Engineer foregoes high salary to grow cantaloupe in hometown

Engineer foregoes high salary to grow cantaloupe in hometown

2026-04-13

Cantaloupe season in Tainan’s Houbi District has officially begun! Over the past few years, the local farmers’ association has found that many young farmers are attracted to growing the fruit. Chang Wei-teng is one of them. Despite holding a master’s in electrical engineering, he decided to return to his hometown to grow cantaloupe instead. His wife is a nurse who was attracted by Chang’s dedication. She decided to remain a nurse, but moonlights by supporting her husband’s dream.

In a warehouse, workers tidy up freshly harvested cantaloupe. Many of them are younger than you’d expect for the industry.

This is Chang Wei-teng, who holds a master’s in electrical engineering from Taiwan Tech. But he gave up an enviable salary to return to his hometown in Tainan’s Houbi, determined to grow cantaloupe.

Chang Wei-teng
Farmer
A career in electrical engineering is a dream to most people, but looking back, I realized there are many things we can do in this life. I wanted to do what I feel most confident about doing.

Yu Chin-feng
Chang’s mother
It’s what he’s interested in. His dad wanted him to go elsewhere for work, but he didn’t want to. Doing this, you’re at the mercy of nature.

Chang’s wife, Huang Tzu-hui, is a practicing nurse. It was actually Chang’s grandmother who brought them together.

Chang Wei-teng
Farmer
You could say my grandmother was matchmaker. She was sick at the time. I noticed how patient the nurse was and thought she had a wonderful personality. After getting to know her, she didn’t look down on me for becoming a farmer. It was meant to be.

Huang Tzu-hui
Nurse
It seemed like he became a farmer just because he wanted to be one. I thought he was so cool. Who would want this job? Especially when he has such an advanced degree. Then eventually, as we got to know each other, I wanted to support him in doing what he loves.

Huang was moved by Chang’s determination, but fearing they might struggle financially, she decided to keep her job as a nurse while also supporting her husband’s dream.

Huang Tzu-hui
Nurse
I believe that people shine when they’re committed to something. By staying the course, he’s carved his own path in life. He’s also overcome many setbacks. The natural disasters we’ve experienced were pretty terrifying. But I thought, that’s OK. He can keep doing this, and I’ll keep nursing. At least I’ll have a steady monthly salary.

Working hand-in-hand, this couple is building more than a cantaloupe brand. They remain standing tall through rain or shine, supporting each other in enjoying the fruits of their labors.

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

#farmers #youngfarmer #cantaloupe #Tainan #couplegoals #engineer #nurse #careerchange

一圓香瓜夢! 電機碩士放棄高薪返鄉種瓜

2026-04-13

台南後壁的洋香瓜產季正式開跑，不過近年來，農會就發現，種植洋香瓜的，不少都是年輕人投入，就有一名青農張巍騰，頂著電機碩士的高學歷，卻毅然返鄉種香瓜，而且他的妻子也是一名護理師，因為看到她對農業的執著而被吸引，決定一邊當護理師，一邊支持張巍騰的夢想。

農場的小倉庫裡面，農民們整理剛收成的洋香瓜，不過卻出現不少年輕的面孔。

他是張巍騰，台科大電機碩士，捨棄科技業讓人羨慕的薪水，就憑著一份信念，回到台南後壁的家裡，幫忙種香瓜。

[[青農張巍騰]]
“其實走電機算是一般人嚮往的工作，但是後來回頭過來想，其實人生還有很多事情可以去做，我想做我可以最有把握的事情”

[[張巍騰母親余金鳳]]
“他的興趣就是這個啊，他爸爸要他去外面找工作，他就不想去，做這個是看天吃飯”

而張巍騰的妻子黃慈慧，平常還是一名護理師，說起兩人的認識的經過，還是張巍騰的阿嬤意外牽起的緣分。

[[青農張巍騰]]
“這個媒人應該算是我的阿嬤，因為阿嬤那時候剛好生病，發現怎麼會有一個護理師，這麼有耐心，我覺得個性還滿不錯的，認識之後她也不會覺得說，嫌棄一個當農夫的，這就是天公伯的緣分”

[[護理師黃慈慧]]
“他好像就是為了當農夫而當農夫，我覺得這個人好酷喔，怎麼會想要做這一份工作，特別是他又有高學歷這樣子，然後慢慢地就，大家就是認識越來越深這樣，然後就覺得就支持他做這個，他想要做熱愛的事情”

張巍騰的執著讓黃慈慧也跟著怦然心動，但就怕家裡經濟支撐不過來，她決定一邊當護理師，一邊支持張巍騰的夢想。

[[護理師黃慈慧]]
“每個人堅持，我覺得都會發光，我覺得他這樣慢慢走下去，我覺得他走出自己的一條路，也是克服了很多的挫折，畢竟經歷那幾次天災都滿可怕的，就覺得好那沒關係，他繼續做他的工作，那我就做我的護理師，起碼我就是我有一份，每個月都有固定的薪水”

兩個人夫唱婦隨，打造洋香瓜品牌，即便歷經過幾次可怕的天災，但互相扶持鼓勵，一起種出最甜美的果實。

更多新聞內容，請鎖定：
民視台灣台（152頻道）週一至週五晚上9:30
民視新聞台（53頻道）週二至週六凌晨1:00

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Baishatun Mazu shares her palanquin with two others, to worshippers’ delight

The famous pink race car is back in action. The Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage officially kicked off midnight Monday, and will take nine days as the sea goddess travels south. This year’s event is especially significant, for the procession is carrying two other Mazus, making for a formidable trio on the same palanquin. Triple the blessings. FTV anchor Ariel Wang did not miss out on the action. Let’s take a look.

Worshippers at Gongtian Temple are cheering as the Censer Master Mazu and the Baishatun Mazu are successfully taken into the palanquin.

They’re joined by the Houlong Shanbian Mazu in a palanquin conjoining ceremony. Then, the trio sets off together, for the first time in history.

The pilgrimage officially kicked off on midnight Monday. Worshippers all tried to get as close as possible as they sent off the holy trinity. Tongxiao Township was restless that night.

The pink race car charged ahead, arriving in Dajia District, Taichung in the morning. The three Mazus couldn’t wait to meet with a fourth, their Jenn Lann Temple counterpart.

- Were you worried that people wouldn’t have anything to eat here at noon?
- Yes. Here, this is for you.
- Thank you so much.
- It’s on Mazu.

Throughout the Baishatun Mazu Pilgrimage, worshippers stood ready with offerings of refreshments for pilgrims. The woman offering sticky rice had come all the way to Taichung from Taoyuan.

Worshipper
Offered sticky rice
We come every year. There’s only 144kg. We didn’t prepare a lot this year.

Worshippers are always readily welcoming the Baishatun Mazu and her friends wherever she goes. Among those waiting, some are returnees to say thanks after their wishes came true. Many more are seeking blessings from her.

Worshipper
Moved by procession
I’m so moved. I hope Mazu can bless me and help me get better. I’ve had three unsuccessful surgeries in a row. I hope Mazu can offer me the way and point me to a good doctor, and get me back on my feet.

This rice cake shop in Qingshui District has a snack corner ready for Mazu and her pilgrims every year. The owner says that Mazu always returns, year after year.

Owner
Rice cake shop
We seek advice from Mazu for all matters, big and small. She always points us in the right direction. The holy mother really takes great care of us, so we’re always at the ready for her.

Tens of thousands of worshippers kept on charging ahead with the pink race car. Our team was also lucky to get a spot among a crowd waiting for the palanquin to pass over and receive blessings.

Ariel Wang
FTV anchor
We’ve kept up with the pink race car and we’ll continue to charge ahead. We’ve sprinted ahead in her footsteps. I even failed to hold back tears twice. I’m not exaggerating. It’s really so moving.

Together with her videographer, the FTV reporter had kept up with the Baishatun Mazu on foot for almost 14 hours. The two will follow her all the way southward, to her destination.

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

#mazu #baishatun #pilgrimage #religion #miaoli #tourism #culture

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A day in the life of a Taiwanese weather forecaster

In typhoon-prone Taiwan, everyone needs to check the weather forecast before heading to work or travel. These short weather forecasts seem simple but behind them brilliant forecasters who have trained for years are putting in a lot of hard work. Let’s meet Liu Yu-chi, a forecaster at Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration.

Whether it’s strong winds or heavy rain, this man stands on the frontlines all year round, keeping the public updated on the latest weather information. He’s Liu Yu-chi, a forecaster at the Central Weather Administration. He’s been full of enthusiasm since childhood.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
Once, when a typhoon came, I could hear extremely strong wind outside. At first, I felt that the sound was so powerful that I could feel the force of nature. So I was very curious about these situations. When I was a child, I would watch the weather anchors broadcasting, and sometimes I would deliberately try to imitate their tones and voices.

From the competitive pressure during his school years to working at the Central Weather Administration, Liu’s abilities speak for themselves. However, before appearing in front of the camera, he still had to undergo a long period of behind-the-scenes training.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
When forecasters first start out, they usually begin by drawing weather maps. Once we’ve confirmed their ability to analyze current conditions, we then have them prepare weather forecasts for the coming week. Only after they are competent in monitoring and forecasting do we train them to gradually present and explain their work to the public

During his 12 years at the administration, he often felt a strong sense of being needed — and the phone never stopped ringing.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
I remember receiving a call from a member of the public. The person on the other end said they knew the forecasters were very busy but their home really was without power and the internet, so they were relying on the phone for information. They said hearing my response made them feel more at ease. The call made us realize that they had very urgent and concrete needs.

Liu Yu-chi also reveals that every accurate prediction he makes comes with complex emotions.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
We predicted very heavy rainfall in the eastern half of the island, but truthfully, when we made the forecast, we already knew the amount of rainfall would easily cause disasters. Even if the prediction is accurate, we can’t say we’re particularly happy.

Faced with the trend for AI, Liu is not threatened. On the contrary, he believes the addition of AI can be a great help.

Liu Yu-chi
Central Weather Administration
The introduction of AI technology of course can make computer simulations more accurate, increase forecasters’ efficiency, and allow them to make forecasts more accurate in a shorter time.

As the Chinese saying goes, one minute on stage takes ten years of practice offstage. Before every storm, there are people quietly watching over the weather, like Liu, unseen by the public.

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

#Taiwanweather #Taiwanforecasting #CWA

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TCM practitioner and friend bring motorcyclist back to life

A near-fatal crash Kaohsiung turned into a remarkable rescue late last night. A collision between a car and a motorcycle left a 19-year-old motorcyclist with no vital signs. Authorities say the driver may have made a right turn in violation of the traffic signal, which sent the oncoming motorcyclist crashing onto the roof of the vehicle. As bystanders looked on, a local traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and a friend who were dining nearby rushed out of the restaurant to perform CPR on the young man. Moments the rider regained a heartbeat before emergency crews arrived and rushed him to the hospital.

A motorbike rammed against a black car turning right, sending the rider flying onto the roof of the vehicle before falling to the ground. The loud crash drew people over.

- He doesn’t have a pulse!
- Call an ambulance! Quick!
- Call an ambulance!
- I called already!

The rider had no heartbeat, so a man in blue and another in black immediately began CPR.

- Wake up boy!
- I need tissues!
- You can do it! Wake up!

The two men took turns to perform CPR, trying to bring the young man back to life.

- Relax, relax!
- Wake up, come on!

After 2 minutes, the rider’s legs finally began to move.

- He woke up! He’s awake!

Firefighters and paramedics took over as soon as they arrived and saved the man’s life. It turns out the man in blue is a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner.

Yu Neng-hung
TCM practitioner
We were having dinner with several groups at the restaurant at the intersection. We heard the crash, it was really loud. There was blood on his mouth and nose, so we took care of that first. We were very afraid he might choke. We tried to not move him in case he had internal injuries, but the top priority was to begin CPR and get his heart beating again.

The incident happened in Kaohsiung’s Cianjhen District. The driver of the car is 68-year-old Mr. Hung who was heading home with his wife. The biker is 19-year-old Mr. Chen, who crashed into the car as it was making a right turn. The car’s rear right tire burst, the window was damaged and the side panels got dented. The motorbike was severely damaged, with the front almost completely destroyed and the wheel rim broken.

Chen Hung-en
Police officer
We suspect that the car driver, Mr. Hung did not follow the traffic signals. We’re still investigating the responsibility of the incident, which will be determined by the traffic division.

By the time paramedics took over, the rider had regained consciousness and was able to speak. He is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#miracle #good #goodsamaritan #hope #biker #motorbike

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Wang Hung-wei
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The entirety of DPP-affiliated Bluebirds is going all out to shift the blame onto opposition parties. But allow me to ask, back when the Executive Yuan’s labor and foreign ministries signed the MOU, were the Legislative Yuan’s opposition parties the ones that made you sign it?

The KMT legislative caucus held a press conference on Monday morning to oppose the introduction of migrant workers from India. The administration plans to introduce 1,000 Indian workers from the northeastern state of Mizoram by year-end.

Chuang Jui-hsiung
Lawmaker (DPP)
Protecting the rights and interests of local workers, solving Taiwan’s industry-wide labor shortage, and ensuring the rights and interests of migrant workers—these three aspects were the center of discussions then at the Legislative Yuan. But now the KMT is throwing us another question, asking us how we plan to deal with the issue of public security. Well, speaking of which, it’s on all three political parties to urge the public to rationally discuss this issue.

The DPP retorts that the KMT has backpedalled on its support for the policy. They also urge the opposition to foster constructive discussions on the issue.

Chiu Cheng-chun (June 26, 2024)
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Our labor shortage is a serious problem. Just now, when the minister answered questions from other legislators, she mentioned that we’ll start with 1,000 people. We also hope that she’ll implement this as soon as possible.

Jonathan Lin
Lawmaker (KMT)
Back then, we were referring to India’s highly skilled engineers, like those in Silicon Valley. They would actually be beneficial to our science parks. I think that’s a good thing. But we now know that it’s entry-level workers we’re speaking of.

Many Taiwanese citizens also oppose the policy. Within five days, more than 30,000 have signed an online petition for the Executive Yuan and the Ministry of Labor to immediately terminate plans to introduce Indian workers. The Ministry of Labor responded by saying that they will fully consider and assess the impact of the scheme on the wider society and that they won’t move the scheme forward hastily.

Lin Yueh-chin
Lawmaker (DPP)
What you’re mentioning now is definitely not what KMT lawmakers were saying. Our discussions then were on how we should introduce the workers, and how soon. I also hope that the KMT will remember what they’ve said.

Though there are currently Indian workers living in Taiwan, their jobs are mostly in the tech and engineering sectors. But the new policy aims to bring in Indian nationals as migrant workers in entry-level manufacturing.

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

#migrantworkers #international #labor #migration #印度移工

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