ASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK9JUNELG INNOTEK BETS ON AI-POWERED IPHONE GROWTH FOR FUTURE EXPANSIONSouth Korean electronics component maker LG Innotek is optimistic about the future of AI-powered iPhone technology, particularly Apple's iPhone, as the company expects rising demand for advanced components to support the next generation of mobile technology.LG Innotek, which mainly supplies iPhone camera modules, expects AI technology to play a major role in shaping future AI smartphone demand. With tech companies increasingly introducing AI-powered features into devices, experts believe consumers may be more willing to replace older phones with newer models offering smarter capabilities. Singapore-based venture capital firm Tin Men Capital has invested in enterprise AI startup Pints AI as part of a US$5.6 million funding round, reflecting rising investor interest in practical enterprise AI solutions for businesses.The funding will help Pints AI strengthen its technology, grow its team, and improve internal systems as more companies turn to artificial intelligence to streamline operations and improve efficiency. The latest Pints AI funding round highlights the growing momentum in the region's technology sector. China's electric vehicle (EV) revolution has reached a historic turning point, with electric vehicles in China accounting for a record 67% of all new car sales, reinforcing the country's dominance in the global clean mobility transition. The milestone reflects how rapidly consumer behavior is changing, with more buyers choosing electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles over traditional gasoline-powered cars.China's EV market growth has accelerated over the past decade, supported by strong domestic manufacturing, widespread charging infrastructure, government incentives, and rising consumer confidence in electric mobility. TIN MEN CAPITAL LEADS PINTS AI'S $5.6M FUNDING TO SCALE GROWTHCHINA'S ELECTRIC VEHICLE BOOM DRIVES RECORD 67% NEW CAR SALESSTARBUCKS KOREA TO SHUT STORES AFTER TANK DAY HISTORY ROWStarbucks Korea will temporarily close thousands of its stores next week to conduct mandatory history awareness sessions for employees after a promotional campaign triggered widespread criticism and public outrage.The controversy erupted last month when Starbucks Korea launched a reusable cup promotion called "Tank Day controversy" on May 18 -- the same date that marks the anniversary of the Gwangju Uprising, one of South Korea's most painful and defining historical events.
< Page 8 | Page 10 >