Retail News CRM

Author: Mei Ling Tan

  • Deloitte Switzerland Expands Management Team

    Deloitte Switzerland Expands Management Team

    The Swiss accountancy firm is adding two specialists to its management team.

    Deloitte Switzerland is appointing Liza Engel to chief sustainability officer and Yousif Al-Adhami to technology advisory leader and adding both to its management board, effective immediately, it said in its results report last week.

    Engel, who has been with Deloite Switzerland for four years, was previously 15 years at Swisscom.

    Yousif Al-Adhami, heads Enterprise Technology & Performance and will make sure that Deloitte offers its clients innovative solutions encompassing strategies, technology and implementation, the report said.

    The firm is also making Veronica Melian People & Purpose Part

  • Public Cloud Services to Reach US$165.2 Billion in 2026

    Public Cloud Services to Reach US$165.2 Billion in 2026

    The public cloud services market in Asia Pacific, excluding Japan, will reach US$165.2 billion in 2026, according to IDC. The PCS market is to grow at a higher year-over-year (YoY) rate in 2022 at 31.4% in comparison to 30.0% in 2021, as cloud migration continues to accelerate. However, IDC expects the YoY growth rates to slow down beginning in 2023 with a YoY growth of 28.3%, to 22.4% in 2026.

    “Majority of organizations have pivoted rapidly toward a digital-centric modus operandi to adapt to new ways of operating, working and selling products and services amid various disruptions. These organizations progressively demand better outcomes from their adoption of digital technologies to increase efficiency, accelerate time to market, provide empathetic customer experience, make quicker decisions and respond faster to customers. In IDC’s view, cloud technologies are the core building blocks for the future of digital infrastructure that can meet these challenges,” said Estelle Quek, senior research manager, Cloud Services, IDC Asia/Pacific.

    Infrastructure as a service (IaaS) will achieve a market value of US$80.7 billion and make up 48.8% of the Asia-Pacific  PCS market in 2026. IDC predicts more organizations will continue to accelerate IaaS adoption to reduce risks associated with capital expenditure and to operate more efficiently and profitably. Organizations are progressively pursuing consistency, security, performance and compliance across all resources by deploying, operating and scaling digital infrastructure in dedicated datacenters (DCs), private cloud, PCS and edge locations.

    Platform as a service (PaaS) will reach a market value of US$27.4 billion, contributing to 16.6% of the Asia-Pacific PCS market in 2026. Growth is fueled by organizations that are gradually shifting application development in-house to have better control and those exploring ways to allocate development functions to non-IT staff using low-code/no-code platforms.

    Software as a service (SaaS) will grow almost three times, from US$20.8 billion in 2021 to US$57.1 billion in 2026, contributing to 34.6% of the entire Asia-Pacific PCS market by then. SaaS growth is attributed to continued adoption of core enterprise applications, such as customer relationship management (CRM) and enterprise resource management (ERM). These remain top priorities as organizations desire to obtain 360-degree visibility and better service for their customers and to improve internal planning and operations by streamlining business processes and activities.

    “The PCS market’s growth is fueled by organizations’ DX acceleration and cloud-first approach with continuous adoption of hybrid work, business, or operations and the desire to drive better business outcomes, improve efficiencies, and create an empathetic customer experience to augment customer retention rate and enhance pr

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  • Vietnam national brand value gains 11%

    Vietnam national brand value gains 11%

    Vietnam saw its national brand value increase by 11% this year to $431 billion thanks to its foreign direct investment policies. Its increase of $184 billion year-on-year was the third highest of any country, U.K. consultancy Brand Finance said in a recent release.

    The country went up one place to 32nd, just behind Thailand and the Philippines.

    “The country has gained momentum as an attractive destination for foreign investment thanks to successful fiscal and monetary policies and investments in human capital, but also amid trade disruptions from China’s lockdowns and continued tensions between Beijing and Washington,” the release said.

    Among the 50 most valuable corporate brands in Vietnam, telecommunications giant Viettel led at $8.8 billion, up 44% from 2021. It was followed by another state-owned telecom firm, VNPT, at $2.9 billion. Other places in the top five were claimed by dairy giant Vinamilk, property developer Vinhomes and brewer Sabeco.

    The top sectors in terms of brand value in Vietnam are telecom, banking and food.

    Globally, the U.S. claimed top spot in the national brand list at $26.5 trillion, followed by China, Germany, Japan, and the U.K.

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  • Mastercard partners with Buy2Sell in cross-border payment solutions in Asia

    Mastercard partners with Buy2Sell in cross-border payment solutions in Asia

    Buy2Sell, an e-commerce B2B platform in Singapore, has announced a new strategic partnership with Mastercard. For a global orientation to 2025, Buy2Sell is also moving towards expanding its cross-border sales through its e-commerce. Buy2Sell will enable multiple payment types to various delivery channels via a single connection through Mastercard cross-border services. At Buy2Sell’s platform, Mastercard is a payment gateway for services, including purchasing and logistics.

    Mastercard’s cross-border payment solution provides buyers and sellers that transact globally through the Buy2Sell platform an easy and safe payment solution for their purchases via a fast, secure, and traceable cross-border payment trail.

    With this partnership, the Buy2Sell platform optimizes the remittance rate for trade imports into Vietnam. Mastercard cross-border services enable financial institutions and partners to build flexible solutions that support multiple use cases and can reach a variety of payment endpoints nearly anywhere in the world via a single connection.

    Mastercard’s platform plays a key role in improving worldwide connectivity and provides innovative payment applications that give customers a choice to route transactions over card or account-to-account infrastructure. The Mastercard network supports multiple delivery channels, including bank accounts, mobile wallets, cash-out locations, and cards, as well as different payment types such as Business-to-Business (B2B), Business-to-Person (B2P), Person-to-Person (P2P), and Person-to-Business (P2B).

    Buy2Sell, headquartered in Singapore, is a leading B2B e-commerce platform. It operates many import and export B2B transactions, mainly on high-end goods supplied between Vietnam, Singapore, Hong Kong, and South Korea.

    For a global orientation to 2025, Buy2Sell is also moving towards expanding its cross-border sales through its e-commerce.

    Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. With connections across more than 210 countries and territories, Mastercard’s mission is to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone.

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  • Why do we use mobile apps so much?

    Why do we use mobile apps so much?

    We use mobile apps so much for a variety of reasons. They’re convenient, they’re usually free, and they offer us a way to do things that we wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.

    The Convenience of Mobile Apps: Why We Use Them More Than Websites

    One of the main reasons why mobile apps are so popular is because of the convenience they offer. In our fast-paced world, we often don’t have the time to sit down at a computer and browse through websites. Mobile apps allow us to get the information we need quickly and easily, without having to go through the hassle of loading up a website on our phone or tablet.

    Another reason why mobile apps are so popular is because they’re designed specifically for touchscreen devices. We now live in a world where most people own smartphones and tablets, which means that traditional websites or games aren’t always optimized for these types of devices. There are many latest casino games, that are designed specifically for touchscreen devices, which makes them much easier and more enjoyable to use. This is the future of mobile gaming.

    Finally, mobile apps often offer features that websites simply can’t match. For example, many mobile apps make use of GPS technology to provide users with location-based content and services.

    How has the rise in mobile app usage changed the way people live and interact?

    The rise in mobile app usage made people more reliant on their smartphones and other mobile devices. People now use them for everything from checking the weather, playing games, to hailing a ride.

    But mobile apps have also changed the way we interact with each other. Social media apps, in particular, have made it easier for us to connect with friends and family members who live far away.

    Mobile apps have also had an impact on the way we do business. Many companies now have their own mobile apps that customers can use to book appointments, track orders, or even make purchases. This trend is only likely to continue as more and more businesses realize the potential of mobile technology.

    Can we expect mobile app usage to continue growing at its current rate?

    Yes, mobile app usage is expected to continue growing at its current rate. This is because more and more people are using smartphones and tablets, and they are spending more time on these devices. In addition, there are more and more apps available, so people have more options to choose from.

    Mobile apps are convenient, allow us to access information quickly, and can be used on the go.

  • The history of casinos and the law in New Zealand

    The history of casinos and the law in New Zealand

    The 1920s were a time when gambling was illegal in most places, save racetracks. That dynamic persisted until a legal reform in 1961 liberalized the sector. With the legalization of slot machines and the proliferation of live casinos around the country, New Zealand quickly became a major gaming destination. The Gambling Act of 2003 is the government’s last word on the subject.

    New Zealand, like its neighboring Antipodean country of Australia, has a strong love for casino games, particularly pokies. As a matter of fact, the statistics show that pokies generate 35% of total betting income, with other casino games coming in at a close second with 26%. The existence of no deposit bonuses in New Zealand could be the reason for the tremendous growth in the number of players.

    NZ district introduces a new gambling harm policy

    No more gaming facilities will be allowed, and the existing facilities will be prevented from relocating. Upon its approval at a meeting on June 23rd, the Gisborne District Council’s Gambling Venue Policy 2022 went into force. Its goals include the regulation of gaming expansion, the prevention and mitigation of gambling-related damage, and the promotion of public participation in gambling-related decision-making.

    What does the New Zealand Act of 2003 entail?

    By codifying the country’s gambling laws and providing a framework for the business in the age of the internet, the New Zealand Gambling Act of 2003 simplified the regulatory framework for the sector. The authorities behind its creation wanted to ensure that internet gambling would have no bad consequences, therefore they came up with this system.

    The Gambling Act has been revised twice since it was first enacted, in 2005 and 2015, however the primary provisions remain unchanged. A previous iteration of the Gambling Act was titled the Responsible Gambling Bill (2002). This laid the groundwork for the present regulatory framework, which has been implemented to guarantee the greatest standards of service and security in the land-based and digital gaming industries.

    Which other countries have regulated casinos?

    In India, gaming is regulated under the Public Gambling Act, 1867. Goa and Sikkim are the only two states in India that have explicitly legalized gaming and betting, albeit these activities are nonetheless strictly regulated by state governments. Casino gambling is permitted in states like Goa.

    The Gambling Act of 2005 made it lawful for those living in the United Kingdom to partake in gambling. The purpose of the present gambling legislation in the United Kingdom is to reduce the prevalence of underage gambling and to improve industry regulation for the protection of players.

    China has also tightened its efforts in regulating online casinos. Although the number of licenses in Macau’s lucrative gambling center would not be limited under the new proposed rule, the period of new casino licenses would be halved and operations would be required to conform with China’s national security concerns.

    Several governments have announced new regulations on betting companies in an attempt to reduce problem gambling.

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  • Singapore Fashion Brands To Shop

    Singapore Fashion Brands To Shop

    Like many countries and cities in Southeast Asia, Singapore is known for its lively food scene. As one of the most expensive cities in the world, Singapore is also a shopping and nightlife mecca. Multiple luxury labels such as Louis Vuitton, technology brands such as Apple, and entertainment spots such as those from the Tao Group have opened flagship stores in the city-state.

    While the pandemic has undoubtedly changed the economic landscape for Singapore, fashion brands, restaurants, and other stores have all been given a new lease of life now that travel and other forms of trade can resume.

    Below are some of the most talked about local brands in Singapore that tourists love and keep coming back for.

    1.   Beyond The Vines

    Beyond The Vines’ popularity soared when they released their Dumpling Bag, a soft fabric carry-all tote available in various sizes. Following up on the popularity of its accessories, the brand also released the Reversible Relaxed Bag, yet another carry-all tote that can be carried multiple ways.

    The local label recently rebranded from being a ready-to-wear clothing brand to a multi-disciplinary design studio. This move means the brand now creates homeware, outdoor, and tech essentials, like phone cases, on top of their menswear and womenswear offerings.

    In an interview with Singapore-based lifestyle magazine, Female, the brand’s founders revealed that the brand has always been a design studio at heart. According to the husband and wife founders, their approach to design has always been about problem-solving from a user-centric perspective.

    2.   Klarra

    Klarra is home to contemporary womenswear; think crisp lines and comfortable fits. The local brand creates ready-to-wear, comfy yet stylish pieces, with some even suitable for the office. The brand also introduced a Studio line focusing solely on elevated essentials like jeans, trousers, and dresses that can be worn timelessly. Besides womenswear, Klarra also creates everyday kidswear so parents can have loads of fun mixing and matching outfits with their kids.

    While it’s primarily a fashion label, Klarra also creates content with local influencers and celebrities on its blog, creating a sense of community.

    3.   By Invite Only

    Known for its minimalist pieces, By Invite Only is a jewelry store that produces affordable accessories for women.

    By Invite Only has come a long way as one of Singapore’s best-known independent jewelry labels. The brand—founded almost 13 years ago—has an e-commerce platform and six physical stores spread across the country.

    In an interview with a luxury lifestyle magazine, The Peak, the brand’s founder, Trixie Khong, revealed that the label was created because Khong wanted to make extra pocket money. As an undergraduate student at university, Khong relied on her suppliers to show her the ropes of designing jewelry.

    4.   Charles & Keith and Pedro

    Perhaps one of the most well-loved local brands, Charles and Keith, and its sister brand, Pedro, manufacture accessories such as shoes, belts, sunglasses, and bags for men and women.

    Started in 1996 by two brothers, Charles and Keith, it is one of the oldest local brands in Singapore. The brand skyrocketed in popularity when celebrities such as Emily Ratajkowski, Maisie Williams, and Priyanka Chopra started using their bags and shoes on the red carpet or out and about town. In 2011, 20 percent of the brand was bought over by a famed French luxury house, Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy. The acquisition further catapulted Charles & Keith to fame, allowing it to conquer the Chinese market.

    Most recently, Charles & Keith were in the spotlight again. This time, their Gabine Saddle Bag stole the show, selling out within days of its launch.

    5.   Love, Bonito

    One of Singapore’s most loved womenswear brands, Love, Bonito, designs and creates everyday ready-to-wear pieces. Each piece created by the brand is made to cater to the fit and proportion of Asian women.

    Love, Bonito was founded by three friends, Rachel Lim, Viola Tan, and Velda Tan. Currently, Lim helms the brand with CEO Dion Song. In a video feature on the local site, Mothership, Song claims that the brand’s success is due to its decision to place Asian women at the heart of its design.

    In June this year, the brand opened a flagship store in Hong Kong, expanding its territory. The momentous move came after the brand did a pop-up in 2019, followed by a localized website launched in 2021.

    6.   In Good Company

    In Good Company creates artful and contemporary items with interesting cuts and fabrics. While on the higher end of the spectrum, each piece is unique and lasts a really long time. The brand’s iconic range of jewelry pieces, too, stands out and is popular amongst women. The brand has recently expanded to selling homeware items like candles, planter boxes, and stationery. Their success and popularity have also led the brand to earn fans all throughout Asia.

    With its strong showing of local designers, Singapore looks set to become Asia’s next big fashion hub.

  • Your Ultimate Guide to Find the Right Office without Headaches

    Your Ultimate Guide to Find the Right Office without Headaches

    Hong Kong is one of the most competitive markets in the world when it comes to locating office spaces. As one of Asia’s premiere business hubs and the world’s freest economy, many companies – both local and international – are all vying for the best office spaces. Here’s how you can ensure you don’t get pressured into renting an office space that’s not ideal for your business.

    Setting a Reasonable Budget

    Since Hong Kong is generally an expensive market when it comes to finding office spaces, expect to pay a premium compared to other destinations in Asia. This means that it’s acceptable to set aside a slightly larger budget for rent, but it’s always important to keep track of market trends and how property prices are performing. To this end, you can use statistics provided by the Hong Kong government to have a general idea of how different types of office properties – from private offices to factory spaces – are performing at any given year. Also keep in mind your overheads and profit margins when creating a budget for your office rent.

    Types of Offices in Hong Kong

    Office space in Hong Kong can be categorized into different types include:

    Traditional Offices

    Traditional offices are completely private spaces that are rented out or owned by a single company. These offices are great for companies with bigger budgets who rely on wowing clients with their office space.

    Serviced Offices

    With fully-private rooms to work in, but a shared common area beyond, serviced offices like Compass Offices are a good option for companies who want a premium office feel at a fraction of the price.

    Coworking Office Spaces

    Made up mainly of desks that can be rented, these spaces offer minimal privacy. Typically, coworking spaces are a great option for remote businesses or freelancers trying to keep their office budgets to a minimum.

    The Best Hong Kong Locations for Your Office

    Hong Kong has several distinct districts that all offer unique perks for businesses looking for great office spaces.

    In Hong Kong Island you’ll find several of the city’s largest business districts like Central, Admiralty and Causeway Bay, which are ideal for offices that require a premium setting and feel.

    Kowloon offers a mix of upscale offices and budget-friendly areas. Tsim Sha Tsui is perfect for high-end offices because of its proximity to Victoria Harbour. Meanwhile, districts like Lai Chi Kok and Sham Shui Po are great for companies looking for a bargain.

    The New Territories offers cheaper rents and more space. For example, Tai Po and Tseung Kwan O are perfect locations for industrial companies.

    Picking the Right Office Size

    It’s important to consider what your plans are for future growth when selecting an office space. Since the market is so competitive for office spaces, it can be expensive and challenging to move to new spaces often. This is why it might be worth purchasing an office space that can accommodate more staff than you have currently if you plan on expanding.

    Office Amenities and Perks

    When searching for an office space, consider what additional benefits you get as part of the deal. Do you have a kitchen and pantry for your staff to prepare their lunch in? Are there a sufficient number of toilets for your employees to use? Are meeting rooms and furniture already provided? Ensuring that the right amenities are already in place can be a huge way to cut down costs when selecting your office in Hong Kong.

    Avoid Awkward Layouts

    Picking the right office space purely on square area alone is not sufficient for a positive working environment. If teams are forced to be split up because of a poor layout, it can lead to a decrease in productivity and ultimately, profits. Also consider things like natural light and how spacious the office feels. A good use of floorspace can sometimes make smaller offices seem even more spacious than poorly-planned larger ones.

    Don’t Settle for Anything but the Best

    Sometimes it’s worth being a little patient and not settling for an office space that you have to compromise on. Pick a space that suits your business needs as much as possible so you can rent the perfect office space the first time round and not have to spend extra on relocating regularly.

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  • Digital marketing trends for China in 2022

    Digital marketing trends for China in 2022

    Digital marketing trends are always evolving in China and without the set features of global platforms like Google and Facebook, Chinese digital companies are often leading the rollout of promotional and ecommerce features on their platforms. Therefore, it is very important to stay on top of  these trends to leverage the most value out of every marketing dollar.

    Live streaming shopping format

    Livestreaming is one channel that has become extremely popular in China. In 2020 alone, $1.2T of sales were generated through livestreaming with $151B generated on Singles’ Day which is a big shopping day in China. Platforms from Alibaba and Tencent are pushing this medium and social media applications like Douyin have also added very successful livestreaming options with integrated online stores. KOL marketing in China has become part of the strategy for major brands and you will find celebrities and even diplomats using the medium to get information out and sell for brands, report Ashley Dudarenok from Alarice International, a digital marketing agency specialised on the Chinese market.

    Rise of Bilibili

    Another interesting development in the social media space has been the rise of Bilibili as a force to contend with. Originally started as a community for those interested in anime and videogame culture, the site has grown to 171 millions monthly users. Bilibili offers brands the chance to target younger demographics directly and keep track of the trends popular among the young in China. 70% of users on the platform are below the age of 24 and this allows brands to push out very relevant content. Collaborations with KOLs and content creators on this platform will also reap huge benefits.

    WeChat mini programs

    WeChat mini programs allow brands to create a customized interactive experience for their followers. The number of people using WeChat mini programs has risen by 11% to 829 millions monthly users from 2019 to 2020 and continues to grow. The huge variety of applications that can be created on the platform can range from the useful, like productivity apps to the inspirational, like stories told through games. Leveraging this open form tool will be integral to marketing strategies as we move forward.

    Existing brands’ goals

    Brands should also examine case studies of other companies that have made successful forays into China. Some of the trends that these brands are focused on include:

    Brands want to create private traffic

    Over the last few years of international brand penetration competing with domestic companies, advertising and therefore, acquisition costs in China have skyrocketed. On Tmall, the customer acquisition cost more than doubled from 207RMB to 536 RMB from 2018 to 2019. So, brands have started to work out strategies to reduce reliance on traffic from external platforms like WeChat and ecommerce platforms. This means creating owned properties like blogs and email lists where customers can be contacted directly instead of having to rely on traffic from external sources.

    Brands want to reach lower-tier cities and young consumers

    Another area of growth has been targeting demographics where there is still market share to be won. Lower-tier cities have increasing mobile network penetration and spending power which makes them very attractive. This is a strategy being used by Pinduoduo, an emerging ecommerce platform looking to compete with Alibaba and Tencent. Using a combination of low prices and social features, the company has seen the most growth year on year compared to Alibaba and Tencent. Targeting younger consumers has also been on the agenda for many brands and platforms like Bilibili allow for this.

    Conclusion

    Having an appreciation that consumer expectations and buying culture in China can be very different from other countries is very important to success.

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  • What Internet Speed Rankings Reveal about the State of Philippines’ Digital Infrastructure

    What Internet Speed Rankings Reveal about the State of Philippines’ Digital Infrastructure

    We live in an increasingly digital world. Today, computers, mobile devices, and the internet play key roles in our work, education, socialization, entertainment, and other daily activities. The rise of digital technology has only been accelerated further in recent years by the COVID-19 pandemic, when health and safety restrictions temporarily closed schools and businesses. At the height of the pandemic, many people had no choice but to work, study, and even shop for their everyday essentials via the internet.

    Even post-COVID-19, the world seems inevitably headed in the direction of a technology-dependent status quo. Unfortunately for the Philippines, internet services in the country have historically left much to be desired. Our overall download and upload speeds are notoriously slow, lagging significantly behind those of other Southeast Asian countries. Accessibility and affordability also remain pressing problems, as stable internet remains financially out of reach for the poorest of the poor. People living in rural or far-flung areas subsist with little to no internet connectivity and must often travel great distances to the closest cities for a better-quality connection.

    How exactly does the Philippines compare to neighboring countries in terms of internet speed and accessibility? What challenges do the public and private sector face in the attempt to improve digital infrastructure? And most importantly, what can be done to boost internet connectivity throughout the country, for all Filipinos? Read on for an in-depth exploration of these pressing questions.

    Evaluating Digital Quality of Life in the Philippines

    Just how fast (or slow) is the internet in the Philippines, really? Internet speed monitoring organization Speedtest by Ookla reported in August 2022 that the Philippines had risen a few spots in their global ranking of internet speeds. Ookla monitors fixed broadband internet connectivity in 182 countries worldwide and mobile internet connectivity in 140 countries.

    The Philippines’ fixed broadband median, for example, was ranked 45th in the world in July 2022, with an overall download speed of 78.33 megabits per second (Mbps). The country’s mobile internet median speed, meanwhile, sat at 84th place. Mobile median download speed in the Philippines was recorded at 22.56 Mbps.

    While current services have certainly made significant progress from years ago, both industry authorities and users on the ground insist it’s still not enough. In September 2022, a Netherlands-based subsidiary of Nord Security known as Surfshark released a global study ranking countries according to overall “digital well-being.” This ranking was based on five variables Surfshark termed fundamental digital life pillars—internet quality, internet affordability, e-security, e-government, and e-infrastructure.

    The Philippines sits at 55th out of 117 countries on Surfshark’s Digital Quality of Life (DQL) Index for 2022, a sharp tumble from its rank of 48th in 2021. Internet services in the country are described as providing only mediocre-quality connectivity, while simultaneously being among the least affordable in the world. This assessment is, for the most part, in line with what ordinary Filipino internet users have to contend with on the regular.

    Improving Internet Speed and Accessibility in the Philippines

    Many factors contribute to the current inadequacy of internet services in the Philippines, such as limited energy sources and the country’s susceptibility to natural hazards. Local telcos also assert that the Philippines’ rigorous regulatory landscape also hinders them from making necessary improvements. Putting up a single cell tower has been known to take as many as eight months, and much of that time is typically spent securing anywhere between 29 to 35 government permits. These include a barangay permit, mayor’s permit, occupancy permit, neighbor’s consent, radiation evaluation, and others.

    As things currently stand, there are only around 18,000 telecom towers installed around the Philippines. Experts assert the country needs around 50,000 more to achieve optimal internet coverage. Fortunately, the public and the private sector have started investing in more modern, more widespread digital infrastructure to help Filipinos thrive in the new normal. The government has already begun passing laws to scale back on the number of permits required to build cell sites. They’ve also approved legislation that allows the construction of cell towers in subdivisions and other residential areas and are considering a stronger common tower policy in the coming years.

    Telcos, for their part, have committed to accelerating the rollout of cell towers around the country and are leveraging partnerships with infrastructure companies and tech startups to make this possible. Working in tandem with both public and private partners, Globe Telecom has upgraded almost 7,000 mobile cell sites to 4G LTE and installed 572 new cell towers in the first half of 2022 alone. PLDT’s wireless division Smart Communications Inc. has likewise increased its total number of LTE and 5G base stations across the country to 76,600 in an attempt to bring mobile internet to more people around the country. Unity Digital Infrastructure, a unit of the Aboitiz Group formed in tandem with the Switzerland-based Partners Group, has also pledged an investment of PHP 6 billion to build 1,000 cell sites in the Visayas and Mindanao areas this 2022.

     

    Although internet quality and accessibility remain pressing problems nationwide, digital infrastructure in the Philippines is steadily improving thanks to productive public-private partnerships. By making intelligent investments, private companies and the Philippine government can steadily work toward better digital quality of life for the whole country.

  • JustKitchen enters Thailand via GrabKitchen deal

    JustKitchen enters Thailand via GrabKitchen deal

    Just Kitchen, an operator of ghost kitchens specializing in the development of delivery-only food brands, announces the expansion of JustKitchen’s in-house brands to Thailand (the ” Thailand Location “) via GrabKitchen. For the Thailand Location in the Phayathai area of Bangkok GrabKitchen provides the physical kitchen on a Kitchen-as-a-Service (” KaaS “) basis. The Thailand Location is situated near a busy commuter rail hub that is supplemented by a steady flow of other traffic. As previously announced in April, the Company hasa partnership with GrabExpress Inc. (” Grab “) in the Philippines that enables it to access GrabKitchen and GrabFood resources.

    Immediately upon opening, the Thailand Location will serve JustKtichen’s Master Don food brand, followed shortly after that by the K.Bao brand, featuring a customized menu with a local twist, as well as the Bodyfit brand. The Southeast Asian on-demand food delivery market is experiencing a high annual growth rate of 14%, which implies that the market will eventually reach a total value of $49.7 billion by 2030.

    Grab is Southeast Asia’s leading ‘super app’ based on gross merchandise value in 2021 in each of food delivers, mobility, and the e-wallets segment of financial services, according to Euromonitor.

    Management Commentary

    “International expansion is critical to our company’s growth plan, but it is also an opportunity to learn from the locals in each new market. In Thailand , the food delivery market is mainstream and growing, which is something we plan to study very carefully and hopefully master as well,” said Jason Chen , Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of JustKitchen. “People in Thailand want access to new and exciting foods that are affordable and convenient. We aim to provide exactly that to them,” added Mr. Chen.

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  • Jim Thompson enters a new era with reimagined flagship in Bangkok

    Jim Thompson enters a new era with reimagined flagship in Bangkok

    Jim Thompson, Thailand’s iconic global lifestyle brand signals a new era with the opening of Bangkok’s must-visit landmark the Jim Thompson Heritage and Creative Quarter. Inclusive of the original Jim Thompson House Museum, it features a new “Museum About the Man”, a Home Furnishings Exhibition, a café and a new Iconic Store.

    Local and international visitors will get to soak in the rich history and stunning architecture of what was once the residence of Jim Thompson and explore the beauty of Thai culture, silk traditions and the Thai spirit of innovation as well as discover exhibitions about the life and work of the “Silk King”.

    Frank Cancelloni, Group CEO at Jim Thompson explains, “We are excited about this new chapter. This is not just any lifestyle brand; it was founded by an iconic man who revived the Thai silk industry. The project will be 100% completed by April 2023 with the opening of a restaurant, a bar and a multifunctional hall, all reflecting the spirit of Jim Thompson.”

    Jim Thompson House Museum

    Comprising of 6 teak houses sourced by Jim Thompson from all over Thailand, his residence also became home to an extensive collection of Southeast Asian art. After his disappearance in Malaysia in 1967, his home was carefully preserved and turned into a museum.

    Museum About the Man

    Drawn from the archives of The James H.W. Thompson Foundation, “The Man Himself” highlights the critical milestones in Thompson’s life, from his early years to the last day that he was seen. The exhibition also charts the journey of Jim Thompson fabrics from Vogue to Broadway and on to becoming Thailand’s only global lifestyle brand.

    Home Furnishing Exhibition

    ‘The Evolving World of Jim Thompson Textiles’ is an exhibition that unveils the story of the Thai Silk Company Limited and the prominent creative figures behind the company’s successes in the textile and fabric world after the mysterious disappearance of Jim Thompson in 1967.

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  • Google shuts down Stadia, all customers getting refunds

    Google shuts down Stadia, all customers getting refunds

    Google has a long history of killing off its services, despite vouching that they are here to stay. Granted, the search giant is always looking for ways to make its users happier, let’s not forget that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

    That said, Google’s graveyard includes many services like Hangouts, YouTube Originals, YouTube Go, Chrome Apps, Google Play Movies & TV, Google Play Music, just to name a few. Unfortunately, Google Stadia is going to the same graveyard, too next year.

    I think it’s safe to say that we’re surprised it lasted that long, not that the service is being shut down. The fact that Google Stadia didn’t succeed during a 2-year pandemic that made throngs of people to turn to gaming, or the skyrocketing costs of graphics cards and the shortages, speaks volumes about how well the service was managed by the Mountain View company.

    The bottom line is today’s announcement isn’t a surprise for many of us, but it’s certainly a big surprise for developers that have games launching on Stadia in the coming months. Google did not announce any developers about its plans to shut down the platform, so it’s unclear if these developers will eventually receive any money from the search giant.

    However, if you’re just a Stadia user who bought games and the hardware from Google, you will be reimbursed. Google announced that it would refund all Stadia hardware purchases made through the Google Store, and all game and add-on content purchases made through the Stadia store. As you can imagine, this is a lot of money.

    Google Stadia users will be able to continue to play until January 18, 2023, after which the platform will be shut down. Also, Google confirmed it expects to have the majority of refunds completed by mid-January 2023.

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  • ThaiBev rejects rumors about selling ‘crown jewel’ brewer Sabeco

    ThaiBev rejects rumors about selling ‘crown jewel’ brewer Sabeco

    Thai company ThaiBev has dismissed rumors it wants to sell Vietnam’s biggest brewer Sabeco.

    “It’s our crown jewel, a rare asset among all brewing assets in the region,” said Thapana Sirivadhanabhakdi, CEO of ThaiBev Group, as said at the company’s annual press conference Tuesday.

    He was asked about rumors that the Thai giant plans to sell Sabeco. They have been cropping up now and then since it acquired the brewer in 2017, the maker of Saigon Beer, which has a 40% market share in Vietnam.

    ThaiBev owns a 54% stake in Sabeco, the Vietnam State Capital Investment Corporation holds 36%, and the remaining 10% is with other foreign investors.

    ThaiBev is not looking to buy SCIC’s stake, Michael Chye Hin Fah, CEO of brewery arm BeerCo, said.

    Sirivadhanabhakdi said: “If you ask me personally, I definitely want to see the Vietnamese government let go to local Vietnamese investors. If there is more liquidity in the market that will definitely help improve the overall valuation for Sabeco.”

    Sabeco saw third-quarter revenues rise 25% year-on-year to VND9 trillion.

    Its profit was up at VND1.79 trillion (US$75.4 million), the highest since it was acquired by ThaiBev.

    Vietnam is the biggest beer consumer in Southeast Asia and the ninth biggest in the world.

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  • NTT DOCOMO and NEC Test Energy Efficiency of AWS Graviton2 for 5G SA Core

    NTT DOCOMO and NEC Test Energy Efficiency of AWS Graviton2 for 5G SA Core

    NTT DOCOMO and NEC Corporation announced the completion of a trial to test the energy efficiency and high performance of AWS Graviton2 processors across key elements of the 5G core network (5GC). The trial demonstrated an average of a 72% reduction in power consumption against incumbent x86 processors using NEC’s 5GC software running on AWS Graviton2. The trial tested performance within a 5GC hybrid cloud environment leveraging AWS Graviton2 and DOCOMO’s on-premises Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) infrastructure.

    These results support the future realization of a hybrid cloud environment for telecommunication networks, which enables mobile operators to provide enhanced disaster-resilient networks to customers.

    AWS Graviton2 processors deliver a major leap in performance and help reduce the carbon footprint of IT workloads through energy efficiency. Traditionally, many telecommunication workloads need to reside on edge infrastructure, which have power and real estate constraints. AWS Graviton2 offers efficiency with very low cost, low power and a low hardware footprint. In this proof of concept, the use of Graviton2 reduced power consumption of 5GC by 72% on average.

    Following the completion of this first phase, the companies will now conduct a second phase trial to test the 5GC network function on AWS Outposts equipped with Graviton2 processors on DOCOMO’s premises.

    “We are delighted to announce that we achieved a significant reduction of power consumption of 5GC thanks to NEC’s advanced, cloud-native 5GC software and AWS’s innovative and highly efficient Graviton2,” said Naoki Tani, executive vice president, chief technology officer and executive general manager of the R&D innovation division of NTT DOCOMO. “We will continue collaborating on the PoC with NEC and AWS for future delivery of environmentally friendly and disaster-resilient 5G network service to our customers.”

    “The significant power reduction achieved through this trial indicates a big step forward in commercializing environmentally friendly, sustainable, next-generation mobile infrastructure. NEC will continue adopting cutting-edge, low-power technologies, such as Graviton2, for its UPF and vRAN domains. We aim to further contribute to building a sustainable society through provision of sustainable virtual networks and the realization of next-generation, low-power mobile infrastructure,” said Atsuo Kawamura, executive vice president, NEC.

    “Like many industries, telecommunications companies want to be able to ensure sustainability operations while maintaining the high-performance and quality of service their customers need and expect,” noted Adolfo Hernandez, vice president and general manager, telecom industry business unit at AWS. “AWS is committed to building a sustainable business for our customers and the planet and is thrilled to see the power savings Graviton2 delivers in telecommunications. We look forward to continuing to work with NTT DOCOMO and NEC to further expand the use of cloud and AWS technologies to advance sustainability and resiliency goals.”

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