How social aid could fund green jobs and reforestation

Inquirer.net - Nov 12, 2026

Despite the Philippines spending hundreds of billions of pesos annually on social assistance programs, poverty, environmental degradation, watershed decline, biodiversity loss, flooding and climate vulnerability persist. At the same time, decades of reforestation efforts have produced mixed results because success has frequently been measured by the number of hectares planted rather than the number of

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MMDA suspends electric Love Bus operations during Asean Summit

Nov 12, 2026

MMDA suspends electric Love Bus operations during Asean Summit

MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said on Thursday that electric Love bus operations would be suspended from Nov. 16 to Nov. 18, during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit and related meetings. READ: MMDA gearing up for Asean Summit, deploying over 2,600 personnel Malacañang earlier declared the dates

Cops seize P16-M shabu in Zamboanga Sibugay raid

Nov 12, 2026

Cops seize P16-M shabu in Zamboanga Sibugay raid

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Police seized around P16 million worth of suspected shabu and arrested a high-value target in a buy-bust operation early Wednesday in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Lt. Joy Necesario, Zamboanga Sibugay Police Provincial Office information officer, said the suspect was a 32-year-old male resident of Barangay Tenan, Ipil. The operation was

'The old America is gone': OPCON transfer is Korea's answer to changing US, Moon Chung-in says

Nov 12, 2026

'The old America is gone': OPCON transfer is Korea's answer to changing US, Moon Chung-in says

Korea's push to regain wartime operational control (OPCON) of its military is not just an attempt to reclaim military sovereignty, but a necessary response to a fundamental shift in the United States' foreign and security policy, according to Moon Chung-in, a former presidential special adviser. In an interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday, Moon, currently a professor emeritus at Yonsei University, argued that President Lee Jae Myung's pursuit of OPCON transfer comes in line with Washington's growing expectation that Seoul assume primary responsibility for its own defense, rather than the self-reliant defense agenda set by former President Roh Moo-hyun. "The U.S. is changing, but we are still clinging to the old America. The old America is gone," Moon said. He pointed to U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated demands that Korea shoulder a greater share of its defense burden. Under such an arrangement, Korean forces would take the lead in conventional defense against North Korea, while U.S. forces would provide complementary capabilities in areas where Seoul remains relatively weak, i

India, Guatemala highlight coffee for global consumers at Seoul cafe show

Nov 12, 2026

India, Guatemala highlight coffee for global consumers at Seoul cafe show

Coffee brands, roasters, experts and authorities from around the world are gathering in Seoul for the 25th Seoul International Cafe Show, a four-day event that kicked off Wednesday. This year, India and Guatemala took part in one of the event’s flagship programs, Origin Discovery, showcasing their coffee traditions and explaining how their distinctive beans have won loyal followings among coffee lovers worldwide. Organized by the Coffee Board under the Government of India, a session titled Coffees of India introduced the country’s history of coffee cultivation, which dates back to the 1600s and reached its commercial zenith in the 18th century. Indian coffees, including Arabica, Robusta and Excelsa varieties, have been cultivated across Western Ghats — a biodiversity hotspot recognized by the UNESCO — as well as Eastern Ghats and Northeastern states. Amulya K.G., director of the Coffee Board and the host of the session, said there are 441,000 coffee farms in India, 99 percent of which are small holdings of less than 10 hectares. India is the world’s fifth largest coffee export

Luxury van market heats up in Korea as Mercedes-Benz joins rivalry with V-Class

Nov 12, 2026

Luxury van market heats up in Korea as Mercedes-Benz joins rivalry with V-Class

Mercedes-Benz Korea has entered the nation's fast-growing luxury van market with the V-Class, intensifying competition in a segment previously dominated by Toyota’s Alphard and Lexus LM. The German luxury carmaker launched Wednesday the seven-seat V-Class as a single-trim model priced at 124 million won ($92,700), targeting customers looking for a premium vehicle that combines passenger capacity with a high level of comfort. The launch comes as demand for high-end vans grows in Korea, particularly among business executives, celebrities and families seeking more spacious and comfortable transportation. Toyota and Lexus have established a strong presence in the segment with their Alphard and LM models, respectively. The two brands have benefited from growing demand for premium multipurpose vehicles that offer more space and comfort than conventional luxury sedans and SUVs. The arrival of Mercedes-Benz is expected to intensify competition by giving consumers another premium option. The V-Class luxury van is only available for a diesel powertrain here. The V-Class is positioned as a more sp

Deutsche Bank urges Korean financial markets to match its companies' global reach

Nov 12, 2026

Deutsche Bank urges Korean financial markets to match its companies' global reach

Deutsche Bank said Korea needs to improve financial market accessibility and regulatory predictability to attract more global capital, as its world-class companies continue to underpin the country's investment appeal. In a recent exclusive interview with The Korea Times, Alexander von zur Muehlen, Deutsche Bank's CEO of Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East & Africa and Germany, said "few economies have produced such a concentration of globally competitive companies across strategically important industries" as Korea has. "The next step is to make its financial markets as international as its companies," said von zur Muehlen, who is also a member of the bank's management board. "Greater openness, simplicity and predictability can help broaden international participation." Korea has been opening its financial markets to global investors, introducing 24-hour foreign exchange trading in July. The country also allows foreign institutions to participate directly in its onshore foreign exchange market through the Registered Foreign Institution program, with Deutsche Bank among the first participa

Lee calls for unity at dinner meeting with DPK leaders

Nov 12, 2026

Lee calls for unity at dinner meeting with DPK leaders

President Lee Jae Myung called for unity between the government and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) as he held a dinner meeting with DPK leader Kim Min-seok and floor leader Han Byung-do on Wednesday, his office said. During the dinner at Cheong Wa Dae, Kim asked the government for bold and swift measures to overcome polarization and boost consumption, presidential spokesperson Kang Yu-jung said in a written briefing. In response, Lee stressed the need for the party and the government to "move as one" in order for the people's lives to improve, and asked that the party and the National Assembly extend their active support to get the government's 2027 budget proposal passed, Kang said. Lee also asked his chief of staff, Lim Kwang-hyun, and senior political affairs secretary, Choi In-ho, to closely communicate with the National Assembly at all times. Lim and Choi were among the dinner participants. Though there had been speculation Lee and the party leaders could discuss controversial issues, such as real estate taxes and a special counsel bill on alleged fabricated indictments,

Gov't to curb incumbents' influence over CEO selection process in sweeping corporate governance overhaul

Nov 12, 2026

Gov't to curb incumbents' influence over CEO selection process in sweeping corporate governance overhaul

The government is set to prevent incumbent CEOs at financial companies from having an undue influence on appointing their successors, while imposing tougher voting requirements for bank holding company chiefs who seek to extend their tenure, according to financial authorities, Thursday. The measures are part of a long-delayed corporate governance reform package unveiled by the Lee Jae Myung administration and the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), aimed at making leadership succession more transparent and strengthening board independence across the financial sector. The Financial Services Commission (FSC) plans to draw up amendments to the Act on Corporate Governance of Financial Companies within the year. The changes are expected to take effect six months after the legislation is passed. A central focus is to give independent directors greater control over leadership succession and strengthen their ability to hold management accountable. Under the proposed changes, committees responsible for nominating CEO candidates would consist entirely of independent directors. Sitting CEOs wou

Korea opens final 2026 round of foreign worker permits

Nov 12, 2026

Korea opens final 2026 round of foreign worker permits

Korea will accept its final round of applications this year for foreign worker visas starting Nov. 23, offering 6,699 new permits to help businesses ease persistent labor shortages while introducing incentives for employers who complete human rights and labor law training, the Ministry of Employment and Labor said Thursday. The five-day application window, running through Nov. 27, covers nonprofessional employment visas, known as E-9, across five major sectors. Manufacturing accounts for the lion’s share of the quota with 4,510 slots, followed by agriculture and livestock with 954, fisheries with 897, construction with 198 and services with 140. Should employer demand exceed sector caps, officials said they will tap into a flexible reserve pool of 10,000 additional permits. The announcement underscores Korea’s growing reliance on overseas labor to sustain its export-driven factories, farms and fishing fleets amid one of the world’s fastest-aging populations and lowest birthrates. Over the past several years, the government has steadily expanded its Employment Permit System, which

Ramyeon exports set to rise 30% in 2027 on expanded production: sources

Nov 12, 2026

Ramyeon exports set to rise 30% in 2027 on expanded production: sources

Korea's ramyeon exports are expected to increase 30 percent in 2027 from a year earlier, driven by expanded production capacity, industry sources said Thursday. Ramyeon shipments rose 26 percent to $1.59 billion in the January-October period, already surpassing last year's full-year growth rate of 22 percent and total exports of $1.52 billion, according to data from the trade ministry and other sources. "Major ramyeon makers' investments in production facilities are expected to continue driving export growth next year," an industry official said over the phone. Nongshim, Korea's leading instant noodle maker, began operations last month at its first plant dedicated to exports in the southern port city of Busan. The company currently generates about 40 percent of its total ramyeon sales from overseas markets, including the United States, China and Japan. It operates seven plants in Korea and six overseas facilities — two in the US and four in China — and sells flagship products such as Shin Ramyun, Chapagetti and Neoguri worldwide. Samyang Foods, known for its globally popular Buldak spi

Samsung, SK hynix monitor Nvidia leadership uncertainty: officials

Nov 12, 2026

Samsung, SK hynix monitor Nvidia leadership uncertainty: officials

Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK hynix are monitoring leadership uncertainty at Nvidia, one of their biggest clients, company insiders said Thursday. As the major suppliers of chips used in artificial intelligence (AI) accelerators, the two are assessing potential succession scenarios following reports that Nvidia's board is considering possible replacements for CEO Jensen Huang amid allegations of multiple extramarital affairs. Huang's close ties with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won have raised concerns that his possible departure could affect business relations. "If Huang is removed, it could inevitably affect networking among top industry executives," a company official said, requesting anonymity. "We cannot rule out the possibility that business discussions could slow or existing plans could change." Others, however, said existing supply agreements were unlikely to be affected, noting that the two companies have traditionally worked with Nvidia executives, including Senior Vice President Jeff Fisher, on detailed business plans.

Korean researchers shrink augmented reality lenses to fit everyday eyewear

Nov 12, 2026

Korean researchers shrink augmented reality lenses to fit everyday eyewear

Researchers in Korea have developed an ultrathin optical lens system that keeps digital images bright and legible even in direct sunlight, overcoming one of the main engineering hurdles preventing augmented reality glasses from looking and feeling like ordinary eyewear. The joint team from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) and Samsung Research built a prototype featuring a 1.5-millimeter-thick waveguide—the transparent channel that guides light from a tiny projector into the wearer’s eye—using engineered nanostructures called metasurfaces. The findings were published Thursday in the journal Nature, according to the Ministry of Science and ICT. For years, technology giants from Meta and Apple to Google and Samsung have raced to build lightweight smart glasses capable of overlaying turn-by-turn directions, translations and messages onto the real world. However, engineers have struggled with a stubborn trade-off: widening the viewing zone so a user can glance around without losing the image typically causes light to scatter and leak out of the lens, leaving displ

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