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Family of electrocuted Taipower technician decides to pull plug on life support

Family members of the Taipower technician that got fatally electrocuted have decided to pull the plug of his life support and donate his organs, a week after the accident. Thirty-six-year-old Lee Yuan-han got an electric shock and immediately lost all vital signs while carrying out power restoration work in Chiayi. On Tuesday, accompanied by Taipower work trucks, Lee’s body was transported home, stopping by his former workplace. His colleague all mourned his loss. President Lai Ching-te announced that a commendation order would be bestowed upon him posthumously.

Lee Yuan-han’s former colleagues call out his nickname and pay tribute to him, with tears down all of their faces.

Accompanied by Taipower work trucks, Lee’s body is transported home for final arrangements. The fleet stopped by the electricity distribution substation in Chiayi.

This is the last photo of Lee, a selfie he took while carrying out repair works in Taipower’s orange work uniform. On July 15, Lee got a fatal electric shock while restoring power to Chiayi’s Yijhu Township. He was immediately sent to hospital for emergency care, during which top officials, including the president, paid him a visit. Alas, seven days on ECMO did not save him. On Tuesday, Lee’s family decided to plug him off life support and said they’ll donate his organs.

Lee’s father
This abrupt accident left us utterly heartbroken. But we can still choose to let him leave in love and peace, and with the last remnants of glory and dignity. The entire family’s unanimous decision is to donate Yuan-han’s organs.

Liu Hao-hsun
Chi Mei Hospital, Liouying emergency physician
With his life, Mr. Lee lit up the whole society and other people’s lives. His love for the world reaches far beyond the end of his life.

Meanwhile, the president announced that he’s going to posthumously bestow upon Lee a commendation order for his selfless service, and expressed regret for his loss. Taipower also pledged bereavement compensation to Lee’s surviving family members in the most beneficial terms possible.

Tseng Wen-sheng
Taipower chair
We at Taipower will do our utmost in ensuring the best terms possible regarding bereavement compensation and other related proceedings.

Typhoon Danas left several Chiayi and Tainan townships without electricity since it landed a little over two weeks ago. In its aftermath, Taipower technicians have worked tirelessly to restore electricity supply to affected communities. Lee lost his life in service to the nation, and even after he’s left us, he’s still contributing to society in a different way.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#disasterrelief #typhoon #typhoondanas #electricity #chiayi #tainan

2025-07-22

Tariff negotiation team led by Vice Premier to head to US again

The US’ “reciprocal tariffs” are set to be effective on Aug. 1, but Taiwan is yet to reach a formal settlement on the final rate. On Monday, it’s confirmed that later this week, the negotiation team, led by Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun will once again head to the US for another round of talks. Taiwan’s target is not worse than Indonesia’s 19%, or at least lower than Japan’s or South Korea’s 25%. Meanwhile, amid allegations that Taiwan’s rate is already decided, at the original 32%, a spokesperson for the AIT instead urged the public to follow updates from US and Taiwan official outlets.

Workers numbered in the hundreds are protesting outside the Executive Yuan, holding an empty bento box symbolizing the precariousness of their livelihoods. They’re furious that the central government has yet to communicate with labor group representatives in person since the US introduced “reciprocal tariffs.”

Tuan Wei-chung
Taiwan Machinery Labor Union director
If SMEs fail, workers will be laid off. We will not accept how the government offers the livelihoods of workers to the US in tribute in this way.

Later this week, the negotiation team comprising Vice Premier Cheng Li-chiun, Minister Without Portfolio Yang Jen-ni and others will once again head to the US for the fourth round of negotiations. The Executive Yuan said earlier that the team will uphold two major principles in negotiations, namely to achieve balanced bilateral trade relations and to increase mutual benefits and interests. It also added that the four boundaries to uphold are national and industrial interests, and to safeguard the people’s health and food security. The goal is a rate lower than that of competitors such as Japan and South Korea. The Cabinet also said that they hope Taiwan, like Indonesia, will be able to get tariffs down from 32% to 19%, hopefully even lower.

Lai Jui-lung
Lawmaker (DPP)
Over this period, whether it’s through high-tech industries or crude oil procurement or compliance with many other things, we’ve built great interactions with the US, and hope that the rate can be lowered to 20% or lower.

Voice of Dachrahn Wu
National Central University economics professor
Indonesia ended up with 19% and Vietnam, 20%, mainly because they’ve pledged to fully open their markets. If Taiwan could successfully negotiate for 20%, that would be very, very good already, but I won’t get my hopes up.

It’s alleged that Taiwan’s rate has already been decided, at 32%, and that the government will publicize the result after July 26, once the first round of recall elections have finalized. On Monday, a spokesperson for the AIT said instead, that negotiations are still underway, and suggested to follow updates from US and Taiwan official channels.

Rosalia Wu
DPP legislative caucus
Let allegations be just that, but rumors must be corrected. Even the AIT has come out to clarify. Basically, the AIT has come out to reprimand Jaw Shau-kong. Tariff negotiations between Taiwan and the US are still underway.

Tariffs have become a hot topic as recall elections near. The DPP claims that even the AIT has come out to shut down rumors, and urged campaigners against mass recalls not to weaponize the issue.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#trade #tariffs #trumptarrifs #imports #exports #AIT #international

2025-07-22

Panama coffee brand opens flagship store in Taiwan

Taiwan’s coffee culture is flourishing, with a growing preference for specialty coffee and unique café experiences. A renowned specialty coffee brand known for its Geisha Coffee beans has opened a flagship store in Taiwan, offering micro-lot coffee selections and custom roasting services. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us in for a look!

The specialty coffee brand’s coffee are cultivated in Panama’s Volcán Barú. They are known for their unique coffee processing methods and Geisha coffee beans. It has unveiled its first-ever global flagship store in Taipei. The store features a sampling area where visitors can smell the different aromas of their renowned Geisha coffee beans.

Zoe Liu
Commercial Director, Asia
It is very different from other coffee brands because we are the first brand that started from a farm so our self is actually the producer of the coffee. From this site that I am standing, you can actually experience the dry aroma of our very special coffee.

The store also features a custom coffee roasting service. Customers can work with coffee consultants to create personalized roasting profiles, tailored to their preferences and brewing methods.

Zoe Liu
Commercial Director, Asia
We think that the full experience of coffee starts from the dry aroma and to the wet aroma and also the taste while you drink it. We will usually ask the customers to experience the dry aromas first.

Taiwan’s coffee culture is flourishing, with a growing preference for specialty coffee and unique café experiences that showcase refinement and innovation. With this new store, coffee connoisseurs can learn innovative techniques and taste quality brews.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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2025-07-22

Rare little tern found nesting on Miaoli beach excites conservationists

Conservationists are thrilled, after the finding unhatched eggs from a rare bird on a beach in Miaoli. The species is the little tern, and to protect them, conservationists carefully marked out their locations to keep them safe. While doing so they made an even rarer discovery – the little tern was found to be sharing a nest with the Kentish plover, another water bird with very cute fluffy chicks.

Follow in the footsteps of this conservationist, through a thicket that acts as a windbreak, and enter Tongxiao Beach. You have to be careful, to not step on something important!

Reporter
They were laid on the beach? You might think they’re pebbles.

Tsao Yen-ming
Miaoli Nature Ecology Society
Yes, you might step on it if you are not careful, and if you do, a life will be lost.

Two eggs here, three eggs there. Conservationists note that some of these unhatched eggs were laid by little terns, a protected bird species. The sites were carefully marked and observed by conservationists, with any hatchings recorded.

Tsao Yen-ming
Miaoli Nature Ecology Society
On June 1 it was one egg, and now there are two.

In recent years, conservationists have discovered that the beach in Tongxiao is favored by nature, and many water birds breed and hatch here, including the little tern.

Tsao Yen-ming
Miaoli Nature Ecology Society
In the important breeding grounds on the south side of the Tunghsiao Power Plant, I discovered that the little tern and the Kentish plover were sharing the same nesting site. This phenomenon is something I’ve never seen before.

The chicks hatched on the beach were laid by another small water bird, the Kentish Plover. The two birds are very similar. The biggest difference is that the little tern has webbed feet and the Kentish plover doesn’t. Eggs from these two birds were found in the same nest on the beach. A research team even set up a camera to record them and is calling on the public not to disturb them so the chicks can hatch and flourish.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#littletern #bird #birdwatching beach #miaoli #nature #cute #hatchling

2025-07-22

Air con gives dirty icy shower to unsuspecting renter

A renter in Pingtung has had enough of her air conditioner, which is perhaps a little too good at bringing down the temperature. Ms. Lu reports that that whenever she turns the machine on, she ends up getting covered in shards of dirty ice.

The renter says that it all starts with a few drops of water leaking from the machine, which is followed by an avalanche of ice that ends up on her tatami floor. In the summer heat, she is desperate to find a happy medium between being boiling hot without the AC, or freezing in her room when it’s on. A technician says the icy annoyance could be caused by a clogged filter or a broken temperature sensor.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#renter #rental #landlord #ac #aircon #heat #summer

2025-07-22

Artist uses asphalt to create unique paintings

Many artists use oil paints, water colors or acrylics to create art, but you might never guess what Taiwanese artist Ho Chen-fang uses. It’s asphalt! That’s right, the black material used to pave roads. FTV reporter Stephany Yang sat down with Ho to learn about her creative process and the unique techniques she uses.

This is Taiwanese artist Ho Chen-fang, whose works combine asphalt with acrylic paint and are inspired by animals, scenery, and imaginative creatures.

Ho Chen-fang
Artist
I am currently researching asphalt, which has become my primary creative material. Asphalt is not a traditional painting medium, so it has many properties that make it challenging for artistic creation. That’s why I started exploring ways to combine asphalt with traditional materials and incorporate some unique elements.

She discovered asphalt nine years ago after meeting asphalt painter Chiu Hsi-hsun. She learned from Chiu, and it inspired her to study and develop her own distinctive style.

Ho Chen-fang
Artist
I am now in my ninth year working with asphalt. Eight years ago, I had the opportunity to meet a teacher—an experienced asphalt painter named Chiu Hsi-hsun. I started learning from him. In addition to my studies, I have been researching the unique patterns that asphalt can create. So far, I have discovered over 40 distinct textures that can only be formed using asphalt, making them different from conventional materials. My current artistic approach combines three-dimensional elements with flat patterns to highlight the unique characteristics of my work.

Her creative process is highly laborious and challenging. She melts asphalt at 300–400°C and carefully applies it to her paintings.

Ho Chen-fang
Artist
For example, in this piece, the three-dimensional elements are particularly striking, especially in the black areas. To achieve this effect, asphalt must first be heated to 300–400°C. I observe the cooling process carefully to determine the ideal state for creating different textures. I have experimented with other materials to see if they could replace asphalt, but I discovered that asphalt has unique physical properties that sets it apart from other materials. Because of this, I consider it a highly distinctive medium. There are many details about asphalt that I have yet to fully explore, and I believe that uncovering them could lead to even more artistic avenues.

Ho hopes to continue to study asphalt and discover new ways to incorporate the medium into her art.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#asphalt #art #artist #painting #藝術家 #柏油 #柏油藝術家

2025-07-22

Elementary school handball team wins gold at Dronninglund Cup in Denmark

Young handball players from Taiwan are making their country proud on the world stage. The team from Yuansheng Elementary School in Zhongli, won the championship title for the boys’ 11-year-old age bracket at the 2025 Dronninglund Cup in Denmark. They faced off against teams from 15 countries, including the host nation, Egypt, France and Germany, and won nine matches. Let’s hear from them.

Handball player
Yuansheng Elementary School
The players were very quick on their defensive game, so we had to counterattack even faster. They were very tall, but we just had to march ahead without fear.

Lin Cheng-yi
Yuansheng Elementary School principal
The kids brought little Taiwan flags, and the school prepared some presents so that they could exchange gifts with the teams from other countries. I was so happy to see them chatting and interacting with each other.

In-flight announcement
We extend our sincerest congratulations and respect to every athlete, coach and parent.

The young athletes were welcomed back to Taiwan with a special announcement on the plane, congratulating them on their achievements. On the court, they gave it their all for the win, and off the court they made lasting friendships with kids from all over the world. Their zeal for the sport has brought them glory on the international stage, while letting the world see Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#handball #DronninglundCup #Dronninglund #denmark #international #sports

2025-07-22

Cunning macaque breaks into office to steal tea egg snacks

A cunning monkey burglar was caught red-handed stealing tea eggs from an office at Wuling Farm, leaving workers speechless. The sneaky Formosan rock macaque let himself into the office through the window to steal a tasty snack left unattended. He quickly grabbed and dashed out once again to eat his fill. Before leaving, however, he tried to cover his tracks by closing the window screen once again to leave the scene of the crime as it was before his theft.

A chubby macaque sits loftily outside the window, peeling a tea egg he just stole from inside the building. As if that weren’t sneaky enough, once he was done with his feast, he shut the window screen behind him and fled the scene.

Member of public
He’s so clever. He wiped his mouth after eating and even shut the window.

Member of public
Formosan rock macaques are quite wild in that sense. You can see them on Yangmingshan, chasing after tourists or people on scooters to get food.

Member of public
He’s afraid that we catch him eating the food.

The macaque tried to cover his tracks after burgling the administrative office of Wuling Farm on Monday morning. He waited for the owner of the food to leave before letting himself inside to steal the tea eggs, quickly leaping back to the windowsill. He was cool throughout, to not get found out, and returned the crime scene to its original state by closing the mesh window after he was done.

Peng Jen-lung
Taipei Zoo
They don’t understand the concept of crime, so let’s not project human standards onto wild animals. This incident reminds us that if you live in close proximity to wild monkeys, you should find ways to live in peace together.

Though Wuling Farm has a team dedicated to keeping monkeys at bay, it is not infallible, and sometimes macaques do approach to try their luck at finding a snack. If you live in mountainous areas, the best way to prevent a break-in is by keeping all food inside boxes or in the fridge, so that their smell doesn’t lure in monkey thieves.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#macaque #cute #funny #naughty #teaeggs #eggs #武陵農場 #茶葉蛋

2025-07-22

Tech world comes together to establish Taiwan AI robot alliance

Taiwan is emerging as a key hub for the AI industry, with many local companies becoming an integral part of global supply chains. Industry and research leaders on Tuesday gathered to officially inaugurate Taiwan’s own AI robot alliance, with many of Nvidia’s partners among its members. At the event, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, congratulated the tech leaders and made humorous remarks about choosing the wrong career. Let’s hear more.

Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice president
I’ve recently been thinking that I chose the wrong career 30 years ago. Why’s that? Because the tech industry is much more exciting than politics, with breakthroughs happening all the time. As Team Taiwan, we’re expanding on the global market.

Ssu Kuo-i
Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association
If we’re not actually doing something different and it’s all just for show, then we shouldn’t do anything at all.

Wu Tsung-tsong
ITRI chair
If we don’t work together, there won’t be any opportunities. By working together, more opportunities open up. Setting standards for robots is a key task.

Chuang Ta-li
Taiwan Association of Machinery Industry
If our alliance is to cover robot manufacturing, we have to ensure competitiveness. We must reduce costs in the manufacturing of parts, while increasing precision.

Industry leaders say more integration is key. That is why the alliance has brought together players from upstream and downstream industries, from chips and components and robotic arms. The alliance’s goal is to reduce costs and scale production, and working out how to bring the biggest benefits to Taiwan firms trading internationally.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
Tue to Sat at 1 am on Channel 53

#tech #ai #robotics #robot #itri #蕭美琴 #taiwan

2025-07-22