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SK Group's Chey Tae-won Announces 'Big Tent' for Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation
Chey Tae-won, chairman of SK Group, is set to establish a permanent cooperation platform called 'Big Tent' involving the economic, academic, and research sectors of Korea and Japan. This initiative aims to transform the Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation from a conceptual framework into concrete industrial collaboration and policy actions.On November 12, the Choi Jong-hyun Academy and the East Asia Institute jointly held the 'Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation Roadmap Conference: From Vision to Execution' at the Korea Higher Education Foundation Conference Hall in Gangnam, Seoul. The event, which included participation from the Modern Japan Society and Japan's Nakasone Peace Institute (NPI), discussed the medium- to long-term development direction and specific execution plans for Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation.In a video keynote address, Chey announced the preparation of a 'Big Tent' permanent cooperation platform to continuously promote Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation. The platform aims to consolidate the capabilities of various stakeholders in both countries to share existing cooperation achievements and identify new joint projects.Chey emphasized the need to develop the vision of Korea-Japan Economic Cooperation into specific execution strategies. He proposed a phased approach to clarify the level of economic cooperation to be achieved in three years, the industries expected to generate joint results in five years, and the tangible benefits for businesses and citizens to be realized in ten years.'If the roadmap indicates the path we should take, the platform will serve as the foundation for gathering the strength to walk that path together,' Chey stated, stressing the importance of uniting the capabilities of cooperation stakeholders.During the conference, researchers from both countries presented three main pillars of cooperation: 'Alliance for Survival' focusing on economic security and supply chain collaboration, 'Alliance for Innovation' aimed at advanced technology and industrial innovation, and 'Alliance for Attraction' through cultural and human exchanges. They highlighted the need for joint responses to common challenges faced by both nations, including energy and critical mineral procurement, as well as issues related to aging populations and regional decline.Professor Son Yeol from Yonsei University noted that both countries are facing structural challenges such as declining economic status and population decrease, proposing a three-phase economic cooperation roadmap spanning from 2026 to 2045.Specific industrial cooperation strategies were also discussed. Professor Fukagawa Yukiko from Waseda University in Japan emphasized the need to expand cooperation from manufacturing to the service, finance, and digital sectors. She proposed a collaborative model where data centers in both countries provide mutual backup functions during crises.Professor Terada Takashi from Doshisha University in Japan stated that institutional foundations must be established to ensure economic cooperation continues despite changes in government or diplomatic conflicts. He suggested forming a 'Korea-Japan Economic 3+3 Consultative Body' involving the foreign, industry, and finance authorities of both countries.In the fields of AI and semiconductors, collaboration strategies that combine the technological strengths of both nations were discussed. Professor Chishima Tomonobu from Hanazono University in Japan proposed jointly developing energy-efficient AI semiconductors by combining Japan's semiconductor materials and equipment technology with Korea's mass production capabilities, as well as establishing testing and evaluation standards.Professor Lee Ji-pyeong from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies emphasized that enhancing industrial robots operating in both countries' manufacturing sites with AI and digital technologies represents a realistic task for physical AI collaboration.There were also suggestions to expand the scope of economic cooperation to include culture and local economies. Professor Kim Hang from Yonsei University proposed an 'Art Tourism' cooperation model connecting regions in both countries experiencing population decline.* This article has been translated by AI.
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Jensen Huang Resigns as NVIDIA CEO Amid AI Collaboration Concerns with Japan
"Without Japan and Sega, there would be no NVIDIA today," Jensen Huang, then CEO of NVIDIA, said during his visit to Tokyo in July, recalling the early investment from the Japanese gaming company Sega. He referred to Japan as a "valuable friend." Just four months later, Huang stepped down amid allegations of infidelity and accusations of being a Chinese spy. Japanese media are now focusing on the future of the AI collaboration Huang built with Japan.NVIDIA announced on November 12 that Huang had resigned immediately. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun reported that an emergency board meeting on November 11 effectively decided his dismissal. Huang, who co-founded NVIDIA in 1993 and led the company for 33 years, will be temporarily succeeded by Colette Kress, the Chief Financial Officer. The board has begun searching for a permanent replacement.Huang's July visit highlighted how he cultivated relationships in Japan. According to the Yomiuri Shimbun, he partnered with companies like Fujitsu and Toyota in areas such as 'Physical AI,' which enables machines to operate autonomously. During his trip, he mingled with leaders of Japanese semiconductor firms at an izakaya in Kanda, Tokyo. His appearance as the head of the world's largest AI semiconductor company in a local bar generated significant buzz in Japan. An executive from a Japanese company that interacted with Huang described him to the Yomiuri as "charismatic, visionary, and passionate."Huang not only engaged with businesses but also directly approached various governments. According to the Nikkei, he advised the Japanese government during his visit to develop its own AI capabilities, stating, "A nation's intelligence must be cultivated domestically." This aligned with Japan's interest in developing its AI sector and NVIDIA's search for promising markets. He also reached out to European governments concerned about falling behind the U.S. and China. However, the Nikkei noted that Huang's 'top sales' approach heavily relied on his personal connections, raising doubts about whether his successor could fulfill the same role.The uncertainty extends beyond government relations. The Yomiuri identified NVIDIA's investment strategy as another variable. The company has funded AI developers and data center firms to cultivate customers for its semiconductors. One source told the Yomiuri that if this strategy changes under new leadership, it could have widespread repercussions across the AI industry.Among the potential successors is Rene Haas, CEO of Arm, a British semiconductor design firm under SoftBank Group, who has ties to Japan. The Nikkei noted that he worked at NVIDIA for seven years before joining Arm and currently serves as a director at SoftBank Group.While searching for a permanent successor, NVIDIA also announced the creation of a board chair position to oversee the CEO for the first time. The Nikkei pointed out that as companies grow, executives must be able to challenge the founder's decisions, and the board should have the authority to intervene. NVIDIA had not established a governance structure to check the concentrated power Huang held while investors and customers celebrated his achievements. The Nikkei suggested that Huang's resignation serves as a wake-up call for many companies that rely heavily on strong founders without preparing for succession.Tokyo's stock market reacted positively. On November 13, the Nikkei average rose by 997.36 points (1.64%) to close at 61,816.72, briefly surpassing a 1,000-point increase. Advantest, which had fallen 4.6% the previous day, surged by as much as 7%, contributing approximately 370 points to the index. Ibiden, a supplier of semiconductor packaging substrates to NVIDIA, also saw its shares rise by over 6% at one point.The Nikkei analyzed that the previous day's decline in related stocks reflected the potential for Huang's resignation, while NVIDIA's stock in the U.S. market had reduced its losses by the close, prompting a buying spree. Yugo Tsuboi, chief strategist at Daiwa Securities, told the Nikkei that the appointment of a CFO with extensive experience at NVIDIA brought a sense of relief. Meanwhile, NVIDIA is set to announce its earnings on November 17 (Korean time, November 18 morning).* This article has been translated by AI.
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South Korea Falls to Australia in APBC Opener; Japan Defeats Taiwan
The South Korean baseball team suffered a setback in their opening match of the 2026 Asia Professional Baseball Championship (APBC), losing to Australia 8-7.Coached by Choi Won-ho, South Korea played their first round-robin game at Tokyo Dome on November 12.After trailing 4-0, South Korea rallied in the sixth inning, scoring six runs to take the lead. However, late-game bullpen struggles and costly defensive errors prevented them from holding onto the advantage.Starting pitcher Kim Min-jun struggled with control and was pulled early. He allowed a three-run homer to Blake Cavil after issuing two walks in the first inning.Kim was replaced in the third inning after allowing another run, with Jo Dong-wook giving up an RBI single to Chris Burke, extending the deficit to 4-0.South Korea's offense finally came alive in the sixth inning. Pinch hitter Kim Ji-chan opened with a double down the left-field line, and Kim Joo-won followed with a two-run homer to left field.With the bases loaded and two outs, Kim Hwi-jip hit a three-RBI double off the right-field wall, turning the game around to 5-4. Park Jae-hyun added an RBI single, extending the lead to 6-4.However, South Korea faltered in the eighth inning. A fielding error by second baseman Kim Hwi-jip allowed the leadoff batter to reach base, and with one out, Park Jung-min surrendered a two-run homer to Clayton Campbell, tying the game at 6-6.In the ninth inning, Choi Jun-yong allowed Burke to hit an RBI double with one out, giving Australia the lead. Max Darlington followed with another RBI double, increasing the score to 8-6.South Korea managed to score one run in the bottom of the ninth on a sacrifice fly by Kim Do-young with runners on second and third, but it was not enough to reclaim the lead.The APBC is an international tournament featuring players under 24 years old or those who have been professional for three years or less. This year marks the third edition of the tournament, following events in 2017 and 2023. Teams can select up to three wild card players aged 29 or younger, and South Korea has chosen Kim Ji-chan, Han Dong-hee, and Choi Jun-yong as their wild cards.Four countries—South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Australia—are competing for the championship. The round-robin matches will take place from November 12 to 14, with the top two teams facing off in the finals on November 15, while the third and fourth place teams will compete for placement.South Korea has reached the finals in both previous tournaments but finished as runners-up to Japan each time.Following their opening loss, South Korea's path to the finals is uncertain as they prepare to face Japan on November 13 at 7 p.m. at the same venue. Japan, who defeated Taiwan 5-0 earlier in the day, will be a formidable opponent.Japan's leadoff hitter Masaki Tomoya led the charge with two home runs in the first and third innings, finishing with three hits and three RBIs. Second hitter Muneyama Rui also had a strong performance, contributing three hits, including a solo homer in the ninth inning.Starting pitcher Kanemaru Yumeto showcased his skills with a fastball reaching 154 km/h, throwing seven scoreless innings while allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out five.* This article has been translated by AI.