title: 黃號對於感情觀  分手後完全無法當朋友

content_text:
墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

黃號近日再推出號式情歌第15號作品 照片提供 : 山夏國際娛樂

新生代創作歌手黃號上個月推出直球對決系情歌〈Fxxk you〉後，深受粉絲喜愛大讚「好聽瘋了！超洗腦！」，黃號靈感不斷在近日再推出號式情歌第15號作品〈他不懂〉，創作靈感來自於「理解」這件事：「很多時候，我們不是還沒走出來，而是看到對方重新開始時，心裡那個小聲音又冒出來。歌裡的「他」——其實是她的他。

黃號創作靈感來自於「理解」 照片提供 : 山夏國際娛樂

「那種感覺不是嫉妒，而是有點像在看著一個你曾經熟悉的人被別人重新理解、重新擁抱，心裡既希望她幸福，又有一點不甘。那個「他不懂」，既是對對方說的，也是對自己說的。」黃號對於感情觀直說自己是「理暈派」，他會用很多理由說服自己，既有理智同時也在暈。但如果分手是完全無法當朋友，內心其實不是不想當朋友，而是那段關係讓彼此太熟悉，也太難再回到「朋友」的距離。

黃號自寫自唱自導自演自拍自剪MV 照片提供 : 山夏國際娛樂

這次黃號自寫自唱自導自演自拍自剪MV，展現全能才華，希望呈現最真實的自己給觀眾。MV從頭到尾由黃號一人孤獨料理，最後的那顆「哭哭蛋包飯」是黃號給這首歌的一個象徵。外表看起來完整、柔軟，但裡面藏著翻攪過的碎念，就像妳我一樣。

黃號出道剛滿3週年宣布要舉辦個人專場演唱會 照片提供 : 山夏國際娛樂

黃號出道剛滿3週年，除了接連發表2首號式情歌外，也驚喜宣布要舉辦個人專場演唱會，黃號表示：「有點緊張，但更多是期待。這場演唱會對於我來說像是一個「重新整理」，把這幾年的情緒都一次唱給大家聽。」黃號謝謝歌迷一路上的支持，很多時候覺得自己表達不夠清楚，但歌迷們總能聽懂那些沒講完的話。希望這首〈他不懂〉能陪著歌迷一起去理解那些「說不出口」的感覺。

【黃號 BORN TO HAO 一號紀念日 專場演唱會】將於11月16日黃號生日當天在NUZONE展演空間開唱，10月22日中午12:00正式售票，詳情請洽KKTIX售票系統。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 黃號對於感情觀 分手後完全無法當朋友


content_text:
墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

胡鬧戰隊(左起)主唱小馬、余謝。（圖：VieFor App）

社交平台 VieFor App 邀請人氣樂團胡鬧戰隊、網紅紀牛牛與向怪魚上街搞鬼。攜手來自荷蘭的數位藝術家 Lotte Vont，將信義街頭打造成超現實的沉浸式異界空間。邀請大家10月25日（六）晚間，《有趣人類萬聖局 HAUNTED GALA》將於Social Company（台北市信義區松壽路12號1樓）舉辦「紅毯抓鬼行動」，隨機邀請裝扮最狂的路人走上紅毯，錄下即時畫面上傳 VieFor App，參加「萬聖紅毯競賽」。

「胡鬧戰隊」在網路上以惡搞聞名，他們因為「大港開唱」而被激起樂團夢， 2017 年正式成團，目前邁入第 8 年。他們笑稱自己是從熱舞社「玩到變成樂團」，團名靈感來自他們真的很胡鬧也自稱：「最大的危機就是，我們真的很爛！」此一言論充滿年輕世代的搞怪和作自己的風格。

胡鬧戰隊 POCA(左)余謝(右)。（圖：VieFor App）

「胡鬧戰隊」因為自知不是實力派也不是偶像派，為了表演豐富，曾在一首歌中途硬插「爛魔術秀」贏得粉絲喝彩，最近還加入了「雙節棍表演」，重點是團員沒人會雙節棍這項才藝。胡鬧戰隊笑說：「我們的原則是，看起來要夠荒謬，但又不能太刻意。那個界線很難抓，但那就是『胡鬧』的精髓！」

這樣的精神，讓他們成為許多音樂祭與創作平台眼中奇特存在，觀眾從一開始的錯愕，到最後跟著大笑、一起胡鬧，這股「不正經的真誠」正是他們的魅力。

(左起)網紅紀牛牛、向怪魚。（圖：VieFor App）

日前胡鬧戰隊推出全新作品〈99奇幻冒險〉在歌曲中分享「微醺創作」十分有特色，在網路上形成討論。胡鬧戰隊也分享某次參加露營音樂祭，他們在攤位喝到凌晨，其中一位團員不幸「吐在帳篷裡」，味道之強烈讓全團無法入睡。團長笑說：「那晚大家只好睡在外面，只有那個吐的跟另一個醉到不行的還躺在帳篷裡。」自此以後，胡鬧戰隊立下團規：「露營請各自帶帳篷，愛怎麼鬧，自己負責。」

這次活動的主題是「萬聖節搞鬼」，胡鬧戰隊分享他們精心準備的內容：「這次活動我們在VieFor組織了一個真正的『抓鬼戰隊』，要向信義區的人類發起「紅毯走秀挑戰」，畢竟大家都特別萬聖裝扮，可以秀自己的同時，又能在VieFor上玩競賽贏獎金，喝免費特調，歡迎大家來挑戰。

胡鬧戰隊萬聖節上街頭搞鬼 VieFor App 打造抓鬼現場。(左起)主唱小馬、吉他手POCA、余謝。（圖：VieFor App）

當天與胡鬧戰隊一樣敢鬧的，還有網紅紀牛牛與向怪魚。談到萬聖節裝扮，牛牛和怪魚的回憶也是滿滿戲劇性。牛牛笑說：「前年我扮成一隻腳，超大的那種！我就在街上亂走，還跟路人用腳底板擊掌！」向怪魚則自爆：「我去年扮成《美國殺人魔》主角Patrick Bateman，結果超慘：完全沒人認出我！我道具都準備好了，還拿真的斧頭搭捷運，一路超緊張怕被抓。現在想起來真的又荒謬又好笑。」

社交平台 VieFor App 不只在線上舉辦「萬聖紅毯競賽」，現場還準備了 300 杯免費特調！

只要下載 VieFor App，就能直接免費兌換。歡迎大家一起搞鬼、拍影片上傳 VieFor，說不定下一個爆紅的就是你！

此篇文章最開始出處為: 熱舞社組樂團超荒謬 胡鬧戰隊萬聖節上街頭搞鬼

title: 熱舞社組樂團超荒謬 胡鬧戰隊萬聖節上街頭搞鬼

countries: 美國 荷蘭

taiwan-subdivisions: 信義 信義區


title: 「2025自主BIKE FUN騎遇東北角」 倒數一周   把握最後挑戰機會！

content_text:
記者張辰卿/地方報導

東北角及宜蘭海岸國家風景區管理處配合交通部觀光署推動「極點慢旅－極東點三貂角燈塔」，並宣傳16條多元自行車旅遊路線。今年適逢三貂角燈塔90週年，特別推出「2025自主BIKE FUN騎遇東北角」活動，以經典的舊草嶺自行車環狀線為主軸，邀請民眾以雙輪慢旅探索東北角的山海風光。

活動自5月24日啟動以來，吸引眾多車友與旅人共襄盛舉，穿越百年舊草嶺隧道、欣賞極東海岸線與漁村風情，體驗「極點慢旅」的魅力。活動將於10月30日截止，目前進入最後倒數階段，喜愛單車挑戰的民眾請把握最後一個禮拜機會。

活動辦法-活動期間：2025/5/24 – 2025/10/30

挑戰路線：舊草嶺自行車環狀線

任務二選一：

① 拍下三個指定景點的【人＋車＋景】合照

② 使用軌跡App（如 Velodash）完整記錄騎乘路線

指定拍照景點：

舊草嶺隧道、峭壁小屋（九號咖啡石城館）、石城服務區（蘫咖啡）、萊萊秘境－來廢畫、四角窟觀景台、極東公園、三貂角燈塔、馬崗哨所、澳礁咖啡、福隆沙灘

挑戰完成後：至東北角管理處官網申請電子完騎證書（ https://reurl.cc/Z4v8kg）。

活動再加碼 上傳抽好禮

完成挑戰後，於官方臉書【自主BIKE FUN騎遇東北角】活動貼文留言處，上傳挑戰照片（人＋車＋景）或軌跡截圖，即可參加抽獎：天梭手錶（市價NT$14,800）×1 、KPLUS 環法限定安全帽（市價NT$7,680）×1 、BONE 單車手機車綁（市價NT$590）×8 。

活動貼文處：https://reurl.cc/4N0qKK

抽獎結果將於10月31日（五）下午3點公布於「東北角之友」粉絲專頁。

「2025自主BIKE FUN騎遇東北角」以慢旅為主軸，結合自然景觀、人文風情與數位互動挑戰，帶領民眾以最自由的方式探索東北角。隨著活動進入最後一個月，誠摯邀請大家再度上路，以雙輪完成極東之旅，留下屬於自己的完騎印記。提醒各位車友，近期東北季風氣勢漸強，悠閒騎車之餘，還請注意自身安全。更多資訊請搜尋臉書粉絲專頁「東北角之友」。


title: 茱莉亞音樂學院最年輕教授　馮勇智連兩夜演繹巴赫經典

taiwan-subdivisions: 臺北 高雄

countries: 臺灣 保加利亞 美國

content_text:
記者陳立驌/高雄報導

榮獲「史上最年輕柴科夫斯基國際音樂大賽大提琴組金獎」的馮勇智（Zlatomir Fung），年僅二十出頭便震撼全球古典樂壇，被譽為「當代最具潛力的大提琴家之一」。這位同時也是茱莉亞音樂學院史上最年輕教授的天才音樂家，即將首度以獨奏之姿登上臺灣舞台，獻演音樂史上最深邃經典──巴赫《無伴奏大提琴組曲》（J.S. Bach: Cello Suites）。

馮勇智將於10月27日在臺北演出第1、5、6號組曲，10月28日則於高雄獻奏第2、3、4號組曲，連續兩晚完整呈現巴赫對大提琴語言的極致探索。此次演出不僅是他音樂旅程中的重要篇章，也讓臺灣樂迷得以近距離感受這位國際樂壇新星的藝術深度。

去年，馮勇智曾於衛武營國際音樂節閉幕音樂會中，以當代作曲家陳銀淑的大提琴協奏曲技驚全場；今年則在長榮交響樂團指揮家梵志登出任駐團藝術家的音樂會上，再度以柴賽金曲《洛可可主題變奏曲》展現無懈可擊的技巧。無論古典或現代曲目，他皆能在理性結構與情感張力間取得完美平衡，令人讚嘆。

▲榮獲「史上最年輕柴科夫斯基國際音樂大賽大提琴組金獎」的馮勇智（Zlatomir Fung），年僅二十出頭便震撼全球古典樂壇，被譽為「當代最具潛力的大提琴家之一」。（圖／記者陳立驌攝）談及此次獨奏曲目，馮勇智指出，巴赫《無伴奏大提琴組曲》看似結構相似，卻蘊藏細微差異與豐富層次，唯有聆聽者全神貫注，方能察覺其獨特魅力。他的詮釋哲學，是為每首組曲尋找最強烈的音樂主張並予以凸顯，讓六首作品各自擁有鮮明個性與靈魂。他提醒觀眾：「巴赫的組曲本質上是舞曲，音樂與身體動作、舞蹈節奏及情緒表達息息相關，理解這一點，才能真正感受到音樂的生命力。」

馮勇智特別鍾愛《第五號組曲》，讚嘆巴赫在和聲架構中的高度智慧與情感張力。他形容，這些音樂不僅是理性的建構，更是深刻的生命體驗──莎拉邦德舞曲如同平衡步伐的冥想，而吉格舞曲則充滿節慶的奔放，讓人感受速度與能量的共振。「巴赫的音樂，是思想與心靈的融合。」他說。

這次來臺，馮勇智攜帶一把1735年的「多梅尼科・蒙塔尼亞納」（Domenico Montagnana）名琴，為慷慨贊助者所出借。他笑說，由於臺灣氣候濕潤，一入住飯店便趕緊準備除濕機，「這把琴就像我的呼吸一樣重要，必須細心照顧。」

身兼華裔與保加利亞血統的馮勇智，三歲開始學習大提琴，少年時即嶄露鋒芒，先後獲得美國伊利諾伊拉維尼亞Steans音樂學院、海菲茲國際音樂學院、MusicAlp及亞斯本音樂節等著名機構獎學金。他在茱莉亞音樂院師從理查・亞倫（Richard Aaron）與提摩西・艾迪（Timothy Eddy），並獲得Kovner Fellowship全額獎助。2024年，他榮任茱莉亞音樂學院大提琴系教師，成為該校有史以來最年輕的教授。


content_text:
墨新聞｜記者孫筱華／新北報導

「2025新北歡樂耶誕城」將在11月14日開城，新北市長侯友宜今(23)日出席啟動記者會，揭開今年活動主視覺「馬戲嘉年華」及合作IP「LINE FRIENDS & LINE FRIENDS minini」，侯友宜邀請大小朋友一起來新北與熊大展開冒險旅程，體驗充滿歡樂與驚喜的耶誕派對。

侯友宜表示，每年吸引許多人前來朝聖，除榮獲諸多國際獎項肯定，去(113)年更創下770萬人次造訪紀錄，已成為全臺知名的冬季盛事。侯友宜表示，新北歡樂耶誕城以別出心裁的主題與亮點，每年吸引許多人前來朝聖，除榮獲諸多國際獎項肯定，去(113)年更創下770萬人次造訪紀錄，已成為全臺知名的冬季盛事。今年活動特別與高人氣IP 「LINE FRIENDS」及「LINE FRIENDS minini」共同打造馬戲嘉年華，於市民廣場、站前廣場、萬坪公園及府中廣場分別布置「星空馬戲園區」、「歐洲夢幻童話村」、「minini歡樂點心小鎮」與「LINE FRIENDS冒險遊樂場」等主題區，並推出14個系列活動，歡迎大家一同加入繽紛璀璨的馬戲嘉年華派對。

侯友宜邀民眾與LINE FRIENDS一起冒險觀旅局補充說明，今年活動亮點，包括開城夜的馬戲大秀；演唱會投射光影隨音樂節奏變化，創造沉浸式聲光體驗；可愛LINE FRIENDS熊大與minini夥伴們將現身燈區，打造耶誕限定打卡點；五感沉浸體驗區讓身體感官體驗科技的趣味與驚喜；利用大型貨櫃營造裸視3D特效；機械裝置動感展演則透過燈光、機械與聲效交織出具科技感的耶誕氛圍。今年更與全臺 7-ELEVEN 合作行銷，更推出限量版「CHOCO熊美爆米花桶」。

「2025新北歡樂耶誕城」系列活動包括11月14日登場的「耶誕開城馬戲SHOW」、11月15、16日的「童樂馬戲嘉年華」、12月5日至7日舉行「Freunde willkommen! 德國耶誕市集」，萬眾矚目的「巨星耶誕演唱會-The Greatest Show」則於12月13日至14日盛大登場，在耶誕節當日將舉辦「管樂嘉年華 耶誕響叮噹」音樂饗宴。更多活動訊息，請上新北市觀光旅遊網、2025新北歡樂耶誕城官方網站、新北旅客Facebook粉絲專頁或新北旅客官方Instagram查詢。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 新北歡樂耶誕城11/14開城 侯友宜邀你同遊馬戲嘉年華

taiwan-subdivisions: 新北 新北市

title: 新北歡樂耶誕城11/14開城　侯友宜邀你同遊馬戲嘉年華


content_text:
墨新聞｜記者張游舜／台北報導

南投縣長許淑華23日率縣府團隊到彰化參訪「2025台灣設計展」。該展覽由經濟部與彰化縣政府共同策劃，以「彰化行」為主題，吸引超過700位設計師及上千家企業盛大參與，展覽橫跨彰化市、鹿港鎮與彰南三大展區，充分展現地方產業、文化與生活的豐富融合。

許淑華表示，今年10月南投舉辦世界茶業博覽會並承辦國慶焰火，期間邀請彰化縣長王惠美到南投交流並交換意見。當時，王縣長介紹彰化台灣設計展活動，並邀請南投縣府團隊參加，縣府一級主管及相關科室近80人前來學習，盼透過與彰化的交流深化城市美學發展。

許淑華指出，由於這次活動展覽展區分布於不同鄉鎮，因此特地安排參訪彰化市及鹿港兩大展區，以汲取經驗。她也指出，彰化長期以農業與工業為經濟基礎，但透過此次參訪深刻體會到其城市文化內涵的豐厚、各鄉鎮獨具的特色，這不僅讓人感受彰化的魅力，同時也激發如何加強中部地區合作，透過這樣的交流機會，希望未來南投與彰化能建立更緊密的合作，共同推進經貿活動與觀光發展。

縣府團隊參訪彰化2025台灣設計展，先走訪彰化市展區，了解武德殿與美術館為核心的展館群，感受彰化在製造業與設計創新領域所展現的高度融合創意；而鹿港展區則透過互動性和沉浸式體驗，讓人感受鹿港深厚的歷史文化底蘊。展覽期間，有市集、演唱會、光雕秀以及公共場域改造、街道創作實驗和走讀藝術節等設計項目，使整個彰化城變成一座充滿創意與活力的大型舞台。

南投縣府表示，此次參訪不僅讓團隊看到到地方產業設計實力，也啟發城市治理和產業規劃。

照片/南投縣政府提供

此篇文章最開始出處為: 許淑華參訪彰化台灣設計展 交流城市發展經驗

title: 許淑華參訪彰化台灣設計展　交流城市發展經驗

people: 許淑華 王惠美

taiwan-subdivisions: 彰化 南投縣 鹿港 彰化縣


content_text:
墨新聞｜記者張游舜／台北報導

緣起，去(113)年10月20日日月螺陽帝巡五城堡祈福活動，由魚池鄉受福宮玄天上帝、西螺魚寮鎮南宮玄天上帝與天上聖母一起為魚池地區祈福，在沒有一定的路線，行經東峰紅茶莊園時，神轎主動進入莊園繞行庇佑並特別進入製茶廠區內加持製茶設備及發酵室，神明也護佑莊園執行長林禎鈴及其團隊，讓東峰做的更好、更受大家的愛戴，並保佑大家身體健康、平安。

鎮南宮主委廖承泰表示，帝爺公(玄天上帝)與媽祖婆(天上聖母)能主動進入東峰紅茶莊園加持與賜福，就能說明莊園的執行長林禎鈴平時都有在默默的行善布施、為人謙和、做生意實實在在，才能受到帝爺公與媽祖婆的庇佑。期望大家能夠布施行善、正直做人、貢獻社會、遵守法紀，必能得到神明的保佑與賜福。

製茶設備及發酵室經帝爺公與媽祖婆加持賜福之後，經數日後所製作新的一批紅茶茶葉完成時，由林執行長品茶試喝，發覺這批茶葉有著非常驚艷的色澤及甘甜的口感，其風味特殊迷人，在不知情的朋友及客人來品茶之後，都異口同聲的說，這批紅茶特別好喝，口感甘甜鮮活爽口、色澤澄凈透明、味道上馥郁芬芳、清香撲鼻，且收斂性極佳，非常的與眾不同。

113年11月23日執行長林禎鈴與家人特地到西螺魚寮鎮南宮，拿這批特別好喝的紅茶來答謝帝爺公與媽祖婆恩賜好茶與加持及賜福。

去年由東峰紅茶莊園所設計的「蘭色蜜境」禮盒，獲選為南投十大伴手禮暨台灣百大伴手禮及其莊園也獲得國產茶「飲享佳作獎」等殊榮。

今(114)年6月27日其團隊所設計的「畫影茶韻」禮盒，再次獲選為南投十大伴手禮暨台灣百大伴手禮的榮譽。連續兩年獲獎，東峰莊園的用心深獲各界好評與喜愛。

執行長林禎鈴表示，非常感謝帝爺公與媽祖婆對東峰的庇護與加持，日後定當更積極的來為人處事，多行善舉並幫助需要幫助的人，以感謝眾神明對東峰莊園的保佑與賜福。

今天(10/23)上午林禎鈴執行長前往參加南投縣商業會所舉辦的慶祝第78屆商人節大會，並接受大會所頒發2025南投十大伴手禮獎的殊榮。而下午也特地與日月潭茶文化推廣協會的理事陳美昭、林孟華、李舒婷等幾位好朋友，帶著近日所做好的優質紅茶，再次來到西螺魚寮鎮南宮參拜，感謝帝爺公與媽祖婆等眾神明的庇佑與加持，並祈求保佑東峰紅茶莊園正在興建的工廠，施工期間能夠平安順利並如期的完工，早日以展新的面貌來服務喜愛喝紅茶的社會大眾。

林執行長說，今天前往參拜，非常感謝主委廖承泰、副主委林士元及財委葉順晴等人，在百忙之中撥冗接待，大家相約10月26日媽祖婆(天上聖母)回白沙屯拱天宮娘家時再相見。

這段神定之緣，在地方也成為大家茶餘飯後所談論的話題，多行善舉，老實做人及做生意，必得神助。

照片(圖)東峰紅茶莊園提供/記者張游舜攝

此篇文章最開始出處為: 雲林西螺魚寮鎮南宮與日月潭東峰紅茶莊園–神定之緣

taiwan-subdivisions: 西螺 雲林 魚池 白沙 南投 南投縣

title: 雲林西螺魚寮鎮南宮與日月潭東峰紅茶莊園–神定之緣


content_text:
香港2025年10月23日 /美通社/ — 2025香港國際人才節於10月20至21日在香港會議展覽中心成功舉辦。多位政府官員、業界精英、學界專家、海內外各領域人才以及逾70家參展企業和機構等齊聚香江，進行主題演講、政策研討、思想交流、展覽展示等。為期兩天活動共吸引超過一萬名人才與會，盛況非凡，彰顯了香港作為國際人才樞紐的魅力與影響力。

作為香港首屆人才節，大會以「凝才聚智，協同發展，領航未來」為主題，活動多元、亮點紛呈，融匯香港優才及專才協會第四屆理監事會就職典禮、第五屆香港國際人才高峰論壇、2025香港國際人才職業博覽會第四季、科學人才論壇、數字經濟人才論壇及人才優越生活論壇六大旗艦活動，全面搭建國際高端人才交流合作平台。

旗艦活動一：香港優才及專才協會第四屆理監事會就職典禮暨2025香港國際人才節開幕式

10月20日晚，香港優才及專才協會迎來第四屆理監事會就職典禮。協會創會主席駱勇致歡迎辭，他指出，協會創辦十二年來，在社會各界的支持下，已發展成長為有政策影響力、專業服務力、會員凝聚力的人才型、政策型、服務型、智庫型公益組織。他相信新一屆團隊能夠進一步凝聚廣大來港人才，更積極「融入香港、扎根灣區、服務國家、面向世界」，為香港和國家發展做出更多貢獻。

香港特區政府律政司副司長張國鈞作為主禮嘉賓發表致辭，充分肯定協會在引進人才、促進香港發展方面的重要貢獻。他表示，特區政府將繼續支持協會工作，期待協會繼續發揮專業優勢，為來港人才提供更多發展機遇，助力香港建設國際高端人才集聚高地，為國家發展貢獻更大力量。

隨後，香港優才及專才協會會長孫曦、主席陸海天依次發表致辭，闡述新一屆理監事會工作規劃與人才發展願景。孫曦表示，協會將繼續以「服務人才、賦能香港、貢獻國家」為行動綱領，全力支持特區政府人才政策，做愛國愛港的「貢獻者」、香港發展的「建設者」和人才成長的「服務者」。

陸海天主席表示，上一個十年，協會提出「為夢想凝聚」的口號，未來要共同努力「為夢想打拚」。重點從以下三個方面開展工作：打造國際化人才交流平台、助力人才融入香港社會、推動人才政策的創新與完善，共同開啟香港人才發展的嶄新篇章。

典禮期間舉行了一系列委任儀式，包括：會長、主席委任狀頒授；創會主席委任狀頒授；名譽會長、副會長委任狀頒授；主席團、理事會、監事會委任狀頒授；各委員會會長委任狀頒授。

其中，香港特別行政區律政司副司長張國鈞向孫曦頒發香港優才及專才協會第四屆會長委任狀，中央政府駐港聯絡辦九龍工作部部長祝小東向陸海天頒發協會第四屆主席委任狀，香港特別行政區入境事務處處長郭俊峯向駱勇頒發協會創會主席委任狀，香港中國企業協會總裁于曉向王磊、冼漢廸頒發協會名譽會長委任狀。隨着新一屆理監事會成員正式就職，香港優才及專才協會第四屆理監事會就職典禮圓滿禮成。

同場，2025香港國際人才節正式啟動。香港特區政府律政司副司長張國鈞，中聯辦九龍工作部部長祝小東，香港特區政府入境事務處處長郭俊峯，香港特區政府勞工及福利局副局長何啟明，香港人才服務辦公室總監陳海勁，煙台市委常委、市委人才工作領導小組辦公室主任高建廣，廣州市南沙區委常委、區委人才工作領導小组辦公室主任張家炳，香港優才及專才協會會長孫曦，香港優才及專才協會主席陸海天，香港優才及專才協會創會主席駱勇，香港管理專業協會行政總裁胡志君，香港經濟日報集團執行董事、香港經濟日報社長、CTgoodjobs董事王清，iCANX聯合創始人兼行政總裁辛向軍作為主禮嘉賓，共同為人才節拉開序幕。

隨後，高建廣先生發表致辭，他表示煙台與香港同為沿海開放城市，兩地經貿合作源遠流長、人文交流互動頻繁，是攜手同行40餘載的好夥伴。他希望未來雙方持續深化交流成果，共享粵港澳大灣區建設和綠色低碳高質量發展先行區等戰略機遇，不斷加強人才合作。

張家炳先生在致辭中指出，人才是重塑全球格局的「第一資源」，南沙要實現國家賦予的使命任務，深化粵港澳全面合作，最重要的是下好人才這盤「先手棋」。南沙致力於攜手香港共建大灣區高水平人才高地和高質量發展引擎。未來，南沙將聯合港澳面向全球招引培養各類人才，為大灣區帶來新的發展機遇和空間。

2025香港國際人才節暨香港國際人才高峰論壇展區

2025香港國際人才節專門設立了展覽展示區域，吸引了一大批內地城市、政府組織及標桿企業機構參與展覽展示。其中，廣州南沙、煙台、珠海、中山、江門等內地城市作為活動的聯合主辦方，積極參與其中。同時，活動也匯聚了如iCANX、U8世界創新峰會等國際組織，共同帶來南沙人才發展公司、大灣區博士後公共研究中心、離岸基地（南沙）、健帆生物（Jafron）、硅芯科技（SiChip）、映訊芯光（Inxun Technology）、深譯科技（DeepTranx）、珠海城職院（ZHCPT）等眾多單位參展。

旗艦活動二：第五屆香港國際人才高峰論壇

香港國際人才高峰論壇於人才節開幕後開啟，本屆高峰論壇圍繞三大主題展開。主題一部分，前保安局局長、現任立法會議員、新民黨常務副主席黎棟國，香港理工大學計算學系教授、電腦及數學科學院副院長楊紅霞，水滴創始人、董事會主席、CEO 沈鵬博士，國家一級演員、原香港芭蕾舞團首席、中央芭蕾舞團主要演員吳焱，四位來自不同領域的重量級嘉賓共同圍繞「打造國際人才自由港 建設高端人才集聚地」展開圓桌論壇，從不同角度為人才政策完善提出真知灼見，指出香港人才政策正從「量的擴張」走向「質的提升」，後續需重點關注人才來港後的就業發展與社會融入，讓人才留下來是社會共同努力的方向。

「主題二 人才薈萃，智創未來，共築高質量發展人才生態圈」環節，廣州南沙經濟技術開發區人才發展局局長王貝貝發表主題演講，她表示南沙將繼續深化與港澳人才協同發展，希望在四個方面與香港攜手並進：一是推動規則機制聯通、二是共建創新創業社區、三是打造「灣區人才品牌」、四是共享合作發展機遇。

香港生產力促進局首席人才總監黃嘉恩在主題演講中指出，人才發展本質上是一項戰略性投資，要思考如何留住人才、用好人才，才能真正建成人才生態圈。

圓桌研討環節，四位嘉賓包括香港優才及專才協會新質生產力分會副會長、石頭科技董事長昌敬，香港人工智能及創新協會-創新及轉型委員會主席劉浩彬，香港中華文化學院榮譽主席、香港首位眼外科教授、前香港民政事務局局長、曾任全國政協委員何志平博士，保誠保險營業管理部營銷管理高級總監文展榮先生展開對話，提出香港應可依託國際化優勢基礎，聚焦醫療、科技等重點領域，結合AI創新與多元人才培育，打造兼顧當前需求與長遠佈局的高質量人才生態圈，助力城市持續創新與發展。

主題三為「跨域合作，守正創新，促進人才多元發展新範式」，煙台藍天投資發展集團有限公司黨委書記、董事長張兵發表主題演講，表示應以跨域合作拓展人才發展空間，以守正創新激發人才原動力，共同探索多元化的人才發展新格局。

圓桌研討上，HKT個人業務行政總裁林國誠、香港特區政府知識產權署署長黃福來、香港設計中心董事會副主席陳一枬教授三位嘉賓從人才引進與培育等方面展開討論，認為香港正憑藉政策優勢積極吸引內地科創人才，人才培育要強化知識產權意識與創新思維，推動構建兼具創意活力與制度保障的多元化人才發展新範式。

旗艦活動三：2025香港國際人才職業博覽會第四季

同時，2025香港國際人才職業博覽會第四季盛大舉行。本季聚焦「八大中心全行業」專場，聯合人才節展區共吸引逾70家來自金融、創科、文化藝術、貿易、航運、航空、法律等各領域的知名企業和機構參展，向廣大人才展示品牌形象與業務亮點等，並提供大量優質崗位，如雲端工程師、合規經理、客戶經理、投資策略專家、市場專員等。博覽會全天人頭湧湧，人才積極了解不同企業業務與招聘要求，尋求職業機會，交流氣氛熱烈，彰顯人才留港發展的強烈意願。

香港人才服務辦公室（人才辦）作為香港特區政府勞工及福利局轄下的辦事處，致力於在全球推廣香港優勢、機遇及各項人才入境計劃，為來港人才提供一站式支援服務。人才辦分別在四屆職業博覽會均有設置攤位，積極協助來港人才進行就業配對，介紹有關人才入境計劃及解答疑問，加快融入本地職場和作長遠發展。

開幕環節上，香港特區政府創新科技及工業局副局長張曼莉發表開幕致辭，她表示在國家支持下，香港正以「創新」為核心引擎，全力構建國際一流的創科生態系統，為全球專業人才開啟嶄新的發展篇章。本季博覽會將進一步促進創新鏈與人才鏈的有機融合，為全球精英提供立足香港、輻射全球的廣闊舞台。

香港人才服務辦公室總監陳海勁在開幕致辭中表示，香港要扮演好「超級聯繫人」和「超級增值人」的角色，人才是最重要、最寶貴的資源。香港在世界人才排名已經升至亞洲第一，人才辦會繼續努力與各界朋友一起在內地和海外說好香港故事，擴大國際人才「朋友圈」。同時會加大力度完善全方位一站式的服務，支援來港人才在香港長遠發展，以港為家。

香港國際人才職業博覽會組委會聯席主席、香港優才及專才協會主席陸海天教授在致辭中回顧過去一年的成果指出，2025年前三季博覽會共吸引逾百家知名企業現場招聘，服務人才總數突破14,000人次，全網曝光量過千萬。站在新的起點，協會將持續肩負使命，努力成為政策落地的「加速器」，深化「人才-產業」雙螺旋發展，構建「全週期」人才服務體系，並營造「近悅遠來」的人才文化，持續講好香港的人才故事，提升人才的歸屬感、獲得感與成就感。

香港國際人才職業博覽會組委會聯席主席、香港管理專業協會總裁胡志君表示，博覽會旨在打造展示香港職業發展機會的高品質平台，同時幫助人才融入社會發揮才能。活動的成功舉辦有賴於社會各界支持，未來將繼續合作打造2026年的全新系列活動。

香港國際人才職業博覽會組委會聯席主席、香港經濟日報集團執行董事、香港經濟日報社長、CTgoodjobs董事王清指出，每季博覽會都吸引不少企業參展，與會人才更是不斷增加，交流求職反響熱烈，並給予高度評價，足見活動帶來的實質成果。未來隨着政府人才策略的持續深化，預期將有更多優秀人才匯聚香港，招聘和求職需求只會有增無減。

其後，所有主禮嘉賓上台，共同啟動開幕儀式，並為博覽會第四季的全面合作夥伴、全面合作平台、協辦機構、支持機構，以及演講嘉賓等頒發感謝狀並合影。

活動同時邀請香港入境事務處總入境事務主任何露明、高級入境事務主任湯緯星及入境事務主任蕭俊泓三位官員，就「香港優才、高才等人才計劃及續簽常見問題」作專題分享，針對人才計劃的最新政策與常見疑問，提供權威解讀與實用指引。

閉幕致辭環節，香港特區政府勞工及福利局副局長何啟明表示，當前香港人才政策日益完善，應進一步加強宣傳與落實，吸引更多優秀人才來港發展。同時誠摯歡迎海內外頂尖人才來到香港，深入了解本地發展環境與創新機遇。未來政府將繼續支持香港優才及專才協會的工作，與社會各界攜手合作，推動香港加快建設成為真正的國際人才高地。

旗艦活動四：科學人才論壇

人才節組委會同時攜手iCANX聯合舉辦科學人才論壇。這場匯聚全球智慧的科技盛會吸引了來自世界各地的科學界和產業界代表，共同見證前沿科學與人工智能時代交匯的新征程。

論壇聚焦創新、科學、技術、投資、管理及發展六大ISTIME領域，邀請各國科學院（工程院）院士、知名高校校長、傑出教授及企業家、投資人等各界領袖。加州大學化學系校長講席教授Paul S. Weiss、德國聯邦納米技術卓越中心主席Dieter H. Bimberg教授、土耳其科奇大學校長Metin Sitti、香港城市大學校長Freddy Boey、香港大學副校長Norman C. Tien、深圳大學副校長張學記、京東方科技集團董事長陳炎順、中科創星合夥人米磊、連界董事長王玥等重量級嘉賓出席。

首日九大平行論壇深度聚焦前沿領域，涵蓋柔性神經接口、納米光子材料、微流體技術、人工智能賦能創新工程教育、AI與光子學、社會之光、能源與環境材料創新、生物醫學、納米級電子學等方向。在柔性神經接口論壇上，專家們深入探討了柔性生物電子器件、可穿戴生物傳感器以及植入式神經接口如何為神經系統疾病治療帶來新希望。在納米光子材料、結構與器件論壇上，學者們從超材料、拓撲光子學到量子點發光材料，深入探討納米光子學在光通信和光計算領域的創新應用。在微流體技術的進展與應用論壇上，專家們展現了微流體芯片在單細胞分析、高通量藥物篩選和即時診斷中的革命性應用。在AI賦能創新工程教育論壇上，教授們探討了AI個性化學習、虛擬實驗室、數字孿生技術如何革新工程教育模式，培養適應未來的科技人才。在AI與光子學論壇上，專家們分享了機器學習在光子器件設計、深度學習在光學成像、AI輔助光譜分析以及光子神經網絡等領域的前沿成果，展示了AI與光子學交叉融合的巨大潛力。在社會之光論壇上，學者們探討了光療技術、智能照明、光纖通信、紫外消毒等技術如何服務社會、改善人類生活。在能源與環境材料創新論壇上，專家們介紹了新型太陽能電池材料、儲能技術、氫能催化劑、可持續材料以及碳捕獲技術的最新進展，為應對全球氣候挑戰提供科學方案。生物醫學論壇上，科學家們展示了基因編輯、納米醫學、再生醫學、精準醫療等前沿技術，展望從實驗室到臨床的轉化路徑。在納米級電子學論壇上，專家們深入探討了單分子電子學、二維材料晶體管等納米電子技術如何突破摩爾定律限制，為未來計算技術開闢新方向。

多領域交織碰撞，展現了科研與產業深度融合的無限可能。參會者們在各個論壇之間穿梭、熱烈交流、建立聯繫，在思想碰撞中迸發創新的火花。iCANX青年科學家獎、創新獎、創業獎同步展開評選，科學家和參賽團隊進行路演，展示人工智能、醫療健康、生物科技等多個前沿領域的創新項目。

21日主論壇包括前沿科學與技術、科學智能及科學盛典三部分，科學盛典分為「未來科學」「未來發展」及「頒獎典禮」三大篇章，科學家、創業者與投資人共話創新生態與人才未來。

香港特區政府勞工及福利局局長孫玉菡在科學盛典致辭中指出，香港特區政府一直利用固有金融中心優勢，以及獲國際認可的法律制度，將香港建設成國際人才樞紐。他表示，政府三年前開始推出多項「搶人才」政策，為人才提供多種來港途徑，至今已有超過24萬人獲批簽證來港。未來將繼續強化「搶人才」措施，主動邀請頂尖人才來港，向他們提供個人化「套餐」。

在頒獎典禮上，iCANX青年科學家獎、創新獎、創業獎三大重磅獎項依次揭曉，表彰在原創創新、科研突破與成果轉化方面做出卓越貢獻的青年才俊，孫玉菡為創業獎一等獎得主頒獎，點亮屬於他們的「科學高光時刻」。

旗艦活動五：數字經濟人才論壇

此外，人才節組委會還聯合中國京港澳總商會、香港數字產業協會及（新加坡）亞太科學技術協會，於20日同步舉辦數字經濟人才論壇——「數領未來・智聯全球」全球數字經濟領袖香江論道大會。大會以「數智驅動經濟繁榮，人才賦能全球增長」為主題，匯聚全球近百位數字經濟領域大咖，共同探討跨國、跨境、跨區域數字經濟產業協同創新發展和生態共建路徑。

會議涵蓋「數字經濟領袖論道」「企業數字化轉型專題」及「數字化+出海專題」三大主題，邀請了九位全球頂尖的數字經濟領袖做嘉賓演講，同時打造了三場圓桌論壇，邀請20位來自美國、英國、新加坡、香港、澳門及中國大陸的知名高校、企業代表和商協會會長、秘書長同場對話。

現場舉辦了「全球數字經濟產業聯盟」「全球空間計算創新發展領袖聯盟」「京港澳粵數字經濟發展共同體」「京港澳粵-中部數博會產業協同發展創新中心」四大重量級聯盟、共同體啟動儀式，為全球數字經濟產業發展搭建起堅實合作框架。

論壇閉幕式上，中國京港澳總商會秘書長、香港數字經濟產業協會主席劉嚴表示，未來將持續推動四個聯盟、共同體不斷吸納、凝聚全國和全球的數字經濟產業生態資源，依託香港的區位優勢，深化全球數字經濟產業協同發展創新，推動「數智驅動」與「人才賦能」有機融合，助力中國企業、中國科技、中國文化走向全球，共同構建開放、共享、共贏的全球數字經濟產業生態圈。

旗艦活動六：人才優越生活論壇

作為2025香港國際人才節的旗艦活動之一，人才優越生活論壇亦成功舉辦。活動以TGather啟動儀式揭開序幕，HKT個人業務行政總裁林國誠、美聯集團行政總裁（住宅）及香港置業行政總裁馬泰陽、東華三院（東蒲）總經理周子健及美心集團企業傳訊與公共關係總監劉毓敏等嘉賓共同主持。

論壇以「人才優越生活」為主題，特設地產專題講座、優質生活與創業講座、金融投資與招聘講座，為來港人才提供「衣、食、住、行」、教育、醫療、職業規劃、資產配置等全方位建議與指引。「人才專業服務區」展位提供現場咨詢服務及產品展示，幫助人才更好地了解香港、適應在港生活、穩健扎根。

隨着六大旗艦活動的成功舉辦，2025香港國際人才節圓滿落幕。人才節為全球人才搭建了展示、交流與合作的寶貴舞台，定會吸引更多各行業優秀人才來到香港，亦能幫助人才更好地在港發展。未來，人才節組委會將繼續攜手社會各界為人才提供更多優質服務，為香港打造國際高端人才集聚高地、為國家高質量發展貢獻更多智慧與力量。

本屆人才節獲得多方大力支持和參與：香港特區政府勞工及福利局、香港人才服務辦公室擔任官方策略夥伴，國際合作中心為特別支持機構，香港優才及專才協會、香港管理專業協會、香港經濟日報及iCANX主辦，廣州南沙、煙台、珠海、中山、江門等內地城市聯合主辦，香港人才集團承辦，粵港澳大灣區人才協同發展生態聯盟、廣州南沙人才發展公司、煙台人才科創發展集團聯合承辦，TGather港才薈擔任全面合作夥伴，CTgoodjobs擔任全面合作平台，支持機構包括香港大學、香港中文大學、香港科技大學、香港理工大學、香港城市大學、香港浸會大學、嶺南大學、香港教育大學，並獲得合作媒體紫荊雜誌社、⼤公報、文匯報、鳳凰衛視、香港中國通訊社、中國評論通訊社、鏡報、香港經濟導報、巴士的報、澳門商報、橙新聞、圈傳媒、香江資訊網、華人頭條、港漂圈、維港通的大力支持。

title: 逾萬人共赴人才盛宴！2025香港國際人才節成功舉辦

taiwan-subdivisions: 成功 南沙 中山

countries: 香港 英國 澳門 美國 新加坡 德國 中國 土耳其


taiwan-subdivisions: 高雄 高雄市 成功 前鎮區

content_text:
WordPress 熱潮席捲南台灣！ 2025 WordCamp Taiwan 11/7高雄展覽館盛大登場

2025-10-23

【記者黃昱捷／高雄報導】年度 WordPress 社群盛會 WordCamp Taiwan 2025 將於 2025 年 11 月 7 日至 8 日，首度移師南台灣，在高雄展覽館盛大登場。本次活動獲高雄市政府支持，結合開源文化與城市創新精神，為南台灣科技圈帶來前所未有的開放能量。

活動以「跨界共創、連結未來」為核心理念，內容橫跨技術、設計、行銷與社群，打造一場融合學習、創意與文化探索的兩日盛會。

活動亮點：技術 × 設計 × 社群 × 城市WordCamp Taiwan 2025 以全新規模回歸，內容多元、結構豐富，包含主舞台演講、分場工作坊、贊助商展示區及 Contributor Day 共創日，邀請來自國內外的 WordPress 開發者、設計師、行銷專家與創作者分享實務經驗與趨勢洞察。

活動四大亮點如下：

品牌南進、首度高雄登場 這是 WordCamp Taiwan 首次在南部舉辦，由高雄市政府協助推動，象徵開源精神與地方科技創新的深度結合，展現港都高雄的科技潛能與國際視野。

多元議程橫跨全領域 從 WordPress 核心開發、架構設計，到行銷策略、品牌經營與社群運作，議程涵蓋新手入門與進階技術，打造最全面的學習體驗。

共創日實踐開源精神 Contributor Day 讓參與者親自參與開源專案貢獻，透過協作、修補程式碼與文件翻譯，體驗「做中學」的開源文化精髓。

結合城市探索的在地體驗 活動特別融入高雄城市導覽與夜間交流時段，讓與會者在學習之外，也能深度體驗港都風情、美食文化與在地生活節奏。

社群共創、跨域融合 打造台灣開源文化新里程碑WordCamp Taiwan 2025 強調「社群驅動」與「共創連結」，鼓勵來自不同背景的參與者進行跨界交流。活動不僅是技術研討，更是一場文化與創意的匯流。主辦單位表示：「我們希望打造一個讓開發者、設計師、行銷人與創業者能彼此啟發的場域，促進南台灣與全球 WordPress 社群的合作與成長。」

同時，活動期間也將舉辦 Meetup 聚會與交流酒會，讓參與者有機會與講者、贊助商與志同道合的夥伴面對面互動，激發更多靈感與合作機會。

▲ WordCamp Taiwan 2025 將於 11 月 7 日至 8 日在高雄展覽館盛大登場，邀請各界開源愛好者、網站設計師與開發者齊聚一堂，共創南台灣科技新亮點。（圖／WordCamp Taiwan 2025 提供）適合對象與參與方式WordCamp Taiwan 2025 歡迎所有對數位創作、網站開發與開源文化有興趣的人士參與。無論是初學者、自由工作者、企業主，或是資深工程師，都能在活動中獲得靈感與實用知識。

適合參與對象包含：

想掌握 WordPress 生態趨勢與最新技術者

負責企業或品牌網站維運與內容管理者

自由接案設計師、前端工程師與行銷企劃

對開源社群與數位創作有熱情的學習者

想拓展人脈、結識志同道合夥伴的參與者

活動資訊

活動名稱：WordCamp Taiwan 2025

時間：2025 年 11 月 7 日（五）至 8 日（六）

地點：高雄展覽館（高雄市前鎮區成功二路39號）

報名與票券：一般門票現已開放，詳情請見官網

▲ 參與者可在 WordCamp Taiwan 2025 中交流技術、體驗工作坊，並加入在地 WordPress 社群，拓展人脈與實務經驗。（圖／WordCamp Taiwan 2025 提供）關於 WordCampWordCamp 是由全球 WordPress 社群自主發起的開源年會，自 2006 年起已在超過 65 個國家、382 座城市舉辦，旨在推動知識交流、技術創新與社群共榮。每一場 WordCamp 都秉持「開放、共享、協作」的精神，讓更多人了解 WordPress 生態系的無限可能。

我們誠摯邀請您於 2025 年 11 月相聚高雄，與全球開源愛好者一同見證 WordPress 社群在南台灣的嶄新篇章！


title: Registration for NT$10,000 to open on Nov. 5

taiwan-subdivisions: 獅子 萬榮 金峰

content_text:
People can preregister to receive their NT$10,000 (US$324.52) cash distributed from the central government on Nov. 5 after President William Lai (賴清德) yesterday signed the Special Budget for Strengthening Economic, Social and National Security Resilience, the Executive Yuan told a news conference last night.

The special budget, passed by the Legislative Yuan on Friday last week with a cash handout budget of NT$236 billion, was officially submitted to the Executive Yuan and the Presidential Office yesterday afternoon.

People can register through the official Web site at https://10000.gov.tw to have the funds deposited into their bank accounts, withdraw the funds at automated teller machines (ATMs) of designated financial institutions and Chunghwa Post, or collect it at postal office counters during business hours.

Yuan holds a news conference Thursday night to announce detailed scheme for distributing the NT$10000 cash handouts. Photo: Chen Chih-chu, Taipei Times

Specific groups can receive direct deposits to their existing accounts without needing to register, while inmates in correctional facilities would receive the handout through lists prepared by the Ministry of Justice.

In specific areas, including Pingtung County’s Shihzih Township (獅子), Hualien County’s Wanrong Township (萬榮) and Taitung County’s Jinfong Township (金峰), local police stations or substations would distribute the handouts.

The preregistration of the cash handout program is to begin on Nov. 5, while registration would officially open on Nov. 10, the Executive Yuan said.

Distribution of the funds is to start on Nov. 12. Those who wish to collect funds from ATMs or postal office counters can do so on Nov. 17 and Nov. 24 respectively.

The registration and collection of the funds would end on April 30 next year. For babies born between April 1 and April 30, parents can pick up their funds by May 22.

For more information visit http://10000.gov.tw or call the service hotline at 1988, which would be activated at 8:30am today.

People who are eligible to receive the cash include Republic of China (ROC) citizens; stateless nationals with residence permits; foreign nationals with permanent residence permits; spouses of ROC nationals from Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau and countries who have obtained residence permits; and government personnel assigned abroad for official duties and their family members who hold ROC nationality.


content_text:
READY TO GO:  The act would help Taiwan procure arms with asymmetric warfare capabilities, such as those that are shelf-ready and fast to produce, a military official said

The US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations on Wednesday approved a draft bill designed to enhance Taiwan’s military capabilities and diplomatic ties with the US.

The Providing Our Regional Companions Upgraded Protections in Nefarious Environments Act, or PORCUPINE Act, would streamline the process of arms sales to Taiwan by designating the nation as a “NATO plus” partner.

In addition to the PORCUPINE Act, the committee approved by voice vote 17 bills, including the Deter PRC Aggression Against Taiwan Act, the US-Taiwan Partnership in the Americas Act and the Taiwan International Solidarity Act, US Senator Chris Coons said, calling Wednesday the most productive day the committee has had in years.

Yuan holds a news conference Thursday night to announce detailed scheme for distributing the NT$10000 cash handouts. Photo: Chen Chih-chu, Taipei Times

The legislation would shorten the congressional notification period for arms sales to Taiwan to a length comparable to members of NATO and other key US allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and Israel.

The bills would either head to informal negotiations between the leadership of congressional Democrats and Republicans or be attached to another piece of legislation to expedite their passage into law, Coons said.

In April, Coons, a Democrat, and US Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican, cosponsored the PORCUPINE Act, following a visit to Taiwan with a bipartisan delegation.

Lieutenant General Huang Wen-chi (黃文?), who heads the Department of Strategic Planning at the Ministry of National Defense, yesterday told a legislative meeting that the act would mainly affect the nation’s procurement of innovative defense technology.

Decreasing the congressional notification period from 30 days to 15 days would not significantly accelerate the acquisition of conventional systems, which are most often delayed by contract negotiations and production logjams, he said.

The act’s benefits would be more evident in the procurement of systems used in asymmetric warfare that are shelf-ready and fast to produce, such as Altius-600M attack drones, Huang added.

The bill signifies that the US believes peace in the Taiwan Strait and in the Indo-Pacific region is core to Washington’s national interests, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said.

When asked to clarify the scope of proposed Taiwan-US joint collaboration in defense technology, Koo said that the US is keen to decouple supply chains for drones and other key capabilities from China.

The Defense Innovation Office in February established communication channels with the Pentagon’s Defense Innovation Unit to hasten the introduction of commercial technology for military applications in the Taiwanese armed forces, he said.

The military has already utilized the mechanism to buy prototypes of systems for field tests that could expedite the procurement cycle of promising arms, Koo said.

title: US committee passes PORCUPINE Act


title: Central bank starts redesign of NT dollar notes

content_text:
FRESH LOOK:  A committee would gather expert and public input on the themes and visual motifs that would appear on the notes, the central bank governor said

The central bank has launched a comprehensive redesign of New Taiwan dollar banknotes to enhance anti-counterfeiting measures, improve accessibility and align the bills with global sustainability standards, Governor Yang Chin-long (楊金龍) told a meeting of the legislature’s Finance Committee yesterday.

The overhaul would affect all five denominations — NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000 notes — but not coins, Yang said.

It would be the first major update to the banknotes in 24 years, as the current series, introduced in 2001, has remained in circulation amid rapid advances in printing technology and security standards.

A person holds NT$100, NT$200, NT$500, NT$1,000 and NT$2,000 banknotes in Taipei on Nov. 16, 2012. Photo: Lu Kuan-cheng, Taipei Times

“Updating the notes is essential to safeguard the integrity of the national currency and ensure transaction safety,” Yang said.

The new series would feature dynamic and visually distinct security elements such as color-shifting inks and motion effects, allowing the notes’ authenticity to be verified more easily, while significantly raising the barrier for counterfeiting, he said.

The notes would include larger numerals and enhanced tactile marks to help visually impaired users more easily identify denominations, he added.

In keeping with global trends in issuing “green banknotes” and the government’s net zero transition policy, the redesigned notes would use more environmentally friendly materials and production processes to improve sustainability, Yang said.

Recognizing that currency design carries symbolic meaning, the central bank would establish a “New Taiwan Dollar Banknote Theme Advisory Committee” to gather input from experts and the public, the governor said.

The committee would select themes and visual motifs that reflect the nation’s identity, values and spirit of the times to foster a sense of unity and shared pride, he said.

The first redesigned note is expected to be issued about two-and-a-half years after the completion of the theme selection process, with other denominations to follow in stages, he said.

The old and new notes would circulate concurrently for several years, in line with international practice to ensure a smooth transition, he said.

The redesigned series would not feature political figures, and the Formosan sika deer — currently depicted on the back of the NT$500 note — would be replaced, he said.

“Once a protected species, the sika deer has since seen its population rebound, making its original ecological symbolism less relevant,” Yang said.

The final imagery would be determined by the advisory committee, he said.

As for coins, the central bank has no plans for a redesign, as their low value and high circulation volume make an overhaul unnecessary, the governor said.

He emphasized that the project is not political, and focuses instead on technological modernization, sustainability and cost efficiency.

“If we do not update now, the future cost will only be higher,” Yang said.


taiwan-subdivisions: 梧棲 潭子

content_text:
Hog slaughter ban to last at least 15 days, official says

A ban on transporting and slaughtering pigs would last at least 15 days after African swine fever was detected at a Taichung hog farm, as that is the incubation period for the virus that causes the disease, Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih (陳駿季) said yesterday.

The ministry would check for new cases every five days and if none are reported after the 15 days, the measures would be lifted, Chen said.

The ministry on Tuesday night confirmed a case of African swine fever on a hog farm in Taichung’s Wuci District (梧棲), after which it instituted an initial five-day ban on transporting and slaughtering pigs, and prohibited feeding pigs kitchen waste.

Minister of Agriculture Chen Junne-jih speaks at a meeting of the legislature’s Economics Committee yesterday. Photo: CNA

Chen told the legislature’s Economics Committee that deaths at the farm, which had about 300 pigs, began on Oct. 10.

Taichung City Animal Protection and Health Inspection Office personnel on Tuesday last week visited the farm due to a abnormally large number of deaths, but did not sample the pig carcasses at the time, the ministry’s report to the legislature said.

As of Monday, when the personnel returned to collect samples for inspection, 117 hogs had died at the farm, and the Veterinary Research Institute on Tuesday confirmed the presence of African swine fever, it showed.

The remaining 195 hogs at the farm were culled and buried on Wednesday to prevent the spread of the disease, while the ministry designated a 3km radius around the farm a control zone for investigation, Chen said.

The farm had on Sept. 30 acquired pigs from another facility in Taichung’s Tanzih District (潭子) and they were transported by the owner of a different pig farm, but no abnormal deaths occurred at those farms, Chen said, adding that the two farms are in the control zone.

The ministry also inspected 33 pig farms that commissioned the same vehicle as the affected farm to transport carcasses and confirmed that none of them had any abnormal deaths from Oct. 1 to Tuesday, he said.

Two hog transport vehicles that had entered the affected farm also traveled to seven pig farms, which were also listed for further inspection, Chen said.

The ministry has asked the Taiwan Frozen Meat Packers Association to release stored frozen pork to help stabilize domestic pork supply, he said.

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) cited the ROC Swine Association as saying that the pork industry can afford to stop slaughtering and using kitchen waste to feed pigs for up to 20 days.

Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Chief Veterinary Officer Tu Wen-jane (杜文珍) yesterday told a news conference in Taichung that all 28 slaughtered pigs from the affected farm that circulated on the market were confirmed to be safe.

The city government would inspect all pig farms in Taichung within the next three days, she said.

Leftovers stored at pig farms would be buried or processed into compost with assistance from the Ministry of Environment, Tu said.

African swine fever cannot be transmitted to humans and the ban aims to protect the health of the livestock, she said.

The ministry has no plans to permanently ban feeding pigs with kitchen waste, as there is still no confirmation as to the cause of the outbreak, Deputy Minister of Agriculture Hu Jong-i (胡中一) told reporters after a weekly Cabinet meeting.

Viruses in the kitchen waste would be killed when it is steamed at 90°C or higher for an hour before being fed to the hogs, Hu said, adding that the approach is used in many places such as the US, Japan, South Korea and the EU.

Taiwan produces about 2,115 tonnes of kitchen waste per day, 1,385 tonnes of which are from households and 731 tonnes from commercial sources, Environmental Management Administration official Wei Wen-yi (魏文宜) said.

While the processing capacity for household food waste is sufficient, leftovers from commercial sources are primarily processed into compost or energy, with excess amounts buried, she said.

Additional reporting by CNA


content_text:
More than 600 people fled one of Myanmar’s most notorious scam centers and crossed into Thailand, a Thai provincial official said yesterday, after a military raid on the compound.

Sprawling compounds where Internet fraudsters target people with romance and business cons have thrived along Myanmar’s loosely governed border during its civil war, sparked by a 2021 coup.

A highly publicized crackdown starting in February saw about 7,000 workers repatriated and Thailand enact a cross-border Internet blockade.

What appears to be Starlink satellite dishes are pictured on the roofs of buildings at the KK Park complex in Myawaddy Township, Myanmar, on Sept. 17. Photo: AFP

However, an Agence France-Presse investigation this month revealed construction has continued apace at several compounds, while Starlink Internet service receivers have been installed en masse, seeming to connect the hubs to the Elon Musk-owned satellite network.

Tak Province Deputy Governor Sawanit Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya said that “677 people fled from the scam center,” known as KK Park, across the Moei River into Thailand as of yesterday morning.

Another crowd of more than 100 people gathered on the Myanmar side of the main local border crossing to Thailand early yesterday, many carrying large suitcases and backpacks.

A driver in the area, speaking anonymously for security reasons, estimated that 700 people had made illegal overnight crossings.

While some scam workers are clearly trafficked into often fortified compounds, experts say others go voluntarily with hopes of earning more in the multibillion-dollar illicit industry than they can at home.

Immigration police and the military had provided assistance “under humanitarian procedures,” Sawanit said.

Those who crossed “will undergo screening” to determine whether they have been victims of human trafficking or if they might be prosecuted for crossing the border illegally, he said.

The Tak Provincial Administrative Organization, which oversees the area, said in a statement that the group entering from Myanmar comprised “foreign nationals” — both men and women — and authorities expected more to cross into Thailand.

Indonesian state news agency Antara reported that about 20 Indonesians had “successfully crossed into Thai territory via the Moei River” as of Wednesday evening, the Indonesian embassy in Yangon said, citing Thai authorities.

Separately, Cambodian authorities arrested 57 South Koreans and 29 Chinese nationals for alleged involvement in transnational cyberscams, a government commission said yesterday, days after dozens accused of working in the illicit networks were repatriated.

Cambodia’s anti-cybercrime commission said in a statement that local authorities on Wednesday raided a building where scam operations were suspected in the capital, Phnom Penh, seizing 126 computers and 30 phones.

title: Nearly 700 flee notorious scam center in Myanmar


content_text:
UPGRADE:  Of the 108 tanks purchased, which have better fire control systems, 80 have been delivered and 38 have undergone a gunnery exercise, the defense minister said

The military is to oversee the establishment of the first tank battalion to be fully outfitted with M1A2T Abrams main battle tanks, the creation of drone units within the army, and address issues such as draft dodging and how to better protect the anonymity of military personnel online, Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said yesterday.

Koo made the comments during a National Defense and Foreign Affairs Committee meeting.

The first M1A2T tank battalion would be officially established on Friday next week and assigned to the army’s 584th Armored Brigade in Hsinchu County, Koo said.

Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo speaks at a meeting of the legislature’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense committee in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Fang Bin-chao, Taipei Times

The army’s more than 1,000 tanks, including CM-11s and M60A3s, have been in service for several decades, so the military has sought to modernize its tank inventory by purchasing new engines for the M60A3s, upgrading their fire control systems and allocating NT$4.05 billion (US$131.4 million) to purchase 108 additional M1A2T tanks.

Unlike previous tank models, which required the crew to seek, aim and engage a target before moving on to the next target, the new M1A2T’s fire control system designates a target for the gunner and immediately moves on to the next, Koo said.

Of the 108 tanks purchased, 80 have already been delivered, he said, adding that the first batch of 38 have been refitted, distributed for training and undergone a gunnery exercise in July.

The military is building up its counter-drone capabilities, including anti-missile and anti-drone defenses, the funding for which would be made available in the ministry’s upcoming special budget, he said.

Regarding Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Chen Chun-yu’s (陳俊宇) suggestion that drone operators be eligible for additional pay, Koo said that the ministry would discuss the issue, adding that drone operators already qualify for combat bonuses.

Asked whether the US government shutdown would affect the delivery dates of US arms packages purchased by the military, Koo said that companies contracted for the arms deals were not military and would not be affected by the shutdown, but the ministry would keep a close eye on the issue.

The ministry is considering allowing personnel to use aliases while on the job, Koo said in response to DPP Legislator Wang Ting-yu’s (王定宇) questions regarding China’s “bounty” on military personnel.

The “bounty” was a mish-mash of information and part of cognitive warfare, he said.

Wang said that the military should not assign aliases to everyone, as this would render them redundant. He added that the military should compensate soldiers named by China, regardless of whether the information was correct.

As for the mandatory military service, the requirements have not changed, Koo said.

The changes announced by the Ministry of the Interior would only affect people serving alternative military service, he added.

Several entertainers, including Taiwanese boy band Energy member Hsieh Kun-da (謝坤達) were arrested for allegedly falsifying medical records to dodge the draft.

people: 顧立雄 王定宇

title: MIA2T tank battalion to be established


content_text:
Army to form drone groups for each theater by next July: chief of staff

The Army is set to establish an unmanned aerial system (UAS) group for each of the country’s five theaters of operations by next July, the Army’s chief of staff said Thursday.

During a meeting of the Legislative Yuan’s Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee the same day, Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄) said the Army plans to form UAS groups composed of different types of drones for each theater, depending on their respective missions.

In response to questions from Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmaker Chen Chun-yu (陳俊宇) about the details of the plan, Army Chief of Staff Chen Chun-yi (陳 俊義) said all the groups are expected to be in place by July, adding that the rollout will be carried out in phases in line with the Army’s drone procurement progress.

A drone is displayed at the Taipei Aerospace and Defense Exhibition in September. Photo: Chen Chih-cheng, Taipei Times

Noting that drone operators are not currently eligible for monthly specialty pay, Chen Chun-yu asked whether the Defense Ministry would consider extending such pay to drone operators to support recruitment and retention.

Koo replied that drone operators, as members of combat units, already receive special duty assignment pay and a comprehensive review is required before any additional allowances are offered.


title: Taiwan warily watching China’s new economic plan

content_text:
‘EXTRA VULNERABLE’: Officials worry that China’s in-construction bridge to Kinmen and a nearby airport could chip away at the nation’s sovereignty and pose a safety risk

Taiwan is warily watching whether China could seek to try and exert economic control over sensitive frontline Taiwanese islands in a key development plan discussed in Beijing this week, officials familiar with the matter said.

The Chinese Communist Party, at its closed-door meeting ending yesterday known as a plenum, is going to discuss, among other things, the country’s 15th five-year development plan, which would formally begin next year and be unveiled in detail at the annual meeting of parliament.

Taiwan is paying particular attention to whether the new five-year plan makes any mention of deepening economic integration with the Taiwan-controlled Kinmen Islands that sit just off China’s coast, two officials briefed on the matter said.

Tourists pose for photographs in front of a slogan reading “Reunify China with the Three Principles of the Peoples” on Dadan Island, Kinmen County, on Saturday last week. Photo: Reuters

China has long taken a carrot and stick approach to Kinmen, threatening it with frequent coast guard incursions into its waters while dangling perks from gas and electricity supply to bring the islands of 140,000 closer to China.

For policymakers in Taipei, Kinmen’s proximity to China makes it extra vulnerable to Beijing’s economic and political clout, especially when many residents there have close family and business ties with China, whose Xiamen City is a short boat ride away for work or shopping.

Kinmen also gets regular water supply from China, a deal secured under the previous government led by the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT), which favors close relations with Beijing.

China could seek to gain de facto jurisdiction over Kinmen if it includes it in its economic development plan, a move that would further escalate Taipei-Beijing tensions, the officials said.

“Cross-strait relations could shift from past sovereignty disputes to a contest over jurisdiction,” said one of the sources, a senior Taiwan official briefed on the matter.

A second source, an official in the region looking into the issue, said that with a new economic blueprint China could try to exert de facto administrative power over Kinmen and push for its unification agenda.

The Mainland Affairs Council said it would not comment on the story before any Chinese policy details from the plenum are released later this week. China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not respond to a request for comment.

KMT Legislator Jessica Chen (陳玉珍) said that China indeed wanted closer economic integration for Kinmen, but that sovereignty could not be compromised.

“Kinmen is the territory of the Republic of China. Its jurisdiction belongs to the Republic of China — this is beyond doubt,” she added.

Five-year plans have previously mentioned Taiwan in a vague way, although in 2016 the 13th five-year plan proposed a tunnel to the island and opening a high-speed rail line. Taipei rejected that idea.

China’s still-in-construction bridge to Kinmen is a major concern for Taiwan, a project Taipei has not approved, as is the new Xiamen airport slated to open next year, which is only about 3km at its closest point from Kinmen, the officials said.

Taiwanese officials worry greater integration could chip away at the nation’s sovereignty.

“What if they try to press ahead with the bridge, which carries national security concerns for us?” an official said, adding that such a proposal could also sow division between local residents and central government as well as the military.

“If they dare to invade [Kinmen], we will become the next Crimea,” the official said, referring to Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 after people there voted in a disputed referendum to become part of Russia.

To be sure, there are differences with Crimea, where many people identify as Russian, not Ukrainian, whereas in Kinmen most people identify as Chinese, albeit from the Republic of China.

Xiamen’s new airport is so close to Kinmen it could pose an aviation safety risk, and China has not reached out to discuss the issue, the official said.

China last year opened a new air route from Xiamen, which Taiwan said was done without consultation and brought aircraft too close to Kinmen airspace, posing aviation and security concerns.

The new airport could offer another way for China to further jurisdiction claims over Kinmen, the official added.


content_text:
One likely reason for an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak at a hog farm in Taichung is Taiwan People’s Party (TPP) Chairman Huang Kuo-chang (黃國昌) slashing the budget for border inspections of food items, green camp politicians said.

Taiwan was able to keep out ASF for many years thanks to strict border inspections of food items from abroad, but Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) and TPP lawmakers pushed an amendment to freeze NT$40 million (US$1.3 million) in border inspection funding, Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) New Taipei City Councilor Cho Kuan-ting (卓冠廷) said yesterday.

It was Huang who introduced the proposal to freeze the Food and Drug Administration’s unit for border inspections of food, Cho wrote on social media, attaching a copy of the original amendment with Huang’s signature.

Taiwan People’s Party Chairman Huang Kuo-chang gestures in an undated photograph. Photo: Lin Che-yuan, Taipei Times

“That amendment was forced through the legislature through the collaboration between KMT and TPP lawmakers, and eventually they cut the budget by NT$20 million,” he added.

From Jan. 1, 2018, to Wednesday, border inspection units found and seized 13,583 pork items totaling 22.372 tonnes, Cho said, citing Customs Administration data, adding that more than 60 percent of the items came from China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Of the 9,511 products tested for ASF, 997 came back positive, which is more than 10 percent, he said, adding that 849 of the items that had ASF, or 85 percent of the total, were from China.

“Border inspection units have been working very hard for many years to safeguard Taiwan from ASF and other pork diseases, but their budget got slashed by lawmakers,” Cho said.

“The local country government in charge has also been slow to respond to the crisis,” he added.

“Are Taiwanese not angry?” he said.

DPP Legislator Michelle Lin (林楚茵) accused the opposition parties of working together to dismantle Taiwan’s border control.

“Pork is a very important part of preparing dishes for daily meals. An ASF outbreak would lead to a pork shortage and hike the prices of all meat products,” she said.

“The KMT and the TPP are collaborating to wreck our border inspections, which were safeguarding the nation against smuggling and contaminated pork products,” she added.

TPP officials rejected accusations that Huang’s amendment was to blame.

“The green camp is pointing to the NT$20 million budget cut as the main reason for the ASF breach,” they said. “It is a serious situation and our nation should unite to combat it together, but the green camp is instead attacking the TPP.”

“When bad things happen, the DPP resorts to crying about funding shortages due to budget cuts,” the officials said.

“The budget for border inspections has actually increased, but the ASF outbreak still occurred,” the TPP said, adding that it showed the central government was not doing a good job.

Meanwhile, the KMT caucus said the DPP was “trying to manipulate public opinion” through the ASF outbreak.

“Our government’s agriculture officials have been fighting against ASF since 2018 and the budget for such work has not been reduced,” KMT caucus deputy secretary-general Lin Pei-hsiang (林沛祥) said. “The DPP is brainwashing the public, the same way it is washing away Taiwan’s industrial sectors.”

“We need to enhance border control and have stricter inspections. We urge the DPP not to play politics on this matter and shoulder responsibility as the ruling party, and not shift the blame to others,” Lin added.

title: Green camp blames budget cuts for ASF outbreak

people: 林楚茵 林沛祥 黃國昌


title: Obesity top reason for military service exemption: ministry

content_text:
The main reason for military service exemptions in Taiwan over the past decade has been obesity, the Ministry of the Interior said on Wednesday, amid recent scandals over conscription evasion.

About 16 percent of eligible men, or about 17,000, were exempted from compulsory service last year, the Department of Conscription Administration (DCA) said.

Over the past years, 30 percent of the exemptions had been due to obesity, the DCA said.

Soldiers hold guns during a military drill in an undated photograph. Photo: Liu Yong-yun, Taipei Times

Other common reasons included low intelligence aptitude scores, flat or deformed feet, irregular heartbeat and mental health conditions, it said.

The information was released amid a probe into allegations that multiple entertainers have fraudulently evaded military conscription.

Earlier this week, four actors or singers were questioned for allegedly evading military conscription. They were released on bail after they admitted to paying for falsified medical reports.

Minister of the Interior Liu Shyh-fang (劉世芳) said fake medical certificates citing high blood pressure to evade military service were “very common,” adding that other fake health reasons included psychiatric disorders, an inflammatory spinal disease related to arthritis, and a lung condition known as pneumothorax.

The interior ministry and the Ministry of National Defense are reviewing the criteria for military fitness classification, the DCA said.

Under the current rules, men with a body mass index of more than 35 qualify for exemption, the officials said, adding that the government is considering raising that threshold to 45.

In Taiwan, all eligible male citizens must enter military service for at least one year, usually around the age of 18, according to the Act of Military Service for Officers and Non-commissioned Officers of the Armed Forces (陸海空軍軍官士官服役條例).

From 2013 to 2023, compulsory military service was reduced to four months, and the exemption rate was about 20 percent to 25 percent, officials said.

When Taiwan reverted to the one-year requirement, the exemption rate dropped to 16 percent, but that was still higher than the ideal, they said.

From January to August this year, obesity again topped the list of exemption reasons, followed by foot deformities, irregular heartbeat, low cognitive scores and neurosis, data showed.

From 2015 to last year, 2,146 people were prosecuted for leaving Taiwan without approval to avoid conscription, while 572 were charged with intentionally injuring themselves or falsifying medical records to alter their eligibility.

Of those 572 cases, 125 reached the courts, with 94 resulting in prison terms of less than six months and one receiving a sentence of up to two years, data showed


title: Hsiao reiterates Taiwan’s commitment to be of help

content_text:
Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) yesterday emphasized Taiwan’s commitment to help democracies confront global challenges, despite China’s efforts to interfere with the nation’s participation in international affairs.

She made the remarks at the Global Cooperation and Training Framework’s committee meeting.

Taiwan and the US in 2016 established the framework so that like-minded countries could address shared concerns over cybersecurity, public health, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, energy, supply chain resilience and media literacy, among other issues.

Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim, center left, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, center right, and American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Green, third left, pose for a photograph during the opening ceremony of the Global Cooperation and Training Framework’s 10th Anniversary High-Level Commemorative Roundtable in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Liao Cheng-hui, Taipei Times

The organization has 135 participating nations, and more than 10,000 people have taken part in its proceedings.

Taiwan, which played a part in creating the framework, is glad to see it has grown into a vibrant platform that unites nations and people through democratic values and common goals, Hsiao said.

She also thanked American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene and other foreign envoys to Taiwan present at the meeting.

That Greene attended the event in the middle of a US government shutdown displayed Washington’s resolve and committeement to a free, open and rules-based global order, she said.

Japan provided humanitarian relief to Taiwan during Typhoon Ragasa and displayed outstanding leadership in dealing with maritime affairs, Australia made significant contributions to energy transition and sustainability, and Canada has injected the framework with new capabilities, Hsiao said.

“No nation could stand alone” amid the risks from pandemics, supply chain disruptions, climate change, technological transformation and rising geopolitical tensions, she added.

Cooperation based on trust and shared values is the only foundation for defending lasting peace and prosperity, she said.

Taiwanese feel deeply about the unfair treatment their nation faces in the global community, but would never allow it to color their readiness to be a positive force for good in the world, Hsiao said.

Taiwan can be of help and is helping through partnership networks, she said, adding that the nation has proved itself to be a trustworthy, reliable and active member of the global democratic community.

The framework would continue to evolve by deepening collaboration between members in matters related to artificial intelligence governance, supply chain security, energy transformation and disaster relief, Hsiao said.

Humanitarian aid and emergency responses are likely to become especially important missions for the framework, as nations across the world reel under the impact of extreme climate events, she added.


content_text:
MAC warns against cooperating with TAO Facebook ‘bounty’ posts

Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) on Thursday urged the public not to comply with Beijing’s “bounty notices” or provide information via a newly created Facebook page run by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), warning that doing so could violate Taiwan’s National Security Act.

“If anyone complies with the Chinese Communist Party’s (CCP) so-called ‘bounty notices’ by providing information or filing reports, the conduct could fall under the National Security Act, the National Intelligence Services Act, and the Criminal Code,” MAC deputy head and spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh (梁文傑) said at a regular news briefing in Taipei.

Such conduct could prompt legal action by Taiwanese authorities and result in imprisonment of seven years or more, he said, urging the public not to cooperate with the Chinese side for “a bit of personal gain.”

Liang made the remarks when asked about a Facebook page newly set up by TAO -- MAC’s counterpart across the Taiwan Strait -- and noted that such cooperation could be facilitated by Facebook’s private-messaging function.

Launched Tuesday under the name “Spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council,” the TAO Facebook page had about 18,000 followers as of 7 p.m. Wednesday, with eight posts in total.

Except for the launch post, the remaining seven were video clips of TAO spokesperson Zhu Fenglian (朱鳳蓮) answering reporters’ questions at Wednesday’s press briefing, each with Traditional Chinese subtitles.

Describing it as a “relaunch,” Liang said TAO launched a Facebook page in 2016, “but because few people followed it, it was shut down in 2020.”

“Frankly, we’re a bit envious of the TAO,” Liang said, noting that TAO can set up a Facebook page for people in Taiwan to see, whereas MAC “clearly” cannot open a page on the Chinese social media platform Weibo, as it would “likely be blocked immediately.”

“This reflects the differences between the two sides’ systems and their approaches to controlling speech,” he added.

Across those eight posts, many users left comments expressing concern about Yu Menglong (于朦朧), a Chinese entertainer who died last month. Many questioned the circumstances of his death, with some calling it suspicious, and repeatedly asked whether a case had been filed and for updates on the investigation.

Others also left comments questioning whether TAO was “climbing the firewall” -- a reference to circumventing China’s Great Firewall, which blocks internet users in China from platforms such as Facebook and Google -- sarcastically asking, “Are you here to experience free speech?”

Asked about the reactions in the comments, Liang said it is natural for Taiwanese netizens to express their views, adding, “I don’t think that would be possible under conditions in mainland China.”


content_text:
More than 10,000 Taiwanese participated in religious activities in China last year with support from the Chinese government, a study showed, which Taipei views as part of a campaign by Beijing to win hearts and minds.

China has long taken a carrot-and-stick approach to Taiwan, subjecting it to almost daily military drills while reaching out to those it believes are receptive to Beijing’s point of view.

Last year, 10,496 Taiwanese joined more than 110 religious trips to China, supported or organized by government units across China, according to the study by IORG, a Taiwan-based non-governmental organization.

Men carry the statute of the goddess Matsu from Meizou Matsu Temple in China’s Fujian Province in an undated photograph.

Photo: Chen Yu-fu, Taipei Times

IORG said the report, which was published late on Wednesday, revealed for the first time the scale of the Chinese campaign. Reuters has previously reported that China uses religion as a tool to influence elections in Taiwan.

China’s Taiwan Affairs Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The Mainland Affairs Council yesterday said that Beijing has long used religion to conduct “united front” tactics targeting Taiwan, referring to a unit of the Chinese government tasked with bolstering Beijing’s reach abroad.

The government is closely monitoring the situation, the council said, adding that the IORG report held significant reference value.

Security officials are wary of what they see as a Beijing influence campaign using religions that are hugely important to Taiwanese life, but tightly controlled by the officially atheist ruling Chinese Communist Party.

China officially guarantees freedom of religion, but only under the leadership of the party.

IORG’s research analyzed more than 7,346 articles posted to a news portal run by China’s Taiwan Affairs Office. The articles offered details of events — including the scale, locations and agendas — and were examined by artificial intelligence-assisted tools before being verified by IORG researchers.

“The Chinese Communist Party continues to use religious exchanges as a cover for political propaganda,” the IORG report said, adding that the reviewed articles stressed narratives that the two sides share common roots and are destined to “reunify.”

In a report last week, the National Security Bureau warned that, under the guise of extensive “exchange programs,” Beijing was conducting operations to sway and infiltrate “all walks of life” in Taiwan.

“They use religious activities to win over the hearts and minds of the Taiwanese people, treating it as a political tool,” an official told Reuters.

The official requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The Mainland Affairs Council yesterday said that from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 this year, it received reports of 212 cases involving Taiwanese who went missing, were detained for questioning or are suspected of having their personal freedom restricted in China. Among them, nine were members of the Taiwanese I-Kuan Tao (One Unity Sect).

title: Religious activities in China attract thousands


content_text:
High Court rules ex-president Chen Shui-bian cannot be prosecuted

The Taiwan High Court on Thursday upheld a lower court ruling that former President Chen Shui-bian (陳水扁) cannot be prosecuted for money laundering in a case linked to the appointment of former Taipei 101 Chairperson Diana Chen (陳敏薰), citing the expiration of the statute of limitations.

The court found that the statute of limitations expired on Dec. 25, 2022, and dismissed prosecutors’ appeal against the Taipei District Court’s decision to exempt Chen from prosecution without holding oral arguments. The ruling can still be appealed.

The case stemmed from a bribery case in which Chen and his wife, Wu Shu-jen (吳淑珍), were convicted of accepting NT$10 million (US$324,726) from Diana Chen in exchange for helping her secure the Taipei 101 chairmanship. Both were sentenced to eight years in prison, with the verdict finalized years ago.

Former president Chen Shui-bian delivers a speech at the Ketagalan Institute in Taipei on April 19. Photo: George Tsorng, Taipei Times

During the bribery proceedings, the High Court found that Chen Shui-bian had also been an accomplice to money laundering, prompting Taipei prosecutors to reopen the case and file new charges.

The Taipei District Court suspended the trial in 2015 after doctors concluded that the former president, who suffers from multiple health issues, was unfit to appear in court.

The court noted that under the former Money Laundering Control Act, the offense carried a maximum prison sentence of five years and a 10-year statute of limitations, which was extended by one-quarter (2.5 years) due to the suspension of proceedings.

The trial panel calculated that the alleged offense ended on Jan. 25, 2006. Including the 10-year statutory period, the 2.5-year suspension, 4 years and 7 days of prosecutorial proceedings, and 3 months and 18 days of court hearings before the suspension, the total prosecution period came to 16 years and 9 months. As the time limit has long expired, the court ruled that Chen Shui-bian cannot be prosecuted.

Prosecutors appealed, arguing that the district court had erred by ruling without giving both parties an opportunity to be heard. The High Court agreed and remanded the case for retrial.

In the retrial in May last year, the Taipei District Court again concluded that the prosecution period had already lasted 16 years and 10 months, far exceeding the legal limit, and ruled in favor of non-prosecution.

Prosecutors appealed again, arguing procedural errors and that the time limit had been miscalculated, but the High Court on Thursday rejected the claims, confirming that the statute of limitations had expired and maintaining the ruling ending the prosecution.

Citing medical reports from Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, the High Court added that Chen’s health condition remains unchanged, making it impossible to resume proceedings.

Chen, who served as president from 2000 to 2008, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for multiple corruption cases and released on medical parole in 2015.


title: Company facing fine for illegal toluene emissions

content_text:
HARMFUL GAS:  The firm was found to have emitted toluene 24 times more than the maximum acceptable standard, contravening the Air Pollution Control Act

The first case of illegally excessive toluene emissions has been identified via smart law enforcement and could be fined up to NT$15 million (US$486,776), the Ministry of Environment said on Tuesday.

The Environmental Management Administration’s Central Center of Environmental Management spotted inappropriate volatile organic waste emissions by analyzing business waste treatment information and big data of the Air Quality Internet of Things, the ministry said.

The center referred the case to the Changhua District Prosecutors’ Office, and initiated a joint investigation with police and environmental authorities in June, the ministry said.

The Ministry of Environment in Taipei is pictured on Aug. 27. Photo: Huang Yi-ching, Taipei Times

They found the emissions were toluene gas from a polyurethane synthetic leather manufacturer in the Changhua Coastal Industrial Park, it said.

The company was found to have emitted toluene 24 times more than the maximum acceptable standard, making it the first business in Taiwan to contravene Article 53 of the Air Pollution Control Act (空氣污染防制法) due to illegally excessive emissions of harmful air pollutants, the ministry said.

It reported using eco-friendly, water-based resin coating when applying for a stationary pollution source operating permit, but it adopted lots of volatile organic materials such as toluene and methyl ethyl ketone in practices, the ministry said.

The company also deliberately reported less raw material consumption than it had actually used to evade paying air pollution control fees, it said.

The fraudulent application for the permit and evasion of fees also contravened Article 54 of the act, the ministry said.

The office is investigating and would hold the company criminally liable, while the Changhua County Environmental Protection Bureau would collect the fees evaded by the company over the past five years, it said.

According to Article 53 of the act, those who emit air pollutants to the extent that their illegally large amounts could harm people’s lives or health can be given a jail term of up to seven years and a fine of up to NT$15 million, the ministry said.

Toluene is a harmful air pollutant that irritates the eyes and respiratory tract when acutely inhaled, causing dizziness, headache, nausea and other symptoms, it said.

The substance could lead to clouding of consciousness or death if the inhaled concentration is high enough, the ministry said.

Long-term exposure to toluene would damage the central nervous system, leading to memory loss and impaired coordination, it said, adding that hearing, liver and kidney function might also be impaired.


content_text:
NONSTOP DELUGE: People in mountainous areas should watch out for landslides, mudslides, and swollen rivers and streams, the weather agency said

Heavy rain and cool temperatures are expected to continue in northern Taiwan into the three-day weekend, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said yesterday.

The CWA issued heavy to extremely heavy rain advisories for Yilan County, New Taipei City and mountainous areas of Taipei, citing the convergent effects of seasonal northeasterly winds and a low-pressure system.

The CWA also warned of heavy rain in Keelung, but lifted an advisory for Taoyuan and Hualien County, saying they were likely to experience only short, sporadic showers.

The weather forecast from yesterday to Sunday is featured in a photograph. Photo courtesy of the Central Weather Administration

Noting that northern and northeastern Taiwan have been deluged by nonstop rain over the past few days, the CWA advised the public to be on the alert for potential flooding.

People in mountainous areas should also watch out for landslides, mudslides, and swollen rivers and streams, the CWA said.

The rainy conditions in northern Taiwan are expected to continue over the long weekend — which includes a day off today ahead of Retrocession Day tomorrow — and through Wednesday next week, the CWA said.

From today until Wednesday next week, highs in northern Taiwan, and Hualien and Taitung counties would range between 26°C and 31°C, while Yilan County would see highs of 24°C to 26°C, it said.

Central and southern Taiwan can expect highs of 31°C to 33°C, the CWA added.

title: Heavy rain to continue in northern Taiwan: CWA


title: Ministry eyeing fairer occupational hazard resolutions

content_text:
Seven measures aimed at addressing parity in information, power and economics between workers and employers are to come into effect on Jan. 1 next year in the hope of increasing out-of-court settlements for occupational hazard cases, the Ministry of Labor said yesterday.

The ministry said it would enact a program to uphold the rights of workers and their kin in cases of occupational hazard incidents, providing timely and comprehensive support, and helping workers or their kin who feel powerless against the system.

The measures would include employers providing preliminary inspection results as soon as possible; the whole process, from investigation, counseling to litigation, should involve lawyers; workers involved in occupational hazard incidents should receive greater compensation if the case is settled out of court, arbitrated by a court or goes to trial; employers would be made to shoulder responsibilities for occupational hazard incidents; the ministry would shoulder the bill for debt securities in the event of a court-ordered provisional attachment, and provide translation services throughout the possess for migrant workers, the ministry said.

Minister of Labor Hung Sun-han speaks at a news conference in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

FINANCIAL BURDEN

Occupational Safety and Health Administration Director-General Lin Yu-tang (林毓堂) said that the financial burden of processes such as out-of-court settlements, arbitration or litigation weighs heavily on ordinary families.

Such families are often forced to accept unreasonable settlements offered by employers because they lack the data or the professional aid to resist, Lin said.

The ministry is looking into working with legal groups, such as the Legal Aid Foundation, to waive assessments of applicants’ eligibility and to provide legal consultation to those in need, he said.

The ministry would also provide similar assistance to those in need should cases enter litigation, and incurred expenses would all be subsidized by the ministry, Labor Relations Division Director-General Wang Hou-wei (王厚偉) said.

TRANSLATORS

Subsidies for hiring translators or interpreters would be increased to NT$100,000 to prevent language barriers from hindering a legal resolution, Wang said, adding that the ministry would provide living subsidies for the duration of a case in litigation.

Lawyer Liu Kuan-ting (劉冠廷) said the highlight of the new model is the provision of translators and interpreters throughout the process.

The number of migrant workers and foreign spouses is increasing, and their living conditions often increase the risk of them becoming the victim of an occupational hazard incident, Liu said.

Employment Service Institutions and their agents have had a monopoly over the provision of interpretation or translation services for foreign migrants, and the government should draft a list of professional interpreters that it could draw on in such cases, Liu said.


title: Emergency contraceptive pill sales need consensus

content_text:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Wednesday said that approving over-the-counter sales of emergency contraceptive pills “needs consensus” from the public due to its wide social impact.

The agency made the comments in response to a query from the Central News Agency following the decision to approve such sales by regulators in Japan.

Aska Pharmaceutical on Monday announced that its emergency contraceptive Norleveo had been approved for over-the-counter sales.

The Food and Drug Administration in Taipei is pictured on Oct.11. Photo: Chiu Chih-rou, Taipei Times

Japanese media reported that the drug is expected to become available without a prescription or parental consent later this year, although those who purchase it would need to take it in the presence of a licensed pharmacist.

FDA specialist Lin Yi-chu (林意筑) said that such drugs are available by prescription only in Taiwan and that approving them for over-the-counter use would need further consensus.

Changing their status would involve soliciting input from pharmacists, as well as advocacy groups representing women, young people and parents, Lin said.

The FDA held two meetings on the subject in March and April, Lin said, adding that the administration would closely monitor Japan’s experience and was planning trials “suitable for Taiwan.”


content_text: Children pose for a photograph in front of a large Halloween pumpkin balloon in Kaohsiung’s Weiwuying Metropolitan Park yesterday.

title: Trick or treat


title: Call to arms

content_text: Climate activists hold placards and pose for a photograph at a news conference ahead of the “March for Climate” on Saturday next week.


content_text:
TECH-BASED ESTIMATE:  Kung Ming-hsin said he was ‘quite optimistic’ that Taiwan’s economy could grow by more than 3 percent, based on demand for AI applications

Taiwan’s economic growth rate could exceed 3 percent next year, supported by robust demand for artificial intelligence (AI) applications despite a higher base this year, Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) said yesterday.

The central bank last month forecast that the economy would grow 2.68 percent next year as emerging-technology applications continue to thrive, but it also warned that US tariff policies could curb global trade growth amid a high base this year.

The Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics in August forecast 2.81 percent GDP growth next year.

Several research institutions have predicted about 2.5 percent growth for next year.

Compared with those forecasts, Kung said he was “quite optimistic” that Taiwan’s economy could grow more than 3 percent next year after an expected expansion of more than 5 percent this year, as demand for AI-related applications has continued to grow significantly and the trend is expected to persist.

Asked about a case of African swine fever confirmed at a hog farm in Taichung’s Wuci District (梧棲) on Tuesday, Kung said that state-run Taiwan Sugar Corp (Taisugar, 台糖) would continue to improve disease prevention measures at hog farms.

Taisugar on Wednesday said in a statement that it had activated the highest level of biosecurity measures to ensure the safety of pig farms.

As Taisugar sells about 10 tonnes of pork daily and has 362 tonnes of frozen pork in stock, it is expected to be able to meet short-term demand, Kung said.

If demand increases, Taisugar would work with the Ministry of Agriculture to ensure stable supply and prevent supply chain disruptions, he added.

“In terms of volume, Taisugar still has enough capacity to meet demand, so there should be no problem” Kung said.

Regarding the potential effect on the restaurant sector, Kung said the situation still needed to be closely monitored, adding that the government’s top priority was to ensure a stable supply of pork.

title: GDP may top 3% in 2026, minister says


title: US mulls software export curbs on China

content_text:
RED TAPE ISSUE?  An analyst said software restrictions would be possible under export rules, but would be difficult to implement given a strained licensing system

US President Donald Trump’s administration is weighing export restrictions against China that would bar the purchase of a wide swath of critical software, a White House official said on Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

Reuters earlier reported that the US was weighing efforts similar to the curbs implemented against Russia following the invasion of Ukraine if China did not backtrack from its threat to restrict rare earth exports.

Asked about limits on software exports to China, US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said that “everything is on the table.”

US President Donald Trump, left, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a meeting during the G20 leaders summit in Osaka, Japan, on June 29, 2019. Photo: Reuters

“If these export controls, whether it’s software, engines or other things happen, it will likely be in coordination with our G7 allies,” Bessent said.

The Reuters report did not detail specific curbs or a definitive timeline for the new measures to be announced, but the US implemented export controls on enterprise resource planning, customer relationship management and computer-aided design software against Russia over the past few years.

Beijing and Washington have adopted a pattern of floating trade measures ahead of negotiations, providing leverage and bargaining chips for talks aimed at reducing barriers between the world’s largest economies.

Earlier this month, Trump said he would impose an additional 100 percent tariff on China as well as export controls on “any and all critical software” beginning at the start of next month.

The US has said that the move is in retaliation for China’s announced restrictions on the flow of critical rare earth minerals needed to make consumer products including motors, semiconductors and fighter jets, as well as new port fees on US ships.

Trump also threatened more retaliation earlier this week against Beijing if the two sides were unable to broker a deal.

However, he also said that talks planned for next week with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) would produce a “good deal” on trade.

Trump said he expected to have a “pretty long meeting” with Xi and to “work out a lot of our questions and our doubts and our tremendous assets together.”

“I think something will work out. We have a very good relationship, but that’ll be a big one,” he added.

Bloomberg Economics geoeconomics technology analyst Michael Deng said that the software restrictions would be possible under export control rules, but would be difficult to execute, given that the government department that would carry them out, the US Bureau of Industry and Security, has limited capacity and already strained licensing system.

A ban on “critical software” would mean greater risk for the sales in China of Cadence Design Systems Inc, Dassault Systemes SA and Synopsys Inc, Bloomberg Intelligence senior tech industry analyst Niraj Patel said.

Other areas that could be labeled as critical include Nvidia Corp’s CUDA toolkits, OpenAI’s artificial intelligence platforms, Arm Holdings PLC’s firmware tools and Qualcomm Inc’s telecom, as well as cryptography or encryption software by NXP Semiconductors NV and Palo Alto Networks Inc, Patel said.


title: Retail sales decline amid caution among consumers

content_text:
Retail sales last month fell 2.2 percent year-on-year to NT$393.8 billion (US$12.78 billion) as consumers were cautious over spending amid economic uncertainty and seasonal weakness during Ghost Month, data released yesterday by the Ministry of Economic Affairs showed.

Last month’s sales decline followed a 0.4 percent annual increase in the previous month, but met the ministry’s forecast, which projected that retail sales would drop 2.2 to 5.2 percent from a year earlier.

Excluding sales of motor vehicles and parts, which plunged 17.2 percent last month as people halted purchases of big-ticket items during Ghost Month from Aug. 23 to Sept. 21, retail sales rose 1.3 percent from a year earlier, the ministry said in a report.

Salesmen present items at Lihpao Outlet Mall in Taichung’s Houli District on Tuesday. Photo courtesy of Lihpao Outlet Mall

Consumer spending remained steady at department stores, supermarkets and convenience stores, and there were large sales gains at e-commerce sites, electronics stores and home appliance outlets last month, the data showed.

However, transactions fell at hypermarkets, fuel stations, cosmetics shops, clothing and accessories vendors, jewelry stores, and furniture and home furnishing retailers, the ministry said.

In the third quarter, retail sales decreased 1.8 percent year-on-year to NT$1.17 trillion, with total sales in the first nine months of the year down 0.9 percent annually to NT$3.54 trillion, it said.

Food and beverage sales last month fell 0.9 percent annually to NT$83.5 billion, with sales at restaurants declining 3.3 percent due to fewer wedding banquets amid Ghost Month and not as many holiday gatherings as in the same month last year, the ministry said.

Sales grew at beverage stores and catering service providers, up 10.5 percent and 6.7 percent from a year earlier respectively, it said.

Food and beverage sales in the third quarter increased 2.1 percent year-on-year to NT$263.4 billion, with sales in the first nine months rising 2.7 percent to NT$794.8 billion compared with the same period last year, it said.

While people are generally conservative about spending on luxury and durable goods, overall consumption remains stable, the ministry said, adding that the universal cash handouts of NT$10,000 at the end of the year could help boost spending.

The ministry expects the retail, and food and beverage sectors to record year-on-year sales growth this month, thanks to department store anniversary sales, as well as increased travel, shopping and dining opportunities during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Double Ten National Day and Retrocession Day holidays.

A reduction in the commodity tax on new cars and motorcycles, as well as promotions by car dealers, are expected to help motor vehicle sales recover, it said.

Retail sales this month are expected to grow 1 to 4 percent from a year earlier to between NT$414.9 billion and NT$427.2 billion, while food and beverage sales would increase 3 to 6 percent to between NT$84.4 billion and NT$86.9 billion, if an African swine fever incident remains under control, the ministry said.


content_text:
The central bank would closely monitor exchange rate movements to avoid being labeled a currency manipulator by Washington, as the country’s trade surplus with the US is projected to expand to US$120 billion this year, central bank Governor Yang Chin-long (楊金龍) said yesterday.

Speaking at a meeting of the legislature’s Finance Committee, Yang said that Taiwan’s widening surplus with the US, driven by strong exports amid the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, could complicate ongoing tariff negotiations.

This is a sensitive time for tariff talks, Yang said, adding that any perception of currency manipulation could pose a serious issue.

Central bank Governor Yang Chin-long speaks at a meeting of the legislature’s Finance Committee in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

Yang made the remarks in response to questions from Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Wu Ping-jui (吳秉叡).

Taiwan’s US trade surplus exceeded US$60 billion last year and is expected to keep growing, an unfavorable factor in trade discussions, Yang said, calling on the government to seek a more balanced trade relationship.

Taiwan could help narrow the gap by increasing purchases of US arms and bulk goods, as well as encouraging companies such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電) to expand investments in the US, he said.

The central bank would maintain exchange rate stability to support exporters while avoiding “red lines” in dealings with the US Department of the Treasury, he said.

Commenting on investment ties, Yang said that applying Taiwan’s success with science parks in the US — a model being discussed in tariff negotiations — could bring mutual benefits.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Legislator Lin Te-fu (林德福) asked what leverage Taiwan holds in seeking relief from overlapping tariffs.

Taiwan’s advantage lies in the US’ continued reliance on Taiwan’s AI products, Yang said.

Based on media reports, negotiations between Taiwan and the US are nearing a conclusion, with the tariff rate expected to be set below 20 percent, he added.

Separately, Yang said that the NT$500 note would be redesigned as part of a banknote overhaul to improve features to prevent counterfeiting and adopt eco-friendly materials.

The sika deer design would be replaced with a new theme selected by an advisory committee, he said.

people: 吳秉叡 楊金龍 林德福

title: Central bank to ensure forex stability: governor


title: Industrial production index increases 15.48%

content_text:
The industrial production index rose 15.48 percent year-on-year to 115.38 last month, driven by steady growth in information technology and electronics production fueled by demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing products, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said yesterday.

The manufacturing production index, which comprises 94.63 percent of the industrial production index, last month increased 16.9 percent from September last year to 116.51, the ministry said.

The rise in the manufacturing production index was the 19th consecutive month of growth and in line with the ministry’s forecast of 114.58 to 118.58, Department of Statistics Deputy Director-General Chen Yu-fang (陳玉芳) told a news conference in Taipei.

People watch a robotic arm demonstration at the Taiwan Automation Intelligence and Robot Show in Taipei on Aug. 20.Photo: Ritchie B. Tongo. Photo: EPA

That lifted the third-quarter industrial and manufacturing production indices by 15.9 percent and 17.24 percent year-on-year respectively, the ministry said.

In the first nine months of this year, the industrial and manufacturing production indices rose 16.37 percent and 17.57 percent respectively from the same period last year, it said.

The manufacturing production index this month is expected to rise 13.6 to 17.6 percent year-on-year, supported by continued demand for advanced semiconductors and servers, Chen said.

While global trade protectionism and geopolitical uncertainties remain key risks, strong demand for emerging-technology applications and front-loading ahead of the year-end peak season are expected to boost the figure this quarter, she said, adding that the full-year manufacturing production index could hit a record.

The report showed that production of electronic components last month rose 24.39 percent, supported by new smartphone launches in the US, South Korea and China, while semiconductor output grew 26.53 percent as consumer electronics orders drove chip production and design, Chen said.

Production of computers, electronic goods and optical components last month grew 26.28 percent from September last year, while output of flat panels and related components rose 14.11 percent from a year earlier, ending two months of declines, she said.

Whether panel output would rebound this quarter depends on demand during China’s National Day holiday, and the year-end peak season in the US and European markets, she added.

The data also showed persistent weakness in traditional industries amid pressure from US tariffs and oversupply from China, the ministry said.

Base metal production, mainly steel, last month fell 2.63 percent from a year earlier, as the sector continued to face price competition from China, while the output of chemical materials and fertilizers rose 0.44 percent, ending six months of declines, driven by growing demand from semiconductor clients for polished wafers, Chen said.

Vehicle output last month fell 7.82 percent from the same month last year as demand for auto components, particularly in the US and European markets, remained weak, but machinery equipment production grew 10.71 percent as plant expansions by chipmakers boosted demand for related equipment, she said, adding that machine tool output also rebounded slightly.


taiwan-subdivisions: 信義 大安

title: Taipei home unit sale sets record: real-estate experts

content_text:
A luxury residential unit in Taipei’s Xinyi District (信義) has been sold to a buyer unaffiliated with the developers, marking the first such transaction, with real-estate agents estimating a record price of NT$4 million (US$129,807) per ping (3.3058m2).

BES Engineering Corp (中華工程), one of the developers of Tao Zhu Yin Yuan (陶朱隱園), in a filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange reported profit of NT$118 million from selling a unit in the building.

A 17th-floor unit in the 21-story building, along with four parking spaces, was sold to an individual for NT$1.2 billion, said BES, which declined to disclose further information about the buyer.

The Tao Zhu Yin Yuan residential building in Taipei is pictured on Aug. 30 last year. Photo: Hu Shun-hsiang, Taipei Times

Designed by Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut and his Paris-based studio, Vincent Callebaut Architectures, Tao Zhu Yin Yuan is a distinctive twisting tower, promoted as a green and sustainable project featuring vertical gardens and an energy-efficient design.

Since the tower was completed in 2018, there has been only one transaction — in July 2019 — by an affiliated company of Core Pacific Group (威京集團), whose two affiliate enterprises, BES, and the Asia Pacific Federation of Industry and Commerce, are the building’s main developers.

The latest sale marked the first transaction since the building, which has 40 residential units, went on the market in February.

According to estimates by real-estate agents, the unit sold for about NT$4 million per ping, reportedly the highest-ever per-ping price in Taiwan, surpassing the NT$2.99 million per ping paid for a unit at One Park Taipei (元利信義聯勤) in Daan District (大安) in 2021.


content_text:
Taiwan chip industry voices concerns over green energy supplies

Taiwan’s chipmakers are worried about the feasibility of a government plan to deliver new green power supplies, casting doubt over efforts to satisfy energy security concerns.

“What the industry is worried about is whether the government’s execution is good enough to add new supplies as planned,” Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association chairman Cliff Hou (侯永清) said at an event yesterday. “We are hoping the government can release an updated timetable for green energy supplies for our review,” added Hou, who is also a senior vice president at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (台積電).

Taiwan has struggled to accelerate deployment of renewables. Initially targeting 20 percent renewables by mid-decade, the government downgraded its goal to 15 percent by this year. As of late last year, renewables made up less than 12 percent of the energy mix, according to the Energy Administration under the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Taiwan Semiconductor Industry Association chairman Cliff Hou speaks at the association’s convention in Hsinchu City yesterday. Photo: Grace Hung, Taipei Times

In May, the ruling Democratic Progressive Party shuttered Taiwan’s final nuclear reactor, closing off an energy source that accounted for about 5 percent of the island’s power supply last year.

Without nuclear power, Taiwan will likely need to increase its reliance on imported fuel such as liquefied natural gas to meet the needs of energy-intensive sectors like chip manufacturing.

Rising fuel costs and renewable energy investments have weighed on the finances of Taiwan Power Co (台電), the island’s primary power supplier. The state utility, which has absorbed higher costs to keep prices affordable, reported more than NT$420 billion (US$13.6 billion) in accumulated losses by the end of last year.


content_text: People visit Art Taipei at the Taipei World Trade Center’s Hall 1 yesterday before its opening to the public today. The 32nd edition of the art fair, which runs through Monday, features works from 68 local and 52 overseas galleries under the theme “Intersect: Diversity Equals Togetherness.”

title: Defining colors


content_text:
While negotiations on next year’s government budget are stalemated, the Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) has proposed an amendment to suspend reform of the pension system for civil servants, school teachers and military personnel, which would benefit the party, but would be a blow to the government and the nation.

The KMT caucus said that the suspension of the pension reform is its top priority this legislative term, and the KMT convener of the legislature’s Judiciary and Organic Laws and Statutes Committee on Monday initiated a review of the draft amendment of the Act Governing Retirement, Severance and Bereavement Compensation for the Teaching and other Staff Members of Public Schools (公立學校教職員退休資遣撫卹條例), which aims to restore the controversially high payments of civil servants’ pensions.

The old pension scheme had long been criticized for allowing civil servants to “contribute little, retire early and receive generous benefits,” and created a bankruptcy crisis. In 2017, the Democratic Progressive Party government, under then-president Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文), launched pension reforms — which her predecessor, Ma Ying-jeou (馬英九) of the KMT, had also called for during his term — abolishing the preferential 18 percent interest rate on civil servants’ savings accounts and lowering the income replacement ratio. The retirement payments were gradually lowered to a maximum of 62.5 percent from the original 80 percent or even more than 100 percent in some cases.

The KMT’s proposal to reinstate the income replacement ratio to 80 percent is widely seen as a political move to court the votes of retired civil servants. The proposal has triggered debates in the legislature and concern over the fund’s financial stability. It has also created social conflict and division.

The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Civil Service have said that halting the pension reform would raise payments, causing the fund to run out sooner and create a financial imbalance. The reforms had extended the funds’ projected solvency from 2030-2031 to 2045-2049, but with the KMT’s proposed changes, the funds could be exhausted by 2040.

The deficit in the pension fund would have to be covered by taxpayers. The KMT’s proposal is unfair to current civil servants and the younger generation, who would pay more to a fund that might be bankrupt when they retire. It would widen social inequity, as retired civil servants and public school teachers would receive higher pension benefits, funded by the government and taxpayers, than the more than 10 million private sector employees whose pensions’ income replacement ratios are lower than 70 percent.

The KMT has said that resuming higher pension benefits for retired civil servants would bring them in line with inflation, but there is already a cost-of-living regulation in place that adjusts pensions with price changes and raises them in accordance with the salary increase of incumbent personnel. That has been practiced three times, as the government over the past five years has given a cumulative 11 percent raise to the civil servants.

The amendment could also help the government prevent a possible collapse of the national civil service system, the KMT said. However, the truth is that the anti-reform legislation would make the nation’s finances, currently-serving civil servants and younger generations victims, creating social injustice and reversing the country’s development.

title: EDITORIAL: KMT’s pension moves threaten nation

people: 馬英九 蔡英文


content_text:
The US Senate’s passage of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which urges Taiwan’s inclusion in the Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise and allocates US$1 billion in military aid, marks yet another milestone in Washington’s growing support for Taipei. On paper, it reflects the steadiness of US commitment, but beneath this show of solidarity lies contradiction.

While the US Congress builds a stable, bipartisan architecture of deterrence, US President Donald Trump repeatedly undercuts it through erratic decisions and transactional diplomacy. This dissonance not only weakens the US’ credibility abroad — it also fractures public trust within Taiwan.

For decades, the foundation of US policy toward Taiwan has rested on institutional continuity. Through successive administrations, the US Congress has steadily embedded support for Taipei, from reaffirming the “six assurances” to authorizing multibillion dollar security assistance packages.

The recent NDAAs have gone even further, suggesting elevating Taiwan to the status of a “major non-NATO ally,” approving joint training programs and encouraging pre-positioning munitions in the region. The trajectory is unmistakable: Washington is shifting from declaratory policy to operational partnership.

Such measures are meant to help Taiwan deter invasion by making any Chinese assault prohibitively costly. Integrating Taiwan into RIMPAC would be a historic step toward embedding it in a wider regional defense network — one that includes Japan, Australia and other Indo-Pacific democracies increasingly wary of Beijing’s expansionism.

Yet the solidity of this congressional commitment contrasts sharply with the volatility of presidential decisionmaking. Trump has repeatedly treated Taiwan as a chip on the negotiating table with China. A vivid example came when a US$400 million military aid package was quietly shelved while the White House sought to ease tensions with China over trade.

From Trump’s blunt suggestion that “Taiwan should pay us for defense” to more recent moves pressuring Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) to shift production to US soil, Taiwanese leaders have watched Washington’s rhetoric of partnership collide with acts of self-interest. Each episode reinforces the uneasy perception that US support is conditional, reversible and transactional.

That perception carries serious consequences inside Taiwan. The nation’s democracy is increasingly polarized over what US military aid represents. To some, it is a vital lifeline that keeps authoritarian aggression at bay. To others, it risks turning Taiwan into a pawn in a superpower chess game.

Public opinion shows a sharp rise in what local analysts call a “US-skeptic” sentiment. Polling released by Academia Sinica’s American Portrait Survey showed that the share of Taiwanese who do not view the US as a trustworthy ally rose from 50 percent last year to 59.6 percent this year. Many Taiwanese wonder whether Washington’s ultimate goal is to defend Taiwan or to use it as leverage in its rivalry with China.

If Taiwanese lose confidence that Washington’s promises can hold under pressure, then the credibility of deterrence begins to crumble. No amount of congressional aid can offset the psychological effect of inconsistency at the top.

In the intensifying “gray zone” confrontation across the Taiwan Strait — daily air incursions, cyberattacks and disinformation campaigns — morale and perception are as vital as missiles and ships. A Taiwan that doubts its partner is a Taiwan less capable of enduring coercion.

For the US, resolving this paradox is a strategic imperative. Congress can continue to legislate billions in support, but without coherent executive leadership to align policy with principle, the US’ deterrence rings hollow. Stability in the Indo-Pacific region does not hinge on the next weapons sale or exercise invitation, but on whether Washington can convince Beijing and Taipei that its commitments are consistent, credible and enduring.

The US’ greatest challenge might not be China’s aggression, but its own ambivalence. A defense partnership built on laws and values deserves steadier stewardship than a series of transactional gestures. For Taiwan — and for the democratic order that depends on its resilience — credibility, not capability, determines the balance of peace.

Meng Chih-cheng is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at National Cheng Kung University.

title: US is its own problem with Taiwan