 TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s Directorate General of Highways rejected an online claim that licenses will only be valid until age 70 next year and that renewing now would extend validity to 75.
The agency said a new graded renewal system for older drivers will begin in May 2026. From that date, drivers aged 70 and above can renew after passing a physical exam and completing free safety and hazard-awareness courses, with the renewed license valid until age 75. Drivers aged 75 and older will continue to renew every three years, as they do now, after passing both physical and cognitive tests and completing the same training. DGH added that local motor vehicle offices will mail renewal notices when needed, so there is no need to apply early.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An appeal hearing in Taipei for a woman who ended the life of her 53-year-old paralyzed son has revived calls from Taiwan’s Association of Family Caregivers for stronger long-term care support and clearer legal rules for caregiver-related killings.
Court records show the woman had cared for her son continuously for 50 years since she was 26, selling her home to cover medical costs. Her son, bedridden since infancy due to complications from meningitis, had reportedly been well cared for, with no signs of neglect. The woman confessed to the act, citing physical and emotional exhaustion. The Taipei District Court sentenced her to two years and six months in prison, taking into account her confession and decades of caregiving. Judges also noted her deteriorating health, including a fractured bone and heart problems requiring multiple stents, and recommended that the president consider granting a special pardon. The case is now under review by the Taiwan High Court. The caregiver association expressed support for the court’s recommendation, noting that many family caregivers face decades of financial, physical, and emotional strain. It called for more coordinated policies and social support to prevent similar tragedies. Legal experts and lawmakers in Taiwan have discussed potential reforms to address such cases. A May 2023 Legislative Yuan hearing explored “long-term care tragedies,” with participants noting that current laws may not fully reflect the complex pressures caregivers face. Three possible legal reforms were highlighted: extending the two-year probation limit under Article 74 of the Criminal Code, expanding deferred prosecution under Article 253-1 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to include certain homicide cases, and creating a separate, lesser offense for killings committed under extreme caregiver duress. However, experts cautioned that overly lenient penalties could send the wrong message but agreed that legal changes are needed to balance accountability with understanding of caregiver circumstances. The association said the issue concerns both caregiver well-being and the rights of those in their care. It urged authorities to expand respite care, improve mental health support, and encourage public dialogue to prevent caregivers from reaching a breaking point.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Industrial Technology Research Institute and the Taiwan Livestock Research Institute have jointly developed a manure-cleaning robot designed for local dairy farms, saving about NT$370,000 (US$11,400) in labor costs annually and reducing daily water use by 13 tons.
The robot features fully automated navigation, allowing it to avoid cattle and obstacles while cleaning waste, then return to its base station for recharging. It can simultaneously scrape and scrub manure while automatically adjusting its cleaning intensity. According to the livestock research institute, farm floors are typically covered with grooved rubber mats to prevent cows from slipping. However, Taiwan’s high-density dairy farms make them challenging to clean, leaving manure trapped in the grooves, which can create slippery conditions and raise the risk of disease. Imported cleaning machines used by Taiwanese dairy farmers often remove only surface waste and struggle to clean grooves. Their high cost and reliance on foreign maintenance make the new robot a more efficient and affordable cleaning solution. The robot will be tested at dairy farms in northern and southern Taiwan next year to verify its performance under different climate conditions, after which its functions will be further optimized. The two institutes have also introduced an electric feeding machine equipped with a dual-motor system that can distribute and push feed while autonomously navigating and recharging. It supports a multiple small-meal feeding model that can boost milk production by up to 30%. The device can be customized for farms of different sizes. Compared with traditional diesel-powered equipment, it helps reduce air pollution and noise. Lastly, the two agencies have developed a cow vocal recognition system that can interpret cattle emotions and provide alerts for calving. The system has achieved an 80% accuracy rate in detecting voice during calving and over 70% in emotion recognition. It has been tested at farms in Pingtung and Changhua.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — In the first quarter of the year, Taiwan’s mortgage default rate rose to 0.08%, the highest quarterly level in nearly three years.
A mortgage default occurs when a borrower fails to meet the terms of their loan, such as missing payments or prepaying the loan too quickly. The current rate remains far below the 1.39% peak seen during Q1 2009 after the financial crisis, but has edged up slightly from 0.07% after late 2021. Among Taiwan’s six major cities, Taipei recorded the highest default rate at 0.13%, followed by Tainan and Kaohsiung at 0.08%. Tseng Ching-te (曾敬德), project manager at Sinyi Realty, said that rising interest rates and tighter credit policies have pushed up monthly mortgage payments. While most homeowners can manage the higher costs, new buyers face greater challenges under stricter lending rules. Tseng added that Taiwan’s relatively stable economy and labor market make sudden income loss among households unlikely, so higher mortgage burdens rarely translate into defaults. He also pointed out the housing market’s liquidity, saying homeowners under financial pressure can usually sell properties if needed. However, Tseng cautioned that factors such as US tariffs and a previously stronger Taiwan dollar have led some business owners to sell real estate. The broader effects on companies and the market remain to be seen. Data from Taiwan’s Joint Credit Information Center shows the average mortgage nationwide over the past five years is NT$6.26 million (US$201,274), with annual increases exceeding NT$300,000.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s social housing supply is set to surge, with nearly 100,000 units expected to be completed by 2029 as the government accelerates construction to support newlyweds and families with children.
According to the Ministry of the Interior’s real estate information platform, around 60,000 new social housing units are expected to be completed nationwide by 2029. Including the 36,000 units already finished, the total will approach 100,000, significantly expanding Taiwan’s social housing supply. Tseng Ching-der (曾敬德), research manager at Sinyi Realty, said authorities should analyze regional differences in home ownership and rental burdens. He suggested providing more support and accelerating construction in areas where housing affordability is most strained. Since 2017, Taiwan’s annual number of newborns has remained below 200,000 for eight consecutive years. Last year, the country recorded only 134,800 births, with a crude birth rate of 5.76 per 1,000, both historic lows. As part of the Stable Housing Plan, 20% of social housing units are reserved for newlyweds and families with children. From 2026 to 2028, the National Housing and Urban Regeneration Center (HURC) plans to offer 41,000 new rental units. By the end of 2028, HURC will manage more than 45,000 rental units, making it Taiwan’s largest landlord. About 9,000 of these units will be designated for newlyweds and families, bringing the total family housing units to around 11,000. Huang Shu-wei (黃舒衛), director at Colliers International Taiwan, said HURC’s role goes beyond housing volume. Each complex functions as an independent community requiring long-term management, including property upkeep and coordination with social welfare services. He added that integrating childcare, after-school care, and school district planning with these family housing units is a major challenge. Incorporating retail, service providers, and social enterprises could enhance community functions and create new investment opportunities. Housing researcher Ho Shih-chang (何世昌) said increasing supply is only the first step in advancing Taiwan’s social housing policy. He added that as the number of social housing units grows, disputes and administrative challenges will inevitably rise, requiring significantly more management personnel. He urged the government to plan to meet these future demands.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan High Speed Rail ended its flexible early-boarding policy on Monday, requiring passengers with reserved seats to exchange tickets if taking an earlier train.
THSR introduced the rule after thousands of reserved seats went unused each month because passengers did not pass through the automatic ticket gates. Passengers who wish to board a different train more than one hour early must first exchange their ticket. Previously, reserved-seat passengers could take empty seats or unreserved cars on other trains by passing through manned gates, allowing more flexible travel. This practice became increasingly common during holidays and peak periods. The situation led to wasted seats on originally booked trains and overcrowding in unreserved sections. The railway will now strictly enforce the rule, enabling freed seats to be sold to other passengers. During the initial rollout, stations will set up dedicated counters for quick ticket exchanges. Passengers with mobile tickets can exchange them at the counter or cancel and repurchase via their phones. Bypassing the automatic gates results in an average of more than 2,000 wasted seats per day, according to THSR. That amounts to over 60,000 unused seats per month that could have been available to other travelers.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良) said the ministry and the interior ministry will launch a home visit program next year to assess the health and independence of seniors living alone and coordinate related care services.
Speaking at a seminar on community care for seniors held by the Taiwan Social Welfare Alliance on Sunday, Shih said about 700,000 seniors live alone in Taiwan. With an aging population and declining birth rates, the number of such seniors is likely to increase. The program aims to establish a database and enhance access to proper care resources. As of September, 19.8% of Taiwan's population was aged 65 or older, approaching the World Health Organization's 20% threshold for a super-aged society. In response, the government will allocate NT$6.2 billion (US$200 million) for the program, ensuring that each senior living alone receives at least one visit. Shih said the program will assess seniors living alone based on their family support, health, and self-care abilities, categorizing them into high, medium, or low-risk groups. Seniors needing closer attention will be provided with services such as meal delivery, social worker visits, or emergency alert devices. Shih noted that home-based healthcare is emerging as a key trend, with technological aids such as smart wristbands and mobility devices expected to improve senior care. He added that the ministry will roll out the long-term care 3.0 plan next year, focusing on integrating medical services with long-term care, strengthening community-based support, and using technology to help older adults live independently. Medical institutions will support seniors with chronic illnesses by enhancing at-home care plans and integrating telemedicine services. The ministry also plans to expand the hiring of foreign caregivers, recruit local volunteers, and promote mid-career re-employment programs to increase the long-term care workforce. Last year, about 892,000 people in Taiwan required long-term care, the ministry said. The sector has roughly 50,000 workers, but only around 1,800 are under 25, highlighting low interest among young people. Tu Hsin-ning (涂心寧), chair of a home care service alliance, attributed the shortage to low pay and unclear promotion paths.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipower said it has implemented typhoon preparedness measures ahead of Typhoon Fung-wong to minimize damage, including trimming trees near power lines, strengthening equipment maintenance, and preparing repair vehicles and tools.
The Central Weather Administration is expected to issue a marine typhoon warning on Monday. Northern and eastern Taiwan may see heavy rain beginning Monday. The typhoon could make landfall in Yunlin or Chiayi on Wednesday, bringing heavy rain nationwide before gradually moving away on Thursday afternoon. Taipower has deployed over 4,000 repair personnel, 2,800 vehicles, and 1,700 pieces of equipment to eastern, central, and southern Taiwan. The company will also launch cross-regional support and use drones for inspections to boost power restoration efficiency. Taipower said that it restores power in stages after typhoon-related outages, starting with substations, then main lines, and finally branch lines. Priority is given to public utilities such as the metro, trains, water supply, and telecommunications. In July, Typhoon Danas left more than 710,000 households in central and southern Taiwan without power, toppling nearly 2,500 utility poles and three high-voltage towers. Taipower said that it has completed line repairs and maintenance and continues to inspect equipment. Coastal substations have also been checked and cleared of obstacles to help prevent outages during typhoons. Taipower urged the public to secure signboards and remove hanging objects. People should avoid touching fallen or exposed power lines and report them immediately. Residents are also advised to install flood barriers or sandbags at basement entrances to reduce flooding risk. Economics Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫) added that reservoir levels across Taiwan are closely monitored, with emergency release plans in place. The ministry has sent large pumps to Hualien and reinforced levees with wave breakers to prevent another overflow at Mataian barrier lake in Guangfu Township. Evacuations will also be carried out if necessary.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s population has declined for 22 consecutive months as seniors edge toward 20% of all residents, which is the World Health Organization’s threshold for a super-aged society.
The Ministry of the Interior said Monday that residents ages 65 and older now account for 19.9% of the population, just shy of the 20% mark. Taipei had the highest elderly share at 24%, while Hsinchu County was lowest at 14.95%. Reporters reported the data indicate Taiwan will officially become a super-aged society in 2025, when one in five people will be over 65. The ministry also noted it took only seven years for Taiwan to move from an “aged” to “super-aged” society — faster than Japan or South Korea. Economists said the trend could weigh on Taiwan’s economy as the workforce ages. The number of senior workers grew 5.5% this year, the fastest rate among all age groups. National Taiwan University Associate Professor Hsin Ping-lung (辛炳隆) said both the government and businesses are still “underprepared” for the aging shift. He urged companies to automate production lines and make workplaces more friendly to older workers. If the labor shortage worsens, Hsin warned, more seniors may stay in low-paid jobs just to survive. He said Taiwan must ensure older workers are valued, not stuck at the bottom of the labor market.  TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — New Taipei City has relaunched a revitalization program to help long-running shops on Xinzhuang Temple Street get a modern makeover.
The New Taipei City Government Youth Department said Monday the program invites businesses with at least three years in operation to apply by Dec. 23. Selected shops will receive expert guidance on design and business transformation and can earn up to NT$100,000 (US$3,100) in subsidies. Youth Department Commissioner Marcia Qiu (邱兆梅) said the program aims to lower barriers for traditional shops trying to keep up with new trends. She said the funds can serve as seed money for upgrades and help owners take the first step toward change. CNA reported the program follows a successful first round last year that revamped five long-running shops — Drumony, Bear’s Breakfast, NuBeef, Gin Yi Chinese Medicine, and Washwise — which reported higher sales after redesigning their spaces and branding. Bear’s Breakfast said its rebranding focused on thick-style fried breadsticks and a fresh look that mixes old local stories with a younger image. The shop said the changes helped it stand out and attract more new customers. The owner of Gin Yi Chinese Medicine said a brighter space brought in more walk-in shoppers. Washwise, a natural laundry brand, also teamed up with a local restaurant to fix wastewater issues and show how teamwork can lift the neighborhood’s image. |