Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Malaysia’s Gambling Sector on the Rise in the Second Half of 2023

    Malaysia’s Gambling Sector on the Rise in the Second Half of 2023

    Gaming and gambling industries are two fields that no one expected would underperform in the first half of 2023. Still, casinos that are currently operational in Malaysia are facing underwhelming results.

    According to some estimates, however, the Malaysian gambling sector will see a significant rise and get back on track in the second half of this year.

    So, we’ll delve a bit deeper into why the gambling sector is in the red and why things are not nearly as bad as they appear on the surface.

    A dismal start of the gaming sector in 2023

    According to some of the reported numbers of casino operators in Malaysia, the numbers for early 2023 are far weaker than expected.

    While Malaysia is one of the fastest-growing economies in this part of the world, the population is predominantly young and tech-savvy. More importantly, about 97% of them have access to the internet. So, the majority of gamblers in the country choose online gambling, the majority of which is offshore gambling, which doesn’t enter the official statistics.

    Reliance on tourism

    The discouraging numbers regarding Malaysia’s gambling sector are a bit misleading. The local gambling laws are quite restrictive and mostly limited to tourists. Both betting and access to casinos are not available for the Muslim population, which is a huge problem since about 63.5% of people in Malaysia are Muslim (according to the 2020 census).

    This means that the Malaysian gambling industry heavily depends on the tourist season. This is also one of the reasons why the expectations that the second part of the season will be better are high. People have more vacation opportunities in the last two quarters of the year, so these numbers will increase.

    In other words, instead of focusing on gambling exclusively, this is a problem that flight capacities and the easing of airfares around the globe should fix. It’s also worth remembering that a gasoline price rise affects every form of travel. With currently unstable prices, estimating these future trends accurately is difficult.

    Offshore gambling

    As we’ve already stated, the biggest problem with these stats is that they don’t include offshore gambling, a huge industry. While Malaysians have limited betting and gambling opportunities, playing on sites not hosted in Malaysia is legal. So, many players from Malaysia use these shortlisted gambling sites as their main option.

    We’re talking about thousands and tens of thousands of players; however, this doesn’t go into any official statistics, which leads to the conclusion that the gambling industry in Malaysia is doing far worse than it is.

    Unrealistic expectations

    While the pandemic is far from our minds, just two years have passed since it was in full swing. During this period, everything digital, contactless, and online has peaked its popularity.

    The iGaming and social gaming numbers reached alarming rates; however, these were unprecedented conditions, and this momentum wasn’t fated to last. Some analysts still use figures from 2020 and 2021 as relevant metrics. Compared to this, any numbers would seem disappointing.

  • Can technology make us more productive in the workplace?

    Can technology make us more productive in the workplace?

    Increasing workplace productivity is a typical objective shared by many business owners. We want everyone on our team to get as much done as possible while maintaining a pleasant work atmosphere since this helps us to grow our businesses.

    Despite having the same aim, company owners approach productivity improvement uniquely. Some may strive to conduct team-building activities, while others may simplify specific procedures. If you want to increase workplace productivity, you may do it by using modern technologies. Here are a few ways technology might assist in boosting efficiency in your office.

    How does technology help make us more productive?

    Many businesses integrate new technology into the workplace to boost staff productivity by decreasing mistakes, shortening timeframes, and lowering worker stress. Cloud computing has already influenced enterprises’ capacity to operate from anywhere, including mobile devices.

    Artificial intelligence (AI) will significantly affect sectors and enterprises during the next decade.

    Of course, introducing new technology into the workplace can be overwhelming at first. It’s also important to remember there is little point in introducing new software without a rigorous onboarding process. For example, employees might already be familiar with a free VPN for PCs in the office, and it’s easy to implement.

    Let’s look at different types of technology and how they help improve productivity in the workplace.

    Communication software

    An excellent place to begin is using communication software. Even if your staff members work in the same office, having technologies to assist them interact can help them operate more efficiently. This is especially true if you still converse by email. Providing your staff with chat software is an excellent choice.

    They can swiftly send messages, share files, and do other things using software like Microsoft Teams. This facilitates talks through email and provides a central location for your staff to address significant issues.

    Cybersecurity technology

    VPNs assist in improving online privacy and security by protecting your IP address, location, passwords, and data from possible hackers. A VPN can even enhance your business’s next digital marketing campaign.

    Your company may be transmitting data between web programs like Dropbox or within Office 365, and a VPN establishes an extra layer of protection and security between the source and destination of the data.

    Another valuable piece of cybersecurity technology is the firewall. It’s a virtual framework comprising hardware, software, or a combination that can prevent hackers, fraudsters, and other criminals from accessing your data.

    A firewall also stops hackers from entering your system in the first place, as opposed to a virus protection tool, which prevents them from installing a virus once they’ve entered. When activated, a firewall inspects the millions of data that move in and out of your company’s network. It prevents it from entering if it detects something unlawful, malicious, or harmful.

    Project management software

    If your company works on massive projects, having software that can coordinate all relevant duties is important. You may use project management software to define goals, allocate tasks to specific individuals, measure progress, and exchange files.

    Attempting to do this without specialist software may result in errors, miscommunications, and delays. Even if you already use project management software, looking into alternative possibilities is good since you could find something better suited to your needs.

    Automation tools

    Automation tools can help your staff save time. You can automate them if they have basic and repetitive duties that they must complete daily. You may automate email answers, meeting scheduling, communications to prospective clients, data input, and other tasks.

    A simple automation software solution may sometimes save your staff a significant amount of time throughout their day. They can then use this time to concentrate on more vital duties. They can now do more in less time, resulting in increased production.

    Enhanced internet hardware

    A dependable internet connection is an essential component of a productive office. If your staff needs to wait for items to load or transfer files, it will only slow down their workday. Moreover, frequent internet disconnects cause dissatisfaction and might slow down your staff. This is why having the proper gear for your internet connection is critical.

    Some smaller offices, for example, may require a single router to which everyone may connect. Larger workplaces may need hubs or wifi extenders to reach everyone successfully. Similarly, other businesses may need to rely on technology such as SD-WAN networks to provide the entire office with safe and reliable internet access. If your employees need help with their internet connections, one of the most important things you can do is look into ways to enhance them.

    Recreational and atmosphere

    Finally, technology may assist you in creating a more joyful workplace. It makes no difference what productivity techniques you apply if your staff are unhappy at work. Installing wireless speakers across the office and playing background music is a simple option that can significantly boost productivity.

    You could even arrange a virtual quiz event or start a fantasy sports league for your team. These are accessible technological applications that will make your employees’ days more enjoyable, increasing their productivity.

    Conclusion

    Technology is a wonderful thing that can help improve our experience in the workplace, just like it does when we are off the clock. Implementing new technology in the office will boost productivity through automation and project management while providing security for your business.

     

     

  • % Arabica returns to the Philippines

    % Arabica returns to the Philippines

    Arabica PH returns! The Japanese coffee shop has announced that it will be back in the Philippines this year with upcoming new branches in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), Taguig City.

    In a Thursday, January 5 Instagram post, Arabica Journal – the global account of the brand – posted rendered layout images of the two new Philippine stores as a “sneak preview,” showing minimalist, modern interiors and the brand’s iconic percentage symbol logo.

    “Manila, we will restart our project this year with these stores. We cannot wait to serve our coffee from the world to you once again,” they said.

    Arabica PH reposted the images on Friday, January 6, with the caption: “MABUHAY PILIPINAS! We are coming back bigger and better!” The branches’ opening dates and exact locations have yet to be confirmed.

    The Philippine return of the independent coffee brand from Kyoto has been met with excitement from the brand’s former patrons, especially after three of Arabica PH’s branches suddenly closed with no warning in late January 2021. Even the brand’s Instagram page was suddenly no longer available, much to customers’ confusion and concern.

    A day later, it was announced that Arabica’s franchise period and contract with its Philippine partner had already ended, and a new partner would soon be in the picture. Before this, the Arabica Headquarters had already been experiencing “communication issues” with the Philippine franchise partners. On February 2, Arabica PH was back online once again, with a new Instagram account to boot.

    Arabica PH said then that expansion plans were already being discussed with new franchise partners, and the plans were not limited to just Metro Manila but would also include other Philippine regions.

    Arabica PH opened its first branch in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City in 2018, followed by a second BGC branch and another at The Podium in Mandaluyong City. The brand currently has 140 stores worldwide, and advocates a “simple love for coffee and design.”

    Arabica PH’s former partners since 2017, mother-daughter duo Allue and Dr. San San Hortaleza, built a new “proudly Filipino” coffee brand called Angkan Coffee, which has branches in BGC, The Podium, and a soon-to-open one in Capitol Commons.

  • Dilmah Tea founder passes away

    Dilmah Tea founder passes away

    The founder of popular Sri Lankan tea company Dilmah has died at the age of 93.

    Merrill J Fernando was surrounded by his sons and grandchildren when he passed away on Thursday in Colombo, Sri Lanka.

    He known for his iconic ‘do try it’ slogan.

    The tea company announced Mr Fernando’s death saying his ‘greatness was in his invincible faith, his integrity and love for tea & family’.

    ‘With devotion and urgency he pursued his desire for integrity and quality with humility and kindness,’ the company said.

  • Google Messages could soon feature end-to-end encryption for cross-platform messaging

    Google Messages could soon feature end-to-end encryption for cross-platform messaging

    Rich Communication Services (RCS) is the messaging platform available on the Messages by Google app for Android. Similar to Apple’s iMessage, RCS runs off data connectivity, not cellular connectivity. This allows it to send and receive huge messages, share higher-quality images and videos, deliver read receipts and typing indicators, and offer end-to-end encryption.

    But like a chat made up of iMessage users that loses all of its great features when an Android user dares to join the group, the same thing happens when an iPhone user joins a chat session made up of RCS users. One of the features that both RCS and iMessage users lose when someone from a rival platform joins a group chat is the aforementioned end-to-end encryption.

    As Google said in a blog post it published on Wednesday, “This is why Google is strongly supportive of regulatory efforts that require interoperability for large end-to-end messaging platforms.”
    Google writes, “For interoperability to succeed in practice, however, regulations must be combined with open, industry-vetted, standards, particularly in the area of privacy, security, and end-to-end encryption.” And this makes sense. Otherwise, you’ll have a situation where end-to-end encryption would be a mess. “Group messages would have to be encrypted and delivered multiple times to cater for every different protocol,” the company says.

    As a result, Google announced that it is supporting Messaging Layer Security (MLS) which would allow end-to-end encryption to remain in effect between two large messaging platforms like iMessage and RCS. MLS is a protocol developed by the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) and now enables “practical interoperability across services and platforms, scaling to groups of thousands of multi-device users.”

    Google plans on integrating MLS into Google Messages. The goal is to have users of the Google Messages app enjoy secure group chats with all members of a group chat regardless of the messaging app they are using.
  • T-Mobile is making things worse for people struggling financially

    T-Mobile is making things worse for people struggling financially

    Just when you think T-Mobile is done delivering bad news, something new comes along. Just today, it was reported that customers are having a meltdown at stores after learning about the new fee for offline payments and now the carrier has dropped two more bombs.
    The Mobile Report spotted a change to the company’s terms and conditions and found two potentially worrying things. One of the clauses says that “you may still incur charges while an account or service is suspended.” This means that the company has the right to charge you even when you are not using their services because of a non-payment suspension.

    And even though the website uses the word “may,” The Mobile Report has received a screenshot of an internal document that says that customers will be charged during account suspension.

    This went into effect on July 19 and employees have apparently been told that the charges are not prorated – meaning customers will be charged the full amount for the entire billing period – and they will not be credited.
    As is the case with the offline payment fiasco, employees will have to deal with disappointed customers and this time around, T-Mobile doesn’t even explain why it has made this change.
    Verizon is the only of the big three carriers that does not charge customers during non-payment suspensions.
    Besides that, T-Mobile also says it’s “not responsible for any… …information, goods, or services provided by third parties.” So if you do business with a third party and something goes wrong, you can raise a dispute but it would be up to T-Mobile if it wants to help and it can walk away scot-free.
    This means that customers will have to be a lot more careful about where they shop from as T-Mobile can simply refuse to help if something goes wrong with the device you were provided or you were misguided about a plan by an authorized retailer.
  • UK coffee chain EL&N launches in Malaysia

    UK coffee chain EL&N launches in Malaysia

    London-based EL&N has made its first foray into Asia with a store at the Pavilion shopping centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

    The site, which features indoor and terraced seating, is the boutique café chain’s 30th globally and its second market entry in the last two months following its Bahraini debut in Amman in June 2023.

    EL&N currently operates 15 outlets across Europe, 12 of which are in its native market, and 14 across the Middle East, primarily in Saudi Arabia.

    “We are so thrilled to finally be opening our first outlet in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur. Today marks the first EL&N in Asia and myself and the team are so proud and excited to be bringing the brand to such an incredible part of the world. The store location is an absolute dream come true for us and we are so confident that our Malaysian clientele are going to love everything we have on offer, from the unique interior design moments to our fusion of European dishes with some localised twists,” said Alexandra Miller, Founder EL&N.

    Pavilion Kuala Lumpur features more than 700 retail units, with its food and beverage offer including several boutique café operators.

    Japanese specialty café group % Arabica, Taiwanese chain HWC Coffee and Hong Kong-based The Coffee Academïcs all operate in the shopping centre, alongside Italian coffee roaster illycaffé. US coffee chains Starbucks and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf both operate two stores at the mall.

    Indonesian value-focused chain Kopi Kenangan and South Korean bakery café chain Paris Baguette also made their Malaysian debuts at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, joining domestic boutique brands Dome Café, Artelier Coffee and Tom&Danny.

    EL&N, which is also expected to open outlets in India soon via a franchise partnership with Reliance Brands, is the latest international brand to launch or announce its upcoming entry in Malaysia.

    In July 2023, Indonesian specialty coffee roaster and café chain Tanamera Coffee opened its first Malaysian store in Kuala Lumpur, while Moroccan café chain Bacha Coffee announced it will debut in the southeast Asian country at the Suria KLCC shopping centre in the capital city.

    Additionally, Saudi Arabian coffee chain Barn’s has partnered with Premier Fine Foods to open stores in Kuala Lumpur as part of plans to reach 300 outlets across southeast Asia by 2033.

    World Coffee Portal research forecasts the total Malaysian branded coffee shop market will exceed 2,700 outlets by 2025.

  • John Dietrich to join FedEx as finance chief

    John Dietrich to join FedEx as finance chief

    Ex-Atlas CEO, John W. Dietrich, is set to join FedEx as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective 1 August.

    With more than more than 30 years of experience in the aviation and air cargo industries, Dietrich held several leadership roles at Atlas Air Worldwide since 1999, including serving as president and chief executive officer, and member of the board of directors from 2020.

    Prior to Atlas Air, Dietrich was with United Airlines for 13 years. He currently serves as chairman of the National Defense Transportation Association, as a director on the board of AAR Corporation, as a board member of the International Air Transport Association, and a member and former chairman of the National Air Carrier Association.

    Together with Dietrich’s appointment, FedEx also announced strategic shifts within the finance organization to further bolster its ongoing transformation.

    “The evolution of our Finance leadership team is critical to our transformation as we continue to build a more intelligent, flexible and efficient network,” said Raj Subramaniam, president and chief executive officer. “I am pleased to welcome John to FedEx. He is an accomplished and seasoned leader in the transportation industry whose unique combination of financial and operational expertise is a strong complement to the existing executive leadership team at this important time for the company. His appointment, along with the other strategic changes within the Finance leadership team, will further strengthen our ability to generate efficiencies, improve margins, and enhance returns.”

  • DHL Supply Chain to spend €500m in Latin America

    DHL Supply Chain to spend €500m in Latin America

    DHL Supply Chain has announced a landmark investment of €500 million into Latin America over the next years (until 2028) as part of a strategy to strengthen its capabilities in high-demand sectors like healthcare, automotive, technology, retail and e-commerce.

    Projects in the pipeline include decarbonizing the domestic fleet through greener alternatives; building, developing and retrofitting real estate assets and warehouses in the market; as well as significant investments into new technologies, robotics and automation solutions.

    DHL Supply Chain is confident in its plans for the region, citing its proximity to large consumer markets in North America as well as booming sales markets which make it attractive for industries to invest and therewith request additional logistics support.

    The company has been growing its operations in Latin America with more than 240 locations. In Mexico last year, it acquired NTA, a company focused on logistics services for the pharmaceutical industry.

    In Brazil, it recently announced the expansion and modernization of its distribution centre located in Goiás, while expanding its operations and presence in Extrema Minas Gerais for various clients in pharmaceuticals and retail fashion. It also opened a new distribution centre in Pudahuel, Chile, and expanded its presence in Mexico with new warehouses in Tijuana and Monterrey, including a new campus in the State of Mexico, which will serve the e-commerce, retail, fashion, consumer, medical devices, aerospace, electronics, and automotive sectors.

    Following the announcement of the investment, DHL Supply Chain Mexico inaugurated a new center of excellence for electric vehicles to provide synergy to the automotive industry in the region.

  • Aeon Vietnam secures $41 million loan to fuel expansion

    Aeon Vietnam secures $41 million loan to fuel expansion

    DHL Supply Chain has announced a landmark investment of €500 million into Latin America over the next years (until 2028) as part of a strategy to strengthen its capabilities in high-demand sectors like healthcare, automotive, technology, retail and e-commerce.

    Projects in the pipeline include decarbonizing the domestic fleet through greener alternatives; building, developing and retrofitting real estate assets and warehouses in the market; as well as significant investments into new technologies, robotics and automation solutions.

    DHL Supply Chain is confident in its plans for the region, citing its proximity to large consumer markets in North America as well as booming sales markets which make it attractive for industries to invest and therewith request additional logistics support.

    The company has been growing its operations in Latin America with more than 240 locations. In Mexico last year, it acquired NTA, a company focused on logistics services for the pharmaceutical industry.

    In Brazil, it recently announced the expansion and modernization of its distribution centre located in Goiás, while expanding its operations and presence in Extrema Minas Gerais for various clients in pharmaceuticals and retail fashion. It also opened a new distribution centre in Pudahuel, Chile, and expanded its presence in Mexico with new warehouses in Tijuana and Monterrey, including a new campus in the State of Mexico, which will serve the e-commerce, retail, fashion, consumer, medical devices, aerospace, electronics, and automotive sectors.

    Following the announcement of the investment, DHL Supply Chain Mexico inaugurated a new center of excellence for electric vehicles to provide synergy to the automotive industry in the region.

  • Fish exports expected to recover from late Q3

    Fish exports expected to recover from late Q3

    The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) forecast that aquatic product exports will bounce back at the end of the third quarter and reach the yearly revenue target of $10 billion.

    It reported that in the first six months of this year, the export value of aquatic products hit nearly $4.2 billion, down over 27% year-on-year.

    To achieve the yearly target, many businesses have diversified products, focused on intensive processing, and invested in value chains.

    Meanwhile, the MARD and localities will further provide fishermen with market information and guide them to implement solutions to deal with the European Commission (EC)’s “yellow card” warning against Vietnamese seafood, and step up inspections and handling of cases of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, towards a sustainable fishery sector.

    Competent agencies will also work to remove obstacles relating to the Chinese and US markets, diversify export markets, and coordinate with banks to support businesses.

  • Netflix discontinues the Basic plan in the US and UK

    Netflix discontinues the Basic plan in the US and UK

    Netflix is going ahead with its strategy to completely remove the Basic plan to force customers into choosing more expensive plans or ads. Back in June, Netflix quietly removed the Basic tier in Canada, a move that was expected to extend to other regions in the coming months.

    Earlier today, Cord Busters noticed that that the Basic plan has been discontinued in the UK and US. New customers in these two countries will no longer be able to choose the cheapest Netflix plan starting today, although Basic tier subscribers get to keep their plan until they change to another tier.

    The information has been confirmed by Netflix on its support page: “the Basic plan is no longer available for new or rejoining members. If you are currently on the Basic plan, you can remain on this plan until you change plans or cancel your account.”

    Netflix launched its ad-supported tier in late 2022 as “Basic with Ads” for £4.99 / $6.99 per month, but its name was changed a few months ago when it received a few upgrades like video quality from 720p to 1080p and two simultaneous streams.

    The renamed Standard with Ads plan offered almost the same perks as the Basic plan, but with one big difference: it forced subscribers to watch several minutes of ads per hour. Other differences between the two plans are the number of simultaneous streams and the video quality.

    With the removal of the Basic tier, customers in the UK and US will now have to pay at least £10.99 or $15.49 per month if they want Netflix in their homes or on the go without having to watch ads. It’s pretty clear that Netflix wants more customers to choose its Standard with Ads tier rather than a plan that doesn’t run ads, unless it’s one that’s priced a lot higher.

  • Export of fruits, vegetables spike in H1

    Export of fruits, vegetables spike in H1

    The export of rice, fruit and vegetables to China and other markets posted surges of 34.7% and 64.2%, respectively in the first half, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

    Director of the ministry’s Agro-Forestry-Fisheries Quality Assurance Department Nguyen Nhu Tiep predicted export growth of fruit and vegetables to be maintained in the second half if exporters pay attention to quality, design, packaging and origin tracing to meet market demand.

    He said the ministry will sign a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in agriculture development and trade in agro-forestry-fisheries China’s Guangxi and Yunnan provinces in September, on the occasion of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo in Guangxi.

    It will also consider working with the Vietnam Trade Office in China’s Nanning to increase farm produce consumption at the expo.

    Efforts will be made to establish the Vietnam-Guangxi association of agro-forestry-fisheries enterprises and the Vietnam-Yunnan association of agro-forestry-fisheries businesses. The ministry will also expedite technical measures to conclude soon a Protocol with the General Administration of Customs of China on food safety requirements, quarantine and inspection for aquatic products imported and exported between Vietnam and China.

    Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Tran Thanh Nam said the ministry will focus on trade promotion and market development to boost the export of key agro-forestry and aquatic products to three major markets of China, the US and Japan.

  • C-segment car sales slump

    C-segment car sales slump

    In the first half of the year 6,787 C-segment sedans, as medium-sized passenger cars are categorized, were sold, a year-on-year decrease of 59.5%.

    The Mazda3 and Kia K3 assembled and distributed by Thaco accounted for 3,983 of them.The former was the bestseller, replacing the K3, which topped last year with sales of 7,439.

    Two Japanese models imported from Thailand, the Toyota Altis and Honda Civic, the highest priced in the segment, had the lowest combined sales of 1,057 units.

    Unlike in the A- and B-segments, few new models have been launched in the C-segment.

    The Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association said its members sold 404,635 vehicles in 2022, up 33% from the previous year, with Toyota having the biggest market share of 25.4%.