Yilan cultivates premium sake rice for the first time using AI

Yilan cultivates premium sake rice for the first time using AI

2026-05-28

To upgrade its agricultural production, Yilan has begun cultivating a variety of rice exclusively bred for making sake: Tainan No. 21, or Nantsang rice. An experimental paddy was planted in Zhuangwei Township, marking the county’s first foray into the sake market. The county government on May 26 held a ceremony at the plot with the Ministry of Agriculture and ITRI to officially launch their project using AI to produce sake rice, declaring their intent to bring Yilan sake to the world.

Yilan has pure water sources and a single-crop-per-year cultivation system that nurtures stable, high-quality rice, giving it a natural advantage when it comes to making sake. By also introducing the help of smart AI technologies, the county hopes to upgrade Yilan’s rice production even further. It’s the first time the county is harvesting the sake-specific Tainan No. 21-Nantsang variety of rice, which it hopes will help Yilan sake break into the global market.

Lin Mei-hua
Agriculture and Food Agency local director
For rice, we have three areas of focus: our original varieties, quality of production technology, and branding.

Zhuangwei Township was selected for the 1 hectare experimental paddy. After eight years of hard work, from managing the field, to keeping cultivation records, testing pesticides, harvesting, processing, and finally brewing, the initiative has successfully built a complete chain of production. Tainan No. 21 is so well suited for making sake because it is exceptional at retaining water, which helps keep fermentation stable and gives it flavor.

Hsu Lung-hsin
Tainan No. 21 researcher
We spent eight years conducting experiments and making selections before we ultimately chose Tainan No. 21.

The county government emphasized that the “Yilan Premium Select” rice brand will never use pesticides. Starting from this one demonstration plot, they hope this experiment with sake rice and smart agriculture will steer the rest of the industry toward high-value, tech-driven production. It will not only make Yilan’s products more competitive, but will also pivot the industry from contractorders toward stable retail distribution, clearing a path toward international markets.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#Yilan #rice #sakerice #sake #agriculture #AI #smartagriculture #farming #sustainability #MinistryofAgriculture #ITRI

導入AI智慧種植宜蘭首度栽種清酒嚴選米

2026-05-28

推動農業升級，宜蘭首度栽種出清酒釀造專用酒米品種「台南21號-南藏」，並且在壯圍鄉設立試驗田區，邁出進軍清酒市場的第一步。縣政府26日在試驗田區舉行揭牌儀式，攜手農業部、工研院及在地契作團隊，共同啟動「酒米 × AI智慧農業」合作計畫，宣示要將宜蘭清酒品牌打入國際市場.

宜蘭擁有純淨水源、一年一期稻作，孕育穩定且高品質的稻米，具備發展清酒原料的天然優勢。縣府透過導入AI智慧農業技術，讓宜蘭稻作在既有基礎再升級，首度栽種清酒釀造專用酒米品種「台南21號-南藏」，邁出進軍清酒市場的第一步。

[[農糧署東區分署長林美華]]
“稻米走三品政策，就是我們源頭的品種、生產技術方面的品質，第三個就是我們的品牌。”

選在壯圍鄉設立試驗田區，試種面積約1公頃。經過8年孕育，從田間管理、栽培履歷、農藥檢驗，到收割加工與釀造，建立完整生產鏈。台南21號之所以能夠做為清酒釀造酒米，是它具備良好吸水性，有助發酵穩定與風味呈現。

[[台南21號研究員許龍欣]]
“我們花了8年時間，去做實驗，去做選拔，最後選到台南21號。”

縣府強調，「宜蘭嚴選」稻米品牌以「農藥零檢出」為標準，從一塊示範田出發，希望透過酒米產業與智慧農業，邁向「高值化與科技化」發展。不僅提升宜蘭嚴選品牌競爭力，也將由訂單生產走向穩定通路，拓展出國際市場。

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Taiwanese-style burger guabao increasingly popular among tourists

Tourists coming to Taiwan should make sure to try beef noodles, soup dumplings, and bubble tea. But another iconic Taiwanese snack is becoming increasingly popular: guabao. This Taiwanese burger includes braised pork belly, coriander, and peanut powder wrapped in a soft steamed bun. One tourist from Canada enjoyed it so much that it made her cry.

While American burgers usually have beef patties, this Taiwanese burger has braised pork belly, paired with coriander, peanut powder, and a special sauce. One visitor found it so delicious that she was moved to tears.

This might sound extreme to Taiwanese people, but many foreigners have never tried a burger like this before. For Sabrina from Canada, who used to work as a manager for McDonald’s, it was an unforgettable experience.

Sabrina
Trying guabao
Wait, it’s gonna make me cry.

A typical American burger has a patty, lettuce, cheese, onion, and pickles sandwiched between a sesame bun. The Taiwanese burger with braised pork belly, coriander, and peanut powder is a delicious mix of savory, sweet, and sour flavors.

Sabrina
Trying guabao
That is so good, oh my god. This is actually I think the best bao I’ve had in my entire life, like, it’s so fluffy.

Sabrina is traveling around the world, but got food poisoning before arriving in Taiwan and couldn’t eat much for nine days. Thankfully, once she was feeling better, a YouTube channel introduced her to authentic Taiwanese food. Lots of tourists come to try this Taiwanese burger place.

Tourist
Likes the contrast
It has peanut powder inside, which is unique. Places in the US might not add it. The pickled vegetables underneath make it less greasy.

Tourist
Likes guabao
It’s much better than the ones I had in the US. What’s different about it is that it’s a little sweet. I’ve never had a burger with that kind of sweetness. It’s pretty light for a burger.

Some tourists said it’s on a whole other level compared with US burgers.

Tourist
Loves guabao
It has the nice mix of fattiness and the tenderness of the meat, so yeah, really love it, hundred percent. And also, I’d say it’s like a healthy alternative to hamburger.

Tourist
Likes guabao
If I really need to make a choice I do prefer this over hamburgers, yeah. I think maybe the peanut adds a little sweetness or nuttiness to the overall dish for the guabao.

From lean braised pork belly to sweet peanut powder, and even much-debated cilantro, each ingredient challenges foreign taste buds in its own way. More than just a burger, it serves an introduction to Taiwanese flavors and has become a popular choice for tourists looking to experience Taiwanese food culture.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#guabao #burger #Taiwaneseburger #tourist #tourism #foreigner #porkbelly #braisedpork #peanutpowder #Taiwanfood

2026-05-28

In Kaohsiung, a hill is vibrant red with poinciana flowers in full bloom

It’s the poiniciana blossom season. An entire hillside is a vibrant red, ablaze with blossoms, at Dapingding Park in Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District. The driving force behind this is the DPP’s Kaohsiung mayoral candidate, Lai Jui-lung. Let’s find out more.

The bright red color of the poinciana flowers in Dapingding Park in Kaohsiung’s Siaogang District is really eye-catching. The season for poinciana flowers to blossom has come again, and this year the flowers are blooming particularly evenly across the tree tops, making the whole hilltop even more dazzling.

Member of the public
Admiring flowers
I just saw this news online. It seems like nobody knew about this place before, but this year it suddenly became an incredibly popular place to visit.

Member of the public
Admiring flowers
It’s especially beautiful this year. The flowers are in full bloom, and if you take a picture of the whole area from above, with this wooden plank walkway, it feels like you are in a foreign country.

The public is full of praise. When people sent photos to friends, everyone assumed the sender was abroad. This is the person who orchestrated the whole thing.

Lai Jui-lung
Kaohsiung mayoral candidate (DPP)
Ten years ago, we were discussing what to do with this slope, so we started planting poincianas.

Legislator Lai Jui-lung referenced designs in Okinawa and made good use of the nearby hillside to not only design a children’s activity area, but also plant it full of poincianas. After ten years of attentive care, the poincianas are now in full bloom, making it a uniquely beautiful spot.

Lai Jui-lung
Kaohsiung mayoral candidate (DPP)
We also took inspiration from the scenery of Ryukyu, where they made use of slopes to build many slides. Adults can come to enjoy the flowers, have picnics, and play, while children can play on these slides at the same time.

This did not happen because of luck. It was the result of a deliberate plan. However, the poinciana flower season is not only experienced in Siaogang. Even in Kaohsiung’s Shoushan, the red flowers dot lush greenery, while the Love River is also a beautiful sight with poincianas in full bloom. Lai has expressed a wish that in the future more diverse tree species will adorn the entire city.

Lai Jui-lung
Kaohsiung mayoral candidate (DPP)
Ten years ago, when I was running for legislator, I proposed a plan to plant 100,000 trees. It was completed in about four years. In the future, planting more trees in Kaohsiung will not only make our environment more beautiful, but also improve our air quality.

As crowds flock to Japan every cherry blossom season, Lai hopes Kaohsiung can develop its own booming flower tourism economy in the future.

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

#poincianas #parkdesigns #Taiwanparks #Laijuilung

2026-05-28

Kaohsiung grads tackle endurance course to challenge teamwork, grit

It’s graduation season, and to make their last days unforgettable, Kaohsiung’s Chung Shan Industrial and Commercial School hosts an endurance course every year for graduating seniors. Students must get through 10 grueling obstacles, putting their teamwork and bravery to the test. Even the principal and teachers try their hand at the challenge, although they admit it’s exhausting.

Students swarm up a ramp, using ropes to pull themselves to the top before sliding down the other side.

Juniors spray them with water as they cheer on the seniors. Next up is the net crawl.

They also have to navigate a balance beam. But the hardest is this obstacle.

Students on the ground help their classmate balance on top of a massive hay bale as they roll it forward. It’s easy to lose your footing.

Who came up with this graduation event? It’s like basic military training!

Graduating senior
Ran obstacle course
The hardest obstacle to me is that one over there where you have to crawl. When I pulled myself up from the water, I felt like I was going to faint. But hearing everyone shouting kept me going.

Graduating senior
Ran obstacle course
I was so nervous, but also really happy and excited! It’s my first time doing anything like this.

Lee Yu-ping
Principal
Once they leave, the real world isn’t going to be as smooth as it was at school. They’ll face many obstacles. Learning how to cooperate and help each other is a vital skill they’ll need to learn after leaving school. We hope this event will remind them of that.

Kaohsiung’s Chung Shan Industrial and Commercial School hosts this endurance course for graduating seniors every year. This year, the eight obstacles have been increased to 10, making the course more challenging. Even still, every senior poured their heart into crossing the finish line. The teachers also joined in the fun. The principal even fell off the balance beam!

- I’m so tired, I can’t even catch my breath! Doing this kind of intense activity is honestly draining.

The entire school rallied together to conquer this rite of passage, sending these grads off armed with the courage they’ll need to meet life’s challenges.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#graduation #seniors #highschool #obstaclecourse #challenge #Kaohsiung #bootcamp #teamwork

2026-05-28

Zhonghe woman stalked by creepy masked man making obscene gestures

A disturbing stalking incident has raised alarm bells in New Taipei’s Zhonghe District, where a woman was harassed by a strange creepy man at the end of last month. The stalker followed her from Jin He Sports Park to her apartment and even made obscene gestures, wearing a balaclava to conceal his face. The terrified victim called the police, but even now, she’s afraid to go out on her own and her neighbors have put up warning signs. Let’s find out more.

A man sneaks into an alley, walks to the end, then turns back before suspiciously putting on a balaclava and looking around. He was stalking a woman until she noticed him, at which point he bolted. This stalking case took place last month in Zhonghe District in New Taipei. This man did not only stalk her, but also made obscene advances. Even now, the victimized woman is still afraid to go out on her own.

Victim (Anonymized)
Was stalked in Zhonghe
Extreme fear, persistent insomnia. I’m still too scared to go out alone at night, and when I get home, I still have the lingering fear that there’s someone in the house downstairs.

After being arrested, the 37-year-old man, surnamed Kao, claimed he only did it because he was bored. While the police handling the case determined that his actions did not meet the criteria of the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act—as he did not repeatedly or continuously target a specific individual—he was still referred for prosecution under charges of harassment and public obscenity.

Boyfriend of victim (Anonymized)
Girlfriend was stalked
The police actually told me that the case would be rejected. He came to my building, wearing a balaclava and staring at my house. Doesn’t that count as surveillance? Or tailing? The district prosecutor’s office has made a case, but the police have written that it does not fall under the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act.

Lin Chiu-chu
Zhonghe police precinct
Since this was a one-off incident, it is difficult to determine whether it meets the statutory elements of repeated and continuous conduct under the Stalking and Harassment Prevention Act. Therefore, a warning has not been issued at this time. The party concerned may raise an objection within ten days of receiving the notice.

The community has now posted notices warning people to be careful of this person. But the victim hopes that the man will be punished by the law, so that he will learn his lesson and prevent any more innocent women from falling victim to him.

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

#stalker #creep #followed #park #zhonghe #newtaipei

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Cake shop owner celebrates cat’s return with big giveaway

And here’s a happy ending to the recent kidnapping of a griddle shop cat in Kaohsiung that captured hearts online! The orange-and-white shop cat “Chuan-chia,” was stolen by a stranger while he was taking in the sunshine outside his owner’s shop. After being missing for nearly 39 nerve-racking hours, he is finally back home. The 16-year-old cat was recognized by the tiny birthmark near his nose. He’s dirty and exhausted, but safe, and is hiding under a car just 600m away, presumably after being released by his abductor. To celebrate his return, Chuan-chia’s relieved owner is planning to give away 1,000 servings of griddle cakes for free.

The orange-and-white cat that everyone has been looking for is finally home.

Called Chuan-chia, meaning “FamilyMart,” this is the cat that went missing outside the griddle cake store his owners run. He was found hiding under a car, and was recognized thanks to the birthmark near its nose.

Mr. Yang
Chuan-chia’s owner
We were looking for him until past midnight, without success. He told us he had a knack for finding cats. He went out, and half an hour later located Chuan-chia.

The reunion back at the griddle cake shop was full of hugs. Chuan-chia was found at an apartment complex some 600m away from the shop, 39 hours after his disappearance.

Mr. Yang
Chuan-chia’s owner
He was dirty, and his eyes were vacant.

Now that Chuan-chia is back, his owner can’t keep his hands off him. Upon the cat’s return, he immediately brushed the dirt off him and gave him the care he needs as a senior 16-year-old kitty. During his absence, Mr. Yang was worried sick. When police located the catnapper and asked where the cat was, she simply said she’d already let him go.

Mr. Yang
Chuan-chia’s owner
The family of the kidnapper said they were confused as to why they had an extra cat at home, so they just released him. The second time they were asked about it, they said they tried to scan the chip to no avail. The third time they said they have a cat at home that looks a lot like Chuan-chia.

CCTV camera footage helped police locate where the catnapper lived, but didn’t make it on time to prevent her from setting the cat free on the streets, turning him into a stray for the night. Fortunately, a kind-hearted cat whisperer found the missing cat and returned him. To thank the public, the shop owner is planning to give out 1,000 free servings of griddle cakes and celebrate Chuan-chia’s return.

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

#goodnews #uplifting #heartwarming #cat #catlovers #catnap

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US-Taiwan trade deal tariffs to take effect retroactively from May 1

The US is removing or cutting some tariffs to 15% on Taiwanese imports as part of the bilateral MOU reached by Taipei and Washington in January. They cover goods including auto parts, wood and steel, according to a notice on the Federal Register and will take effect retroactively from May 1. This has made Taiwan the first country in the world to receive preferential treatment under Section 232 of the US Trade Expansion Act. This is expected to boost traditional industries and component supply chains. Let’s find out more.

Cheng Li-chiun
Vice Premier
The preferential measures related to the non-semiconductor Section 232 tariffs will take effect from May 1.

After a long period of trade negotiations between Taiwan and the United States, there’s good news: the US has released its non-semiconductor preferential tariffs under Section 232 for Taiwan, making Taiwan the first country in the world to receive preferential treatment under Section 232.

Cheng Li-chiun
Vice Premier
The preferential tariffs that have come into effect are roughly the same as those received by the EU, Japan, and South Korea. Therefore, we believe that the new tariff rates will help our country enhance the competitiveness of related industries overseas.

Tariffs on automotive parts exported to the US have been reduced from an average of 26.71% to 15%; tariffs on logs, timber, and wood derivatives have dropped from 25% to 15%. Furthermore, aerospace components, which previously faced a maximum tariff of 55.7%, are now exempted, leaving only the base Most Favored Nation average tariff rate of 1.12% without cumulative duties. These changes are retroactive to May 1.

Cheng Li-chiun
Vice Premier
The US has not yet proposed tariffs on semiconductors and their derivatives under Section 232. We are continuing to consult with the US in advance through a government-to-government communication mechanism.

The preferential tariff treatment for non-semiconductor products under Section 232 directly benefits Taiwan’s traditional manufacturing industries, small and medium-sized enterprises, and component supply chains by reducing costs and operational pressures and significantly enhancing their overseas competitiveness.

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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