Chinese premier holds talks with Malaysian PM in Shanghai

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on Tuesday in Shanghai, where Anwar was attending the 7th China International Import Expo. Li emphasized that China-Malaysia relations have entered a new chapter and are advancing toward the goal of creating a shared future. He highlighted China's readiness to cooperate with Malaysia in carrying out agreements made by both countries' leaders, focusing on mutual respect, trust,

November 6, 2024

Ukrainian forces 'clash with North Korean troops,' leaving 'significant' number of casualties

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Ukrainian forces have clashed with North Korean troops for the first time in Kursk, a Russian territory occupied by Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Tuesday. "The first battles with North Korean soldiers open a new page of instability in the world," he said during his nightly video address, calling on the international community to act decisively to prevent Russia's attempts to escalate its war in Ukraine. On the same day, t

November 6, 2024

BBQ Chicken to enter Indian market

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Genesis BBQ, a major Korean chicken franchise, has signed a master franchise agreement (MFA) with India's Baramati Agro to enter the Indian market, the company said on Wednesday. Baramati Agro, established in 1988, operates across poultry processing, sugar production, retail, and agricultural product exports sectors, with nationwide logistics capabilities and raw material supply chains across India. "India's large youth population and signif

November 6, 2024

Over 9 million Indian students to study abroad by 2030: report

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - The number of Indian students studying abroad is expected to exceed nine million by 2030, according to news reports on Monday. Citing the Australian education service firm Navitas, reports indicate that the number of Indian students studying overseas was six million in 2019 and is projected to rise to over nine million by 2030, with an annual growth rate of four percent. India became the world’s most populous country last year, surpassing China, a

November 6, 2024

Coupang posts record Q3 revenue, operating profit up 29%

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - South Korean e-commerce giant Coupang reported on Wednesday an operating profit of 148.1 billion won ($110.9 million) in the third quarter, up 29 percent from a year earlier, while achieving record quarterly revenue of 10.69 trillion won ($7.87 billion), a 32 percent increase. The company's core product commerce segment, including Rocket Delivery and Fresh, generated revenue of 9.37 trillion won, up 20 percent year-on-year, while growth initiatives inc

November 6, 2024

Korean firms lose ground in global EV battery race

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Despite slowing electric vehicle demand, global battery usage for EVs continued its upward trajectory this year, data showed Wednesday. The latest statistics from SNE Research, a Korean energy market research firm, also showed that South Korean manufacturers slightly lost ground to their Chinese rivals in the market. Total battery usage for all-electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles reached 599 gigawatt-hours (GWh) in the first nine months of 202

November 6, 2024

Japan's Ishiba set to retain premiership despite election setback

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to secure a fresh term in office when parliament convenes on Nov. 11, despite his ruling coalition losing its majority in last month's general election. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced the four-day special Diet session on Tuesday, where Ishiba is likely to garner more parliamentary support than opposition challenger Yoshihiko Noda of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDPJ

November 6, 2024

Singapore Airlines plans cabin upgrade for long-haul fleet

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - Singapore Airlines announced on Monday a US$820 million investment to upgrade cabins across all classes in its fleet of 41 Airbus A350-900 aircraft, with the first refurbished planes set to debut in the second quarter of 2026. The carrier will introduce a new "Luxury First Class" on seven ultra-long-haul aircraft, while also renovating business and economy cabins. "We will provide an enhanced premium travel experience with added privacy and

November 6, 2024

Iranian Foreign Minister visits Pakistan, seeking regional security and stronger ties

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad early Tuesday for a two-day visit, focused on addressing Middle East tensions and strengthening ties with Pakistan. He was welcomed by Pakistani officials and is set to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other high-ranking officials. The visit comes amid heightened Iran-Israel tensions following an Oct. 26 Israeli airstrike on Iran, which killed at least

November 6, 2024

Japan's traditional sake brewing likely to join UNESCO heritage list

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - UNESCO's advisory committee has recommended adding Japan's traditional sake and shochu brewing techniques to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list, setting up formal recognition at the organization's December meeting. The nomination, announced Tuesday by Japan's culture agency, was submitted in 2022. It highlights the unique fermentation process that uses koji mold to simultaneously ferment multiple ingredients, including rice, in a sing

November 6, 2024