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In the era of digital convergence, the boundaries between cable TV and telecom industries are disappearing, as digitalization brings services and content closer together. To stay competitive, differentiation is now the key. With regulatory reforms, Chunghwa Telecom MOD has broken traditional subscription models by introducing the “Pick Your Own Package” plan — allowing viewers to choose their favorite channels and create personalized packages, giving true control back to the audience.

Goodbye to Fixed Channel Lists — Freedom to Choose with MOD
Returning control to the viewers — that’s the core idea behind MOD’s custom plan. For popular channel providers like ELTA TV, this represents a major opportunity. CEO Sally Chen stated: “From top-tier sporting events like the upcoming Rugby World Cup on September 20, to past broadcasts of the FIFA World Cup, Olympics, and Asian Games, and current coverage of BWF badminton, PGA golf, UEFA Champions League, CPBL baseball, and trending dramas from Korea, China, Taiwan, and Japan — ELTA offers premium content to satisfy every viewer.” The launch of the MOD custom plan frees audiences from the “fixed channel list” model, benefiting high-quality channels. After all, channel profits depend on ratings and subscriptions, and in today’s “content is king” era, only great programming can capture audiences. Those unwilling to innovate will fall behind.

Partnering with MOD — ELTA Achieves New Milestones
From HD coverage of the Beijing Olympics, to 3D coverage of London 2012, to 4K broadcasts of the Russia World Cup, ELTA and MOD have continuously redefined sports broadcasting experiences. Beyond live sports, ELTA has been dedicated to producing original high-quality programs such as “Chef Alliance,” “Busy Online,” “Campus Mysteries,” “800 Days Around the World,” “Celebrations of the Earth,” “Around the Nations,” and “Wild Dream Chasers.” These productions, recognized by consecutive Golden Bell nominations, not only strengthen ELTA’s competitiveness but also generate overseas licensing revenue.

Enhancing Content to Attract Subscribers
In a diverse and competitive media landscape, differentiation is the ultimate edge. MOD’s customizable plan marks the start of this transformation. The “one-size-fits-all” era is over — channels must deliver compelling content to win subscribers. In this new wave of competition, ELTA stands with MOD, connecting Taiwan to the world through premium digital entertainment.

Extra! Extra! ELTA TV’s original program “Chef Alliance” has been nominated for the 54th Golden Bell Awards in the Lifestyle Program category. This marks ELTA’s second consecutive nomination for its self-produced shows, following last year’s “800 Days Around the World” hosted by Shou Tzu-Chen. With back-to-back nominations, ELTA’s production quality has earned high praise from the judges. We will continue to produce even more high-quality, entertaining content — and we invite viewers to cheer for us as we look forward to the awards ceremony!

ELTA’s Original Programs Go Global, Boosting Revenue
In today’s diversified media landscape, unique and creative content is key to attracting audiences. Over recent years, ELTA has produced numerous original programs, such as “Chef Alliance,” “Busy Online,” “Campus Mysteries,” “800 Days Around the World,” “Celebrations of the Earth,” “Around the Nations,” and “Wild Dream Chasers.” These diverse programs not only enrich ELTA’s channel lineup but also strengthen its production capabilities. As these shows are sold overseas, they enhance ELTA’s international reputation and generate additional licensing revenue.

Second Consecutive Golden Bell Nomination — Recognition for ELTA
Following last year’s nomination of “800 Days Around the World,” ELTA has once again impressed the Golden Bell jury with “Chef Alliance,” nominated for Best Lifestyle Program. Unlike typical food shows, “Chef Alliance” focuses purely on the culinary experience — no gimmicks, no distractions. Each episode features three chefs cooking simultaneously at different ingredient origins, creating dishes on-site using fresh local produce. The program’s cross-edited, fast-paced format allows viewers to enjoy three unique culinary showcases within one hour.
Beyond culinary creativity, the show also educates audiences on how to choose the best local ingredients. From abalone in Gongliao (New Taipei), goji berries in Guanyin (Taoyuan), to strawberries in Dahu (Miaoli), the chefs introduce Taiwan’s diverse produce through engaging storytelling — teaching viewers how to eat fresh and healthy.

“Chef Alliance” Re-Air Schedule — September 11, 9 PM
To celebrate its Golden Bell nomination, “Chef Alliance” will re-air on ELTA Variety Channel (CH300) every Monday to Wednesday at 9 PM starting September 11. Viewers who missed it the first time shouldn’t miss this rebroadcast. Join us in anticipating the October 5 awards ceremony — may “Chef Alliance” bring home the Golden Bell!

The U.S. “Presidential Scholars Award” is widely regarded as the highest honor for American high school students. Established in 1964 by executive order of the U.S. President, the award recognizes outstanding graduating seniors nationwide. There are two categories: Academic Excellence and Artistic Achievement. Each state can nominate only two students (one male and one female), along with additional nominees from at-large and special talent categories, making this one of the most prestigious awards an American high school student can receive.

“Presidential Scholars Award” — The Highest Honor for U.S. High School Students
Now in its 55th year, the Presidential Scholars Award is presented annually to 161 exceptional graduating seniors. From an initial pool of 5,100 students with the highest SAT/ACT scores, candidates are further evaluated on extracurricular activities, leadership, and community service. A 12-member commission ultimately selects 121 academic scholars, 20 in the arts, and 20 in technical education — totaling 161 honorees. With roughly 3.6 million high school graduates each year, only one in 25,000 earns this award, making it an exceptionally rare and distinguished achievement.

Grandson of Former Chunghwa Telecom Chairman Honored — A Different Kind of Taiwanese Pride
Among this year’s honorees, Ethan Chen from the State of Nebraska — grandson of former Chunghwa Telecom Chairman Yao Chen — proudly represented Taiwanese heritage. Ethan, born into an academic family, is the son of Dr. Li-Wu Chen, a distinguished graduate of National Taiwan University and current tenured professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and his mother, Lei Huang, originally from Hong Kong. Ethan’s grandfather, Yao Chen, served as Director-General of the Directorate General of Telecommunications and became Chunghwa Telecom’s first Chairman after privatization. When Ethan was born, he suffered from acute pneumonia, leaving his family in Taiwan deeply worried and praying for recovery. Over a decade later, his grandfather’s joy was immense upon seeing Ethan not only recover but also win the prestigious Presidential Scholars Award.

Overcoming Illness, Giving Back Through Volunteering
When asked how he stood out among so many top students, Ethan humbly said he was “just lucky,” praising his fellow nominees as equally outstanding. While academic performance was a given, leadership and community service became decisive factors. Ethan was captain of the school’s Science Olympiad team, concertmaster of the symphony orchestra, and a member of the swim team. He also excelled in chess and violin, earning additional recognition. Motivated by his childhood illness, he volunteered at a children’s hospital to care for young patients — giving back to the community that once helped him.

Choosing UCLA Over Parents’ Alma Mater
This fall, Ethan will enter the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) as a freshman. Though both his parents graduated from the University of Michigan, Ethan chose UCLA for its scholarships, resources, and proximity to California’s tech hub — positioning himself near Silicon Valley and Los Angeles for future opportunities.

The 161 Presidential Scholars each achieved excellence in diverse fields — from perfect SAT/ACT scores to extraordinary artistic or technical talents, or by overcoming personal adversity. Their drive for excellence will continue to guide them on their lifelong journey of learning.