Taiex rallies to new record of 22,757 points

2024-06-18

Taiwan shares followed Wall Street higher on Tuesday, closing up 260 points to end at 22,757. The market is now at a new all-time high.

Huang Wen-ching
Market analyst
The rally was mainly driven by TSMC. TSMC just announced that it may raise prices for its 3 nanometer process, so there could be significant room for upward adjustment in its projected profits.

Following its announcement, chipmaker TSMC saw its stock price soar by NT$22 and closed at NT$943. Largan Precision rose NT$50 to NT$2,660, while MediaTek gained NT$25 to close at NT$1,405.

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台股延續多頭格局漲260點 22757點創歷史新高

2024-06-18

美股4大指數收紅，也讓台股延續多頭格局，終場大漲260點，以2萬2757點，再度寫下台股歷史新高。

[[分析師黃文清]]
“最主要還是台積電的帶動，因為台積電這邊也宣告說，它的3奈米的製程的部分，可能對客戶這邊要有漲價的一個動作，預估的這個獲利，其實都有更大調整的一個空間”

其中護國神山台積電，3奈米的製程漲價消息一出，也使得股價大漲22元、以943元作收，而大立光漲50元來到2660元，聯發科漲25元，收在1405元。

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Xi says US trying to trick China into invading Taiwan

2024-06-18

US buys up drones for ‘Hellscape,’ outgoing AIT director gives parting advice

Outgoing AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk has some parting advice. Speaking to the New York Times, she said that many Taiwanese had become desensitized to the Chinese threat. She said, “Avoid panic about China’s combative language and moves, but don’t grow numb to the risks.” The warning comes as details emerge about the U.S. military’s strategy for defending Taiwan.

President Lai Ching-te welcomed a high-level delegation from the Atlantic Council think tank on Tuesday. At their reception, he reiterated the importance of cooperation among democratic countries.

Lai Ching-te
President
Taiwan, the U.S., Latvia, and the Czech Republic all know the value of freedom and democracy, and they all face the challenges of authoritarianism. We understand deeply that democratic nations must join hands in cooperation, so as to safeguard global peace and stability. The administration that I lead will proactively pursue value-based diplomacy and deepen partnerships with democratic countries.

The world is watching the Taiwan Strait, which is considered a main geopolitical flashpoint. In a recent interview with the Washington Post, the U.S.’ top military commander in Asia gave details on “Hellscape,” America’s drone-based strategy against a Chinese attack on Taiwan. According to the report, the U.S. defense department has been buying and developing drone weapons under its Replicator Initiative. Dozens of projects are in progress, with the goal of building a powerful strike force that can buy time for the U.S. to come to Taiwan’s aid.

Kathleen Hicks (September 2023)
Deputy secretary of defense
We’ve set a big goal for replicator: to field attritable, autonomous systems at a scale of multiple thousands, in multiple domains within the next 18 to 24 months.

In a New York Times interview, outgoing AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk said that after decades of aggression from China, many Taiwanese people have become desensitized. Despite the escalation in Chinese military drills and airspace intrusions, there’s rarely public alarm. Oudkirk had some parting advice: “Avoid panic about China’s combative language and moves, but don’t grow numb to the risks.”

Wellington Koo
Defense minister
China is constantly attempting unilateral changes to the status quo through its “salami slicing” strategy. Avoid panic but don’t grow numb. We very much agree with this advice. We must stay calm and rational, and we must respond to incidents in the Taiwan Strait appropriately. We will not provoke, but we also call on China not to be a troublemaker.

China has never renounced the use of force against Taiwan. As the world grows concerned over Beijing, Taiwan must race to strengthen its defense capabilities.

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2024-06-18

Hiker falls 300 meters to his death at Yushan

2024-06-18

German firms raise NT$274,500 for children with critical illnesses

The German Trade Office hosted a soccer tournament, bringing together 16 German companies to raise money for Make-A-Wish Foundation. The GTO German Company Charity Soccer Tournament raised NT$274,500 for children with critical illnesses. FTV reporter Stephany Yang has the details.

The Taipei Gymnasium has been transformed into an indoor soccer field. The gym echoes with loud cheers.

This is the annual GTO German Company Charity Soccer Tournament. Every time a team scores, NT$1,500 will be donated to the “Make a Wish Foundation."

Christian Peluso
Tianmu United
We did try to do some practice on a small pitch. It was different. It was not indoors. It was outdoors. We participate in a charity tournament and we feel that the main goal is to score as many goals as we can.

Patrick Kemnitz
Trumpf managing director
We are joining for the second time for this very exciting charity soccer event. We try to do our best, and most important fair play. We are company from Germany so of course we have many employees interested in playing soccer for a good purpose.

This event was organized by the German Trade Office with support from Taipei’s Department of Sports, A Star Academy, and Lumiere International Academy. Sixteen German companies in Taiwan competed in the tournament to raise funds for the Make-A-Wish Foundation Taiwan, which helps to fulfill the wishes of children battling critical illnesses between the ages of 3-18 years old.

Leonie Yang
German Trade Office Taipei head
We already do CSR Day in Taiwan for quite some time. We go to Taiwanese elementary schools and we bring them some activities to learn about Germany or some sports activities as well. Last year, we thought it would also be good to have this soccer tournament and to combine it more with all the charity aspect and really donate to the foundations here in Taiwan. This is the second year.

Flora Hsu
Make-A-Wish Foundation CEO
According to the data released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, every year, there are approximately more than 500 new children diagnosed with childhood cancer. There are about more than 500 children with cancer alone. Then our services do not include children with cancer, and there are cancers including brain tumors, tumors, osteosarcoma, etc., as well as children with organ transplants, kidney transplants, etc. We also serve children with rare diseases.

Bosch Taiwan came in first place. Taiwan United came second, followed by the German Trade Office in third place. NT$274,500 was raised during the event. Through the soccer tournament, the German Trade Office and German companies hope to contribute to Taiwanese society.

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2024-06-18

Malaysian media praises Taiwan’s Muslim-friendly travel industry

A Malaysian news outlet recently named Taiwan a Muslim-friendly travel destination. It’s not just about having halal food. Hotels also have amenities especially for Muslim visitors. Taiwan has actually been catering to Muslim travelers for over a decade now, with more than 400 certified restaurants and hotels.

Generously spiced chicken sizzles on a skillet, both sounding and smelling enticing. This Indian biryani with turmeric features firm long-grain rice paired with tender chicken. Mutton curry with naan is also a classic. And all of it is halal.

Ms. Lee
Halal restaurant owner
Our beef and mutton is all imported. For the chicken, we have our own halal butcher. Halal food can’t have any alcohol in it, so we cook with only spices and natural ingredients.

A recent news report from Malaysia named Taiwan a Muslim-friendly destination. Starting in 2019, Taiwan has also been ranked in the top three on the global Muslim Travel Index for non-OIC destinations, and has been voted the most accommodating destination of the year. It earned the designation not just thanks to its halal restaurants, but also for its hotels with Muslim-friendly amenities.

In the closet there are two prayer mats for guests to use. Inside the drawer there’s also a qibla indicator showing which direction to pray. Every restroom also comes equipped with a bidet.

Ni Shao-hua
Muslim-friendly hotel manager
We think there’s huge market potential for Muslim travelers. It’s also keeping with government policy and some business exchanges. We’re honored to be recognized as both a Muslim-friendly hotel and restaurant.

Voice of Yuan Kai-chih
Tourism Administration international division deputy head
Taiwan already has over 400 restaurants and hotels that have been verified as Muslim-friendly. Most of our Muslim travelers come from Malaysia and Indonesia.

Without travelers from China, other markets like Japan, Korea, Europe, America, and Southeast Asia — including Muslim markets — are key to diversifying tourism.

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2024-06-18

Far Eastern chair weighs in on minimum wage at shareholders’ meeting

Far Eastern Department Stores came out with stellar results at its shareholders’ meeting on Tuesday. The company achieved earnings per share of NT$1.95 last year, and will issue a cash dividend of NT$1.6 per share. Top executives addressed issues including AI, the labor shortage, and upcoming consultations expected to raise the minimum wage by at least 3.8%.

Far Eastern Department Stores held its annual shareholders’ meeting on Tuesday. Far Eastern Group Chair Douglas Hsu and his sister Nancy Hsu took questions, addressing the labor shortage and next week’s deliberations over the minimum wage. Douglas Hsu gave his perspective.

Douglas Hsu
Far Eastern Group chair
Labor shortages are a global trend. The question is how we make up the shortfall. From where I’m standing, I can offer something nice. The higher the wage, the better. But you have to be able to afford it. The most important thing is productivity. The real question is, can your production levels support your wage levels?

Shaking off the pandemic, Far Eastern Department Stores posted earnings per share of NT$1.95 last year, and will issue a cash dividend of NT$1.6 per share. Amid the AI boom, the firm announced plans to adopt the latest technology to enhance everyday experiences.

Douglas Hsu
Far Eastern Group chair
AI is incredibly challenging, to tell the truth. It will take a great deal of effort to do AI.

Taiwan’s AI industry is at the vanguard of the world. With TSMC building plants in Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Chiayi, Far Eastern Department Stores was asked about its own potential expansion.

Nancy Hsu
Far Eastern Department Stores president
Actually we already have stores in all three of those locations, but they’re not large. Perhaps after TSMC completes its projects, and the labor market and overall market improves in the south, we will expand our presence there.

Having planted its flag at Taipei Dome, Far Eastern Group is taking aim at NT$50 billion in revenue, to challenge Shin Kong Mitsukoshi for market dominance.

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2024-06-18

Spotlight on MA-tek: a leading supplier of semiconductor materials testing

Everyone is talking about Taiwan’s AI and tech industry after recent big announcements from Nvidia’s Jensen Huang. In a much-publicized talk, the Nvidia CEO namedropped lots of the Taiwanese companies that are important partners in the silicon supply chain. But one important firm that he left out was MA-tek. The firm is a leading supplier of semiconductor materials testing. It supports the world’s biggest brands to analyze and check the quality of their products. FTV spoke to the firm’s founder Hsieh Yung-fen to find out more about the role testing plays in Taiwan’s tech ecology.

In a recent talk, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang highlighted 43 Taiwanese companies on a map of Taiwan – important partners in Taiwan’s tech supply chain. But no quick report could really cover all of the partners of Nvidia. One of them is MA-tek, the biggest provider of semiconductor materials testing and analysis.

Hsieh Yung-fen
MA-tek chair
It would take more than one day to describe Taiwan’s potential. There was a time when, in tech marketing, you would only talk about how great you are. You wouldn’t talk up all your suppliers. Now Jensen Huang has included all his suppliers, which makes it more apparent how technology can be a driver of the whole of society, and make Taiwanese people more confident. He’s really done some good advertising for Taiwan, including with the zongzi, dumplings and the night markets he’s visited. He’s made Taiwan look so warm and friendly; it’s a light and easy way for people from around the world to learn about Taiwan. I think he takes tech marketing, this thing that’s so high-end and so hard to understand, and he makes it bite-size. That’s really quite a skill.

Hsieh Yung-fen founded MA-tek at the age of 43 to provide testing and analysis to the world’s big semiconductor manufacturers. Her clients include TSMC, Nvidia, Intel, AMD, Microsoft, and Meta and the firm has labs over 15 regions in the world.

Chai Huan-hsin
Industry analyst
The whole AI trend is still just on the up and up. Future opportunities will see growth of 100% and higher. The testing industry will play an extremely key role in profits.

Hsieh Yung-fen
MA-tek chair
Several of the big players had come up, and I felt a bit embarrassed to say, “Well actually, all of those companies are our clients at MA-tek. And there’s another three firms behind them which you haven’t mentioned, which I think will come up soon…”

As AI changes the world, testing firms will soon be seeing a fresh wave of opportunities as part of Taiwan’s booming tech industry.

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2024-06-18

Table tennis academy teaches more than the sport

Today we take you to meet a former national team athlete who founded a table tennis academy. The academy not only teaches the sport, but also trains the brain and enhances life skills. FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to the founder to learn more.

Through a series of executive function tests, students are evaluated on their inhibitory control, cognitive flexibility, and working memory.

The tests are fun games and participants can receive their results within 20 minutes. This is not a psychology experiment. It’s part of a table tennis academy program in Taipei.

Hung Tsung-min
Founder
I created it because I run these kinds of studies for more than 20 years. For my study, it is so evident to show that sports training that incorporates cognitive function components into the training is very effective for all kinds of individuals especially for those who are kind of weak in their attention skills. For example, children who are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. We have a lot of evidence to show that it is effective.

The table tennis program incorporates all three components assessed in the game. Participants will be able to learn skills, train their physical fitness, and improve their cognitive function. They will also take a test again to see their progress.

Wang I-tse
Coach
The inhibition function is a bit like when we are doing up-and-down rotation exercises because it requires controlling, waiting, and predicting. The working memory part is more like when we are running, we may need to hit a few forehands and backhands, and we need to know where to hit the ball. In the test, we have a few children whose original concentration may only be at 70% to 80%, but after the class, they improved to 100%. At this table tennis academy, we not only provide table tennis training, but we also have a comprehensive training model that ranges from brain training to life education.

The founder of this academy is Taiwanese sports professor Dr. Hung Tsung-min. He is a professor and researcher at National Taiwan Normal University. Before he started teaching, he was a national table tennis star. He was elected an international fellow of the U.S.’ National Academy of Kinesiology. The prestigious title is regarded as the Nobel Prize of the sports world. At his table tennis academy, he has implemented his long-term research results in sports cognitive neuroscience. Through customized exercise and professional training methods, he hopes to help improve the brain cognitive functions of all ages.

Hung Tsung-min
Founder
Nowadays we are facing the serious challenge of having a very low birth rate for the young children. So we need to provide some kind of training for these young kids to be able to develop their mental skills so they can be more productive for their future. For the elderly, because we are also entering a super-aging society so we need to find ways to try to maintain their cognitive function so that they can still be productive during their later lives.

Hung says racket sports have positive effects on executive functions and all aspects of the body and mind. Not only does it help improve cardiopulmonary function, coordination, and muscle strength, but it also improves executive function skills. The academy is comprised of several national players who serve as coaches. In addition to being able to play well, coaches also have to go through rigorous training to learn theory.

Hung Tsung-min
Founder
I have to find good coaches because these coaches have to not only be good in table tennis but also they have to be good at learning all the theories and all the knowledge behind the training for improving executive function. That is the most important and most difficult part. All the coaches have gone through training for three months.

Chuang Ying-i
CEO
Our courses include brainstorming courses, which are relatively rare in traditional table tennis academies. I am 68 years old. I come here at least three days a week. The school has greatly benefited my whole body and mind.

The academy hopes to not only improve their students’ table tennis game but also to enhance their executive functions so that they can lead healthy 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

2024-06-18

Restaurants preparing as Taiwan reaches bluefin tuna quota early

2024-06-18