South Korea’s semiconductor revolution: The startups behind the boom

Eukor, Wallenius Wilhelmsen's car carrier operator, has extended its contract with Hyundai Motor Group from three to five years, with Korean exports increasing from 40% to 50%. The deal is expected to generate $4.2bn over its duration, reinforcing Wallenius Wilhelmsen's strong position in Korea and partnership with Hyundai Motor Group. The agreement also includes additional volumes of Hyundai and Kia car brands exported from China. Full Article

Union Hospital hosted an international pre-conference event for LEAD APAC 2024, focused on addressing the challenge of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the Asia-Pacific region, with experts discussing advanced technologies and public awareness campaigns. Prof. Henry Chan Lik-yuen and Prof. Xie Qing emphasized the importance of cross-institutional collaboration in combating liver cancer, particularly in China, where nearly half of all HCC cases globally are found. The goal is to increase early diagnosis rates to 55% by...

Many members of Myanmar’s Christian minority celebrated Christmas in fear this year due to the military's threat of airstrikes, with worshippers seeking safety in a cave for Christmas Eve mass in Kayah state. The ongoing conflict since the 2021 military coup has led to heavy fighting in ethnic minority areas where Christians live, resulting in the destruction of religious buildings and attacks on civilians by junta forces. Despite the military's calls for peace, anti-junta insurgents...

South Korean retailer Shinsegae Group plans to form a joint venture with Alibaba International, incorporating Gmarket and AliExpress Korea. Shinsegae will invest its 100% stake in Gmarket into the joint venture, which is set to be established in 2025. Despite the partnership, Gmarket and AliExpress Korea will remain separate entities, operating independently. Full Article

A Tokyo court sentenced Chinese national Jiang Zhuojun to eight months in prison for a May graffiti incident at Yasukuni Shrine, where he spray-painted "toilet" on a stone pillar. Prosecutors had sought a one-year sentence, but the judge deemed the punishment appropriate, citing Jiang's crucial role in the vandalism and the lack of reparations for the damage. Judge Yasushi Fuke stated that it is "unforgivable to turn to illegal actions to express one’s views." Full...

Japan's industry and land ministries have chosen JERA and BP-led consortiums to operate two offshore wind blocks in the country's third auction round. The JERA-led consortium, with Green Power Investment and Tohoku Electric Power, secured a 615MW wind farm in Aomori, while BP's consortium, including Marubeni and Kansai Electric Power, won a 450MW wind farm in Yamagata. Both projects will feature bottom-fixed turbines from Siemens Gamesa and are set to start operations in 2030, contributing...