China creates state-owned firm in Xiongan to develop nation’s AI data resources

South China Morning Post - Oct 20, 2026

China has set up a new state-owned enterprise dedicated to managing the country’s massive data resources, a significant move designed to turbocharge the nation’s artificial intelligence industry and bolster its digital economy. The National Data Group Co – based in China’s “city of the future”, Xiongan New Area in northern Hebei province – is tasked with “developing and utilising data resources, unlocking the value of data elements, serving AI development and fostering a data industry...

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Coway offers tailored mattress options for different sleeping habits

Oct 20, 2026

Coway offers tailored mattress options for different sleeping habits

Coway is promoting three mattresses under its BEREX brand to meet diverse sleeping preferences, offering options for people with different sleeping postures and couples who prefer different levels of firmness. The company said its lineup is designed to accommodate differences in body shape and sleeping habits, as Koreans tend to get relatively little sleep, making it increasingly important for consumers to improve their sleep quality. According to a 2024 survey by the Korean Society of Sleep Research, Koreans sleep an average of six hours and 58 minutes a day, placing the country among the lowest-ranked OECD members in terms of sleep duration. With limited hours of sleep, more consumers are seeking better-quality rest, making it increasingly important for mattress makers to address their diverse needs. For people who sleep on their backs or prefer firmer support, Coway recommends the BEREX Modi Mattress, which uses individually pocketed signature springs made with high-strength steel wire from POSCO for durability and stability, along with Contour 7-Zone Foam designed to distribute body

Microsoft-IITP program helps Korean AI talents tap into global research resources

Oct 20, 2026

Microsoft-IITP program helps Korean AI talents tap into global research resources

Budding artificial intelligence (AI) researchers presented the results of their work during an internship program jointly organized by Microsoft Research and the Institute of Information & Communications Technology Planning & Evaluation (IITP), showcasing new findings in areas such as visual agentic AI, brain-inspired AI, AI-native systems and spatial intelligence. Microsoft, IITP and the Ministry of Science and ICT jointly held the 2026 Korea Day presentation event at Microsoft Korea Office in central Seoul, Tuesday, with over 100 students, mentors and officials from Microsoft Research Asia (MSRA) and IITP attending. IITP is the policy-planning and management arm of the ministry. “By embracing interdisciplinary and cross-boundary research rooted in Asia Pacific, we aim to define the new paradigm of computing and AI for the better,” Microsoft Research Accelerator Director Lee Mi-ran said. “Our collaboration with Korea is not a series of one-off events. It has been built steadily over more than 20 years … Government provides the framework, universities provide the talent and idea

Mercedes-Benz Korea turns to affordable CLA EV amid falling sales

Oct 20, 2026

Mercedes-Benz Korea turns to affordable CLA EV amid falling sales

Mercedes-Benz Korea is betting that a more affordable all-electric CLA sedan will revive its flagging electric vehicle (EV) business in the country, as Tesla and Chinese rivals gain ground in one of Asia’s most competitive imported-car markets. The German luxury automaker introduced the all-new electric CLA and GLC on Monday, with the entry-level CLA coupe-type sedan priced from 52.9 million won ($40,000). The pricing marks a major shift from Mercedes-Benz’s traditional premium positioning, placing its new electric sedan closer to mass-market alternatives, including Tesla’s Model Y, which starts at 49.99 million won in Korea. The Model Y was the country’s best-selling vehicle last month, largely due to its competitive pricing. The launch of the price-competitive CLA comes as Mercedes-Benz struggles to rev up sluggish EV sales. The company’s electric car lineup, previously a major source of growth, has lost momentum following the August 2024 fire involving a Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan in an underground parking garage in Incheon. Mercedes-Benz’s EV sales in Korea reached a peak of

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Oct 20, 2026

LIG D&A, Doosan Enerbility team up to develop missile, aircraft engines

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HD KSOE wins $1.4 bil. order from HMM for 8 container ships

Oct 20, 2026

HD KSOE wins $1.4 bil. order from HMM for 8 container ships

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Innocean's overseas units win 7 honors at US, Middle East ad awards

Oct 20, 2026

Innocean's overseas units win 7 honors at US, Middle East ad awards

Innocean, the advertising affiliate of Hyundai Motor Group, said Tuesday its overseas units have won seven honors at advertising awards in the United States and the Middle East. Innocean USA received two silver awards at the 2026 Jay Chiat Awards, hosted by the American Association of Advertising Agencies. The 29-year-old competition judges anonymized case studies on how strategic thinking delivered real business results. Hyundai Motor’s “IONIQ 9 Escape Garage” won silver in the influencer and creator strategy category, while Genesis’ “A New Beginning in Luxury” took silver in automotive strategy. Both were produced with Canvas Worldwide, Innocean’s U.S. media subsidiary. In the IONIQ 9 campaign, three creator families used the electric SUV’s interior space, seating and EV features to complete escape-room missions, drawing 8.6 million views. Innocean USA’s social media team was also named in the agency social media category of marketing publication Adweek’s Team Visionary Awards. Its work included “Hyundai Jingle Road Trip,” which turned a jingle TikTok users made

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Hankook Tire extends Ballon d'Or partnership for 3rd straight year

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CJ ONE expands membership perks to public transit with new partnership

Oct 20, 2026

CJ ONE expands membership perks to public transit with new partnership

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Oct 20, 2026

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K-beauty expo to open this week in Cheongju

Oct 20, 2026

K-beauty expo to open this week in Cheongju

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Hyundai Motor, Kia to test Level 4 autonomous trucks

Oct 20, 2026

Hyundai Motor, Kia to test Level 4 autonomous trucks

Hyundai Motor and its sister company Kia said Tuesday they will conduct test operations of Level 4 autonomous trucks as part of an ongoing effort to advance self-driving technology and pave the way for commercialization. The automakers signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the project with Hyundai Motor Group affiliates Hyundai Mobis Co. and Hyundai Glovis Co., as well as autonomous driving technology startups Mars Auto and RideFlux, at the group's Namyang R&D Center in Hwaseong, southwest of Seoul. Level 4 autonomous driving allows vehicles to operate without human intervention, including in emergency situations, under specified conditions and within designated operational areas. According to the MOU, Hyundai Motor and Kia will develop and supply two Xcient trucks, including a hydrogen fuel cell model, early next year. The test program will cover approximately 500 kilometers across two routes: a 100-kilometer section combining highways and urban roads, and a 400-kilometer long-distance highway route.

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