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Tag: taipei

  • Experience the Fusion of Innovation and Tradition at Hermes’ Revamped Sogo Fuxing Store in Taipei

    Experience the Fusion of Innovation and Tradition at Hermes’ Revamped Sogo Fuxing Store in Taipei

    The luxury brand Hermès recently celebrated the grand reopening of its outlet located in Sogo Fuxing Mall, Taipei. This event comes after a considerable period of renovations, reflecting the brand’s innovative and dynamic spirit that mirrors the vibrant essence of the city.

    Originating in 2007, the three-tiered store now boasts a modern look with its ceramic tile facelift. The French architectural firm, RDAI, is the mastermind behind the redesigned aesthetics of the Hermès store.

    Upon entering the establishment, visitors are instantly enveloped by a luxurious universe of silk. The space is tastefully arranged with fashion jewelry displays on the right and an enticing array of perfumes and beauty products on the left. Enhancing this opulent ambiance is the house’s signature Grecques lighting, adding a refined touch to the overall shopping experience.

    The redesign also features screen walls to define the space and accentuate Hermès’ commitment to local artisans. These walls are adorned with intricate thread compositions crafted locally and blended with Hermès silk offcuts, showcasing the brand’s marriage of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

    As customers delve deeper into the store, they will come across an intimate and exclusive section dedicated to the brand’s exquisite jewelry and timepieces.

    Art connoisseurs will appreciate the store’s unique collection of artworks sourced from the Emile Hermès collection, as well as the Hermès ‘Collection of Contemporary Photographs’. These carefully curated pieces add an artistic touch, rendering the store not just a shopping destination, but a place of inspiration and creativity.

    In conclusion, Hermès stated: “This revitalized store welcomes both our loyal patrons and newcomers alike to explore Hermès’ timeless creations and craftsmanship within a bold, innovative setting.”

    Questions & Answers

    When was the Hermès store in Sogo Fuxing Mall, Taipei, first opened?
    The Hermès store in Sogo Fuxing Mall, Taipei, initially opened its doors in 2007.

    Who was behind the renovation and redesign of the Hermès store?
    The renovation and redesign of the Hermès store were carried out by the French architecture agency, RDAI.

    What unique features does the renovated Hermès store offer to its customers?
    The renovated Hermès store offers a luxurious shopping experience with its silk universe, fashion jewelry, perfumes and beauty products. It also showcases locally crafted thread compositions and a selection of artworks from the Emile Hermès collection and the Hermès ‘Collection of Contemporary Photographs’.

  • Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Poised to Thrive Amid Market Volatility with Strong Financial Resilience

    Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank Poised to Thrive Amid Market Volatility with Strong Financial Resilience

    The landscape of corporate lending at Taipei Fubon Commercial Bank (TFCB) is set for a period of modest turbulence, but the institution is firmly grounded in its financial foundation. According to Moody’s Ratings, the bank is projected to maintain solid solvency and robust liquidity through 2026, navigated by the stormy waters of global trade tensions and their potential impact on Taiwan’s economy. As the new Taiwanese dollar strengthens, TFCB is well-positioned to weather these challenges.

    Steady Outlook Amid Challenges

    As of March 31, 2025, TFCB’s problem loan ratio stood at a commendable 0.42%. Moody’s anticipates a “very mild increase” in this ratio over the next year and a half. Meanwhile, caution is warranted for corporate lending, particularly among borrowers heavily reliant on revenue streams from the United States, which may see a moderate dip in asset quality.

    Residential Lending Remains Stable

    On a brighter note, the bank’s residential mortgage and property-related lending—accounting for nearly half of its gross loans—shows promising stability, with low levels of non-performing loans. While growth in this sector is expected to be modest, sitting in the low single digits, this largely stems from credit control measures recently instituted by the government in 2024.

    Profitability Projections

    Looking ahead, TFCB’s profitability is predicted to see a modest rise, thanks to steady flows from non-interest income streams, particularly from wealth management and credit card fees. This positive trend underscores the bank’s ability to diversify and strengthen its earnings base.

    Strong Funding and Liquidity

    Moody’s also highlights that TFCB’s funding and liquidity continue to be significant credit strengths. The bank’s funding structure remains robust, with customer liabilities representing 88% of its total liabilities. Furthermore, its liquid banking assets make up approximately 29.5% of tangible banking assets as of March 31, 2025. This financial cushion, coupled with the government’s readiness to bolster the banking system, provides a reassuring backdrop for TFCB as it grapples with the changing economic landscape.

    So, while clouds may gather, it seems that TFCB is more than ready to dance in the rain!

    Questions & Answers

    What are the predictions for TFCB’s problem loan ratio?
    The problem loan ratio is expected to see a very mild increase over the next 12 to 18 months, remaining stable at 0.42% as of March 31, 2025.

    How stable is TFCB’s residential mortgage lending?
    The asset quality of TFCB’s residential mortgage and property-related lending remains stable, with low non-performing loan formation; growth is expected to be in the low single digits due to government credit control measures.

    What are the main sources of income driving profitability?
    Profitability is predicted to improve modestly, bolstered by steady growth in non-interest income from wealth management and credit card-related fees.

  • Don Don Donki lifting off in Taiwan

    Don Don Donki lifting off in Taiwan

    Japanese discount retailer Don Don Donki is set to make its debut in Taipei. As yet, the company has not revealed any details regarding the location or opening date, however, various sources have confirmed the store will trade 24-seven in the popular shopping destination of Ximendeng.

    New of the company’s Taiwanese debut spread quickly after advertising was spotted to recruit around 400 employees.

    With over 160 branches in Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and Hawaii, this will be Don Don Donki’s first venture in Taiwan.

    Don Don Donki is a favorite destination for Taiwanese visitors to Japan. The discounter had previously launched a free international shipping promotion on its e-commerce platform last year, proving the brand’s appeal to Taiwanese fans.

    Meanwhile, Don Don Donki’s fifth Hong Kong outlet of the year is expected to open in Central next month in October. Its owner, Japanese group Pan Pacific, has been aggressively expanding within the Asian region in the past year, from Thailand to Malaysia.

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  • AirAsia X Launches Kuala Lumpur – Taipei – Okinawa Flights

    AirAsia X Launches Kuala Lumpur – Taipei – Okinawa Flights

    AirAsia X has launched flights between Kuala Lumpur and Naha Airport in Okinawa, Japan.

    AirAsia will operate the flights, which will fly via Taipei, four times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

    Flight D7 384 is scheduled to leave KL at 07:35 and land in Taipei at 12:20. The aircraft then departs Taipei at 13:20, landing in Okinawa at 16:00.

    The return flight, D7 385, is timed to leave Naha Airport at 17:30 and land in Taipei at 18:10 before departing for KL at 19:10. The aircraft is scheduled to land back in KL at 00:05 the following day.

    AirAsia X Chairman, Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz, said, “With the addition of Okinawa, AirAsia X now flies to 35 destinations. Together with AirAsia Group, our combined fleet of over 250 aircraft can now connect Okinawa with over 150 destinations across ASEAN, Asia Pacific, the Middle East and the US.”

    Travelers from Kuala Lumpur to Okinawa Naha are not required to obtain a visa during their one-hour stopover in Taipei and may return to their seats after clearing a quick security check of their carry-on bags and inflight belongings.

    “As we begin to accept the delivery of the technologically-advanced Airbus A330neo aircraft later this year, the Group will continue to evaluate and consider launching exciting and viable new routes to destinations such as in Eastern Europe, within Asia and Australia. Such new routes, if viable, can accelerate domestic and regional tourism growth, especially in key markets with high demand,” added Tan Sri Rafidah.

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  • Taipei Adidas pop up features capsule collection with Descendant

    Taipei Adidas pop up features capsule collection with Descendant

    Wtaps founder Tetsu Nishiyama’s casual label Descendant has released a collaboration with Adidas.

    “Keep Rolling” is a capsule collection of graphic tee shirts, tracksuits, and sneakers, now offered at a special pop-up store at Taiwan’s Invincible store in Taipei.

    According to a Hypebeast report, the collaboration includes the new “Crustar” silhouette that “merges the Campus and Rivalry sneaker styles … additionally, the sneaker is paired with a matching series of wearables including paneled track jackets, complementing pants, a high-necked pullover, and the monochrome ‘Game Jersey’”.

    The collaboration will also be available on the Adidas Japan web store until November 17.

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  • Tigerair eyes Davao-Taipei flights

    Tigerair eyes Davao-Taipei flights

    Another international air link will be added to Davao City as Tigerair Taiwan plans to service the Davao-Taipei route within the year or early 2020.

    Department of Tourism Davao Regional Director Tanya Rabat-Tan revealed that the new route will boost the region’s tourism, trade, and investments

    She said a group of 12 Taiwanese travel agents and an executive from the airline visited Davao Region in July.

    “We tour(ed) them around the city and region. The highlight of our tour was our beach destinations especially in Samal, Davao del Norte,” she said during the agency’s presentation of its accomplishments and updates on Monday, October 7, at Seda Abreeza Hotel in Davao City.

    The regional director said the Taiwanese visitors were impressed with Davao’s tourism destinations.

    “They appreciate more about the people’s hospitality and the food. The tour has strengthened their intention to set up Davao-Taipei route,”she said.

    Rabat-Tan added that Tigerair Taiwan initially planned to launch a chartered flight only but later on decided to push regular direct flights due to the routes viability.

    “If it is not going to push through this year, it will be early next year. Also, we are expecting another visit from them any time within the year but most likely a bigger group will be coming,” she said.

    Sustaining flights

    Following the launch of more direct flights to the city, Rabat-Tan acknowledged the necessity of programs and plans to sustain these flights.

    Trade and tourism roadshows and missions are already set to promote Davao Region and Mindanao as a whole to international markets where Davao has direct link and vice versa.

    “A mission to Taipei composed of Davao tour operators and other stakeholders including city officials is presently being organized. It is more like a Business-To-Business (B2B) meeting. We are in constant communication with the Taiwan group,” she said.

    She also mentioned a Manado, Indonesia travel roadshow with Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is happening this month or in November.

    How are other flights doing?

    Rabat-Tan shared that, in a meeting last week, the Qatar Airways country manager said he was happy with how the Davao-Doha route is performing. She said plans of increasing the flight frequency of the route is being discussed.

    Qatar Airways’ Doha-Davao route, the first long-haul flight in Mindanao, was launched on June 18. It is operating once a week, every Friday.

    Meanwhile, around 50 travel agents from Hong Kong are also set to visit Davao City sometime in November to promote the Davao-Hong Kong link.

    She also shared that Davao-Tokyo route is currently being discussed with the City Government of Davao and Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

    At present, Davao City has five international direct air links – Singapore; Hong Kong; Quanzhou, China; Qatar; and Manado, Indonesia.

    These routes are currently being served by six airlines namely Cebu Pacific, SilkAir, XiamenAir, Qatar Airways, Cathay Dragon, and Garuda Indonesia.

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  • Second Apple Taiwan store about to Open

    Second Apple Taiwan store about to Open

    Apple Taiwan is to open its second store, in Taipei’s Xinyi District.

    The firm is in the early stages of planning, although has released an image of the intended look of the new store that resembles its Chicago flagship.

    Apple’s first official store in Taiwan opened in the Taipei 101 mall, although the majority of its products are sold via its online channel and through local authorized resellers.

    Comments online following the announcement suggested significant hopes that Apple will next open an official store outside Taipei.

    Apple Taiwan issued a teaser image of the new store (above), a rare move for the company, which rarely reveals details of store developments to the press.

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  • Eslite Taipei bookstore closing down

    Eslite Taipei bookstore closing down

    Eslite Taipei, the world’s first 24-hour bookstore, is scheduled to shut down next year.

    The popular Taiwanese bookstore chain will discontinue its flagship location in Dunnan, upon the expiry of its lease next year after 19 years of trading.

    The firm’s chairwoman Mercy Wu has admitted that no plans for the store are in the works following closure. She had previously stated that another Eslite location could have its hours extended to offer a 24-hour service to replace the Dunnan store.

    However, the firm’s previous experiments in round-the-clock bookstore service – including a trial in Hysan Place, Hong Kong – have proved not to be viable due to low customer turnout.

    Wu has been quoted as expressing hopes that Eslite stores will maintain their independence and “remain the first and last stop of book lovers in the next 10 years”.

  • ‘KAWS:HOLIDAY’ lands in Taipei

    ‘KAWS:HOLIDAY’ lands in Taipei

    After KAWS announced that a massive 36-meter-long COMPANION piece would be making its debut in Taipei, the collaborative project with creative studio AllRightsReserved has finally been revealed to the public. The largest sculptural work by the artist to date, KAWS:HOLIDAY depicts the recognizable COMPANION character in a seated position, overlooking Liberty Square in front of the famed Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall.

    Teaming up with Singaporean singer JJ Lin’s JFJ Productions, the exhibition kicked off with a grand opening event Friday evening, coupled with an exclusive merch release.

    The items include a range of vinyl figurines, ceramic plates, tees and tote bags that are available online and offline at the exhibition’s pop up shop.

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  • AirAsia begins first direct flight between Taipei and Chiang Mai

    AirAsia begins first direct flight between Taipei and Chiang Mai

    Malaysian low-cost airline launched its first direct flight between Taipei and Chiang Mai on September 30th, the only budget airline route available in Taiwan connecting to the city in northern Thailand, reports said Monday.

    As a promotion, individuals will be able to book a ticket for a single trip between Oc.t 2, 2018 and Mar. 30, 2019, at NT$930 (US$30) before tax from midnight Oct. 2 through Oct. 7.

    The Taipei-Chiang Mai route marks the seventh international route operated by the airline in Taiwan, in addition to Taipei/Kaohsiung-Kuala Lumpur, Taipei-Sabah, Taipei-Manila, Taipei-Cebu, and Taipei-Clark.

    According to Al Chen, AirAsia’s sales manager of in Taiwan, Thailand has always been one of the most popular Southeast Asian tourist destinations for people in Taiwan. Chiang Mai, crowned the Best City in Asia 2017 by Travel and Leisure magazine, caters to the various needs of tourists seeking a laid-back, adventurous, cultural, or nature-filled travel.

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  • Kiehl’s opens world first coffee house in Taipei

    Kiehl’s opens world first coffee house in Taipei

    New York cosmetic brand Kiehl’s will open the world’s first Kiehl’s Coffee House and shop in Taiwan in June.

    Located in Taipei, the premium skincare brand’s first global coffee shop will be “New York” theme, and will take on a shop-in-shop design. Black and white will feature throughout with wooden tones.

    The café shop will provide customers with coffee and snacks, as well as Kiehl’s products and skincare consulting services.

    The L’Oreal-owned brand hopes the new coffee house will increase consumer and brand interaction. According to local reports, the mainland’s first coffee shop is also in preparation.

    Taiwan boasts seven standalone Kiehl’s stores in Taipei, Hualien City and Taichung City.

    Pharmacist John Keihl founded Kiehl’s in 1851. It started as a single pharmacy in Manhattan at Third Avenue and East 13th Street in 1851.

    Nowadays, the American cosmetics retailer is part of L’Oreal Group’s beauty stable and specialises in premium skin, hair, and body care products.

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  • Apple to open first Taiwan store in Taipei 101 mall

    Apple to open first Taiwan store in Taipei 101 mall

    Tech giant Apple  is reportedly eyeing Taipei 101 mall as the location for its first retail store in Taiwan, according to an industry insider, with no official opening date given by the source.

    Located on the first basement level of the mall, the debut Taiwanese store will be spread over 1,322 square meters. It is expected that the branch will be fitted out in Apple’s new retail design, which is already being rolled out across the US.

    Further consolidating Apple’s push into Taipei, Apple premium reseller Studio A will close its shop on April 17, Studio A president Cheng Ying-lung told local media.

    Cheng said the Studio A store in Taipei 101 has seen a decline in sales over the past three months, due mainly to a drop in tourist arrivals from China.

    Last July, Apple posted its first job listings for Taiwan, which were followed by a confirmation of its plans to set up a store in the country.

    However, Apple did not say when the shop would be opened or where in Taiwan it would be located.

    Apple boasts nearly 500 retail stores in 19 countries and online stores available in 39 countries.

    After the US, China is Apple’s biggest market. Apple’s latest store opening was in China’s Nanjing in early April, one day after a Beijing court ruled in favour of Apple pertaining to a patent feud the US smartphone maker is having with Shenzhen Baili Marketing Services Co.

    The local manufacturer claims Apple stole its exterior designs, which the court found not to be the case.

  • AirAsia now flies to Taipei and Singapore from Cebu

    AirAsia now flies to Taipei and Singapore from Cebu

    Cebu skies are painted red with the twin launch of AirAsia flights to Taipei and Singapore from Mactan-Cebu International Airport (MCIA). AirAsia Flight Z2 7124 to Taipei departed at 6:10 a.m. while flight Z2 7236 to Singapore left Cebu at 4:55 p.m. Both flights last Nov. 25 were given a water salute upon departure.

    Philippines AirAsia’s director for flight operations Captain Monreal Gomer said at the send-off ceremonies held at the airport: “AirAsia’s twin launches today herald brighter, bigger and better opportunities for travel, business and tourism. It also means more job opportunities, more income for families, more food on the table and more economic activities.”

    “As a Filipino low cost carrier and member of the AirAsia Group which is the leading and largest low cost carrier in Asia, we feel strongly about supporting the growth and development of cities outside Metro Manila by connecting Cebu to international destinations like Singapore, Taipei, Korea, Malaysia and onto AirAsia’s over 120 destinations across Asean, Asia, India, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and Africa via fly-thru service,” Gomer said.

    AirAsia’s Cebu-Singapore flights operate four times weekly while Cebu-Taipei is scheduled three times weekly. Aside from these new routes, the world’s best low-cost airline is also servicing direct flights to Incheon/Seoul in Korea and Kuala Lumpur.

    All guests on board AirAsia’s maiden flights to Taipei and Singapore received an early Christmas gift wrapped in iconic red paper from AirAsia flight crew as soon as they boarded their flights. Sinulog dancers also welcomed arriving and departing guests with send-off ceremonies led by executives from MCIA, the Department of Tourism, Singapore Tourism Board and AirAsia.

  • AirAsia launches daily Manila-Taipei service

    AirAsia launches daily Manila-Taipei service

    Travellers from the Philippines now have more options when flying to Taiwan after Philippines AirAsia started its daily Manila-Taipei service last Monday.

    Philippines AirAsia chief executive Captain Dexter Comendador himself piloted the Airbus A320 to mark the budget airline’s maiden voyage from Manila to Taipei.

    “Today heralds a brighter and much closer ties between two countries to improve trade and tourism,” he addressed the passengers midway through the flight.

    “We have introduced amazing connections for our guests to enjoy and we are aiming to go further across Asia by strengthening AirAsia’s presence in Taiwan,” Comendador added.

    The flight touched down at the Taoyuan International Airport after midnight to a welcome water barrage from firetrucks.

    The Taipei-Manila route was officially launched Tuesday at a press conference at the Grand Sheraton in Taipei, which was attended by Philippines AirAsia chair Maan Hontiveros and AirAsia North Asia CEO Kathleen Tan.

    A thrice-weekly Cebu-Taipei service was also announced with performances from Sinulog dancers. Taiwanese celebrity travel blogger Patty Woo also regaled guests with her beach adventures during her recent trip to Cebu.

    Starting Friday, Philippines AirAsia will begin regular flights from Cebu to Taipei on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

    Taiwanese tourist arrivals in the Philippines have reached 157,517 from January to August this year. Taiwan is currently the country’s sixth top visitor market after Korea, the United States, China, Japan and Australia.

    “Taiwan and the Philippines share a strong affinity with one another. They enjoy robust economic ties, many Filipinos live and work in Taiwan and more and more Taiwanese are visiting the many beautiful islands in the Philippines. We are honored to be able to bring the countries even closer together,” Tan said.

    Taiwan is known for night markets, tourist attractions like Taipei 101, and foodie adventures with its diverse culinary offerings

    Philippines AirAsia has teamed up with TourMeAway Walking Tours to make exploring Taipei more fun. From now until November 30, Philippines AirAsia travelers to Taipei may join the Hunger Game Walking Tour or the Taipei Chillout Tour for free.

  • Taiwan seeks more business opportunities with Indonesia

    Taiwan seeks more business opportunities with Indonesia

    Taiwan expects to boost its bilateral trade with Indonesia through the introduction of the so-called “New Southbound Policy” by its new government.

    The policy, adopted under the leadership of President Tsai Ing-wen, who was inaugurated in May, aims to strengthen Taiwan’s cooperation with nations in South and Southeast Asia, as well as Australia and New Zealand, in multiple sectors.

    During his maiden visit to Indonesia this week, Taiwan’s Deputy Minister of Economic Affairs Yang Wei-fuu brought along executives from Taiwanese state-owned enterprises representing various industries, including sugar, salt, aerospace, steel, oil and gas.

    “We’re looking for cooperation opportunities, to examine the needs in Indonesia and how we can help with our expertise and technology,” he said in Jakarta on the sidelines of an Indonesia-Taiwan business forum on Thursday evening.

    Experts from Taiwan, for example, can train sugar companies here to produce better and more sugar using its machines and methods, so Indonesia can import machines afterward, Yang said.

    The minister and his entourage will conclude their four-day visit on Saturday.

    Trade between Indonesia and Taiwan has seen a decline in recent years as a result of the global economic crisis as well as a lack of trade cooperation agreements.

    Indonesia’s exports to Taiwan consist mainly of natural gas, coal, copper and gold, timber and rubber and other raw materials. Imports consist largely of oil products, iron and steel products, textile raw materials, machinery parts, chemicals and other products.

    Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Taiwan Committee chairman SD Darmono said that to effectively boost trade between the two parties, Indonesia needed to have another logistics hub in the country’s eastern part, nearer to Taiwan.

    “All this time, they [Taiwan’s businesses] need to stop by in Singapore before entering Jakarta. That’s an extra 1,000 kilometers by sea,” he said.

    Darmono suggested Morotai Island in North Maluku province as a potential new hub, however, progress in building the island’s infrastructure has been slow. The island located near the Philippines also has potential for marine tourism. It has a population of only 60,000 although its size is three times that of Singapore.

    “Businesspeople in Taiwan and Indonesia signed commitments to invest in the island two years ago but progress has been too slow while we cannot also depend on the limited state budget to build it,” he said.

    He added that the hub could improve Indonesia’s trade with Taiwan, especially in value-added products, like food and clothing.

    Besides trade, Taiwan is also eyeing investing in Indonesia’s ambitious infrastructure boost, especially in solar and biomass-fueled power plants.

    “Both governments have been discussing [which power plant] projects we can invest in and how sustainable the project is once it’s done,” Deputy Minister Yang said.

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