AI & Enterprise

Science ministry to expand science institute-affiliated gifted schools to nurture regional talent

South Korea\'s Ministry of Science and ICT said it will launch a call for designations and conversions of science institute-affiliated gifted schools, aiming to help regional students use the education and research capabilities of science and technology institutes. The call targets seven areas without gifted schools, including Gangwon and Jeju. The ministry plans to select about three existing local high schools for conversion, with applications due Oct. 16 and final designation expected around December.

Industry

Korean battery makers return to profit in Q2, but one-offs cloud the turnaround

LG Energy Solution, Samsung SDI and SK On returned to operating profit in the second quarter, but analysts say their core battery businesses remain weak once U.S. AMPC tax credits, one-off gains and restructuring effects are stripped out. The companies said they brought forward the timing of the turnaround, while momentum is shifting from electric vehicles to energy storage systems and data centre demand. They expect profitability excluding AMPC from the fourth quarter.