URE aims to build more than half of nation’s solar unitsBy Angelica Oung / Staff reporterUnited Renewable Energy Co (URE, 聯合再生) plans to build more than half of the nation’s solar panel modules this year, the company said yesterday. In a statement, the nation’s biggest solar module supplier said that it has secured new government solar farm projects through open bidding. Photo copied by Chen Kuan-pei, Taipei TimesAfter missing the quota for increased solar capacity last year by 0.68 gigawatts (GW), the government’s new goal for new added solar capacity is 2GW. To cope with rising demand, the company said it plans to add more than 500MW of solar module capacity this year. Its solar modules are also used in solar projects in Pingtung, Yunlin and Chiayi counties, it said.

Legislative Speaker You Si-kun holds up Lunar New Year calligraphy in Taipei on Feb. 2. New Power Party deputy caucus whip Chen Jiau-hua (陳椒華) and Taiwan People’s Party deputy caucus whip Ann Kao (高虹安) seconded the motion. Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) said that he supported the KMT’s motion and hoped that this would be the beginning for the parties to form rational conversations and build a new culture. Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲), a former Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) legislator, yesterday said he supported lowering the voting age to 18. In other developments, DPP caucus whip Ker Chien-ming (柯建銘) on Wednesday said that mechanisms are being set up for the Executive Yuan, the Legislative Yuan and legislative caucusese to deal with proposed amendments to the Constitution and to handle cross-party negotiations.

Mandarin teacher Michael Chang, center, is pictured during a lesson at the US Military Academy at West Point, New York, in 2019. Chang was no stranger to teaching Mandarin to foreign students. Before and after he visited the US, he has been teaching at National Taiwan University’s International Chinese Language Program (ICLP), which was established in 1962. Her job was to assist the female teacher with grading students’ assignments and preparing teaching materials, Chou said. Now teaching Mandarin at Shih Chien University, Chou emphasizes speaking and listening activities.

Chiang features in ‘Time’ list of emerging leadersBy Sherry Hsiao / Staff reporterChinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) has been featured in Time magazine’s second annual “TIME100 Next” list, which recognizes “emerging leaders who are shaping the future.”In a profile of Chiang written for “TIME100 Next,” Time East Asia correspondent Charlie Campbell described Chiang as “the youngest-ever leader of Asia’s oldest political party.”Chiang, who was elected chairman in March last year, “knew that reforming Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) wouldn’t be easy,” Campbell wrote. Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang greets reporters at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday. Asked for comment, Chiang told reporters at the Legislative Yuan in Taipei yesterday that he is honored to have received such recognition. The list, which was released on Wednesday, is “an expansion of our flagship TIME100 franchise that highlights 100 emerging leaders who are shaping the future,” Time editor-in-chief and CEO Edward Felsenthal wrote in a statement. The KMT said in a statement yesterday that Chiang is the first Taiwanese politician to be named to the list.

Winbond net profit edges up 3.17% on demand for chipsBy Lisa Wang / Staff reporterMemorychip maker Winbond Electronics Corp (華邦電子) yesterday reported that net profit last year increased 3.17 percent thanks to strong demand for chips as telecommuters and distance learners required notebook computers and networking equipment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Net profit increased to NT$1.3 billion (US$45.89 million) from NT$1.26 billion in 2019, a company filing with the Taiwan Stock Exchange showed. Winbond Electronics Corp’s logo is pictured at its Taichung headquarters on Oct. 26 last year. Winbond president James Chen (陳沛銘) told investors in July last year that demand for notebook computers — mostly Chromebooks for students — would continue to drive the chip market. Winbond reported consolidated revenue of NT$6.9 billion for last month, up 87.45 percent year-on-year and 1.32 percent month-on-month.

Premier taps minister as Executive Yuan spokesmanCOMMUNICATION: The premier has high hopes that Lo Ping-cheng, a renowned lawyer, would be able to convey government policy in a clear and concise mannerBy Jake Chung / Staff writer, with CNAPremier Su Tseng-chang (蘇貞昌) yesterday appointed Minister Without Portfolio Lo Ping-cheng (羅秉成) as the Executive Yuan’s new spokesman, a position that had been vacant for nearly three months after former spokesman Ting Yi-ming (丁怡銘) stepped down amid controversy. Earlier that same month, media reports said that Ting’s office had produced online propaganda to attack opposition parties. New Cabinet spokesman Lo Ping-cheng gestures at a news conference at the Executive Yuan in Taipei yesterday. A Cabinet spokesperson represents the government and is responsible for delivering its policies to the public, Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) Chairman Johnny Chiang (江啟臣) said. Taiwan People’s Party caucus deputy convener Ann Kao (高虹安) said that with his background in law and as a staunch supporter of human rights, Lo Ping-cheng was a good choice to help bridge communication between the Executive Yuan and the Legislative Yuan on constitutional amendments and human rights issues.

The government aims to upgrade gasoline and diesel-powered public buses across the nation to ones powered by electricity by 2030, he said. Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Chia-lung, left, attends a forum on the development of electric buses in Taoyuan yesterday. The pilot project is also to subsidize electric vehicle purchases by local bus operators, Lin said, adding that the firms can apply until May. To participate in the project, the two electric vehicle makers passed a two-phase review of their manufacturing expertise and business plans, the MOTC said. Operators purchasing electric buses from Master Transportation or RAE would be subsidized up to NT$10 million per vehicle, while those buying electric buses from other firms would receive a maximum subsidy of about NT$6.3 million per vehicle.

GDP may grow 4% thanks to exports: NDCBULLISH: The Ministry of Finance said that last month’s exports spiked 36.8 percent year-on-year and are likely to expand by 3 to 8 percent this month, despite the holidayBy Crystal Hsu / Staff reporterTaiwan’s GDP could expand more than 4 percent this year on the back of strengthening exports, private investment and consumer spending, despite lingering uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Development Council (NDC) said in a statement on Wednesday. Exports last month spiked 36.8 percent year-on-year and are likely to expand by 3 to 8 percent this month, despite the week-long Lunar New Year holiday, the Ministry of Finance said last week. The entrance to the National Development Council in Taipei is pictured in an undated photograph. Photo: Taipei Times file photoThe DGBAS forecast a 5.2 percent increase in exports this quarter, but the actual showing could prove twice as strong, the ministry said. Research bodies at home and abroad are forecasting GDP growth of 3.2 percent to 4.3 percent in Taiwan this year, the council said.

Life insurers’ cap to rise in steps: FSCEASY DOES IT: The FSC does not approve of a sudden increase of 10 percentage points in the cap, as even a change of 1 percentage point can affect the marketBy Kao Shih-ching / Staff reporterThe Financial Supervisory Commission (FSC) yesterday said that it is considering raising the cap on sales of insurance policies denominated in foreign currencies from 35 to 40 percent, which would allow life insurers an additional NT$690 billion (US$24.36 billion) of overseas investment. However, a recent proposal by the Life Insurance Association prompted the commission to review its regulations, Shih said. If life insurers are allowed to sell more policies denominated in foreign currencies, they must inform policyholders of the foreign-exchange risks, she added. However, FSC Chairman Thomas Huang (黃天牧) said that he would not in the short term consider relaxing the 45 percent cap on total overseas investments that life insurance companies must follow. “Life insurers still have demand to put their money overseas, but the demand is expected to be lower than before, as growth of first-year premiums has slowed,” Huang said.

‘Semiconductor academy’ proposed to train talentBy Angelica Oung / Staff reporterRepresentatives from Taiwan’s top chipmakers yesterday met with government officials to discuss establishing a “semiconductor academy” that would supply the local industry with talent, the Ministry of Economic Affairs said. The semiconductor industry would have a “big say” in how the academy is to be structured, as the private sector is paying for half of it, Minister of Economic Affairs Wang Mei-hua (王美花) said. “It will be conducted in an experimental sandbox, where existing rules can be relaxed as talent is trained for the industry,” Wang said. The bill, which is under review by the Legislative Yuan, aims to alleviate a shortage of talented workers in the local semiconductor industry, as well as other key areas, the ministry said. It calls for leading universities — National Taiwan University, National Cheng Kung University, National Tsing Hua University and National Chiao Tung University — to join the industry in launching the semiconductor academy.

As for what activities can be arranged for students and teachers during the 30-minute break, here are some of the practices at my school:First, students should be encouraged to engage in outdoor activities to promote diversified learning. The school where I work is located in a remote area, and during the big break, students are encouraged to play soccer, run and play with playground equipment. The big break is also suitable for organizing teaching activities involving students from more than one class or mixed-age sports competitions. The 30-minute break gives teachers time for a coffee, to relax, prepare lessons, and exchange teaching and class management experiences. The 30-minute big break is also a good time to coordinate between administrative and teaching staff.

NCC to consult local government officials on Channel 52 bidBy Shelley Shan / Staff reporterThe National Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday said that it would not begin deliberating over Homeplus Digital Co’s application to fill the vacant Channel 52 with Chinese Television System’s (CTS) news channel until it has consulted with local government officials. Homeplus, the nation’s largest multiple system operator, had previously proposed moving Global News from Channel 85 to Channel 52, but it retracted the application without providing an explanation. Photo: Lo Chi, Taipei TimesOn the same day, the commission rejected four cable operators’ applications to occupy Channel 52 with CNN News or France 24’s English-language channel. Asked why the commission had to ask for their input again, Wong said that Homeplus has proposed that a different channel occupy Channel 52, so it is a new case. The commission’s rejection of cable operators’ proposals to move CNN News or other English-language channels to Channel 52 was criticized for contradicting the government’s policy of building a bilingual nation.

KMT to appoint six Central Advisory Committee members, including JawBy Chen Yun and Jake Chung / Staff reporter, with staff writerThe Chinese Nationalist Party (KMT) yesterday announced plans to appoint six new members, including Broadcasting Corp of China (BCC) chairman Jaw Shaw-kong (趙少康), to its Central Advisory Committee. Photo: Wang Yi-sung, Taipei TimesMeanwhile, Jaw said that he has not chosen a running mate for the 2024 presidential election. Jaw, whose KMT membership application was recently accepted, has also said that he intends to run for party chairperson in this year’s election. Asked if he would partner with Han, Jaw said that he had not talked with him about the issue, nor had he given it much thought. Should Han wish to arrange a meeting between himself, Jaw and Chiang, Jaw said that he would gladly attend.

PLA’s uncrewed vehicles threaten region: analystsStaff writer, with CNAChina’s aggressive development of uncrewed air, ground and underwater vehicles is an increasing threat to Taiwan and the region, analysts at a government-funded think tank said. Sheu Jyh-shyang (許智翔), a postdoctoral fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research, said that in the past few years, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) and drones have been used increasingly by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Photo: Tu Chu-min, Taipei TimesOn Jan. 6, state-controlled China Central Television reported a PLA military exercise that included a number of drones and UGVs, Sheu said. Meanwhile, Ou Si-fu (歐錫富), another research fellow at the institute, said that China might be using uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) for spying in regional waters. The appearance of the research vessel and the UUV led to speculations that China was conducting underwater mapping in the area.

The TAIEX ended 559.89 points, or 3.54 percent, higher at 16,362.29 on turnover of NT$413.177 billion (US$14.56 billion). Photo: Chen Chih-chu, Taipei TimesYesterday’s increase was the second-highest single-day rise in the market’s history, trailing only the 590.19 points jump on Nov. 29, 1989. Huang was referring specifically to the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index, which rose more than 7 percent during the break in Taiwan. Non-tech stocks also narrowed their gap with their foreign counterparts, especially the petrochemical sector, Huang said. “In addition, the gains helped the TAIEX overcome stiff technical resistance ahead of 16,239 points, the intraday high on Jan. 21, so I expect the uptrend to continue.”