Good Morning World: Legislature Passes Entertainment Tax Law Amendment, Movies and Concerts Now Tax-Free
A digest of top news including Taiwan's entertainment tax exemption, a 7.56% economic growth forecast driven by AI, Middle East energy concerns, and international cyberattack warnings.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 25, 2026 at 08:54
- 🔍 Collected: April 25, 2026 at 09:01 (7 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 25, 2026 at 09:05 (4 min after Collected)
A hidden camera was found by cleaners in a urinal at the men's restroom of Taiwan Railways' Xinzuoying Station recently. Police searched the residence of the involved High Speed Rail employee, revealing that the secretly filmed videos date back to at least March of last year, indicating a filming period of at least 9 months. Taiwan High Speed Rail apologized for the incident and fired the employee. How can we prevent secret filming in daily life? What should you do if you are a victim? CNA compiled relevant information to help readers understand at a glance. (Read the full report)
Central News
To encourage public participation in arts, cultural activities, and competitive sports, the Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to parts of the "Entertainment Tax Act" after a third reading. This abolishes the entertainment tax for movies, professional singing, storytelling, dancing, circus acts, magic shows, skill performances, nightclubs, dramas, musical performances, non-professional singing and dancing, as well as various competitive sports. The tax rate for dance halls or dance floors, which still require taxation, has been lowered from a maximum of 100% to 50%; golf courses remain unchanged. While the entertainment tax is a local levy, this change is desired by local governments considering the encouragement of recreational activities and the economic benefits of concerts and sports competitions. Taipei City Government officials estimate that after the amendment is promulgated by the President, the city's annual tax revenue will decrease by nearly NT$300 million. (Read the full report)
The weather front weakened today, but due to the influence of the cloud and rain band over southern China, local brief showers are still expected, especially in central and southern regions where thunderstorms should be guarded against. The weather will clear up to mostly cloudy with rising temperatures across the country on the 26th and 27th, followed by another front passing through on the 29th and 30th. On Labor Day, May 1st, the northeast monsoon is expected to weaken, shifting the weather to partly cloudy to sunny, with only the eastern half and the Hengchun Peninsula experiencing isolated brief showers. (Read the full report)
The think tank Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) released its latest economic forecast on the 24th, significantly revising this year's economic growth rate projection upward to 7.56%. Sun Ming-te, director of TIER's Economic Forecasting Center, described Taiwan's economy as being "protected by divine power" under the blessing of AI. Encouraged by the Financial Supervisory Commission's relaxation of the cap on domestic equity funds and active ETFs investing in TSMC, TSMC's stock price hit a record closing high of NT$2,185 on the 24th, driving the Taiwan stock market to close at 38,932.4 points, another record high. Simultaneously, with an influx of hot money, the New Taiwan Dollar also surged in volume, closing at 31.516. TIER President Chang Chien-yi believes this Taiwan stock rally is mainly driven by AI concept stocks, reflecting investors' expectations for future profits, but maintaining that AI indeed has a promising future and will not become a bubble. (Read the full report)
A man surnamed Lin, in his 30s, attempted to rob a CTBC Bank branch in Taipei's eastern district on the afternoon of the 24th, armed with a BB gun and a fake grenade. The culprit entered the bank, threatened the staff, and forced a security guard into the vault. Fortunately, an alert clerk called the police. By the time dispatched police forces, precinct officers, and SWAT teams rushed to the scene, the culprit was still packing money inside the vault. After a brief standoff, Lin was subdued without succeeding. Initial police investigations suggest Lin committed the crime due to financial pressure and acted alone. (Read the full report)
A Japanese man was confirmed to have measles after returning to Nagoya, Japan, on a Starlux Airlines flight. The CDC explained that 54 contacts, including crew members and passengers on the same flight, have been listed. Among them, 21 Taiwanese passengers who returned to Taiwan are spread across 11 cities and counties and are undergoing comprehensive health monitoring until May 5. Starlux stated it will comply with epidemic prevention measures; the crew on duty are vaccinated, currently show no symptoms, and will continue self-monitoring and management. (Read the full report)
Impacted by the Middle East war, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its latest report indicating that due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and damage to related infrastructure, tight supply conditions are likely to persist until the end of 2027. Iran broadcasted a video on the 24th showing commando forces boarding a giant cargo ship, demonstrating to the world its tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US military's 3rd Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the Middle East, increasing strategic pressure on Iran. US President Trump declared that the US is in no rush to end the war with Iran and will continue to intercept ships traveling to and from Iranian ports. If Iran refuses to negotiate, he will order the resumption of military strikes. However, he also promised that the US would not use nuclear weapons in a war against Iran. Regarding Israel and Lebanon, following a new round of talks, Trump announced that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement has been extended for three weeks. (Read the full report)
A total of 10 countries, including the UK, US, and Japan, jointly warned that malicious actors linked to China often exploit relatively easily compromised network equipment, such as smartphones and smart devices. These actors are utilizing secretly built network activity infrastructures "on a large scale" using such methods to target critical sectors that can significantly impact national security, economic activities, and people's livelihoods globally. They conceal the actual source of cyberattacks to increase the difficulty of holding them accountable, and the malicious actors include cybersecurity companies located in or associated with China. (Read the full report)
Singapore's representative to Taiwan, Foo Chi Hsia, who has been in office for nearly 100 days, accepted an exclusive interview with CNA to share her goals for working in Taiwan. She stated that Singapore and Taiwan share similar languages and concepts, making Taiwan a natural partner, and she hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, talent cultivation, education, and startups. She further explained that semiconductors involve a long supply chain and a large ecosystem where both sides can find their respective advantages and complement each other. Singapore has an edge in packaging, allowing for joint development of the chip industry. Foo also emphasized that Singapore's foreign policy is based on principles, consistency, and national interests. Sacrificing one's own interests due to external pressure would only damage national credibility. Singapore also knows well that security and survival depend on itself; it cannot expect others to come to its aid and must prepare for a rainy day. She stressed that Singapore's defense spending is expected to be maintained at about 3% of GDP, and it is prepared to increase it appropriately if necessary. (Read the full report)
A hidden camera was found by cleaners in a urinal at the men's restroom of Taiwan Railways' Xinzuoying Station recently. Police searched the residence of the involved High Speed Rail employee, revealing that the secretly filmed videos date back to at least March of last year, indicating a filming period of at least 9 months. Taiwan High Speed Rail apologized for the incident and fired the employee. How can we prevent secret filming in daily life? What should you do if you are a victim? CNA compiled relevant information to help readers understand at a glance. (Read the full report)
Central News
To encourage public participation in arts, cultural activities, and competitive sports, the Legislative Yuan passed an amendment to parts of the "Entertainment Tax Act" after a third reading. This abolishes the entertainment tax for movies, professional singing, storytelling, dancing, circus acts, magic shows, skill performances, nightclubs, dramas, musical performances, non-professional singing and dancing, as well as various competitive sports. The tax rate for dance halls or dance floors, which still require taxation, has been lowered from a maximum of 100% to 50%; golf courses remain unchanged. While the entertainment tax is a local levy, this change is desired by local governments considering the encouragement of recreational activities and the economic benefits of concerts and sports competitions. Taipei City Government officials estimate that after the amendment is promulgated by the President, the city's annual tax revenue will decrease by nearly NT$300 million. (Read the full report)
The weather front weakened today, but due to the influence of the cloud and rain band over southern China, local brief showers are still expected, especially in central and southern regions where thunderstorms should be guarded against. The weather will clear up to mostly cloudy with rising temperatures across the country on the 26th and 27th, followed by another front passing through on the 29th and 30th. On Labor Day, May 1st, the northeast monsoon is expected to weaken, shifting the weather to partly cloudy to sunny, with only the eastern half and the Hengchun Peninsula experiencing isolated brief showers. (Read the full report)
The think tank Taiwan Institute of Economic Research (TIER) released its latest economic forecast on the 24th, significantly revising this year's economic growth rate projection upward to 7.56%. Sun Ming-te, director of TIER's Economic Forecasting Center, described Taiwan's economy as being "protected by divine power" under the blessing of AI. Encouraged by the Financial Supervisory Commission's relaxation of the cap on domestic equity funds and active ETFs investing in TSMC, TSMC's stock price hit a record closing high of NT$2,185 on the 24th, driving the Taiwan stock market to close at 38,932.4 points, another record high. Simultaneously, with an influx of hot money, the New Taiwan Dollar also surged in volume, closing at 31.516. TIER President Chang Chien-yi believes this Taiwan stock rally is mainly driven by AI concept stocks, reflecting investors' expectations for future profits, but maintaining that AI indeed has a promising future and will not become a bubble. (Read the full report)
A man surnamed Lin, in his 30s, attempted to rob a CTBC Bank branch in Taipei's eastern district on the afternoon of the 24th, armed with a BB gun and a fake grenade. The culprit entered the bank, threatened the staff, and forced a security guard into the vault. Fortunately, an alert clerk called the police. By the time dispatched police forces, precinct officers, and SWAT teams rushed to the scene, the culprit was still packing money inside the vault. After a brief standoff, Lin was subdued without succeeding. Initial police investigations suggest Lin committed the crime due to financial pressure and acted alone. (Read the full report)
A Japanese man was confirmed to have measles after returning to Nagoya, Japan, on a Starlux Airlines flight. The CDC explained that 54 contacts, including crew members and passengers on the same flight, have been listed. Among them, 21 Taiwanese passengers who returned to Taiwan are spread across 11 cities and counties and are undergoing comprehensive health monitoring until May 5. Starlux stated it will comply with epidemic prevention measures; the crew on duty are vaccinated, currently show no symptoms, and will continue self-monitoring and management. (Read the full report)
Impacted by the Middle East war, the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its latest report indicating that due to disruptions in liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies and damage to related infrastructure, tight supply conditions are likely to persist until the end of 2027. Iran broadcasted a video on the 24th showing commando forces boarding a giant cargo ship, demonstrating to the world its tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the US military's 3rd Carrier Strike Group has arrived in the Middle East, increasing strategic pressure on Iran. US President Trump declared that the US is in no rush to end the war with Iran and will continue to intercept ships traveling to and from Iranian ports. If Iran refuses to negotiate, he will order the resumption of military strikes. However, he also promised that the US would not use nuclear weapons in a war against Iran. Regarding Israel and Lebanon, following a new round of talks, Trump announced that the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement has been extended for three weeks. (Read the full report)
A total of 10 countries, including the UK, US, and Japan, jointly warned that malicious actors linked to China often exploit relatively easily compromised network equipment, such as smartphones and smart devices. These actors are utilizing secretly built network activity infrastructures "on a large scale" using such methods to target critical sectors that can significantly impact national security, economic activities, and people's livelihoods globally. They conceal the actual source of cyberattacks to increase the difficulty of holding them accountable, and the malicious actors include cybersecurity companies located in or associated with China. (Read the full report)
Singapore's representative to Taiwan, Foo Chi Hsia, who has been in office for nearly 100 days, accepted an exclusive interview with CNA to share her goals for working in Taiwan. She stated that Singapore and Taiwan share similar languages and concepts, making Taiwan a natural partner, and she hopes to deepen bilateral cooperation in areas such as semiconductors, talent cultivation, education, and startups. She further explained that semiconductors involve a long supply chain and a large ecosystem where both sides can find their respective advantages and complement each other. Singapore has an edge in packaging, allowing for joint development of the chip industry. Foo also emphasized that Singapore's foreign policy is based on principles, consistency, and national interests. Sacrificing one's own interests due to external pressure would only damage national credibility. Singapore also knows well that security and survival depend on itself; it cannot expect others to come to its aid and must prepare for a rainy day. She stressed that Singapore's defense spending is expected to be maintained at about 3% of GDP, and it is prepared to increase it appropriately if necessary. (Read the full report)
A hidden camera was found by cleaners in a urinal at the men's restroom of Taiwan Railways' Xinzuoying Station recently. Police searched the residence of the involved High Speed Rail employee, revealing that the secretly filmed videos date back to at least March of last year, indicating a filming period of at least 9 months. Taiwan High Speed Rail apologized for the incident and fired the employee. How can we prevent secret filming in daily life? What should you do if you are a victim? CNA compiled relevant information to help readers understand at a glance. (Read the full report)