60kg sulcata tortoise floating belly-up downstream rescued

2026-10-28

A sulcata tortoise floating belly-up down a fast-moving stream in a drainage canal led to a rapid rescue mission in Taichung. The tortoise was spotted helplessly moving its legs in the air as the current brought it downstream. Fortunately, a kind-hearted passerby who saw the animal jumped into the water and lifted it out out of the canal. It was not an easy feat, as the turtle weighed close to 60kg. Let’s hear more.

Rescuer (Anonymized)
Saved tortoise
We went down to the canal to rescue it and took it home. We put it under a heating lamp to warm up, and then we took it to the vet today. We have turtles at home, so when we saw it we immediately wanted to rescue it. It seems to be doing better now, and it’s been eating food.

Chou Shyun
NCHU Veterinary Medicine Dept.
I think that, since it is quite strong, it’s likely that it dug a hole or broke through a fence and escaped its enclosure. I don’t think it’s likely that it was abandoned.

Sulcata tortoises are land-dwelling reptiles. Staying submerged in water for too long can be fatal for them. Fortunately, this time, the tortoise was rescued in time. After the rescue, the animal was brought to a vet for a check-up. The rescuers also posted online in hopes that its owner would come forward to reclaim their pet and bring it home.

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#tortoise #sulcatatortoise #canal #taichung #missingpet

四腳朝天險滅頂! 蘇卡達象龜落難水溝載浮載沉

2026-10-28

有民眾在台中大雅區的排水溝中，發現一隻重達五、六十公斤的蘇卡達象龜，疑似不慎落水、四腳朝天在水溝中載浮載沉，情況危急，幸好熱心民眾前往救援，合力將這隻象龜扛上岸，也帶牠去檢查。

[[救援象龜當事人(已變音)]]
“我們半夜就去救援牠，去水溝那邊救，就先把牠搬回家，幫牠開保溫燈幫牠加熱，今天就帶牠看醫生。我們有養烏龜，所以我們看到也會想去救。(象龜)今天早上看起來精神那些都蠻好的，那也有吃東西。”

[[中興大學獸醫系副教授周洵]]
“偏向是不是因為牠力氣真的很大，是不是可能挖洞，還是把柵欄撞開，逃脫出來的可能性，我個人會覺得比較高，而不是被棄養。”

蘇卡達象龜屬於陸龜，長時間泡水有致命風險，幸好即刻獲救。救援民眾將牠暫時安置在家中，也帶牠去看獸醫檢查，同時PO文協尋，希望飼主趕緊出面認領，接回團圓。

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Temple hosts five-day ritual for the first time in nearly 200 years

2026-10-28

Jason Mraz back in Taipei for concert on Nov. 2

American singer-songwriter Jason Mraz is finally returning to Taiwan after seven long years away! Along with timeless classics like I’m Yours and Lucky, fans can also look forward to a few new songs. In a pre-concert interview, he even gave a classic Taiwanese greeting tsiah-pa-bue. Asked whether any Taiwanese artists would join him on stage, he refused to answer, calling it "a top secret."

With its catchy melody and exceptional vocals, I’m Yours by Jason Mraz is a widely beloved song. After selling millions of records around the world, the American singer-songwriter is finally returning to Taiwan on Nov. 2 after seven years away.

With the concert just around the corner, the artist reached out to his Taiwanese fans in a special interview. Opening with a greeting in Taigi instantly collapsed the distance between them.

Jason Mraz
American singer-songwriter
“Have you eaten?” It’s Jason Mraz, and I’m coming back to Taipei to breathe life into the songs we know and love. And I look forward to seeing you there. “Thank you!”

Beyond this special greeting, he also reminisced about his past performances in Taiwan, recalling moments like when he invited a fan onstage for an impromptu jam session. This time, he hopes to reunite with old friends and keep connecting people through his music.

Jason Mraz
American singer-songwriter
Cuz he’s amazing. So now he’s shaking and singing, and he’s Stan. And I’m a Stan stan. Big fan. We hope to see him again!

Teasing what’s in store for his Asia tour, the singer said that along with new songs, he’s prepared a set of his classics to guide fans down memory lane. Asked whether he’s planning a surprise appearance by a Taiwanese singer, he kept his lips sealed.

Jason Mraz
American singer-songwriter
That is top secret.

After seven years away, fans in Taiwan are excited to see what other surprises the singer has in store on Nov. 2.

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

#JasonMraz #concerts #Taipei #ImYours #livemusic

2026-10-28

Public piano turns new Tainan Station into concert hall

2026-10-28

Families fuming after postpartum center kicks out 8 mothers in typhoon

Eight mothers who had just given birth were kicked out of their postpartum care center in Kaohsiung last Friday, just as Typhoon Champi descended on Taiwan. That is because the center apparently shut down due to financial difficulties. Despite being aware of the money problems, the facility continued signing contracts with clients and collecting more than NT$7 million in fees from customers. Two individuals in charge, surnamed Hsu and Chang, were arrested on suspicion of fraud, and they’ve since been released on NT$100,000 bail. Let’s hear more.

Voice of Chen Chu-chun
Prosecutor
Despite facing financial difficulties, the company is thought to have continued signing contracts with multiple victims and collecting payments. After questioning, two individuals surnamed Hsu and Chang are suspected of violating the Criminal Code’s provisions on fraud.

Voice of Mr. Chuang
Victim
There’s 63 or 64 families affected, and collectively we gave them more than NT$7 million. Most people paid the full amount for the stay upfront when they signed the contracts. We created a Line group to discuss it. We’re worried, because we don’t know how or if we will get our money back. As long as investigators handle the case properly, I don’t think the suspects will flee.

Chiang Jui-hung
Kaohsiung City Councilor (DPP)
One of the men in charge, Mr. Chang, came to our office. He told us that he was being investigated, so he couldn’t come and make arrangements with everyone.

The operators said they were only temporarily unable to provide service at the postpartum center, denying that the business had actually shut down. They even agreed to meet with the affected families for mediation at a city councilor’s office. But prosecutors moved first, raiding the facility the day after the incident and found that the it had been operating without a license. Since 2022, it had been fined nine times for illegally performing nursing duties, with total penalties reaching NT$2.31 million.

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

#postpartum #healthcare #motherhood #parenthood #newborn

2026-10-28

Shen wears bulletproof vest and ramps security as elections approach

As the local elections draw near, candidates continue to canvass the streets and appeal to as many people as they can, all the while security measures ramp up. Supporters recently saw Puma Shen’s canvassing vehicle outfitted with bulletproof glass. The Taipei mayoral candidate also claimed he wears a bulletproof vest during outdoor activities. Lee Wen-chang, Deputy Director of the National Police Agency, also stated that they have received intelligence that put candidates at risk.

DPP’s mayoral candidate for Taipei, Puma Shen continues to canvass in the streets. He even showed up in Hsinchu to help, but fans couldn’t miss the bulletproof glass on the vehicle or the bulletproof vest that Shen wore. It seems that security measures have tightened.

Puma Shen
Taipei Mayoral Candidate (DPP)
Usually, when people wear a bulletproof vest, it’s because they are on the move and there’s a lot of people they don’t know. In occasions with a lot of movement, planning for adequate safety measures is complicated, so in these scenarios you wear a vest.

The O’Shen wave was embraced from behind bulletproof glass. The KMT seemingly tried to turn the issue into a campaign against Shen, but the National Police Agency has confirmed that they received intelligence regarding Shen’s security.

Hung Meng-kai
Legislator (KMT)
So ultimately was there any intelligence that was harmful to the candidate?

Lee Wen-chang
Deputy Director of the National Police Agency
Currently, we cannot publicly reveal the specific candidates or the progress of the investigation. This part was controlled.

While campaigning outdoors, candidate safety and proper security details are very important. Selection procedures for bodyguards are rigorous; they must have clean records with no demerits within 5 years and no disciplinary actions within 3 years. Shen has 2 bodyguards and 4 police officers on rotation for every outdoor activity. There are nearly 20,000 candidates across Taiwan and around 169 reported bodyguards. For candidates running for commissioners, mayors or councilors, it is normal to have 1 to 2 bodyguards each. If they receive any threats, the number of guards is adjusted.

Chen Chong-guang
Taiwanese Bodyguard School Instructor
Most of the time if there’s an incident outdoors, or if they receive a threat, they will need to evacuate the area secretly. Bodyguards must be skilled in Taekwondo or MMA. The worst thing is to be nervous. There needs to be a good understanding with the candidates.

When candidates are canvassing on the streets, bodyguards remain alert and focused; the core principle is to not let candidates come in harm’s way.

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

#bodyguards #security #campaign #taiwan #election

2026-10-28

Senior NHI premium exemption plan sparks equity concerns

Now that Taiwan is a super-aged society, demand for elderly care continues to grow and welfare resources are increasingly scrutinized. The Legislative Yuan recently passed a bill exempting people aged 65 and older from National Health Insurance premiums starting next year, and this has prompted concerns about additional government spending and the potential financial burden on the younger generation, as well as whether other social welfare programs would suffer as a result.

The National Health Insurance system provides comprehensive healthcare to everyone in Taiwan and has earned international recognition for its range of coverage and services. Recently, the Legislative Yuan passed an amendment exempting people aged 65 and over whose income falls below the 20% tax rate from paying premiums, sparking widespread debate.

Hung Tzu-jen
Taiwan College of Healthcare Executives director
People aged 65 and over account for about 43% of healthcare spending, with average annual medical expenses exceeding NT$90,000 per person. These costs will continue to rise with inflation, squeezing funding for other areas, such as the Long-Term Care 3.0 project, salary adjustments for healthcare workers, and the pace at which new drugs and technologies are covered by NHI.

Liu Huan-jui
Taiwan Young Patient Association secretary-general
The Executive Yuan estimates that expanding NHI premium subsidies to people aged 65 and older would require nearly NT$40 billion in additional funding each year. While supporting older people in financial need is important, Taiwan must establish a fair and sustainable system to ensure the NHI has sufficient resources to improve care, introduce new drugs, and safeguard the health of all generations.

Experts estimate that 83% of people 65 and over will qualify for the premium exemption. While this could ease the financial burden for older people, the additional costs could be shifted to younger generations and affect other social programs.

Wu Yu-chin
Active Aging Taiwan chair
Taiwan’s NHI system, a source of great pride, is something everyone cherishes and hopes will be sustainable. But this amendment makes young people wonder if they will have to shoulder the cost of NHI in the future, which would be unfair to them.

As the government adjusts its policies to support the nation’s aging population, it’s a challenge to ensure resources are allocated fairly and effectively.

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

#NHI #seniors #agingsociety #socialwelfare #amendment #premiums #exemptions #bill

2026-10-28

Hualien Sculpture Festival to feature light installations, music

This year’s edition of the Hualien International Stone Sculpture Festival will kick off in November. Based on the theme "under the skin of the earth," participating artists have been invited to explore the relationship between humans and the environment. Light installations and a concert featuring Golden Melody Award winners will be joining nine local and foreign artists who will showcase their original work.

Artists focus intently on their work, chipping away to bring the sculpture hidden inside the stone to life. The Hualien International Stone Sculpture Festival returns this year, featuring original work commissioned by the county government. This year’s theme, “under the skin of the earth,” likens the surface of the earth to an epidermis, interpreted differently by each sculptor.

Chen Hsuan-yu
Sculptor
The ocean here in Hualien is unique for Taiwan. It plunges straight down into a massive and extremely deep fault line. The fault line paired with the mountains creates a giant wall formed by the cliffs and the sea.

Lee Po-yuan
Sculptor
It’s about how the language of two people’s bodies interact. To me, boulders bring a sense of silent power.

Artists are incorporating Hualien’s dramatic ocean cliffside and the silent majesty of its rocky monoliths into their work. At the same time, the popular installation Breathing Stones, which drew 90,000 people to Sunrise Boulevard in Hualien the last time it was displayed, will come to Danongdafu Forest Park. The Hualien County Museum of Art will also feature many stone sculptures.

Chen Chien-tsun
Hualien Cultural Affairs Bureau director
We’ve invited sculptors who have come to Hualien before for the International Stone Sculpture Festival to come back and share their work again with all of us art lovers here in Hualien.

As a treat for the ears as well as the eyes, there will also be a concert held on the opening day of the festival. The exciting event is to feature Golden Melody-winning musicians Rich Huang and Baby Chung playing alongside renowned Swiss trumpeter Yannick Barman for a genre-spanning event to celebrate the start of this festival of the arts.

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

#Hualien #sculpture #art #artfestival #GoldenMelody #stonesculpture #artists

2026-10-28

From automation to autonomy: Industry trends in unmanned tech

As labor shortages intensify, unmanned technologies are emerging as a key solution to keeping society running. From hospital service robots to drones delivering emergency supplies, these technologies are moving beyond simple automation toward greater autonomy. The Industrial Technology Research Institute, or ITRI, is bringing industry leaders together to explore the latest developments and business opportunities in a series of seminars, as the sector looks toward a major growth period in the next four years.

ITRI on Wednesday held the inauguration ceremony of a series of seminars on industry development trends, with a focus on the outlook for 2027. Among the attendees were industry representatives from Qisda and the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robotics Association. One key topic was emerging trends in unmanned technologies and industrial applications.

Chi Chao-yin
ITRI ISTI
According to the National Development Council, labor productivity will have to increase by 40% by 2050 in order for society to function. That’s why unmanned technologies will take over to keep operations running. Humans may have to step back from doing frontline tasks and command the processes instead.

In the future, human workers may have to shift from frontline duties to behind-the-scenes roles such as managing and supervising. In hospitals, that means service robots can lead patients around the building and provide basic health information. In remote rural areas or disaster sites, drones can take over emergency supply deliveries, easily clearing geographic obstacles. Machines may even cooperate by themselves in the future, as unmanned technologies shift from automation to autonomy. The range of applications continues to expand.

Cally Ko
Qisda General Manager
There are two teams in our company. One, specializing in drones and the other, in physical AI, including four-legged and two-legged robots for commercial use. Orders have been placed already, and production has begun. The period from next year to early 2030 will be a huge boom in growth for the unmanned tech sector.

Industry players see strong growth potential for unmanned technologies, as applications extend to smart manufacturing, healthcare, logistics and energy infrastructure inspections. Over the next 8 days, more than 70 keynote speakers brought together by ITRI will share their insights at 16 seminar sessions, so that businesses are up-to-date on the latest industry trends.

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

#automation #autonomy #seminar #tech #unmannedtech

2026-10-28

3-year-old mountain bongo called Harris arrives in Taiwan

2026-10-28