MOE reports monthly highs for industrial and manufacturing production in August

The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOE) on September 28th announced the industrial production index for August rose 13.69% from last year to 136.76, the highest ever, and a monthly increase of 2.14% following 19 months of consecutive growth. The sub-index for the manufacturing sector rose 14.62% from last year to 138.34, a monthly increase of 2.53% and also a record high. 

Production of electronic components rose 14.91% from last year to a monthly record. The MOE explained that demand is high as tech companies introduce new products and emerging technologies like 5G, the Internet of Things, and automotive technologies have driven up the production of semiconductors and microprocessors as well as large-scale TV and LCD panels, resulting in a rise in manufacturing production. 

The MOE stated that despite the risks still posed by the global pandemic and the ongoing US-China trade war, the increasing vaccination rate and steady recovery of global economic activity support infrastructure construction and focus on increased manufacturing. The MOE predicts the momentum of industry production growth will continue. 

CECC lightens pandemic restrictions on recreation and outdoor masking

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With the pandemic under control and stable, the Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) announced on September 27th relaxed restrictions at performances, exhibitions, and sporting events effective immediately. At indoor venues the maximum capacity is no longer limited. Outdoor venues will no longer be restricted to a cap of 500 people, but will be required not to exceed 50% capacity. Tickets can now be sold onsite and are not limited to a reservation system. At all venues proper social distancing should still be maintained. 

Amusement arcades and Internet cafes may reopen, but must install partitions and table dividers. KTVs may also reopen, with mask regulations and an eating and drinking ban enforced. The KTV rooms must be cleaned and disinfected at least 30 minutes prior to use by each party. 

The CECC also announced on October 3rd that face mask regulations will be lightened for certain outdoor areas where social distancing can be maintained. Agricultural workers and visitors at forests and beaches will not be required to wear face masks, but should still carry a mask with them to wear when social distancing cannot be maintained. 

Google invests US$1 million in Taiwan FactCheck Center Digital Literacy Program 

(Source: Google)

Google Taiwan Government Affairs and Public Policy Senior Associate Anita Chen announced the company’s charity organization, Google.org, will invest US$1 million in Taiwan FactCheck Center (TFC) to conduct a three-year digital and media literacy education program. TFC is the first organization in Taiwan certified by the International Fact-checking Network (IFCN). TFC joined Facebook’s Third-party Fact-Checking Program in 2020 and received a grant to combat COVID-19 misinformation. 

Taiwan FactCheck Center’s newest project will work with partners such as the Fake News Cleaner, Taiwan Media Watch, and the Association for Quality Journalism to host nearly 70 workshops and train over 700 instructors, benefitting over 23,000 trainees disadvantaged in the digital era to combat the effects of misinformation and promote digital literacy.