Government seeking to increase work leave for new parents

Government seeking to increase work leave for new parents

2026-07-30

Taiwanese workers are known for having some of the highest average working hours in the world while its birthrate is one of the lowest. Many, like Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim and Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han, believe that by creating more family-friendly workplace policies people will start having children again. Some government proposals include extending unpaid leave to a child’s 6th year as well as increasing the days of parental leave.

After sharing a story of her babysitter career during her high school days in the US, Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim shared some of her thoughts for how Taiwanese society can lessen the child-rearing burdens of parents with young children.

Hsiao Bi-khim
Vice President
Many people believe that taking care of children is something that’s the responsibility of families or individuals. For this idea of the government helping families with childcare from birth to 6 years, it also requires businesses, society, and government policy to bear the burden together.

Last year, Taiwan’s fertility rate was just 0.65, the lowest among the country’s closest Asian neighbors. The government hopes that by creating family-friendly workplace polices, bosses will offer a more supportive and flexible working environment so that laborers can balance both their careers and their families, which would then help companies keep talented employees. Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han pointed out that expanding the scope of parental leave would allow more men to apply for leave and thereby become important care givers for their households.

Hung Sun-han
Minister of Labor
It’s 30 days of leave, which can be applied for in single-day units. In the past, the ratio was somewhere around 3:1, but statistics from May and June show that the ratio for men and women applying for leave is 1:1. When policies are more flexible, this actually results in men’s child-rearing participation rates skyrocketing.

The Ministry of Labor is working hard to amend regulations for applying for parental leave, such as extending the current policy of allowing parents to apply for unpaid leave from their child’s birth to 3 years old; if approved, parents could apply for leave up to their child’s 6th year. Also, now at 30 days, in the future parents could have up to 60 days of unpaid leave. Maternity leave would be increased from 8 weeks to 12 weeks, and paternity leave would be extended from the current 7 days to 12 days.

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

#daddydaycare #family #birthrate #family-friendly #parentalleave #unpaidleave #burntout

副總統蕭美琴鼓勵"友善家庭職場" 育嬰假擬擴大到6歲

2026-07-30

副總統蕭美琴出席"友善家庭職場年會"，談到許多人生小孩後，得面臨職涯和家庭兩頭燒的情況，希望政府帶頭、企業鼓勵下，給予爸爸媽媽更多支持。像是最近勞動部在推動修法，希望延長育嬰留停和鬆綁請假規定，減輕父母育兒的負擔。##

分享高中時期，曾經在美國當臨時保母，副總統蕭美琴談到如何減輕家長育兒負擔，有很多想法。

[[副總統蕭美琴]]
“很多人覺得照顧小孩，是家庭或者是個人的事情，提出0到6歲國家一起養的想法，也需要企業，需要社會，需要國家政策的力量，來共同一起承擔”

台灣去年生育率只有0.65，是亞鄰國家最低，政府期望打造友善職場，當主管多給點支持和彈性，勞工就能兼顧職涯和家庭，成為最好的留才策略。勞動部長洪申翰更指出，放寬育嬰假規定後，有更多男性申請，一起成為神隊友。

[[勞動部長洪申翰]]
“30天可以單日請，(過去性別比例)大概是3:1，五月跟六月的資料，男性請的比例跟女性是1:1，做的更彈性的時候，其實男性參與的程度，爆發式的拉高”

勞動部正努力推動修法，打算把育嬰留停，從0到3歲，擴大到0到6歲，原本30天可單日請，延長到60天。除了媽媽產假從8週拉長到12週，也想把陪產假從7天，增加到12天，打造一個能接住婚育家庭的社會，解決少子化的困境。

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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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Executive Yuan recognizes Siraya as Taiwan’s 17th Indigenous tribe

The Siraya people, a plains Indigenous tribe, are officially Taiwan’s 17th recognized Indigenous ethnic group. The tribe’s roots are in Tainan, which just so happens to be where President Lai Ching-te started his political career back in the 1990s. Premier Cho Jung-tai presided over the tribe’s ceremony, and during his speech he commended the Siraya people for their work in culture revitalization and name rectification, a process that began over 3 decades ago.

Cho Jung-tai
Premier
The president told me that he was truly moved. He reminisced about the days when he was the mayor of Tainan City. He personally saw many of the tribe members’ hard work over the years, which started in the 1990s. There was so much work done on revitalizing your culture and somehow even more work was put into the name rectification movement. During his time as the mayor of Tainan City, he could feel how you were looking forward to these changes, so that’s why he went to work on this task. So he told me to hold this ceremony approving your status as quickly as possible, and to make it a meticulous, consummate, and successful event. Finally I can tell the president that with the blessings of the tribal elders and everyone here, and the blessings of the country, that we, the president, and the people of this nation declare the Siraya people are an Indigenous ethnic group of Taiwan.

Premier Cho noted that August 1 is Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The recognition of the Siraya people confirms their rights as an ethnic group, and their new status is an example of transitional justice, multiculturalism, and constitutional protection of rights. Cho also pointed out that there are 8 other tribes that have applied to the Council of Indigenous Peoples to be recognized as Indigenous peoples. Cho has asked the council to carry out follow-up work involving these groups and he also has told government ministries to comply with different measures that guarantee the rights of the Siraya people.

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

#Siraya #plains #Indigenouspeoples #Tainan #namerectification #17tribes #Indigenous

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Beijing targets Taiwanese youth with launch of new platform and jobs

China’s tactics to win over Taiwanese hearts and minds are now focusing on Taiwan’s youth. The Taiwan Affairs Office under the PRC’s State Council has launched a platform called "Taiwan Youth e-Home," which offers jobs and other services. DPP politicians say young people can be required to say they agree that Taiwan is part of China in exchange for a job that isn’t even well paid by Taiwanese standards. They are urging young people not to hand over their personal data to the site. Let’s find out more.

China’s United Front tactics are evolving rapidly. The Taiwan Affairs Office of the PRC’s State Council recently launched a United Front platform targeting Taiwanese youth.

Hsu Kuo-yung
DPP Secretary General
Misinformation, disinformation, and related messaging—various groups and organizations are continuously waging information warfare against Taiwan. China is pulling out all the stops in Taiwan, and its infiltration of our national security is pervasive.

Finding a job is extremely difficult for young people in China, yet the CCP continues to promote the idea that "opportunities are everywhere" for young people in Taiwan. According to reports, some job openings on a platform known as "Taiwan Youth e-Home" are offering monthly salaries of only 2,000 to 4,000 Chinese yuan, which is less than the minimum wage in Taiwan. Not only are the salaries uncompetitive, but they also come with political requirements such as agreeing to the "One China Principle".

Hsu Chih-chieh
Legislator (DPP)
This is a classic bait-and-switch: a sugar-coated United Front trap. China can’t even solve its own youth unemployment crisis, so how could there be opportunities everywhere waiting for Taiwanese people? We must remain vigilant and not throw our sensitive personal data, precious freedom, and future careers into the fire for the sweet bait of short-term subsidies.

China’s infiltration methods are constantly evolving. Taiwanese people must be vigilant to avoid being affected by these Chinese tactics.

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

#crossstrait #Unitedfront #jobopenings #Taiwanyouth

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Pingtung candidate’s burger-focused election platform sparks debate

Campaigns are heating up for the nine-in-one local elections in November. The mayor of YanpuTownship in Pingtung, Lu Chia-hsuan, can’t run again after serving in office for eight years, leaving four candidates vying for the position. Former ShirongVillage Warden Huang Chih-lin has put forward a proposal to bring a famous southern fast-food chain to Yanpu to boost tourism. As soon as the platform was announced, it sparked heated debate.

Burgers, fried chicken, thick noodle soup, congee… This fast-food restaurant boasts a wide-ranging menu that has long been a favorite in the south.

Chen Shan-shan
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This fast-food brand, a must-visit for many who come to southern Taiwan, unexpectedly became part of a candidate’s campaign platform.

Huang Chih-lin, who formerly served as warden of Shirong Village in Yanpu, is now running for mayor of the Pingtung township. In a Facebook group, he posted a promise that if elected, he will use his connections to convince the company to open a branch in Yanpu.

Hsieh Te-hsien
Yannan Village Warden
If we had a branch here, we wouldn’t need to go to Pingtung City to get it.

- If we want it, we have to go to Pingtung City.

- Sounds good!

Some people approved of the proposal, while others thought it would be better to help local shops instead. This chain restaurant currently has two locations in the county, both in Pingtung City. The candidate’s proposal to bring one to Yanpu has certainly generated buzz.

Huang Chin-lin
Yanpu Township mayoral candidate
We’re serious about this. We generally understand their franchising model. We will use our connections to bring this famous southern burger chain to Yanpu.

The incumbent mayor, Lu Chia-hsuan, won’t be able to run again after serving two consecutive terms, creating a four-way battle for the seat. With everyone eager to win over voters, Huang’s burger-based promise has created quite a stir. But ultimately, it remains to be seen whether voters buy into the idea.

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

#elections #localelections #YanpuTownship #Pingtung #fastfood #electionpromise #campaign

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Pony spotted running down major road in Taipei for third time

During the morning rush hour, drivers heading down Daye Road in Taipei’s Beitou District spotted a pony trotting along the inner lane, as passing cars slowed down to avoid hitting it. Sharp-eyed netizens noticed that it was the same one that got loose back in May, making this the third time the pony been spotted on Taipei’s streets.

A black pony trots down the road as passing cars slow down to avoid it, either afraid of causing an accident or just to confirm what they’re seeing.

Commuters on their way to work captured footage of the pony, which appeared to go all the way from Daye Road to the seventh section of Chengde Road. Sharp-eyed netizens noticed it was the same pony that escaped back in May, and its leg appeared to be injured. Reporters went to find the owner.

Mr. Huang
Farm owner
During the typhoon a few days ago, a tree fell on the electric fence and he escaped all the way to Chengde Road. He has horseshoes. I thought it was the shoe, but it was actually this can. He was just standing innocently by the road as the police looked after him. I brought him home.

Sporting a handsome mane, the runaway known as Fuqi for Good Fortune is now quietly eating grass back at the farm. He was brought up to Beitou from Taitung at the beginning of May. The owner said he escaped twice before out of curiosity. This time, it was because of an unexpected accident.

Mr. Huang
Farm owner
Our priority for now is to fix the fence. If possible, I won’t rule out sending him back to his original farm.

With the help of bystanders who were able to soothe him, the pony calmed down and was led back to the farm by his owner. But after three escapes, the Taipei Animal Protection Office hit the owner with the maximum fine of NT$15,000 under the Animal Protection Act. The little pony’s unexpected stroll down the road gave himself, his owner, and commuters quite a scare!

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

#pony #runaway #Taipei #oddity #equestrianfarm #caughtonvideo #viral

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Penghu’s remotest island celebrates renovated police station

A tiny police station on Penghu’s remotest island has finally opened after four years of reconstruction. The previous ramshackle building on Dongji Islet had suffered from sea wind erosion, making it a safety risk for the four police officers stationed there. The new building’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony was attended by retired Dongji police and local politicians. Let’s find out more.

This newly-built police station is being inaugurated with a lively ribbon-cutting ceremony, attended by many elected officials. This police station is quite special; it is located on Dongji Islet, Penghu’s remotest island.

Lin Shu-kuo
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The old building had been in use for over 40 years. Maintenance was particularly difficult, especially since Dongji is a tier-3 outlying island, so we decided to rebuild it on the original site.

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- You’re back at your old stomping ground.
- Yes.
- It’s great, I’m very happy.

It takes at least an hour and a half to travel by boat from Magong to Dongji. The inauguration ceremony made the island, which has only about 30 long-term residents, particularly lively.

Lin Jie-shin
Penghu County Deputy Commissioner
It’s a very good environment and helps our police colleagues to do a better job of policing on this outlying island.

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When people overseas think of Taiwanese products, many immediately jump to silicon chips. However, recent foreign media reports are now pointing to another strong Taiwanese product: Irwin mangos. Famous locally for their bright apple-red skin and juicy flesh, this year they made their debut in France’s iconic Galeries Lafayette department store. Even though prices approached a whopping €100 per kilogram, they flew off the shelves. They are also sold in the UK and there are hopes that they can go to European nations, such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland. Let’s find out more.

In the scorching summertime, enjoying a big bowl of mango shaved ice is incredibly satisfying. It’s currently mango season in Taiwan. However, this fruit that Taiwanese can so easily enjoy immediately becomes a luxury item when it arrives at Galeries Lafayette in France. A single mango can cost upwards of NT$1,000.

Foreign tourist
Likes mangos
It’s really good. And we also had fresh mango from Tainan.

Foreign tourist
Likes mangos
I think the price is high but the mango is very good. We’ve tried it. It’s pricey but they might pay it if you sell it in Paris.

Internationally, when Taiwan’s name comes up, it’s often associated with AI chips. However, some foreign media outlets have written special reports highlighting another impressive product from Taiwan: its sweet and juicy Irwin mangoes. This year, these mangos were exported to France and the UK for the first time. Exporters say the biggest challenge is meeting the EU’s stringent quarantine standards and cold chain logistics requirements, as well as building confidence in the brand to convince French consumers to pay for quality.

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At the Galeries Lafayette supermarket, the highest price for tropical fruits is only around €50 per kg, but our Taiwanese mangoes sell for €99.90. From quality management, packaging design, cold chain transportation and cooperation with high-end channels in France, we plan everything according to the standards of European premium fruits.

Industry insiders also say that the success of Taiwanese mangoes reaching the high-end European market is due to the joint efforts of many people. There are hopes of expanding into other European markets, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland.

Cheng Hui-ling
Pingtung Fang Shan Area Farmers’ Associations
Our planting areas, our hardworking farmers, and their techniques makes our Irwin mangoes the cream of the crop in terms of appearance, texture and overall quality.

Although export volumes are still small, everyone from growers to exporters has confidence in the European market. Word is that these “Louis Vuittons of the mango world” are opening up new international markets for Taiwan.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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In this photo is a patient’s cornea, which is covered with dense deposits of inflammatory cells.

A 24-year-old woman surnamed Lin in Kaohsiung experienced sudden redness, swelling and severe pain in her eyes after working in the sun for several days, coupled with staying up late and lack of sleep. She couldn’t even open her eyes in bright light and her eyes were constantly watering. After emergency medical examination, doctors diagnosed her with acute uveitis.

Hung Chi-ting
Ophthalmologist
Since she works in sales, she has to be out and about. Doctors usually assume it’s conjunctivitis, but what I saw inside her eyes looked like large, patchy areas, like pimples. So I suspected it might be uveitis.

This doctor says extreme high temperatures and drastic temperature differences between indoors and outdoors can easily lead to changes in the permeability of blood vessels, causing inflammatory cells such as white blood cells and proteins to leak into the aqueous humor.

Hung Chi-ting
Ophthalmologist
When she first came here, her vision was at 0.8, but when it got really severe, it dropped to 0.2. Because of humid heat caused by extreme weather, our blood vessels are prone to leaking. So if you’re just sitting in an air-conditioned room, the chances of this happening aren’t that high.

This doctor notes this disease may still leave sequelae after treatment. When faced with extreme weather, in addition to guarding against heatstroke, people should also pay attention to their eye health.

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