Taiwan News Quick Take

■ EDUCATION

English tests to be offered

The US-based Educational Testing Service (ETS) will begin offering English writing and speaking tests next month for enterprises in Taiwan in a drive to improve English skills, the Taiwan representative of the ETS Taiwan branch said yesterday. Wang Hsing-wei (王星威) held a press conference in Taipei to announce the new tests, which are part of the Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC) targeting working people, alongside tests in listening and reading. The new TOEIC tests will be available for group applicants in January and for individual applicants in August, with the examinees required to take the tests on a computer, according to the ETC office.



■ GOVERNMENT

Taipei takes over pools

The Taipei City Government took over the management of seven heated swimming pools in the city yesterday after a private company contracted to run the facilities shut them down a day earlier due to financial difficulties. Taipei Mayor Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) told reporters that the city government will safeguard the interests of Taipei residents and their right to use the facilities, based on provisions of the contracts between the city government and Eden Athletics. Hau said he has asked the Parks and Street Lights Office of the city government's Public Works Bureau to seek legal counsel to resolve the dispute. Eden Athletics was awarded contracts to run 14 swimming pools owned by the city government, including seven heated pools which remain open in winter. The company has run into financial difficulties recently and owes NT$20 million (US$617,650) in royalties to the Taipei City Government.