CPC New Membership System Takes Effect on September 1: Physical Cards Now Charged, App Users Get Double Points

Focus from Wind Media News: CPC Corporation, Taiwan, has introduced a new membership policy effective today (September 1), requiring a NT$50 handling fee for applying for a physical membership card. Even after receiving the card, users must complete online activation before they can start accumulating points. For free membership registration, CPC recommends using the 'CPC Pay' app, which not only allows free sign-up but also offers double the point accumulation rate compared to physical cards. The significant difference in benefits between the old and new systems highlights the company's push toward digital transformation.

On the same day, the Sports Administration launched its 'Sweat for Rewards' campaign. Open to Taiwanese citizens aged 16 and above, participants who complete designated exercise tasks and upload screenshots via the app can receive a NT$50 bonus voucher per week upon verification. Each person can claim once per week, up to 14 consecutive weeks, totaling a maximum of NT$700. There are only 2 million slots available nationwide, redeemable at over 15,000 stores across major chains including 7-ELEVEN, FamilyMart, and PX Mart. Registration requires triple verification via ID number, NHI card number, and mobile phone number.

The Bureau of Labor Insurance also launched a major new policy on September 1, enabling over 1.7 million self-employed workers across Taiwan—including those insured through occupational unions, freelancers, and self-employed vendors—to complete their Labor Retirement Fund voluntary contributions entirely online. Previously, the process required paper forms and in-person visits, resulting in low participation: only around 30,000 people were actively contributing, compared to 1.54 million employed workers. The new online system aims to remove these barriers and improve retirement security for this group.

The Kaohsiung City Government announced that starting October 2, it will disburse Double Ninth Festival senior citizen gift funds, with amounts ranging from NT$1,500 to a maximum of NT$10,000 based on age and status. An estimated 590,000 seniors will benefit. This year, 35 additional financial institutions have been added as disbursement options, eliminating the need to open a post office account. Recipients may also collect funds in person at district offices or receive home delivery.

The Central Weather Bureau warns that the peak of heavy rainfall will occur from September 1 to 5, with southern and southeastern Taiwan most affected. Although two tropical depressions near the Guangdong coast and south of the Ryukyu Islands are unlikely to directly hit Taiwan, the risk of lightning strikes and sudden torrential rains remains high across the island until September 6, when weather conditions are expected to gradually improve.

A high-risk stock in the Taiwan market has drawn attention: among 92 first-tier listed companies, only one has failed to submit financial reports for three consecutive quarters. Trading of its shares was suspended in April, and all three independent directors have since resigned, effectively dismantling corporate oversight. Approximately 43,000 shareholders are affected, and if the company fails to rectify the situation by the deadline, the stock could become worthless as early as mid-November.

A ranking of crude death rates across Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities has been released. Contrary to expectations, New Taipei City—the most populous—ranks only 16th. The top-ranking county has a crude death rate 1.78 times higher than New Taipei’s. However, this does not necessarily indicate poorer healthcare or higher danger; it largely reflects demographic factors such as aging population structure, making the data more complex than the ranking suggests.

China’s new entry-exit regulations take effect on September 15. Social media has circulated claims that 'holding a Taiwan Compatriot Permit will be treated as being a Chinese citizen,' causing concern among cross-strait travelers. Fact-checking platforms have debunked this as misinformation. While the Mainland Affairs Council confirmed the inaccuracy, it simultaneously warned that three specific groups of Taiwanese travelers face higher risks in mainland China. The Mainland Affairs Office of China has officially responded, and the substantive differences in official positions warrant close attention.