First Formosat-8 satellite ‘Chi Po-lin’ sent off to California for launch

First Formosat-8 satellite ‘Chi Po-lin’ sent off to California for launch

2025-10-07

Taiwan is sending its 1st FORMOSAT-8 satellite to the US for launch. The satellite will be put in orbit from California, and it will eventually become part of Taiwan’s first domestically developed optical remote sensing satellite constellation. President Lai Ching-te saw it off in person at the Taiwan Space Agency, and named it the “Chi Po-lin Satellite.” Let’s hear why.

Lai Ching-te
President
It reminds me of the late filmmaker Chi Po-lin, who used aerial imagery to document Taiwan. That’s why we named the satellite after him. I hope that Chi Po-lin’s spirit can extend into space through this satellite. This milestone demonstrates the capabilities of Taiwan’s large-scale scientific research systems, and puts Taiwan on the map in the international space market.

Chi Ting-huan
Chi Po-lin’s son
For us, the satellite is not just a machine, a cold piece of equipment. We hope it will carry my father’s spirit, memories and values. Thank you, president, for naming the satellite after him, so that his vision can extend to space.

The constellation will be formed by eight satellites, six of which have a resolution of 1m, and the remaining two of 70cm. Currently, 84% of their components are made in Taiwan but it is hoped that the percentage can be raised to 95% in the future. The eight satellites are scheduled to be launched before the end of 2031, and orbit Earth at an altitude of 561km. They will pass over Taiwan three times a day, to provide real-time data for land planning, agricultural and environmental monitoring, and disaster response.

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

#satellite #space #constellation #formosat #formosat8 #齊柏林

台灣第一顆自製衛星星系"福衛八號" 首顆衛星運赴加州發射

2025-10-07

台灣首個自製光學遙測衛星星系「福衛八號」，首顆衛星即將送往美國加州發射。總統賴清德不只親自將它命名為"齊柏林衛星"，也到國家太空中心，親自送衛星出發。

[[總統賴清德]]
“這也讓我想起，曾經用空拍影像，記錄台灣的齊柏林導演，因此我們將這顆衛星命名為齊柏林，我希望齊柏林導演的精神，可以隨著這顆衛星延伸至太空，這不僅僅展現台灣大型科研系統的能力，也讓我們站上國際太空市場的舞臺”

[[齊柏林兒子齊廷洹]]
“我們都希望，衛星不是一個機器而已，它不是一個冰冷的裝置而已，它是一個精神，一份記憶，一份價值，感謝總統這個命名，這個命名讓我父親的精神跟視野，延續到了太空”

福衛八號共有8顆衛星，有6顆原始解析度1公尺和2顆70公分的光學遙測衛星，由國內產學研界自主研發，目前關鍵元件台灣自製率84%，未來將提高到95%。衛星今年到2031年間陸續完成發射，在距離561公里的太空低軌道，執行觀測任務，每天能經過台灣三次，提供國土規劃、農業環境監測和災害應變的即時資料。

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Taipei Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 to kick off with a lot of drama

Taipei Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 will kick off with a lot of drama. The opening show will be inspired by six Taiwanese TV shows. Each show has been reinterpreted by a fashion designer, who has transformed dramatic narratives into bold runway pieces. FTV reporter Stephany Yang takes us in for a sneak peek of the event that runs from Oct. 16 to Oct. 20.

The opening show of this year’s fashion week, set for Oct. 16, draws inspiration from six renowned Taiwanese TV dramas. Each story has been reinterpreted by a different fashion designer, transforming narratives into lively runway pieces. One designer’s collection was inspired by the TV show “Tabloid.”

Niki Yeh
Brand founder and designer
I really like this drama. Its main theme is interpreting sexual assault and the unfair situations that can occur in the workplace. This time, I used elements of the praying mantis to express this idea. When a praying mantis is born, during mating, the female mantis eats the male to nourish herself. I’m fascinated by the praying mantis’s distinctive ecological behavior. I wanted to incorporate mantis elements—such as its antennae, the shape of its arms, and its wings—into the structure of the clothing design to convey the aggressive and direct nature of sexual assault.

In addition to the opening show, Taipei Fashion Week will present 11 runway shows for specific fashion brands, a fashion exhibition and an international buyer fair.

Hansen Kuo
Brand founder and designer
This collection is themed around Taiwan’s traditional female performing artists—and aims to showcase a century of qipao. In its later evolution, the qipao transformed in a variety of forms and designs. I’ve incorporated modern styles and elements into the pieces, and I’ll also be using vintage kimonos, some over 30 years old, which I’ll deconstruct and transform into qipaos.

Tung Ting-yen
Brand founder and designer
The core concept behind this show is to present a wedding—between oneself, or with a friend, a dream, or even one’s future self. The designs include authentic bridal garments, echoing the spirit of a wedding ceremony. We incorporated delicate materials like lace and chiffon to evoke softness and femininity, while also expressing the aspiration to become a stronger, more resilient woman. Both parts will be expressed on the runway.

Taipei Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026 will be held at the Songshan Cultural and Creative Park from Oct.16 till Oct.20.

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

#taipeifashionweek #taipeifashionweekss26 #fashion #fashionshow #fashionweek #film

2025-10-07

Lai calls for unity after influencer calls for his beheading in livestream

2025-10-07

Fare evader pushes station staff onto train tracks after getting caught

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Ministry fines scalpers reselling appointments at famous clinics

Some doctors are so popular, getting an appointment is even harder than getting concert tickets. Some people sought to turn this into a business opportunity, first booking appointments and then charging as much as NT$4,000 to sell their slots. But the Ministry of Health and Welfare, worrying that this would damage the medical system and noting its unfairness, said it would fine these “appointment scalpers” NT$50,000 to NT$250,000.

All these people are lining up early in the morning to book an appointment at a popular clinic. Seeking to turn this into a business opportunity, some people started booking appointments first and selling their slots to others.

Lin Ya-hui
Taiwan Healthcare Reform Foundation director
When lots of appointment slots are taken, but not actually used, or when the price is hiked to over NT$1,000, it crowds out people with genuine medical needs and creates another form of class-based healthcare.

An online search quickly finds several sites reselling appointment slots. The Ministry of Health and Welfare decided to impose fines ranging from NT$50,000 to NT$250,000 for “appointment scalping.”

Shih Chung-liang
Minister of Health and Welfare
This shouldn’t be allowed because it undermines the medical system and creates another kind of unfairness. I have instructed the Department of Medical Affairs to handle this behavior as a violation of the Medical Care Act, under which non-medical institutions are prohibited from engaging in medical advertising.

Hung Tzu-jen
Shinkong Wu Ho-su Memorial Hospital vice superintendent
This real-time monitoring system tracks the source of bookings to see if the same account or IP address makes a large number of bookings in a short period or over a period of time. We will impose suspensions and refer cases to the government to investigate together.

Hospitals are blocking people from quickly securing lots of appointments to stop scalpers. But it’s not always necessary to go to large hospitals or see famous doctors. Going to other clinics could help prevent limited slots from being snatched up by scalpers.

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

#doctor #medicine #healthcare #appointment #booking #clinic #hospital #appointmentscalper #scalper

2025-10-07

Shared Seoul toilet passwords stoke concern over harming travelers’ reputation

South Korea has emerged in recent years as one of the most popular travel destinations among Taiwanese, second only to Japan. The Hongdae shopping area in Seoul is particularly popular. People online have even created a bathroom map of the area to help travelers when they find themselves in an urgent situation. One user recently posted the passwords to dozens of restrooms. The post was liked 15,000 times, drawing anger from Korean users. A travel agent called for people to stop such behavior to prevent Korean businesses from developing a negative impression of Taiwanese.

Many restaurants in Seoul require customers to first ask for a password before they can use the toilet.

But recently, one traveler posted the passwords for dozens of Hongdae establishments online. The post went viral, with some keeping it for reference. Others criticized the poster, saying that sharing the info amounted to data theft. Some Korean commenters asked whether they even asked the businesses first.

Voice of Fabian
Travel agent
There are lots of small restaurants in South Korea—like barbeque or bibimbap spots—that only allow paying customers to use their restrooms. Small hole-in-the-wall businesses are common in Asia, so this kind of a thing is commonplace. Europe and the Americas have more public restrooms or larger restaurants, so you won’t really encounter this.

To keep nonpaying customers from using their restrooms, many businesses in South Korea have installed keypads on the bathroom doors and print the password on the receipt or near the counter. But they’ll also regularly change the password, people online said, calling on Taiwanese travelers not to leave a negative impression.

Chen Chih-fan
FTV reporter
If you need to use the restroom in South Korea, aside from the subway stations or department stores, you can also use the Naver Map app and search for public restrooms.

If you really need to go, travel agents recommended at least asking the business first as a show of respect.

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

#SouthKorea #travel #restroom #bathroom #restaurants #Seoul #Hongdae #restroompassword #payingcustomer #reputation

2025-10-07

Miaoli’s locally raised mitten crabs hit the market

Now is the best time of year to enjoy locally raised crabs. The Miaoli County Government is inviting people to visit Miaoli over the long weekend to enjoy its local Chinese mitten crabs, known as an autumn delicacy. Farmers in the area are raising 350,000 of the crabs this year.

Crabs cooked in various styles are on display at this press conference hosted by the Miaoli County Government. The county is promoting its locally raised Chinese mitten crabs.

The mitten crabs raised across Miaoli weigh around 115 to 150 grams each and cost from NT$350 to NT$400, about the same as previous years. The crabs turn bright red after being cooked, with sweet and savory meat inside. In its efforts to ensure the crabs are both delicious and healthy, the county government puts a small ring with a QR code on every crab that passes inspection to show the crab’s origin and authenticity.

Chung Tung-chin
Miaoli County Commissioner
The crab should be well done, but not overcooked for the best result. Not only does the meat have a great texture, but the roe is top quality. It’s the best.

Due to the hot weather, farmers followed experts’ advice to deepen the water level in their ponds. Over the years, aquaculture techniques have continued to improve.

Yu Wen-chung
Miaoli City Mayor
Our weather here is too hot, which makes the water temperature too high. The water level could be a bit deeper, about one to 1.5 meters deeper. Of course, you also need to cultivate aquatic plants or water bamboo properly.

This year Miaoli is raising a total of 350,000 crabs, worth about NT$100 million all together. The county government plans to convert more farmland into aquaculture ponds, creating a Miaoli mitten crab street. Hopefully Miaoli’s crab industry will continue to grow, and its crabs will get even more delicious.

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

#Miaoli #crab #mittencrab #crabseason #crabfarm #aquaculture #seafood #delicacy #delicious

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Chiayi promotes family-friendly walking paths, sika deer park

As the season shifts into autumn, the Chiayi County Government is highlighting 21 outdoor destinations perfect for family outings, including forest walking paths and DIY activities. There’s even a sika deer park in an indigenous village that’s guaranteed to be fun for the whole family.

People use mallets to hammer leaves, transferring their imprints onto fabric to create a beautiful work of art. This is just one fun autumn activity open to tourists at Gongxing Forest Park in Chiayi’s Fanlu Township.

Visitor
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Visitor
By hammering these plants, the color can be this vibrant and pretty.

Nearby is the Longmei Trail, built from natural granite slabs and wooden planks. Surrounded by lush green forest, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk.

Visitor
It’s gorgeous here. The path is beautifully made, and it’s cool in the shade.

As the season changes, the Chiayi County Government is highlighting 21 family-friendly walking paths across Zhuqi, Alishan, Meishan, and Fanlu townships. Each one has its own attractions, suitable for the entire family.

In Fanlu Township, there’s also the famous Tsou village of Veoveoana with a park where children can get up close and personal with sika deer.

Visitor
There are 20 to 30 of them. Sika deer aren’t afraid of people. Everyone can have a great time.

Visitor
I came from Tainan. It’s my first time feeding them.

Veoveoana used to be an old Tsou hunting ground, but now they have restored the deer population and transformed the area into a top travel destination for families.

Tribe member
This is Q-di. He was named by former president Tsai Ing-wen. The Q is for the letter at the start of our ID number for people in Chiayi.

This autumn, come to Chiayi to gain an appreciation for both the area’s gorgeous scenery and local cultures.

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

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Excavator shop owner dies from sepsis while volunteering in Guangfu

Volunteers have been flocking to Guangfu Township to lend a helping hand to the flood-stricken neighborhood. However, the unsanitary conditions now proved to be life-threatening. The boss of an excavator shop in Taoyuan, Lin Hung-sen died from sepsis on Monday after clearing debris for eight days in a row. He got a foot injury and tried to tough it out, only for it to end it tragedy.

The children of Lin Hung-sen kneel down to pay respect to their late father. Lin, the owner of an excavator shop in Taoyuan, passed away on Mid-Autumn Festival, traditionally a day of family reunion, after volunteering in Hualien for eight days in a row.

Following the tragic news, the president arranged for a visit to Taoyuan to offer condolences to Lin’s family. He’s pictured holding the hand of Lin’s mother.

Lai Ching-te
President
I am deeply, deeply saddened by the news. I want to thank Boss Lin on behalf of the country for his spirit of charity and solidarity. I also express my sadness for Mr. Lin’s sudden passing and offer my condolences to his family.

The 48-year-old Mr. Lin had his left calf punctured while volunteering, causing his ankle to swell. However, he toughed it out until Monday, but it was already too late by then. His was found to have developed a fatal case of sepsis and could not be cured. His body was then transported back to his excavator shop by family members. Lin’s mother was heartbroken.

Lin’s son
Lost his father
I feel terrible. He only wanted to help but ended up like this. I’m really grateful to him. Without him, we wouldn’t be here. I’m really grateful that he raised us.

Lin’s surviving son held back his tears speaking about his late father. The family will receive a relief payment of NT$200,000 from the Central Disaster Response Center.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
It’s really a great loss. The government will give the family the highest amount possible as relief payment. I’m once again calling on all the volunteers to protect themselves first before entering the disaster zone in Hualien.

Lin’s son
Lost his father
Of course I feel proud of him. There aren’t many people who would be willing to put down their work and help so much.

Netizens are also expressing sadness over the loss of Mr. Lin, who pushed himself so hard so others could recover.

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

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All 5 elementary schools and 2 junior highs in Guangfu resume classes after 2 weeks

Two weeks after the flash food in Guangfu, local kids are finally going back to school. Even though there’s still a lot of cleanup to be done, and many kids have lost their school supplies, they’re mostly happy to be able to see their classmates again. Locals schools have also made transport arrangements for kids whose parents have lost their vehicles.

After two weeks, kids in Guangfu Township can’t wait to go back to school and reunite with their classmates and teachers.

However, many kids have to make do without their schoolbags and supplies, washed away by the flood. Their parents also lost their vehicles.

Parent
Kid attends elementary school
It’s so troublesome. Our floor is still very slippery. Our car and scooters were all washed away. I borrowed this scooter from a friend.

Because many families no longer had a vehicle they could use, Guangfu Elementary has arranged for two school buses for the kids affected. On Tuesday, all 130 or so students resumed lessons.

Huang Tung-fang
Guangfu Elementary
It’s quite dusty, so in the morning we will have the kids clean up the environment a bit. When the cleaning’s done, we will provide some textbooks and stationery to the kids to use.

Guangfu Elementary will also allow kids to see a counselor to help them deal with the traumatic experience. Meanwhile, another local school, Dajing Elementary also resumed classes. However, some classrooms are still temporary shelters for around 170 flood survivors.

Chen Chi-wen
Dajing Elementary
I hope the municipal government can quickly find a way to shelter these residents and give them a better place to stay. At the same time, the campus can also return to normalcy for the sake of students.

At Guangfu Junior High, a student says he’s happy to finally see his classmates again, even though recovery efforts are still very much underway.

There are a total of 546 kids enrolled in the township’s five elementary schools and two junior highs. On the first day of school after the flood, 445 have returned.

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

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2025-10-07