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NTU Study: Integrating Medical and Life Support in Long-Term Care Yields Better Disability Improvement

A research team from National Taiwan University's College of Public Health released a new study on May 21, indicating that in Taiwan's super-aged society, integrating professional medical services with daily life support in long-term care leads to significantly better improvement in disability after one year compared to using life support alone. Professor Chen Ya-mei, the lead researcher, advises the public to use long-term care wisely, viewing it as an opportunity to maintain function, delay degeneration, and restore autonomy, rather than just receiving care. The study also proposes different service focuses for individuals with mild and severe disabilities and provides three self-assessment questions to determine if one is "using long-term care smartly."

Kaohsiung Officer Accused of Filming Female Complainant; Police Department Supports Victim's Appeal After Case Dropped for Lack of Evidence

A Kaohsiung police officer from the Sanmin First Precinct, surnamed Tu, has been indicted for illegally filming the private body parts of at least six female complainants under the guise of his official duties. However, a separate voyeurism case involving another woman, identified as 'Y', was dismissed by prosecutors due to insufficient evidence after the suspect allegedly deleted photos from his phone. In response, the Kaohsiung City Police Department stated that Officer Tu has been dismissed and that it fully supports the victim's right to appeal the non-prosecution decision. The Kaohsiung District Prosecutors Office explained that while the photo content could not be recovered, the officer's actions were deemed power-based sexual harassment by the city government and fined, with other cases to be prosecuted separately.

NTCH Course Explores Interpersonal Relationships Using Musical 'The Amazing Sisters' as Case Study

Taiwan's National Theater and Concert Hall (NTCH) has invited Chang Ching-chia, lead actress of the hit original Taiwanese musical 'The Amazing Sisters,' to lecture for its 'NTCH Academy' arts-in-schools program. Using the musical's plot as a case study, the course guides young students to enhance empathy and learn about reconciliation and farewell through theater games. The program, which aligns with the Ministry of Education's Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative, has already been completed in three high schools in the first half of the year, reaching 62 students. Future plans include expanding to community centers and releasing a free 'Education Resource Pack' online by 2027.

Pingtung "Moai" Tree Becomes Attraction; Landowner Cedes Land to Widen Road for Tourism

A century-old Bishopwood tree in Jiadong Township, Pingtung, famed for its resemblance to an Easter Island Moai statue, was located on a narrow corner prone to accidents. A tree-loving landowner ceded about 3.3 square meters of her land, allowing the road to be widened in a coordinated effort with the township office. This act has not only improved traffic safety but is also celebrated as a story of supporting local tourism.

Taiwan Police Crack Down on Gangs in Religious Activities Across 6 Counties, Arresting 68 Suspects from 12 Organizations

Following a violent incident during the Dajia Mazu Pilgrimage, Taiwan's National Police Agency conducted a "Coordinated Regional Anti-Gang Operation" from April 27 to May 6 across six counties, including Taichung. The operation aimed to prevent criminal organizations from infiltrating temples and disrupting public order. A total of 2,011 officers were mobilized, leading to the arrest of 68 suspects from 12 criminal groups, including the Bamboo Union. Authorities also raided 705 locations and seized over NT$540,000 in illicit funds, demonstrating the government's "zero tolerance" policy towards gang activity.

Teenager Who Helped Unlicensed Motorcycle Escape Faces 7 Fines Totaling Up to NT$129,000 from Luzhu Police

In Luzhu, Taoyuan, a 16-year-old unlicensed teenager engaged in dangerous driving to help an unlicensed motorcycle escape police. The police pursued and stopped the teen, issuing 7 traffic tickets for violations including driving without a license, dangerous driving, and evading inspection. The total fines could reach up to NT$129,000.

Female Aide Allegedly Sexually Harassed; Huang Shih-chieh Reports Case to Taoyuan Police

Huang Shih-chieh, the DPP candidate for Taoyuan mayor, stated that his female aide was physically sexually harassed by a local figure during an event on the evening of the 16th. Condemning the act, Huang emphasized that protecting his team members is his fundamental principle. The aide has filed a police report, and the case is now under judicial investigation. He hopes this incident will help address power imbalances in politics and start a shift towards a safer and more dignified working environment by "refusing to be silent."

Taiwan's Immigration Agency to Hold Summer Camp for Children of New Immigrants to Explore Careers

With summer vacation approaching, Taiwan's National Immigration Agency (NIA) announced it will hold three sessions of a multicultural training camp in July and August for children of new immigrants. The program aims to help high school students and above explore career paths through workplace simulations and visits to well-known companies, including SYSTEX, Giant Group, and CHIMEI FOOD. Each session is limited to 30 participants, with registration closing on June 5.

Taichung Temple Becomes 'Toy Car' Deity, Offering Over 20 Free Ride-Ons for Kids

The Yongkang Fude Temple in Taichung's Fengyuan District has become a local attraction nicknamed the "Toy Car Tudigong" (Earth God). Over 20 toy cars, donated by the public, are available in the temple courtyard for children to ride and borrow for free. This community-driven initiative started last year, and locals now draw a parallel to Nantou's famous "Instant Noodle Tudigong." The temple's chairman, Zhou Sen, manages the daily return of the toys.

Taichung Police Foil NT$6.48 Million Fraud After Victims Fail to Provide Wedding Invitations, Renovation Contracts

Taichung police, alerted by banks, recently intercepted two fraud cases targeting elderly women, preventing a total loss of NT$6.48 million. A 75-year-old woman attempted to withdraw NT$480,000 for a supposed wedding gift, and a 79-year-old woman tried to withdraw NT$6 million for alleged renovation payments. Both were unable to provide evidence like invitations or contracts and gave inconsistent explanations. Police successfully persuaded them to cancel the withdrawals after explaining common scam tactics.

Man Arrested and Detained in Nantou for 'Trying His Luck' by Stealing from Unlocked Cars

A man surnamed Lee, who rode his scooter at night to find unlocked cars and steal money in a method he called "trying his luck," successfully committed five thefts. The Nantou Police Precinct identified him through surveillance footage and, under the direction of the prosecutor's office, arrested him in Taichung City. The suspect has been transferred to prosecutors for aggravated theft and is now detained. Police are reminding the public to make a habit of locking their car doors.

Presidential Education Award Winners Announced; Wei Yu-tse, Yang Tzu-li Win for Second Time

The list of winners for the 2026 Presidential Education Award was unveiled today, with 60 individuals receiving the honor. They will be personally commended by President Lai Ching-te. Among them, Wei Yu-tse and Yang Tzu-li have won the award for a second time at different educational stages, demonstrating a spirit of diligence and perseverance in the face of adversity.

Legislator Ho Hsin-chun Encounters Jute Leaves While Canvassing, Calls It the Taste of a Taichung Summer Memory

While canvassing for votes at Daya Market in Taichung on May 21, DPP Legislator Ho Hsin-chun came across a vendor handling jute leaves (ma-yi). She expressed that ma-yi soup is her favorite summer memory of Taichung and noted that this local specialty is also featured in the International Booker Prize-winning novel "Taiwan Travelogue" by author Yang Shuang-tzu, thereby connecting a local political event with a cultural one.

Direct Presidential Elections Forge a 'Community of Common Destiny' in Taiwan, Yet Divisions in National Identity Persist

This is a special report commemorating the 30th anniversary of Taiwan's direct presidential elections. Scholars point out that since the first election in 1996, successive elections have cultivated a sense of a 'community of common destiny' among the people of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, strengthening Taiwanese consciousness. This is a key achievement of Taiwan's bloodless democratic transition. However, the report also delves into the challenges that Taiwanese society still faces, including a divided national identity, conflicting historical memories such as views on WWII, and divergent policy lines among political elites on issues like national defense. Citing scholars like Chen Shih-min, Hsieh Hua-yuan, and Su Tzu-yun, the article analyzes the impact of democratization on generational identity and concludes that bridging internal divisions and consolidating democracy are crucial current tasks for Taiwan.

Fell in Love on the First Visit: French Journalist Chooses Taiwan as Final Stop for Grand Asian Railway Tour

After 'falling in love at first sight' with Taiwan during a visit last year, Jean-Marc De Jaeger, a travel journalist for the French newspaper Le Figaro, planned a grand railway journey from Paris across Eurasia, setting Taiwan as his final destination. He departed on April 17 and is scheduled to arrive in Matsu on May 21. Specializing in railway travel, De Jaeger was deeply impressed by Taiwan's Alishan Forest Railway, its east coast scenery, bento boxes, and rich railway culture. He is including these experiences in his upcoming book, 'En Train En Asie' (By Train in Asia), to be published in 2025, to introduce Taiwan's unique charm to the world.

Stable Weather Ahead for Taiwan, Highs to Reach 34°C

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration forecasts a week of stable, hot, and sunny weather, with highs reaching 30-34°C. As a weather front moves away, moisture will decrease from May 23, but afternoon showers will gradually become more widespread. A tropical disturbance may develop southeast of the Philippines next week and requires further observation.

Tainan Police Launch 'Fruit Protection Project' as Mango Harvest Season Nears

With the mango harvest season approaching in Tainan's mountainous areas, local police launched a "Fruit Protection Project" on the 21st. The project aims to prevent theft through police-civilian cooperation. Authorities also warned the public about online mango purchasing scams, urging consumers to use reputable platforms.

Taiwan's ADI Warns of Fake E-commerce Scams on Threads, Offers 4 Prevention Tips

Taiwan's Administration for Digital Industries (ADI) issued a warning about e-commerce scams on the social media platform Threads. Scammers, often posing as supporters of small farmers, lure victims with one-page ads and then demand private bank transfers, citing system errors. In one case, a victim lost over NT$50,000. The ADI urges the public to follow four key prevention tips, including verifying URLs and refusing private transfers, to avoid being defrauded.

AI Reshapes Industries and Markets, Sparking Job Fears Among Youth

As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes global industries, a collective anxiety is growing among young "digital natives" preparing to enter the workforce, who worry about AI's impact on jobs and daily life. Underscoring these fears, former Google CEO Eric Schmidt described AI's impact as immense and inevitable, while companies like Standard Chartered and Meta announced major layoffs citing AI. A Gallup poll reveals a sharp decline in optimism about AI among Gen Z compared to a year ago.

Wulai in New Taipei Becomes First Indigenous Area in Northern Taiwan to Earn International Safe Community Certification

New Taipei City's Wulai District has officially joined the International Safe Community Network, becoming the 443rd safe community globally and the first indigenous area in northern Taiwan to receive this certification. The recognition comes after the district improved environmental hazard points, conducted fall prevention training for the elderly, and enhanced residents' risk identification and response capabilities.

Tainan Vocational Expo Opens to Help Junior High Students with Self-Exploration

The 2026 Tainan Vocational Education Expo opened on May 21st at Kun Shan University Gymnasium, with Mayor Huang Wei-cher in attendance. The event aims to help junior high students explore their interests and talents through hands-on activities and displays, especially in response to emerging technologies like AI. Now in its 12th year with over 32,000 cumulative attendees, the expo will also hold a parent-child session on the 23rd.

Taichung Woman Nearly Scammed After Seller Claims Account Frozen, Demands 'Certification' Fee

A 58-year-old woman in Taichung was nearly defrauded of NT$30,000 while trying to buy durians online. The seller, using the "MaiHuoBian" C2C platform, falsely claimed the buyer's account wasn't certified, causing the seller's funds to be frozen. The seller then demanded a NT$30,000 transfer for "certification." The woman went to a post office to make the payment, where a vigilant clerk noticed suspicious keywords and alerted the police. Officers from the Taichung City Police Department's Third Precinct arrived, identified it as a common "fake seller, fake customer service" scam, and successfully prevented the transaction.

Manager Mistook Angina for Acid Reflux; Doctors Find Severe Coronary Artery Blockage

A 50-year-old manager in Taichung who experienced frequent angina and chest tightness for nearly six months initially thought it was gastroesophageal reflux. An examination revealed severe coronary artery blockage. After undergoing a stent placement procedure at Asia University Affiliated Hospital, his condition stabilized. Doctors advise that persistent chest discomfort should be checked by a medical professional promptly.

Freeway Bureau Urges Use of Off-Peak Hours During Dragon Boat Festival Holiday

For the three-day Dragon Boat Festival holiday from June 19-21, Taiwan's Freeway Bureau forecasts peak southbound traffic on the first two days and peak northbound traffic on the last two. To mitigate congestion, the Bureau urges drivers to travel during recommended off-peak hours. For southbound travel on June 19-20, it suggests starting before 6 a.m. or after noon on western freeways, and before 5 a.m. or after 5 p.m. on National Freeway 5. Time-based ramp closures will also be implemented to manage peak traffic flow.

Taichung Woman's Sudden Double Vision Caused by Intracranial Aneurysms

A 65-year-old woman in Taichung who experienced sudden double vision was diagnosed with two large brain aneurysms pressing on her oculomotor nerve, posing a fatal risk. She was successfully treated at Kuang Tien General Hospital with a minimally invasive endovascular coiling procedure using a new flow-diverting stent. Doctors explained that this modern treatment is safer and less destructive than traditional open-skull surgery and highlighted the importance of seeking medical attention for symptoms like double vision, as ruptured aneurysms have a high mortality rate.

Director Tsai Yin-chuan Mortgages Home for NT$10M to Film 'Paradise Lost,' Hopes to Change Society

Taiwanese director Tsai Yin-chuan mortgaged her property to raise NT$10 million for field research for her new film "Paradise Lost," which portrays the struggles of children's homes and social workers. Inspired by news of bullying in these homes, Tsai, a social work graduate, hopes the film can foster social communication and understanding. Despite the heavy subject matter, she cited the South Korean film "Silenced" as an example, hoping "Paradise Lost" can garner enough attention to have a positive impact on society. The film will be released across Taiwan on the 29th.

Genesis Foundation Takes Vegetative-State Patients to New Taipei Temple for Blessings, Rallies Support for Charity Fair

The Banqiao branch of the Genesis Social Welfare Foundation today led patients in a persistent vegetative state (PVS) on an outing via accessible vans to the Wugu Xiantian Temple in Tucheng District for a blessing ceremony. The event also served to rally support for an upcoming charity fair on the 30th. Several charitable organizations accompanied the patients, hoping to draw public attention to the care needs of families with PVS patients.

TGEEA Launches "Cool Kids Arrive" Board Game to Rethink Childbirth from a Children's Rights Perspective

On May 20th in Taipei, the Taiwan Gender Equity Education Association (TGEEA) launched a board game called "Cool Kids Arrive." Centered on comprehensive sexuality education and the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the game aims to spark social discussion on childcare, caregiving, and social support by simulating the challenges of childbirth and adoption. It was designed to address the lack of relevant teaching materials and to rethink issues like the low birth rate from a children's rights perspective, emphasizing that a comprehensive support system is more crucial for caregivers than just financial aid.

Tou Chung-kang Returns to Studio Recording After 10 Years, Shares Life in Guam

Taiwanese host Tou Chung-kang returned to a studio recording in Taiwan for the first time in 10 years, sharing details about his life in Guam. He revealed that he moved to accompany his children for their education and mentioned how Guam's natural environment has transformed them. During the show, he engaged in humorous banter with host Dee Hsu (Xiao S).

Yangmingshan Park Urges Ecological Protection Amid Surge in Disruptive Night Visitors to Qingtiangang

The Yangmingshan National Park Headquarters stated on the 20th that following a recent viral incident involving a couple at Qingtiangang, the number of nighttime visitors has surged. Some visitors have engaged in disruptive behaviors such as playing music, using high-powered flashlights, and illegal smoking, impacting the environment and disturbing wildlife. The excessive foot traffic has also caused an area of lawn to wither. The park administration is calling for public cooperation in preserving the natural ecology and has partnered with police to increase night patrols to penalize violators.

Pai Chia-chi on 'Star Second Generation' Issues: Hopes for More Wisdom in Parenting

At a promotional event in Taipei for their new drama "Ah Song and Ah Nuan," actors Pai Chia-chi and Ko Shu-yuan responded to the recent controversy surrounding Sun An-tso. As parents themselves, they shared their views on raising "star second-generation" children. Pai, a mother of four, expressed her hope to accompany her children's growth with more wisdom and revealed that her 20-year-old daughter will be doing her nails for her wedding on June 20. Ko Shu-yuan lamented that "every family has its own problems" and shared anecdotes about his relationship with his daughter.

Recent Rains Wash Away Odor in Chiayi's Fenchihu; Renovated Cedar Trail Emanates Fragrance

An odor problem in Fenchihu, Chiayi County, caused by drought in April, has been resolved following several days of heavy rain last week, according to the county's Culture and Tourism Bureau on May 20. The bureau also announced that the local Taiwan Incense Cedar (Calocedrus formosana) trail has been renovated and is now open, offering a pleasant, fragrant experience for visitors. Tourists are welcomed to explore the classic mountain town's railway culture, old street delicacies, and serene forest trails.

331 Couples Marry in Kaohsiung on '520'; Mayor Chen Chi-mai Gifts Rice Symbolizing 'Love for a Lifetime'

On May 20th, a day whose number '520' is a homophone for 'I love you' in Mandarin, 331 couples, including 8 same-sex couples, registered their marriages in Kaohsiung by 3 PM. Mayor Chen Chi-mai presented them with a gift box of Meinong 147 rice, symbolizing 'I love you for a lifetime' with the numeric code '520147'. Various household registration offices also held creative events and set up photo backdrops to celebrate the occasion.

Breast Cancer Survivor Fractures Spine Moving Scooter, Highlighting Osteoporosis Risk from Anti-Hormone Therapy

A 50-year-old breast cancer survivor suffered a vertebral fracture while moving a scooter, only to discover it was caused by severe osteoporosis resulting from long-term anti-hormone therapy. Dr. Wu Kai-wen from Far Eastern Memorial Hospital stated that such drugs, especially aromatase inhibitors (AIs), drastically lower estrogen levels, causing bone loss at a rate potentially twice that of peers. He warns that the peak ages for breast cancer and osteoporosis overlap and urges patients to undergo early bone density screening and intervention, combined with moderate exercise, to maintain bone health and quality of life.

After 16 Years in Taiwan, Veteran Thai Migrant Worker Becomes Key Manager at Die-Casting Factory

Sarakan Benjarong, a 35-year-old Thai migrant worker, has been in Taiwan for 16 years. Starting as a machine operator at a die-casting plant, his work ethic and skills earned him a promotion to a management position. He has since been re-designated as 'intermediate skilled technical personnel,' allowing him to continue his career in Taiwan without being subject to previous term limits. This transition was made possible by the Ministry of Labor's 'Long-Term Retention of Migrant Workers Program,' showcasing a win-win scenario for both talent retention and corporate development.

Australia Recruits 'Hero Dog' to Succeed Famed Koala Detection Canine, Bear

An Australian animal welfare organization, the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), is recruiting a new "hero dog" to succeed the globally renowned koala detection dog, Bear, who has retired after 10 years of service. Bear famously rescued over 100 koalas during the 2019-2020 "Black Summer" bushfires. The recruitment is taking place on Australia's eastern Sunshine Coast, seeking an energetic, obsessive, medium-sized dog to continue the mission of protecting Australia's koalas.

One in Two Adult Men Infected with HPV: A Look at 3 Key Prevention Points

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) has long been labeled a concern only for women, but in reality, one in two adult men are infected. A urologist presented three key prevention points: men are also a high-risk group for infection, vaccination is encouraged, and abnormal changes should not be ignored. He warned that since 'protecting each other's health' is part of an intimate relationship, men can be asymptomatic carriers, bringing infection risk into their partnerships.

Shih Hsin University Students Explore Dadaocheng, Recreate History of Taiwanese Tea Exports in Short Film

The Department of Tourism at Shih Hsin University, in collaboration with Taipei Datong Community College, initiated a project by exploring Dadaocheng. Through a short film, they presented the historical context of how Lee Chun-sheng, the "Father of Taiwanese Tea," promoted the cultivation, production, processing, and export of tea, helping people understand how Taiwanese tea reached the world. The resulting short film, "A Cup of Tea, A Story," is part of a University Social Responsibility (USR) project showcasing students' engagement with the local community to document tea culture and personal stories through video.

Prescription Drug Lyrica Becomes Abused Party Drug in Berlin, Teen Poisoning Cases Rise

Germany is witnessing a phenomenon of teen abuse of the prescription drug Pregabalin (Lyrica), particularly in party-centric Berlin, leading to a rise in poisoning cases from misuse. Experts warn of fatal risks when mixing Pregabalin with alcohol and other party drugs and call for increased attention to the abuse problem. According to Charité Hospital, teen poisoning cases are projected to increase from 49 in 2022 to 212 in 2025. The drug is reportedly spreading through black markets.

Over 10% of Villagers in a Wuhan Village Diagnosed with Cancer; Officials Investigate Chemical Plant

According to Chinese media, in a village in Wuhan, Hubei with only 585 registered residents, at least 62 people have been diagnosed with cancer or leukemia. The cause is suspected to be long-term illegal pollution from a local chemical plant, sparking controversy. The Wuhan municipal government has formed a joint investigation team to conduct a thorough inquiry into the health and environmental issues.

Elderly Farmer Donates Orchard to Help Disabled Adults in Pingtung; Bethany Home Launches Charity Lychee Pre-order

For 10 years, an elderly farmer in Pingtung has provided his lychee orchard and expertise free of charge to help residents of the Pingtung Bethany Home, who are intellectually disabled, engage in agricultural work for rehabilitation. With the recent Yu Her Pau lychee harvest, the home has launched a charity pre-order of 1,000 boxes from a total yield of about 3,000 catties (1,800 kg), seeking public support for the residents' self-reliance and care expenses.

Infant in Northern Taiwan Diagnosed with Whooping Cough; Contacts Monitored Until June 2

Taiwan's CDC announced on May 19 that an infant girl under one year old in northern Taiwan was diagnosed with pertussis (whooping cough) and has since been discharged. Her family contacts are under health monitoring until June 2. As the infant was under two months old and ineligible for vaccination, and her mother was not vaccinated during pregnancy, the CDC suspects a close family contact as the source of infection. The agency reiterated its recommendation for pregnant women to self-pay for the Tdap vaccine between weeks 27-36 of pregnancy to protect newborns via maternal antibodies.

"Great Wall of Mattresses": Over 3,000 Mattresses Piled in Taichung, City Aims for November Cleanup

Over 3,000 discarded mattresses have piled up at the Tanzi District sanitation squad depot in Taichung, jokingly nicknamed the "Great Wall of Mattresses" by netizens and raising fears of a rat infestation. City Councilor Lai Chao-kuo questioned the issue on the 18th. The city's Environmental Protection Bureau responded on the 19th that they are regularly disinfecting the area and aim to clear the mattresses by November, having already contracted out the mechanical shredding process.

Doctors Urge Taiwan's NHI to Expand Oral Targeted Therapy Coverage to Adults with Plexiform Neurofibromas

On the first anniversary of NHI coverage for an oral targeted therapy, over 50 children and adolescents with plexiform neurofibromas in Taiwan have benefited. However, the medical community highlights that most adult patients are still denied access to this treatment. Citing the higher risk of tumors turning malignant in adulthood, the Taiwan Child Neurology Society and others are calling for the government to expand coverage to include adults.