Category：Life

Miaoli researchers breed disease-resistant honeybees

Climate change, pests, and diseases are threatening bee populations, and honey production is declining annually. But after five years of selective breeding, researchers in Miaoli have developed a new strain of bee that is resistant to disease and great at collecting nectar. These new and improved bees are better at keeping their hive clean and produce 30% more honey.

A beekeeper takes a frame out of the hive, covered in busy bees. Beekeepers harvest the honey they make, but with few flowers that produce nectar in the summer, they feed their bees sugar to keep them alive.

Beekeepers need healthy and strong bees. The Miaoli District Agricultural Research and Extension Station spent five years developing a super-bee by crossbreeding a colony with great hygiene with one that excels at collecting nectar. The resulting bees were both disease resistant and great at making honey.

The new bees’ hive-cleaning ability has improved from 70% to 90%, making them more resistant to disease, and they produce 30% more honey. The new strain is already working in two apiaries in Taichung and Tainan.

Huang Tzu-hao
Miaoli agricultural researcher
I hope this healthier strain of bee will be easier for keepers to raise and will prevent more diseases and pests.

Beekeepers are excited to try raising this new bee.

Hsu Chen-sen
Miaoli beekeeper
The success or failure of a hive, whether it does well or not, depends on the queen’s leadership. I also really hope to obtain the strain developed by the research station so we can try raising it.

Climate change has made it harder to raise bees, which has impacted honey production. Hopefully this new strain of disease-resistant bee bred by Miaoli researchers can help beekeepers keep their hives healthy and produce more honey.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#beekeeper #bees #honey #Miaoli #research #breeding #superbee #climatechange #disease #pests

2026-10-20

Workers told to pay NT$6,000 and use annual leave for company trip

Many workers appreciate it when their companies organize trips for staff to mingle away from the workplace. But it’s anything but fun when the outing comes with conditions. One social media user says that their company organized a two-day trip to Hualien that was riddled with problems. First, the itinerary was nothing to write home about, but more importantly, each employee had to pay NT$6,000 out of pocket to attend. Those who didn’t attend were forced to take annual leave anyway, and those who had used up their PTO had to get unpaid time off. It sounds unfair, but is it legal? Let’s hear more.

Member of public
Thinks company should pay
- I think company trips should be paid for by the company.

Member of public
Doesn’t agree with conditions
- Two days one night in Hualien.
- Is it compulsory?
- If you don’t, you still have to request leave.
- That’s a little unreasonable.

Voice of Wang Chin-jung
Ministry of Labor
Article 38 of the Labor Standards Act states that the dates of annual leave are to be arranged by the employee. Employers cannot unilaterally schedule annual leave or force employees to take leave. If an employer violates these regulations, employees can file a complaint with their local city or county labor affairs bureau, or call the Ministry of Labor’s 1955 hotline to protect their rights. If the violation is confirmed, the employer can face a fine of up to NT$1 million.

Netizens criticized the lousy itinerary. The activities on Day 1 included: looking at the sea, going to a night market and sleeping at a hotel in the city. Day 2 was even more underwhelming, with the return home scheduled for after lunch. Altogether, the price for accommodation, transport and tickets to the sights was already close to NT$6,000 meaning savings were pretty low anyway. No wonder netizens said the company should at least foot the bill.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#trip #hualien #work #holiday #travel

2026-10-20

TaiwanICDF campus youth ambassadors return home

Taiwan is turning to its younger generation to help promote public diplomacy. Six university students selected as campus ambassadors by TaiwanICDF traveled to diplomatic allies Eswatini in Africa and St. Lucia in the Caribbean to witness Taiwan’s overseas aid efforts firsthand. Armed with cameras, they documented how international cooperation is making a difference in local communities, learning that aid is not just about giving, but creating a virtuous circle.

- Fish ponds have evolved into aquaculture farms. We’ve seen first-hand how locals have gradually introduced technology into their daily lives.

From aquaculture farms, fisheries, and women’s entrepreneurship in Eswatini…

- Some protect the health of the community, while others apply knowledge into their daily lives.

…to chronic disease prevention and digital technology training in St. Lucia. Six Taiwanese students became Campus Youth Ambassadors at two of Taiwan’s diplomatic allies. Now back in Taiwan, they shared their experiences on the ground.

Tsai Wan-yin
Eswatini Campus Youth Ambassador
The point of international cooperation is not just about providing assistance. It’s about the virtuous circle that is created when they pick up new skills.

Fan Chiang Tzu-chi
Eswatini Campus Youth Ambassador
I had no idea what pap was, but when we were there we saw it was a kind of corn porridge. We followed the local custom and ate with our hands.

These young ambassadors have evolved into newer selves, and their families all noticed. Especially Fan Chiang Tzu-chi’s mother, who recorded a video that brought her daughter to tears. The heads of the groups abroad even made a surprise conference call with the participants.

Yu Ting-hsuan
St. Lucia Campus Youth Ambassador
Real diplomacy and real exchanges don’t just happen in formal settings. Chatting and hanging out with locals is a form of international exchange in itself. Sometimes, you have to gather courage and step out of your comfort zone, try new things. The world is a bigger place than you might think.

Chen Ming-chi
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
The more important thing is working together with our partners to solve problems and cultivate local talents, so that the solutions are long lasting. As we say in our ministry, “Taiwan can help. Our partners can lead.”

Stephen Lee
TaiwanICDF Deputy Secretary General
Besides the 30th-anniversary events, we hope that when you return to your schools, you can share with everyone about the broader impact of Taiwan’s international cooperation efforts overseas.

Young people are using the power of storytelling to bring Taiwan’s overseas aid achievements into the public spotlight. Youth representatives from Taiwan’s diplomatic allies, who are set to visit Taiwan soon, also attended to show their support, ushering in a new chapter for public diplomacy.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#icdf #diplomacy #taiwan #eswatini #stlucia

2026-10-20

Taoyuan beef noodle shop criticized for giving firefighters free meals

A beef noodle restaurant in Taichung has offered free meals to firefighters since a factory fire in 2015 claimed the lives of six of their colleagues. The shop has given away hundreds of meals over the past decade. But one customer recently criticized the owner for favoring a particular profession. The comment upset the owner, who said that firefighters save lives and it’s their choice to support them.

A waiter serves a hot bowl of beef noodle soup, made fresh to order. It has large chunks of beef, as well as an egg, vegetables, and plenty of spring onion.

This beef noodle restaurant in Taichung’s West District is highly rated, but one review recently made the owner furious. He reposted the comment, saying: “Come read this garbage and see what kind of people society is raising.” The review said: “If there are discounts for certain professions, most people won’t want to buy it.” The owner fired back, saying: “This is my choice. Firefighters risk their lives to save you in an emergency. Offering them free meals is my business, and none of yours.” Others commented that people these days even get criticized for doing good deeds, while another said the person was just bitter.

Beef noodle restaurant owner
Firefighter supporter
I was upset when I saw the comment, more upset than seeing a one-star review. The deal for firefighters started after the 2015 fire in Xinwu District which claimed the lives of six young firefighters. I was a full-time dad caring for my one-year-old daughter then, so seeing that news made me very sad.

The owner promised to support firefighters after the six died saving lives in a 2015 fire. He can’t afford to donate a fire truck, but he could treat them to a bowl of noodles every once in a while.

Beef noodle restaurant owner
Firefighter supporter
Firefighters only need to show their badge, and I will treat them to a bowl of noodles. Sometimes the whole team comes.

Chou Chin-cheng
Taichung firefighter
Firefighters who have visited the restaurant with their IDs shared their experiences with their colleagues and gave the restaurant very positive feedback.

Firefighters thanked the restaurant for offering them free noodles. The owner has given away countless meals over the past 11 years. Despite the recent criticism, he said he would continue treating them as long as the restaurant remains open, so they know people appreciate their sacrifice.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#beefnoodles #Taoyuan #restaurant #firefighter #fire #deal #altruism #giveback

2026-10-20

Police officer carries trapped woman down six floors

A fire broke out recently at a hotel in Taichung’s North District after a fuse box let out sparks, setting off alarms throughout the building. When an 82-year-old woman had trouble taking the stairs, a responding police officer rushed to carry her down all six floors on his back.

An elderly woman on the sixth floor of this building had no way to get down the stairs. Without thinking twice, a police officer rushed up to get her.

- Someone needs help. Her mother has mobility issues and needs to be carried.
- The sixth floor?
- Yes.

In the room he discovered a woman in her 80s feeling dizzy and barely able to move. The officer crouched down to gather her on his back and returned to the stairwell.

- Let her lean on my shoulder first.
- Take it easy.
- Alright, lean onto my shoulder and hold on tight.
- We’re walking. We’re going down now.

A fire recently broke out at this hotel in Taichung’s North District, caused by a sparking fuse box. The hotel evacuated according to code, but an elderly woman needed help.

Huang Yu-sheng
Wenzheng Station deputy police chief
Officer Chiu sprinted up to the sixth floor without hesitation, and carried the woman on his back down to safety. He then handed her over to paramedics, averting disaster.

Step by careful step, the officer carried the woman down six flights of stairs to deliver her to the paramedics. Fortunately, her condition wasn’t serious, much to the relief of her worried family.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#police #hero #fire #heartwarming #Taichung #elderly #piggybackride

2026-10-19

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
I first came to Taiwan because I was curious. I ended up loving it here. I feel like Taiwan is very free, and I feel really happy here. One part is because I’m gay, and Taiwan is a very accepting society. That was really important. Because when I’m out and about I don’t feel like I’m in danger or anything.

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:
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#costumedesign #drag #梵雅戈 #sewing #taiwan

2026-10-16

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.

Aside from the month-long market to be held at the new station, Taiwan Railways Administration also launched a limited edition iPass with the design of the old station attracting many customers to buy it as a collectible.

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

During this period, locals can be seen everyday stopping to take photos of the old railway station, not only recording the trains running through the city but also capturing how the city’s landscape evolves. With the final train departing tonight, a new chapter officially begins for Tainan Railway.

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

#tra #taiwanrailway #emotional #farewell #monument #tainan

2026-10-16

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

2026-10-16

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.

Sports events naturally combine with tourism, especially in a place as beautiful as Taitung. I trust that the county government is working very hard to keep improving this event. It provides more Taiwanese athletes with opportunities to compete alongside and learn from their international peers.

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:
Mon to Fri at 9:30 pm on Channel 152
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#surfing #WSL #TaiwanOpenofSurfing #sports #Taitung #streetdance #skateboarding

2026-10-16

Pepper spray mishap sends 7 middle schoolers to hospital

A group of middle school students on Wednesday learned not to play with dangerous chemicals, after a mishap with a pepper spray that sent seven students to the hospital. The incident happened during recess, when two students were messing around with the weapon. The spray was accidentally triggered and seven students inhaled the gas. Let’s hear more.

Director of student affairs
Middle school
They were playing with the spray yesterday. From what we know, they weren’t spraying it directly at anyone, just into the air. Perhaps then it drifted into the classroom, where the students inhaled it. It’s a very irritant chemical.

Chang Chiung-sheng
Pingtung County Education Department
The school has arranged counseling sessions with the class. We have asked the school to ramp up security measures, and educate students on the use of protective equipment.

Chen Chien-chih
Paochien Hospital Emergency Physician
Usually the effects of the spray don’t last long. It wears off in about half an hour. The four kids who were brought in yesterday were experiencing throat pain. Their throats appeared a bit red and inflamed.

The school does not prohibit students from carrying pepper spray for self-defense. These products often contain chemical irritants such as capsaicin, tear gas or mustard essential oil. When sprayed as a mist, the substances can cause severe coughing, a burning sensation in the throat and choking if inhaled. They may also cause dizziness and eye irritation. The school says it will teach students about the substances, emphasizing the proper use of such products and their potential risks.

For more Taiwan news, tune in:
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#pepperspray #school #pingtung #middleschool #schoolife

2026-10-15