DPP politicians, Taipei mayor mourn late city councilor

DPP politicians, Taipei mayor mourn late city councilor

2024-09-19

Taipei City Councilor Hsu Chia-pei passed away in the early hours of this Wednesday due to endometrial cancer. On Thursday morning, DPP politicians including Vice President Hsiao Bi-Khim, as well as Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an offered condolences to the late city councilor at her memorial service.

Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
Battling cancer is a really tough process. But throughout this process, I believe she had also felt the goodwill of many of her fellow city councilors. Today we express our greatest condolences to her family.

Chiang wan-an
Taipei mayor
This really is a great loss. In the previous session Chia-pei was the leader of the DPP caucus. My impression is that she was really diligent and hardworking, and her appellations were very professional and rational. She was a great leader of the DPP caucus, and had greatly contributed to city governance. I hope she rests in peace.

Chang Mao-nan
DPP Taipei Chapter director
President Tsai said very gravely that city councilors must do a health check every year. It’s really such a great loss when someone so capable is no longer with us.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen, Ex-Premier Su Tseng-chang, and her mentor Gao Jyh-peng were among the many former and current officials paying respect to Hsu. Her loss was deeply felt by many across the political spectrum.

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

議員許家蓓子宮內膜癌病逝副總統蕭美琴赴靈堂弔唁

2024-09-19

民進黨台北市議員許家蓓，昨天(18日)凌晨因子宮內膜癌病逝，震驚外界，今天(19日)上午包括副總統蕭美琴、市長蔣萬安等人，前來靈堂弔唁。

[[副總統蕭美琴]]
“這個抗癌的過程，是非常非常的辛苦，但是這過程當中，我相信她也感受到，她在議會這些姊妹們給她的溫暖，我們在今天特別表示哀悼，也請她的家人節哀”

[[台北市長蔣萬安]]
“確實非常的不捨，而且真的很令人惋惜，因為家蓓議員在上個會期，還是民進黨團的總召，我印象中她非常認真、用心，而且很專業、理性的問政，也帶領民進黨團，協助市府在市政推動上面。希望她一路好走”

[[民進黨北市黨部主委張茂楠]]
“(小英)總統語重心長講，請議員一定要固定在每一年要去做健康檢查，造成這樣子的傷害，也折損一名戰將，這是大家最捨不得的事情”

包括前總統蔡英文、前行政院長蘇貞昌，恩師高志鵬等人，陸續前來上香致意。至於民進黨、北市議會也會盡力協助後事，好好地送這位優秀議員最後一程。

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Many Taiwanese people travel to China for business or tourism, but an increasing number are facing questioning and difficulties when crossing borders. Recently, a senior executive from Formosa Plastics Group was questioned immediately after landing in Shanghai earlier this month. Although he was eventually released, he has been unable to return to Taiwan, effectively being receiving an exit ban. DPP lawmakers have called on the Chinese side to ensure the safety of foreign nationals, stating that even if there are reasons for detention, a proper explanation should be provided.

Wu Cheng-han
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A senior executive from Formosa Plastics flew to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport and was immediately taken to a small interrogation room by Chinese authorities upon landing. Although he was eventually released, it has been half a month since the incident, and he has still not been allowed to return to Taiwan, effectively being subjected to and exit ban.

With cross-strait tensions rising, the risks for Taiwanese citizens traveling to China have increased significantly. The Mainland Affairs Council is aware of the situation regarding the executive, but they have not yet received any requests for assistance from his family. The Council warns that discussing or comparing the political systems of both sides online, praising Taiwan’s democracy; commenting on China’s economic downturn and rising youth unemployment; or even running for public office in Taiwan could all lead to detention.

Chen Kuan-ting
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This clearly shows that Chinese state security personnel can charge individuals with anything they want. We strongly condemn such practices by the Chinese authorities, and hope that China will prioritize the basic safety of foreign nationals engaged in business, tourism, and education within its borders.

The ruling party has strongly criticized the expansion of powers by Chinese authorities. It has been reported that the Formosa Plastics executive is involved in a criminal case that is under investigation, which is why he has not been allowed to return to Taiwan. Still, the ruling party is demanding an explanation about what has happened.

Rosalia Wu
DPP lawmaker
Regardless of academic or cultural exchanges, all activities should be based on goodwill. Using such ambiguous methods, with the true reasons still unclear, infringes on the rights of Taiwanese people in China. We must protest against these actions.

The DPP caucus has urged China to show goodwill and ensure the safety of Taiwanese people in civilian exchanges. Detaining individuals without providing reasons will only deepen the doubts Taiwanese people have towards China.

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

2024-09-19

Taiwan-exclusive boba toy designer says no to scalpers

An international designer toy brand has launched a limited edition figure inspired by Taiwanese bubble tea, priced at nearly NT$6,000. The announcement has sparked intense discussion, with concerns about scalpers reselling the item after its release. To combat this, sales will be conducted through a lottery system over three days, and purchases must be made under real-name registration.

Chou Jung-Hsan
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Taiwan’s most famous drink is undoubtedly bubble tea. Now, even international designer toy brands are drawing inspiration from it to launch globally limited figures, making it clear to everyone that this comes from Taiwan.

The figure features a bubble-tea color scheme with big, round, adorable eyes. From its belly to its feet, it is covered in clusters of black sugar pearls, resembling the beloved drink.

Yeh Chien-Yu
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We hope to strengthen our connection with local consumers, which is why we chose to use bubble tea—Taiwan’s most popular beverage—as our inspiration.

From Sept. 20 to Sept. 22, the public will be able to participate in an online lottery for three consecutive days. The winners will be announced on Sept. 24, and the limited sale will take place from Sept. 27 to Sept. 29. Many fans are eagerly preparing to bag the Taiwan-exclusive item.

Member of public
I would want to buy it because it’s a Taiwan exclusive, and I usually collect these kinds of things.

In addition to the figure, the brand will also host a special exhibition at its flagship store, which will run for a month. However, after the launch of the “egg tart” limited edition in Macau, scalpers appeared online selling it at inflated prices.

Yeh Chien-Yu
Toy company PR head
To ensure fairness in the availability of our products, we will be using a lottery system for sales. Additionally, purchases will require real-name registration to minimize issues with scalpers.

To prevent similar incidents from recurring, the company will implement protective measures. That way, it’ less likely the Taiwan-exclusive bubble-tea figure will become a tool for scalpers.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Instagram Teen Accounts protect young users, Asia rollout next year

Instagram has announced the launch of accounts specifically for teenage users. The accounts of users under 18 will be set to private by default, and there will be restrictions on usage time. Content that is considered age-restricted will be locked, and parents will have the ability to monitor their children’s interactions. This new policy will first be implemented in North America, the UK and Australia, with plans to roll it out in Asia by next year.

Meta’s social media platform Instagram announced on Sept. 17 that it would launch accounts specifically for teenagers. This initiative aims to address calls for increased regulation and protection measures on the platform.

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This means that anyone who has an Instagram account or is opening one who is under 18, will be placed in a special account that’s more restricted.

For teen users who spend more than 60 minutes on Instagram, a reminder notification will pop up. From 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., the app will automatically enter sleep mode, blocking even direct messages. Additionally, users under 16 will need to obtain parental permission to change their settings.

Member of public
Many people might try to deceive the system by claiming to be adults to access certain content. If there are mechanisms in place, it could help prevent these issues.

Member of public
I was a child once too, and if kids want to get around something, there’s really no way to fully prevent it. Kids are quite clever, and you can’t design overly complicated systems; otherwise, even adults might struggle to use them.

Parents are concerned that excessive use of social media could impact their children’s physical and mental development and lead to learning difficulties. In response to regulatory pressures, there will be enhanced review mechanisms. In the future, content related to violence, fighting, and explicit material will be restricted for underage users.

3C Tim
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This is also a kind of trial. Given the increasing number of Instagram users, having restrictions for teenagers can at least help filter out sensitive content. I think this is a positive step.

Experts believe that while the intention behind the new system is positive, its implementation remains to be tested. Currently, the teenage accounts are being rolled out in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia first. Expansion to the EU is expected this year, while Taiwan will have to wait until next year for the new system to take effect.

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Deaf educator encourages early sign language education

Sept. 23 is the UN’s International Day of Sign Languages. Ku Fang-huai, a doctor of deaf studies and education from Lamar University in Texas, was invited alongside people in the deaf community to share their experience of deaf children’s education. They encourage teaching sign language from a young age to protect the basic wellbeing and interests of the deaf community.

Simple gestures paired with vivid facial expressions make it clear what the other is thinking. To the deaf community, sign language is a crucial form of communication.

Chiu An
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I find every translation very rewarding, no matter the size of the interaction. I can help deaf and hearing people communicate with each other. I can help them complete a dialogue or meeting or forum or doctor’s visit, or even something simple. As long as I can help them smoothly complete an interaction, I feel accomplished.

Ku Fang-huai
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Sign language is enormously helpful to deaf children. If they can use sign language, they can learn more. They can absorb more information, get a better education, and then find a better job.

There are about 70 million deaf people in the world and over 3 million different kinds of sign language. In Taiwan, sign language doesn’t have a long history. It came out of the Japanese signing family. But with recent advancements under the Development of National Languages Act, Taiwanese signing is getting more attention.

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It’s a form of communication. If the form is complete and accurate, people are better able to understand what’s being said. On the other hand, the greater consideration is you don’t want to cause more harm from a breakdown in communication. For example, in many legal cases the content is extremely important.

Although there’s still a long way to go before sign language is popularized, advocates hope that through education and promotion, the deaf community can fully enjoy their rights while building a more friendly environment for all people.

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Interview with Germany’s representative, Eva Langerbeck

Taiwan’s ties with Germany have been flourishing for many years. Recently the relationship reached new heights when TSMC, Taiwan’s star chipmaker, broke ground at its Dresden fab in August. It was the first European venture for the Taiwanese company that makes roughly 90% of the world’s most advanced chips. Our very own FTV reporter Stephany Yang spoke to the new German Trade Representative Eva Langerbeck about Taiwan’s economic ties with Germany. Let’s hear what Langerbeck has to say.

Dr. Eva Langerbeck assumed office in July as the new Chief Representative and Executive Director of German Trade Office Taipei. Langerbeck said one of her main goals is to put more German attention on areas where Taiwan can make a major contribution to Germany’s economy. She pointed to semiconductors.

Eva Langerbeck
German Trade Office Taipei
One of my goals is, of course, number one, increasing the visibility of Taiwan’s strengths of where you can play a vital role for the German economy. One, of course, is semi-conductors, which, thanks to the investment of TSMC, is at the forefront right now. The most successful years were during the COVID years due to the semiconductors, because the demand especially for specialized chips was at an all-time high globally. You can see that in the trade statistics already. When you look at the trade statistics between Germany and Taiwan at the moment, microelectronics and electrical components is still the majority, which I believe is around 30%.

TSMC is currently building a US$11.04 billion fab in Dresden, Germany, in its first expansion into Europe. Production is expected to begin in 2027. Subsidies have been approved by the European Union, and a TSMC delegation visited Germany to familiarize itself with the region and German working culture.

Eva Langerbeck
German Trade Office Taipei
For the TSMC side, of course, there was a groundbreaking ceremony on the 20th of August, which I heard was very successful and was covered extensively in the media. Also, the subsidy has also been approved by the European Union so the project is on track is also what we hear from TSMC. We also had a delegation with Silicon Saxony to Germany for some of the suppliers of TSMC, to introduce them of course to the region and also show them what is on offer: where they could set up companies and also what is the working culture, and so on. And also to ease a bit maybe voices that there could be challenges along the road. This is something we will definitely continue.

Aside from semiconductors, Langerbeck said other areas of collaboration with Taiwan included artificial intelligence, aerospace technologies, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology and automation, as well as robotics, health care and renewable energy.

Eva Langerbeck
German Trade Office Taipei
There are other areas where mutual collaboration would be beneficial for both sides. One is artificial intelligence, also automation robotics. The other area would be healthcare, because both of our populations are aging, so that could be pharmaceuticals, biotechnology but also smart healthcare solutions for example. We do have overlap in machinery and also tool manufacturing, because we have a lot of German companies in Taichung, which is the heart of that industry here. And definitely of course also renewable energy. Both of our economy are going through a renewable energy transition at the moment.

Prior to taking up office in Taipei, she earned her Ph.D. in Islamic Studies and worked at the Malaysian-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Langerbeck said she’s eager to further strengthen bilateral trade ties between Taiwan and Germany.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Nine-year-old makes app after teaching self to code

One nine-year-old in New Taipei City developed his own budgeting app for a smart watch. After finding other apps too difficult to use, he decided to just make his own. It took half a year, but he taught himself to code and with the help of AI, successfully made a program that can now be found on the app store.

Just enter the date, amount, and type of expense. This smart watch budgeting app is simple and easy to understand. And this is the developer, a nine-year-old nicknamed Sea Horse.

Sea Horse
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Most of the better apps are all for the phone, but I don’t have one at the moment. I wanted to learn some programming, so I decided to make a budgeting app.

He drafted every page of these plans by himself. From learning the basics to actually writing the code, Sea Horse spent six months to make the program and upload it to the app store. He also used ChatGPT for help and troubleshooting.

Sea Horse
Young app developer
I started learning some Python in February and started making the app in May. I’m thrilled, because after so long it’s finally in the app store. I want to be a computer engineer. I hope to work at Apple someday.

He may want to become a software engineer in the future, but for now, Sea Horse’s other passion is Doraemon. Everything is covered in the cartoon, from his clothing to his desk. When they were stuck at home during the pandemic, his software engineer father introduced Sea Horse and his sister to coding through games.

Sea Horse’s father
During the pandemic, everyone was home. I saw them lazing around without anything to do, so I made a computer class. Every weekend for one or two hours I taught them a few basic things about computers. As for actually coding, they were welcome to teach themselves whenever they wanted to.

Starfish
Sea Horse’s sister
At the time, Dad said that if we finish a chapter, he’d buy us a comic book. I took it very seriously. It feels like talking to a computer, having a conversation. It’s amazing to watch your program run without any problems.

Not only Sea Horse, but also his sister, Starfish, loves to learn programming languages. To them it’s not complicated, but offers limitless space to display their creativity.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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