Supporters flock to Shen’s final soapbox event at Linsen Park

Supporters flock to Shen’s final soapbox event at Linsen Park

2026-10-16

One key part of Puma Shen’s campaigning for Taipei mayor has been his soapbox events, where he addresses questions and complaints from citizens. The final event took place took place on Thursday evening at Linsen Park. All 300 slips to submit questions were gone in just 15 minutes, showing just how eager locals were to reach Shen. Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Concerned about nightlife
The nightlife in this part of the city always gets a bad rap. What can we do to preserve this unique culture?

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
I think it all comes down to making some changes to the brightness of the lighting and the color schemes here.

Member of public
Doesn’t feel protected
As a woman in the 20-to-30 age bracket, I don’t feel protected in Taipei.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
One of our policy proposals is to require all policies to undergo a safety audit before they are implemented so that people feel safe.

Shen engaged with residents on a wide range of issues throughout the soapbox series, which kicked off outside Nangang Exhibition Center on Sept. 17. Subsequent events were held at Ximending, Taipei Arena and Jiantan Station among other locations. Six events were held over the course of a month, all drawing packed crowds and positive feedback, in what was seen as a new approach to election campaigning in Taiwan. At the grand finale, Shen pledged that, if he takes office, he will continue holding the soapbox sessions to ensure local issues receive the attention they deserve.

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

#pumashen #election #dpp #taipei #politics

"市長給我聽好"壓軸場爆滿沈伯洋承諾:當選繼續辦

2026-10-16

民進黨台北市長參選人沈伯洋直接面對市民提問的「市長，你給我聽好了
肥皂箱活動壓軸場，週四晚間在中山區的林森公園舉辦，現場300張提問單，15分鐘就被搶光，反映相當熱烈。

[[民眾]]
“條通文化那一直都是被貼負面標籤。怎樣保留它，其實是一個很特別的文化。”

[[台北市長參選人(民)沈伯洋]]
“它完全就是，其實是在設計的明亮度上面，還有設計的色彩上面其實可以做一些改變。”

[[民眾]]
“身為一個20到30歲的女生，我覺得在台北其實沒有覺得很被保護。”

[[台北市長參選人(民)沈伯洋]]
“我們有一個政策主張就是你所有的政策，在施行的時候都要過那個安全審計，那這個時候，你才可以讓大家感到安全。”

沈伯洋與市民交流，討論各式議題，肥皂箱系列活動，從9月17日在南港展覽館外起跑，陸續在萬華西門町真善美廣場、松山台北小巨蛋、士林劍潭站等地，一個月內連辦六場，場場爆滿廣獲好評，開創台灣選舉新風氣。壓軸場沈伯洋也宣佈，若能順利就任，還是會維持肥皂箱活動，讓基層聲音即時傳遞，地方問題能被重視。

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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TPP and KMT pass bill to exempt more seniors from NHI premiums

With just weeks to the local elections, the KMT and TPP have passed a bill to exempt senior citizens from paying health insurance premiums. When it enters effect, people aged 65 and older whose income tax rate is below 20% will no longer have to pay NHI premiums. That will come at the cost of NT$40 billion a year for the government. The move immediately drew backlash from seven major medical and healthcare associations, and the health minister. Let’s hear more.

Shih Chung-liang
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Elections last just a moment. But the National Health Insurance is something the people of Taiwan rely on. The system’s principle that everyone pays according to their financial means is no more. So what now? Are lawmakers going to add even more slipshod clauses to the NHI system?

Hung Tzu-jen
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It is extremely regrettable, and even infuriating to a point. The government already has several policies to exempt seniors aged 65, low-income households and other groups. But this only benefits people who aren’t at a financial disadvantage.

Wu Ming-yen
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If no money is coming in, someone else has to pay for it. I urge young people to call up the legislators who voted for this bill, and tell them about your opposition to it. Your insurance premiums could increase in the future.

The Mini Ministry of Health and Welfare has voiced concerned about the financial impact of the bill. The KMT and TPP claim the bill excludes wealthier seniors, the income tax rate threshold of below 20% translates to anyone with annual income of up to NT$1.6 million. That is about 83% of senior citizens. If the additional costs is passed down, people aged 15 to 64 could face an extra NT$3,000 or more in annual expenses. If they are covered by tax revenue instead, each tax-paying household would have to shoulder an additional NT$8,000 or more per year.

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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Chiang and Shen buckle down in preparation for first debate

The much-awaited mayoral debate between Chiang Wan-an and Puma Shen will be held on the 31 of this month at noon. Eight media outlets including FTV News issued a joint statement inviting Puma Shen and Chiang Wan-an to participate in a second debate. Chiang had previously hinted at the possibility of a second debate, but he now states things are up in the air. Regarding the debate, Shen emphasized he is not adjusting his schedule while being mindful to peak more concisely.

Reporters noticed that Puma Shen had taped two bright strips of kinesiology tape to relieve soreness and fatigue from all this campaigning. He continues to diligently prepare for the highly-anticipated Taipei mayoral debate which will take place on the 31 of this month at noon. But are the candidates ready for the big day?

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Because sometimes when I speak, I speak for long, but during debates there will be gaps like, 2 minutes or 3 minutes. So I’m practicing to make my sentences shorter, otherwise in the end with fixed speaking times there might be no opportunity to finish speaking which I think is quite important.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
I intend to go all out, and prepare well.

Both candidates are neck-deep in preparation for the televised debate. However, eight media outlets including FTV have also submitted letters of intent to both sides hoping for a second or even third debate.

Chiang Wan-an
Taipei Mayor
We will hold for more invitations from organizers and media before coordinating further. There are many ways to schedule, I think all of this will need to be coordinated. Whether or not there will be a second debate, I am open to it.

Rosalia Wu
Puma Shen Campaign Manager
Puma Shen signed this agreement immediately. Does that mean Mayor Chiang has already agreed, as Lo Chih-chiang said, he also signed? Does this mean that other media outlets are authorized to hold the debate? Every media outlet has equal rights.

Taipei local
Doubtful of Chiang Wan-an
Of course, the more debates a person participates in, the more they can showcase their competence. Chiang Wan-an gives the impression of being incompetent and ignorant, like a fool reading off a script. But after the debates, the truth will be clearer.

Taipei local
Supports more debates
Debates will allow us, the public, to have a better idea of the bigger picture. I think two debates are OK.

Taipei local
Prefers one debate
Let the public test how witty the candidates are. One time is enough, it will be brilliant.

Locals continue to eagerly wait for the 31 of October to watch the debate between Shen and Chiang.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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Spanish drag couturier creates dazzling Taiwan-inspired designs

A self-taught drag costume designer from Spain is turning heads with his over-the-top creations, blending traditional Asian motifs and European flair into dazzling stage outfits. From flamenco dresses featuring Taiwanese Hakka prints to elaborate Venetian-inspired clown costumes, Iago Valín has taught himself everything from pattern-making to sewing. After coming to Taiwan as an exchange student 13 years ago, he found more than inspiration here. He found a place where he feels free, accepted, and proud to call home.

A groovy, glowing Christmas tree outfit, a ruffled flamenco dress dotted with Hakka print flowers, and an east-meet-west Venetian carnival jester costume. All of these drag looks shining on stage were created by Iago Valín, from Spain.

Iago Valín
Costume designer from Spain
If you look closely, you’ll see it’s all qipao brocades. So part of it comes from Asia, and part of it comes from Europe. I spent almost 200 hours on this one.

From design and pattern-making, to sewing it all together. Everything to the last stitch was crafted by Iago, who surprisingly is completely self-taught. By watching videos online, he learnt how to make outfits that only get more elaborate and grand.

Iago Valín
Costume designer from Spain
My mom does a lot of traditional crafts, so even since I was young I would see her making lace or dying fabrics. This shirt I also made myself. I used a bedsheet from when I was a kid. It’s full of my childhood memories.

Iago’s talent also extends to languages. He’s from Galicia, an autonomous community in northwest Spain that has a language of its own. In primary school, his family moved to the island of Jersey, a British Crown Dependency in the English Channel close to France. Besides speaking Galician, Spanish, English, French and Mandarin, he’s also studied German and even Ancient Greek and Latin. In university, he double majored in linguistics and Chinese, and fell in love with Taiwan after coming here on exchange.

Iago Valín
Costume designer from Spain
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Having lived in Taiwan for 13 years now, Iago’s friends, partner and job are all here. The freedom and diversity of the island have made this his second home, and he’s here to stay.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#costumedesign #drag #梵雅戈 #sewing #taiwan

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A new chapter begins for Tainan Railway Station

Locals in Tainan are witnessing a historic moment! At 10:29 on Friday evening, the century-old Tainan Railway Station will bid farewell to its final train and become a historical landmark. The closing of this beloved station coincides with the opening of the first phase of the underground railway project. The local community flooded the platform as people rushed to capture photos to preserve their memories with the station. Nearby shops also seized the chance to sell commemorative merchandise.

Dozens raise their phones to snap photos and videos. Every inch of the platform was filled with people capturing memories of their beloved station. Tainan Railway’s above-ground platform station will soon be decommissioned. Many locals flocked to the station to capture the last few images of the century-old railway where the lifelong memories were made before the trains are moved underground.

Member of public
Captured the event well
I came from the northernmost point and filmed all the way to the south side, then from the southernmost point to the north as well. I filmed every single one along the way.

Member of public
Capturing final moment
It’s about recording this final moment.

As more locals recorded Tainan Railway Station, they seemed to live through the years of memories made through it.

Member of public
Fond of the station
Going to school, dating, getting married, and military service was all going through Tainan Railway Station.

Member of public
Attached to train
I grew up in Tainan. I loved sitting on the train.

The massive farewell has created a lot of opportunity for local businesses, especially those preparing to move into the new underground station. Nearby bubble tea shops even offered special souvenirs such as key chains with purchases over a certain amount, so that customers could share the memory together.

Ms. Chiu
Drink shop staff
We use locally produced oranges to make our fresh fruit drinks. We hope more people will know more about Tainan’s fresh fruits.

Wang Yi-lun
Market Vendor
There are pop-up stores, this event will last for a whole month.

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Member of public
Bought special iPass
I’ll keep it as a souvenir. I won’t open it.

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Lala Mountain designated Taiwan’s first ‘Urban Night Sky Place’

Want to see a night sky full of stars? Head over to Lala Mountain in Taoyuan, which was recently designated an official Urban Night Sky Place. The hard-won honor involved retrofitting over 400 streetlights and working with hotels to reduce light pollution. Now it’s Taiwan’s first place to receive the international certification, with further plans underway to incorporate local Atayal culture to create a new and improved ecotourism hotspot.

A canopy of stars twinkles overhead, like it’s straight out of a storybook. But this dreamy scene is right here in Taiwan, on Lala Mountain in Taoyuan. The area was recently designated Taiwan’s first official Urban Night Sky Place. The mayor went to personally accept the honor.

Simon Chang
Taoyuan Mayor
This is Taiwan’s second Night Sky certification. The first was Hehuanshan, a park. This one is an urban area. Lalashan isn’t urban per se, but according to DarkSky International’s guidelines, any area within 50km of an urban center qualifies. We plan to map out itineraries for visitors to enjoy nature and experience Atayal culture while also stargazing at night.

The city spared no effort in meeting the organization’s standards. Since Taoyuan is adjacent to dense urban areas with severe light pollution, the local government worked hard to retrofit over 400 streetlights, adjusting the angles and adding light shields to make sure the ground stays safely illuminated without affecting the skies. It also worked with hotels to remove unnecessary lighting.

Nalayini Brito-Davies
DarkSky International board president
The government of Mt. Lala should be congratulated for taking a difficult decision to work through their regulations and do some retrofitting and make this happen.

Hayung Watan
Fusing District Office official
We’ve seen so much effort put in by the government. Over the past year, we’ve found that the Dark Sky initiative has served as the spark for us to care more deeply about our land. Beyond this, integrating the nocturnal environment with Atayal culture has also become extremely important.

In addition to protecting the night sky, the project aims to boost tourism. The Taoyuan City Government is promoting 13 travel itineraries for visitors to enjoy thousand-year-old ancient trees and Atayal culture by day, before gazing up at the Milky Way at night for a full day of incredible experiences.

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

#Lalashan #LalaMountain #Taoyuan #DarkSkyInternational #Atayal #tourism #UrbanNightSkyPlace #nightsky

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Surfing competition to draw top athletes to Taitung in November

The 2026 Taiwan Open of Surfing will make an action-packed return to Taitung next month. This year’s upgraded competition in Jinzun has a prize purse of NT$5 million, the highest ever for a surfing open in Taiwan. The excitement will also come onto land for the first time, with skateboarding, street dance, and fitness challenges drawing competitors from all over the world.

The 2026 Taiwan Open of Surfing kicks off on Nov. 6 in Taitung’s Jinzun Harbor. At a press conference before the event, organizers unveiled this year’s highlights.

The most special part of the 16th edition this year is that we gained approval from the World Surf League to host the highest-level 6,000-point event for both men’s and women’s longboard right here in Taitung. It’s a huge vote of confidence for surfing in Taiwan.

The Taiwan Open of Surfing hosted by the Taitung County Government is entering its 16th year. This year’s edition is to be divided into international and domestic events with historic upgrades in competition standards. Beyond serving as a WSL Qualifying Series 6,000 event—one of only four globally—Taitung will be the final leg of the season. Eligibility has also expanded across all seven continents for the first time, with a record-breaking prize pool.

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Beyond top-tier surfing, there will also be land-based events for the first time, including a skateboarding jam, street dance battles, and “Wild East Taitung” fitness challenge. Organizers are also promoting travel itineraries for people in town for the competition to enjoy all that Taitung has to offer.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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Next gen Covid vaccine has less side effects: NTU Hospital doctor

Autumn and winter are the peak seasons for flu, Covid and other respiratory illnesses in Taiwan. The government has launched free flu and Covid shots for high risk groups but many people are hesitant because they worry about side effects. Now a top doctor says that a new Covid vaccine is being rolled out that reduces side effects. Older adults and people with chronic illnesses should get their shots as soon as possible as these respiratory illnesses pose a major health risk.

With the weather gradually cooling, autumn and winter mark a period of heightened activity for respiratory viruses, including the flu. Notably, Covid continues to evolve, and recently circulating variants may pose serious risks to the elderly and high-risk groups.

Hsieh Szu-min
NTU Hospital
Individuals with weaker immune systems—such as the elderly or those with underlying chronic conditions—are at risk of developing severe illnesses. This can lead to complications like severe pneumonia and respiratory failure, and may even be life-threatening. Furthermore, people in this high-risk group may develop cardiovascular complications following a Covid infection, such as stroke or myocardial infarction.

According to statistics, people aged 65 and older and those with chronic conditions face an approximately fivefold increase in the risk of a heart attack and a roughly tenfold increase in the risk of ischemic stroke following a Covid infection. Covid vaccines have been updated this year to offer a choice between protein subunit and mRNA technologies; however, despite the rollout of publicly funded vaccination programs, many people remain concerned about potential side effects.

Member of the public
Worries about side effects
I noticed that after getting the shot, I was more prone to hair loss and experienced muscle soreness that lasted for three or four days.

Hsieh Szu-min
NTU Hospital
Regarding RNA vaccines, a new generation of low-dose versions has been introduced; clinical trials from pharmaceutical companies have shown that these low-dose vaccines can potentially match the efficacy of standard RNA vaccines while reducing adverse reactions. As for recombinant protein vaccines, we have accumulated forty years of experience with them—spanning the entire history of their development for human use—and, generally speaking, the adverse reactions associated with this type of vaccine are generally more tolerated by most people.

Medical professionals advise older adults and high-risk groups to get vaccinated as early as possible against both influenza and Covid to build dual protection and reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization from infections during the autumn and winter months.

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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