AGP Executive Report

Culture & Diplomacy: Taiwan Culture Minister Li Yuan tells France’s RFI Taiwan’s existence is a “mirror” that exposes China’s “true nature,” saying China can’t match what Taiwan has shown. Arts in Motion: Li’s Europe tour also includes Taiwan-France Cultural Award events and talks on literature, comics, and digital arts. Taiwan Arts Abroad (Houston): The Taiwan Academy in Houston will run a fall showcase, “Taiwanese Sensibility in Texas,” with Taiwanese film screenings (Hou Hsiao-hsien, Ang Lee, Tsai Ming-liang) plus talks and recitals featuring drag icon Nymphia Wind (Sept. 24). TV Spotlight: A “best of the year” pick is the YouTube web series “Jet Lag: The Game,” currently in its Japanorama season. Local Sports Drama: Taiwan’s gymnastics scene hits a shake-up as the Sports Ministry fires CTGA’s secretary-general after a dispute over invites for two gymnasts headed to the Netherlands. Table Tennis: Chinese Taipei’s Cheng I-Ching advances at WTT Champions Macao, while other matches set up the quarterfinal lineup.

Taiwan in Houston Arts Push: The Taiwan Academy in Houston will run a fall showcase, “Taiwanese Sensibility in Texas,” with Taiwanese film screenings (Hou Hsiao-hsien, Ang Lee, Tsai Ming-liang) plus talks and recitals, including drag icon Nymphia Wind speaking Sept. 24 at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston. Asian Games Culture Meets Sport: The Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games kick off Sept. 19 (with early events starting Sept. 10). Taiwan opened men’s basketball action by beating Jordan 83-80, while the wider Games run to Oct. 4. SB19 Big Screen Concert: Filipino P-pop group SB19 will bring “SB19 Wakas at Simula: The Trilogy Concert Finale” to over 200 North American cinemas on Oct. 8 and Oct. 11, with SCREENX and 4DX select showings. Tokyo Art Market Buzz: Tokyo Gendai 2026 drew a strong crowd despite rain, with collectors including Taiwan visitors; the fair also announced a move to Ariake GYM-EX in 2027. Local Pop Culture Note: A Taipei Dome pro baseball game was briefly interrupted by a rat, sparking fresh debate over the city’s rodent control ahead of the Nov. 28 election.

Film Festival Buzz: Hamptons International Film Festival revealed its Closing Night pick, “Wicker,” starring Olivia Colman, Alexander Skarsgård, Elizabeth Debicki and Peter Dinklage, plus Centerpiece screenings like Tim Blake Nelson’s “The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd.” Sports & Pop Culture: Dwight Howard is back on the court—signing with Georgia’s Black Fortress Tbilisi—while Netflix’s Elle Duncan drew major fashion backlash for her NFL hosting debut in Australia. Taiwan in the Spotlight: “Taipei Story” by Rebecca F Kuang is reviewed for its sharp, funny take on learning Chinese and diaspora identity. Animation Watch: Korean animator Ahn Jae-huun’s feature “Gill” aims for a distinctly Korean animation voice. Music Scene: Beast In Black drops “Fear The Beast” ahead of an Asia run that includes Taipei, and BTS will bring live-viewing cinema broadcasts for “ARIRANG” from Buenos Aires and São Paulo. Local Arts & Events: Taiwan’s Culture Minister Li Yuan announced next year’s Taiwan International Comics Festival, curated by British comics historian Paul Gravett. Sports Calendar: Taiwan’s TFPL kicks off Sunday with four matches, as clubs chase defending champs Tainan City TSG.

Asian Games Buzz (Basketball): Japan, Qatar, Chinese Taipei and South Korea opened the 2026 Asian Games with wins, with Qatar stunning Iran in men’s basketball and Taiwan edging Jordan 83-80. P-POP on the Big Screen: SB19’s concert film SB19 WAKAS at SIMULA: THE TRILOGY CONCERT FINALE lands in North American cinemas Oct. 8 and 11, with SCREENX and 4DX at select theaters. K-pop Live Viewing: BTS announces its first-ever South America live viewing for BTS World Tour ‘ARIRANG’ in Buenos Aires and São Paulo, hitting cinemas in late October. Taiwan in Global Arts: Mixed-reality immersive Playing with Fire: An Immersive Odyssey with Yuja Wang opens at London’s Southbank Centre and will play in Taipei Oct. 10–24. Film Industry Deal (Taiwan-Thai Horror): Fearfolks and Taipei’s Studio76 sign a three-picture Thai-Taiwanese horror development pact, led by Cher. Local Politics Meets Sports: A rat on the field at Taipei Dome during a baseball game sparks fresh debate on rat control ahead of the Taipei mayoral election. Tech & Entertainment Crossover: Grab is reportedly in talks to buy a majority stake in Singapore BNPL firm Atome, which also serves fashion, beauty, travel, fitness and homeware.

K-pop Legal Fallout: A defendant accused of spreading fabricated video content about IVE’s Jang Wonyoung has been sentenced to prison, as Starship Entertainment says it’s pursuing further action against channels that distorted allegations. Music & Pop Culture: IVE members are also reportedly heading to Taipei for three “Show What I Am” tour dates starting Friday, while a Seoul media exhibition “An-Young” runs through Sept. 27. Animation & Film: Singapore’s Movitoir Studios debuts its first 3D feature, “Library of Mystory,” with Fann Wong and Christopher Lee reuniting on screen after 17 years to voice characters in a Tang-dynasty-inspired world. Food Buzz: Panda Express is testing Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken in select Southern California locations, pairing dark-meat bites with a tamarind-tomato spice blend and chili crisp aioli. Sports (Taiwan in focus): Thailand stunned Chinese Taipei 3-2 in men’s volleyball, while Qatar opens its Asian Games basketball campaign against Iran with Chinese Taipei in the group.

Digital Trust in ASEAN: Thailand’s digital economy minister Chaichanok Chidchob says cross-border cooperation and intelligence sharing are key to stopping scams, stressing that users also need clear protection when things go wrong. Taiwan in the spotlight at Gwangju: China has pulled out of the Gwangju Biennale over a Taiwan Pavilion naming dispute, escalating an art-politics row that’s already triggered walkouts and renewed calls to separate culture from conflict. Table Tennis in Macau: WTT Champions Macao 2026 (Galaxy Entertainment Group) continues with Round-of-32 results, including Chinese Taipei’s Feng Yi-Hsin facing a tough men’s singles matchup. Music & pop culture: Japanese band Ryokuoushoku Shakai released its album Atamago, while G-Dragon and Jay Chou are set for major brand collabs (McDonald’s and Starbucks). Food buzz with a Taiwan tie: Panda Express is testing “Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken” in select U.S. markets, partnering with Taiwanese American writer Frankie Gaw on a limited collector bucket. Design recognition: James Tu and Kang Sheng Tu’s hospitality hall Grand Overture wins a Gold A’ Design Award. Tech & lifestyle: Apple’s iPhone 18 Pro launch is set for today, with major camera upgrades rumored.

Taiwan Tech & Culture: A Taiwan-based consortium says it’s developed a new recycling tech that turns textile waste into soft, high-performance polyester elastomer, aiming to tackle the fashion industry’s composite-material recycling problem. Entertainment & Media: The BFI London Film Festival unveiled its 2026 lineup, led by animation world premieres “Wildwood” and “Ray Gunn,” with the festival running Oct. 7–18. Sports (Taiwan-linked): WTT Champions Macao kicked off, with Chinese Taipei’s Chen Yi and Chen Yuanyu advancing to the round of 16. Cross-Strait Attention: Taiwanese scholars warn that AI-generated dramas could become a cheaper, faster tool in China’s cognitive warfare against Taiwan. Lifestyle & Travel: Agoda reports Vietnam’s National Day holiday travel searches, while Uber says Macau Meter Taxi trips surged more than fivefold since launch—highlighting the city’s tourism-and-entertainment pull. Local Economy Watch: Taiwan’s CPI rose 2.04% year-on-year in August, with entertainment costs among the biggest movers.

Streaming & TV Business: Asia just overtook the world as the biggest source of first-run streaming scripted series orders, with Taiwan and the Philippines seeing unusually high commission volumes in H1 2026. Table Tennis (WTT Macao): WTT Champions Macao 2026 kicked off in Macau, and Chinese Taipei’s Chen Yi and Chen Yuanyu both advanced to the round of 16 after straight-set wins. Art & Public Imagination: Crystal Bi’s floating installation “Perfect Memory” blends grief, ancestry, ritual, and the ocean, anchored in Boston’s Dorchester Bay through Sept. 11 before moving indoors. Taiwan Pop Culture in the US: Panda Express is testing “Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken” in select US cities, plus a limited-edition Frankie Gaw collectible bucket. Sports Pop Talk: NBA champ Michael Porter Jr. addressed a viral Taiwan encounter controversy, saying he didn’t know the woman’s transgender identity at the time. Taiwan Economy (Lifestyle angle): Taiwan’s CPI rose 2.04% in August for a fourth straight month above 2%, with education and entertainment costs cited among the pressures. Gaming (Taiwan RPG): Taiwanese studio Justdan International announced “Tianji: Shadow of the Ancients,” a Tang Dynasty turn-based RPG by the creator of Xuan-Yuan Sword, targeting 2027 on major platforms.

Taiwan Arts & Culture: The Taiwan Pavilion at the 16th Gwangju Biennale is back in the spotlight amid a naming controversy, with reports of Chinese artists withdrawing and a walkout over “Taiwan Pavilion” use. Taiwan Film & Media: “Arrested Memory,” a Venice 2026 crime thriller starring Taiwanese actor Ethan Ruan, is reviewed as a muddled procedural built around stress-induced amnesia. Local Entertainment Scene: Kaohsiung’s Elephant Gym has opened a recording and rehearsal space to help southern artists access higher-grade studio gear without the Taipei travel squeeze. International Pop Culture: Pop Mart is set to open its first European flagship in Paris, aiming to deepen luxury-brand collaborations. Fashion Trade: Hong Kong’s CENTRESTAGE wrapped with a record 12,000+ trade buyers from 93 regions, reinforcing the city’s fashion hub status. Sports (Taiwan-linked): Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei was involved in a US Open doubles drama that spilled into sportsmanship complaints. Sports Policy: Taiwan’s fitness voucher push has topped 500,000 handouts in the first week, rewarding verified workouts.

Taiwan Culture Diplomacy: Culture Minister Li Yuan kicked off a Europe tour in the UK, visiting London’s Barbican Centre and Young V&A, and plans to judge the 30th Taiwan-France Cultural Award—part of Taiwan’s push for tech-driven arts and museum exchanges. Gwangju Biennale Spotlight: Taiwan’s “Taiwan Pavilion” exhibit at the 16th Gwangju Biennale (Instance Dungeons: Gray Zone) uses Ting-Ting Cheng’s war-footing theme to ask what photographers capture when conflict feels “pre-war.” Entertainment & Loss: Veteran actor Pang Hsiang-lin, known for villain roles in classic TV dramas like Flying Dragon in the Sky, died at 80; family confirmed details and funeral arrangements. Global Arts on Screen: Tsai Ming-liang’s Walker series installment “Dust” debuts at Venice and heads to San Sebastian, continuing his slow-walk visual project with Lee Kang-sheng. Sports & Community: Taiwan’s Sports Ministry says its fitness voucher scheme has topped 500,000 handouts in the first week, with possible expanded incentives; meanwhile, Taipei drew tens of thousands for a French mechanical elephant parade marking its 100th show. Tech for Taiwan: Semicon Taiwan 2026 drew major industry attention, including Google’s AI infrastructure leadership and broader supply-chain momentum.

Taiwan Arts & Culture: Taiwan Pavilion at the Gwangju Biennale has officially opened after a naming fight that triggered China’s withdrawal, with Taiwanese curators and artists saying the restored “Taiwan Pavilion” label came after intense back-and-forth and public support. Taiwan Sports: Taiwan’s Asian Games roster is set: 482 athletes across 34 sports, including Olympic medalists Lin Yu-ting, Kuo Hsing-chun, Yang Yung-wei and gymnast Lee Chih-kai, with training ramped up from mid-2024 and competition running Sept. 19–Oct. 4 in Japan. Entertainment & Pop Culture: VERIVERY kicks off its “CONFETTI” comeback with a chaotic, construction-to-bathhouse teaser for “Don’t Panic!”—all bright energy and playful “don’t panic” messaging. Film & Festivals: Finecut has secured multiple international sales for Hong Sangsoo’s Locarno winner “Nowhere to Lay My Eyes,” plus deals for animated debut “Long Long Night,” ahead of Toronto. Lifestyle & Travel: Taiwan Tourism Administration is pushing harder in the Philippines, hosting “Taiwan Day” in Manila and highlighting food, culture, outdoor travel and stopovers to attract more Filipino visitors.

Taiwan Tourism Push: Taiwan’s Tourism Administration ramped up outreach in the Philippines, hosting “2026 Taiwan Day” in Makati that drew 1,133 visitors and spotlighted food, culture, outdoor travel and stopovers—plus visa-free access and convenient flights. Gwangju Biennale Spotlight: Taiwan’s “Taiwan Pavilion” name is back at the Gwangju Biennale after a naming fight that triggered China-linked artist withdrawals; Taiwanese curators and artists celebrated the restored label as a win for solidarity. Performing Arts Buzz: Taipei’s 2026 Arts Festival kicked off with a massive street show—three 4.5m mechanical elephants staged by French troupe Compagnie Oposito—drawing about 100,000 on opening night. Film Sales Watch: Taiwanese-Singapore debut feature “Will You Still Be My Friend” picked up international sales via Moveria ahead of San Sebastián and Busan, with a trailer now out. Music & TV: Eric Chou is set to star in HBO Original “Fired Up!” as he tackles his first TV lead role, while Singapore band Brb. gears up to headline Homegrown 2026. Travel Costs: EVA Air will raise international excess baggage fees from Sept. 29, citing higher fuel and operating costs.

Sports Spotlight: Taiwan’s Chan Hao-ching teamed up with Australia’s Maya Joint to beat the Williams sisters in a thrilling US Open women’s doubles return, 6-3, 6-7, 7-6, after Serena and Venus blew a 5-0 lead in the final tiebreak. Asian Games Build-Up: Taiwan will send 482 athletes to the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, including Olympic medalists Lin Yu-ting, Kuo Hsing-chun, Yang Yung-wei, and Lee Chih-kai, with esports also a major presence. Arts & Culture: Taipei’s 2026 Arts Festival kicked off with giant mechanical elephants parading through Shilin, drawing over 100,000 people to a French street performance. Cross-Strait Arts Tension: The “Taiwan Pavilion” naming fight at the Gwangju Biennale sparked protests and a Chinese walkout, with organizers and Taiwan’s culture ministry at the center of the dispute. Local Creative Industry: Taiwanese creators are pushing original mecha toy IP to local and overseas markets, aiming to expand from models into comics, games, and screen adaptations. Entertainment & TV: Mandopop star Eric Chou is starring in HBO Original “Fired Up!” as he leads a kitchen drama based on the “Itaewon Class” webtoon. International Pop Culture: Fan backlash is growing over Kim Soo-hyun’s appearances at Korean entertainment awards, including the Asia Artist Awards in Kaohsiung this December.

US Open Spotlight: Serena and Venus Williams’ long-awaited doubles reunion ended in a three-set thriller, as Taiwan’s Chan Hao-ching and Australia’s Maya Joint edged them 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 (10-7) after the sisters led 5-0 in the final tiebreak—still, the night turned into a full-on tennis celebration at Arthur Ashe. Cross-Strait Arts Row: At the Gwangju Biennale, a “Taiwan Pavilion” naming fight sparked protests and a wider boycott—Chinese artists withdrew after organisers restored the label, reigniting tensions over how Taiwan is presented. Local Creativity Spotlight: Taiwanese creators are pushing original mecha toy IP to local and overseas markets, building on decades of robot-toy culture while aiming for expansion into comics, games, film, and merchandise. Film & Culture in Europe: “A Chip Odyssey” screened in The Hague, highlighting Taiwan’s semiconductor story and its rise from underdog to global chip hub. Sports Watch: India’s junior men’s hockey team opened the AHF Junior Asia Cup with a dominant 14-0 win over Indonesia.

US Open Tennis Spotlight: Serena and Venus Williams’ long-awaited doubles reunion ended in heartbreak as Taiwan’s Hao-Ching Chan and Australia’s Maya Joint beat them 6-3, 6-7, 7-6 (10-7) in a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium, with the Williams sisters blowing a 5-0 lead in the deciding tiebreak but still turning the match into a star-studded celebration. Taiwan in the Mix: Chan’s win put Chinese Taipei firmly in the spotlight on a night that also featured major crowd buzz and big-name attention for the iconic duo’s return. Sports & Culture Beyond Tennis: Taiwan International Youth Ambassadors shone at the Taiwan–SVG cultural night in Kingstown, highlighting youth-led cultural exchange through performances and community events. Gaming Pop Culture: Pearl Abyss announced the first DLC for Crimson Desert Enhanced, “Journey Into the Unknown,” launching Oct. 16, adding sea exploration, ship sailing, and underwater diving. Art & Politics Watch: China withdrew from the Gwangju Biennale over the “Taiwan Pavilion” naming dispute, keeping the art-world debate over identity and representation front and center.

Serena & Venus Williams Return to U.S. Open Doubles: Serena says 9-year-old Olympia urged her to team up with Aunt Venus again—marking their first doubles appearance in four years at the U.S. Open. Gwangju Biennale Taiwan Pavilion Row: Chinese artists and curators are boycotting/withdrawing from South Korea’s Gwangju Biennale over the use of the name “Taiwan Pavilion,” with organizers apologizing and promising pavilion-system reforms while curators insist the main exhibition stays separate from the dispute. Taiwan Boxer Lin Yu-ting Weighs Retirement: After Paris gold, Lin tells AFP she considered a “graceful exit,” but chose to keep fighting ahead of the Asian Games. BWF China Masters (Taiwan in the Mix): China locked a women’s doubles final berth and advanced Wang Zhiyi to the last four; Taiwan’s pairs also featured in quarterfinals and semis matchups. Taichung Dance Carnival: The Taichung International Dance Carnival leans into the yosakoi spirit—freedom, creativity, and citywide participation—now expanding with more international groups. Music & Film Industry Notes: Tiger Beer’s Tiger Roar Asian Music Festival spotlights local and international acts (including Taiwanese-American ØZI), while Busan’s ACFM Doc Square 2026 lines up documentary WIP pitches with Taiwan partners. Streaming Spotlight: Youku’s workplace romance “The Early Spring” hits No. 2 on Netflix’s Global Non-English TV chart, topping charts in Taiwan regions. Tech/Hardware Costs: Motherboard component prices may spike as PCB, Wi-Fi modules, and capacitors rise—an unexpected ripple for Taiwan’s electronics scene.