Today's (08/20) Top News! 5 Major Travel Subsidies Unveiled – Up to NT$3,700; Senior Respect Bonus Reaches NT$50,000; Military and Civil Servants Get Pay Raise – One Group to Receive Extra NT$4,000 Monthly

Storm Media brings you today’s key news highlights.

The Tourism Bureau’s 'Dual-Drive Tourism Plan' opens nationwide applications today. Online registration for weekday accommodation subsidies and birthday vouchers begins now, with individuals eligible for up to NT$3,700 in discounts. Disbursements will roll out in batches starting September 1. Additional incentives vary by county and city, with detailed application rules requiring close attention.

Double Ninth Festival senior citizen gift payments can reach up to NT$50,000. However, not all residents aged 65 or older qualify. Residency requirements range from one to ten years across counties and cities. Pingtung County raises the eligibility age to 90, exceeding most other regions. Asset tests and proof of actual residence are also enforced. Indigenous elders face relaxed criteria, though age and registration rules differ locally. Most counties offer late claim periods, but deadlines mostly fall by year-end—missing them forfeits eligibility.

The Executive Yuan has approved next year’s central government budget. Active-duty military, civil servants, and educators receive a 4% pay raise, with retired personnel seeing proportional pension increases. Total new personnel expenses exceed NT$38 billion. A notable addition is the new 'Type III Combat Unit Allowance,' granting qualified service members an extra NT$4,000 per month—fully funded in next year’s budget. The budget also includes NT$235.7 billion for the universal NT$10,000 cash handout, achieved without increasing debt. Labor and health insurance subsidies are also expanded.

Typhoon No. 18, Soudelor, continues strengthening southeast of Guam, moving northwest toward the Ryukyu Islands. Favorable conditions could elevate it to a severe typhoon. Before arrival, Taiwan already faces unstable weather. A low-pressure system brings abundant moisture, causing frequent thunderstorms through August 24. Heavy rain alerts are active in southern Kaohsiung, Pingtung, and Hualien. Mountainous and low-lying areas must prepare for flooding and landslides. Post-August 25 weather depends entirely on Soudelor’s final path, which remains highly uncertain due to divergent model projections.

Disposing of disposable raincoats incorrectly can lead to fines up to NT$6,000. A recent social media case sparked public surprise when someone tossed a used raincoat into general waste and received a penalty notice. Environmental agencies clarify that disposal depends on material: vinyl goes to non-combustible waste, polyester to recyclables. Misclassification risks fines. Practical reuse methods are also promoted to reduce waste and avoid penalties.

A Ukrainian drone reportedly sank an Iranian vessel in the Caspian Sea, triggering a diplomatic crisis. Iran condemned the act as 'terrorism,' claiming civilian casualties, while Ukraine insists the ship carried drone parts bound for Russia. Tehran briefly considered ballistic missile retaliation and demanded compensation. This incident blurs the lines between the Russia-Ukraine war and U.S.-Iran tensions, raising geopolitical concerns.

The 2026 list of Chinese actresses who most changed audience perceptions ranks a breakout performer first—someone who overcame preconceptions with a role spanning ancient and modern eras. Though Tian Xiwēi and Meng Ziyì earned praise for shedding typecasting, neither topped the list. The winner won over even skeptical viewers, sparking widespread discussion on Douban and Weibo.

Formosa Plastics (1301) rebounded from April’s low of NT$51.9 to a recent high of NT$60.6 before pulling back to NT$56.8. Analyst Ashun attributes the rally to improved core earnings—Q2 EPS reached NT$1.67, with rising gross and operating margins. However, he cautions this reflects 'inventory-driven recovery' rather than 'industrial transformation.' True structural turnaround hinges on tracking three key indicators going forward.