Philippines calls on China to open Scarborough Shoal to scrutiny
MANILA -- The Philippines has demanded that China open Scarborough Shoal to international scrutiny, accusing Beijing of destroying a lagoon's ecosystem.
Nikkei staff writer in asian news
30% of Japan's job seekers face sexual harassment, survey shows
TOKYO -- Interns and job applicants in Japan are experiencing sexual harassment at an alarming rate, according to a government survey that paints a stark picture of a country without legal protections for prospective employees.
Siam Cement and Dow to launch waste plastic recycling in Thailand
BANGKOK -- Siam Cement Group (SCG), Thailand's largest materials manufacturer, has formed a partnership with U.S. chemical giant Dow to recycle plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming for an annual capacity of 200,000 tonnes by 2030, the company announced Friday.
China-focused pet goods startup draws Zozo founder's fund as investor
SHANGHAI -- Onedot, a Tokyo-based startup that runs a pet goods delivery service in China, has raised 2 billion yen ($12.8 million) from a group of investors that includes a fund backed by the founder of online fashion retailer Zozo.
70 years on, Vietnam reflects on Dien Bien Phu's legacy
Vietnam commemorated the 70th anniversary of its victory over French forces in Dien Bien Phu, a town in the northwest of the country, on May 7, reflecting on its historic fight for independence and freedom. The scars of the decisive battle, which brought an end to French colonial rule, can still be seen.
Weak yen and lower costs lure factories back to Japan
TOKYO -- The depreciating yen is reviving Japan's appeal as a manufacturing hub for goods such as cosmetics, while the lower costs for exporters have bolstered the competitiveness of Japanese rice abroad.
Malaysia's GDP grew 4.2% in Q1, fastest in a year
KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia's economy expanded 4.2% in the January to March quarter from a year earlier, its fastest pace of growth in a year, official data from the central bank showed Friday.
Temasek's venture capital arm to launch first Japan-focused fund
SINGAPORE -- Vertex Holdings, the venture capital arm of Singaporean state investor Temasek Holdings, is expanding its startup investment in Japan through a new dedicated fund, according to its CEO, in a rare move by a leading global investor to tap into the nascent cluster.