It has been 40 years since LG partnered with CG Group, Nepal, to cater to the consumer electronics market in Nepal with its innovative technology. Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, LG has established itself as a leading consumer electronic home appliance brand in Nepal. Fabian (Koonho) Lee, managing director of LG Electronics Singapore Limited, is in Nepal to explore business opportunities and understand the products that Nepali consumers are looking for to enhance their everyday lives. The Post's Krishana Prasain sat down with Lee to discuss LG's business in Nepal, market competition, strategy, and the use of AI in consumer electronic home appliances. Excerpts:

How do you assess the current LG brand business in Nepal?

Since partnering with CG Group, LG has consistently done well in the Nepali market for over four decades. There are many potential opportunities in the market, so we are focused on increasing our sales and expanding our business in Nepal. Although there has been a slight decline in demand recently, our sales performance remains strong. Nepal is a high-potential country, and we see opportunities for growth. LG and CG Group work as one team, cooperating closely to build a strong brand. We develop high-quality products to boost our performance in Nepal. Many Nepali consumers are searching for home appliances that meet their specific needs but often struggle to find the right options. To address this, we are designing customised products tailored specifically for Nepali consumers. These new models will enhance customer satisfaction.

There is intense competition among brands in the Nepali market. What is LG's strategy for Nepal?

LG is globally recognised as a premium brand, known for leading innovation, technology, and advanced information. We continue to implement our global strategy focused on innovation and premium products. Additionally, we recognise the importance of adapting to local market conditions. Therefore, we are introducing customised products designed to suit the Nepali market. This approach is central to our strategy for expanding LG's presence in Nepal.

LG is known for its innovative technology. What new products or technologies is LG introducing?

LG consistently creates new products and technologies. We lead the premium TV market with ultra-high-definition televisions. In the washing machine category, we have introduced the WashTower — an innovative washer and dryer combination that integrates both functions into a single unit, delivering exceptional performance. For refrigerators, LG was the first to launch the door-in-door design, a groundbreaking technology that offers both convenience and energy efficiency.

How does your slogan 'Life's Good' inspire people?

LG's 'Life's Good' embodies a sentiment similar to CG Group's slogan 'Touching Life Every Day'. Often, people go about their daily routines without realising their unmet needs or the small difficulties they face. At LG, we aim to identify these daily challenges and solve them through our products. 'Life's Good' means we strive to address our customers' needs and desires, making their lives more enjoyable, comfortable, and fulfilling. Ultimately, we want to create solutions that ease everyday struggles and bring positivity into people's lives. ‘Life's Good’ implies that we want to solve every difficulty and problems of our valued customers.

AI is a rapidly growing technology. How is LG incorporating AI into its products?

AI is about sensing and detecting problems by understanding users' habits, actions, and routines. At LG, we integrate AI into all our key products — including refrigerators, washing machines, TVs, and air conditioners — to make life more convenient. For example, our AI-powered washing machines can detect fabric types and suggest the appropriate wash cycle. Our AI-enabled TVs recommend programmes based on users' viewing preferences. People generally use AC for cooling, but some people dislike the cold air that comes from it. Even with air conditioners, AI technology can sense people's locations in a room and adjust airflow accordingly, ensuring comfort without blowing cold air directly onto them. This AI integration is part of LG's commitment to making everyday life smarter and more enjoyable for our customers.