CES Insight & Innovation Awards highlights Korea's global tech competitiveness SEOUL, February 12 (AJP) - The 2025 CES Insight & Innovation Awards, an event recognizing outstanding South Korean companies making a mark in the global market, took place on Wednesday at the Korea Press Center in Seoul. Hosted by Aju News Corporation and its English-language news agency AJP, the event aimed to shed light on innovative Korean businesses and provide insights into the latest technology trends showcased at CES 2025. The awards ceremony was accompanied by the CES 2025 Debriefing, a panel discussion featuring industry experts analyzing the future of technology and industry shifts. The panel included Joo Young-sup, distinguished professor at Seoul National University’s Graduate School of Engineering Practice and former administrator of the Small and Medium Business Administration, Koo Yoon-cheol, distinguished professor of economics at Seoul National University and former minister of Government Policy Coordination, Kim Hong-seok, executive director of strategic management at the INNOBIZ Association, Kim Hyun-woo, CEO of the Seoul Economic Promotion Agency, Lee Kyung-joon, professor at Kyung Hee University’s College of Business Administration, and Choi Choong-hwan, Aju News Corporation’s Silicon Valley bureau chief. During the discussion, panelists delved into key technological advancements from CES 2025, providing a comprehensive analysis of how these innovations are shaping the global landscape. They also explored strategies for Korean companies to strengthen their competitiveness and adapt to emerging industry trends. The awards celebrated companies that demonstrated outstanding innovation and market potential, with a focus on those recognized for their cutting-edge technologies at CES 2025. “In an era of rapid technological shifts, it is crucial for Korean companies to align with global trends and develop sustainable growth strategies. This event serves as a platform to recognize innovation and inspire businesses to take bold steps in the international market,” said an official from Aju News Corporation. The 2025 CES Insight & Innovation Awards was supported by the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, the INNOBIZ Association, and the Seoul Economic Promotion Agency, serving as a key networking and knowledge-sharing platform for industry leaders and entrepreneurs looking to expand their global footprint. 2025-02-12 16:24:20

Iran commemorates 46th anniversary of Islamic Revolution with diplomatic event in Seoul SEOUL, February 11 (AJP) - The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea held a commemorative event Monday marking the 46th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. The gathering took place at the Ambassador Seoul Pullman Hotel and was attended by approximately 200 guests, including foreign diplomats, entrepreneurs, scholars, media officials, and South Korean government representatives. The Islamic Revolution, which culminated in February 1979, led to the overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The annual commemoration celebrates the country's independence, sovereignty, and guiding principles, with events held both domestically and internationally. H.E. Saeed Koozechi, the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to South Korea, welcomed the attendees and delivered an opening speech. He emphasized Iran’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and cooperation. "The Islamic Republic of Iran continues to advocate and work for peace and stability in the region on the basis of its principled and responsible stance that entails dialogue and cooperation among the countries of the region," The envoy said. The ambassador highlighted Iran’s growing engagement with international organizations such as BRICS, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), and the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation, as part of Iran’s dynamic foreign policy aimed at fostering regional prosperity. "In the light of a proactive, effective and dynamic foreign policy, Iran has expanded its multilateral interactions with regional organizations such as BRICS, SCO, ECO and D-8 as we seek a stronger and prosperous region for all," he noted. Addressing bilateral ties, Ambassador Koozechi underscored the longstanding friendship between Iran and South Korea, which he described as a foundation for future cooperation across various sectors. "The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Republic of Korea have always maintained friendly and constructive relations," he said. "The long lasting historical, cultural and economic ties between the two countries have maintained a suitable platform for further expansion of cooperation and interactions in various fields," Koozechi added. He expressed optimism that stronger bilateral relations would contribute not only to mutual benefit but also to broader peace and prosperity. "We firmly believe that expansion of bilateral relations will not only be beneficial for both countries but also contribute to enhancing regional and global peace, stability, and prosperity." 2025-02-11 10:05:27

New Zealand embassy in Seoul celebrates Waitangi Day SEOUL, February 07 (AJP) - The New Zealand embassy in the Republic of Korea celebrated Waitangi Day, the country's national day, on Thursday at the ambassador's residence in Yongsan District. More than one hundred guests attended the event, including foreign diplomats, businesspeople, and professionals from various sectors. Waitangi Day, celebrated on February 6, commemorates the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs, marking the founding partnership of New Zealand. Dawn Bennet, the New Zealand Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, welcomed guests with the Māori proverb "Whiria te tāngata," which means "weave the people together." She explained that Waitangi Day serves as an example of what diplomacy can achieve, noting that the treaty established British governance in New Zealand while committing to give the native Māori equal status and recognizing their rights. "I see this as an example of people from different cultures seeking to understand each other and to become partners through communication and agreement, and that is the very essence of diplomacy," Bennet said. The relationship between New Zealand and South Korea dates back to the early 1950s, when Kiwi soldiers were deployed to the Korean Peninsula during the Korean War (1950–1953). Over the decades, the two countries have developed a strong friendship, culminating in a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed ten years ago. In 2024, the two countries agreed to advance discussions on a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. "It is a relationship which will continue to be close in the long term, enduring through any challenges that come our way, and our relationship will endure because it is built on the important connecting factors of people, prosperity, values, and culture. These are all strands in the tapestry that we are weaving between our two countries," Bennet said. 2025-02-07 15:12:47