Stories from Taipei · Taiwan

The US State Department expressed approval for a budget that passed after delays, but warned that delaying other planned defense funding would be a concession to the Communist Party. Taiwan's Legislative Yuan yesterday approved a military procurement budget totaling 780 billion New Taiwan Dollars.

The Tianxing Energy Belt, which won a gold medal in 2023, is described as containing 32 to 36 gold pieces and 15 other trace elements, melted into a 'gold chip.' The product is claimed to alleviate diarrhea, chest tightness, and back pain.

An individual in Taiwan's machinery industry reportedly earns an annual salary of approximately 12 million New Taiwan Dollars.

An Information Management student in Taiwan used Grok, an AI chatbot, for writing reports and found it the most satisfactory among three different AI tools.

A discussion highlighted the impact of AI on young people, particularly film school graduates, suggesting a need for them to return to school to learn AI.

Huang Lunxin reportedly uses 20 to 30 different AI tools on his phone for daily tasks. Huang Lunxin uses at least three different AI tools for decision-making and meetings, asking them questions and using their responses to make accurate judgments.

Taiwan's 4G 2T unified examination concluded at the end of April. Specific admission channels opening in May include second-level registration for application admission, first-level registration for re-selection admission, and Guizhou online registration.

Nobel Eye Clinic offers a presbyopia laser procedure that can simultaneously treat both myopia and presbyopia.

Isuzu is offering a promotion on its 2026 model year vehicles until the end of July. Isuzu is offering an extended new car protection plan of up to 6 years or 200,000 kilometers for all 2026 models purchased before the end of July, with an additional cost of 10,000. Isuzu's 6-year, 200,000km new car protection can be added for an additional 10,000 TWD when purchasing any genuine 2026 model before the end of July. Customers can receive the 6-year, 200,000-kilometer new car protection for any 2026 Isuzu model series by adding 10,000 to their purchase before the end of July.

The 'Shifu Laile App' provides a 3-7 payment scheme for renovations, requiring only a 30% deposit upon signing a contract.