Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Cleaner Neighbourhoods With Stepped-Up Efforts In The Year Of Public Hygiene

Singapore, 17 March 2025 – The prevailing Northeast Monsoon conditions are expected to continue in the second fortnight of March 2025, with winds blowing mainly from the northwest or northeast.

2             Between 19 – 21 March 2025, a surge of north-easterly winds (or monsoon surge^[1]) is expected over the South China Sea. The surge could bring windy and cooler conditions with periods of moderate to heavy showers over Singapore and the surrounding vicinity. For the rest of the fortnight, short-duration thundery showers are forecast in the afternoon on most days. Overall, the rainfall for the second half of March 2025 is expected to be above average over most parts of the island.

3             Lower daily minimum temperatures of around 22 degrees Celsius can be expected during the monsoon surge.  Subsequently, daily temperatures may range between 24 degrees Celsius and 34 degrees Celsius on most days.

4        For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

 REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 16 MARCH 2025)

5        In the first fortnight of March 2025, Northeast Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region. The winds blew from the north or northeast.

6        Thundery showers fell over parts of the island in the afternoon on most days in the first half of March 2025. The showers extended into the evening on a few occasions. On 8 March 2025, strong solar heating of land areas coupled with localised convergence of winds brought moderate to heavy thundery showers over many parts of Singapore in the afternoon. The daily total rainfall of 72.8mm recorded around Kranji area that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the first half of March 2025.

7        In the first half of March 2025, the daily maximum temperature ranged between 28.2 degrees Celsius and 35.1 degrees Celsius. There were six days when the daily maximum temperature reached 34 degrees Celsius or more. The highest daily maximum temperature of 35.1 degree Celsius was recorded at Newton on 4 March 2025.

8        Most parts of Singapore recorded below average rainfall in the first half of March 2025. Somerset registered rainfall of 69 per cent below average, and Kranji registered rainfall of 76 per cent above average.

[1] A monsoon surge refers to a strengthening of winds over the South China Sea, causing extensive rainclouds to form over our surrounding region.

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Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were honoured to be invited to the Taiwan Association in Australasia’s inaugural event commemorating the 228 Incident. The keynote speech by Ms. Maysing Yang-Huang, a pivotal advocate for Taiwanese democracy and human rights, alongside the film A Letter to Grandmother, directed by Hui-Ling Chen, highlighted the event’s theme: “We Are Home in History: Remembrance Through Love, Resistance Through Memory.”
In his remarks, DG Wu emphasised that our history is our foundation. Today, Taiwan stands as a global model of democracy. We must not only cherish our hard-earned freedoms but also remain committed to promoting transitional justice, fostering social reconciliation, and transforming the pain of history into momentum for progress.
Deepest gratitude to all who care about Taiwan’s democratic development. Let’s stand together to safeguard democracy, cherish freedom, uphold the truth, and pass these values on to future generations.

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Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu, Mrs. Wu, and colleagues attended the celebration banquet organized by the Association of Overseas Alumni in Australia.
DG Wu expressed his gratitude to President Paul Huang and the team for organizing this year’s LNY Gala Event. Not only did it bring together all Taiwanese and families to celebrate the Year of the Snake, but the Alumni Association’s tireless efforts in organizing this for 30 consecutive years are truly commendable.
DG Wu particularly conveyed a formal statement from Hon. Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, Permanent Secretary to the Attorney General, which was introduced and included in the Hansard of the NSW Parliament. The statement recognized President Huang and the Alumni Association for their long-standing and outstanding contributions to the Taiwanese community in Australia. This marks the first time a New South Wales Cabinet member has issued an official statement recognizing the contributions of our overseas Taiwanese community. What a great honour.

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Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu attended the KMT Australia branch’s Centennial Commemoration of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the ROC. In his remarks, DG Wu highlighted that Taiwan’s latest achievements in democracy and freedom exemplify Dr. Sun’s ideals and vision, including:

The Freedom in the World 2025 report, released by Freedom House, once again designates Taiwan as a “Free” country. Taiwan ranks 2nd in Asia, trailing only Japan.
The Democracy Index 2024, published by the Economist Intelligence Unit, categorizes Taiwan as one of the world’s 25 Full Democracies. Taiwan maintains its position as the No.1 democracy in Asia and ranks 12th globally.
The 2025 Index of Economic Freedom by the Heritage Foundation ranks Taiwan 4th among 184 economies, securing 2nd place in Asia, behind only Singapore.

DG Wu also addressed China’s recent live-fire drills in Australian waters, indicating that Taiwan’s experience has demonstrated how China employs ‘grey zone’ tactics to create a ‘new normal’—a strategy now being used in Australia’s front yard. Citing the Will of Dr. Sun, DG Wu stressed that like-minded countries, including Taiwan and Australia, must stand together against aggression and authoritarian expansionism.

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Australian Taiwanese Friendship Association (ATFA) hosted a Taiwan Charity Movie Night featuring the film Cape No. 7, raising a total of AUD 6,500 in ticket sales and donations for Mary’s House Services. The funds will assist families and individuals who suffer the domestic violence.
President Kathy Sieh expressed gratitude for the strong support from the community and the collective efforts of the ATFA team.
Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu said that Cape No. 7 is the highest-grossing Taiwanese film in history, depicting the intertwined histories of Taiwan and Japan and their enduring friendship. Tonight marked the second time the Taiwanese community has donated to Mary’s House Services, demonstrating their sincere care for Australian society.
ATFA also invited Ommi’s Food & Catering to showcase exquisite Taiwanese cuisine, paired with a special “Ma La Sun Millet Wine” cocktail from the movie, bringing the flavor of “the southernmost border” to life.
 

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According to the statistics, 290 foreign direct investment (FDI) projects with a total amount of US$1,688,881,000 were approved from January to February 2024. This indicates a decrease of 7.64% in the number of cases, but an increase of 78.34% in FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024.

With regard to inward investment from Mainland China, 5 cases were approved with an amount of US$96,275,000 from January to February 2025. This indicates an increase of 25% in the number of cases, and an increase of 2475.65% in the FDI amount compared to the same period of 2024. From July 2009 to February 2025, 1,627 cases were approved with a total investment amount added up to US$2,989,443,000.

In terms of Taiwan’s outbound investment (excluding Mainland China), 88 projects were registered from January to February 2025 with a total amount of US$1,164,628,000, indicating a decrease of 24.14% in the number of cases, and a decrease of 70.73% in the amount, as compared to the same period of 2024.

As for Taiwan’s outward investment to Mainland China, 35 applications have been approved from January to February 2025, indicating a decrease of 30% compared to the same period of 2024. The approved investment amount is US$223,950,000, 61.60% less than he same period in 2024.

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The Nanzih Technology Industrial Park (NTIP) will host the first-quarter on-site employment recruitment event on Friday, March 21, bringing together six well-known enterprises, including OSE, ASE Semiconductor, WinWay Technology, Ralec, Taiwan SumiKo Materials Co., LTD., and Sinso Enterprise Co., LTD., offering 139 job vacancies. Salaries go up to NT$42,000 per month, covering positions such as process engineers, equipment maintenance engineers, and environmental management personnel, aiming to attract professionals with relevant backgrounds.
The Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) stated that this employment recruitment event not only provides technical and managerial positions but also includes a comprehensive training program to help job seekers integrate into the workplace quickly. Among them, OSE offers positions such as process engineers, quality assurance engineers, and product engineers, with starting salaries of NT$37,000, targeting talents with electronics, electrical engineering, or mechanical engineering backgrounds. Meanwhile, Sinso Enterprise Co., LTD. offers 50 environmental management positions with salaries of up to NT$42,000 per month, along with vacancies for cleaning management supervisors and on-site administrators.
The employment recruitment event also underscores corporate social responsibility, with OSE establishing a dedicated section for job seekers with disabilities, offering suitable positions tailored to their expertise. This initiative not only expands employment opportunities but also promotes workplace diversity and inclusion.
The BIP of MOEA emphasized that as NTIP continues to develop as a high-tech industrial hub in southern Taiwan, this employment recruitment event serves as an effective platform for connecting companies with job seekers. Businesses can use this opportunity to recruit top talent, while job seekers can secure employment quickly, creating a win-win situation for all parties.
Interested job seekers are encouraged to bring their resumes and attend on-site interviews at the New Employee Service Center of Nanzih Technology Industrial Park (3rd Floor, Rooms 304 & 305, No. 8, Xinjian South Road, Nanzih District, Kaohsiung City) on March 21. For more details, visit the event website: https://pse.is/76umpu or contact Ms. He at the Nanzi Employment Service Desk of the Training and Employment Center (07-3640508).

Contact Person: Liang, Shu-Juan (Industrial Safety and Labor Affairs Section of the Environment and Labor Affairs Division)
Contact Number: 886-7-3611212 ext. 418
Email: ab0413@bip.gov.tw

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Renowned for its exceptional artistry and quality, Taisugar’s phalaenopsis orchids have once again captured international acclaim, securing a total of 14 awards at the 2025 Taiwan International Orchid Show (TIOS). This year, over 1,500 orchids competed for top honors, evaluated by 200 judges from Taiwan and abroad. Taisugar stood out with 12 winning varieties, achieving one first prize, four second prizes, and three third prizes, along with two silver medals and four bronze medals. Among these, the first-prize winner “P. Chian Xen Starlight X P. Fuller’s V-Plus” and the second-prize and silver medal recipient “Phal. amabilis” received the highest recognition, solidifying Taisugar’s stellar reputation in the global orchid industry.

Taisugar’s success spanned multiple competition categories, including individual flower size and color groups (first, second, and third prizes) and breeding and cultivation performance evaluations (silver and bronze medals). This demonstrates the company’s continued innovation in breeding and cultivation techniques, allowing its orchids to shine on the global stage. At the exhibition, Taisugar also presented a presidential-level orchid arrangement, featuring its signature “Phal. Taisuco Anna” in a stunning display. The booth design incorporated elements inspired by the Lanyu Island canoe, complemented by award-winning varieties such as “Phal. Taisuco Green Apple”, “Phal. Taisuco Anna”, and “Phal. amabilis”, symbolizing the harmony of diverse cultures and the vision of Taiwan’s orchid industry being firmly rooted in Taiwan while expanding to the world.

According to Taisugar, P. Chian Xen Starlight X P. Fuller’s V-Plus, this year’s first-prize winner, boasts vivid pink striped petals, offering a softer and more delicate charm compared to traditional white varieties. Its unique large lip petal design and full, rounded blooms elevate its visual appeal, making it highly desirable both as a decorative plant and a valuable breeding material for future cultivations. The second-prize and silver medal winner Phal. amabilis, with its pristine white petals, embodies resilience and perseverance, much like the strong and steadfast grandmothers of Taiwan. As a multiple award-winning variety, Phal. amabilis remains a staple in floral exhibitions worldwide, a favorite for international displays, and serves as a cherished symbol of connection and reassurance for overseas Taiwanese communities.

During the exhibition, Taisugar has set up a sales booth at the Market Pavilion, offering not only potted Phalaenopsis orchids but also the Taisugar Smooth Orchid Extract skincare series and other biotechnology products. Customers who spend NT$2,000 or more can choose between two complimentary gifts: a potted Phalaenopsis orchid or a lightweight travel bag set. Visitors are warmly invited to explore and shop products on offer. Additionally, this year, attendees can take a nostalgic ride on the narrow-gauge sugar railway to tour the exhibition grounds. Until the end of March, visitors who present their TIOS ticket stubs at Liuying Jianshanpi Resort or Wushulin Recreation Park can enjoy discounted admission. We sincerely welcome visitors of all ages to visit Tainan, ride the historic sugar railway, admire the exquisite orchids, and enjoy a leisurely Taisugar experience.

TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw

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The Taiwan Sugar Corporation (Taisugar) is set to conduct the initial round of its new worker recruitment exam on March 29. To prevent cheating and uphold the integrity of the examination process, Taisugar has established a special task force and, on March 11, visited the Agency Against Corruption (AAC) under the Ministry of Justice to formulate preventive measures. By working together with prosecutors and ethics units, Taisugar aims to build a comprehensive fraud prevention network to ensure fairness in the recruitment process.

To maintain examination integrity, Taisugar’s Project Confidentiality and Security Task Force visited the Southern Investigation Office of the AAC today to exchange anti-cheating measures and strategies. The company has also requested that integrity officers of the AAC be present at the exam site on the test day. These officers will work alongside proctors and Taisugar’s ethics personnel to monitor candidates, detect irregular activities, and prevent any form of misconduct.

In response to the increasing use of electronic cheating devices, such as Bluetooth technology, miniature in-ear headphones, and signal receivers, Taisugar has sought assistance from the National Communications Commission (NCC) to detect abnormal radio signals during the examination and prevent electronic cheating attempts.

Taisugar has stated that any candidate found engaging in cheating, identity fraud, or other serious violations will face immediate disqualification, even if they have already been admitted. Furthermore, those found guilty of misconduct will be barred from taking the same recruitment exam for five years. All candidates are urged to comply with the rules to uphold fairness, ensuring both their own rights and the integrity of the examination process.

TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw

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The Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has finalized the “R.O.C. 2025 Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) and Calculation Formulas”, confirming that the official rates remain unchanged from the initial draft, and continues to offer incentives for diverse renewable installations through tariff levels and various subsidies and supporting mechanisms to encourage further expansions. Compared to 2024, the FIT rate for rooftop solar PV installations ranging from 1kW to under 10kW remains the same as the second phase of 2024, while other categories have undergone slight reductions. Furthermore, a new capacity range of 1-100kW has been added for small hydropower to reflect cost differences based on scale. Meanwhile, all existing incentives and supporting mechanisms remain unchanged.

The key points of the officially announced 2025 Feed-in Tariffs (FIT) Rates for Renewable Energy (see details in the attachment) are as follows (same as draft)：
1. Solar PV: Two-phase rates are adopted. The FIT rate for the first phase (first half of the year) ranges from NT$ 3.5337 to NT$ 5.7055 per kWh, while the second phase (second half of the year) ranges from NT$ 3.5037 to NT$ 5.6279 per kWh.

2. Wind Power: Rates remain unchanged. The FIT rate for onshore wind farms with capacities under 30kW is NT$ 7.4110 per kWh, while onshore wind farms with capacities of 30kW and above are at NT$ 2.1286 per kWh. Offshore wind power maintains a FIT rate of NT$ 4.5085 per kWh.

3. Biomass Energy: Rates remain unchanged. The FIT rate for biogas (with anaerobic digestion facilities) is NT$ 7.0192 per kWh. The rate for the solid biofuels and domestic agricultural residues resources is NT$ 5.1407 per kWh, and NT$ 2.8066 per kWH for other biomass categories.

4. Waste to Energy: The FIT rates for energy generated from general and general industrial wastes category remain unchanged at NT$ 3.9482 per kWh.

5. Small Hydropower: The FIT rates for 1-100kW capacity category is NT$ 4.9548 per kWh. The rates for other capacity ranges (100kW-500kW, 500kW-2MW, and 2MW-20MW) remain unchanged at NT$ 4.8936 per kWh, NT$ 4.2285 per kWh, and NT$ 2.8599 per kWh respectively.

6. Geothermal Power: The FIT rates remain unchanged. Facilities with capacities under 2MW will have a FIT rate of NT$ 5.9459 per kWh, while those above 2MW will have a FIT rate of NT$ 5.1956 per kWh.

7. Marine Energy: The FIT rate remains at NT$ 7.3200 per kWh, the same as in 2024.

During the public consultation period, stakeholders expressed concerns over solar FIT reductions, refined capacity ranges for small hydropower, higher FIT rates, and more detailed categories for marine energy and creating floating offshore wind FIT category. However, after careful review based on the principles of FIT, the committee decided to uphold the original proposal while committing to ongoing evaluations for potential adjustments.

The MOEA emphasized that the 2025 FIT review process followed a fair, transparent, and rigorous procedure to ensure that the tariffs aligned with Taiwan’s development environment., The government remains committed to continuously evaluating FIT-related policies to build a solid foundation for Taiwan’s renewable energy development.

Spokesperson for Energy Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs: Deputy Director-General, Chih-Wei Wu
Phone: 02-2775-7750
Mobile: 0922-339-410
Email: cwwu@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact (Solar PV, Biomass Energy, Waste to Energy, Small Hydropower): Deputy Director, Shih-Wei Liao
Phone: 02-2775-7620
Mobile: 0920-091-081
Email: swliau@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact (Wind Power, Marine Energy): Director, Chung-Hsien Chen
Phone: 02-2775-7770
Mobile: 0919-998-339
Email: ctchen2@moeaea.gov.tw

Business Contact (Geothermal Power): Director, Hsiu-Fen Tsai
Phone: 02-2775-7730
Mobile: 0905-506-258
Email: hftsai@moeaea.gov.tw