China Executive Insights
Iran war's impact comes as Chinese stay away following actor's abduction A travel agency in the Little Arabia district of central Bangkok. (Photo by Shota Manda) BANGKOK -- Thailand's tourism industry has been hurt by the turmoil in the Middle East, with visitors from the region plunging 25% on the year during the January-May period to around 150,000.
A Mogami-class frigate. Japanese financial institutions are considering greater involvement in the country's defense sector. (Photo by Rurika Imahashi) TOKYO -- Major Japanese banks are cautiously shifting from a blanket policy of avoiding loans to security and defense companies to one of measured consideration, driven by heightened geopolitical risks and the government's April decision to lift the ban on exports of lethal weaponry.
Japanese electronic company's flat antennas allow more flexible installation Sharp is also developing this civilian version of the satellite receiver. (Photo by Kyoko Hariya) OSAKA -- Japanese electronics group Sharp is developing communications receivers for defense that can link with satellites in different types of orbits for more stable connections, aiming for commercialization in 2028.
As domestic market shrinks, Japan underwear maker turns to auto interior business Wacoal's Melooop technology used to form bra cups can be applied to make auto interior parts. (Wacoal) KYOTO, Japan -- Women's undergarment maker Wacoal will expand into the automotive interior business through collaboration with the Japanese unit of chemical producer BASF.
Mori says US workers see joining with Nippon Steel as a positive Nippon Steel Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori speaks at a press conference on June 11. (Photo by Shintaro Ino) TOKYO -- One year after its blockbuster acquisition of U.S. Steel, Nippon Steel's efforts to reform the struggling steelmaker have delivered some positive results, but the Japanese parent is not satisfied with the improvements yet, Vice Chairman and Executive Vice President Takahiro Mori told Nikkei.
Aussie group sees 'strong appetite' in America for liquefied natural gas, CEO says An LNG facility operated by Woodside in northwestern Australia. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi) SYDNEY -- Australia's Woodside Energy Group is poised for a big increase in liquefied natural gas and crude oil sales as it begins recouping large investments made in recent years.
AI research and agricultural technology to feature in project aiming to attract global professionals A model of the planned Johor Tech Smart City is displayed during the project's launch event in the southern Malaysian state of Johor on June 12. (Photo by Kentaro Takeda) SINGAPORE -- Malaysian property and leisure conglomerate Genting has launched a $20 billion smart city project featuring an artificial intelligence research facility in the southern state of Johor, adding to growing technology investment in the area.
President says high-speed connectivity is key battleground in supercomputing Marvell President Chris Koopmans says the company has already engaged with TSMC about using the latter's A14 chip production technology for its next-generation products. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Cheng Ting-Fang and Getty Images) TAIPEI -- U.S. chip developer Marvell is deepening its relationship with TSMC as it bets on demand for high-speed connectivity for AI data centers to fuel even greater growth for the company.
American company to compete with 30 domestic and foreign rivals From left: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Nepal Chelan J. Bliss; Uber's Vice President and Regional General Manager for Mobility/Rides in the Asia-Pacific Dominic Taylor; and Nepal's Director General of the Department of Tourism Ramkrishna Lamichhane, attend a soft-launch for the ride-hailing company in Nepal on June 5. (Courtesy of Uber Technologies) KATHMANDU -- Uber Technologies has entered Nepal's ride-hailing market after years on the sidelines, betting that its global brand, tourist familiarity and local-partner model can help it break into the Himalayan nation's crowded sector that is still waiting for clear rules.
Chip equipment leader expects industry to become pillar of Japan's economy Tokyo Electron President and CEO Toshiki Kawai speaks to Nikkei in Tokyo on June 9. (Photo by Hikaru Yagi) TOKYO -- China's push to build a self-sufficient semiconductor industry is creating new competitors for foreign equipment suppliers, but the head of Tokyo Electron says he is confident the Japanese chip toolmaker can maintain its technological edge.
Ex-film star Vijay compared to fiery 1970s predecessor, but times have changed Actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay raises his fist during his swearing-in ceremony as chief minister of Tamil Nadu in Chennai, India, on May 10. © Reuters BANGKOK/NEW DELHI -- Sri Lanka's political leaders from across the country's ethnic divide have revealed contrasting expectations as C. Joseph Vijay, a film star-turned-politician in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu, became the state's chief minister last week, after his neophyte party won a landmark election earlier this month.
From Asakusa to Osaka, operators offer hands-on shows and dinner packages International tourists take part in a salt-throwing purification ritual at Asakusa Sumo Club in Tokyo's Asakusa district. (Nanami Sato) TOKYO -- Japan's booming overseas tourism market is fueling demand for sumo attractions, as foreign visitors unable to secure tickets to official tournaments turn to immersive experiences that offer a taste of the sport's rituals, techniques and cuisine.