Nature Republic reports strong growth in Philippines, Mongolia

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Nature Republic reported its California Aloe Sun Stick sales tripled in the Philippines this year while the South Korean cosmetics retailer expanded its premium skincare line in Mongolia. The company, with 31 stores in the Philippines, held successful pop-up events in Manila in June and at Mongolia's Shangri-La Mall in May. It plans to open its 11th Mongolian store in November, featuring premium products including the Ginseng Royal Silk Gold Watery

November 8, 2024

China, Malaysia leaders pledge closer ties at summit

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Chinese President Xi Jinping and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim committed on Thursday to deepening bilateral ties during a summit in Beijing, celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xi proposed enhancing the strategic partnership with high-level exchanges and reaffirmed China's support for Malaysia’s independent development path tailored to its unique national interests. “We should use this mileston

November 8, 2024

Naver reports record-high Q3 operating profit

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Korean tech giant Naver reported a record-high operating profit for the third quarter on Friday. The nation's largest internet portal announced that its consolidated revenue for the July to September period reached 2.7 trillion won ($1.9 billion), with an operating profit of 525.3 billion won and a net profit of 530.1 billion won. Compared to the same period in 2023, revenue increased by 11.1 percent. Operating profit and net income grew by 38.2 perc

November 8, 2024

LG hosts global IT competition for youth with disabilities in Manila

SEOUL, November 08 (AJP) - LG Electronics concluded its six-day Global IT Challenge for disabled youth Friday in Manila, drawing 104 participants from 16 countries to compete in six categories, including generative AI skills. Nur Zulzahirah Binti Mohd Anwar, 16, a hearing-impaired contestant from Malaysia, won the overall championship. "This was my first time participating in GITC, and I'm surprised and honored to be selected as a global IT leader," she said. She e

November 8, 2024

Nippon Steel accelerates U.S. Steel acquisition ahead of U.S. power shift

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Japan's largest steelmaker Nippon Steel Corp. aims to complete its $14.1 billion acquisition of Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel Corp. before the expected return of Donald Trump to the White House. The deal faces scrutiny from the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment, which is set to conclude its review by late December, amid concerns from both President-elect Trump and incumbent President Joe Biden about foreign ownership of the historic American manufactur

November 8, 2024

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly urges India's central government to restore autonomy

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - The legislature of Jammu and Kashmir has formally requested the restoration of the autonomous status it lost five years ago when India's central government revoked the special provisions. The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly passed a resolution on Wednesday with majority support from its 90 members, calling for the central government to engage in discussions with the Jammu and Kashmir legislature to reinstate its constitutional autonomy, which was abolished i

November 8, 2024

Trump's return brings new challenges in a tense Middle East

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency comes at a turbulent time in the Middle East, where he has vowed to pursue peace. Known for his strong support of Israel, Trump has also called for a swift end to the Gaza war, raising questions about how he will navigate the conflict given isolationist voices in his party and his own unpredictable approach. If no cease-fire is reached before his inauguration, Trump will step into office as the Gaza w

November 8, 2024

Rising casualties in Lebanon amid escalating Israeli strikes, ground offensive

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Israeli airstrikes struck southern Beirut suburbs early Thursday, targeting areas near Lebanon’s only international airport. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for the location, citing Hezbollah infrastructure in the vicinity but did not provide further details. Additionally, on Thursday, Israel’s military announced an expansion of its ground operations in northern Gaza, specifically into Beit Lahiya. This area, heavily bombarded si

November 8, 2024

Thailand expects investment boost from U.S.-China trade tensions under Trump

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Thailand's Commerce Minister Pichaya Naripthaphan said on Thursday that Donald Trump's election victory could benefit the kingdom, predicting increased investments from both the United States and China as trade tensions escalate. "Trump's victory will help Thailand... The Republican Party is pro-business, and as the U.S.-China trade war continues, both countries will invest more in Thailand," Pichaya told Bloomberg in an interview, hig

November 8, 2024

Chinese premier calls for deeper Mekong region cooperation

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang called for increased cooperation among six Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) nations Thursday during a summit in Kunming in China's Yunnan province. The eighth annual summit, held Wednesday and Thursday, brought together leaders from Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, along with the Asian Development Bank president. The six countries launched the GMS Economic Cooperation Program in 1992 to improve regional inf

November 8, 2024