Stories from Taiwan

A student from Nantou Putai High School was denied admission to National Taiwan University despite being accepted through the star recommendation program.

A primary school principal in Tainan is facing allegations of bullying teachers. Reports indicate the principal blamed staff for poor school rankings instead of conducting self-reflections.

Kunshan University has broken its silence following an incident involving a female student driver. Family members of the victim expressed deep sadness and criticized the student's lack of an apology.

A court has sentenced Ko Wen-je to 17 years in prison. Prosecutors had previously sought a sentence of 28 years and 6 months.

A security guard's social media post featuring a photo of a hotel room priced at over 10,000 units has caused controversy. A security guard at a hotel has sparked controversy after posting content on social media involving a room valued at over 10,000 TWD per night.

Democratic Progressive Party members Fan Xiaoyun and Liang Wenjie expressed regret regarding reports that the Kuomintang is cooperating with Chinese authorities.

Renowned Tainan neurologist Lin Chun-Ming has passed away at the age of 73.

Taiwan's high-speed rail service plans to introduce new trains based on Japan's N700S model by the second half of 2027. The N700C trains will weigh approximately 13 tonnes less than current models and improve overall efficiency by about 7%. The design features a streamlined shape to reduce wind resistance, noise, and sonic booms when entering tunnels. Additionally, the new trains aim to reduce noise by 3 decibels and shorten emergency braking distances by approximately 20%. The announcement was made by reporter Chang Po-tsung in Taipei. New rolling stock for the Taiwan High Speed Rail is scheduled to enter official operation in the second half of 2027. This upgrade aims to enhance the existing rail network. Taiwan is enhancing its drone industry by strengthening cross-ministry coordination and leveraging the domestic market to drive commercial and military drone development.

Mainland Affairs Council spokesperson Liang Wen-chieh noted that policies allowing mainland enterprises to invest in Taiwan were intended to facilitate families bringing adult children for care. Education Minister Cheng Ying is expected to address dormitory management, noting that not all universities enforce curfews. National Development Council official Yeh Chun-hsien indicated that the presidential and executive offices are preparing major announcements regarding state-supported childcare. The proposed measures may cover children from ages 0 to 6 and potentially up to 18. Specific policy directions mentioned include expanding male parental leave benefits. The announcement is expected to be coordinated by the next presidential administration's executive team. The proposed policies aim to support children from ages 0 to 18 through a 'state-supported upbringing' framework.

Taiwanese electricity users will face a 9.34% rate increase to reflect rising power generation costs. Taiwanese government officials announced that electricity rates for residential and industrial users will not be adjusted in May to stabilize domestic prices. Electricity prices in Taiwan may increase during the second half of the year due to high international natural gas spot market prices. Tensions in the Middle East have kept these prices at elevated levels. The source noted that while industrial and residential gas prices will not change in May, the electricity sector is expected to see adjustments. The price of industrial natural gas rose by 9.34% in May.