr Lanksi
Polish Investment and Trade Agency Taipei office
Poland is actually ranked first among countries offering work permits. Within the EU, most come from Ukraine and Belarus, but some employees also come from the Philippines and India. So, we aren’t very worried about our workforce like other countries.

With TSMC’s factory in Germany starting construction at the end of 2024, Poland has a geographical advantage.

Looking at the map of Taiwanese investment in Poland, USI, an ASE company, bought a packaging factory in Warsaw in 2018. In 2023 it built a second packaging factory in Wroclaw. MediaTek also opened a research center in Warsaw. Poland continues to offer incentives to Taiwanese businesses.

Lukasz Piotr Lanksi
Polish Investment and Trade Agency Taipei office
Polish people work hard. We also offer the highest subsidies of any country in the EU.

Poland wants to be noticed by Taiwanese businesses and hopes for direct flights from Taoyuan to Warsaw. With Taiwan-Poland trade exceeding NT$320 billion annually, the world is waiting to see if Poland will become a new frontier for semiconductor manufacturing.

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

2024-06-17

New exhibition of paintings by Lin Kui-hua opens at Tainan Art Museum

A new exhibition of paintings by Lin Kui-hua is on show at Tainan Art Museum. The “Shared Vision” show features closely observed paintings of social interactions, and examines the impact of technology on daily life. Lin was formerly a business entrepreneur, and has turned to painting full-time in later life. Her delicate style is full of wry commentary on society as well as humans’ connection to the land.

Lin Kui-hua’s paintings depict the huge changes wrought on everyone’s lives by the advent of consumer technology, and the new face of contemporary society.

Lin Kui-hua
Artist
This is our era. Sometimes we paint in order to leave a record of the era.

This painting, “Hide and Seek,” depicts a child hiding in a closet, who eavesdrops on the goings on in the wider world. But his bare feet are poking out into view, proving his existence. This painting is in the collection of a Japanese business owner, and was lent specially to the exhibition so it could be made available to the wider public.

Lin Kui-hua
Artist
We often say that people need to maintain a “beginner’s mind.” I think I regain that kind of feeling from these children.

Lin was formerly a junior high school teacher and pursued further studies in the U.S., then working in the import-export business. She and her husband founded an electronics company in the U.S. But in her leisure time, she never lost her love for painting. She studied painting in America and returned to Taiwan to take up painting full-time more than a decade ago.

Lin Kui-hua
Artist
I didn’t want to be an amateur painter, because only by getting into the professional workplace could I come into contact with professionals, and learn the real conditions that should be met. So this is how I’ve spent the last decade or more.

Li Chung-liang
Husband of Lin Kui-hua
Every day, she says to me, “As a painter you can’t just paint the same thing over and over again.” So she’s constantly finding something new to do, just like when we were in business.

The works in this exhibition use fine brushwork and innovative framing to explore fine observations of society and social dynamics.

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

2024-06-17

Dog, cat show off intelligence equivalent to 2-year-old

Over in Keelung, a barbeque restaurant recently realized that one of their trash cans was missing. Security footage revealed the culprit to be a passing dog, who trotted over and carted the entire thing away. A veterinarian says that the intelligence of dogs is comparable to a 1- or 2-year-old child. They can adapt to their surroundings, learning things like how to shelter from rain and where to find food.

A black dog trots along, a trash bag complete with the can dangling from its mouth. A passing motorist filmed the entire adorable scene from a scooter. Who knew it was stolen from a nearby restaurant?

Barbeque restaurant owner
It went missing around 5 or 6 in the afternoon. A customer saw our Facebook and told us.

Security footage showed the dog catching a whiff of food while passing by the restaurant just before it opened. The dog went inside, picked up a trash can, and quickly absconded from the scene.

Hsieh Ting-chih
Veterinarian
The trash can was probably used for food before. Dogs are as intelligent as a 1- or 2-year-old child. That’s why many children can share a type of communication with animals.

The average adult dog is about as intelligent as a 2-year-old. They can learn from and adapt to their surroundings. Some breeds are smarter than others. Judging from instinct, adaptability, and ability to learn, the smartest three are border collies, poodles, and German Shepherds.

In a related story, one family in the U.S. set up a camera in their kitchen so their daughter and her cats could see and hear each other while she was away at college. But when the cat heard her owner’s voice, it sat up on its hind legs and put its front paws together, as if begging.

Hsieh Ting-chih
Veterinarian
Adult cats are about as smart as a 2-year-old. They’ll call out their owner for food. It’s like our cat. When it’s time to eat, he’ll beg us like this for food.

The vet says that dogs and cats are equally as smart. Through long-term interaction, both can come to understand commands like sit and fetch. Whether it’s innate or learned, exhibiting intelligence is nothing unusual for our furry companions.

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

2024-06-17