taiwan-subdivisions: 屏東縣 仁愛 員林

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▼警方隨即擴大調閱周邊影像，迅速鎖定犯嫌，並於4小時內將其查緝到案，訊後依妨害性隱私及不當性影像相關罪嫌移送偵辦。（圖／屏東縣政府警察局屏東分局）

【記者何勁陞／屏東報導】 屏東警分局20日16時許接獲屏東縣政府通報，稱縣府女廁疑似發生偷拍情事。經了解，受害女性同仁在如廁時突見有白色手機自隔間下方伸入拍攝，隨即報警。

警方立即由婦幼警察隊、科偵隊及本分局偵查隊及鑑識人員組成專案小組共同偵處，經調閱大樓內外監視器，發現一名男子於15時許進入縣府大樓四處徘徊，伺機偷拍後徒步離開。警方隨即擴大調閱周邊影像，迅速鎖定犯嫌，並於4小時內將其查緝到案，訊後依妨害性隱私及不當性影像相關罪嫌移送偵辦。

警方呼籲，廁所、更衣室等隱蔽空間不容任何不當行為，如發現可疑人士逗留或異常舉動，請立即向警方通報，共同維護公共安全與個人隱私。

失智老翁迷途「兩次」 暖心屏警護送回家

▼員警與女兒的苦心勸說下，余翁終於放棄尋找腳踏車，平安返家。（圖／屏東縣政府警察局屏東分局）

屏東市一名八旬翁日前徒步前往屏東警察分局歸來派出所，表示自己腳踏車不見，經副所長廖本安與警員張伊琳、張景富了解後，結果卻是老翁忘記已經很久沒有騎腳踏車了，最後在員警及家人勸說下平安返家。

余姓老翁(約86歲)向警方表示自己騎乘的腳踏車不見了，想要警察幫忙協尋，員警發覺老翁面孔熟悉，於資料庫比對後確認余翁為經常迷失長者，故立即與家屬聯繫，女兒表示老翁已經沒有騎腳踏車很久了，由員警協助將其送返家，沒想到余翁又再度到派出所要尋找腳踏車，在員警與女兒的苦心勸說下，余翁終於放棄尋找腳踏車，平安返家。家屬非常感謝員警的協助，使其能盡早返家，不再徘徊於路上。

分局長林明波呼籲，家中如有易迷失方向之長者，應多關心、注意其行蹤，除可向相關單位申請「愛心手鍊」之外，另可洽詢各警察分局進行指紋建檔，以利走失時迅速尋回，歡迎民眾多加利用。

汽車失竊?! 屏東警勤勞尋獲 發現誤會一場

▼清醒後因記憶模糊而記錯位置，真是烏龍一場，因此連聲向警方致謝，並稱讚警方效率高、態度親切。（圖／屏東縣政府警察局屏東分局）

日前屏東市一名男子神情緊張地至屏東警察分局建國派出所報案，表示自己的汽車疑似失竊，員警立即協助尋找，幸好發現是誤會一場。

62歲的賴姓男子表示前一天晚上將自己所有的自小客車停放在屏東市仁愛路與自立路口，但隔日上午牽車時卻怎麼也找不到，懷疑汽車遭竊而趕緊到建國派出所報案。警員林尚震、廖楚紅獲報後，立即調閱沿線監視器畫面，並逐一訪查周邊停車場及巷弄。經過員警一番勤勞尋找後，終於在屏東市建南路公有停車場內發現賴男所有的自小客車。其到場確認時，才想起前一天晚間因飲酒微醺，請友人代為駕駛自己所有的車輛，沒想到清醒後因記憶模糊而記錯位置，真是烏龍一場，因此連聲向警方致謝，並稱讚警方效率高、態度親切。

分局長林明波提醒，民眾停車時可利用手機拍照、標記定位或記錄周邊路牌資訊，以避免發生類似情況；若仍無法找回車輛，應冷靜處理並適時報警求助。

title: 縣府女廁遭偷拍　屏警迅速4小時追查犯嫌到案


title: 竹縣適應體育競賽登場 陳見賢：讓每位孩子自在發光

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生活中心/綜合報導

讓孩子快樂運動，新竹縣第22屆國民中小學適應體育競賽，(21)日在國立新竹特殊教育學校舉行，由新竹縣特教生獨輪車表演及竹東國中舞蹈隊<鬧浪>揭序幕，縣內23所國中小特殊班共有257位小選手報名參加比賽及隨隊教師、裁判、家長約有288人共襄盛舉，現場熱鬧滾滾，每位特教孩子不受先天限制，展現運動家精神。

▲新竹縣副縣長陳見賢希望新竹縣每個孩子都能在更舒適與更和諧的環境下成長。（圖/新竹縣府提供）

縣府副縣長陳見賢表示，特教生競賽從民國 92 年開始舉辦，記得當初每年在體育館戶外舉辦，感謝獅子會長年支持拋磚引玉，讓這些孩子與家人及老師之間擁有更多互動及回憶。

▲每位特教孩子不受先天限制，展現運動家精神。（圖/新竹縣府提供）

陳見賢說，這些小天使真的很可愛，相信他們爸爸媽媽需要付出更多精神、時間、體力，盼社會上有更多人，給予這些孩子多一點照顧，希望新竹縣每個孩子都能在更舒適、更和諧的環境之下成長。

▲參與學生相當認真，卯足全力，爭取榮譽。（圖/新竹縣府提供）

國際獅子會總監黃秀卿表示，今天不只是比賽，其實更像是一個愛與勇氣的盛會，相信所有孩子能藉由運動，看到他們的能力與勇敢，他們是值得大家給予大大的支持及鼓勵，感謝家長們的陪伴、校長賴國誠及縣府的支持，更感謝獅子會無私付出，攜手看到孩子一天比一天的勇敢，一天比一天更有自信。

taiwan-subdivisions: 獅子 竹東 新竹縣


taiwan-subdivisions: 瑪家 屏東縣

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▼屏東縣政府警察局宣講提醒注意普發萬元現金的詐騙及日常生活中如何辨識手機所接收的簡訊或訊息是否為詐騙的方法。（圖／屏東縣政府警察局）

【記者何勁陞／屏東報導】 為了讓更多部落族人了解詐騙陷阱，屏東縣政府警察局與法務部行政執行署屏東分署、盧縣一立委服務團隊及瑪家鄉中村部落文健站等單位合作，於11月19日在部落文健站用溫馨及搭配在地母語雙聲帶方式進行防詐宣導，活動開始前，屏東分署長柯怡如偕同警方宣導團先向在場與會的耆老們致意以表達尊重部落的傳統，再分由分署長柯怡如向民眾解說如何保護自己的不動產的方法及鼓勵申辦「地籍與稅籍異動即時通」，警方則宣講提醒注意普發萬元現金的詐騙及日常生活中如何辨識手機所接收的簡訊或訊息是否為詐騙的方法，全面防護部落族人的家產不被詐騙。

活動現場充滿家屋般溫度，除了分署長詳盡的解說如何防護不動產的宣講外，還有分署同仁臨時客串在現場演唱族曲，讓宣導活動滿溢溫馨活潑的氣氛，警方也特別提醒，近來詐騙集團常假藉官方機關名義來電，要求交付存摺、提款卡或匯款，特別強調：「政府機關不會要求你匯款、不會收走你的銀行卡，遇到任何可疑電話，只要一句『我來跟警察問一下』，就能保護自己。」，提醒族人無論接收到任何簡訊、訊息或電話，都不要相信，不要依對方的指示去操作，只要掛斷電話，再撥打165反詐騙或110報案電話或直接到所在地的警察分駐(派出)所請求協助，就不會被詐騙。

活動尾聲，警方也逐一陪伴長者檢查手機是否有來路不明訊息，並貼心地教導大家如何封鎖陌生來電，避免詐騙訊息再次侵擾，同時教導如何進入「打詐儀錶版」網頁，讓防詐觀念真正落實在日常生活中，許多耆老表示，原來詐騙手法已經這麼多樣，「幸好警察有上山來提醒，不然真的容易被騙去。」

警察局長甘炎民表示，原鄉部落地理位置較遠，資訊取得不若市區快速，因此更要主動走到族人身邊，用最真實的陪伴守護每個家庭的平安，就像守護山林一般重要，希望每位部落居民都能安心生活、平安返家，同時呼籲所有鄉親注意，若接獲可疑電話或訊息，都可隨時撥打 165 反詐騙專線或110報案專線或至鄰近警察(分駐)派出所諮詢，一通電話就是守護財產與安全最重要的一步，全民一起加入打詐防線，共同實現屏安護民的宜居生活環境。

title: 屏警跨域合作深入排灣部落暖心宣導　與耆老攜手守護族人財產安全


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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

江宏恩最終落得眾叛親離的下場 照片提供：三立

江宏恩在三立八點檔《百味人生》中堪稱全劇最「命途多舛」的男人。原本身邊同時有前妻陳妍安與現任妻子苗真相伴，看似風光，卻因再次偷吃、行為反覆，最終落得眾叛親離的下場，不僅兩段婚姻走向破裂，就連兒子陳謙文也不是親生的，人生瞬間歸零。劇中飾演現任妻子的苗真笑說，每次拍完戲回想劇情，都會浮現江宏恩最後孤零零只剩自己與母親張琴相依為命的畫面，「光想像那樣的情景就覺得好淒涼。」角色際遇悲情到連演員都忍不住心生不捨。

江宏恩最終落得眾叛親離的下場 照片提供：三立

而最新劇情中，高天量的厄運可說是接連不斷，隨著游詩璟與亮哲等人的復仇計畫正式啟動，他一步步被推向更黑暗的深淵。游詩璟一行人精心策劃，先後迷昏陳妍安、王振復，以及岳虹與江宏恩，將四人全數控制，準備展開全面反撲。

江宏恩談到《百味人生》中高天量的角色時表示，他非常能接受角色如今的悲慘下場，因為這正是人物設定的人生軌跡。他笑說：「他有兩個太太、一個小三，出來混就是要還的！」在他眼中，高天量的人生走到這一步，其實某種程度相當合理，而未來會否因這場家庭崩解迎來新的啟示、還是繼續走向更糟的境地，他認為一切端看編劇如何安排，「也許後續還會有另一波操作。」

江宏恩最終落得眾叛親離的下場 照片提供：三立

對於苗真形容「每次拍完戲看到江宏恩，腦中浮現天量最後只剩下自己和母親（張琴）孤單守在家，很淒涼」，江宏恩也笑著點頭認同。他說，若以現實角度來看，從一家人曾經熱鬧、風光，到最後瞬間什麼都沒有了，「落差真的會很大，會失落、會挫敗，但某種程度也是自己造成的。」

他認為高天量這個角色雖然渣，但仍有可愛的一面，「他真的很望子成龍，有點像傳統時代的人，覺得娶多個太太沒什麼，但心裡最重視的還是傳承，希望兒子比他更好，這點是他很堅持、也是最可愛的地方。」

江宏恩最終落得眾叛親離的下場 照片提供：三立

被問到身邊是否有類似高天量的朋友，他坦言這種人一定存在，而人會變成什麼樣，常與身邊的朋友圈磁場有關。「有人會勸你離開爛環境，有人不會，有人甚至會跟著一起爛下去。」他笑說，朋友之間會互相觀察、互相學習，期望年紀到了一個階段後，大家都能變得更穩定。他強調一句最實在的：「男人的相處，就是近朱者赤、近墨者黑。」

江宏恩最終落得眾叛親離的下場 照片提供：三立而高天量雖然在劇中臉常板得很，但江宏恩透露，戲外的自己完全相反。他笑說，只要放下劇本就會「連唱帶跳」，經常在排戲時搞笑，讓現場氣氛更放鬆。「排戲都比正式拍攝好玩，這樣不只是讓自己放鬆，也是讓對方安心，正式上場時才會更順暢。」江宏恩幽默又清楚地看待角色，既投入又抽離，也讓高天量這個矛盾又可愛的角色更加立體。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 江宏恩出來混就是要還的 遭反撲淪孤身下場 淒涼到連演員都心疼

title: 江宏恩出來混就是要還的 遭反撲淪孤身下場 淒涼到連演員都心疼


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墨新聞｜記者梁偉華／台北報導

王中皇力拚最強的身體。（圖：好看娛樂）

全台首創大型混合健身運動競技節目《最強的身體》開播以來話題不斷、收視節節攀升，本週日即將播出全新第15集，「全新組合、熱血開戰」，邀集多位跨領域選手參賽，各自帶來精采看點，勢必再掀話題。本集中最受矚目的亮點之一，是64歲資深演員王中皇加入男單賽事，成為節目史上最年長選手。他一登場便讓大來賓江宏傑驚呼：「看到中皇哥就覺得，我好像也沒什麼不參賽的理由！」王中皇的投入精神，也令現場選手深受激勵。

江宏傑(中)直呼「沒有不參賽的理由」。（圖：好看娛樂）

另一大焦點則是味全龍啦啦隊韓籍女神金娜妍。她今年6月才加入小龍女，憑藉清新甜美氣質與舞台魅力迅速圈粉，人氣在台韓兩地都相當高。金娜妍其實曾在韓國拿下健美比賽冠軍，是隱藏的強者。此次為挑戰自我正式參與女單賽事，現場更湧入近百名粉絲到場應援，應援聲浪震天，展現超高人氣。賽前她也對著鏡頭為自己打氣：「娜妍妳可以，加油！」散發滿滿正能量。

劉明湘也來參戰最強的身體。（圖：好看娛樂）

本週節目也迎來《超級星光大道》出身的歌手劉明湘再次回歸挑戰，她更首度邀請親哥哥共同組隊參加混雙賽事。哥哥不僅有「健美先生」經歷，也是一名健身房經營者。兩人首次以「兄妹檔」姿態同台競技，哥哥更放話：「要拿第一！還要破紀錄！」讓觀眾對他們的表現期待倍增。

阿布熱血回歸健身戰場、女兒場邊應援。（圖：好看娛樂）

曾獲第42屆金鐘獎綜藝節目主持人獎的男藝人阿布也加入男單激戰。學生時期是游泳校隊的他，對重量訓練並不陌生，但因工作繁忙已有一年多未踏入健身房。此次重返場上找回運動激情，女兒更特地到場支持，讓阿布感動說道：「不能讓女兒失望，怎麼樣也要撐下去啊！」父女互動溫馨感人。

韓籍啦啦隊小龍女金娜妍「健美冠軍」身分曝光，人氣超火爆。（圖：好看娛樂）

此外，男單賽事亦匯集實力派強者，其中包括職業籃球員陳孝榕。年輕力壯的他被許多參賽者視為本集「大魔王」，不過他謙虛表示，各領域的專項訓練方式不同，能彼此交流、切磋，是最期待的部分，他也蓄勢待發準備大展身手。而女單部分則迎來前跆拳道國手、擁有國際跆拳道五段實力、現為八點檔演員的黃雨欣登場。她坦言跆拳道訓練多集中下半身，擔心上肢訓練項目會成弱項，因此已火速請教同為跆拳道教練的老公，替她量身打造國家級訓練菜單，希望能順利突破關卡。

八點檔演員黃雨欣(中)也參與挑戰。（圖：好看娛樂）

本集大來賓則邀請兩位前桌球國手江宏傑與蔣澎龍。兩人是師兄弟，私下感情深厚，江宏傑更邀請學長蔣澎龍共組男雙，卻被狠狠拒絕，兩人一登場便鬥嘴不斷，也成為現場另一亮點。更多精彩的內容，請一定要鎖定全台首創大型混合健身運動競技節目《最強的身體》熱血開賽時間。台視主頻道8月17日起每週日晚上8點 熱血開賽、中華電信 MOD / Hami Video8月24日起每週日晚上12點上線、《最強的身體》YT頻道 8月19日起每週二中午12:00上架。

此篇文章最開始出處為: 最年長選手王中皇加入男單賽事 江宏傑更沒有不參賽的理由

title: 最年長選手王中皇加入男單賽事 江宏傑更沒有不參賽的理由


things: 經濟 人權

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【記者 周志杰/ 高雄報導】每年 11 月 25 日是聯合國訂定的「國際終止婦女受暴日」（International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women），旨在呼籲全球共同終結對婦女暴力。2025 年，國際蘭馨交流協會中華民國總會攜手全台 45 個分會，以「愛不沈默，串接橘色關懷守護網」為主題，發起全台連線反暴力行動。高雄為主場，蘭馨姐妹們以實際行動守護婦幼安全，傳遞「暴力零容忍」堅定信念。

《蘭馨全國總動員，橘色光帶照亮街頭》

國際蘭馨交流協會中華民國總會於 2025 年 11 月 25 日上午，發起「1125 全台連線反暴力宣導行動」，涵蓋全台 45 個分會。這項跨區倡議行動由高雄八譽分會共同響應，創會長陳靜與現任會長林麗雅率領姐妹們參與，展現對受暴者的關懷與支持。整場活動重點呼籲社會正視家庭暴力與性別暴力問題，鼓勵受害者勇敢求助，強化「113 一通、關懷馬上通」的宣導訊息。這不是蘭馨第一次參與 11 月 25 日的反暴力活動。過去多年在全台各地進行遊行、連線宣導，並向大眾推廣 113 反家暴專線、性侵害防治與兒少保護等相關議題。2024 年，蘭馨北中南共 44 個分會曾同步啟動連線遊行，呼喊口號「攜手反暴力，你我不缺席」，展現協會「女人幫助女人」的核心宗旨。八譽分會此次參與不僅是呼聲，更是行動。他們將橘色作為象徵色，串起跨分會的守護網，以集結力量、公開宣導，為受暴婦幼創造更安全、可見的社會支持。

《領袖之聲》教育與經濟雙軌，支援受暴女性

八譽分會創會長陳靜表示：「當受害者勇敢站出來，我們更不能退縮。我們必須用行動告訴每位受暴者：妳值得被尊重、被保護，也值得重新擁有幸福人生。」這句話正是蘭馨多年支持婦女重建自信與尊嚴的核心。現任會長林麗雅也強調：愛，不沈默；關懷，不遲到。我們願意做妳的後盾。她特別指出，蘭馨設有「LYD 實現你的夢想獎學金」，鼓勵正在就學且肩負家庭責任的婦女申請。得獎者最高可獲得美金一萬元，用於學業或事業發展。林會長認為，教育是翻轉人生的重要力量，而蘭馨希望成為女性前進路上的助力，而非旁觀者。

除了獎助學金，蘭馨也積極與社會局、防暴團體合作。例如南市社會局便與蘭馨合作舉辦創意防暴快閃活動，以舞蹈、行動劇、音樂等多元方式向公眾宣導反暴力。透過連結地方資源，將反暴力議題從會內延伸至社區，讓更多人理解暴力防治的重要性。

《積弱為強》倡議與制度連結，推動長效防暴網絡

除了發聲與宣導，蘭馨與各地執法機關和民間組織協同合作，期望建立更完整的防暴機制。例如，在台中，國際蘭馨與第六分局攜手舉辦婦幼安全宣導活動，志工媽媽、女波麗士大隊共同宣揚反家庭暴力、性侵害防治等理念。全國分會在 1125 當天同步高呼「攜手反暴力，你我不缺席，113 一通，關懷馬上通」，並發出呼籲：「暴力不是秘密，求助不是恥辱」。此外，蘭馨也不僅聚焦單純宣導，而是強調「行動連結制度」。他們呼籲政府及社會機構加強家庭暴力防治系統、提高通報效率，以及提供受害者更完善的支持系統。身為一個國際女性團體組織，蘭馨利用其跨國網絡與在地資源，持續推動性別平等與人權保障。國際蘭馨交流協會中華民國總會及其八譽分會於 2025 年 11 月 25 日發起「1125 全台連線反暴力宣導行動」，以實際行動響應聯合國「國際終止婦女受暴日」。透過跨分會串聯、公開遊行與社區互動，他們用愛與關懷串起一條橘色守護網，為暴力受害者發聲、提供支持。領導者的信念、教育與經濟資源，以及長期倡議與制度連結，都展現蘭馨作為婦女團體的影響力。1125，他們不缺席；在每一位需要被看見的女性背後，有一個強而有力的後盾。

title: 【世界橘色日、聲援反暴力】國際蘭馨交流協會倡議制度化，捍衛婦幼安全


title: 2025香港資訊及通訊科技獎表揚業界科技創新和應用

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香港2025年11月21日 /美通社/ — 2025香港資訊及通訊科技獎頒奬典禮今晚（十一月二十一日）舉行，財政司司長陳茂波向思謀集團有限公司頒發全年大獎。勝出隊伍憑「SMore ViMo – AI視覺模型開發與部署平台」繼獲得商業方案獎大獎後，亦勇奪今年比賽的最高殊榮。

財政司司長陳茂波今日（十一月二十一日）出席2025香港資訊及通訊科技獎頒獎典禮暨晚宴。圖示陳茂波（左二）、2025香港資訊及通訊科技獎最終評審委員會主席、香港都會大學校長林群聲教授（右二）與得獎者合照。

在頒獎典禮上，陳茂波表示：「香港資訊及通訊科技獎為卓越表現樹立了新標準，激勵資深專業人士和新一代人才發揮想像力，突破科技界限，提出創新方案以應對社會的痛點和挑戰。」

陳茂波指出，今年香港資訊及通訊科技獎的八個獎項類別中均再次設有最佳人工智能應用獎，反映人工智能在各行各業日益重要的地位。他表示，政府已將人工智能列為創新科技策略發展的重點，致力發展其為核心產業，以賦能傳統產業升級轉型。

香港資訊及通訊科技獎旨在表揚及推廣優秀的本地資訊及通訊科技創新和應用，自二○○六年首辦以來，一直是本地業界的年度旗艦盛事，除給予得獎者鼓勵和肯定外，亦是得獎者再創新階、走進內地和海外市場的跳板。

這項年度盛事由數字政策辦公室舉辦，並獲八個籌辦機構、督導委員會、標準保證小組委員會、最終評審委員會、市場推廣小組委員會、各評審和支持機構及業界組織的協力支持，今屆賽事得以圓滿結束。最終評審委員會主席，香港都會大學校長林群聲教授祝賀所有得獎者，並讚揚他們的創新作品和意念非常優秀，致力改善人們生活，為社會帶來福址。

林群聲教授說：「本屆的得獎者憑藉嶄新意念和先進技術，結合行業專業知識，以創新思維針對多項社會及商業議題，提出切實可行的應用方案。我期待見證這些創新意念成功落地實踐，深信它們必將為企業與社區帶來深遠裨益，造福社群。」

創新科技及工業局局長孫東教授在頒獎典禮上頒發獎座予八個獎項類別的大獎得主，嘉許他們的傑出表現。各大獎得主為：


title: 商米CPad商業平板全球應用半年報：以「模塊化設計」「一體化集成」革新行業智能終端體驗

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新加坡2025年11月21日 /美通社/ — 今年下半年，全球領先的智能商用設備與物聯網解決方案提供商商米科技，相繼推出了開創商業平板新品類的商米CPad及深度集成支付的商米CPad PAY。上市半年來，該系列產品以其「模塊化設計」與「一體化集成」的核心理念，迅速獲得全球市場認可，在零售、餐飲、金融等多個高頻商業場景中成功替代傳統拼湊方案，成為驅動商戶數字化升級的「生產力引擎」。

從概念到驗證：破解商業場景的「拼湊」難題

商用終端設備長期面臨「消費平板+外接設備」帶來的體驗割裂、運維成本高與功能受限等痛點。商米CPad系列自推出之初，便旨在徹底解決這一難題。商米創始人兼CEO林喆表示：「我們發布CPad的初衷，並非簡單增加一個硬件品類，而是希望用’一體化集成’的設計哲學，重塑商業交互的基礎設施。市場在短短幾個月內給予的積極反饋，驗證了這一方向的正確性。」

核心價值全球驗證：三大優勢成就市場競爭力

在過去的幾個月中，商米CPad系列所確立的三大核心優勢，已成為其在全球市場中脫穎而出的關鍵：

磁吸生態的靈活性獲多場景青睞：創新的Quick Lock磁吸生態，使一台設備能在手持移動點餐、桌邊支架收銀、壁掛菜單展示等多種形態間無縫切換。這種「一機N形態」的靈活性，不僅降低了商戶的初次投入成本，更極大地提升了設備利用率和運營效率，滿足了現代化商業對終端設備「隨需而變」的迫切需求。商業級性能保障運營穩定與連續：搭載高通八核處理器與AI算力，結合商米Hyper Wi-Fi和智能訂單緩存技術，CPad系列在商場高峰、網絡波動等嚴苛環境下展現出卓越的穩定性。尤其是其確保後廚訂單「零遺漏」的能力，已成為餐飲行業用戶選擇它的重要理由。集成支付與智能中台，構建數字化核心：作為系列中的金融及級產品，商米CPad PAY以多種支付方式無縫內嵌，提供從NFC、二維碼到雙向刷卡的一站式解決方案，符合全球支付標准，真正實現了「支付無感、服務無縫」。同時，商米DMP設備管理平台讓全球運營者得以實現高效的遠程管理與運維，大幅降低綜合成本。

全球場景落地生根，典型案例遍及多行業

產品價值最終通過實際應用得以彰顯。商米CPad系列已在全球范圍內快速部署，展現出廣泛的適應性：

在韓國超過1000+家的連鎖餐飲，CPad成為桌邊自助點餐的核心。其集成的多元功能和配件的組合，有效應對了高峰時段的點餐與服務需求，提升了餐廳的服務效率。在埃塞俄比亞銀行，CPad PAY嵌入銀行自助櫃台，在該地率先推出全數字化銀行服務，告別傳統漫長的等待與繁復的流程，支持埃塞俄比亞銀行引領本地金融數字化變革。在7-Eleven全球便利店體系，CPad系列成功整合了原先分散的庫存盤點、每日工作管理和外賣接單等功能，通過一體化管理簡化了門店運營，實現了「降本增效」的切實目標。

展望：從成功產品到持續進化的平台

商米CPad系列的成功，標志著商業終端市場正從「工具組合」邁向「生態集成」的新階段。商米承諾的三年質保與五年穩定供貨，也為企業的長期數字化投資提供了堅實保障。

基於CPad系列打下的良好基礎，商米正持續拓展該產品線，未來還規劃商業一體機等新品，致力於將商米CPad從一款成功的產品，進化為一個能夠持續賦能全球商業、連接無限場景的智能生產力平台。

countries: 新加坡 韓國


countries: 日本 中國 澳洲 香港

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「樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會2025」 11月20日至23日展出近1000款創新科技產品及方案，共建智慧樂齡未來

2025-11-21   香港2025年11月21日 /美通社/ — 由香港特別行政區政府和香港社會服務聯會（社聯）聯合主辦，並與香港科技園公司協辦的第九屆樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會 (GIES)於2025年11月20日至23日一連四日在香港會議展覽中心舉行，雲集超過270個參展單位展出近1,000款來自本港、內地和全球各地的樂齡科技創新產品及應用方案，種類多元化，包括健康監測及護理、遙距醫療、智能管理、跌倒偵測及康復訓練等。今屆博覽三大特色主題館帶大家了解人工智能（AI）在安老復康和社會的最新應用、排便與腸道健康，及照護食的多元發展。多個展館以創意互動場景讓大家飽覽融合AI、機械人、遠程、智能感應、數據分析與雲端等創新技術的樂齡科技，一同掌握樂齡科技新趨勢，親身體驗科技如何支援日常生活、復康和照護需要，及提升生活質素。

開幕禮主禮嘉賓包括中央人民政府駐香港特別行政區聯絡辦公室社會工作部副部長周和博士、香港特別行政區政府創新科技署署長李國彬先生、香港社會服務聯會副主席陳智思先生、香港科技園公司行政總裁黃秉修先生、招商局慈善基金會秘書長黃奕女士及香港社會服務聯會業務總監黃健偉先生。

香港社會服務聯會副主席陳智思先生致辭時表示︰「『樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會』已成為跨界別、具全球視野的年度盛事。多年來，GIES一直是社聯實踐創新的平台，社聯以長者需要為本，整合各方力量，推動科技應用，並配合政府『內聯外通』方向，擔當知識轉移與區域標準制定的推動者，把香港專業服務及制度優勢輻射至大灣區，共同應對人口高齡化挑戰。我們今年的成果豐碩，社聯與三地夥伴協作制定的《適老易食食品通用要求》已納入「灣區標準」清單，成為銀髮經濟領域首個業界主導標準，體現香港專業智慧輸出，促進養老產業協同發展，為市場提供清晰指引。同時，社聯榮幸成為國際老齡聯合會（IFA）2027年第18屆國際老齡會議的官方本地合作夥伴，並將與2027年GIES同期舉辦，聚焦大灣區及亞太區安老服務，展示香港及區域創新經驗，連結灣區，通往國際。展望未來，GIES 將繼續致力發揮專業創新、聯通各界的作用。」

香港科技園公司行政總裁黃秉修先生在開幕禮上表示：「香港正處以科技融入生活，應對人口結構變化的關鍵階段。樂齡科技不單解決人口老化及照護壓力的社會需求，更蘊含龐大經濟機遇，將成為推動銀髮經濟和創科產業升級的重要力量。今年，科技園公司結合沉浸式體驗區與科研展示，把創新方案放回真實生活場景中驗證，推動樂齡科技更貼近市場與使用者，以『從需求出發』滿足長者、照顧者及專業團隊的實際需要。我們會持續培育創科企業，深化本地及粵港澳大灣區合作，並善用北部都會區帶來的發展機遇。GIES不僅彰顯香港在樂齡科技和創新方面的優勢，也為科研成果轉化和規模化應用搭建重要平台，進一步發展可持續、具競爭力的銀髮經濟生態圈。」

GIES 2025特設三大特色主題館，包括「AI 智慧樂齡新未來」 、「便便館」、及「照護食樂園」。另外特色展位包括國家創新科技長廊、樂齡科技應用評估、「ICOPE X Gerontech 智起動．健未來」展區、「樂齡展耀通」計劃、大學創科展區、線上支援服務，以及來自中國內地、北歐、澳洲和日本的展團。

其中，重點活動「高峰會」匯聚海內外專家，打造交流與分享的平台，為各界參加者呈現樂齡科技、創新應用及跨界協作的最新趨勢。今年，香港特區政府聯同香港社會服務聯會，圍繞「銀髮經濟」多個範疇，首次舉辦「銀髮高峰會」，於 11月21日在灣仔會展舉行。多位專家、學者及業界領袖將在專題演講中聚焦樂齡科技生態圈，以銀髮科技為主軸，探討銀髮經濟的新機遇，並分享香港、大灣區及國際間的跨界合作經驗與展望。

博覽期間的精彩活動還包括公眾講座及專題活動如輪椅花生SHOW、「照護食」烹飪示範和試食等。博覽免費入場，適合長者、照顧者、家庭及各界人士參與。

「樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會」2025日期︰2025年11月20日至23日時間：11月20日（星期四） 上午11時 – 下午6時 11月21日至23日（星期五至日）上午10時 – 下午6時* 最後入場時間為每日閉館前30分鐘地點：灣仔 香港會議展覽中心 展覽廳1A – C網站：gies.hk

【免費入場，歡迎預先登記】歡迎社會各界及公眾參觀

「樂齡科技博覽暨高峰會」（GIES）由香港社會服務聯會（社聯）和香港特別行政區政府聯合主辦，香港科技園公司協辦，為全港最大型的樂齡科技公眾教育活動。自2017年舉辦至今，已吸引25萬人次入場參觀，推動公眾和本地安老及復康服務業積極應用科技，更促成多項相關服務及計劃的開展。


title: US affirms support for Japan defense

content_text:
STATE DEPARTMENT: The IPAC also showed support for Japan, calling for measures to deter conflict and saying Taiwanese must be free to determine their own future

The US Department of State has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to the US-Japan alliance and to maintaining stability in the Taiwan Strait, following several economic reprisals by Beijing against Tokyo for its support of Taiwan.

US Department of State deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott on Thursday wrote on X that the US remains unwavering in its support for Japan’s defense, calling the alliance “the cornerstone of peace and security in the Indo-Pacific.”

“We firmly oppose any unilateral attempts to change the ‘status quo,’ including through force or coercion, in the Taiwan Strait, East China Sea or South China Sea,” Pigott said.

Signage outside the US Department of State in Washington in pictured on July 11. Photo: Bloomberg

His remarks were the first proactive reaction by the state department to China’s condemnation of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s comment on Nov. 7 that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could constitute “a situation threatening Japan’s survival,” which could trigger the deployment of Tokyo’s military.

Since then, China has imposed a series of measures aimed at Japan’s economy, including advisories against travel and study in the country, and the suspension of imports of Japanese seafood.

Taiwanese media over the past week twice asked the US Department of State for comment, but it did not mention the US-Japan alliance or Japan’s defense.

The US reiterated that it opposes unilateral attempts to change the “status quo,” supports cross-strait dialogue, and that differences must be resolved peacefully in a manner acceptable to people on both sides of the Strait, free from coercion.

Takaichi is the first Japanese leader in decades to publicly suggest that a Taiwan Strait crisis could lead to Japan’s military involvement.

The Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) yesterday also posted on X a statement in support of Japan while condemning China.

IPAC members “strongly condemn the threatening remarks by China’s Consul-General in Osaka towards Prime Minister Takaichi. Such violet rhetoric is wholly unacceptable, reflective of the steep deterioration in Beijing’s respect for diplomatic norms repeated all over the while in recent years,” it said.

“We emphasize that Prime Minister Takaichi was entirely justified in calling attention to the broad risks of Taiwan Strait escalation,” the IPAC statement said. “Takaichi’s warning about a ‘survival-threatening situation’ reflects careful strategic thinking, not provocation, mirroring growing global recognition that Taiwanese security is global security.”

“Failure to deter and deescalate would plunge the world into an economic depression,” it added.

IPAC said it agreed with the G7 reiterating an appeal against any unilateral change to the “status quo” in the Taiwan Strait, adding that it was time to take action.

“We call upon our governments publicly to support Japan to clarify real-lines around Taiwan, and to coordinate a package of meaningful political and economic measures to deter conflict,” it said. “The people of Taiwan must be free to determine their own future, and activity which threatens global prosperity must be contained."


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COINCIDENCE? FDA Director-General Chiang Chih-kang denied the changes were coordinated amid a spat between Tokyo and Beijing, which banned seafood imports

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) yesterday officially announced the cancelation of the requirement for a certificate of origin for Japanese food imports to Taiwan, effective immediately.

It means that food products from five prefectures — Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma and Chiba — would be fully deregulated and subject to the same management standards as food from other countries. Experts emphasize that future management should still be adjusted on a rolling basis.

According to FDA statistics, Taiwan has conducted more than 270,000 border radiation inspections on Japanese food products since 2011, with a failure rate of 0 percent. Based on the latest risk assessment, the radiation exposure to the Taiwanese public from Japanese food is considered “negligible.”

A customer browses through locally caught seafood at the Hamanoeki Fish Market and Food Court in Soma, Japan, on Aug. 31, 2023. Photo: REUTERS

FDA Director-General Chiang Chih-kang (姜至剛) said that this adjustment was made based on international and domestic scientific evidence.

According to publicly available information from the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Japanese government has established a comprehensive monitoring system and adjusts domestic regulatory measures on a rolling basis according to testing results, effectively ensuring the safety of the food supply chain, he said.

Under the principle of ensuring food safety for the public, scientific evidence and international standards, the review of Japanese food products would return to source-based management and general border sampling, Chiang said.

No objections were received during the consultation period, and thus the adjustment is now officially aligned with the approach used for other countries, with sampling and inspection based on food risk classification, he said.

The only countries and territories still applying special regulations to Japanese food are China, Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea and Russia.

President William Lai (賴清德) on Thursday responded to China’s suspension of Japanese seafood imports by sharing photos on social media of himself enjoying miso soup and sushi made with seafood from Kagoshima and Hokkaido.

Chiang said the timing was entirely coincidental.

“It just happens that the administrative process has reached this point,” he said.

Regarding the full deregulation of food from the five prefectures, Yen Tzung-hai (顏宗海), director of the Clinical Toxicology Center at Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, yesterday said that this change simply shifts the food from “special control” back to “general management.”

Radiation safety standards have not been relaxed in any way, he said, adding that Taiwan still maintains the regulation that the total amount of cesium-134 and cesium-137 in food must not exceed 100 becquerel per kilogram.

title: FDA ends import restrictions on Fukushima foods


people: 陳培瑜 羅智強 蔣萬安 吳秉叡

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The Legislative Yuan yesterday passed an amendment to the Referendum Act (公民投票法), stipulating that referendums and national elections would be held simultaneously if their time frames coincide.

Referendums were first coupled with national elections in 2017, but the legislature in June 2019 passed an amendment to the act to decouple referendums from elections. That amendment stipulated that referendums are to be held on the fourth Saturday of August once every two years, starting in 2021.

The new amendment states that referendums should be held within three to six months after a proposed referendum is officially announced, and that if there is a national election during that time, the two would be held on the same day.

Legislators hold up signs expressing their stance about a vote at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Photo: CNA

The amendment also states that the day of the referendum voting should be a public holiday.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Wu Ping-jui (吳秉叡) said Taiwanese in 2021 voted in a referendum that they did not want referendums coupled with national elections.

The opposition parties are ignoring public will and should shoulder all responsibility if their decision results in chaos during elections, he said.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) caucus secretary-general Lo Chih-chiang (羅智強) said they were helping DPP founders realize their goal of coupling referendums with national elections, adding that the changes were a “lesson” for the modern-day DPP, which has betrayed the vision of its founders.

In related news, the legislature yesterday passed the third reading of amendments to the Local Government Act (地方制度法), reducing the nationwide cap on the number of deputy mayors. It would be implemented starting on Jan. 1 next year.

Current regulations state that special municipalities should have two deputy mayors, and if their population exceeds 2.5 million, the municipal government can appoint one additional deputy mayor. Meanwhile, counties and cities must have one deputy mayor or deputy commissioner, and if the population is more than 1.25 million, they can appoint an additional deputy.

The amended version yesterday removed the restrictions and states that special municipalities would, upon promulgation, have three deputy mayors, while counties and cities could appoint two deputy mayors and deputy commissioners.

It also changed the gender requirements to having one reserved seat for special municipality councilors, city or county councilors; or township representatives numbering three or above — down from one reserved seat for every four — and said one additional reserved seat should be made available for every three people in addition to the original three.

Councilors assuming office on or after Dec. 25, 2030, would benefit from the amendment.

DPP Secretary-General Chen Pei-yu (陳培瑜) said the amendments were tailor-made for Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安), as Taipei’s population had dropped to 2.45 million as of July, and Taipei would not be able to appoint a replacement for incumbent Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Si-chuan (李四川) should he resign to campaign for New Taipei City mayor next year.

title: Legislature passes Referendum Act changes


content_text:
Two US senators on Thursday introduced a bipartisan bill to codify the “six assurances” as a cornerstone of Washington policy toward Taiwan and prevent any unilateral changes to its longstanding position without congressional review.

The “Six Assurances to Taiwan Act,” proposed by US senators John Curtis and Jeff Merkley, would give the assurances the full force of law, ensuring the US Congress must review any attempt to alter them.

The bill, which has been submitted for review by a US Senate committee, is identical to a companion bill introduced by US Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi and several other lawmakers that was approved by the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs.

A flag flies in front of the US Capitol in Washington on Dec. 17, 2020. Photo: Reuters

It reaffirms that maintaining the “six assurances” is in the national, economic and security interest of the US, and contributes to peace in the Indo-Pacific region.

Under the measure, any US administration that wants to alter arms sales, revise Taiwan policies or pressure Taipei into negotiations must notify the US Congress and provide a full justification.

It also stipulates that such actions cannot proceed until the US Congress has had up to 60 days to review and potentially block it through a joint resolution of disapproval.

“Our bipartisan bill codifies a cornerstone of US policy toward Taiwan — ensuring no administration can back away from this commitment behind closed doors,” Merkley said in a statement, adding that it “sends the strong message that members of Congress from both sides of the aisle will not stand for any efforts that undermine this essential partnership.”

The “six assurances” stipulate that the US will not set a date for ending arms sales to Taiwan, consult with China on such arms sales, nor revise the Taiwan Relations Act, which underpins the US’ Taiwan policy.

Washington will not mediate between Taipei and Beijing nor change its position on Taiwan’s sovereignty, the assurances say.

“Republicans and Democrats agree that the United States must reinforce our long-standing support for Taiwan,” Merkley said.

Curtis said the “six assurances” have been a cornerstone of US-Taiwan policy since then-US president Ronald Reagan agreed to them in 1982.

“My bill simply codifies these longstanding commitments, so they carry the full weight of law,” Curtis said. “As Beijing escalates its pressure campaign, this is about clarity, deterrence, and showing Taiwan that America’s support is principled, bipartisan and enduring.”

title: US proposes bipartisan bill codifying ‘six assurances’


content_text:
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi rebuffed demands from China to retract her recent comments about Taiwan, saying there was no change to Tokyo’s stance on how it would respond to a major regional security crisis.

Takaichi became the first sitting Japanese leader in decades to publicly link a Taiwan Strait crisis with the possible deployment of Japanese troops, prompting a furious response and economic retaliation from Beijing.

Since then, she has limited herself to the more vague positions and reiterated that stance yesterday to reporters before departing for a G20 meeting in South Africa.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, right, waves as she departs Haneda Airport yesterday. Photo: AFP

“Regarding a situation threatening Japan’s existence, the government will make a comprehensive judgement based on all available information, taking into account the specific circumstances of each actual situation as it arises,” Takaichi said. “I myself have repeatedly stated this position in my responses. The government’s stance remains consistent.”

While Chinese officials, state media and diplomats have mounted an intense effort to pressure her to retract her comments, Takaichi and her senior officials have sought to dial down tensions and move beyond the issue.

So far that approach has come up short.

Japan should “correct the wrongful remarks and wrongdoings at once, and take practical steps to honor its commitments to China,” Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman Mao Ning (毛寧) said yesterday.

Takaichi said she wanted to continue to try and improve relations after she met with Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) at the APEC summit in South Korea last month.

“President Xi and I confirmed the broad direction of comprehensively advancing our strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, and building a constructive and stable relationship. There has been no change whatsoever in this stance,” Takaichi said.

China is set to be represented at the G20 by Premier Li Qiang (李強), but there are no plans for him to meet with Takaichi.

A meeting between Japanese and Chinese diplomats earlier this week appeared to have done little to soothe tensions.

title: Japan PM rejects demands to retract Taiwan comments


content_text:
HELP POORER NATIONS: Plans should conform with developed nations’ COP29 commitment to provide US$300bn annual climate finance, an official said

Negotiators were divided yesterday on the last day of fire-delayed UN climate talks, as Europe rejected UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) host Brazil’s latest draft agreement which lacks a road map to phase out fossil fuels.

At stake is nothing less than proving that international cooperation can still function in a fractured world — and delivering a text that nudges the planet back toward the critical 1.5°C long-term warming target, despite the absence of the US.

However, the draft unveiled by Brazil did not mention fossil fuels or the words “road map” that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva himself suggested weeks ago.

People wearing masks representing world leaders participate in a protest demanding concrete measures to address the climate emergency, in Belem, Brazil, on Thursday. Photo: EPA

“This is in no way close to the ambition we need on mitigation. We are disappointed with the text currently on the table,” European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra said.

French Minister of Ecological Transition Monique Barbut decried it as “an incomprehensible omission at a time of climate emergency.”

About 30 countries had written to the Brazilian presidency on Thursday warning they could not accept a final deal at COP30 that did not include a plan for moving away from fossil fuels.

The letter, drafted by Colombia, stated: “We cannot support an outcome that does not include a roadmap for implementing a just, orderly and equitable transition away from fossil fuels.”

France said Russia, Saudi Arabia and India, along with many emerging economies, were the main obstacles to a COP30 deal on phasing out fossil fuels.

Consensus is needed among the nearly 200 nations at COP30 to land an agreement.

Non-governmental organizations also rejected the draft deal, with Greenpeace urging nations to send it back to the Brazilian chair for revisions.

“Hopes were raised by initial proposals for road maps both to end deforestation and fossil fuels,” Greenpeace climate politics expert Tracy Carty said. “But these roadmaps have disappeared and we’re again lost without a map to 1.5°C and fumbling our way in the dark while time is running out.”

Divisions remain not just over fossil fuels, but also regarding trade measures and finance for poorer nations to adapt to climate change and move to a low-carbon future.

Hoekstra said the EU was “willing to be ambitious on adaptation,” but that “any language on finance should squarely be within the commitment reached last year” at COP29, where developed nations agreed to provide US$300 billion in annual climate finance.

The EU is also fighting resistance led by China and India to its “carbon tax” on imports such as steel, aluminum, cement and fertilizers — measures the UK and Canada are also preparing to adopt.

Negotiations were delayed on Thursday when a fire torched a hole through the fabric ceiling of the COP30 venue, forcing a panicked evacuation.

Nineteen people were treated for smoke inhalation and two for anxiety attacks, officials said.

The venue reopened later on Thursday night.

The cause of the blaze was being investigated, but might have been the result of a short circuit or other electrical malfunction, Brazilian Minister of Tourism Celso Sabino said.

The conference ended yesterday, but was still ongoing as of press time last night.

title: Nations at odds over fossil fuels as COP30 closes


content_text:
ECONOMIC WARFARE:  As China hits Japan with teeth-rattling seafood bans, DPP lawmakers urged Taiwanese to support Japan as neighbors by buying their goods   By Lin Tsuei-yi, Chen Cheng-yu and Esme Yeh / Staff reporters, in Tokyo and Taipei

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) lawmakers representing constituencies in Kaohsiung yesterday expressed deep support for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi by urging Taiwanese to buy Japanese goods and travel there as Japan weathers Chinese economic sanctions following Takaichi’s remarks supporting Taiwan.

The shorthand for Kaohsiung in traditional Mandarin (高市) and the kanji characters (高市) of “Takaichi” in Japanese are shaped the same.

Citing former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe’s statement that “a Taiwan emergency is a Japanese emergency,” DPP Legislator Chiu Yi-ying (邱議瑩) said Taiwan would continue to support Japan against China’s sanctions, saying “a Japan emergency is a Taiwanese emergency.”

From left, Democratic Progressive Party legislators Huang Jie, Lee Po-yi, Hsu Chih-chieh, Chiu Yi-ying and Michelle Lin hold placards and banners at a news conference in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Liao Chen-huei, Taipei Times

With the disbursement of NT$10,000 cash handouts under way in Taiwan, airlines could issue discount vouchers, and run travel promotions with the Tourism Administration and Japanese tourism authorities to encourage Taiwanese tourists to visit Japan and support its economy, Chiu said at a press conference in Taipei.

DPP Legislator Lee Po-yi (李柏毅) said the Kaohsiung Film Festival had been blacklisted by Beijing years ago, adding that lawmakers representing Kaohsiung constituencies should speak up for Japan at this moment as it faces similar pressure from China over its pro-Taiwan stance.

DPP Legislator Huang Jie (黃捷) said Takaichi’s support for Taiwan is crucial and Taiwan should not let Japan handle the economic hardship alone, calling on people to buy more Japanese seafood or include Japan in their travel itineraries.

DPP Legislator Michelle Lin (林楚茵) said Abe used to support Taiwan by including Taiwanese agricultural products in his meals, calling on people in Taiwan to return the favor.

In Tokyo, Representative to Japan Lee Yi-yang (李逸洋) yesterday called on Taiwanese to support Japan by purchasing Japanese agricultural and seafood.

Takaichi values Taiwan’s security, as it affects Japan’s own security, and her attitude resonates with many Taiwanese, he said.

While China banned imports of Japanese seafood to undermine Japan’s economy, Taiwanese can help protect it by buying as much Japanese seafood as possible, Lee said.

Abe helped promote Taiwan-grown pineapples in 2021 when China banned importing the fruit from Taiwan, making Japan the biggest buyer of Taiwanese pineapples, Lee said, adding that Japan also buys the most bananas, mangoes and tuna from Taiwan.

On the other hand, Taiwan is the world’s largest importer of Japanese apples, grapes, yams and persimmons, Lee said.

Taiwan is also the second-largest importer of scallops, wagyu beef, peaches, strawberries and pears from Japan, he added.

Lee called on Taiwanese to buy more Japanese scallops, the export category hardest hit by Chinese sanctions.

President William Lai (賴清德) on Thursday posted on social media that his lunch was “sushi and miso soup” with “yellowtail from Kagoshima and scallops from Hokkaido.”

His comments caught attention from mainstream Japanese media, including NHK and Kyodo news agency, and were published on digital billboards around Tokyo’s Shinjuku and Akihabara districts, as well as onboard trains.

Lai’s post was shared by Japanese House of Councilors member Mizuho Umemura on Thursday afternoon, who said she would have braised pork rice and mangoes, well-known Taiwanese dishes, as lunch the next day and posted “the virtuous attracts the like-minded and is never alone.”

Umemura posted a photo later that day of her meal, writing: “I couldn’t wait until lunch tomorrow, so I had braised pork rice and mango yogurt for dinner.”

people: 邱議瑩 林楚茵 賴清德 李逸洋

title: Lawmakers urge public to buy Japanese goods


content_text:
Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Legislator Puma Shen (沈伯洋) yesterday departed for the Netherlands despite threats against him by Beijing.

China’s Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau late last month listed Shen as “wanted” and launched an investigation into his alleged “secession-related” criminal activities in Taiwan, including his founding of Kuma Academy, a civil defense organization that tries to prepare Taiwanese on what to do in the event of an invasion by China.

The probe is being carried out under China’s Criminal Law and the judicial guidelines introduced last year on penalizing “Taiwan independence separatists.”

Democratic Progressive Party Legislator Puma Shen speaks to reporters at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei in an undated photograph. Photo: Taipei Times

A Chinese legal expert said on the state-run China Central Television that Shen should be pursued through Interpol and other mutual judicial assistance agreements with foreign countries.

The legislative Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee on Wednesday passed a DPP motion condemning the probe into Shen, saying that the Chinese Communist Party “has no jurisdiction” over the people of Taiwan.

The 209th Executive Committee Meeting of Liberal International (LI) started yesterday and ends tomorrow in The Hague, Netherlands.

According to the official agenda, Shen is scheduled today to attend a panel discussion titled “Defending Democracy in an Era of Political Manipulation,” organized by LI’s Human Rights Committee.

The session is scheduled to be chaired by Canadian political operative and LI Human Rights Committee vice chair Claudia McCoy.

Shen is to appear alongside Pavle Grbovic, leader of Serbia’s Movement of Free Citizens, and Bart Groothuis, a European Parliament member from the Netherlands, to jointly explore how to respond to information warfare and infiltration by authoritarian forces.

Shen and DPP Legislator Fan Yun (范雲) are also scheduled to attend a joint conference titled “Indo-Pacific and European Security: Developments, Issues, and Challenges,” co-organized by the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe, and the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats tomorrow afternoon.

title: Lawmaker flaunts Beijing’s arrest threats


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Taiwan expresses regret after CPTPP does not address its accession

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) yesterday voiced dissatisfaction with the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans- Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), whose latest meeting, concluded earlier the same day, appeared not to address the country’s application.

In a statement, MOFA said the CPTPP commission had "once again failed to fairly process Taiwan’s application," attributing the inaction to the bloc’s "succumbing to political pressure," without elaborating.

Taiwan submitted its CPTPP application under the name "Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu" on Sept. 22, 2021 -- less than a week after China filed its bid.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ logo is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo: Yang Cheng-yu, Taipei Times

Beijing, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has publicly opposed Taiwan’s membership, raising concerns among Taiwanese officials that a successful Chinese bid could sink Taiwan’s hopes of joining the CPTPP.

MOFA’s comments came after the CPTPP commission concluded its meeting in Melbourne, Australia, earlier yesterday, where member states agreed to start Uruguay’s accession process.

In a joint statement, the CPTPP members said they "have identified four aspirants who are in line with the Auckland Principles, namely Uruguay, the United Arab Emirates, the Philippines, and Indonesia."

"We have decided to commence an accession process with Uruguay, and will commence with the others in 2026, if appropriate," said the statement, which made no mention of Taiwan or China.

In its statement, MOFA said it would continue efforts to show CPTPP members that Taiwan meets the high standards required by the bloc, which currently has 12 members and represents approximately 15 percent of the global economy, and to secure their support for its membership.

The ministry also highlighted Taiwan’s commitment to align its trade practices and regulations with international standards and noted that the island has signed trade or investment agreements with multiple CPTPP members, including Singapore, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.


title: Taiwan practices medical diplomacy with overseas allies

people: 林佳龍 賴清德

content_text:
By Fang Wei-li and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writer

Taiwan’s public health collaboration with foreign partners under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project is essential to the cause of human rights, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) said yesterday.

Lin made the comments in a social media post following a meeting with Haitian Minister of Public Health and Population Bertrand Sinal and Guatemalan Minister of Public Health and Social Assistance Joaquin Barnoya in Taipei the previous day.

Cooperation in public health is a honed diplomatic instrument of Taiwan and one that President William Lai (賴清德) supports without reservation as a doctor, Lin said in the post.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung, center, poses for a photograph with a delegation from Guatemala in Taipei on Thursday. Photo courtesy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Sinal and Barnoya’s visit showed that all nations involved in the joint endeavor are committed to deepening the collaboration and improving the quality of medical care for the citizens they serve, he said.

Promoting growth in the healthcare industry to bring about comprehensive improvements in the quality and availability of care is one of the eight key sectors of the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Lin said.

Taiwan is providing aid to Haiti and Guatemala in the form of hospital construction, medical equipment, public health information systems, medical professionals and sustainable public health funding, he said.

One concrete result was the establishment of an infant ward in the San Juan de Dios hospital with a capacity to care for 90 children, which Lin visited with Barnoya during a state visit to Guatemala, Lin said

Taiwan’s public health collaboration with its allies helps secure not only economic prosperity, but also uphold human dignity and the right to medical care, he said.

The ministry remains committed to facilitating Taiwan’s efforts to put its goodwill to work around the world, Lin said.

“Every child is an angel who deserves equal access to medical care regardless of race, color and creed,” he said.


content_text:
SHIP TO SHORE: The PLA might use civilian vessels to rapidly expand amphibious assault capability, practicing the employment of commercial ships to project force   By Allison Martell, David Lague, Clare Farley and Minami Funak / Reuters, TAIPEI

China is rehearsing for a potential invasion of Taiwan using a shadow navy of civilian cargo ships and ferries, according to a Reuters investigation that tracked vessel movements and analyzed satellite imagery of military exercises conducted this summer.

The investigation reveals that the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is experimenting with techniques that could accelerate the landing of troops and equipment onto multiple Taiwanese beaches simultaneously — a strategy that military experts say aims to overwhelm the nation’s defenders.

Twelve civilian vessels were identified — six roll-on, roll-off car ferries and six deck cargo ships — as they traveled in mid-August to a beach near Jiesheng in Guangdong Province. Satellite images captured some of the ships practicing beach landing operations on Aug. 23.

Satellite images show deck cargo ships unloading vehicles directly onto beaches using their vehicle ramps.

Reuters is the first to publish images of this strategy during an amphibious landing exercise.

These civilian vessels, about 90m long and widely used in Asian commercial shipping, can deliver cargo to beaches without port facilities due to their shallow draft and open-deck design.

The exercises featured a self-propelled floating pier system that has not been seen since 2023, suggesting that China continues to develop portable infrastructure that could speed the unloading of troops, equipment and supplies if Taiwanese infrastructure is unavailable or destroyed during an invasion, according to naval warfare experts.

The outcome of a Chinese attack could depend heavily on the response of the US, the nation’s most important ally.

For decades, the US refused to say how it would react to an invasion, a policy dubbed “strategic ambiguity.”

Former US president Joe Biden appeared to break with this policy, confirming on a number of occasions during his term that US forces would defend Taiwan if it was attacked.

Asked about US President Donald Trump’s position on Taiwan, a White House spokesman said: “The policy of the US is to maintain Taiwan’s defensive capability relative to that of China. And as the president has said, Chairman Xi Jinping (習近平) will not attack Taiwan while President Trump is in office.”

“The Taiwan question is purely an internal affair of China, and how to resolve it is entirely a matter for the Chinese people,” the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in response to questions.

The Chinese Ministry of National Defense did not respond to a request for comment.

In response to questions, Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense referred Reuters to comments made in September by Minister of National Defense Wellington Koo (顧立雄), who said that Taiwan maintains “continuous oversight” of China’s use of roll-on, roll-off vessels.

“We closely monitor how they support military operations,” Koo said, adding that Taiwan has “developed relevant contingency plans.”

Admiral Lee Hsi-min (李喜明), a former chief of staff of Taiwan’s armed forces, said the satellite imagery shows that China is developing capabilities for “multi-point, small amphibious landing operations” using large numbers of smaller craft.

This approach could prove more difficult for Taiwan to defend against than concentrated landings at fewer sites, he said.

Use of civilian vessels could greatly expand China’s capacity for amphibious landings.

The Chinese military has dedicated military ships capable of transporting about 20,000 troops in an initial attack, according to Taiwanese and US military experts.

That is far short of military experts’ estimates of what would be needed in an invasion. Subduing Taiwan would require 300,000 to 1 million troops or more, they said, making civilian vessels crucial to any invasion plan.

Getting large numbers of armored vehicles ashore quickly in particular is critical.

At one point during the August exercise, Reuters counted at least 330 vehicles that had accumulated on and near the beach.

Reuters spent about a year tracking more than 100 civilian vessels that have participated in past military drills or that are owned by operators frequently involved in military exercises.

The news agency worked with satellite data provider BlackSky Technology to observe the summer drills.

China’s commercial shipbuilding industry accounts for 53 percent of global shipbuilding, compared with just 0.1 percent for the US.

The PLA has legal authority to commandeer civilian shipping for military purposes, giving China enormous amphibious lift capability beyond its already formidable navy — the world’s largest.

“It means that their amphibious lift capability is much, much greater than what it appears to be,” said Ian Easton, an associate professor at the US Naval War College, who reviewed the exercise imagery.

One senior Taiwan defense official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, questioned the viability of using civilian ferries and cargo ships in an invasion.

The official said it would be nearly impossible for China to deploy landing craft like the ones Reuters observed during an invasion, because they would be vulnerable to small, easily-portable weapons such as shoulder-fired missiles.

The official suggested China might be waging “cognitive warfare” by holding large-scale exercises designed to demoralize Taiwan and its allies.

people: 顧立雄 習近平

title: FEATURE: China works to expand amphibious capability


title: Groups urge heat protections for youth

taiwan-subdivisions: 大安 冬山 新北

content_text:
NEGLECTED: Greenpeace said that none of the NT$400 billion climate adaptation budget was allocated for adolescents, despite them representing future generations

Greenpeace yesterday urged the Ministry of Environment to include children and teenagers in climate adaptation programs, and invest more funding to protect them against heat injuries during outdoor activities.

Wu Chi (吳際), a sixth-grade student of Ci-Xin Waldorf Elementary School in Yilan County’s Dongshan Township (冬山), yesterday presented an open letter to the ministry’s Climate Change Administration Director-General Tsai Ling-yi (蔡玲儀) to call for attention to the impact of climate change on future generations.

He has been a volunteer for cigarette butt and second-hand clothes recycling at the Society of Wilderness for three years.

Representatives from Greenpeace, children’s welfare organizations and environmental groups hold a press conference in front of the Ministry of Environment in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Huang Yi-ching, Taipei Times

“I hope the government would be aware of the right of the child to be heard and let children have a say at the Presidential Office’s National Climate Change Committee, because the consequences of climate change are to be borne by our generation,” Wu said.

Citing a research report titled The “Heatwaived” Childhood, Greenpeace East Asia climate and energy director Hsin Yi (忻儀) said none of the total budget of more than NT$400 billion (US$12.7 billion) under the National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan was allocated for promoting heat adaptation in adolescents.

The research was conducted by Greenpeace East Asia along with Yang Hsin-ju (楊馨茹), deputy director of the Sustainable Environment and Technology Application Research Center at Tainan University of Technology.

It collected data on health risk indicators like ultra-violet index, wet-bulb globe temperatures, and surface temperatures of paving and playground equipment at a total of 16 parks across eight administrative areas — Taipei, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Taichung, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Hsinchu county and city — between 9am and 5pm from June to August.

Yang said the 16 parks were all newly built, but their shade facilities were insufficient, with significantly high ultraviolet levels identified at New Taipei Metropolitan Park (新北大都會公園) and Kaohsiung’s Luyuandao Park (綠園道公園).

Nine of the 16 parks exposed playing children to the risk of heat injuries all day long, which is defined as existing when the wet-bulb globe temperature is above 29°C, she said.

Surface temperatures of paving and playground equipment at the 16 parks were measured using infrared cameras and were all found to exceed 48°C at their highest, Yang said.

For example, rubber floor mats at Taipei’s Daan Forest Park (大安森林公園) became as hot as 74.1°C, while synthetic turf at Tainan’s Renan Park (人安公園) went up to 81.6°C, she said.

That means children could receive burn injuries if they play while exposed to such high temperatures, Yang said.

Temperatures collected by existing regional weather stations are not enough to anticipate heat-related risks, as they were far lower than the actual data measured at the parks, she said.

Therefore, the government should set up microclimate monitoring stations at parks to inform children of when it is suitable to play, as well as enhance urban disaster prevention, she added.

Taiwan Statebuilding Party Secretary-General Wu Hsin-tai (吳欣岱), who is also a cardiac surgeon, said children’s body temperatures rise faster than adults in hot weather.

Children can be left with long-term health problems after being exposed to heat, as they are more vulnerable than adults in terms of body heat regulation and cardiorespiratory endurance, she said.

In response, Tsai said Taiwan is dedicated to carbon reduction alongside global partners and would step up interagency cooperation to minimize the impact of climate change on younger generations.


title: Labor ministry unveils draft delivery staff rules

content_text:
By Lee Ching-hui and Jonathan Chin / Staff reporter, with staff writer

The Ministry of Labor yesterday unveiled a draft management act governing digital delivery services, in a move to regulate wages and working conditions in the booming industry.

The proposed legislation would be sent to the Executive Yuan for approval after a seven-day public comment period, Department of Employment Relations Director Wang Hou-wei (王厚偉) told a news conference in Taipei.

The bill, titled “the act governing delivery workers’ rights and delivery platforms,” would provide clear guidance for delivery drivers governing wages, the right to disconnect and for-cause termination, he said.

Department of Employment Relations Director Wang Hou-wei attends a news conference in Taipei yesterday. Photo: Lee Ching-hui, Taipei Times

It would place delivery platforms under the provisions of the Disaster Prevention and Protection Act (天然災害入法) authorizing mandatory shutdowns when local governments suspend classes and work for natural disasters and other emergencies, he said.

In addition, delivery services would be required to obtain commercial, group accident, liability and occupational injury insurance for drivers to protect the basic labor rights of their employees, Wang said.

The draft act would prevent wage theft by requiring delivery services to inform drivers of their compensation on each job, which must add up to at least 1.25 times the minimum hourly wage, he said.

This rate is determined after including the estimated costs of fuel and vehicle maintenance, and idle time spent in transit, which are expenditures that delivery services do not cover for their employees, Wang said.

Should the law go into effect next year, delivery drivers would receive pay equivalent to NT$245 per hour, slightly less than the NT$290 stipulated currently, but with less leeway for employers to reduce their pay, he said.

The proposed bill would bar delivery services from compelling drivers to remain online, and also require services to inform drivers of their pay, and pickup and delivery locations before they can accept an order, Wang said.

The draft law would list valid causes for terminating drivers and place the burden of proving the legitimacy of termination on employers, while authorizing independent panels for investigating labor grievances within the industry, he said.


title: Prisons to increase airspace monitoring after drone incident

content_text:
The Ministry of Justice’s Correctional Department has instructed all correctional institutions to step up airspace monitoring, utilizing surveillance systems in conjunction with patrols for vigilance.

If anomalies are detected, authorities must immediately report and resolve the situation, and, if necessary, refer the case to the judiciary and other authorities for investigation and enforcement, it said.

The directive came in the wake of a case in which officers during a patrol at Hualien Prison on Sept. 14 at about 10pm discovered a drone hovering overhead, which dropped two volleyballs.

Confiscated items including a drone, volleyballs and bottles filled with whiskey are displayed at the Hualien Police Department in an undated photograph.  Photo courtesy of the Hualien Police Department

An investigation revealed that prior to the dropping of the balls, a 29-year-old suspect surnamed Lo (羅), who had previously served time at Hualien Prison and was very familiar with the prison’s layout, was spotted parking his car beside the patrol path near the prison wall.

He was spotted by prison staff, who immediately reported the incident.

Meanwhile, prison officers, upon discovering the balls and opening them, found each ball containing three packets of betel nuts and two bottles filled with whiskey.

The two balls contained four bottles of whiskey and six packets of betel nuts altogether, they said.

Hualien Prison said it decided to remain discreet and placed two additional volleyballs on the court as “bait,” and sure enough, an inmate named Chen (陳) later appeared to “retrieve the goods.”

It turned out Chen was Lo’s friend, the prison said.

Sources said the following day was the monthly day for inmates to play ball, and it was suspected that the inmate intentionally dropped the volleyballs containing contraband onto the court for his friend to collect and use.

As the airspace above Hualien Prison is a no-fly zone, the case is being processed under Article 99-13 of the Civil Aviation Act (民用航空法). Flying a drone in a no-fly or restricted zone can result in a fine ranging from NT$300,000 to NT$1.5 million (NT$9,545 to NT$47,725).

The police have reported the case to the county government for penalties to be imposed.


content_text:
A dog bite is not a minor scratch, Feng Yuan Hospital surgeon Chen Ming-tse (陳明澤) said, adding that if people delay treatment, the wound might even cause skin necrosis (death of skin tissue), disfiguration, cellulitis and permanent scars, or even need surgical debridement.

Chen made the remarks in light of a case in which a 28-year-old woman was bitten by her dog when playing at home, causing skin and muscle tear on the cheek, and through immediate treatment with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, her facial lines and smile were successfully repaired, and she can eat and drink normally.

The woman, surnamed Hu (胡), was playing with her dog at home, when it suddenly bit her on the cheek, causing profuse bleeding, and her family quickly rushed her to hospital for emergency treatment, Chen cited Hu as saying.

Feng Yuan Hospital surgeon Chen Ming-tse points to photograph of a patient treated for dog bites. Photo courtesy of Feng Yuan Hospital

When Hu arrived at the emergency room, she had a laceration wound of about 4cm long on her right cheek, which reached a deep muscle layer, with skin defect and teeth penetration marks, so the medical team immediately administered first aid, Chen said.

They thoroughly rinsed and disinfected the wound, removed necrotic and contaminated tissues, controlled local bleeding, and administered intravenous antibiotics and tetanus vaccine to prevent infection, he said, adding that considering the depth of the wound, they decided to apply cosmetic suture.

To speed up tissue recovery, the medical team also administered PRP, using concentrated blood platelets derived from the patient’s blood, to help stimulate healing of the wound, he said.

PRP stimulates cell growth and collagen production, accelerating the repair process, so it is an important supporting method for bite wound reconstruction, he said, adding that the patient would also need hyperbaric oxygen therapy afterwards for better healing and to reduce the risk of complications.

Wu Yu-hsin (吳育欣), director of the hospital’s dermatology department, said bite wounds on the face usually leave serious scars with jagged edges and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, so post-surgical treatment is crucial and should be received as early as possible.

Wu said he prescribed Hu botulinum toxin injection and laser treatment, along with scar gel to reduce post-injury localized skin tension, as well as avoid worsening the scar.

Laser treatment can ablate scar tissues and stimulate the production of collagen, improving skin appearance, he said, adding that Hu’s skin regeneration is making good progress, and that she only needs to attend follow-up checkups.

If people get bitten by a dog on their face, hands, genitals or other high-risk areas, they should seek medical attention immediately and get proper treatment — including wound debridement, medication and be assessed if stature is needed — within six hours, to significantly reduce infection risk and effectively preserve their appearance, Chen said.

title: Dog bites ‘not minor,’ doctors warn


title: Bands to join ‘heavy metal diplomacy’

people: 賴清德 林昶佐 林佳龍

content_text:
Three Taiwanese bands are to join Finnish music groups in Helsinki at the end of this month to engage in “heavy metal diplomacy” at a festival organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Association of Chinese Culture.

Taiwan’s Crescent Lament (恆月三途), Flesh Juicer (血肉果汁機) and Chthonic (閃靈) would join Finnish folk metal band Korpiklaani, metal band Lost Society and folk metal violinist Olli Vanska at “F:F:F — Formosa:Finland:Fest,” which is to take place on Thursday next week at the Helsinki event venue Tiivistamo.

The Taiwanese heavy metal delegation would be led by Crescent Lament frontwoman Muer Chou (周慕姿), who is also a well-known, published counseling psychologist in Taiwan.

From third left front row, General Association of Chinese Culture secretary-general Lee Hou-ching, Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung and Minister of Culture Li Yuan hold placards along with event guests and performers at a press conference in Taipei on Friday last week promoting the upcoming “F:F:F — Formosa:Finland:Fest.” Photo: CNA

Ahead of the concert, Chou praised Finland for being the happiest country in the world and the mecca of heavy metal, and said she looked forward to collaborating with Finnish musicians.

“I believe that the collision between an extremely cold country and a super-hot country will create new sparks,” Chou said.

When they arrive in Finland, Chou and the other members of the Taiwanese bands would meet up with Chthonic leader Doris Yeh (葉湘怡) and lead singer Freddy Lim (林昶佐). The couple reside there because Lim is Taiwan’s representative to the Nordic country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) last week said that it was President William Lai’s (賴清德) idea to launch a “Rock in the North and Classical in the South” diplomacy initiative in Europe due to Lim’s heavy metal background.

Representative to Austria Liu Suan-yung (劉玄詠) made up the second half of Lai’s plan, Lin said, as Liu is not only a renowned trombonist, but also a former director of the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra.

Finland’s top representative in Taipei, Lauri Raunio, said that Finland has the highest density of metal musicians of any country in the world.

The cultural collaboration between Taiwan and Finland is an exciting phenomenon to look forward to, Raunio said.

Lin said the heavy metal diplomacy was part of the “Taiwan Culture in Europe 2025” campaign, which was launched following the success of the Taiwanese program at last year’s Paris Cultural Olympiad.


title: Taiwanese restaurant in Manila honored by Michelin

content_text:
A home-style restaurant opened by a Taiwanese woman in Quezon City in Metro Manila has been featured in the first-ever Michelin Guide honoring exceptional restaurants in the Philippines.

The restaurant, Fong Wei Wu (豐味屋), was one of 74 eateries to receive a “Michelin Selected” honor in the guide, while one restaurant received two Michelin stars, eight received one star and 25 were awarded a “Bib Gourmand.”

The guide, which was limited to restaurants in Metro Manila and Cebu, was published on Oct. 30.

The restaurant Fong Wei Wu is pictured in Quezon City in Metro Manila in an undated photograph. Photo: CNA

In an interview, Feng Wei Wu’s owner and chef, Linda, said that as a restaurateur in her 60s, receiving an affirmation of this kind was “indescribable.”

“When I got the news, I thought my employees were joking with me,” she said. “When they told me it was the truth, I broke out in goosebumps.”

Linda said she came to the Philippines in 2000 so that her daughter, who had just graduated from junior high school, could improve her English.

During the five years she spent accompanying her daughter, her love of cooking and abundant free time led her to open a restaurant, which started with classic Taiwanese dishes like beef noodle soup, pork ribs with rice, and braised pork rice, she said.

Despite her restaurant’s unexpected beginning and the countless difficulties of opening a business in another country, Linda said she was determined to persevere and make it a success.

To improve her cooking, she attended Taiwanese cooking classes organized by the Overseas Community Affairs Council and taught by top Taiwanese chefs, she said.

She also imports many of her ingredients — including soy sauce, sesame sauce, vinegar, doubanjiang (豆瓣醬, broad bean paste), fried shallots and zha cai (榨菜, pickled mustard tuber) — directly from Taiwan, insisting that the higher cost is worth it to maintain an authentic flavor.

In its introduction, the Michelin Guide refers to Fong Wei Wu as a “cosy family-run spot serv[ing] home-style Taiwanese food,” with a daily-changing spread of 15 to 20 dishes.

“Don’t miss the fried bihon — rice noodles stir-fried with pork and cabbage [that] are topped with flavorsome minced pork to create a harmony of soy umami and vegetable sweetness,” the guide says.


content_text: Fans of South Korean pop group Twice — whose members include Taiwan-born Chou Tzu-yu — flash handwritten posters and signs to welcome the group’s members at Kaohsiung International Airport yesterday. The group is to play Kaohsiung today as part of its “This Is For” world tour. It would be the group’s first performance in Taiwan since its debut 10 years ago. Photo: Lee Hui-chou, Taipei Times

title: Once in a lifetime


content_text: Deputy Minister of the Interior Ma Shih-yuan, third right, National Fire Agency (NFA) Director-General Hsiao Huan-chang, second left, and others hold up signs at the NFA’s Disaster Prevention and Rescue Technology Resilience Exhibition in Taipei yesterday.

title: Public safety


content_text:
TECHNOLOGY DAY:  The Taiwanese firm is also setting up a joint venture with Alphabet Inc on robots and plans to establish a firm in Japan to produce Model A EVs

Manufacturing giant Hon Hai Precision Industry Co (鴻海精密) yesterday announced a collaboration with ChatGPT developer OpenAI to build next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and strengthen its local supply chain in the US to accelerate the deployment of advanced AI systems.

Building such an infrastructure in the US is crucial for strengthening local supply chains and supporting the US in maintaining its leading position in the AI domain, Hon Hai said in a statement.

Through the collaboration, OpenAI would share its insights into emerging hardware needs in the AI industry with Hon Hai to support the company’s design and development work, as well as future production at its US sites, it said.

Hon Hai Precision Industry Co chairman Young Liu, right, and company founder Terry Gou attend the Hon Hai Technology Day conference in Taipei yesterday. Photo: An Rong Xu, Bloomberg

The initial agreement does not include any purchase commitments or financial obligations, it added.

The collaboration will focus on developing develop multiple next-generation AI data center racks, enhancing the server rack architecture and expanding production across multiple US locations.

Hon Hai also expects to broaden its procurement to include more local chipmakers and suppliers, and to expand localized testing and assembly lines to provide a more resilient and scalable US supply chain.

Hon Hai also plans to build key components for AI data centers — including cabling, networking, cooling and power systems in the US — to support the rapid construction of high-performance computing infrastructure.

The research and development of the hardware would be carried out in San Jose, California, and could potentially be manufactured at the company’s Ohio plant, Hon Hai chairman Young Liu (劉揚偉) told Bloomberg Television on the sidelines of the company’s annual Technology Day event.

Hon Hai plans to spend an initial US$1 billion to US$5 billion to expand its US manufacturing footprint.

The company is focusing on the US and expects to be able to assemble up to 2,000 server racks per week next week, roughly doubling its current output, Liu said.

Separately, Hon Hai yesterday also announced that it would establish a joint venture in the US with Intrinsic, an Alphabet Inc subsidiary, to build future AI robot factories and use AI-enabled robotic skills to improve production efficiency in manufacturing and automotive plants.

The cooperation between the two companies in the initial phase would include assembly, testing, machine maintenance management and logistics applications, Hon Hai said in a statement.

Intrinsic’s solution would provide a general-purpose toolkit for Hon Hai and the Intrinsic team — including the Intrinsic Vision Model — to introduce a new automation approach to electronic assembly processes, the company said.

The two companies aim to drive a “step change” in electronic product assembly and broader manufacturing, transforming production for multiple generations of redesigned products through more versatile intelligent robots, and achieving full factory orchestration and automation, Hon Hai said.

Hon Hai also unveiled its new Model A electric vehicle (EV), which was primarily designed by the company’s Japanese team, Liu said.

Hon Hai plans to establish a company in Japan to produce the latest model and serve local customers, it said.

Additional reporting by Bloomberg

title: Hon Hai, OpenAI collaborating on AI


title: MOEA approves Nvidia Taiwan subsidiary

content_text:
LAND TRANSFER:  The city government and Shin Kong Life are to sign an agreement next week relinquishing the insurer’s rights to two plots that are to be used by Nvidia

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) yesterday approved an application from US artificial intelligence chip giant Nvidia Corp to set up a subsidiary in Taiwan.

Nvidia is to invest NT$1 billion (US$32.12 million) to set up the Taiwanese subsidiary, the ministry said.

The ministry had approved Nvidia’s application to set up a subsidiary in late September, but the US company resubmitted its application on Wednesday last week, raising its investment to NT$1 billion.

A sign shows the Nvidia logo at Nvidia Corp headquarters in Santa Clara, California, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an (蔣萬安) had told reporters on Thursday that when he met with Scott Ekman, Nvidia’s global vice president for real estate and site services, on Tuesday, he was told that Nvidia was in the process of opening a subsidiary in Taiwan.

Nvidia has three branches registered in Taiwan: Nvidia Hong Kong Holdings Ltd, Taiwan branch, Nvidia (BVI) Holdings Ltd, Taiwan branch, and Singapore Development Pte, Taiwan branch.

Nvidia has not said why it applied for a subsidiary in Taiwan at this time, but having a subsidiary means it can independently hold assets, make large-scale purchases, sign more complex contracts, and have more flexibility in handling local tax and research-and-development funding issues.

That is because, unlike a branch, a subsidiary is an independent legal entity from its parent company, and has its own liabilities, assets and tax obligations.

Edman also provided a letter of intent to build its Taiwanese headquarters in the Beitou Shilin Tech Park when he met with Chiang on Tuesday.

Chiang said he and Edman are expected to meet again ahead of the Lunar New Year holiday in February to sign an agreement on the Taiwanese headquarters project.

Taipei is clearing the way for Nvidia to build the headquarters. It is in the process of terminating a contract giving the surface rights to Shin Kong Life Insurance Co (新光人壽) for the T17 and T18 lots in the science park, where Nvidia wants to build its Taiwan headquarters.

The city government has proposed a payment of NT$4.43 billion for the insurer to relinquish the land use rights before transferring it to Nvidia.

Shin Kong Life was scheduled to hold a special board meeting yesterday afternoon to discuss the contract termination.

Taipei Deputy Mayor Lee Shu-chuan (李四川) yesterday said the city and the company could sign an agreement to complete the deal next week.

Shin Kong Life obtained the land’s surface rights in 2021 after winning a public tender, but has yet to begin development.

The city government objected to allowing the insurer to directly transfer the rights to Nvidia, citing concerns about potential profiteering, and requested a mutual contract termination.


content_text:
TSMC chairman, ex-chair receive top semiconductor industry award

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) Chairman C.C. Wei (魏哲家) and the company’s former chairman, Mark Liu (劉德音), both received the Robert N. Noyce Award -- the semiconductor industry’s highest honor -- in San Jose, California, on Thursday (local time).

Speaking at the award event, Liu, who retired last year, expressed gratitude to his wife, his dissertation advisor at the University of California, Berkeley, his supervisors at AT&T Bell Laboratories -- where he worked on optical fiber communication systems before joining TSMC, TSMC partners, and industry colleagues.

Liu said that working alongside TSMC partners over the past 30 years has been a lifelong honor and that he could not have reached this moment without them.

From left, Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC) Chairman C.C. Wei and TSMC’s former chairman Mark Liu are pictured at the Robert N. Noyce Award ceremony in San Jose, California, on Thursday. Photo: CNA

Liu also thanked industry colleagues for their joint efforts in building an exceptional foundry ecosystem for the semiconductor sector.

For his part, Wei, the company’s current chairman, said that the award was not just for him personally; he dedicated it to the TSMC team, adding that it has been a great honor to work alongside so many outstanding colleagues at the company.

The Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) announced in July that Wei and Liu have been selected as the 2025 co-recipients of the award, presented annually in recognition of a leader who has made outstanding contributions to the semiconductor industry in technology and/or public policy.

In a press release issued in July, SIA President and CEO John Neuffer said that Wei and Liu "are titans in our industry," having reshaped the modern semiconductor ecosystem -- both in the US and abroad -- and revolutionized chip manufacturing technology.

"Combined, these visionary leaders have brought more than 80 years of industry experience and expertise to bear while leading pioneering work to advance semiconductor innovation. We are thrilled to recognize Dr. Wei and Dr. Liu with the 2025 Robert N. Noyce Award for their groundbreaking work," he said.

TSMC founder Morris Chang (張忠謀) was the 2008 recipient of the award, which the SIA Board of Directors created in 1990 to honor the memory of Robert N. Noyce, co-founder of Intel and the SIA, according to the institution.

TSMC issued a statement in Taipei on Friday saying that the presentation of the award to Wei and Liu was highly significant, recognizing their visionary leadership and outstanding contributions, which have not only shaped TSMC but also advanced the global semiconductor industry.

TSMC said the award fully reflected the company’s ongoing efforts and steadfast commitment to innovation and its continuous pursuit of technological breakthroughs.

Other recipients of the medal in recent years included Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su (蘇姿丰) in 2020, NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang (黃仁勳) in 2021, and Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan (陳立武) in 2022, according to the institution’s website.

people: 張忠謀 黃仁


companies: 台積電 Apple

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Intel Corp CEO Lip-Bu Tan (陳立武) dismissed reports about a new hire taking trade secrets from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電) to his company, saying the US chipmaker respects other firms’ intellectual property (IP).

Taiwanese newspapers spent the week reporting on the transition of Lo Wen-jen (羅唯仁), 75, from his retirement from TSMC earlier this year to joining Intel in recent weeks. The executive is alleged to have taken proprietary know-how from his former employer just before his departure.

“It’s rumor and speculation. There’s nothing to it. We respect IP,” Tan told Bloomberg News on the sidelines of the Semiconductor Industry Association Awards in San Jose on Thursday.

Intel Corp CEO Lip-Bu Tan speaks at the company’s Annual Manufacturing Technology Conference in San Jose, California, on April 29. Photo: Reuters

The event recognized TSMC CEO C.C. Wei (魏哲家) and former chairman Mark Liu (劉德音) with its highest honor, the Robert N. Noyce Award.

Now valued at more than US$1.15 trillion, TSMC has become the undisputed global leader in contract chipmaking, surpassing semiconductor pioneer Intel. The company’s proprietary data and fabrication techniques are highly prized trade secrets and a matter of strategic importance for Taiwan.

Local prosecutors have started looking into the reports to see whether any person broke any law, High Prosecutors’ Office spokesman John Nieh told Bloomberg News.

TSMC has opened an internal investigation about whether Lo has taken trade secrets without its consent, a person familiar with the matter said.

It is unclear whether TSMC has reached a conclusion about any potential damage to the company, the person added, asking not to be identified as the information is private.

Lo was responsible for corporate strategy before his retirement from TSMC in July. He was at one point in charge of research and technology development at TSMC, and played a key role in facilitating the mass production of cutting-edge chips, including those used to make artificial intelligence accelerators. He is also a laureate of the Industrial Technology Research Institute.

Before he joined TSMC in 2004, Lo spent some time at Intel focusing on advanced technology development, including running a chip factory in Santa Clara, California. He has a doctorate degree in solid state physics and surface chemistry from the University of California Berkeley.

Relations between Intel and TSMC have been fraught over the past few years, as the US chipmaker tries to play catchup in the technology race. Intel is at once a customer and a competitor to TSMC, which enjoys the enviable position of being the sole maker of the most high-end chips for Apple Inc and Nvidia Corp.

Former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger frequently argued that it was too risky for the US to depend heavily on TSMC for cutting-edge semiconductors due to growing geopolitical volatility in the Taiwan Strait, creating friction between the two companies.

title: Intel CEO dismisses reports about stolen TSMC secrets


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TAIEX plunges nearly 1,000 points on Fed, AI worries

Taiwanese stocks tumbled yesterday as global risk aversion intensified, with the benchmark TAIEX sliding 3.61 percent, or 991 points, marking the sixth-largest single-day point drop in history, brokers said.

The retreat surpassed that of Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index, which fell 2.38 percent, and Japan’s Nikkei 225, down 2.4 percent, but was slightly milder than South Korea’s KOSPI, which fell 3.79 percent.

Investors accelerated selling amid growing uncertainty over whether the US Federal Reserve would cut interest rates following stronger-than-expected US job data.

Local stocks opened sharply lower and plunged more than 1,000 points at one point. Turnover totaled NT$549.8 billion (US$17.49 billion), reflecting heightened investor anxiety.

“Concerns over artificial intelligence [AI] valuations have resurfaced, weighing on tech and AI-themed names,” Allianz Global Investors Taiwan (安聯投信) said. “The combination of lofty valuations in AI-related shares and lower odds of a rate cut has pressured global tech stocks, with the effects spilling over into Taiwan.”

The latest US nonfarm payroll report released on Thursday showed an unexpected addition of 119,000 jobs in September, significantly reducing expectations that the Fed would cut rates next month.

Allianz Taiwan said that volatility driven by market sentiment was likely to persist, as investors continue to monitor developments in AI applications and global monetary policy.

Leading the sell-off was Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC, 台積電), the world’s largest contract maker of advanced chips, which fell 4.81 percent to NT$1,385. The drop followed cues from US clients, including Nvidia Corp and Advanced Micro Devices Inc, highlighting the sensitivity of Taiwan’s tech-heavy index to global developments.

Foreign investors were net sellers of NT$91.54 billion, marking the largest net sell-off of the year and the fourth-largest in Taiwan’s history. Mutual funds reported net selling of NT$1.26 billion, while proprietary traders reduced positions by NT$15.27 billion.

Despite the heavy selling, analysts said that the movement reflected selective portfolio adjustments rather than a wholesale exit.

BNP Paribas APAC equity and derivative strategy said that recent capital outflows from South Korea and Taiwan were partly profit-taking and partly a reassessment of stretched valuations in AI and semiconductor stocks.

Global investors are rotating, being more selective, and rethinking how they should allocate to Asia, it said, adding that this movement is largely about portfolio rebalancing and risk management rather than a full-blown exit.

The reassessment also weighed on the New Taiwan dollar, which weakened NT$0.135 against the US dollar to close at NT$31.43.

Analysts said that elevated global risk sentiment could keep volatility high across both equity and foreign exchange markets.


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Bitcoin is on track for its worst monthly performance since a string of corporate collapses rocked the wider crypto sector in 2022.

The largest cryptocurrency yesterday slid as much as 6.4 percent to US$81,629 before paring losses, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

It was trading at US$84,166 at 7:42am in London. Ether fell as much as 7.6 percent to below US$2,700.

Representations of cryptocurrency bitcoin are pictured on Nov. 25 last year. Photo: Reuters

Bitcoin has now shed about 23 percent of its value this month — the most in a single month since June 2022, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The implosion of Do Kwon’s TerraUSD stablecoin project in May of that year sparked a daisy chain of corporate failures that culminated in the downfall of Sam Bankman-Fried’s FTX exchange.

Despite a pro-crypto White House under US President Donald Trump and surging institutional adoption, bitcoin has plummeted more than 30 percent from its record high set early last month.

The rout follows a crippling bout of liquidations on Oct. 10 that wiped out US$19 billion in leveraged token bets, and in turn erased roughly US$1.5 trillion from the combined market value of all cryptocurrencies.

The selling pressure has only intensified in the past 24-hours, with a further US$2 billion in leveraged positions liquidated, data from CoinGlass showed.

Institutions appear reluctant to “buy the dip.”

A group of 12 US-listed bitcoin exchange-traded funds saw US$903 million in net outflows on Thursday, their second-largest single-day redemption since debuting in January 2024.

Open interest in perpetual futures has fallen 35 percent from its October peak of US$94 billion.

The broader market backdrop has done little to help. US stocks, which had rallied on renewed enthusiasm for artificial intelligence after upbeat earnings from Nvidia Corp, surrendered gains amid concerns over stretched valuations and doubts about a US Federal Reserve rate cut next month.

“Sentiment across the board is incredibly poor. There appears to be a forced seller in the market and it is unclear how deep this goes,” said Pratik Kala, portfolio manager at Australia-based hedge fund Apollo Crypto.

IG Australia analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note that the market “may also be seeking to test Strategy’s pain threshold” — a reference to the original bitcoin hoarder run by Michael Saylor.

That is significant, as a further slide toward the company’s break-even point would trigger margin calls on its leveraged holdings, he added.

Strategy Inc closed 5 percent lower on Thursday.

title: Bitcoin heading for worst month since crypto collapse


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The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Nov. 5 recalled more than 150,000 eggs found to contain three times the legal limit of the pesticide metabolite fipronil-sulfone. Nearly half of the 1,169 affected egg cartons, which had been distributed across 10 districts, had already been sold. Using the new traceability system, officials quickly urged the public to avoid consuming eggs with the traceability code “I47045,” while the remainder were successfully recalled.

Changhua County’s Wenya Farm — the source of the tainted eggs — was fined NT$120,000, and the Ministry of Agriculture instructed the county’s Animal Disease Control Center to require that the farm’s eggs pass inspection before being sold. The prompt handling of the contamination demonstrated how traceability codes can improve food safety oversight, and streamline communication with retailers and consumers.

Yet less than two weeks later, inspectors discovered that 40,000 more contaminated eggs from the same farm entered the market, this time containing five times the legal limit of the toxic metabolite. Despite the ministry’s orders to halt distribution, the eggs were sold across multiple regions, prompting a second recall and an investigation into why local authorities failed to enforce the restrictions.

This was not merely a failure of food safety mechanisms, but one of implementation.

The ministry and the FDA acted quickly and correctly by immediately issuing recalls, imposing fines, launching inspections and curbing movement. The breakdown occurred further down the chain.

Local authorities received clear instructions to restrict movement from the affected farm and ensure all eggs passed inspection — so how did contaminated eggs continue to circulate? Whether due to lax enforcement, poor coordination or illegal activity slipping past inspection checkpoints, the outcome remains the same: Consumers were put at risk because enforcement mechanisms did not hold.

Experts have linked the egg contamination to the cages used for about 90 percent of egg-laying hens in Taiwan. Parasites spread quickly in these tight spaces, prompting some farmers to illegally use prohibited pesticides. This highlights a structural issue: Despite strict and clear national regulations, unsafe practices persist without adequate local oversight.

The traceability system has tremendous potential, as the unique codes allow regulators to pinpoint contaminated products with speed and precision, and reduce waste while improving consumer transparency. However, technological tools cannot compensate for institutional gaps. If local governments fail to properly carry out recalls, movement controls or inspections, even the best-designed systems are bound to fail.

Taiwan faces a broader long-term policy challenge regarding egg production. Advocates are pushing for a 10-year transition to cage-free egg production nationwide to reduce the risk of disease and pesticide use. However, this would require alignment across all levels of government. Strict national standards must be set, local authorities must enforce them and retailers must honor sourcing commitments.

Taiwan has seen several high-profile food safety incidents in recent years, and national food safety mechanisms are gradually improving as a result. However, lapses in coordination and implementation between central and local authorities must be addressed before a truly robust food safety framework can be established and public trust restored.

The traceability system is promising, but now is the time to reinforce the links that hold it together.

title: EDITORIAL: Enforcement critical to food safety


title: Jointly tackling climate and poverty

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The relationship between poverty and climate vulnerability is undeniable. With worsening climate disruptions across Asia, the impacts are becoming more severe. The goals of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, No Poverty, and SDG 13, Climate Action, are closely linked. India and Taiwan, two different economies, but similar in ambition, have strong reasons to work together. Both face the challenge of protecting people from inequality and a changing climate while guiding growth toward sustainability.

India’s challenge is the scale of its development needs. Although it has lifted more than 415 million people out of multidimensional poverty between 2005-2006 and 2019-2021, climate stress threatens to reverse this progress. Nearly half the population relies on climate-sensitive sectors, such as agriculture and fisheries. Unpredictable monsoons, droughts and heat waves lead to food insecurity and lost incomes. India’s climate policy increasingly connects adaptation with livelihoods. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act funds water conservation, afforestation and soil restoration, creating rural jobs and improving resilience. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha Yojana promotes solar pumps for small farmers, enhancing access to clean energy and boosting productivity.

Taiwan, while more urbanized and wealthier, faces similar challenges. Rising sea temperatures and stronger typhoons threaten coastal jobs, while rising energy costs risk increasing inequality. Taiwan’s 2050 Net Zero Pathway includes principles for a just transition, combining decarbonization with social inclusion. The National Climate Change Adaptation Action Plan (2023–2026) incorporates social protection and local resilience into its adaptation efforts. The NT$10 billion (US$318 million) Green Growth Fund invests in renewable industries and workforce training, ensuring that the green transition creates new jobs rather than replacing old ones.

By combining India’s scale with Taiwan’s precision, the two can drive climate-inclusive growth. Taiwan’s expertise in smart grids, recycling and circular design can support India’s electrification and waste management efforts. Partnerships between Taiwanese cleantech companies and Indian energy cooperatives could reduce costs and increase access for low-income households. India’s “Solar Village” projects could benefit from Taiwan’s solar and storage technologies, ensuring reliable off-grid power in remote areas.

Agriculture presents another opportunity. Taiwan’s research centers have developed heat-resistant crop varieties and precision irrigation systems for small farmers. Collaboration with India’s agricultural research institutions could improve water efficiency and yields, stabilizing incomes in regions prone to drought. This cooperation supports both SDG 1 and SDG 13 by securing livelihoods and reducing environmental pressure.

Social innovation also plays a key role in building climate resilience. In India, the Self-Employed Women’s Association has created micro-insurance programs that compensate informal workers for income lost due to climate events. Last year, 50,000 women in Gujarat and Rajasthan states received payouts related to heat through a climate-indexed program. Taiwan’s fintech industry could help expand such systems by offering low-cost, data-driven insurance for rural areas in India. Additionally, Taiwan’s community-based disaster readiness models could improve India’s cyclone warning system, which already protects more than 120 million coastal residents.

At the policy level, both countries can work to connect climate finance with poverty reduction. Taiwan’s green bond market, valued at more than US$19 billion, offers insights for India as it seeks to issue “social-climate bonds” for adaptation and rural entrepreneurship. Putting private money into small-scale climate projects would help the poorest people, who are also the most at risk.

However, cooperation will require overcoming institutional challenges. Taiwan’s exclusion from UN climate initiatives limits its participation, and India’s multilayered bureaucracy and federal structure slow efforts. Yet collaboration through research networks, think tanks and development finance can help navigate these issues. Joint involvement in Indo-Pacific climate forums and academic exchanges could foster a shared ecosystem of trust and innovation.

For India and Taiwan, taking climate action and tackling poverty are essential economic goals. Climate change affects the poor first, but climate action can help them most. When climate and poverty efforts support each other, they create resilience that endures beyond electoral cycles.

India and Taiwan should pursue a cooperative roadmap that connects clean energy for the poor, climate-smart agriculture, inclusive insurance and social finance. This partnership would show that environmental responsibility and human dignity do not compete, but rather support each other. By aligning their skills and shared values, India and Taiwan can demonstrate that the path to net zero is also a way out of poverty, providing the Indo-Pacific region with a practical model for equitable resilience in a warming world.

Sutandra Singha is an independent researcher with a doctorate in international studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi, specializing in climate change.


title: Support disabled people, families

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An 80-year-old mother ended the life of her severely disabled son, who had been bedridden for five decades, out of fear that he would be left with no one to care for him if she were to pass away. The Taipei District Court sentenced her to two-and-a-half years in prison, but the judge also recommended that the president consider granting the woman a special pardon.

The public has shown near-unanimous sympathy for the mother, yet no one is asking this crucial question. The family had hired a full-time, live-in domestic caregiver at their own expense — so why, then, did the mother feel she had no recourse but to end her son’s life? The heartbreaking truth is that hiring a foreign domestic caregiver for a person with a severe illness has never provided families with true relief.

Taiwan places strict limits on the hiring of legal migrant caregivers: in principle, only one foreign domestic caregiver can be hired for even the most severe cases. The monthly expenses associated with hiring two caregivers are far more than most families dealing with critical illnesses can afford. For cases requiring tracheostomies, bedsores and repositioning or suctioning every two hours, it is simply not possible for a single person to work around the clock without rest. In real caregiving settings, caregivers get sick, take days off, slack off or suddenly quit — and there is never a legal substitute for night shifts. As a result, the ones who ultimately shoulder continuous care are always family members. In this case, it was the elderly mother.

Even more saddening is that under both the Long-term Care 2.0 and 3.0 programs, having a foreign domestic caregiver is treated as if the family is using precious resources and their burden has already been reduced. As a result, once a foreign domestic caregiver is hired, respite services, home care or nursing hours and various other subsidies are significantly reduced or suspended. Subsidized respite care is limited to a maximum of 30 days a year, and institutions often have no available beds or refuse to take patients. How was an 80-year-old mother supposed to hand over her son, who had been paralyzed for half a century, to others for care?

A mother sending her son to the afterlife with her own hands is not an isolated incident — rather, it is a painful consequence of a failed long-term care policy. Having a foreign domestic caregiver does not mean a family gets to rest. It does not mean the family no longer needs government support. It does not mean that other family members can finally sleep through the night. When a foreign domestic caregiver is unfit for the position — whether that means they slack off, neglect their duties, ignore medical instructions or even engage in misconduct — it is hard for employers to terminate their contract. The Ministry of Labor often rejects such appeals on the grounds that unilateral termination is not allowed to protect migrant workers’ rights. Protecting migrant workers is not wrong, but binding a severely vulnerable family to an unsuitable domestic caregiver is tantamount to pushing them to the brink of despair. The patient remains at risk and the caregiver continues to endure insomnia and breakdowns, ultimately leading them to resort to the most extreme means to end their mutual suffering. The root cause of this tragedy is a system that failed to provide adequate support for the family of an individual facing critical illness and severe disability.

Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) lawmakers have requested a special pardon, while the Democratic Progressive Party has said that it would wait for the final verdict so as not to interfere with the judicial process. However, both parties are neglecting to confront the core institutional issue — why are families dealing with extremely severe health conditions not legally allowed to hire two affordable foreign domestic caregivers working in shifts? Why does there still exist a rule that cuts subsidies the moment a foreign domestic caregiver is hired? Why is respite care virtually non-existent? Why is it so difficult to promptly replace an unfit caregiver? I have a severe disability — I can only move a few fingers. What I fear most is not death, but being labeled as nothing but a burden on my family. Today, one mother could be pardoned — tomorrow, another. So long as the system remains unchanged, families with severely disabled members would always be faced with just two paths — either the designated caregiver breaks down first, or the patient is “mercifully” killed.

True compassion is not as simple as pardoning one mother — it is ensuring that millions of mothers never have to reach this point at all. Disabled people might never regain full function before they die, but they still have the right and dignity to keep living. The law must be amended immediately so that caregiving personnel can be properly coordinated, and that long-term care is no longer limited to only those who are semi-healthy or capable of rehabilitation — doing so strips people like me of a chance to live. If the system does not change, any tears shed are nothing more than belated grief. We, with lives bound to our beds, can no longer bear to witness any more “merciful” killings.

Liu Hsiao is a freelancer.

Translated by Kyra Gustavsen