NT$50,000 awarded for first sighting of Formosan black bear in Kaohsiung

NT$50,000 awarded for first sighting of Formosan black bear in Kaohsiung

2024-08-14

An Indigenous community has received NT$50,000 for getting footage of a wild Formosan black bear. Taken on June 22, the footage marks this year’s first sighting of the species in Kaohsiung. The Indigenous community of Oponoho received a habitat monitoring grant from the Pingtung branch of the Forestry and Nature Conservation Agency.

The agency said the Formosan black bear is an important "umbrella species," which means it indirectly protects many other species in its ecosystem. It said the habitat monitoring grant aims to raise public awareness and encourage more people to engage in the conservation of this treasured natural asset.

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高雄萬山社區"台灣黑熊"出沒巡守隊獲頒5萬元獎金

2024-08-14

高雄茂林萬山社區發展協會6月22日下午6點多，用自動相機，拍攝到一隻強壯、健康的台灣黑熊，這也是今年首次在高雄地區拍到台灣黑熊，林業及自然保育署屏東分署特別頒發5萬元棲地監測獎勵金，感謝部落巡守隊的努力。

林保署屏東分署表示，台灣黑熊是我們珍視的自然資產，更是重要的保護傘物種，希望透過這次表揚大會，能喚起更多人對保護台灣黑熊的重視和參與，對生態保育有更多的認同，進而付諸行動。

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The race is on to bring artificial intelligence to smartphones. Earlier this year, Samsung launched new foldable phones packed with AI features, such as a real-time "personal interpreter." Meanwhile, Apple has teased its upcoming iPhone 16 lineup, which will incorporate Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT. Not to be outdone, Google has entered the fray with its Pixel 9, which features AI-enhanced photo editing and image recognition.

Taking group photos used to mean leaving out the photographer. But thanks to AI, you can now take two pics at the same location and angle and your phone will merge them into one, so that everybody gets in on the shot.

AI can also assist in the kitchen. Snap a picture of the contents of your fridge and the software will identify the ingredients and suggest recipes, helping you sort out breakfast or clean your fridge. Several brands have launched AI phones this year, and Google’s Pixel 9 has joined the race.

Elmer Peng
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It blends hardware, software, and highly advanced artificial intelligence technology. Users can use AI to efficiently manage their personal information and receive a variety of highly personalized assistance.

In today’s smartphone market, AI is mainly being used to enhance photo editing and document processing. Samsung’s newest foldable phones, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6, offer a “personal interpreter” feature that incorporates both inner and outer displays. Apple is also eying the AI market with its upcoming iPhone 16, which combines Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT.

Liu Pang Pang
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Manufacturers are trying to figure out how to use AI in a way that resonates with consumers. On the Android side, there’s a strong emphasis on video and image editing, as well as translation. Compared to what Apple has said about its new release, Google’s latest lineup might feel more integrated into daily life, particularly in terms of user-machine interaction.

According to market analysts, AI-capable phones will make up 11% of total smartphone shipments by the end of the year. That share will grow to 43% by 2027 to surpass 550 million units, making AI the next big trend in mobile tech.

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Parade and reception for Olympians to be held on Friday

Taiwan will hold a parade and a party for its Olympians this Friday. The event will kick off at 1 p.m., with a reception at the Presidential Office Building. Then, at 3 p.m., the athletes will set off on a parade through the capital to be celebrated by the public.

Confetti fills the sky as onlookers wave flags in celebration. This was the triumphant return of Taiwan’s Olympians from Tokyo in 2021. With the Paris Olympics now over, the General Association of Chinese Culture is planning another party for the athletes.

Formosa Lee
GACC secretary-general
It’s scheduled to start at 1 p.m. After arriving, the Tri-Service Honor Guard will receive them with an arch of sabers, to welcome the athletes who gave their all for Taiwan.

A reception for the athletes will start at 1 p.m. at the Presidential Office Building’s Entrance Hall, which will be packed with festive stands. President Lai Ching-te will attend, and the event will be livestreamed.

The parade around the city will set off at 3 p.m. from the Presidential Office Building. It will pass Chongching South Road, Xiangyang Road, and Guanqian Road, before ending at the intersection between Zhongxiao West Road and Zhongshan South Road.

Chang Liao Wan-chien
Deputy minister of education
It was originally going to take place on Aug. 15, but we changed it to Aug. 16 considering that some athletes may not have been able to attend. The winners of Taiwan’s two golds and five bronzes will all attend except for Lee Yang, who is on holiday in Japan and can’t come back in time. His father will represent him instead. In total there will be 67 athletes and coaches taking part.

One of the most anticipated appearances is that of gold medalist Lin Yu-ting. Earlier this week, the Executive Yuan announced Lin would receive the government’s Guo Guang Sports Medal and cash prize for last year’s World Boxing Championships, where she was stripped of a bronze medal. The Executive Yuan says bronze was “unjustly revoked” by the International Boxing Association. But critics say the government’s recognition of Lin comes too late.

Chang Liao Wan-chien
Deputy minister of education
Back then, the IBA had only just been suspended by the International Olympic Committee. So due to a mix of circumstances, we decided to hand out the awards based on the medals that the athletes brought back. The decision to present the award now is mainly due to the fact that the IOC condemned the IBA twice and confirmed Lin’s eligibility to compete. This considered, there was a consensus that we should restore Lin’s reputation and award her the Guo Guang Sports Medal.

According to the official, the government decided to bestow the award to Lin in light of the IBA’s suspension, her eligibility to compete since then, and the confirmation of her eligibility by the IOC. For the first time, the reception at the Presidential Office Building will be attended not just by the athletes, but also their friends and family.

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2024-08-14

Badminton embraces shuttlecocks made of nylon instead of feathers

Badminton fever has gripped Taiwan since the triumph of doubles duo Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin at the Paris Olympics. That’s caused a spike in new students for badminton coaches. But students who are playing badminton again for the first time in 20 years might be surprised to find that shuttlecocks have changed. Many gyms have switched to using shuttlecocks made of nylon, instead of the traditional feathers. Let’s go courtside to find out more.

Badminton players duke it out on court. Since Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin won gold in Paris, badminton fever has gripped the nation, creating great business for badminton courts.

Lin Shu-yu
Badminton coach
Business is up by about 10%. Just an hour or so after the match, the gym was getting calls from people wanting coaching.

More and more people in Taiwan are playing badminton. But the cost of shuttlecocks is rising too. One box of top-quality shuttlecocks cost NT$840 in 2020, but this year it’s NT$1,100, an increase of 30%. For some businesses, that’s too steep, and they’re rolling out the longer-lasting nylon shuttlecocks instead.

Mr. Huang
Badminton student
They’re great for beginners. The nylon shuttlecocks are very sturdy, so they’re great for practicing.

Mr. Yen
Badminton student
The nylon ones are more flexible, and they feel different in terms of speed. So a lift shot will feel a bit more solid.

So what’s the difference between nylon and traditional shuttlecocks? Traditionally they’re made of duck or swan feathers but nylon is a plastic. Both weigh 5 grams. Classic shuttlecocks are vulnerable to the elements and fly less steadily than nylon. And traditional ones allow you to control the direction more easily. Each has its strengths; but nylon is vastly more long-lasting.

Lin Shu-yu
Badminton coach
Our nylon shuttlecocks retail for about NT$50 each. Traditional shuttlecocks might be NT$42. But a nylon one can be used for seven or eight matches without breaking. The Badminton World Federation has allowed it, you can play matches with nylon.

Nylon shuttlecocks cost more per unit, but they last longer and don’t get deformed, so they’re much more economical for a gym with high usage like this one.

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Fishing boat crew returns to Taiwan after one-month detention in China

Four crew members of a Penghu-registered fishing boat have returned to Taiwan, after being detained by Chinese authorities for over a month. The fishers were operating outside of Taiwan-controlled waters when their boat was boarded by Chinese coast guard. Although the four crew members have been released, their captain and their vessel remain in Chinese custody.

It’s the early hours of Wednesday. Dah Jinn Maan No. 96 approaches the harbor, carrying four crew members who were detained in China.

Coast Guard officials boarded the boat to confirm identities and check for suspicious items. On shore, the crew members’ families waited impatiently to see their loved ones.

Ms. Ting
Daughter of detained crew member
I’m very happy and excited. Dad’s finally coming back. We’ve waited for so long.

Early last month, the Penghu-registered Dah Jinn Maan No. 88 crossed out of Taiwan-controlled waters. Its captain and four-person crew were detained by China’s coast guard. More than a month later, China agreed to release the four crew members.

Three members were foreign nationals, whose return to Taiwan was complicated by the circumstances of their capture. To resolve the issue, the two sides agreed to transfer the detainees directly to Dah Jinn Maan No. 96, a Taiwanese fishing vessel that had been operating out at sea.

Chen Shuang-chuan
Penghu cross-strait association
There was no record of their entry to China, so handling the documents for their departure would have been quite a hassle. There was also no record of them leaving Taiwan. It could’ve all caused huge delays for their return.

The captain and Dah Jinn Maan No. 88 will remain in China until all legal issues are resolved.

Voice of Lee Tien-chin
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If they don’t impose administrative penalties, the matter could be handled by the judicial system, which could result in a sentence of six months or more. Administrative sanctions would be much quicker.

The detention incident has heightened tensions over fishing rights in the Taiwan Strait. After more than a month of talks, the captain’s family say they want a straightforward resolution from China. Taiwan’s government is continuing the negotiation, in hopes of bringing about a satisfactory conclusion.

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Passenger presses emergency button after missing stop on high-speed rail

A high-speed rail train was brought to a halt on Wednesday, after a passenger hit the emergency stop button. It turns out the passenger had simply missed her station. The incident caused a short delay at Changhua, but it didn’t affect arrival times at other stations.

Meng Chia-mei
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If the door closing chime is playing but you’re still on the train, what should you do? For one woman from Changhua, the first instinct was to press the emergency button. The train came to a stop just as it was leaving the station.

That’s exactly what happened on northbound train No. 822 of the high-speed rail. The train had just departed Changhua station when it was brought to a halt, leaving passengers in disbelief.

Passenger
We’d just set off and the train stopped on its tracks.

Voice of passenger
There was a woman sleeping in my seat. I asked her to check her ticket and saw that she was supposed to get off at Changhua. The train had already started moving, so I was going to tell her to go to the non-reserved seating area and get off at the next stop, but she just got up and rushed off.

After being informed that she had missed her stop, the woman rushed to press the emergency stop button. In a statement, the high-speed rail company said the train resumed its trip after staff confirmed that there was no emergency. Although the train was delayed two to three minutes at Changhua, it arrived on time at all other stops.

Passenger
Pressing the emergency button like that is so selfish. If you miss your station, just ride back from the next stop.

Passenger
If you miss your stop, just get off at the next one. That’s what I’d do. The emergency button is there for emergencies, such as earthquakes and things like that.

The emergency button has a clear plastic cover that must be lifted, so that passengers don’t push it without cause. Even so, Wednesday’s incident wasn’t the first of its kind. Authorities say improper use of the button can result in a fine of up to NT$1 million.

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Students win gold at expo with AI-powered inventions

As artificial intelligence takes the world by storm, Taiwanese youths are putting the tech to good use. Students from Yilan’s Dongguang Junior High invented an "AI checkout system." Meanwhile, children from Hualien built an AI-powered "learning machine" for the Bunun language. At this year’s International Exhibition for Young Inventors, both inventions won gold medals.

Place the paper box onto the conveyor belt, tap the screen, and the machine automatically detects it, displaying the price and payment QR code. After paying on your phone, you can take the product home.

Cheng Yu-hsi
Dongguang Junior High School student
This can reduce the need for cashiers. Since no plastic bags are used, it’s more environmentally friendly, and there’s no need to scan barcodes.

It saves time and effort while being environmentally friendly. This is a new invention created by three students. Cheng Yu-hsi, Cheng I-yun, and Cheng Yu-chi are ninth, eighth, and seventh graders at Dongguang Junior High School. They worked together to build an AI checkout system. Their invention won gold in the “daily convenience” category and the “Taiwan platinum” top prize at the International Exhibition for Young Inventors. But the road to success wasn’t without its challenges.

Cheng Yu-hsi
Dongguang Junior High School student
We transitioned from using a computer to Raspberry Pi, but the biggest drawback of using Raspberry Pi was that it often crashed because there wasn’t as much memory as the computer.

The creativity doesn’t stop there. A group from Taiping Primary School in Hualien developed an “Indigenous language learning machine,” which integrates AI and electronic-tagged flash cards. It has a practice mode and a test mode, and features light and sound effects. The machine makes learning the Bunun language fun and won a gold medal in the education category.

Lien Cheng-han
Taiping Primary School
The technology we used in this project includes RC522, electronic tagging, Arduino, and AI.

Lu Kuei-han
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Some of the international competitors had a great time with our invention. They stayed at our booth for more than 10 minutes, learning vocabulary and taking quizzes. This goes to show that our “Indigenous language learning machine” can spark interest in learning Indigenous languages.

The students were even able to introduce their inventions in English. They not only made Taiwan proud, but showcased their creativity.

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Small village in Yunlin holds lantern festival to rival nation’s best

A small village in Yunlin has a lantern festival to rival the nation’s best. Giant lanterns from lots of big festivals are gathered at a fishing village in Kouhu Township. It’s actually a project from an arts college graduate who’s returned home to the village. He wanted to bring the lights to older local residents who can’t get out to enjoy similar events in big cities. Arts critics are calling it a "national-standard community lantern festival."

A train-shaped lantern makes its way down a multicolored street. It’s like a carnival procession of light beings. More than 20 large lanterns are arranged in this community park: dinosaurs, cartoon characters and even an 8-meter-tall goddess, which has a lot of local backing.

Wang Yao-hsin
Yunlin Chinkuaka Cultural Association
Taiwan Lantern Festival in Pingtung in 2019 showcased her, she’s a character based on the sergestid shrimp, known locally as the sakura shrimp… We’ve reconstructed the lantern, fixed it up and put it on display once again.

Lanterns that were on show in years past have been brought back for this extravaganza in a small fishing village, creating a lively summer atmosphere full of local flavor. Local creative Wang Yao-hsin explains that his group decided to transplant the lanterns to this location so that the large population of older people could enjoy them. Some have never gone out to a big lantern display in a far-off town.

Wang Yao-hsin
Yunlin Chinkuaka Cultural Association
My sister-in-law said, “It doesn’t matter if they don’t have time to go out and see the lanterns – we’ll drag the lanterns home to show them.”

Now 58, Wang quit his teaching job eight years ago to return to his rural hometown. He and his three brothers all graduated from art college, so they were able to bring home a lot of accumulated lanterns to the village. After a bit of remodeling, they were ready to light up the summer night.

Wang Yao-hsin
Yunlin Chinkuaka Cultural Association
The community residents are quite supportive of the project. So when they saw us sorting out the lanterns, they came in and gave us some help.

These recycled lanterns are not just lighting up the streets – they’re also lighting up hearts in this close-knit Yunlin town.

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

2024-08-14