Author: WWC NEWSDESK

South Korea

South Korea Could Lead the World in AI for Older People — But There’s a Catch

South Korea's rapidly aging population could give the country an unexpected advantage in the global artificial intelligence race — if it can make sure AI works for older people rather than leaving them behind. That is the assessment of Zvezdan Pirtosek, the U.N. Independent Expert on the enjoyment of all human rights by older persons, who says South Korea is uniquely positioned to develop and test AI systems designed around the needs, rights and experiences of older adults. Pirtosek made the r

5d

Business

Will the Peso Really Hit ₱65? PCCI’s Bryan Ang Says Christmas Dollars Could Change Everything

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine peso may be under intense pressure, but the currency is unlikely to plunge all the way to ₱65 against the US dollar, according to Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) official Bryan Ang, who believes a seasonal surge in overseas Filipino remittances and steady dollar earnings from the country's business process outsourcing industry could provide crucial support. Ang, PCCI vice president for trade and industry, said the approaching Christmas sea

5d

Asia

Cambodia Built Thousands of New Homes for Families Fleeing the Thai Border — But Most Still Want the Villages They Lost

BANTEAY MEANCHEY, Cambodia — Rows of newly built stilt houses now stretch across the countryside near Cambodia’s border with Thailand, giving thousands of families something they have lacked for months: a roof, running water, schools and a place to begin again. But for many residents, the settlement is not home. The Cambodian government has established six so-called “waiting villages” for families displaced by the violent border conflict with Thailand that erupted in July 2025 and flared again

5d

South Korea

Korean Firms Hold Onto Dollars as Won Surges to 23-Month High — Here’s What Could Happen Next

South Korean companies are accumulating U.S. dollars instead of rushing to convert their export earnings into won, creating an unusual twist in the country's rapidly changing foreign-exchange market. Dollar deposits at the country's five largest commercial banks reached a record $76.98 billion as of Thursday, according to financial-sector data reported Sunday. Corporate accounts accounted for the overwhelming majority, with business dollar deposits reaching a record $63.3 billion. The develop

5d

Hong Kong

Joshua Wong Had Been Due to Leave Prison in 2027 — Then He Pleaded Guilty in a Second National Security Case

HONG KONG — For Joshua Wong, January 2027 had represented something increasingly rare after years behind bars: a possible release date. That prospect is now in serious doubt. The 29-year-old Hong Kong pro-democracy activist pleaded guilty on Sept. 2 to conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security, opening the way for another prison sentence on top of the four years and eight months he is already serving in a separate national-security case. The new charge is among t

5d

Philippines

Sara Duterte Says She Fears for Her Life—Now the PNP Is Stepping In

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is prepared to assess and verify Vice President Sara Duterte’s security concerns after she publicly expressed fear for her life and said she no longer trusted the police or the courts. PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said police units would continue monitoring the situation involving Duterte and her immediate family and would examine any documents, reports or statements she submits concerning alleged threats. The deve

5d

China

Chinese Worker Found Alive in a Nepal Tunnel After 10 Days — But What He Told Rescuers Could Send Them Deeper Underground

Chinese Worker Found Alive in Nepal Tunnel 10 Days After Catastrophic Flood — But Hundreds May Still Be Trapped Underground Chinese national Lu Haitao was pulled alive Saturday from inside a 225-meter tunnel at the Upper Trishuli-1 Hydropower Project in Rasuwa district, according to Nepal’s military and government authorities. The Japan Times, carrying the breaking report, described him as the third worker rescued alive from hydropower tunnels since the Aug. 26 catastrophe. Reuters reported th

5d

China

50 Years After Mao Zedong’s Death, China’s Young Are Turning Back to Him — But What They’re Remembering May Be More Important Than Mao Himself

NANJIE, China — Half a century after Mao Zedong’s death, China has transformed almost beyond recognition. Skyscrapers have replaced communes, private enterprise drives much of the economy, and Chinese companies compete at the frontiers of electric vehicles, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Yet Mao is far from disappearing. As China approaches the 50th anniversary of Mao’s death on September 9, 2026, the revolutionary leader’s image is again resonating with some young Chinese

5d

Philippines

Omar Duterte Blasts Sara Arrest Warrant as ‘Political Harassment’—But What Happens Next Could Raise the Stakes

MANILA, Philippines — Davao City 2nd District Rep. Omar Duterte has condemned the arrest warrant issued against his aunt, Vice President Sara Duterte, calling it a “clear act of political harassment” as the Vice President’s legal and political battles continue to intensify. In a statement, Omar Duterte accused those in power of using government institutions to silence political opponents, saying he was deeply troubled by the developments surrounding the Vice President. His remarks came after a

5d

South Korea

South Korea Police Launches Sweeping Reform Task Force as Investigative Power Shift Nears

SEOUL — South Korea's police are preparing to launch a dedicated reform task force this week, signaling a major internal overhaul as the agency faces mounting public scrutiny and prepares to assume significantly greater investigative responsibility. The Korean National Police Agency said Sunday that the new body will conduct a broad review of police systems, working practices, the chain of command and supervisory gaps. The task force will be led by an officer holding the rank of senior superin

5d