Good Morning World: Groundbreaking of Pingtung S&T Park Semiconductor Zone, President: Will Meet Industry's Needs for Water, Power, and Land

President Lai Ching-te attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Semiconductor Supply Chain Special Zone at Pingtung Science Park on the 12th, stating that Taiwan must achieve balanced regional development and expressing hope for a semiconductor industrial S-curve corridor across Chiayi, Tainan, Kaohsiung, and Pingtung. The government will lead efforts to meet industry needs for water, electricity, land, and human talent.

TSMC Chairman Mark Liu mentioned that President Lai had discussed an ambitious plan to interconnect all reservoirs, saying, 'From now on, we won't have to talk about shortages of land, water, or electricity.' However, he admitted that talent remains a challenge and urged the Pingtung County Government to boost population and educational capacity.

Pingtung County Magistrate Chou Chun-mi stated that industrial upgrading will enhance the city's competitiveness and enable local youth to return and remain in their hometown for employment. ( Read full report )

Despite Middle East conflicts driving up prices and intensifying inflation, the Directorate-General of Budget, Accounting and Statistics under Taiwan's Executive Yuan released wage statistics on the 12th showing that from January to April, the real average recurring wage in industry and services increased by 1.4% year-on-year, while real total wages rose 1.99%—both surpassing inflation and marking the highest growth in nearly six and eight years, respectively. Meanwhile, driven by minimum wage hikes, AI business expansion, and a vibrant stock market, the proportion of companies granting raises in 2024 rose to 34.8%, the highest in 25 years, with expectations that this rate will set another record this year. ( Read full report )

On the 12th, the Legislative Yuan passed a third-reading amendment to Article 26 of the Public Officials Election and Recall Act, clarifying that individuals sentenced to suspended imprisonment or community service may run for office. It also adds that those convicted under the Fraud Crime Prevention Act with a final judgment are ineligible to register as candidates. As Hsinchu City Mayor Kao Hung-an faces possible community service for misappropriating assistant allowances, DPP caucus secretary Fan Yun stated that politically, this amendment appears tailored for Kao. KMT legislator Weng Hsiao-ling argued that depriving those under suspended sentences of political rights violates the principle of proportionality, emphasizing the amendment is not person-specific. Mayor Kao urged the public to avoid over-interpretation and return to rational discussion. ( Read full report )

The Central Weather Administration stated that while the 13th offers a break from rain, thunderstorms may still occur in central-northern, eastern, and mountainous areas in the afternoon, with mountainous regions at risk of heavy rain. On the 14th and 15th, influenced by a front and southwest winds, central and southern Taiwan may experience heavy to torrential rain. With abundant rainfall from the front, the water level at Taiwan's largest reservoir, Zengwen Reservoir, has surpassed 20%. Minister of Economic Affairs Kung Ming-hsin stated that southern Taiwan's water situation has improved, with stable supply expected through the end of September. Premier Cho Jung-tai noted that the 'Pearl String Water Project' will be completed in phases, ensuring water access for agriculture and semiconductor chips, benefiting the world. ( Read full report )

Seoul's court sentenced former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol to 30 years in prison on the 12th for general treason and abuse of power to obstruct rights. The court found that Yoon and others, seeking justification for declaring martial law, instructed the drone warfare command to launch drones toward Pyongyang around October 2024, provoking North Korea militarily. The court ruled this operation was not a legitimate military response to North Korea's trash balloon launches but served private purposes unrelated to national security or territorial defense. The actions not only hindered military forces meant for emergencies but also exposed military secrets to North Korea, damaging national military interests. ( Read full report )

U.S. President Trump announced on the 11th the cancellation of a planned evening strike on Iran, citing approval of the 'final points' of a U.S.-Iran agreement. He hinted that both sides may soon sign the deal, with Reuters reporting Geneva, Switzerland, as a possible location. However, Iranian officials stated that reports of a final agreement are 'pure speculation,' and Tehran has made no final decisions. A draft disclosed by Iran's semi-official Mehr News Agency indicates that if accepted, $24 billion in frozen Iranian assets would be unfrozen within 60 days. Amid hopes for a peace agreement, international oil prices dropped on the 11th, U.S. stocks surged, and Asian markets broadly rose. ( Read full report )

Thailand's Princess Sirindhorn passed away on the evening of the 11th at age 47. As the eldest daughter of King Vajiralongkorn, she served as a prosecutor and diplomat and was deeply committed to women prisoners' rights, disaster relief, and legal education. After collapsing in December 2022, she remained hospitalized for over three years. Prior to hospitalization, she was appointed to a high-ranking role in the royal guard command, considered a core member of the royal family. Multiple Thai TV channels and news websites switched to black-and-white, and the government declared a 15-day mourning period, with half-mast flags at government offices and schools. ( Read full report )

Foreign media reported that American economist Jeffrey Sachs, attending a cabinet seminar in Taiwan's ally Eswatini, suggested Eswatini establish diplomatic ties with China for economic benefits. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on the 12th that Sachs' remarks were purely personal views, and Eswatini's pro-Taiwan lawmakers expressed strong concern and skepticism, demonstrating solid bilateral ties supported across Eswatini. The ministry noted China's ongoing efforts to divide Taiwan's diplomatic allies through economic incentives like 'zero tariffs,' suppressing Taiwan's international space. Taiwan-Eswatini relations remain stable and friendly, with continued promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation. ( Read full report )

With the 2027 ban on feeding food waste to pigs approaching, the catering industry, long reliant on pig farming for waste disposal, faces transformation challenges. Large chain restaurants worry that rising food waste processing costs may be passed to consumers. In response, Hanlin Cuisine has introduced an AI-powered food waste identification and reduction management system, while department stores are investing heavily in new food waste processing equipment. Tsai Pung-pei, Section Chief of General Waste Management at the Environmental Protection Administration, stated that despite food waste's reuse value, disease risk must be prioritized and gradually shifted toward composting, bioenergy, and black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) solutions. Black soldier fly and biogas power generation technologies are seen as key solutions to Taiwan's food waste challenges. ( Read full report )

The largest World Cup in history kicked off, with co-host Mexico defeating South Africa 2-0 in the opening match. Notably, the referee issued three red cards—an unusual occurrence. Mexico's head coach revealed his players had to overcome pre-game tension. Despite the loss, South African fans nationwide felt excited and proud, with high spirits filling the streets. Meanwhile, South Korea, nicknamed the 'Taegeuk Warriors,' conceded first but scored through Hwang In-beom and Oh Hyeon-gyu in the second half, winning 2-1 against the Czech Republic for a victorious start. ( Read full report )

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