Global news network AVING News held VIPASIA AWARDS this month and selected 25 promising Korean companies that shinedin Asia in 2020 and will shine Asia in 2021.

VIP ASIA AWARDS selects Asian-born people,products, places, and promotions that will lead the world's history, culture,and economic trends. In its 15th run, this global awards takes the lead inpromoting Asian values to the world.

The selected companies for “VIP ASIA2020-21” are as follows. △IT: Rearth, FineDigital, ThePlanG, Lemon Networks,SiliconCube, Alphabit, AZothBio, AllLiveC, Hills Engineering, Spring Onward△ICT: SafeTechResearch, THES, Multics △IOT: THE.WAVE.TALK △Car: Ssangyong MotorCompany, KST Electric △Robot: Helper Robotics △Textile/Fashion: Woojin Global,Barun Gonghak △ Eyewear: RAVENTEARS △Beauty: Age@Labs, I'm BOMB △ Householdgoods: ZARI △BIO: Biocera △Logistics service: Boxful

IT_Galaxy S21 Series Case by Rearth

As a domestic company established in 2003,Rearth is exporting mobile accessories to 26 countries around the world.Rearth's mobile accessory brand Ringke has released cases for Galaxy S21 series(S21, S21 Plus, S21 Ultra). Ringke Fusion, optimized for the protection anddesign of the Galaxy S21 series, is a steady seller model that is gaining highpopularity among domestic consumers. It can be used safely with the outstandingprotection that passed the mil-spec, and by being made of transparent material,it expresses the basic design of the Galaxy S21 series well.

IT_ FineDigital’s QHD dash cam Fineview LXQ1000

The biggest feature of FineDigital's“Fineview LXQ1000” is that when changing from parking mode to driving mode, thebooting speed becomes seven times faster than the models in the same class, andbooting is completed in just 1.9 seconds. With its quick start, every moment isrecorded, front and rear, in QHD super high quality to catch accidents andright after starting the car that are often missed from recording. To improvethe quality of video recording at night, Sony Starvis IMX335 sensor has beenused to provide bright and clear video recording even at night. Also, itprovides an optimal recording environment by applying auto night vision thatexpresses optimal contrast and color regardless of day or night and HDR functionthat accurately identifies license plates by automatically merging two imageswith different brightness.

IT_ ThePlanG with its AI-based English education system Odinga English

ThePlanG is an edutech company thatlaunched Odinga English, a learning app for elementary school students' English-speakingskills in December 2019 and it recently launched the first multilingual versionof the Odinga English Hindi version on the Google Store and is attractingattention. Lee Gyeong-ah, the CEO of ThePlanG, said, “With COVID-19, we havefocused on developing solutions and platforms to solve educational problems inthe global society, such as smartphone addiction, digital divide, and equal educationalopportunities for infants and children who spend a lot of time at home due toCOVID-19.” She then added, “We have developed and is now servicing a digitallearning solution with a new concept for English and coding education necessaryto equip 4C, Communication, Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Creativity.”

IT_ Lemon Networks’ medical brokerage service platform BBCHAT APP

Lemon Networks has developed andcommercialized the Vietnamese version of BBCHAT APP, a medical brokerageservice platform. Lemon Networks CEO Kim Geun-young introduced BBCHAT APP as"the overseas plastic surgery brokerage services platform that can provide1:1 consultation with medical institutions by real-time simultaneousinterpretation service and the information of the medical institutions toforeign patients.” BBCHAT APP provides various information such as basicinformation of hospitals located in Korea, medical staff information, eventinformation, and surgery reviews in the user's native language. In particular, becausehospital information is gathered, foreign users can easily obtain informationwithout spending a lot of time searching, and with simultaneous interpretationchat service of BBCHAT APP, direct consultation with the hospital in the user'slanguage can be done, and a quick feedback can be obtained.

IT_ SiliconCube’s Smart Parking Management System

SiliconCube developed an innovative parkingmanagement system by applying AI engine reinforcement learning technology tothe recognition of foreign vehicle license plates that are difficult to accesswith the OCR (optical character recognition) method. This system is gaininggreat response in the Philippines and Japan, and SiliconCube has developed itsown vehicle number recognizer (LPR: License Plate Recognizer), gate blockingbar, and unmanned payment machine, which are additionally attached to the smartparking management system, and is supplying them to the market. The company ispreparing to develop and supply solutions in the form of a platform so that theapplication cases can be expanded to parking lots and also unmanned inspectorsand simple payment services through the smart parking management system.

IT_ Alphabit’s unstructured data encryption solution Alpha Smart Guard

Targeting the encryption market for dataprotection, Alphabit is a data security startup company established in 2014. Inline with the rapidly changing IT environment, it is leading IoT security, bigdata security, database security, and security authentication. This company suppliesAlpha SmartGuard, an unstructured data encryption solution, and Alpha TKMS, anexclusive solution for HSM key management, to public institutions and financialmarkets. Alpha SmartGuard is a solution that can protect customer informationsafely with fast performance and security from personal information leakageaccidents which a series of them had recently occurred, fundamentally blockingthe leakage of personal information by encrypting personal information includedin unstructured data such as files or images and providing fast and safestorage environment in a smart environment.

IT_ AZothBio’s AI platform for new drug development

AZothBio has developed 10 models such asdeep-learning-based drug activity prediction and virtual search/generation overthree years since its establishment in 2016 by its own technology, and utilizedAI platform to jointly carry out seven new drug exploration and developmentprojects with partners. The major AI platform developed by AZothBio is AiDL®,which is an integrated platform through which AI models for new drugdevelopment can operate efficiently. Shin explained, "AiDL® is a platformthat enables the development and exploration of Ai-based new drugs and activityprediction to operate in integration. This drastically reduces the delivery ofnew drug candidate which usually took 4-6 years by traditional method.”

IT_ AllLiveC’s enrollment and management platform for clinical trials

AllLiveC is a platform operated by AllLiveHealthcare, Korea's no. 1 clinical trial support service provider. It isproviding the clinical trial online/offline integrated brokerage service thatconnects applicants who want to participate and the clinical trial centers.Clinical trial is the most important process in the development of new drugs,and a huge amount of time and money is spent. AllLive Healthcare has the goalto innovate these clinical trials with IT technology, and as the first step, ithas made the platform that provides the service of recruiting and managing thesubjects for clinical trials. By using the IT technology, the recruitment ofclinical trial subjects that had been conducted manually is done by AllLiveC,the clinical online/offline clinical trial brokerage service. It is announcingthe clinical trials by online media.

IT_ Hills Engineering’s autonomous logistics robot system

Hills Engineering is leading the CES-typesmart logistics by developing an autonomous logistics robot system to remodel alogistics site that was organized around product flow to human-centered system.CEO Park Myeong-gyu introduced the company as “the robot innovation companythat stimulates the change in 3D logistics environment.” He then explains, “Wesupply the logistics robot system and solution in all sectors where themovement of items takes place like distribution company, operation company, andlogistics company besides the manufacturing company that want to implementsmart factories.” He said, “The robots used in the logistics industry generallyreplace human feet. The feature that designs the automatic path that minimizesthe picking after receiving the order information at the logistics site aremostly done on foot.”

IT_ Spring Onward’s mobile coffee platform ONEDO

Spring Onward, a startup that operates cafeand coffee related platforms by using IT technology and new media contents,launched its mobile coffee platform ONEDO that allows joint purchase of coffeebeans at low prices. The core services of ONEDO is group buying and community,and consumers can buy high-quality coffee and specialized coffee machines atlow prices at a platform called ONEDO. CEO Jeong Sae-bom said, “The more peoplegather in group buying, the cheaper the beans can be purchased. If the beanplatform is activated, cafe small business owners will be able to improve thetaste of their coffee and price competitiveness.”

ICT_SafeTechResearch’s ship operation simulator system

SafeTechResearch was established inSeptember 2012, and it is the research company no. 33 in the Ministry ofScience and ICT and the research company no. 1 in Korea Institute of OceanScience and Technology. It is carrying out various R&D projects related toship operation simulator system implementation, maritime traffic safetydiagnosis service, unmanned ship remote control system, and maritime trafficsafety. SafeTechResearch's ship operation simulator system is a deviceconfigured to enable experiencing various situations during the operation ofship by virtually reproducing the ship’s operation environment. It wastraditionally developed to train crew members, but now, it is being used forvarious purposes such as evaluating the pre-safety evaluation for newlydesigned ports or piers, analysis of the cause of marine accidents, newnavigation equipment, and for testing various algorithm that are used in shipsof new concept like unmanned ships and autonomous ships.

ICT_ THES’s thermal imaging camera View Eye 10.1

The staff from THES said, "View Eye providesan engine for Alchera mobile, which is the basis of domestic SNOW facialrecognition, access history, face registration, door control, and flexibleUI/UX. Also, it has its own storage device, transmission of server data throughWiFi, rechargeable battery pack for easier mobility in places where there is noelectricity and emergency power is needed, and shotgun-type infrared sensor onthe side of the instrument to measure the temperature on the wrist or arm toprepare against fluctuations due to the change in the seasonal temperatureaccording to the usage environment.” He then said, "We will continuedeveloping the product family that is used as an auxiliary device fortemperature measurement for door control by applying facial recognition andthermal image processing."

ICT_ Multics’s customized AI civil petition information system Nuri-View

Multics is a company that develops AIplatform and contents that can apply ICT technology to real life. Nuri-View,the flagship product, is an AI civil petition information system that providesservices tailored to the characteristics of those who are visually orauditorily impaired and on wheelchair. The company staff said, "Nuri-Viewis a thin smart mirror that is the collection of AI technologies, which are thecore technologies these days, such as smart mirror function, three cameras signlanguage motion recognition, voice recognition, and face tracking thermalimaging camera. Visually impaired people can ask questions by voice and receiveanswers by voice to receive civil petition information, and for hearingimpaired people, the camera can recognize sign language movements and receiveanswers in sign language 3D images. For people in wheelchairs, the height isrecognized and the screen interface is automatically changed to fit the heightso that the service can be received.”

IoT_THE.WAVE.TALK’s IoT water sensor Water Talk

Founded by technology investment from KAISTin July 2016, THE.WAVE.TALK is a hardware startup that develops IoT watersensors and in vitro diagnostics (IVD) bacteria sensors. The company hasdeveloped a sensor that detects, quantifies, and classifies bacteria and otherfine-sized particles in collaboration with KAIST. With the patented hardwareCSMS (Chaotic Scattering Material and Structure) and data analysis software, ithas developed the IoT water sensor Water Talk. It has the same performance asthe existing turbidimeter, and its special advantage is that it is about1/100th of its price. It can be installed in the water purifier, so theconsumers can feel safe, and the water purifier company can gain higher trustand collect and manage customers' big water quality data.

Car_Ssangyong’s all-new Rexton

The charm of Ssangyong Motor Company'sall-new Rexton begins with a favorable acclaim for the design that was releasedwith a pre-contract. The design shows a completely new aspect by adding thedignified presence and urban sophistication of an authentic SUV. Each element,including the radiator grille and dual projection-type Full LED headlamps,forms a layered structure to create a three-dimensional effect. The all-newRexton's new powertrain achieves in both performance and fuel economyimprovement. The engine boasts a maximum output of 202 horsepower and a maximumtorque of 45.0 kg∙m, each with an increase of 15 horsepower and 2.0 kg∙m intorque from the previous models. With a maximum torque range of 1,600 to 2,600rpm, it utilizes a sufficient amount of torque in the everyday areasencountered the most. Fuel economy improved by about 10% to 11.6km/ℓ based oncombined fuel economy.

Car_KST Electric’s micro electric car MaiV

MaiV refers to an eco-friendly electricvehicle that saves KST's first planet with My EV and Most Activity IntelligenceVehicle. MaiV produced in Korea is produced in Korean style considering thelocalization of batteries and electronic parts, which are the core elements ofelectric vehicles, and overseas exports. In particular, the battery uses 21700,Samsung SDI’s next-generation cylindrical battery cell known to have arelatively larger capacity than the existing 18650 and superior in charge anddischarge performance. Android-based 9-inch touch screen next-generationinfotainment system and various connected technologies are all applied tomaximize user convenience along with cute appearance design. Smartphone userscan use the latest Android Auto and Apple’s wireless CarPlay free of charge forlife.

Robot_Helper Robotics’ non-face-to-face shop-customized serving robot system Hello

Helper Robotics' non-face-to-face shopcustomized serving robot Hello is a system with proven operational efficiencythat won the grand prize at the Venture Startup Competition hosted by HanyangUniversity and COMMAX last year. Choi Jae-won, CEO of Helper Robotics, said,"With the existing serving robot, food is exposed externally duringserving, and if you are careless, the robot and the customer may collide. Ourproducts are highly stable because the serving robot moves through thedesignated rails and covers, so there is no exposure.” He added, “It is threetimes faster than the existing robot, and because it moves through the rail,there is no stop while moving, and this increases the rotation rate. Also, thecompany's serving rail combines serving and return to provide more convenientservices to consumers. It can be used as a non-face-to-face partition andpresents a new untact shop."

Textile/Fashion_Woojin Global’s nylon sublimation transfer printing

Hyeong Seok-hoon, CEO of Woojin Global,said, "Our nylon sublimation transfer printing is a product that has gonethrough more than 150 testings for three years before coming out on the market.In the first place, the test was conducted with the tricot product, which isthe most difficult to print. The dark color is grade 3.5, the neutral and lightcolors are rendered as grade 4 or higher, and the quality has been highly ratedby an accredited agency." He said, "I am confident in any product,including products that combine the texture of nylon and stability ofpolyester." Also, "We are currently consulting on exports andcontracts with domestic companies, and we are planning to actively promote ourproducts to the global market through buyers. Also, we are planning tointroduce DP (digital print) sublimation transfer soon, so please take interestin us."

Textile/Fashion_Barun Gonghak’s sportswear with a new concept

The company staff said, "A new conceptsportswear that adds health by just wearing it has been released. It has thesame features of other sportswear like air cooling, elasticity, moistureabsorption, quick drying, and opaqueness, and adds health and exercise benefitsfrom each movement.” He then said, “We succeeded in applying for domestic andoverseas patents for technologies and products that can help to create moremuscle, burn fat faster, and increase blood circulation and skin elasticity. Itwill create a new breeze in the sportswear industry. He also said, “The companyis getting ready to release new service like app and home training along withnew sportswear line.”

Eyewear_RAVENTEARS’ two-bridge polygonal glasses RAVENTEARS Deux

RAVENTEARS is a brand that is distributingits products to optical shops nationwide and online/offline select shops. It isbreaking its own record in brand growth every year. Particularly, RAVENTEARS’two-bridge polygonal glasses have become popular for recently being worn by YooJae-seok and Rain (Jung Ji-hoon) from “Hangout with Yoo/” The company staffsaid, "We selected Lil Boi, the winner of Show Me the Money 9 as a newmodel in 2021. Lil Boi received attention for his sincerity and musicalitythrough Show Me the Money 9 and emerged as a new icon. I think this fits thecompany's efforts to communicate with contemporary cultures across generations.We look forward to having a great synergy for each other with this photobook."

Beauty_ Age@Labs’ inner beauty product made with snail mucin

Mucin Glow, a popular product fromAge@Labs, the bio company that specializes in Mucin, aims to differentiateitself from the existing inner beauty products by processing snail mucusingredients effective for anti-aging. Lee Jeong-seok, CEO of Age@Labs, said,"In the past, the concept of ingesting collagen to help skin health waswidely known, but the company is continuing skin health research using aspecial ingredient called snail mucin. One more advantage of the company isthat my parents run an eco-friendly grazing farm to raise snails that arestress-free.” He then said, “Through several studies, we have found that mucinis effective not only for skin improvement, but also for gut and female health.We will continue research to develop ingredients individually approved by theMFDS related to skin, intestine, and women's health. This year, we are going toconduct clinical trials in full force.”

Beauty_I’m BOMB’s eco-friendly bathing bomb

The staff from I’m BOMB said, “For I’m BOMBbathing bomb, we put safe ingredients as the top priority and made the bathbombs with 89% food-level ingredients, so there is no worry of harm to thebody. I'm BOMB’s sparkling & bubble type is a product that combines bathbomb and bubble bar, so they do not have to be purchased separately. It isgaining positive responses from many people.” She then said, “Based on theknow-how in the export market accumulated over the years, we will developcustomized products that meet the demands of the overseas market. We willbecome Korea’s best bath bomb product and prove the excellence of Koreanproducts, thus entering the global market, particularly in US and France.”

Household goods_Hanji product brand ZARI’s various Korean paper household goods

ZARI is a Korean paper product brand. Withpackaging, stationary, and living design products using traditional Koreanpaper, it supports the life of Korean paper products and vitalization ofsmall-scale Korean paper manufacturers. △ Eco-friendly packaging, stationeryproducts, tourism cultural products, and other art products △ Eco-friendlywallpaper, sheet paper, etc. △ Interior products △ Tableware, lighting, etc. △Living accessories. The company staff said, "We design, manufacture, andsell household products by incorporating traditional Korean designs that arenot well known to people around the world, and living household items such astable mats and waterproof tablecloths are our flagship products." He thensaid, “We are planning to make products that people not only in Korea but alsoaround the world can use beautifully, safely and practically in their lives. Wewill focus on the use of natural materials and actively introduce the use offunctional fabrics to enhance usability and functionality. Also, we are tryingto secure a variety of materials for a smooth supply and supply of products ata suitable price.”

BIO_ Biocera’s ceramic ball carrier

Founded in 1994, Biocera is a specializedcompany that researches eco-friendly bioceramic materials in the fields ofwater, air and antibacterial, and manufactures bioceramic ball carrier,alkaline, hydrogen, and mineral generating water filters based on this. SongGi-bok, the vice president of Biocera, said, “The company’s vision is to makeeveryone’s days healthy and happy with water that people use to drink and washthemselves and clothes. To realize the vision, it is developing the productsthat enhance the health and environment, and it supplies this to the market.”Song added, “In particular, our bead-shaped ceramic ball carrier hasantibacterial functions depending on the material. It has various functionssuch as the beneficial antibacterial ceramic ball, mineral ceramic ball thatreleases magnesium and calcium, and antioxidation ceramic ball that hasantioxidant function.”

Logistics service_Boxful’s self-storage service

Seong Jeong-hak, the CEO of Boxful, said,“We are running 18 unmanned, non-face-to-face warehouses in Asia such as Seoul,Hong Kong, and Taiwan, and recently opened a direct franchise BongcheonStation. Boxful’s franchise business has low-cost interior and runs in 100%unmanned non-face-to-face system, so we are getting many inquiries these days.”He then said, “In the future, we are going to open 30 shared warehouse storesin Korea including ones in Gongdeok and Mokdong to solve the vacancy problemsin the city and help the self-employed who are going through difficulties thesedays.” In particular, in the first quarter of this year, we are planning toopen the first shared warehouse store in Daegu in partnership with a majordomestic company, so please take interest in us.”

AVING NEWS, the host of VIP ASIA Season2020-21 has reported for over 100 Korean and overseas exhibitions every year,including global exhibitions like CES, IFA, MWC. It has made the effort topromote Korean SMEs to global market, and has posted over 20,000 video clips onYouTube.

VIP ASIA AWARDS selects Asian-born people,products, places, and promotions that will lead the world's history, culture,and economic trends. In its 15th run, this global awards takes the lead inpromoting Asian values to the world.

→ Go to VIP ASIA 2020-21 special page