FTC's costly crackdown on conglomerates generates little return
The Fair Trade Commission’s (FTC) increasingly aggressive crackdown on major conglomerates is generating a costly cycle with little tangible return, as the watchdog has been forced to refund billions of won in fines overturned by courts. The watchdog has returned nearly 290 billion won ($216.7 million) to companies since 2022 after administrative court rulings overturned its sanctions. The figures raise questions about whether the regulator’s tougher enforcement produces lasting results or simply creates more legal and financial burdens for both businesses and taxpayers. The latest figures offer little reassurance. For the first nine months combined this year, the FTC returned 23 billion won in fines and associated payments, with 99.7 percent of the amount attributable to sanctions overturned in whole or in part through administrative litigation, according to data submitted to Rep. Choi Eun-seok of the main opposition People Power Party. But the regulator is moving in the opposite direction. Since President Lee Jae Myung took office last year, the government has pushed to strengthen
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Only 17% of Philippine businesses have a roadmap to scale AI
Only 17% of businesses in the Philippines have a roadmap for scaling artificial intelligence (AI), highlighting a gap between growing adoption of the technology and companies’ ability to integrate it more deeply into their operations. The finding comes from Unlocking the Philippines’ AI Potential 2026, a report commissioned by Amazon Web Services (AWS) and conducted
Securing equipment emerges as new variable for Korea's chip expansion plans
Securing equipment for manufacturing advanced memory chips is emerging as a new variable in Korea's plans to expand semiconductor production capacity through large-scale industrial clusters, after ASML, the dominant supplier of advanced chipmaking equipment, warned that its current production plans may not be sufficient to meet demand in 2027 and 2028. During its earnings call Wednesday, ASML CEO Christophe Fouquet said the company's plans to increase its production capacity for advanced chipmaking equipment by 30 percent in 2027 and another 30 percent in 2028 would likely not be enough to meet customer demand. “Last quarter, we talked about 30 percent more capacity next year, and also the aspiration to have another 30 percent increase in 2028,” Fouquet said. “But to be honest, it's becoming very clear that 30 percent in 2027, 30 percent in 2028 will not allow us to meet our customer demand.” According to the company, the planned capacity increases cover both low-numerical-aperture extreme ultraviolet (low-NA EUV) lithography equipment and deep ultraviolet (DUV) immersion system
Musinsa teams up with Japan's ZOZOTOWN for 1st Korean pop-up
Fashion platform Musinsa has teamed up with ZOZOTOWN, one of Japan's leading online fashion retailers, to open a pop-up store in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, a popular destination for young consumers. Musinsa opened the doors to ZOZOTOWN in Musinsa, the Japanese platform’s first official pop-up store in Korea, to the media on Friday. The pop-up will run through Oct. 31, while an accompanying online promotion will continue until Nov. 16. Launched in 2004, ZOZOTOWN features more than 11,000 brands and serving over 13 million customers annually. Fifteen Japanese fashion brands available on the platform, including Snidel and Grancy, are participating in the event. The pop-up’s concept, ZOZO is Coming to Town, draws inspiration from Korean streets. Crosswalks, road markings and oversized three-dimensional typography have been incorporated into the space to create the impression of an intersection where Korean and Japanese fashion meet. The pop-up follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two platforms in December 2024 to establish a strategic partnership. In November last y
China’s proposed AI tech export bans may create short-term costs, long-term gains: analysts
China’s proposed export bans and controls of artificial intelligence technologies aim to tighten Beijing’s grip in the strategically vital sector, casting a cloud over the commercial prospects of domestic model developers in the global AI race, analysts say. The new measures come as concerns mount globally over the risks of advanced AI systems, following a string of recent cyberattacks, while also underscoring AI’s growing national security importance for both Beijing and Washington. Zhang Yi,...
EA producer confirms the return of Wing Commander
MANILA, Philippines – A panel at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo on game preservation revealed that the master tapes containing high quality source video for Wing Commander III were located. The contents of these tapes will now undergo restoration and preparation is at work for a new release of the game, tentatively called Wing Commander
Ride-hailing app taps AI to improve customer, driver experience
MANILA, Philippines – Ride-hailing app, inDrive, wants to use artificial intelligence (AI) to improve mobility in the Philippines while keeping passengers and drivers in control of their choices. The company is exploring how AI can address practical challenges such as traffic, passenger safety and driver earning, in line with its push to make travel decisions
Apple says iPhone Duo demand is “extraordinary” as shipping dates slip to late January 2027
Pre-orders for Apple’s first foldable iPhone have pushed estimated delivery dates into late January 2027, but it’s unclear whether this reflects strong demand or limited launch inventory.
Bipartisan senators ask Pentagon to answer for Ukraine Starlink restrictions
{beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story GOP senators press Pentagon over Starlink restrictions in Ukraine Four Republican senators joined their Democratic colleagues in pressing the Trump administration for information about whether Pentagon officials ordered restrictions on Ukraine’s access to the satellite-based Starshield network. © Tom Brenner, Associated Press Ukraine needs access to fast Starshield data...
Where to preorder the iPhone Duo?
Last night, the Philippines celebrated the launch of the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The elephant in the room however was information on the availability of the upcoming iPhone Duo. Industry insiders say that Apple’s first foldable will come in very limited stocks. But that doesn’t mean that consumers won’t get the chance to
Unauthorized drones banned along US-Mexico border: FAA
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Friday it is restricting unauthorized drones along the U.S.-Mexico border. This move comes as the government ramps up efforts to address concerns about illegal drug shipments across the border, Reuters reported Friday. It is a temporary flight restriction that bars any unauthorized drone activity up to 400 feet above...
Trump claims neither he nor Musk caused Ukraine Starlink outage
President Trump claimed on Friday that neither he nor SpaceX founder Elon Musk caused Ukraine’s Starlink outage earlier this week as the president clashed with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries. “I didn’t do that. No, we didn’t do that at all. In fact, I don’t even think it was...
18 reasons to get the new iPhone Duo with Smart Postpaid
A foldable design, a larger display when you need it, and the flexibility of the iPhone experience – all in one device. Apple’s much-anticipated iPhone Duo introduces a new way to experience iPhone, and Smart makes it easier for you to own it with Smart Postpaid Plans+ 1999 starting at P6,304 per month, with zero-interest
