ICDF to offer student internships in diplomatic allies Saint Lucia and Eswatini

2026-06-04

If you’re a student who dreams of being a diplomat, take note! Taiwan’s International Cooperation and Development Fund is marking its 30th anniversary with a new campus ambassadors program. University students aged 18 to 30 can apply for summer internships that let them experience vocational training and medical missions in two of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies: Eswatini and Saint Lucia. The organizers hope that through these internships, a youthful perspective on Taiwan’s diplomatic activities will spread in the community.

President Lai Ching-te recently visited Eswatini, Taiwan’s only formal diplomatic ally in Africa. The visit took the friendship between the two countries to the next level, and Lai had to overcome considerable pressure from China, drawing the attention of the international community. Now, diplomatic outreach is not only for heads of state, ordinary college students can do it too.

Shouldering large backpacks, students depart Taoyuan Airport for Eswatini. The 20-plus hour flight sees university students brimming with enthusiasm as they step out of their comfort zones to deeply experience a different kind of life in international aid over their summer vacations. From observing and learning about vocational training programs to medical checkups, Taiwanese youth are actively involved, all thanks to the International Cooperation and Development Fund. This year marks the ICDF’s 30th anniversary, a new milestone.

Hsieh Pei-fen
ICDF deputy secretary general
In a way, a 30th anniversary is like turning 30 years old—it’s a truly special milestone. This time, we’ve made special arrangements for students to visit Eswatini, which President Lai just recently visited, or Saint Lucia in the Caribbean, one of our diplomatic allies. You could say these are countries most people might only have the chance to visit once in a lifetime

Not only can students travel to Eswatini, but also to Saint Lucia, a formal diplomatic ally in the Caribbean. For the first time the ICDF is publicly selecting campus ambassadors. Anyone who is 18 years of age or older can apply. After passing the online review and selection process, they can realize their dreams of diplomacy.

Hsieh Pei-fen
ICDF deputy secretary general
If I weren’t already over thirty, I would sign up immediately, because I truly believe this is an exceptionally good opportunity. Many of our diplomatic allies aren’t usually tourist destinations for our citizens. This is a great opportunity, as the ICDF covers all expenses, including airfare and accommodation.

With just a blink of an eye, the ICDF has turned 30. Now it will help the younger generation enter adulthood by gaining new international perspectives.

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

#Taiwaninternships #Taiwandiplomacy #Caribbeantravel #Eswatinitravel #internships

國合會邁入三十年首度甄選校園大使"前進友邦"

2026-06-04

國際合作發展基金會邁入第三十周年，今年推出特別企劃，首度公開甄選校園大使，邀請年滿18歲到30歲的大專青年，在暑假期間一圓外交夢，企劃中特別針對我國邦友史瓦帝尼、聖露西亞，提供青年深入外交前線的見習機會，也希望透過年輕視角，將台灣的實質援外成果傳播出去。

日前總統賴清德，到訪非洲唯一友邦國家史瓦帝尼，不僅台史情誼更上層樓，也突破中國打壓，成為國際關注話題，現在，不只元首拼外交，一般大學生也可以。

揹著大背包從桃園機場出發到史瓦帝尼，20幾個小時的飛行，乘載著滿滿熱血，大學生拋開舒適圈，要在暑假期間，深度體驗不一樣的援外生活。從旁學習職訓計畫，到醫療健檢，台灣青年都投入其中，背後就是靠國合會推動。今年國合會邁入30週年，進入新的里程碑。

[[國合會副秘書長謝佩芬]]
“其實三十周年這算是三十歲，算是一個很特別的一個里程碑。這一次我們特別安排說，讓同學可以到賴總統之前才訪問過的史瓦帝尼，或者是到加勒比海，我們的友邦聖露西亞去，這可以說是一生，可能只會去一次的國家。”

不只到我國友邦國家史瓦帝尼，還能飛往加勒比海友邦聖露西亞，國合會首度公開甄選校園大使，只要年滿18歲就能報名，通過線上審查後經過評選，就能一圓外交夢。

[[國合會副秘書長謝佩芬]]
“要不是我已經超過三十歲，我一定馬上報名，因為我真的覺得這是非常非常好的機會。我們很多的邦交國，可能國人平常比較不是旅遊的一個目的地，趁這個機會，可以在國合會的安排之下，我們這個活動包括機票、住宿都全包了。”

國合會一轉眼邁入三十個年頭，這回要帶領年輕世代一起"轉大人"，翻轉自己的視野。

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

Stall keeps traditions alive with classic desserts like starch jelly

There are endless options for desserts these days, but sometimes, you just can’t beat the classics. Back when resources were scarce, satisfying a kid’s sweet tooth took some creativity. In New Taipei there’s a shop that sells traditional starch jelly ice just like what the owner enjoyed as a kid. The starch is stirred in cold, and then hot water until it forms a clear, slippery jelly. One taste and it’ll take you straight back to childhood.

Traditional starch jelly is slippery and pleasantly chewy. When eaten with brown sugar, it coats your mouth in a delightful sweetness.

First, add cold water to the starch and stir until dissolves.

Adding hot water gradually turns the white starch clear.

Using a chopstick, the owner cuts the jelly into pieces.

Add some homemade brown sugar syrup and mix in a little ice to bring the temperature down, and it’s ready to serve.

Pan Wen-hsien
Owner
My mother used to make this for me when I was very young. People used to eat it when they were overheating. It can bring your body temperature down. It’s a very nostalgic flavor.

But that’s not all. When you hear this familiar whistling sound, you know it’s time for roasted flour tea.

The roasted flour tea, or mian cha, is slowly cooked over a low flame, then served with a peng bing bun cake, like a sweet version of a puff pastry soup.

Pan Wen-hsien
Owner
I spent over a decade going around to different markets with my wife. Getting my own stall back home was more stable. We didn’t have to move around anymore.

To give his wife more stability as they entered their 40s, Pan decided to come back home and take over an old dessert stall.

Pan Wen-hsien
Owner
Many people know about these classic things. It’s just the younger people these days who have never had it.

By selling the flavors of his childhood, Pan hopes to make sure that these classic tastes don’t disappear.

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

#classic #traditional #shavedice #starchjelly #tapioca #jelly #dessert #miancha #NewTaipei #restaurant

2026-06-04

Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung director shares family’s night market favorites

Neil Gibson, head of the American Institute in Taiwan’s Kaohsiung branch, has reached the end of his three-year tenure. Before leaving for his next post in Tokyo, Gibson invited FTV to tag along as he visits his favorite place in town: Ruifeng Night Market. In an unexpected twist, it turns out that his family’s favorite night market food is none other than stinky tofu!

- Hello everyone, I’m thrilled to have the chance to show you what I consider to be the best night market in all of Taiwan: Ruifeng Night Market.

We followed Neil, outgoing chief of the AIT’s Kaohsiung branch, to his favorite stomping ground during his three-year posting.

The first stop is for a cup of taro sago. The fresh taro blended into a velvety puree is certainly a Taiwanese classic. In a blink, he’s already finished most of it.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
I forget who first told me about it, but my son and I both love it. I’m almost finished!

Continuing on, Neil next stops for some diced steak.

Big chunks of beef sizzle on the griddle before they’re seared to perfection with a hand torch. The scent already has Neil’s son impatient to dig in.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
This is American beef, but made the Taiwanese way. It symbolizes how the US and Taiwan are good friends. Best friends!

Hearing that Neil was headed to the night market, the whole family put in their orders.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
Since Ruifeng Night Market always has new vendors, you can wander around and take your time. When my family heard I was coming, I got a huge list on Line of things to order.

This next stall is his wife’s go-to Taiwanese food.

Neil and the owner are good friends. They start chatting away as soon as he walks up.

Stinky tofu stall owner
Surprised by Gibson’s Mandarin
At first, before he started talking, I didn’t know his Mandarin was so good. He’s been here many times with his wife. They’ve brought their kids, too.

By ordering stinky tofu and asking for extra chili sauce, Neil breaks the stereotype that foreigners can’t stand the pungent dish.

Neil Gibson
Outgoing AIT Kaohsiung head
Cheese is made from fermented milk, right? It’s the same concept. I went to Shenkeng once and bought raw stinky tofu to surprise my wife. I brought it home, got a pot of oil, heat it up boiling hot, and put the raw Shenkeng tofu in. Immediately, my wife shouted, “What are you doing!” Our carpet, couch, clothes, everything smelled so bad.

Time really does fly. By fully immersing himself in daily life here, this outgoing foreign officer forged lasting bonds with the people of Taiwan.

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

#AIT #NeilGibson #Kaohsiung #nightmarket #stinkytofu #RuifengNightMarket #AITKaohsiung #TaiwanUS #USbeef

2026-06-04

Market for zongzi picks up as Dragon Boat Festival approaches

Dragon Boat Festival is still a few weeks away, but zongzi are already selling fast. These sticky rice dumplings, usually filled with meat, are the festival’s signature food. One traditional zongzi store in Changhua’s Lukang Township already received an order of 400, while the Changhua Fisherman’s Association’s eel zongzi are also rising to the challenge.

There is so many flavors! Which one to pick? You gotta buy ’em all.

- It’s delicious. The ingredients are fresh.

- There ae lots of thin bamboo shoots, and lots of mushrooms too.

- I bought 30. I’ve had these ones for over 40 years. My hair has turned from black to white.

This sticky rice dumpling is packed with filling, including bamboo shoots, pork, mushrooms, and egg yolk. These famous zongzi bring smiles to people’s faces after one bite.

- The owner is really thoughtful, she never raises the price.

This zongzi stand in Changhua’s Lukang Township has been running for 54 years. Even as the cost of ingredients has risen these past few years, its zongzi have remained the same price for the last three. This year, one company has already ordered 400.

Ms. Hsiu-chen
Zongzi stand owner
I haven’t raised my prices in three years. I make about NT$5 on each zongzi, earning slowly but benefitting the customers. We usually sell over 30,000 leading up to the Dragon Boat Festival, it’s the same every year.

The Changhua Fisherman’s Association is selling their very own braised eel zongzi, which is popular among people who like seafood. Its price also remains unchanged.

Chen Wei-ku
Changhua Fisherman’s Association director
This year the Changhua Fisherman’s Association froze the price, giving it cheaply to our customers.

With both traditional stands and the fisherman’s association freezing the price of their zongzi, this year’s market is sure to be competitive leading up to the Dragon Boat Festival.

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

#DragonBoatFestival #ricedumpling #stickyriceball #zongzi #eel #pork #bamboo #tradition #price #cheap

2026-06-04

TSMC CEO optimistic about future Growth, as revenue hits NT$3.8T

2026-06-04

Kaohsiung dumps stray dogs in Tainan’s Longqi, sparking fury

Residents of Longqi District in Tainan have long noticed an increase in the numbers of stray dogs in recent years. There have been many reports of attacks on protected pangolins. Chicken farmers are also worried. Now, there is widespread outrage after residents discovered that animal protection authorities in neighboring Kaohsiung were offloading their city’s stray dogs into Longqi District under the cover of night. Let’s find out more.

These stray dogs have been confirmed by the Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office to be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and then released into the wild by officials.

Hung Chen-kai
Tainan City Government
Upon investigation, three of these five animals had implanted microchips. They were transferred from shelters in other counties and cities to Longqi District.

The Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office’s explanation was guarded. However, the vehicle that released these stray dogs in Longqi District was actually an official vehicle from the Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office. Under the cover of night, they released five stray dogs into mountainous areas in Longqi and were caught red-handed by local residents.

Lu Chih-hung
Chicken farmer
We could never find the culprit before. But this time, we caught the Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office red-handed in the middle of releasing these strays.

It’s not just chicken farmers that detest stray dogs. There are also many protected pangolins in Longqi and there have been frequent reports of them attacked by stray dogs. The Tainan City Animal Health Inspection and Protection Office never releases stray dogs caught in Longqi back to the area. However, officials from the office never expected that their neighboring counterparts would cross over city borders and cause trouble.

Kuo Ming-chin
Kaohsiung City Animal Protection Office
The administrative boundaries at the scene were not easily discernible, causing staff to mistakenly return the dogs to a neighboring jurisdiction administered by Tainan.

However, local residents are questioning the increase in the number of stray dogs in recent years. They suspect that official vehicles have gotten lost there more than once. They are hoping that the government will take Taiwan’s stray dog problem seriously and not let the ecosystem of Longqi District, Tainan’s precious backyard, be ruined.

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

#straydogs #pangolins #Taiwanpangolins #Tainan #Kaohsiung #animalprotection

2026-06-04

Altius-600M drones achieve 100% hit rate during exercise

2026-06-04

Town in Nantou’s besieged by massive swarm of bees

2026-06-04

Deliverer loses cool after client shows up to door in underwear

When you order food delivery, do you dress up to collect your meal? Or do you roll up to the front door in your PJs? That’s the crux of an argument that has gone viral online, involving a food deliverer who felt disrespected when the client picked up his meal wearing just a pair of boxers. The delivery worker asked him to at least put some pants on, but the client refused, saying he didn’t see a reason to do so, since he was in his own home. Both sides grabbed their phones to record the spat that followed, which has put delivery etiquette at the center of the internet’s hottest debate.##

- I asked him to put some pants on
and show a little respect.
I even brought the food up.

The food deliverer lost his cool after a young man came to the door to pick up his order in his underwear. He says it’s a form of harassment.

- I warned you to put on some pants.
- Why should I?
- Because I don’t know you.
We’re strangers.
Show some respect!

But the client refused to change clothes, and instead pulled out his own phone and recorded the shouting match about whether clothes are necessary or optional.

- I picked up the order in underwear.
He said I didn’t respect it.
He even asked if I wanted to fight.

The spat happened in New Taipei’s Banqiao District. Though neither party sued the other, they both posted videos of the incident on social media, accusing each other of vulgarity. The client says he saw nothing wrong with collecting his food wearing just a pair of boxers, adding that he ended up putting on a pair of trousers. He pledged to file a complaint on the delivery platform. Meanwhile, the deliverer feels violated, and says it’s not the first time it’s happened.

Mr. Wang
Food deliverer
He thinks I shouldn’t ask him to wear pants. But I think everyone should be treated with respect, no matter our jobs. It’s his home and he can wear whatever he wants in there as long as he’s not interacting with me. It’s none of my business. But when you’re meeting a stranger, you should show basic manners.

So, who’s wrong and who’s right? People are of two minds.

Member of public
Would wear pants
Just wear some shorts or something. Just boxers is not OK.

Member of public
Thinks deliverer is overreacting
Out of politeness, you would put on some trousers. But my first thought was that it doesn’t really matter. I think the deliverer is making a mountain out of a molehill.

A legal expert says that since the client was at home, it would be difficult to prosecute him for public indecency or nuisance. Legally, it’s fine to be underdressed, but civically perhaps it’s better to put on some clothes.

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

#aita #clothes #delivery #food #uber #foodpanda

2026-06-04

ICDF to offer student internships in diplomatic allies Saint Lucia and Eswatini