Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Aux enters Vietnam’s air conditioning market with new innovations

    Aux enters Vietnam’s air conditioning market with new innovations

    Aux Air Conditioning has officially entered the Vietnamese market, marking its debut with two major dealer conferences in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

    The events attracted industry experts, distributors, and media representatives, signaling the brand’s commitment to the country’s growing demand for efficient and innovative cooling solutions.

    Miyaba, an expert from the Japan R&D Center, stated that Aux conducted extensive market research before launching in Vietnam, aiming to meet consumer expectations beyond just cooling.

    “Consumers’ demands for air conditioning go beyond just cooling; they aspire to have air conditioners that operate quietly, exhibit exceptional energy efficiency, and adapt to local conditions,” Miyaba noted. The C-Series air conditioners, explicitly developed for Vietnam, aim to fulfill these expectations.

    Vietnam’s high humidity and coastal environment pose unique challenges for air conditioners. To address this, the C-Series models feature double-sided anti-corrosion protection for the evaporator and gold fin technology, enhancing durability and resistance against moisture and corrosion.

    With 4D airflow technology, Aux air conditioners distribute air evenly in four directions, overcoming the limitations of traditional units that focus on localized cooling. Additionally, the UVC sterilization function and PM2.5 filtration system help remove bacteria, allergens, dust, and hair, ensuring clean and healthy indoor air.

    To maintain consistent noise levels even after transportation, including when carried by motorcycles, a common mode of delivery in Vietnam, the C-Series models incorporate multiple design innovations. The units underwent extensive testing to ensure stable performance under various challenging conditions.

    Aux has developed a new-generation low-noise air duct system and optimized control logic to reduce noise from compressors and fans. Additional features, such as double-layer soundproof materials and shock-absorbing foot pads, ensure a stable and quiet user experience.

    The C-Series models also incorporate a high-efficiency 8-level compressor, designed to maintain stable performance while minimizing noise levels. The installation process has been simplified with a removable bottom panel and easy-to-detach single-lock device, giving technicians more flexibility when connecting indoor units to wall-mounted pipes.

    To enhance customer confidence and support, Aux has introduced a 365-day “1-Exchange-1” policy. In 2025, customers purchasing eligible Aux air conditioners will be eligible for a free product replacement if the unit experiences quality issues related to manufacturer defects or technical problems.

    Aux Air Conditioning has established itself as a global leader in air conditioning innovation, securing over 12,000 patents as of December 2024 and earning recognition through international awards such as the iF Design Award and Red Dot Design Award.

    See more information here.

    With its expansion into Vietnam, Aux aims to combine advanced technology, energy efficiency, and customer-focused service to meet the evolving needs of Vietnamese households and businesses.

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  • Fuel prices decline

    Fuel prices decline

    Gasoline and diesel prices fell Thursday afternoon after reaching a six-month high a week earlier.

    The popular gasoline RON95 dropped 1.03% to VND21,110 (US$0.83) per liter.

    Biofuel E5 RON92 went down 0.96% to VND20,650.

    Diesel fell 0.58% to VND18,950.

    Regulators said that in the last seven days fuel prices were affected by the U.S.’ push on hiking tariffs on goods from China and other trading partners.

    Other factors included increasing U.S. oil reserves and the potential of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.

    Gasolines dropped 1.5% in the period while oils fell 0.01%-1.5%.

    RON95 is now at $86.1 per barrel and diesel at $90.2.

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  • Maxis Partners with Nokia to Modernize Data Center Infrastructure

    Maxis Partners with Nokia to Modernize Data Center Infrastructure

    The deployment will support Maxis’s business growth by providing a scalable, secure, and efficient data center architecture.

    The modernization of Maxis’s data center connectivity technology will help the company simplify its network operations, solve issues faster, and automate workloads, all on a robust and secure infrastructure.

    Nokia will deploy its cutting-edge 7220 Interconnect Router (IXR) data center switches and EDA technology across Maxis’s multiple data centers. This upgrade will enable Maxis to provision infrastructure resources without delay, will reduce complexity, and will ensure that Maxis’s current applications running on the network can scale gracefully.

    “This expansion of our longstanding collaboration with Nokia will drive next-generation connectivity in anticipation of customers’ growing needs. It reflects Malaysia’s emergence as a hub for data centers and hyperscalers in line with greater adoption of AI-enabled cloud infrastructure. This initiative will enhance our network capabilities, ensuring we are able to continue providing best-in-class, connectivity-adjacent solutions powered by fast, secure, and reliable connectivity,” said Goh Seow Eng, Chief Executive Officer at Maxis.

    “Data center networks are critical infrastructure and need to be extremely reliable while also being simple to deploy and operate. We are pleased to work with Maxis to modernize their data center infrastructure with our advanced data center switches and EDA technology to provide Maxis with a future-proof architecture that is scalable, resilient, and easy to deploy. This collaboration is a testament to the strength of our technology and our commitment to supporting our customer’s growth in the booming data center market in Southeast Asia,” added Ming Kin Ngiam, Head of Southeast Asia South for Network Infrastructure at Nokia.

    Nokia is helping cloud builders worldwide to construct modern data center networks that are highly reliable, secure, and easy to operate, which is essential to meet the growing demands of artificial intelligence (AI) workloads globally. Nokia’s EDA ensures faster response times, reduces manual effort, minimizes errors, consumes less compute resources, and handles network-wide operations at-scale with consistent performance. By proactively resolving issues, it boosts reliability and reduces operational costs.

    The Nokia 7220 IXR, a key component of Nokia’s Data Center Fabric solution, provides fixed-configuration, high-capacity platforms that offers unmatched scale, flexibility, and operational simplicity within data center and cloud environments. These scalable, next-generation platforms are designed to meet the high connectivity and density demands of webscale companies, service providers, and enterprises.

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  • Why Phuket is Southeast Asia’s Most Attractive Property Market

    Why Phuket is Southeast Asia’s Most Attractive Property Market

    Phuket has long been one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year with its beaches, warm climate, and lifestyle. But beyond tourism, the island has become a real estate hotspot, drawing investors, retirees, and expats looking for a place to live or a profitable property investment.

    Buying a villa for sale in Phuket isn’t just about having a private getaway—it’s also a smart financial move. Property values have remained strong, rental demand is high, and new infrastructure projects are making the island even more accessible. Whether you’re looking for a home or an investment, Phuket offers plenty of opportunities.

    Why Phuket’s Property Market Is Growing

    Several factors have made Phuket an attractive place for real estate buyers:

    1. A Strong Tourism Economy

    Tourism is the backbone of Phuket’s economy, with over 9 million visitors a year. The island attracts a mix of short-term vacationers and long-term visitors, creating strong demand for rental properties. Many investors purchase villas to rent them out on platforms like Airbnb or through local rental agencies.

    With direct flights from cities across Asia and beyond, Phuket remains one of the easiest places to visit and invest in, keeping the real estate market active.

    1. High Demand for Private Villas

    The shift toward private living spaces, especially after the pandemic, has increased demand for standalone villas with pools and gardens. Travelers and long-term residents prefer spacious homes over crowded hotels or condominiums.

    Areas like Bang Tao, Kamala, and Rawai have seen a surge in new villa developments, catering to foreign buyers who want modern, fully equipped homes in quieter parts of the island.

    1. Lifestyle and Infrastructure Development

    Phuket isn’t just about beaches anymore. The island has seen rapid growth in infrastructure, with new shopping malls, international schools, private hospitals, and even a planned light rail system to improve connectivity.

    Shopping centers like Central Phuket, Jungceylon, and Porto de Phuket now offer high-end retail and dining, while world-class hospitals provide top-tier healthcare, making Phuket a practical choice for long-term living.

    Where to Buy a Villa in Phuket

    If you’re looking for a villa for sale in Phuket, different areas cater to different needs:

    Bang Tao & Laguna – A popular area for luxury villas, golf courses, and family-friendly living. Close to international schools and high-end restaurants.

    Kamala – Known for its exclusive hillside properties with ocean views, attracting high-net-worth buyers.

    Rawai & Nai Harn – A quieter area with a mix of affordable and high-end villas, ideal for long-term living.

    Surin & Layan – Some of the most scenic beaches in Phuket, home to upscale villas with resort-style amenities.

    Whether you want a beachfront villa or a home in a gated community, Phuket has options for different budgets and lifestyles.

    Buying Property in Phuket as a Foreigner

    Foreigners can’t directly own land in Thailand, but there are legal ways to invest in villas:

    Leasehold Agreements – A common option where you lease the land for up to 30 years, with renewal options.

    Thai Company Ownership – Some buyers set up a Thai company to own the property legally.

    Condominium Freehold – If a villa isn’t your preference, you can own a condo freehold under Thai law.

    Consulting a local property expert is the best way to navigate the legal aspects and ensure a secure investment.

    Is It a Good Time to Buy?

    Phuket’s real estate market has remained strong, even during economic fluctuations. Prices have been rising steadily, and with increasing tourism and infrastructure projects, property values are expected to grow.

    For those looking at long-term investments, rental income, or a retirement home, now is a good time to explore opportunities in Phuket’s real estate market.

    If you’re interested in finding a villa for sale in Phuket, working with a trusted agency can help you get the best deals and avoid common pitfalls. Phuket’s mix of lifestyle and investment potential makes it

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  • Update to Google Messages app leaves it with a larger pill to swallow

    Update to Google Messages app leaves it with a larger pill to swallow

    It appears that after an update Google has seemingly increased the size of the text field in the Google Messages app. The text field, the pill-shaped area where new messages are typed into, has been the beneficiary of an increase in size that makes it thicker and longer (no wisecracks, please). It certainly is not an illusion and neither is the size increase of the Voice memo button which is outside of the text field on the right side and turns into the send button.
    All of the buttons remain in their same places with the plus button still found inside the text pill on the left side. That button opens up several features including:
    • Gallery
    • GIFs
    • Stickers
    • Files
    • Location
    • Contacts
    • Schedule Send
    • Selfie GiF
    Other shortcuts inside the text pill include the smiley face emoji which takes you to the emoji keyboard when tapped. Lastly, inside the pill there is the Gallery shortcut which shows the camera app on top with the photo gallery on the bottom. The wider text pill in the Messages app has appeared with beta version 20250224_01_RC00 of the app.
    While Google has yet to roll out this update widely, you can always look for it by opening the Play Store app and tapping the profile icon in the upper right corner. Tap on Manage apps & device, Updates available, and scroll down to Messages. If the app is listed there, it means that an update for the app is available. Tap on “Update” and let the process finish. The latest update to the app on my phone was version 20250225_01_RC00 which means that you should probably update the app right away if you want the larger text field right away.
    You can check to see which version of the Google Messages app is on your phone by going to Settings > Apps > See all XXX apps > Messages. Scroll down to the bottom of the page to see the version number of the app that is installed on your phone.
    If you aren’t using Google Messages on your Android phone (after all, there are many options to choose from), you can add it to your handset by tapping on this link which will take you to the Google Play Store from where you can download the Google Messages app.
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  • FedEx strengthens connectivity between Singapore and Johor amid JS-SEZ growth

    FedEx strengthens connectivity between Singapore and Johor amid JS-SEZ growth

    Federal Express Corporation, one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, is strengthening trade connectivity between Singapore and Johor to better serve customers in the region. Inbound shipments from Asia, Europe, and the U.S. will be routed to the FedEx Gateway in Singapore before journeying to Johor, enabling importers and businesses to receive their packages two hours earlier.

    This enhancement is enabled by direct import clearance at Senai customs, bypassing the previous route through Kuala Lumpur that added a 300-kilometer detour before reaching the FedEx Senai Gateway for processing and delivery. This new approach not only enables businesses in Johor, particularly industries that rely heavily on timely imports, including manufacturing, retail, and e-commerce, to receive their shipments with greater convenience, it also offers Singapore exporters greater efficiency in delivering their packages to Southern Malaysia.

    “Optimising logistics is more than just speed — it’s about enabling businesses to grow and serve their customers better,” said Eric Tan, managing director of FedEx Singapore. “This improvement not only reinforces Singapore’s role as a key gateway for global trade, but also empowers businesses to thrive in an increasingly competitive and interconnected marketplace.”

    The Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) is poised to significantly enhance economic connectivity between Johor and Singapore, focusing on key sectors such as electronics, medical equipment, food manufacturing, and data centres. In 2023, Malaysia was Singapore’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching USD 79.6 billion. Singapore also served as Malaysia’s largest source of approved foreign direct investment (FDI), contributing USD9.5 billion. As trade volumes rise, enhanced logistics connectivity will be instrumental in facilitating seamless cross-border movement of goods, further reinforcing Singapore’s position as a regional trade hub.

    As Singapore continues to grow as a key logistics hub in Southeast Asia, FedEx remains dedicated to fostering local businesses’ success and contributing to the regions’ economic development. The accelerated delivery service is just one of many ways FedEx is working to drive growth for its customers.

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  • Senior Aerospace UPECA and DHL contribute to more sustainable air freight with SAF

    Senior Aerospace UPECA and DHL contribute to more sustainable air freight with SAF

    Senior Aerospace UPECA, a subsidiary of Senior plc, an international manufacturer of high technology components and systems, has signed an agreement with DHL Express for the use of the GoGreen Plus service. The partnership enables UPECA to invest in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to drive up to 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions associated with their time-definite international shipments.

    “At UPECA, we believe SAF is one of the most promising means of decarbonising long-haul flight,” said Kavan Jeet Singh, Chief Executive Officer of UPECA. “Ready for deployment in existing aircraft, it complements intensive efforts to transform aviation into a more sustainable industry. We are delighted to sign up for DHL Express’ GoGreen Plus and help contribute to a commercially-viable market for such renewable energies.”

    GoGreen Plus currently stands as the sole solution within the global express logistics sector that allows customers to leverage SAF towards their Scope 3 footprint, which refers to the indirect release of greenhouse gases within a company’s supply chain activities. Made from sustainable feedstocks such as used cooking oil and other residues, SAF cuts around 80 percent of lifecycle carbon emissions from air transport compared to conventional jet fuel.

    UPECA’s subscription to GoGreen Plus applies across its overseas trade lanes, encompassing key markets in Europe and North America. It comes amidst a report by the International Energy Agency that aviation has grown faster in recent decades than rail, road, and sea transport as a source of worldwide CO2e emissions. The trend emphasises the urgency for the upscale and uptake of SAF in order to meet the International Air Transport Association (IATA) target of having SAF comprise 50 percent of global aviation fuel consumption by 2050.

    “SAF is an important lever for achieving cleaner air mobility, but there remains progress to be made on the production and adoption fronts. Having UPECA onboard demonstrates an increasing shift among businesses to explore innovative pathways for a green transition in their operations. These collaborations are essential as we continue to promote SAF accessibility and affordability at the pace needed to address current climate challenges,” said Julian Neo, Managing Director of DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei.

    Launched in 2023, GoGreen Plus is made possible through strategic collaborations with bp and Neste to procure up to 800 million litres of SAF as well as an agreement with World Energy to purchase up to 668 million litres of SAF via sustainable aviation certificates. The air freight network accounts for around 70 percent of DHL Group’s carbon footprint, so sustainable air transportation solutions are crucial for emission-reduced logistics.

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  • AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid feature finally arrives in the UK

    AirPods Pro 2 Hearing Aid feature finally arrives in the UK

    One of the highlights of the AirPods Pro 2 when they launched was the new Hearing Aid feature that allowed those with hearing difficulties to utilize them as, well, hearing aids. The feature was not immediately available though, arriving with a software update a few weeks after they were announced, on October 28.

    >But others have been waiting for even longer, like those living in the UK. Thankfully, confirmed by Apple in an official statement, AirPods Pro 2 owners in the United Kingdom can now also enjoy this feature via a free update. The Health app shows your hearing test results simply by giving you a number for each ear, a rating, and what to do next. | Image credit to Apple.

    Yes, it is a feature that transforms the new AirPods Pro into hearing aids, which provides clinical-grade hearing assistance comparable to your regular retail hearing aids.

    To use the feature, users first have to go through a five-minute Hearing Test that’s accessible through their iPhone. The test gives you an easy-to-understand summary of your hearing health, including a measure of hearing loss in each ear and an audiogram securely stored in the Health app.

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  • South Korean firms plan to expand investment in Vietnam

    South Korean firms plan to expand investment in Vietnam

    South Korean conglomerates, including SK Group, Samsung, and LG, are expanding their investments in Vietnam, focusing on energy, high-tech manufacturing, and sustainable development.

    SK Group, the second-largest conglomerate in the country, has planned to invest in three LNG-fueled power projects in Vietnam, aiming to develop a new energy hub integrating artificial intelligence development, hydrogen, logistics, eco-friendly agriculture, and innovation in the Southeast Asian nation.

    In meetings with Party General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh last week, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae Won said his firm is actively seeking opportunities to enhance support for and cooperation with Vietnam to promote long-term, sustainable economic growth.

    SK has already invested around $3.5 billion in Vietnam. However, most of the sum is indirect investment, involving equity purchases worth hundreds of millions to over a billion dollars in major companies such as Vingroup, Masan, Pharmacity, and Imexpharm.

    The Ecovance high-tech biodegradable materials plant in the northern port city of Hai Phong is the first direct investment project of SK in Vietnam. SK is investing in the project through a subsidiary at the DEEP C Industrial Park, with a total investment of $500 million. The project targets the rapidly growing global biodegradable materials market.

    Chey stated SK considers Vietnam a priority partner in its investment strategy in the coming time, adding the firm is eager to participate in Vietnam’s green transition, especially in energy and industry, thus contributing to the Southeast Asian nation’s goal of cutting emissions to net zero by 2050.

    Meanwhile, Samsung Display of South Korea has been approved to inject an additional $1.2 billion into its existing next-generation display manufacturing plant in the northern province of Bac Ninh. This investment aims to establish Vietnam as a key production hub for Samsung’s next-generation displays.

    In a recent meeting with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, General Director of Samsung Vietnam Choi Joo Ho, and his successor, Na Ki Hong, stated that, in addition to its traditional investment areas, Samsung will expand its investments in Vietnam into new sectors.

    Samsung has invested over $23 billion in Vietnam, and continues to inject billions of dollars annually. With its new plans, more billion-dollar projects are likely to be added to Samsung’s investment portfolio in the Southeast Asian nation.

    Besides Samsung, LG has also been steadily increasing its investments in Vietnam. Last year, it poured billions of dollars into the LG Display project in Hai Phong. Looking ahead, LG plans to further expand its investments in the country.

    Other giants such as Hyosung, Amkor, and Hana Micron are also looking to expand their investment and business in Vietnam.

    After investing $520 million, Amkor decided to inject an additional $1.07 billion into its plant in Bac Ninh, 11 years ahead of its schedule. Recent reports indicate that Amkor’s plant is expected to triple its production capacity in the near future.

    South Korea’s registered investment in Vietnam hit $1.25 billion in January alone, much higher than the figure of $93.46 million recorded in January last year.

    South Korean investors have poured $92 billion into Vietnam, ranking first among countries and territories investing in the Southeast Asian nation, statistics showed as of January 2025.

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  • Siri on your iPhone could be getting help from one of its biggest competitors soon

    Siri on your iPhone could be getting help from one of its biggest competitors soon

    As previously reported, it looks like Apple might soon let you choose between different AI models to power Siri. Currently, Apple Intelligence allows users to route Siri requests through ChatGPT for richer responses. However, a recent discovery in Apple’s software code suggests the expansion of these integrations to include other AI models, like Google’s Gemini — and that this might happen soon.

    A code sleuth found references to both “Google” and “OpenAI” within the Apple Intelligence framework in a backend update accompanying the iOS 18.4 beta. This suggests Apple is preparing to offer users a choice of AI models, similar to how you might choose a search engine in your browser. While this doesn’t guarantee Gemini integration in the final version of iOS 18.4, it strongly indicates that Apple is actively working on it. It’s possible this feature could arrive in a later iOS 18 update, or perhaps be a key feature of iOS 19.

    The backstory here is that Apple has been working on improving Siri’s capabilities for years. While Siri has made progress, it has often lagged behind other virtual assistants in terms of understanding complex requests and providing contextually relevant answers. By integrating with third-party AI models like ChatGPT, Apple has already shown a willingness to look beyond its own technology to enhance Siri’s performance.
    The potential addition of Gemini and other models further underscores this approach. It signifies a shift towards a more open and collaborative approach to AI development, where different companies can contribute their expertise to create a better user experience.

    This could be a major step forward for personal assistants. Having the ability to choose between different AI models could personalize the experience and allow users to leverage the unique strengths of each. For me, this is exciting because it’s proof that Apple is making some headway with the more helpful and intelligent Siri that has been promised. I often find myself frustrated with Siri’s limitations, so the prospect of it becoming more capable and adaptable is definitely appealing. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and what other AI integrations Apple might introduce in the future.

  • Google Wallet becomes even more useful for people in the US

    Google Wallet becomes even more useful for people in the US

    Google Wallet is already the most important digital wallet for Android users in the United States. The app has evolved a lot in the last couple of years and is no longer just a simple payment option for those who won’t want to use their credit/debit cards.

    Google has slowly added more functionality to the Wallet app, including the option to store loyalty cards, tickets, keys, or even IDs. Although there aren’t too many other features that Google could add, there’s a lot of room for improving the existing ones.

    That said, it appears that Google Wallet has gained a couple of new perks this week. The folks at 9to5 Google report that the app has received a small update that allows users to upgrade some loyalty cards.

    Users in the United States who have loyalty cards safely stored in Google Wallet might see an “Upgrade available” label below the name of some loyalty cards. Thanks to the new feature, Google Wallet can automatically search through the static passes stored in the app and try to bring them up to date.

    This seems to be part of a larger design change that Google announced last year with an update for Play services. At that time, the search giant said that “you’ll now be able to upgrade your passes in Google Wallet.” This means that you won’t have to manually update your loyalty cards every time by going to the Add to Wallet FAB / Loyalty cards.

    In related news, Google Wallet added support for 11 new banks and credit institutions in the United States. These updates typically arrive each month, so it’s not really a surprise. Here is the list of US banks that have just received Google Wallet support:

    • Banco Davivienda, S.A. (FL)
    • Column National Association (CA)
    • First Atlantic Federal Credit Union (NJ)
    • First National Bank of St. Ignace (MI)
    • Genesee Valley Federal Credit Union (NY)
    • GESA Credit Union (WA)
    • Hamlin Bank and Trust Company (PA)
    • Nibbles
    • Northrop Grumman Federal Credit Union
    • The Credit Union For All (IL)
    • Top Tier Federal Credit Union (PA)

    More banks are likely to be added to Google Wallet’s support list next month, so stay tuned for more details if your favorite bank or credit institution isn’t yet supported.

  • Gasoline price jumps to 6-month high

    Gasoline price jumps to 6-month high

    Gasoline prices on Thursday rose to the highest since August last year.

    The popular fuel RON95 went up 1.23% to VND21,330 a liter.

    Diesel dropped 0.05% to VND19,060.

    Regulators said that fuel prices in the last seven days were affected by cold weather in the U.S. and Ukraine’s attack on Russian oil infrastructure.

    Gasolines went up 1.2-1.4%, while oils fell 0.03-1.6%.

  • Samsung Electronics’ Vietnam profits drop 11%

    Samsung Electronics’ Vietnam profits drop 11%

    Samsung Electronics’ profits in Vietnam declined by 11.4% last year to US$3.2 billion, its latest financial reports show.

    Its revenues remained almost unchanged at $56.7 billion.

    Globally, the South Korean giant saw profits surge 122% to $25.3 billion on 16% higher revenues of $220 billion.

    The four main facatories in Vietnam, Samsung Thai Nguyen, Samsung Electronics Vietnam Bac Ninh and Samsung Display Vietnam Bac Ninh in the north, and Samsung Electronics HCMC CE Complex, contributed 25% to total revenues.

    Smartphone manufacturer Samsung Thai Nguyen earned revenues of $22.9 billion, up 7.6% from 2023.

    It was the third biggest contributor to sales behind Samsung Electronics America and Samsung Semiconductor, also in the U.S.

    But its profits fell by 7.2% to $1.4 billion.

    Samsung Electronics Vietnam, another smartphone producer, posted a revenue increase of 5.7% to $14.8 billion.

    Its profit jumped 18.9% to $943 million.

    The display producer Samsung Display Vietnam saw both revenue and profit declining.

    Its revenue fell 15.7% to $14.2 billion while profit dropped by half to $583 million.

    The display unit, however, continued to invest substantially in Vietnam last year.

    In September it signed a memorandum with Bac Ninh Province for the development of a screen and electronic parts project worth $1.8 billion.

    Last month Bac Ninh authorities granted an investment certificate for the subsidiary to pump up its capital by 18% to $7.7 billion.

    For the HCMC unit, which makes TVs, profit dropped 5% to $365 million last year, while revenue rose 13.9% to $4.9 billion.

    Samsung is the biggest foreign investor in Vietnam with $23.2 billion in registered capital.

    Its executives earlier this month have affirmed its commitment to expand its investment in Vietnam, including in new sectors such as semiconductor and AI.

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  • Why More People are Going to Thailand for Alcohol Rehab

    Why More People are Going to Thailand for Alcohol Rehab

    Alcohol rehabilitation, often shortened to alcohol rehab, is the process in which an individual will partake in different therapies and treatments in order to overcome the effects of an alcohol addiction.

    This can be done in many different ways and with many different unique alterations for each individual case; there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to rehabilitative care as every individual is different and will therefore experience different effects.

    With alcohol addictions, it is often recommended that individuals attend residential rehab due to the complications and issues that can arise during the recovery process. This will be covered in further detail across this article.

    Why do individuals need alcohol rehab?

    All individuals who struggle with alcohol misuse or addiction should consider some form of rehabilitation, as without it their condition can often worsen significantly and cause lifelong effects to their physical and mental health.

    This does not necessarily mean that these individuals must seek alcohol rehab in Thailand, but there are many reasons why this may be the most suitable option for individuals struggling with an alcohol addiction.

    Alcohol, specifically, has been linked to damage of the cardiovascular system (1) – a serious cause for concern if left untreated.

    Alcohol rehab abroad – who is it suitable for?

    Alcohol rehab is something that all individuals struggling with alcohol should consider. Not only can alcohol have serious and life-threatening effects on the individual themselves, but it can also severely affect those around them i.e., close friends and family.

    Alcohol rehab abroad is therefore something that some individuals may consider, either for specific medical or personal reasons, or just for a change.

    It may not be suitable for every individual to attend alcohol rehab abroad, but it is something that many individuals should enquire about.

    Many studies in the field of addiction focus on the US population, but these studies often show that residential rehabilitation is the most effective form of treatment in terms of individuals’ reports and satisfaction with care (2).

    Benefits of alcohol rehab in Thailand

    There are many reasons why an individual may choose to attend alcohol rehab abroad in places such as Thailand rather than their country of residence.

    As mentioned above, alcohol rehab abroad in places such as Thailand may not be suitable for every individual case, but this should be discussed thoroughly before an individual makes any final decisions.

    This discussion could be had with a medical professional or addiction expert but is essential before the individual chooses any rehabilitation options in order to avoid future confusion and/or delay of care.

    The following subheadings outline why Thailand is such as popular destination for alcohol rehab abroad, and how this may aid their future care.

    1. Privacy

    When attending alcohol rehab far away from the individual’s country of primary residence, they are providing themselves with complete privacy.

    In some cases, individuals may choose to attend alcohol rehab in private, without telling most people where they are going and what they are doing.

    When it comes to alcohol rehabilitation in Thailand, individuals are unlikely to see anyone they know, they are in a completely fresh environment and are often separated from influences such as their phone, social media, and other connections with the wider world.

    This allows for complete privacy and discretion when recovering – something which may be essential for care in the case of high-profile clients or for those who would prefer to recover without intervention from outside sources.

    2. Focus and lack of distraction

    As well as being a source of private and discrete care, partaking in rehab abroad can also be a great motivational factor for individuals undergoing their recovery journey.

    By taking themselves away from their previous environment, individuals can often feel more motivated toward committing to a rehabilitation programme as they have often travelled a long time or have spent a long time preparing for this form of care.

    Not only does this provide motivation and a boost in attitude toward alcohol rehab, attending alcohol rehab in Thailand can be a great way for individuals to avoid distractions, meaning that they have a greater overall focus on care and spend more dedicated time on this process than they may do in their primary country of residence.

    3. Thailand’s specialities

    In general, there are many benefits to attending alcohol rehab while in a country such as Thailand, with many of these being specialised to this location.

    Located in Southeast Asia, Thailand is renowned for its beautiful beaches, ancient ruins, and a strong connection with spirituality.

    Spirituality is something that can greatly benefit individuals seeking alcohol rehab as – when combined with other forms of treatment – holistic therapies such as yoga and meditation can greatly increase an individual’s perception of their care, increasing motivation and helping them to discover more about themselves and their struggles with alcohol.

    The stages of rehabilitation

    In general, alcohol rehab (and other forms of rehabilitation in general) often follows the three stages of care.

    These stages are designed to lead on from one another, meaning that an individual must progress through each stage in turn to gain the full benefits from each and to prepare them for the next.

    For example, the detoxification stage is first and this is where an individual will withdraw from the substance that they are addicted to and prepare their body physically for the further stages.

    With alcohol, a detox session must always be supervised by a medical professional to avoid the harmful and potentially life-threatening effects that may arise during this process.

    Next, an individual will partake in a variety of different therapies and specific treatments that are recommended and specialised to their individual needs. This stage focusses on the individual’s mental well-being and is often the longest stage of care.

    As a final (and often ongoing) stage, aftercare is essential. This refers to any further treatment that an individual receives to treat the effects of their addiction after the majority of their care within a centre.

    Some centres offer complimentary aftercare, but this should always be mentioned and checked before the individual makes any final decisions about their alcohol rehab in Thailand.

    Get the help you need today

    Alcohol rehab is essential for any individual who feels as though they may be struggling with alcohol, so getting help sooner rather than later is always recommended.

    Get in touch with your local healthcare services or start looking at the different referral services that are available in your area today.

    References

    [1] Moushmoush, B. and Abi-Mansour, P., 1991. Alcohol and the heart: The long-term effects of alcohol on the cardiovascular system. Archives of Internal Medicine, 151(1), pp.36-42.

    [2] Kumar, T.P., Nagaraju, G.V., Swamy, P.K., Bhanu, K.U. and Salam, A., 2018. Alcohol Rehabilitation: Right Treatment and New Beginning. Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.

  • Instagram’s biggest update is here to improve your social life

    Instagram’s biggest update is here to improve your social life

    Instagram usually rolls out small updates that add new features and improvements quite often, but every few months it releases major updates that completely change the way users interact with various aspects of the ap

    Earlier today, Instagram announced its biggest update for the year is making its way to users worldwide. The update focuses on the messaging experience, but Instagram also added new ways to share media, pin content, and made it easier to connect with people over DMs.

    One of the features that had been missing from Instagram ever since the app provided its users with the ability to message others is translation support. The latest update addresses this issue and introduces message translation, allowing Instagram users from different countries to communicate in their native languages.

    You can now use the translate feature in Instagram by holding down on the message sent or received in another language and tapping “Translate.” You should get a translation of the message below the original.

    Besides bringing the translate message feature to its users, Instagram is also adding the ability to share songs in DMs. Simply open the sticker tray in a chat and tap on the “Music” option to search for a specific song in the app’s library. You can then tap on the track to send a 30-second preview of the song to your friends.

    Another important new feature coming with the latest update is the ability to schedule messages. This comes in handy if you want to congratulate someone on a certain date, but you’re afraid you’re going to forget.

    You can now schedule text messages in DMs by typing the text message and holding down on the send button. You’ll be able to select the date and time when you want the message to be sent. This feature can also be used to schedule reminders for various tasks.

    But wait, there’s more! After introducing the ability to pin chat threads in a DM box, Instagram is now making it possible to pin specific messages to the top of any 1:1 or group chat. Users can try out the new feature by holding down on the message and tapping on “pin.” Up to three messages per conversation can be pinned at the moment.

    Last but not least, Instagram is finally adding QR code support, which means that users can now add friends to their group chats by sharing a personalized QR. When your friend scans the QR code you shared, it will be automatically added to the chat.

    To create a QR code invite, simply open the group chat and tap on the group name at the top. Select the invite link, then tap on QR code to view the QR code invite and share it with your friends via DM.

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