Retail News CRM

Category: General

Retail News Asia is committed to providing both local and global retailers with the latest General Retail news throughout the Asian market. This on a daily base.

  • South Korea’s Kurly wins funds for expansion

    South Korea’s Kurly wins funds for expansion

    Kurly, a South Korea-based grocery-delivery startup, has netted Series E funding totaling KRW200 billion (US$160 million).

    The funding round for the five-year-old company was led by DST Global, with additional participation from several existing backers – including Hillhouse Capital, Sequoia Capital China, Fuse Venture Partners, SK Networks, and Translink Capital. Newcomer Aspex Management also contributed to the new financing.

    Total funding in Kurly has now reached KRW420 billion won ($328 million), confirming unicorn status for the venture. The company expects to use the funding to set up a new fulfillment center in Seoul, more than twice as large as its current facilities.

    “Kurly has been showing incomparable growth in the fast-expanding online grocery market,” said DST Global investment partner and head of Asia Pacific John Lindfors, “and as the first to establish morning deliveries, has demonstrated its ability to disrupt the logistics industry and change the grocery shopping habits of Korean consumers”.

    The firm recorded annual average revenue growth of 3.5 times since opening, and extended its fulfillment capability area by a factor of 4.9 last year, with a 2.9 times increase in total deliveries.

  • Cebu Pacific slips into first-quarter loss

    Cebu Pacific slips into first-quarter loss

    Cebu Pacific posted an operating loss of Ps693 million ($13.7 million) in the first quarter of 2020, reversing the Ps3.85 billion operating profit made in the same period last year.

    Total revenue for the quarter ended 31 March fell 24.9% to Ps15.9 billion, as revenue from passenger, cargo, and ancillary segments fell across the board.

    The low-cost carrier’s expenses declined 4.2% to Ps16.6 billion, due to a sharp fall in costs associated with reduced flying operations, as well as reservation and sales. On the other hand, costs from depreciation and amortization, and aircraft maintenance costs were all higher.

    Cebu Pacific thus slipped into a net loss of Ps1.18 billion, down from a net profit of Ps4 billion last year. Factors contributing to the net loss include losses from hedging and foreign exchange.

    Cash and cash equivalent stood at Ps17.5 billion as of 31 March, down from the Ps22.5 billion a year before.

    During the quarter, Cebu Pacific grew its fleet from 75 to 76 aircraft, having added one Airbus A320neo.

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  • Thailand’s CP wins 7-Eleven rights to operate in Cambodia

    Thailand’s CP wins 7-Eleven rights to operate in Cambodia

    Thailand’s CP Group will launch 7 Eleven Cambodia next year after winning the franchise rights for the country.

    CP Group, which operates 7-Eleven in Thailand, will run the business via its local subsidiary. The first outlet is expected to open in Phnom Penh.

    According to reporting in Nikkei, CP will be responsible for all business strategy and distribution activities of 7-Eleven Cambodia, and will bear the right to use the brand logo and signage.

    The operation will also include grocery sales along with some banking and delivery services.

    With 12,000 outlets, Thailand is the second-largest market for 7-Eleven after Japan.

    Founded in 1927 in Dallas, Texas, 7-Eleven is now owned by Japanese retail group Seven & I Holdings.

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  • Covid-19 cuts US$420 billion from China’s retail market

    Covid-19 cuts US$420 billion from China’s retail market

    The Covid-19 pandemic has erased US$420 billion from China’s retail market this year – but an analyst predicts a rebound in the second half.

    Vijay Bhupathiraju, a retail analyst at GlobalData says before the coronavirus came along, Mainland China was on track to achieve 7.7 percent retail growth this year. But the resulting lockdowns from the pandemic wiped RMB3 trillion (US$420 billion) off total retail sales.

    The lockdown was eased progressively from March 18 and in the epicenter, Wuhan city, was completely lifted on April 8, at which point malls, restaurants and retail stores rushed to reopen and recover some of their losses. By April 3, according to Chinese government data, some 80 percent of restaurants and 90 percent of commercial facilities had resumed operations.

    But cautious consumers have remained confined to their homes, worried about the potential to be infected, meaning footfall at stores and restaurants reopened has been insufficient to ensure profitability for many companies in China’s retail market.

    “Despite easing lockdowns, immediate increase in consumer sentiment is unlikely in the second quarter of this year, particularly for discretionary goods, as consumers remain cautious about visiting busy locations such as shopping malls,” said Bhupathiraju.

    “A rebound in consumer sentiment can be expected from the second half, which will be translated into a faster sales pick up in the country. In fact, the rebound will be more positive than those we forecast for mature western countries such as Italy, Spain, the UK and the US, where consumer willingness to spend and financial stability will be weaker.”

    By year-end, GlobalData projects China’s retail sales will be down by 1.8 percent – a far cry from the 7.7 percent growth expected, but if the estimate proves correct, it should be significantly better than many western retail markets can expect.

    Next year, GlobalData predicts China’s retail market will bounce back, with sales growth of 8.3 percent against this year.

    Examples of the weak footfall in the post-lockdown era include Walmart in Shanghai, which reported less than half the usual levels on March 28, and H&M, which recorded a 23-per-cent sales decline for the week commencing March 26 against the same week a year ago, despite 99 percent of its stores reopened. And customer footfall at Suning’s physical stores was running at less than half normal.

    Meanwhile, a senior executive of e-commerce giant JD is predicting “unprecedented challenges” to the supply chain in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis as consumer behavior reshapes China’s retail market.

    Bing Fu, logistics head of strategy says new consumption demands are constantly emerging, and product life cycles are shortening.

    “Increased uncertainties caused by emergencies like natural disasters and pandemics lead to supply chain disruptions.”

    During the coronavirus, customers bought products in any way available, turning to online solutions immediately if they could not get what they wanted offline.

    “While Covid-19 is not welcomed, it promotes digitization of consumption, which concurrently drives supply-chain upgrade,” he said. “Only by shortening and digitizing the fulfillment process can we increase efficiency and access customers faster with increased precision.”

    In recent years, he argues, the line between online and offline has become increasingly blurred. “In fact, many new channels such as WeChat’s mini-programs can’t be considered exclusively online or offline; omnichannel is the future trend.”

    Fu says to adapt to the new environment, companies must take an integrated inventory approach to manage all sales channels, integrate supply-chain planning and optimization, use consumption data to design a more efficient supply chain to deliver goods to consumers more quickly, use big data and algorithms to optimize supply-chain performance and use a transparent parcel-tracking system.

  • Cebu Pacific offers flexible options for travelers

    Cebu Pacific offers flexible options for travelers

    In light of the World Tourism Organization’s #TravelTomorrow campaign, Cebu Pacific Airline encourages travelers to be responsible and stay at home amid the current health crisis as it offers flexible options for passengers whose flights have been canceled.

    Among the self-service options that can be done conveniently online are free rebooking, full travel funds, and a full refund. Free Rebooking By availing of this option, guests can rebook their canceled flights to any other travel date within three months from the original date, with no additional charges—both change (rebooking) fees and fare difference are waived. Who must avail of this: This is perfect for those just waiting for the skies to clear, and still need to travel at the soonest time possible.

    Full Travel FundThose who opt for the full travel fund, the full cost of their ticket will be stored in a virtual wallet—said amount can be used to either book a flight up to one year ahead or pay for add-ons such as baggage allowance and seat selection. If the travel fund is not used within a year, passengers can instead apply for a full refund. Who must avail of this: This can come in handy for those still waiting things out or those who are re-assessing their existing travel plans.

    Passengers who prefer to receive a full refund, processing of requests will begin on May 18 should the ECQ be lifted and regular work schedules resume. However, due to the unprecedented volume of requests for refunds, Cebu Pacific appeals for kind understanding as the process will take as long as three to four billing cycles (a cycle typically lasts 20-45 days).

    Who must avail of this: This is suited for those who might need the cash for other purposes, and are putting their travel plans on hold. For added flexibility, passengers with booked flights from May 16 to Sept. 30, 2020 who wish to voluntarily change their travel plans have the following options, all free of charge: – Rebook to any other travel date within one year from original date of departure, with change (rebooking) fees waived, but fare difference may apply;- Convert full cost of the ticket to a Travel Fund, which is now valid for one year. This allows passengers to decide and book their trips within a year for flights as far as one year ahead.

    Flights can be easily managed online via the “Manage Booking” portal on the Cebu Pacific website. Customers who booked through a travel agent should contact their agent for assistance.

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  • Cebu Pacific to introduce Contactless Flights as “new normal”

    Cebu Pacific to introduce Contactless Flights as “new normal”

    Cebu Pacific will introduce contactless flights in the future when people are ready to fly again. The low-cost airline put safety as its topmost priority in the age of “new normal” as the Philippines will start to ease its quarantine restrictions come May 16. Here are some of our new guidelines for Cebu Pacific Contactless Flights within the Philippines:

    Guests are required to keep masks on, from airport entrance until arrival. Bag drop counters will close one hour before flights, to allow enough time for staggered boarding procedures. Physical distancing markers must be followed.

    Hand sanitizers will be provided for guest and staff use, at the airport and inside the aircraft. CEB passenger areas such as kiosks, bag drop counters, shuttle buses, and aircraft lavatories and seats will also be frequently sanitized for everyone’s safety.

    Guests are highly encouraged to check-in online to minimize proximity to our check-in agents. Those with no bags can head straight to gate. Once the row is called, have boarding passes ready for scanning by our boarding gate agents.

    Meanwhile, operations teams have these world-class Preventive Measures in place:

    CEB pilots and cabin crew will undergo rapid antibody tests before their assigned flights, as part of our commitment to flattening the curve. The operating crew cleared for flights will also don personal protective equipment. They are also trained to assist and isolate guests onboard, as needed.

    Our daily disinfection program includes the misting of the aircraft cabin, using an Airbus-approved disinfectant effective in eradicating viruses including the Coronavirus. This process is aligned with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) guidelines and ensures that all surfaces (such as passenger seats, overhead bins and cargo compartments) are covered and sanitized. Lavatories will also be sanitized every 30 minutes.

    The air inside the cabin is changed every three minutes, using High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters installed in our Airbus aircraft. HEPA filters can filter out viruses with 99.99% efficiency, which is why it’s also used in hospital operating rooms.

    Cebu Pacific said that it will continue to work with government authorities and use guidelines from the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. They will keep refining their procedures, so people can travel with peace of mind.

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  • AirAsia will not take jet deliveries this year

    AirAsia will not take jet deliveries this year

    Malaysia’s AirAsia Group said on Wednesday it did not intend to take any new aircraft deliveries this year because of the sharp fall in demand from the coronavirus crisis, and was revisiting its order book with Airbus SE.

    Reuters last week reported Airbus had put six jets up for sale after giving up on AirAsia taking delivery of them, according to sources familiar with the matter.

    The Asian budget carrier is one of the European manufacturer’s largest customers, with 349 A321neos and 13 A320neos on the order that has yet to be delivered, according to the Airbus order book.

    AirAsia expects to end 2020 with 242 aircraft in its fleet, down one from last year, Executive Chairman Kamarudin Meranun said in a statement.

    AirAsia said it had resumed domestic flights in Malaysia on Wednesday and hoped to do so in Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia in May, subject to approval from authorities.

    The airline said that it had restructured most of its fuel hedges, struck when oil prices were higher, and that it was cutting employee costs, renegotiating contracts and cutting back on non-essential spending to lower costs by at least 30% this year.

    Airbus on Wednesday posted a 49% slump in first-quarter adjusted operating profit to 281 million euros ($304.7 million) as revenue dropped 15% to 10.631 billion euros amid the “gravest crisis the aerospace industry has ever known”.

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  • Google Duo update adds important new features,

    Google Duo update adds important new features,

    Google Duo received quite a few updates in the last couple of months, a strong indication that Google has big plans for the app. The most recent Duo update brings a handful of new features that will help users connect with their loved ones during these difficult times.

    Of course, the highlight of the update is the new family mode, which lets Google Duo users doodle on video calls. Various fun effects and masks can be used during video calls. To take advantage of the new feature, simply start a video call, tap the menu icon, and choose Family to start doodling.

    The new family mode becomes available as soon as you sign into Duo with your Google account. And you don’t have to worry that someone else will hijack your conversations since calls on Duo are end-to-end encrypted and remain private between you and your family or friends.

    But the new effects and masks are not just available in the new family mode. Google confirmed that Duo users will be able to use them during one-on-one video calls on Android and iOS starting this week. Expect to see even more effects and masks in the coming weeks.

    Finally, if you’re using Duo on the web, you’ll be pleased to know that Google will be adding group calls in the coming weeks. They will first be available as a preview on Chrome, along with a new layout the enables you to see more people simultaneously. The app will also let you invite anyone with a Google account to join a group call via a link.

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  • Hong Kong Cosmetics retailers Lush and Bonjour sued for unpaid rent

    Hong Kong Cosmetics retailers Lush and Bonjour sued for unpaid rent

    Two Hong Kong cosmetics retailers have fallen victim to the coronavirus crisis facing legal action over unpaid rent.

    British-headquartered chain Lush has been sued by its landlord, Shun Cheong Properties Management, for three months of allegedly unpaid rent on its Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay store. Lush signed on the outlet at Shun Hei Causeway Bay Centre in July 2017 at a monthly rate of HK$380,000 (US$49,000). The retailer had received rental relief of $170,000 since February but has not paid for the last three months, owing to a total of $780,000.

    Lush opened a new Lush Naked concept store on Great George Street, also in Causeway Bay, last year in addition to a new store inside K11 Musea at Tsim Tsa Tsui. There are now 12 Lush stores in Hong Kong.

    Another cosmetics retailer Bonjour Holdings has also been taken to court by its landlord Giant Manor Investment Limited, allegedly owing six months rent and management fees for its Nathan Road, Mong Kok, store.

    The Hong Kong cosmetics retailer had signed a lease agreement for three years in September 2017 at a monthly rent of $1.28 million and now allegedly owes a total of $7.8 million in rent, plus $100,000 in interest.

    Bonjour recently reported an 18.7-per-cent sales to decline for last year, citing falling numbers of inbound Mainland Chinese visitors in the wake of protests.

  • Google adds new productivity tools to Lens

    Google adds new productivity tools to Lens

    Whether you’re back working at the office or still working at home, your smartphone can be the productivity tool you need to help you get your job done. Speaking of productivity, Google has announced some new features for Google Lens. The latter uses image recognition to pass along information about objects seen through a phone’s camera. More precisely, the visual analysis is done using AI.

    One new feature will copy handwritten text from a piece of paper and paste it on another device that is signed in to the same Google account as your phone and has the latest version of the Chrome browser installed. All you need to do is point your camera at the handwritten document and using Lens, you highlight the text you want to paste. Tap on “Copy to computer” and paste it on the Chrome browser. This should save you the time it takes to transcribe written notes to your computer.

    Google says that searches related to learning a new language have doubled over the last few months; some people have decided to use the extra time at home to take on this task. Google Lens can help by translating German, Spanish, and more than 100 other languages according to Google. And all you have to do is point your camera at the text to see it translated. And if you’re having a problem with the pronunciation of a particular word, you can now tap the new “Listen” button and hear it spoken as it should be.

    Google Lens can also help you understand a word or a phrase that you see in a newspaper that you don’t understand. With in-line Google Search you can quickly learn new concepts-like gravitational waves-that you don’t understand.

    All of these new features have started rolling out for both iOS and Android devices except for the “Listen” button which will be available for iOS devices later this year. Lens is available on the Google Lens app on Android devices and the Google app on iOS.

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  • Facebook-backed Libra Nabs New CEO From HSBC

    Facebook-backed Libra Nabs New CEO From HSBC

    Facebook’s global currency project is taking shape – Libra is poaching its first CEO from HSBC. The banker is impeccably connected in government circles.

    It feels like Facebook is leaving nothing to chance in its renewed attempt to get Libra, a digital currency network, off the ground. The project sparked fierce regulatory and political opposition when it was unveiled last year.

    The Geneva-based association which governs the project is naming Stuart Levey as its new CEO, effective this summer, it said in a statement. Levey has been HSBC’s legal chief for the past eight years and possesses impeccable credentials from a long career at the U.S. Treasury and the Justice Department.

    Levey’s financial enforcement experience includes overseeing U.S. sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC and responsibility for U.S. civil anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, or FinCEN.

    Three weeks ago, Libra said it is seeking a Swiss license for payments. I look forward to working closely with governments, regulators, and all of our stakeholders to realize this vision, Levey said in the statement.

    This represents a massive scaling-back of the Facebook-backed project initial ambitions for a global digital currency. The original plan had not only wrong-footed Bern but raised hackles among policy- and lawmakers.

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  • Neiman Marcus enters bankruptcy protection mode

    Neiman Marcus enters bankruptcy protection mode

    High-end US department-store chain Neiman Marcus entered bankruptcy protection overnight and there are reports that rival Lord & Taylor is planning to follow.

    Laden down with debt, Neiman Marcus has entered Chapter 11, after receiving majority support from lenders and creditors to undergo financial restructuring, substantially reducing its debt load and interest obligations. The company will receive a further $675 million in cash from existing lenders to enable it to continue to operate during the Covid-19 crisis.

    Chairman and CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck, said in a statement that prior to the pandemic’s advent, Neiman Marcus was making “solid progress on our journey to long-term profitable and sustainable growth”.

    But with most of its Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and Last Call stores shuttered for more than a month, decimating cash flow, the company is struggling to meet its obligations.

    When Neiman Marcus emerges from Chapter 11 it will be “as a far stronger company,” said van Raemdonck, with no near-term maturities and some $4 billion of its existing debt eliminated.

    “In a world that is changing, we are uniquely positioned to give our brand partners access to our loyal luxury customers like no other company. We will deliver that through the strength of our associate relationships and digital solutions,” he said.

    Neil Saunders, MD of GlobalData Retail, said given the extent of the company’s debt, Neiman Marcus was “always living on borrowed time” and had no option but to enter Chapter 11.

    “In normal circumstances, the debt burden prevented it from turning a profit and restricted its ability to invest and evolve in a time of immense change in retail. The coronavirus crisis has severely exacerbated these problems as sales have dwindled and Neiman Marcus is struggling to pay the interest and capital on what it owes.”

    Saunders said the company was in a much better position than most other US department stores. “Its shops are well maintained and are mostly within strong malls, it has a loyal base of shoppers, occupies a distinct niche in the luxury space, and has made some strides into digital. In short, there is a place for Neiman Marcus in the post-coronavirus world.”

    Saunders said that while Neiman Marcus probably does not need to shut stores – it has relatively few of them and they are in good malls – with more and more sales migrating online the company may need to reduce the size of some of them.

    “There are some shops in the chain that are just too large and which do not attract enough footfall to justify their size. A rightsizing of the store base should be on the cards to optimize productivity.”

    Meanwhile, another high-profile US department-store chain, 200-year-old Lord & Taylor, is reportedly planning to enter Chapter 11 to facilitate the sale of all of its inventory when social-distancing measures are lifted and all stores are able to trade again.

    Liquidators have been appointed to manage going-out-of-business sales at its remaining 38 stores and once stock is gone, the company will close permanently, according to Reuters.

    The company has declined to comment on the reports, however, a spokesperson told Business Insider that the firm is “working through various options at this time”.

    Lord & Taylor has already closed its Instagram and Twitter accounts, further signs of it commencing a winding down of operations.

    Another US department-store chain, Nordstrom, said this week it would close 16 of its 116-strong store network.

    Last month, the Wall Street Journal reported that JC Penney, with about 850 stores across the US, was seeking a loan of between $800 million and $1 billion in order to continue trading through the Covid-19 crisis. The company was already looking to restructure operations and streamline its store network before the pandemic came along.

    And Macy’s, with 551 stores, yesterday said it would delay its first-quarter earnings report to July 1, due to the disruption caused by the pandemic.

    Earlier this week, fashion retailer J Crew entered Chapter 11, weighed down by $2 billion in debt.

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  • How to write an essay introduction

    How to write an essay introduction

    Want to be a professional essay writer? Or want to write a good essay for graduation? Regardless of your style, format, subject and purpose, you need to start with a good introduction. This part of your work will serve as a map for your target audience, because it will give them an essential background and an overview of the topic you will be discussing, while providing your personal opinion on it, in addition to answering the basic questions like:

    – What is the main idea of ​​your essay?

    – What makes you think the way you think?

    – How will you prove your opinion?

    – Why is your article useful to read?

    At first glance, this part of the essay may seem very difficult to complete, taking into account its specificities. But in reality, it is just a matter of following a series of guidelines, which represent the methodology of writing an introduction. In this article, you will find all the necessary information that will be useful to you when dealing with this type of writing. Keep reading carefully and writing an essay introduction will no longer seem like such a difficult business for you.

    To create a concise and effective introduction, you can start by providing an example. It would be helpful because a good example can easily guide your reader to the specific information you will provide at the end of your presentation. The point is that a good introduction should start with an overview of the general information provided in the rest of your work. So, if you are going to write a literature review, for example, or a critical analysis essay, you can start by providing an example directly from the literature work you are discussing in your article.

    Another way to start an effective introduction is by using a hook. Depending on the style of your paper, its purpose, and format, you can use different hooks. A good hook should attract your potential reader, get their attention, and make you curious about your essay so that they would like to read it further. Like a hook, you can provide a good anecdote, a funny joke, an unexpected fact that would surprise your reader, a quote from a primary source, or a provocative statement. As a provocative statement, you can use your personal opinion regarding the topic discussed that the reader would not expect to hear and that would provoke you to certain actions or thoughts. A hook can consist of one or two sentences, not more since it should just present your point of view to the reader and make him want to read more, not tell his story to the end.

    Having said that, it would be appropriate to give a little context to your introduction to make the information more understandable and clear. You can provide information that is not discussed in the article, but it can be useful in understanding the topic. For example, you can include some historical background or some fascinating facts about the issue of your discussion. In addition, you need to inform your reader about the structure of your work. This is the reason why some authors prefer to write the introduction part after the rest of their work is already written. However, if you have prepared a detailed outline, it is not necessary to wait until everything is ready. In fact, there is no need to provide a detailed preview of each section of your work at once, but at the same time, you are expected to provide a general standard of what your essay will be.

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  • Asia Most Popular Sports Bookies

    Asia Most Popular Sports Bookies

    Asian gaming companies have always been at the forefront of sports betting for ages. Local and regional sporting events take place all over the world every day. And not everyone previously had access to the results of these games unless they were registered with a sports bookie.

    The digital age has now made streaming of games in real-time possible no matter which parts of the globe you are in. The rise in popularity of online betting is reflected in changing regulations and policies worldwide. This has opened up various new avenues for sports gamblers and sports bookies alike.

    Sports betting is now considered a legitimate activity within various international jurisdictions. And this has led to a rampant increase in the number of new providers entering into this very profitable industry.

    Why Is It Important To Choose The Right Sports Bookies?

    Finding a bookie that offers sports gambling services is quite easy nowadays. The internet is filled with hundreds of virtual platforms that facilitate the wagering of bets on popular international sporting events. Anyone with internet connectivity and a functional bank account is eligible to sign up for these services at any time.

    However, very few of these sports bookies are licensed and verified by the appropriate gaming authorities. Bettors must ensure that they do background research before selecting a legitimate and reliable provider. This is so that their bankroll and future prospects are protected. In order to choose the right provider, you must:

    • Ensure that your sports bookie has multiple and authentic deposit options. Make sure that the games they offer are verified and unbiased.
    • Double-check if they offer a good selection of games and tournaments and leagues to follow that are in alignment with your interests and preferences. Keep in mind that you could choose to pick a sports bookie that focuses on one field of sport or even sign up with a high variance bookie that follows several international and regional sporting fields from around the world.
    • Keep in mind that you will find vastly different betting odds, bonuses, promotions, and withdrawal options across different platforms. So make sure you pick a provider that you can take advantage of and who plays to your strengths.

    Best Sports Bookies In Asia

    With one of the largest populations, it’s no surprise that Asia has the largest sports betting market in the world. It is home to one of the most advanced and diverse online gambling services that are renowned internationally.

    The legality of sports betting in some regions of Asia varies drastically from country to country. Thus, often making online gambling an extremely trendy, easy, and profitable solution for gambling on sports.

    Here’s a list of the most popular Asian Sports Bookies in the market:

    1. Maxbet Sports Bookie

    Maxbet was originally known as IBCBet. They’ve been in the industry long enough to have established themselves as the leading gambling provider in Asia. The platform’s diverse service offerings include a very lucrative sports betting category as well as an online casino that features live games and tables from all around the globe.

    Maxbet prides itself on the smooth integrations of its web and mobile platforms making the website compatible with both ios and android. Maxbet has remained the first choice of sports lovers when it comes to online sports betting due to its 24/7 broadcast of live scores, tables, and odds. All from a variety of international sporting tournaments such as football, motorsports, soccer, tennis, e-sports, horse racing, and so much more. Another advantage of this versatile platform is that it also features coverage on several local and minor leagues as well.

    Maxbet also features an intuitively designed and authentic live casino category on the website. Log on to the platform at any time to avail live card games such as baccarat, blackjack, roulette, and poker. Users can engage with fellow players and community members through the live chat option which enhances the player’s casino experience.

    Daily users of the casino services are even rewarded with loyalty points and free spins on their virtual slots. This is likely to increase a user’s chances of winning cash. If you value a large selection of games and odds along with the freedom to switch between gambling trades according to preference, then Maxbet is your ideal betting solution.

     

    2. SBOBet Sports Bookie

    SBOBet is one of the most well-known providers for its unique Asian Handicap betting services. SBOBet has been awarded with several accolades over the years for providing exceptional services in the Asian handicap betting market.  In reference to this space, SBOBet also has the absolute lowest margin on bets, making it a suitable option for players on a strict budget.

    In particular, SBOBet has gained popularity for its wide coverage of pre-match and in-play betting odds around the world. Due to popular demand, soccer is now the main attraction and focus of the site. However, the platform also features odds on about 500 other sports events weekly as well. That being said, coverage of events outside of the Asian handicap is somewhat limited compared to the site’s primary offerings. Live-streams and live betting options are mainly optimized for Asian handicaps.

    The soccer betting segment of SBOBet is well-known among Asian bettors for offering very high betting limits. Although high betting limits are perceived to be riskier, it is what makes them an ideal choice for professional bettors. Currently, the maximum bet limit on the site is at £100,000 making it an extremely popular service among high rollers that are chasing those big payouts.

    The SBOBet community comprises experienced individuals that are willing to raise the stakes by betting large values on their predictions. This happens so frequently that SBOBet users invariably end up deciding the change in betting odds across various matches around the world.

    SBOBet has also received recognition for its unparalleled customer support service, available 24/7 through telephone, email, live chat, and even skype. If you are an experienced professional, with conviction in your sports knowledge and a thirst to take your betting skillset to the next level, then SBOBet is the platform for you.

  • AirAsia Malaysia starts flying again, passengers need to bring own masks

    AirAsia Malaysia starts flying again, passengers need to bring own masks

    AirAsia returns to the skies with domestic flights in Malaysia starting today (April 29), but passengers will need to follow Covid-19 safety measures.

    Each passenger will need to bring their own mask and wear it properly before, during and after the flight, including during check-in and bag collection. Any guest without a mask will be denied boarding.

    AirAsia chief safety officer Captain Ling Liong Tien said the carrier is stepping up all precautionary measures to ensure a safe journey.

    “First and foremost, it is your responsibility to ensure that you are eligible to travel, be it international or domestic, before booking a flight.

    “We kindly ask that you observe the universally recommended protective precautionary measures, including practicing high personal hygiene, ” he said in a statement.

    Other Covid-19 safety measures include a baggage allowance of only one piece (instead of the usual two), not exceeding 7kg, and earlier arrival at the airport – at least three hours – before departure.

    AirAsia Group president (Airlines) Bo Lingam said the carrier has undertaken a thorough review of guest handling procedures both on the ground and onboard in light of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “We have been working closely with the airport authorities to ensure that all relevant precautionary measures are in place to ensure a safe, pleasant and comfortable journey for everyone,” he said in a statement.

    Bo added that AirAsia will adhere to guidance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to ensure “the highest standards of compliance and conformance”.

    The resumption of services will initially be for key selected domestic routes, which will increase gradually to include international destinations around the network, once the situation improves and governments lift borders and travel restrictions.

    AirAsia also recently made news when reports surfaced of the carrier introducing a new personal protective equipment (PPE) for its cabin crew.

    When contacted, an AirAsia spokesperson said the matter is still being reviewed.

    “AirAsia Philippines initiated a trial run of a customised PPE design. It was first used in a recent recovery flight and a further assessment of the design is underway.

    “The customised PPE is still being reviewed,” the spokesperson said.

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