Pacific allies hold first cultural gala celebrating Taiwan friendship, shared heritage. National Institute of Cyber Security signs MOU with Microsoft. Suspected gas explosion leaves 2 dead, 2 injured in Hsinchu. Expert says China’s gray-zone pressure targets Taiwan ahead of the 2028 election. Taiwan seeks to maintain“development partner” role at Pacific Islands Forum despite China pressure. Taiwan stock leverage concerns distant as market correction seems healthy:  Central bank governor. Draft for harsher penalties for drug-impaired driving to be reviewed by Legislature.

Taiwan tech news roundup for the week of 6/06-6/12 and a featured interview with economist Paul Cavey on the massive impact TSMC is having on Taiwan's economy.

Brian and Daisy met in Taiwan, got together in Singapore, and now live in the U.S.!  Listen to their experience going from being teachers to parents and combining cultures!

Body parts are one of the most frequently used words when talking to people in Tâi-gí. This week, we’ll learn some words to describe the middle part of your body in Tâi-gí, including everything above your waist. ●Words to Know: 1. 腹肚 pak-tóo (n.) stomach 2. 肚臍 tōo-tsâi (n.) belly button 3. 尻脊骿 kha-tsiah-phiann (n.) back 4. 龍骨 liông-kut (n.) spine 5. 腰 io (n.) waist 6. 皮膚 phuê-hu (n.) skin ●Idiom of the week: 儉腸凹肚 khiām-tn̂g-neh-tōo (Saving so much that the intestines and stomach become hollow.)

Join me today for an episode featuring a letter with high temperatures, insomnia tips and compliments!  Link to the video I mentioned today,  Why is Taiwan so rich? If you would like to contact us and have your message read on air, please send a letter to P.O. BOX 123, 199 Taipei, Taiwan, or email us at English@rti.org.tw. You can also reach us on social media: Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram at @Rtienglish.

After more than three decades serving Filipino workers around the world, what moments stay with a person the most? In the final chapter of our conversation with Philippine Labor Director David Des T. Dicang, we move beyond policies and programs and into some of his personal experiences that shaped his commitment to public service. From an extraordinary community project born in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic to the unexpected encounters that reminded him why his work matters, Director Dicang reflects on the challenges, sacrifices, and lessons that have stayed with him throughout his career. He also shares candid advice for Filipinos considering life overseas, revealing the mistakes many people make before leaving home and the mindset that can make all the difference between simply working abroad and building a meaningful future. Most importantly, he leaves us with a powerful message about contribution, community, and the lasting impact we can have on the lives of others....

The Czech documentary I am Taiwanese was shown at a special screening in Taipei earlier this month. It centers on Czech Senate President Miloš Vystrčil’s 2020 visit to Taiwan. This week, we sit down with director Dan Svátek to explore the five years he spent making the film. If you would like to share your feedback, please send your words or voice notes to: wanson@rti.org.tw You can find Wanson on Instagram (@wansonscafe) and YouTube (阿善Café/Wanson's Café)

Which of the following is not true?  (A) Taiwan has zero heavily polluted beaches as of June  (B) A carriage horse in NYC dropped dead this week  (C) A teenager stabbed three rodeo horses in a Las Vegas barn early June Listen to this episode of Formosa Fauna to find out!  In this episode:  - Punch the macaque's enclosure invaded in Japan  - Taiwan's most polluted beaches  - Carriage horses in New York City, U.S.  - Horse stabbing in Las Vegas, U.S. Formosa Fauna is back this week to entertainingly educate you about animals both in Taiwan and abroad! Spend the next 20 minutes listening to this episode and feeding your noggin with fun facts about the animal kingdom so you can become smarter than all of your friends. Want to share your own story and have it read on air? Send your story (photos welcome) to tristan@rti.org.tw! See you every week for Formosa Fauna Fridays!

Did you grow up popular?  Or were you not one of the cool kids?  Listen to learn about Michelle's own journey!