Rental subsidies may end in November amid budget cuts

Rental subsidies may end in November amid budget cuts

2025-02-10

And back to the budget. The freezes and cuts put forward and passed by opposition lawmakers could also have a direct impact on renters. The National Land Management Agency’s rent subsidies program has been cut by NT$4.1 billion. That means that rent subsidies are set to dry up for some 750,000 people as early as November. Let’s hear from a renter in Taipei who currently gets a subsidy of NT$3,600 a month.

Ms. Yu
Rent subsidy recipient
The subsidies are nice. Why would they do something like this to me? It’s unacceptable. I’ve been receiving subsidies for more than two years now. My salary is around NT$30,000 to NT$40,000 and my rent is more than NT$10,000. That’s about a third or a quarter of my income. It’s a heavy burden.

Chang Hsu-lan
Real estate expert
Each household in the program collects an average subsidy of between NT$2,000 or NT$3,000 and more than NT$10,000. So of course, it would make a big difference for families. The best way to save money is to reduce the expenses on rent. So perhaps people will move further out to the outskirts, or size down or move into an older place. It’s actually quite similar idea to paying mortgage installments, so they may consider straight up applying for Preferential Housing Loans for the Youth.

A real estate analyst says that the end of subsidies would deal a heavy blow to families with children, who may be getting some NT$10,000 a month. The sudden increase in expenses may put many families with tight budgets in a very difficult position.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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藍白凍預算租金補貼最快11月領嘸北漂族嘆:無法接受!

2025-02-10

立法院藍白兩黨聯手凍結預算，這一凍，讓國土署原本用於弱勢租屋族的租金補貼也受到影響，因為41億多元預算通通被刪減，因此75萬戶租金補貼的民眾，最快11月就會領不到錢，一名北漂工作的余小姐，原本領有3600元的補助、這個影響，讓她苦喊，實在無法接受。

[[領有租屋補貼民眾余小姐]]
“就領得好好的，為什麼會影響到我的生活？沒有辦法接受。領大概兩年多，因為我本來的薪水是差不多三、四萬左右，然後我的租金是一萬多，所以大概佔了三分之一到四分之一，我就覺得還蠻重的。”

[[房屋仲介趨勢中心執行長張旭嵐]]
“因為每一戶呢，可能平均都可以至少2000、3000到上萬元的一個補貼，所以當然對於家庭戶來說，真的是很大的差異。節流的部分，那當然就是去減少他的一個租金的支出，例如他可以搬到外圍一點，或者是換小一點，換舊一點的物件，其實跟他付房貸是差不多的道理，那極有可能去思考，是不是乾脆善用新青安。”

房市專家分析，有的育兒家庭，租屋補貼一領就是一萬元，這補助一旦消失，不說荷包直接縮水，更讓家庭支出全被打亂。

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As an attempt to break the gridlock between the ruling and opposition parties, President Lai Ching-te on Monday afternoon consulted the leaders of the five yuans, in accordance to Article 44 of the Constitution. In his opening remarks, he called upon unity and cooperation between all constitutional bodies. The leaders of the central government then proceeded to a closed-door meeting.

Leaders of the central government enter a conference room at the Presidential Office to participate in the president’s consultation. The goal of the meeting is to reach a solution for disputes between constitutional bodies.

The president and vice-president, and leaders of all five yuans pose for a picture. Then, the president presents all five of them, a set of five tea cups representing the separation and collaboration of powers.

Lai Ching-te
President
Today, with the powers and responsibilities delegated to me pursuant to the Constitution of the Republic of China (Taiwan), I call upon the presidents of the five yuans to the Presidential Office for consultation, in order to build a platform for communication, clarify the separation of powers principle, unite the nation, resolve disputes and seek a pathway for joint solutions. Taiwan must be united, only in unity is there strength to bolster national defense, develop the economy, and build a resilient defense for society.

The president in his opening address called upon closer cooperation between the five yuans.

Lai Ching-te
President
The five yuans are like the five fingers, each with their unique function. The five fingers only have strength when pressed together. The closer they are, the greater their strength. Taiwan’s formidable strength comes from the unity of all people in Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu, and from all parties in the country all serving the nation. More importantly, the five yuans must have mutual respect for the function of one another. Only when constitutional bodies fully function and band together can we overcome the numerous challenges from home and abroad, and usher in a new golden age for Taiwan. Our position notwithstanding, we must prioritize the people, uphold democracy and stay rooted on Taiwan. We must work hard to reach a settlement.

After the opening ceremony, the government leaders held a closed-door meeting for a whole 95 minutes. It is hoped the meeting will be a first step in breaking the gridlock between the ruling and opposition parties.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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Former boxing champ opens gym to train future competitors

Former Asian Games boxer Kuo Chih-lai is a veteran of the boxing world known as the “small colossus of the ring.” After retiring, he opened his own gym where he organizes matches and trains Taiwan’s next generation of boxing champions. When Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim was a legislator, even she trained with Kuo to improve her strength. He even sold his land and factories in his determination to cultivate Taiwan’s next king of the ring.

Imagine your opponent is right in front of you, constantly swinging punches and dodging.

Former boxing star Kuo Chih-lai hasn’t lost his touch, even at nearly 80 years old. After retiring, he founded his own gym to coach upcoming boxers. Even Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim trained with him for a time while she was a legislator. Whenever she had time, she’d come to the gym to throw a few punches.

Hsiao wailed on the bag and sometimes sparred with Kuo himself in one-on-one lessons that lasted for half a year.

Kuo Chih-lai
Former boxer
I really admire her. After sparring for five minutes, you’re dripping with sweat. I told her to take a rest, your whole body is drenched. Go clean off. She would tell me she didn’t have time to rest. I snuck off here and need to run back for a session. I really admire that kind of spirit. She told me, and I’ll always remember this: No wonder boxers are successful.

The same about Hsiao’s spirit for training and fitness could be said of Kuo. The man just shy of 160cm started boxing when he was 17. Then his dream was to become one of the best in Taiwan.

Kuo Chih-lai
Former boxer
I’m not cut out for boxing. Everyone else was a head taller than me. But I still wanted to train until I became one of the best.

Although he didn’t win any international medals in his time competing for Taiwan, he’s always held an unshakeable place in the boxing world. Even after entering business in retirement, he still maintained an abiding presence in the ring.

Kuo Chih-lai
Former boxer
Now our boxers are all winning medals in the Asian Games and Olympics. I sold my factory to do something more meaningful. Taiwan needs to have an international boxing champion.

Lin Yu-ting who took gold at last year’s Paris Olympics, along with bronze medalists Chen Nein-chin and Wu Shih-yi, and World Boxing Cup champion Huang Hsiao-wen all often compete in practice competitions hosted by the professional boxing association founded by Kuo. The veteran continues to work hard to ensure Taiwan’s athletes have a spot on the world boxing throne.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Sun to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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Taiwanese director Ang Lee wins DGA lifetime achievement award

An exciting moment for the world of cinema. Renowned Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee has been honored with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the 77th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards. Lee is the first Taiwanese to be recognized with the honor, after a prolific career spanning more than three decades. He was presented the award by none other than Malaysian actor Michelle Yeoh, who starred in his iconic film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.”

Ang Lee
Film director
Yeah, but I feel very humbling, I was just making my film. As a director, like nothing, like, yeah, I’m so honored.

Acclaimed Taiwanese filmmaker Ang Lee was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 77th Annual Directors Guild of America Awards, just seven years after receiving the DGA Honor. Lee is only the 37th recipient of this prestigious award, making him the first Taiwanese filmmaker to achieve this honor. In his acceptance speech, he delighted the audience with his signature humor.

Ang Lee
Film director
First time at this event I have to put on reading glasses. I guess it’s time for a lifetime achievement award. I was born and raised in Taiwan. Being born and raised in Taiwan, it feels like the realization of the American dream to be here on this stage.

Lee was presented the award by Malaysian actor Michelle Yeoh, who starred in his iconic film “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.” The two posed for photos together to celebrate the moment. The film was a significant work for Lee, catapulting him to international fame and winning multiple Oscars, including Best Foreign Language Film.

Ang Lee
Film director
For me that means continually learning how to make movies. I learn the most by doing and I hope that my whole career can be a never-ending film school.

Lee’s illustrious film career spans 35 years, during which he has created many renowned movies. Among his most notable works is the 2013 film “Life of Pi,” which was shot in Taiwan and introduced groundbreaking 3D effects. The film grossed US$609 million worldwide. Both “Life of Pi” and his 2005 film “Brokeback Mountain” earned him Academy Awards for Best Director. Even in his 70s, Lee continues to set new career milestones.

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Chiayi museum offers test to find best personalized turkey rice

Chiayi is known for its turkey over rice. Who knew that the Chiayi Municipal Museum is offering a test to find your personally “destined” version?After viewing an exhibition to learn about the famous dish, visitors can assess their favorite flavors. People have been struck by its insights.

Atop a bed of white rice rests a layer of turkey with fragrant fried shallots. The final touch is a secret sauce. Many Chiayi natives eat this every day. But which is your favorite? The Chiayi Municipal Museum has an evaluation to help you find out.

Try this test to find the turkey rice of your dreams. From the wetness of the rice to the texture and color of the meat and choice of sides, it can recommend the best restaurant for you personally. It’s been a hit among visitors.

Visitor
I never knew before. But after coming to this exhibition, I found out that Chiayi has a turkey rice restaurant open at any time in the day, for all 24 hours. It’s fascinating.

Visitor
As someone who isn’t from Chiayi, I didn’t know where to get turkey rice from today. But now there’s this machine that can match all my requirements. After I’m done at the exhibition, I’ll go right over to get some.

Teng I-hsin
Chiayi Municipal Museum director
Our initial estimate is that Chiayi City has about 150 restaurants that serve turkey rice. There’s actually a greater density of turkey rice spots than of the major convenience stores.

This special exhibition teaches visitors everything there is to know about turkey rice. Restaurant owners also hope it can help people find the best place for their personal taste profile.

Restaurant owner
If you don’t know where to eat, you can use the machine. It’ll show you a bunch of different restaurants and you can choose which one best suits your taste.

Restaurant owner
Many people come here because of our reputation. We’ll also customize for you, if you’d prefer it to be lighter, with more fried shallots or no shallots at all, or no pickled radish. Whatever you’d like, we can do.

Turkey rice is representative of Chiayi. The city even has a pedestrian light of a turkey with a different design for the stop and walk signals. Now even a museum exhibition is turkey rice themed. It can only be expected that visitors’ next stop after the museum will be a turkey rice restaurant.

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This badminton player puts meaning in the phrase lifetime fitness! The 2025 World Masters Games is about to start in Taipei and New Taipei. Competing on the badminton court will be the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest shuttler. Now 104 years old, Lin You-mao used to practice tai chi, but at 50 he took up a racket and started playing badminton. For a full 54 years he hasn’t looked back. But don’t underestimate this centenarian. His slams are just as fierce, and he’s athletic and precise.

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Lin You-mao
Badminton player
At this advanced age, I’ve lost my eyesight on one side. When playing badminton, someone hit this eye with a racket. I still have the drive and the patience to play. No one this old is playing like I do.

Calling himself the “old rascal,” Lin always wears all red to symbolize his fervor for life. Seeking the acclaim, at 50 he switched from tai chi to badminton. These days he plays three times every week. And he’s no less agile than someone less than half his age.

Badminton player
He’s excellent. He plays like a young man. He can even do slams and drops.

Badminton player
To play this well at 104, I’m incredibly impressed. He has power behind his slams and his drops are great. They’re beautiful.

Lin has played on a team with his children and grandchildren for 40 years, participating in the Morning Cup and now the World Masters Games.

Lin You-mao
Badminton player
I’ve become a spokesman as the oldest badminton player. By hitting the court, I can show young people around the world that Taiwan has a 104-year-old who’s still bold enough to compete.

Always with a smile on his face, Lin also shared his secret to longevity.

Lin You-mao
Badminton player
You have to exercise. Stay kind-hearted and do good deeds. And the last thing is what people online are all saying: Look at beautiful women.

This 104-year-old “old rascal” seems to be aging in reverse. He’s sure to put on quite a show at these Masters Games.

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