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Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Financial Times to reopen Vietnam bureau

    Financial Times to reopen Vietnam bureau

    The London-based Financial Times (FT) was granted a license to reopen its permanent office in Vietnam at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.

    At the event, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang commended the newspaper for its past contributions to connecting Vietnam with the U.K. and the wider world. She expressed her confidence that with its professionalism, credibility, and coordination with the ministry and other Vietnamese Government bodies, the FT would continue to play a key role in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting Vietnam’s image globally.

    The Deputy Minister stressed that Vietnam is entering a new era – the era of the nation’s rise and hoped that the FT would help spread this message to readers in the U.K. and the world. She also affirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting the newspaper and the British Embassy in enhancing the Vietnam-U.K. strategic partnership.

    Anantha Lakshmi, FT resident correspondent and head of its bureau in Hanoi, noted that the newspaper has closely followed Vietnam’s economic trajectory for many years. Its decision to reopen a permanent presence in the country reflects Vietnam’s growing importance in global affairs, she said.

    She highlighted that amid increasing macroeconomic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, many nations are seeking to diversify their economic ties by investing in Vietnam. This makes it a particularly critical time to share the Southeast Asian country’s story with the FT international readership.

    One of the world’s leading newspapers specializing in finance and trade, the FT previously operated in Vietnam from 1995 to 2000 and again from 2010 to 2022. With the reopening of its Vietnam bureau, the number of foreign news agencies with a permanent presence in the country has now risen to 30.

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  • DHL Express Hong Kong becomes the Official Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park

    DHL Express Hong Kong becomes the Official Partner of Kai Tak Sports Park

    DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has been appointed as the Official Partner of the newly opened Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP). The partnership demonstrates both organizations’ mutual commitment to bringing world-class mega events to Hong Kong, further strengthening the city’s position as Asia’s Event Capital.

    Through this partnership, DHL will support KTSP in welcoming a variety of international, large-scale sports and entertainment events to Hong Kong. This collaboration enhances DHL’s brand visibility to audiences at home and abroad, contributing to the growth of Hong Kong’s mega events economy.

    “We are delighted that DHL Express is our Official Partner. We look forward to enhancing the experience of our world-class mega events together. With KTSP as Hong Kong’s home venue, we are committed to bringing more international sports, cultural, and entertainment events to Hong Kong, further transforming the city into an event capital and creating new growth opportunities,” said Mr. John Sharkey, CEO, KTSP.

    “DHL Express is honored to be the Official Partner of KTSP. This underscores our long-term commitment to Hong Kong’s development. In line with our purpose of ‘Connecting People, Improving Lives,’ we are excited to support KTSP in hosting world-class large-scale events. Through our shared values of innovation and mission to promote Hong Kong as a hub for live events, we will connect local and international audiences with their favorite sports teams, athletes, and artists. We believe we can better position Hong Kong as an attractive destination for the sports, cultural, arts and music lovers,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DHL Express Hong Kong and Macau.

    One of the main events in 2025 for KTSP is the Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour in April, for which DHL is the Official Logistics Partner. As Coldplay’s Official Logistics Partner, DHL is helping to reduce the tour’s transport emissions by, for example, leveraging Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which generates up to 85% less CO2 emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.

    The partnership with KTSP reinforces DHL’s long-term commitment to the sports and entertainment industry at both local and global levels. With a long history of partnering with some of the world’s most prestigious events and teams – including Formula 1, Formula E and Manchester United – DHL connects people from all over the world, enabling fans to engage with their favorite sports teams and artists. Locally, DHL is the Official Partner of Hong Kong China Rugby, nurturing talented local athletes to help them realize their full potential on the international stage.

    Officially opened on 1 March 2025, Kai Tak Sports Park is Hong Kong’s largest integrated sports and entertainment landmark. Featuring a multi-purpose stadium and a variety of sports and leisure facilities, the park supports the government’s goals of boosting tourism, promoting sports development, and hosting major sporting and entertainment events, thereby contributing to the city’s economic development and cultural exchange.

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  • Vietjet launches Singapore-Phu Quoc direct flight route

    Vietjet launches Singapore-Phu Quoc direct flight route

    Party General Secretary To Lam and leaders of Vietnamese ministries, agencies and localities witnessed the announcement of Singapore – Phu Quoc direct flight service on Tuesday, as part of his official visit to the city state.

    Starting May 30, Vietnam’s budget carrier Vietjet Air will operate the new route with four weekly flights, connecting Singapore with Vietnam’s largest island. This addition brings the total number of weekly flights between Vietnam and Singapore to 78, catering to an estimated half a million passengers a year.

    It is the fourth direct air service between the two countries, joining existing routes to Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang. It is expected to not only boost tourism but also strengthen economic, trade, and cultural cooperation between the two nations.

    Chairwoman of the Vietjet Air Board of Directors Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao stressed that Vietjet is more than just an airline, it drives economic growth, trade, investment, education and cultural exchanges.

    Vietjet Air and its Singaporean partners, handling billions of USD in annual transactions, are deepening collaboration in finance, trade, and innovation to build a sustainable and prosperous future, she said.

    On this occasion, Vietjet Air and Carlyle Aviation Partners signed a US$300 million financing agreement to support the purchase of aircraft scheduled for delivery between 2025 and 2026. This deal is a pivotal step in Vietjet Air’s plan to acquire more than 400 new aircraft, as part of its fleet expansion strategy.

    Furthermore, Vietjet Air and Satair, an Airbus Group subsidiary, inked a cooperation deal on the use of Integrated Material Services (IMS), a comprehensive material supply solution for Vietjet’s entire fleet of Airbus A320 and A330 aircraft.

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  • Sydney Beer Co enters administration

    Sydney Beer Co enters administration

    Sydney Beer Co entered administration last Friday, Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) filings showed.

    The company tapped Richard Stone and Brett Stephen Lord from RSM Australia Partners as administrators.

    Sydney Beer Co’s website states that former cricketer Bret Lee and actor and writer Matt Nable co-founded the company.

    Dean Joseph Woodbridge and David Richard Catterall are listed as directors on the ASIC documents.

    Sydney Beer Co is among the brewers to enter administration recently, along with Kaiju and Billson’s.

    Earlier this month, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government would freeze the indexation on draught beer excise for two years.

  • Impossible Foods launches burger blind-tasting test challenge

    Impossible Foods launches burger blind-tasting test challenge

    Impossible Foods has launched “Bloody Delicious,” a blind-tasting test to see if local foodies can tell the burger is made with plant-based Impossible alt-beef.

    According to the brand, the challenge comes after it sees Australians are rapidly turning away from red meat, with “meat reducer” appearing as the country’s most popular diet last year and a quarter reducing consumption.

    “I’ve spent years cooking with red meat and would consider myself an expert when it comes to a good burger,” said chef and TV personality, TikTok Food Creator of the Year nominee Iain ‘Huey’ Hewitson.

    “I never would have thought that a plant-based burger would make its way onto my plate, but this Impossible Burger was bloody delicious!”

    Impossible Foods also said that 27 per cent of Aussies are sceptical of the taste of plant-based meat, with 19 per cent convinced that it “wouldn’t taste like animal meat”.

    The brand is also going to team up with Mary’s at Circular Quay to give away more than 200 free Impossible Burgers on April 3.

  • HelloFresh New Zealand faces court for misleading consumers

    HelloFresh New Zealand faces court for misleading consumers

    Criminal charges have been filed against global food-delivery platform HelloFresh’s New Zealand business for misleading customers about the subscriptions to its service.

    The Commerce Commission alleges that between February 2022 and July 2023, HelloFresh offered customers a discount voucher without making clear that accepting it would reactivate their cancelled subscriptions.

    Commerce Commission deputy chair Anne Callinan said the conduct breached the Fair Trading Act as it resulted in some cancelled subscriptions being reactivated without the customers’ consent.

    “We’re concerned some consumers have been misled into paying for services from HelloFresh they didn’t want through the use of misleading wording and processes in cold calls,” Callinan continued.

    “Buying products online is increasingly a way of life for Kiwi consumers and so the commission is prioritising action against illegal online sales conduct. This includes subscription traps, which come in many forms and include situations where consumers are misled into signing up for a paid subscription without knowing,” she added.

    The commission started an investigation into HelloFresh after receiving customer complaints about its sign-up, cancellation, and reactivation processes. The charges were filed in the Wellington District Court.

    In December, the agency filed charges against Woolworths New Zealand, Pak’nSave Silverdale, and Pak’nSave Mill Street over inaccurate pricing.

  • Unilever CEO eyes more opportunities in India

    Unilever CEO eyes more opportunities in India

    Unilever’s newly-appointed CEO Fernando Fernandez has voiced optimism about the Indian market, believing in its long-term growth potential despite quarterly revenue shortfall.

    In an interview with Barclays earlier this month, Fernandez highlighted the brand’s long-term prospects in India, despite the country’s substantial food inflation.

    He says India is unique since richer and poorer Indians dwell close together, resulting in a demand and supply of labour. That made quick commerce a logical channel to grow.

    “Our position in India is exceptional. We have great brands; we have a great portfolio,” he said.

    “The economic environment in India will get better in the second half of the year. There are significant changes in the channels in India. The rise of affluent India is very important. There are 60 million households of the 320 million households in India. They have serious money now.”

    According to Unilever’s financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, India rose 1.8 percent, with underlying volume growth of 2.4 percent. Home care and beauty and well-being were the primary drivers, while personal care declined.

  • Fisheries exports grow by 6% in H1

    Fisheries exports grow by 6% in H1

    Vietnam’s fisheries exports in the first half of 2024 were worth US$4.4 billion, up 6% year-on-year on higher demand in major markets like the U.S., China and the EU.

    Key items such as shrimp, pangasius and tuna did well, the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers said in its latest report.

    Pangasius accounted for $918 million and tuna for $472 million, up 5% and 23%. Shrimp fetched $1.6 billion, a 6% increase, while exports of other crustaceans jumped by 75% to $125 million.

    The U.S. and EU imported 18% and 56% more tuna. Shrimp exports to China and the EU rose by 17% and 13%.

    Top shrimp exporter Minh Phu said profits for the first half were VND7.2 billion (US$284,000) as against a loss of VND98 billion in the same period last year.

    Its CEO, Le Van Quang, said the company has been receiving more orders than last year and is planning to boost exports to China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand.

    Businesses are optimistic that seafood exports, especially of green and sustainable products, will grow even more in the coming months.

    But the seafood association said some challenges remain, such as fierce competition from Ecuador and India, rising transport costs and a shortage of raw materials for processing.

  • Telegram’s new update brings a highly popular feature to Android

    Telegram’s new update brings a highly popular feature to Android

    Telegram users on Android can now send video and audio content to their TVs through Chromecast, a key feature of the messaging app’s latest update. This enhancement arrives alongside other improvements, including enhanced message organization and a revamped interface for managing linked devices.

    The ability to cast media to a larger screen addresses a common desire for users who want to share content with others or simply enjoy it on a more immersive display. Before this update, users had to rely on third-party solutions or workarounds to achieve similar functionality.

    Now, within the Telegram app, a simple tap allows for the seamless transfer of videos and audio to any Chromecast-enabled device. This streamlining of the process makes sharing and viewing content more accessible. You can access this feature by opening a video, tapping the Settings icon, and then selecting “Chromecast.”

    Beyond the Chromecast addition, the update also introduces “Starred Messages 2.0.” This feature allows for better sorting and organizing of saved messages by letting users assign tags to their starred messages, creating a more structured way to later retrieve them. This aims to address the challenge of finding specific information within a large collection of saved content. For those who frequently save important messages or photos and videos, this organizational tool is a significant upgrade.

    Another notable aspect of the update is the refined interface for managing linked devices. As many users utilize Telegram across multiple platforms, the ability to control and monitor these connections is essential. The updated interface provides a clearer overview of active sessions and allows for easier disconnection of devices. This enhancement improves security and gives users more control over their accounts.

    Historically, Telegram has focused on privacy and speed, and these updates continue that trend by improving the user experience. Among those, the addition of Chromecast support reflects a growing trend of integrating messaging apps with other devices and platforms, while  the enhanced message organization and device management features also demonstrate a commitment to providing users with tools to manage their data and accounts effectively. I believe this update will make for a more connected experience for Telegram users.

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  • Vietnam Airlines flights impacted by strikes in Germany

    Vietnam Airlines flights impacted by strikes in Germany

    According to an official announcement from the airline, Vietnam Airlines flights have changed their operating schedule due to a strike in Germany from midnight to 11.59 p.m. on March 10 (local time).

    This is the second time the airline has been affected by this reason this year.

    Specifically, flight VN36 from Frankfurt to Hanoi on March 10 will depart at 11:55 a.m. on March 11 (local time), flight VN30 from Frankfurt to Ho Chi Minh City on March 10 will depart at 11:05 a.m. on March 11 (local time), and flight VN34 from Munich to Hanoi on March 10 is planned to depart at 11:05 a.m. on March 11 (local time).

    In addition, due to the chain reaction from adjusting the fleet and general schedule, about 20 domestic and international flights of Vietnam Airlines from March 11 to 12 may be changed from wide-body to narrow-body aircrafts, delayed departure times or canceled.

    The airline representative informed me that the airline would regularly update the operation plan in the following newsletters.

    Affected passengers will be supported by the airline according to regulations.

    They also can check official Vietnam Airlines Facebook Fanpage; contact ticket offices, official agents, and Customer Care Center 1900 1100 (in Vietnam) or +84 24 38320320 (abroad).

  • Apple confirms your iPhone won’t be getting this key Apple Intelligence feature until next year

    Apple confirms your iPhone won’t be getting this key Apple Intelligence feature until next year

    Apple has announced that some of its planned artificial intelligence enhancements for Siri, its well-known voice assistant, will not be available until 2026, pushing back the initial rollout. This adjustment means certain features designed to make Siri more personalized and capable of handling tasks across various apps will require additional development time.

    The company released a statement explaining that their work on a more context-aware Siri, capable of understanding and acting on user-specific information within and between applications, is proving more complex than initially anticipated. Apple had previously indicated these features would be introduced in 2025. Now, users will have to wait longer to experience these advanced capabilities.

    Siri helps our users find what they need and get things done quickly, and in just the past six months, we’ve made Siri more conversational, introduced new features like type to Siri and product knowledge, and added an integration with ChatGPT. We’ve also been working on a more personalized Siri, giving it more awareness of your personal context, as well as the ability to take action for you within and across your apps. It’s going to take us longer than we thought to deliver on these features and we anticipate rolling them out in the coming year.
    Apple representative to John Gruber, Daring Fireball

    These planned improvements are part of Apple’s broader “Apple Intelligence” initiative, which includes a range of AI-driven features. Among the most anticipated are those that would allow Siri to interact more seamlessly with data stored on Apple devices. For instance, imagine asking Siri to find a podcast recommendation from a friend or to retrieve flight details sent by a family member. These actions would rely on Siri’s ability to access and process information directly from the device.

    To support these AI features while maintaining user privacy, Apple has been developing a new cloud computing infrastructure powered by its own chips. This infrastructure is designed to process data in a way that respects user privacy, a core principle for the company. The complexities of building and refining this system, while also enhancing Siri’s capabilities, appear to be contributing to the delay.

    This delay was actually first reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman last month, explaining that the company had been running into issues when it came to getting them working as expected in iOS 18.4, which is expected to roll out in April. He also predicted the possibility of a delay until iOS 18.5, which is expected in May. However, with a delay until next year, it is now looking like the delay is more serious than originally thought.

    While this news is disappointing, I believe Apple users would prefer the launch of a finished product, rather than an unfinished one with the potential to compromise user privacy. It will be interesting to see how Apple manages to deliver these features in the future, and how they balance privacy and functionality.

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  • Telegram banned across Russian regions in unprecedented twist of fate

    Telegram banned across Russian regions in unprecedented twist of fate

    Talk about an unexpected surprise: the popular messaging app Telegram has been banned across two regions in Russia for fear of enemies of the state using it to plan attacks. Telegram has long been heralded for its commitment to user privacy, but it has also been accused of being Russian spyware.

    The ban has been imposed across the Russian regions of Dagestan and Chechnya as authorities reported a rise in extremism. An example of a concerning instance from 2023 was provided as proof of the app being used for malicious purposes.

    This isn’t the first time that Telegram has gotten into trouble in Russia but the ban across Dagestan and Chechnya looks like it will stay for a long time. Authorities are urging residents to switch to alternatives and saying that Telegram may or may not be unbanned in the future.

    This is far from the first time that Telegram has made the news in the last few months. Telegram founder Pavel Durov was arrested in France last year on charges of facilitating organized crime on the platform. These charges alleged that due to Telegram’s stance on user privacy and anonymity the platform was responsible for whatever took place in its servers.

    Eventually, after so many years of resisting it, Telegram caved to legal pressure. Durov stated that the app would now provide users’ IP addresses and phone numbers to authorities upon request. Telegram had often been blamed for breeding radical cells in the past.

    Funnily enough, some people have always believed that Telegram is Russian spyware. With it now being blocked in regions of its own home country, that belief becomes all the more humorous, in my opinion. I’ve also always maintained that Telegram is no more to blame for nefarious activities than Discord or other platforms that offer end-to-end encryption.

    Some people view Telegram as part of the dark side of the internet: an app that only elite hackers or criminals use. But Telegram is a massively popular platform with all sorts of chat rooms and servers. I personally have met some amazing people on Telegram and I hope the situation in Russia can be handled sooner rather than later.

  • Volvo ES90 Electric Sedan Unveiled

    Volvo ES90 Electric Sedan Unveiled

    Volvo has unveiled its first all-electric sedan, the ES90 for the global market. Built on the carmaker’s SPA2 platform, the ES90 is the sixth all-electric model in Volvo’s portfolio after the EX90, EM90, EX40, EC40 and EX30. The carmaker has stated that the ES90 will initially go on sale in European markets in the coming months with other markets to follow.

    Visually, the ES90’s design is in line with the rest of Volvo’s EV lineup, borrowing many elements. The front end of the EV gets headlamps that are similar to the likes of the EX30 with Volvo’s signature ‘Thor’s Hammer’ LED daytime running lamps. Below the headlamp clusters sit vertical fog lamps on both ends, with a rectangular air dam in between.

    In profile, the ES90 sports a prominent shoulder line, with creases around the wheel arches and towards the lower half of the doors. Being a liftback, the ES90 has a short rear overhang while the roofline flows into the short rear deck. The rear end of the ES90 gets C-shaped tail lamps, similar to the units on previous Volvo sedans. The boot space of the EV amounts to 424 litres, and the EV also gets a 22-litre frunk.

    On the inside, the interior layout of the EV is largely similar to that of the EX30 and EX90 and is headlined by a large 14.5-inch portrait-oriented central infotainment touchscreen. The infotainment system gets Google built-in, which includes services such as Google Maps, Google Assistant and more apps on Google Play. The cabin also has ambient lighting, with six themes, and gets a panoramic glass roof. Buyers can also option an electrochromic glass roof where you can adjust the transparency of the glass. The ES90 can also be had with a 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system.

    The ES90 is offered with three powertrain options – single-motor (338 bhp, 480 Nm), twin-motor (455 bhp, 670 Nm), and twin-motor Performance (690 bhp, 870 Nm). While top speed is identical across all three variants (180 kmph), 0 to 100 kmph times are 6.9 seconds (single-motor), 5 seconds (twin-motor), and 4 seconds (twin-motor performance) respectively.

    The single-motor variant of the sedan will feature a 92 kWh battery pack that delivers a range of up to 650 km. The twin-motor variants of the ES90, on the other hand,  will come equipped with a 106 kWh battery pack and have a WLTP figure of up to 700 km. Volvo says that the new sedan will be its fastest-charging EV to date with the 800V electrical architecture allowing for DC fast charging at rates of up to 350 kW – up from the EX90’s 250 kW. The company says this will allow users to juice up the battery from 10-80 per cent in as little as 20 minutes, up to 30 per cent faster than all other Volvo EVs currently on sale.

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  • Ferrero Rocher’s Easter chocolate collection returns

    Ferrero Rocher’s Easter chocolate collection returns

    Ferrero Rocher’s limited-edition Easter collection is making a comeback and is now on sale through major retailers.

    The collection includes Ferrero Collection Boxed Egg, Ferrero Collection Easter Eggs, Ferrero Rocher Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Easter Squirrel, Grand Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rocher Easter Egg Gift Box, and Ferrero Rocher Milk Chocolate and Hazelnut Easter Egg.

    The chocolate brand has partnered again with interior designer and tastemaker Steve Cordony for styling the collection.

    “This year, my Easter theme features greenery, natural napery, and touches of gold with Ferrero Rocher to elevate a tablescape,” said Cordony.

    “We also crafted the cutest napkin Easter bunnies using a classic Ferrero Rocher. Something so
    simple and effective way to adorn your Easter table this year.”

    Earlier this year, Ferrero debuted its frozen bakery range, the Nutella Croissant and Nutella Muffin, which are now available to food service partners across Australia.

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  • Thai Airlines halts certain domestic flights due to air pollution

    Thai Airlines halts certain domestic flights due to air pollution

    Bangkok Airways, one of Thailand’s main airlines, said on Wednesday that it will suspend flights between Bangkok and a northern province for more than a month because of poor visibility caused by air pollution.

    The carrier said flights from Bangkok to the north-western town of Mae Hong Son will be suspended because smog is expected to make visibility too poor to land. The company experienced the same problem in 2024, when smog levels were extremely high.

    The airport authority in Mae Hong Son, a popular stop of travelers in northern Thailand, announced on Facebook last week that flights would be suspended from March 15 to April 20.

    Air pollution spikes in Thailand, especially in the north, between December and April as farmers burn stubble to prepare land for the next crop season. The Thai government banned crop burning early in 2025, with violators facing fines and legal action, although it is not yet clear what impact the measures are having.

    The air quality index for Mae Hong Son was 7.9 times greater than World Health Organization guidelines, according to IQ Air data, which measures global air pollution.

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