Typhoon Bavi Approaches! Taipei 101's Late-Night Closure Announcement Sparks Controversy – CEO Chia Yong-Jie Opens Up: 'It Was Truly a Struggle'

As the powerful Typhoon Bavi approaches Taiwan, the Central Weather Bureau forecasts up to 900 millimeters of cumulative rainfall in mountainous areas of Taipei City. Last night (September 9) at 8 PM, Taipei City Government jointly announced with Keelung, New Taipei, and Taoyuan that offices and schools would suspend operations today (September 10). Numerous department stores, cinemas, and service businesses subsequently announced temporary closures. However, Taipei 101 Shopping Center initially did not announce whether it would close, prompting grassroots employees to appeal on social media to Chairman Chia Yong-Jie. At 10:41 PM, Taipei 101 finally announced a one-day closure, sparking widespread controversy.

In response, Chia Yong-Jie revealed that the typhoon emergency response meeting was still ongoing at 10 PM last night, saying, "Honestly, it was truly a struggle." Today, she posted on Facebook: "This morning, a friend messaged me asking, 'Is 101 open today? I want to go shopping because it's really hot outside.'" She admitted that at 10 PM last night, the 101 team was still in a typhoon preparedness meeting. "To be honest, it was really tough. Based on past experience, whenever a typhoon day is announced before the actual storm hits, department stores usually become packed with people, and sales surge!"

Chia explained that senior management ultimately decided not to gamble with nature. "Employee safety and vendor safety are more important than anything else," she said, adding that today's sales performance would take a day off. "KPIs, budget achievement rates, EPS—all are taking a holiday today. Once the storm passes, we'll call them all back for overtime. After all, sales can be recovered, but people's safety cannot. I hope everyone stays safe!"

Before Taipei 101 officially announced its one-day closure, many netizens criticized the delay: "Unbelievable—same building, the office tower including the stock exchange is closed, but the mall is open? That's class discrimination." Another user said, "I hope every department store owner hears the voices of frontline workers. I'm still worried whether there'll be buses from Keelung to Taipei tomorrow." Others commented, "Typhoon days should mean no one works—except essential personnel like military, police, firefighters, and medical staff."

More exclusive Feng Media reports: • "Preparing for Typhoon Bavi: Over 20,000 military personnel on standby, with AAV7 amphibious assault vehicles and 2,000 rubber boats ready" • "Will Typhoon Bavi's landfall be delayed? Taiwan expects dramatic weather changes at this time. Fan page warns of latest dynamics: 'Even if it looks weaker, stay cautious.'" • "Latest updates on Typhoon Bavi: No counties/cities meet closure criteria? Doctor reveals Lai Qing-De once called: 'Typhoon holidays are getting increasingly strange.'"