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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.

  • Google plans to make it harder for teens to lie about their age

    Google plans to make it harder for teens to lie about their age

    Google recently announced new digital products that target kids, teens and parents. From additional family-focused controls to helpful experiences for kids and teens, Google is trying to protect youngsters and give parents control over the content they consume on a regular basis.

    The list of improvements to existing safeguards Google has in place for under-18 users also includes a new machine learning model that will make it harder for teens to lie about their age.

    The Mountain View company has taken some steps toward providing age-appropriate experiences to teens when they use its products, including a number of changes for all users under 18. For example, Google recently introduced a SafeSearch Filter, restricting sensitive ad content, gating age-restricted content on YouTube & Play, and implemented teen wellbeing protections on YouTube.

    But that’s not enough since Google has decided to use machine learning to determine the age of a user. The search giant announced this week that it plans to start testing a machine learning-based estimation model. The test will be limited to the United States at launch, but Google plans to bring the technology to more countries over time.The machine learning model Google is going to test this year is meant to help the company estimate whether a user is over or under 18 so that it can provide a more age-appropriate experience.

    Google hasn’t yet explained how this machine learning model will work, so it remains to be seen whether or not it will be more effective than the safeguards it has implemented right now.

    In related news, Google announced it’s rolling out a new sensitive content warning feature in Google Messages. This feature is opt-in for adults, but mandatory for kids and teens. It can be managed via Android Settings and features parental controls for supervised accounts.

    For those interested in learning more about Google’s teens experiences, we have an extensive article that explains how the company plans to empower parents to manage their kids’ devices.

  • 5 Ways to Practice Underarm Care This Spring

    5 Ways to Practice Underarm Care This Spring

    Spring is here, and that means lighter fabrics, warmer days, and, of course, more time outdoors. But with the change in seasons, your underarms can start feeling the effects—dryness, irritation, and even unwanted discoloration. If you’ve ever considered visiting a medical aesthetic clinic for treatments like armpit whitening, you’re not alone. Many people struggle with underarm concerns, especially during seasonal transitions.

    The good news? A few simple tweaks to your routine can make a big difference. Here’s how to care for your underarms this spring so you can stay fresh, smooth, and confident all season long.

    Common Underarm Concerns as the Seasons Change

    Spring brings warmer temperatures and higher humidity. That means your body naturally sweats more, leading to potential odor, irritation, and clogged pores. If you’re wearing sleeveless tops, you might also notice rough or darkened skin under your arms—a sign that dead skin cells are building up.

    Another issue? Hair removal irritation. Whether you shave, wax, or use other methods, your skin is extra sensitive in this area. Without proper care, you can end up with razor bumps, redness, and ingrown hairs.

    But don’t worry. A little extra attention will help you keep your underarms smooth, healthy, and irritation-free. Let’s get into it.

    How to Look After Your Underarms This Spring

    Exfoliate Regularly for Smooth Skin

    Think about it—your face and body get regular exfoliation, so why not your underarms? Dead skin cells, deodorant residue, and bacteria can build up over time, leading to rough texture and dark spots.

    Use a gentle exfoliant, like a mild scrub or a chemical exfoliant with lactic or glycolic acid, once or twice a week. This helps slough off dead skin, brighten the area, and even prevent ingrown hairs. But remember—gentleness is key. The underarm skin is delicate, so don’t overdo it with harsh scrubs.

    One quick tip? Try exfoliating in the evening, so your skin has time to recover overnight before applying deodorant in the morning.

    Switch to a Skin-Friendly Deodorant

    Deodorant is a daily essential, but not all formulas are created equal. Some contain harsh ingredients like alcohol or aluminum, which can clog pores, irritate sensitive skin, and contribute to underarm discoloration.

    If you often deal with irritation or itching, consider switching to a natural or hypoallergenic deodorant. Look for ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and arrowroot powder—these help keep your skin calm and dry without harsh chemicals.

    Not ready to ditch your antiperspirant completely? Try a hybrid approach. Use a natural deodorant on days when you don’t need heavy-duty sweat protection, and reserve antiperspirant for long days or workouts.

    Keep Your Underarms Hydrated

    Moisturizing your underarms might sound odd, but it’s just as important as keeping the rest of your body hydrated. Dry, flaky skin can lead to irritation and discomfort—especially if you shave regularly.

    Use a lightweight, fragrance-free moisturizer or an aloe-based gel to keep the skin soft and smooth. Some people even swear by using a little bit of their facial serum (like hyaluronic acid) under their arms to lock in moisture without clogging pores.

    Another hack? Apply moisturizer at night, so your skin has time to absorb it without being disturbed by deodorant or sweat during the day.

    Choose Hair Removal Methods Wisely

    Shaving is quick and convenient, but it can also cause razor burns, ingrown hairs, and dark spots. If you shave frequently, use a sharp razor and a moisturizing shaving gel to reduce irritation. And never shave dry—this is a fast track to redness and discomfort.

    Waxing is another option, but it can be harsh on sensitive skin. If you go this route, exfoliate beforehand to prevent ingrown hairs and soothe the area afterward with a calming lotion.

    For those looking for a longer-term solution, laser hair removal is a great choice. It reduces hair growth over time and can even help lighten dark patches caused by constant shaving. If you’re considering this, spring is a great time to start since you’ll need to avoid direct sun exposure during treatments.

    Prioritize Breathability & Hygiene

    What you wear matters more than you think. Tight, synthetic fabrics trap moisture, creating the perfect environment for bacteria to thrive. If you want to keep your underarms fresh, stick to breathable fabrics like cotton or linen—especially when temperatures start rising.

    Daily hygiene is also key. Wash your underarms thoroughly with a mild, pH-balanced cleanser to remove sweat and bacteria. If you’re prone to odor, a gentle antibacterial soap can help.

    And a final tip? Give your underarms a break from deodorant once in a while. Going “bare” for a day or two lets your skin breathe and prevents product buildup.

    Build a Simple Routine for Healthy Underarms

    Underarm care doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few small changes—exfoliating, moisturizing, choosing gentle products, and prioritizing hygiene—you can keep your underarms looking and feeling their best this spring.

    Whether you’re prepping for a sleeveless season or just want to feel more comfortable in your skin, these tips will help. And if you’re dealing with persistent concerns like dark spots or irritation, a good dermatologist can offer professional solutions tailored to your needs.

    So go ahead—refresh your routine, embrace the warmer weather, and enjoy feeling confident all season long.

     

  • Vietnam Airlines among world’s top 20 carriers

    Vietnam Airlines among world’s top 20 carriers

    National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has been honored in the Top 20 World’s Best Airlines for 2025 by AirlineRatings and won the “World’s Best Value Premium Economy” award for the second consecutive year.

    These accolades highlight the airline’s consistent quality and service across its entire network, regardless of flight distance or class. The retention of the “World’s Best Value Premium Economy” title underscores its excellence in this segment.

    Sharon Petersen, CEO of AirlineRatings, praised Vietnam Airlines for its balance of quality and value, stating that since Jan. 14, 2025, it has expanded its premium economy class to domestic routes, offering passengers enhanced privileges.

    Dang Anh Tuan, Deputy General Director of Vietnam Airlines, said: “The awards reflect our relentless efforts to improve service quality and motivates us to continue innovating and delivering world-class experiences. We remain committed to meeting and exceeding the ever-growing expectations of customers.”

    AirlineRatings.com, a global aviation safety and product rating agency, evaluates over 435 airlines based on service, seating, meals, comfort, and passenger feedback.

    Vietnam Airlines joins other top carriers like Korean Air, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines in the prestigious Top 20 list.

  • Google Maps and Apple Maps have different names for the same body of water

    Google Maps and Apple Maps have different names for the same body of water

    In case you haven’t noticed it yet, the Gulf of Mexico today has been officially renamed the Gulf of America in the U.S. on Google Maps. We first told you about the change at the end of last month, and now that the Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) has made the revision, it was time for Google to do likewise. In some countries, Google Maps will show two names, with the Gulf of Mexico as the primary name and the Gulf of America in parenthesis.

    Apple, on the other hand, continues to refer to the body of water as the Gulf of Mexico. We haven’t seen Google Maps and Apple Maps call the same geographic area by different names since Apple Maps was released in September 2012 alongside the launch of iOS 6. Apple Maps had so many problems with some countries and streets mislabeled or missing. In Australia, Apple Maps was considered dangerous after it led some drivers to the Outback teeming with poisonous snakes, a temperature of 115 degree, and a lack of cell service.

    We don’t consider Apple’s decision not to follow Google Maps to be a conscious effort to ignore President Trump’s executive order. After all, tech firms seem more willing to get behind the president during this term. For some, like Google, it’s a matter of self-preservation. As recently as last September, then-candidate Trump threatened to prosecute Google for Election Interference if returned to the White House.

    Trump complained that Google Search was showing only negative stories about him while listing only positive stories about his opponent, then-Vice President Kamala Harris. You might recall that in 2018, during his first term, Google was accused by the president of “rigging” search results, so when users searched for “Trump news,” 96% of the results came from the “National Left-Wing Media” according to Trump.

    Besides Google, other tech companies that have shown support for President Trump in some manner include Amazon, Meta, and Apple. All three of these firms or their CEOs donated $1 million toward the president’s inauguration. Most tech companies learned during Trump’s first term that you kill more flies with honey. All four tech companies, Apple and Google particularly, might need help from Trump to avoid being prosecuted by the Justice Department for anti-trust violations.

    So, if all it takes for Google to get on the president’s good side is to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America on the U.S. version of Google Maps, that’s a small price for the company to pay. Also expected to get a name refresh soon is the Denali mountain in Alaska; the president has ordered that the mountain be called by its original name, “Mount McKinley.”

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  • Vietjet announces partnership with OpenAirlines to enhance fuel efficiency with AI-driven optimisation

    Vietjet announces partnership with OpenAirlines to enhance fuel efficiency with AI-driven optimisation

    Vietjet has signed a strategic partnership with OpenAirlines, a global leader in AI-driven airline fuel efficiency solutions. With this collaboration, Vietjet becomes the first airline in Vietnam to adopt SkyBreathe, an advanced AI-powered platform that analyses flight data to optimise fuel consumption and reduce carbon emissions.

    With SkyBreathe, Vietjet will harness AI, big data algorithms, and machine learning to analyse extensive flight data and enhance fuel efficiency. The platform consolidates information from multiple sources, including aircraft sensors and fuel reports, into a unified platform. Having processed data from over 21 million flights, SkyBreathe leverages the world’s largest fuel efficiency database for airlines.

    The SkyBreathe 360° eco-flying platform pinpoints key fuel-saving opportunities and provides tailored recommendations for pilots and flight operations managers. By tapping on SkyBreathe’s intuitive interface and detailed analytics, Vietjet is projected to reduce fuel consumption by 2% and cut CO2 emissions by over 96,000 tons annually.

    Vietjet will also introduce the SkyBreathe MyFuelCoach application to all its pilots, providing personalised eco-briefings and debriefings. This application helps pilots track performance, identify improvement areas, and implement best practices to optimise fuel efficiency, ultimately lowering fuel consumption and minimising environmental impact.

    “This partnership underscores Vietjet’s unwavering commitment to more sustainable flight operations. By harnessing the power of innovation and digitalisation, the airline is transforming its ambitious goal of net-zero emissions by 2050 into concrete actions that benefit not only itself but the entire aviation ecosystem, travelers, and the planet. The implementation of SkyBreathe is already underway, ensuring Vietjet can quickly unlock its full potential and start seeing measurable results,” said Alexandre Feray, CEO of OpenAirlines.

    Vietjet Vice President Nguyen Duc Thinh also shared: “Today’s agreement with OpenAirlines represents a significant milestone in Vietjet’s sustainable development strategy. By leveraging advanced technologies, we can continuously innovate, optimise operations, reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and enhance passengers’ flight experiences at reasonable costs. This collaboration also highlights Vietjet’s relentless efforts towards sustainability while delivering long-term benefits to the global aviation industry.”

    As the newest member of the SkyBreathe Community, Vietjet joins 73 airlines worldwide committed to advancing sustainable aviation. Through this dynamic network, Vietjet will receive ongoing support from OpenAirlines’ fuel experts to optimise performance and fully leverage the benefits of SkyBreathe.

    This partnership reflects Vietjet’s commitment to sustainable development, supported by strategic collaborations with international aviation and technology leaders.

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  • Australia Restricts DeepSeek AI on Government Devices

    Australia Restricts DeepSeek AI on Government Devices

    Australia has prohibited the use of DeepSeek on all government devices due to concerns about security risks posed by the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup. The Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs has directed all government entities to stop using DeepSeek products, applications, and web services, and to remove any existing instances from Australian government systems and devices.

    Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that DeepSeek presents an unnecessary risk to government technology, and the ban is necessary to safeguard Australia’s national security and interests. This ban does not apply to devices owned by private citizens. After DeepSeek released its latest AI model last month, which is cheaper and requires less sophisticated chips compared to other models, technology stocks worldwide plummeted.

    Australia’s decision to ban DeepSeek follows similar actions taken in Italy, with other countries in Europe and beyond also investigating the AI firm. Similarly, Taiwan recently prohibited government departments from using DeepSeek’s AI service.

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  • Google Sheets update greatly improves performance in various scenarios

    Google Sheets update greatly improves performance in various scenarios

    Google Sheets is getting a small but important update this week. The update includes some under-the-hood improvements that greatly enhances the app’s overall performance.

    After doubling the calculation speed in Google Sheets last year, the app is now getting some extra improvements for everyday actions. First off, the pasting data is now 50 percent faster when pasting from one spreadsheet to another.

    Another important improvement included in this update is related to filter conditions, which can now be set up to 50 percent faster than before. Lastly, the spreadsheets now load existing data up to 30 percent faster.

    I think it’s safe to say that these improvements will help the large majority of Google Sheets users. Here are some scenarios in which the latest Google Sheets performance improvements really shine:

    • A data analyst can paste small or large quantities of data from an existing spreadsheet to a new one in a quicker manner.
    • A campaign manager can add filtering conditions to better understand the performance of a campaign at a certain time faster.
    • A small business owner can quickly see their data load.

    Google confirmed that these improvements have already been rolled out and should be available to Sheets users today. Since these are under-the-hood improvements, there’s no need to enable them.

    According to Google, these Sheets improvements are now available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.

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  • Philippines arrests 100 suspects in online scam farm raid

    Philippines arrests 100 suspects in online scam farm raid

    Philippine authorities arrested around 100 people on Friday in a raid on a suspected online scam farm in Manila they said extorted victims.

    The raid in the Makati financial district was part of a crackdown against online crime operators that often act under the guise of gaming firms.

    Agents from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the National Bureau of Investigation, armed with assault rifles, surrounded two offices of a lending agency and arrested the suspects as they worked side-by-side at computers.

    The suspects, many of them young Filipinos, allegedly sought out victims via TikTok and other social media, offering collateral-free loans of up to 25,000 pesos (US$428).

    Borrowers were charged 35% weekly interest and those who fell behind on payments were harassed, humiliated and threatened with having their personal information spread online, PAOCC director Gilberto Cruz told reporters at the scene.

    “Some of those they harassed developed mental problems, others fell into depression, and there have even been some suicide incidents that occurred because of the harassment perpetrated by these people,” Cruz said.

    The suspects could be charged with fraud and other violations under the country’s cybercrime laws, he added.

    The raided company, Wewill Tech Corp, required victims to provide personal information and family photographs, which the scammers then used for threats, according to Cruz.

    Some victims of similar scams have reported having coffins and funeral wreaths delivered to their homes, he said.

    Authorities are checking the nationality of the owners, Cruz said, adding that they had arrested Chinese suspects running similar operations in the past.

    The scam farm owners are suspected to be remnants of online gaming operators that were banned under orders of President Ferdinand Marcos last year, he said.

    “Most of their keyboard workers are Filipino” and communicated with victims in the local language, Cruz told reporters.

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  • Instagram rolls out more actionable insights for its Creators

    Instagram rolls out more actionable insights for its Creators

    Instagram is making some changes to its Insights feature to help creators better understand how their content is performing. The goal is to give creators more actionable insights and personalized recommendations so they can learn more about overall trends across their audience and their content’s performance.

    One of the new metrics is called “View Rate.” This metric tells creators what percentage of their followers and non-followers continue to watch after the first 3 seconds. The first few seconds of a reel are the most important, so this metric can help creators see if their reels are grabbing their audience’s attention right away.

    Another new metric is called “Views Over Time.” This metric shows creators how many views their post has received so far compared to the average views their posts typicaly get over the same time period. Creators will also be able to break down their views between followers and non-followers.

    In addition to these new metrics, Instagram is also providing more actionable, personalized tips to help creators understand if their content is performing better or worse than usual. These tips are meant to help creators more easily see which content is resonating with their audience.

    These changes are part of Instagram’s ongoing effort to help creators grow their audience and reach. By providing creators with more data and insights, Instagram hopes to make it easier for them to create content that resonates with their audience and achieve their goals.

    I think these metrics are very valuable to Instagram creators, and it’s frankly surprising they hadn’t been made available until now. As a creator myself, I’m always looking for ways to improve my content and reach a wider audience. These new features and personalized tips in Insights will definitely be helpful in this regard. I’m also excited to see how these changes will help other creators grow their audience and reach. With TikTok right now on shaky ground, it’s important for creators to diversify and be able to find ways to monetize in more than one platform, and I’m glad Instagram is providing the tools to assist with that goal.

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  • Microsoft-owned LinkedIn might have quietly used your DMs to train AI

    Microsoft-owned LinkedIn might have quietly used your DMs to train AI

    In today’s AI-driven world, data has become an incredibly valuable asset for developers and companies alike. The usage patterns and interactions of thousands – or even millions – of users often contribute to training AI models. Now, LinkedIn, the world’s largest professional networking platform, finds itself in hot water. A new lawsuit accuses the company of allegedly sharing user DMs to train AI systems.

    LinkedIn, owned by Microsoft – who has a close partnership with OpenAI (yep, the brains behind ChatGPT), is now facing a lawsuit. LinkedIn Premium users are accusing the platform of sharing their private messages with third parties to train AI models – and they never gave their consent for that.

    The lawsuit claims that back in August, LinkedIn “quietly” rolled out a new privacy setting that automatically signed users up for a program allowing third parties to use their personal data for AI training. It also accuses the Microsoft-owned company of covering its tracks a month later by updating its privacy policy to state that user data could be shared for AI training purposes.

    To top it off, the filing says LinkedIn edited its FAQ section, mentioning that users could opt out of sharing data for AI training. However, it also made it clear that opting out wouldn’t undo any training that had already been done using their data.

    The complaint further argues that LinkedIn’s move to “cover its tracks” shows it knew it was breaking its promise to only use personal data to improve its platform, all while trying to dodge public backlash and legal trouble. Of course, LinkedIn denies these allegations.

    The lawsuit, filed in federal court in San Jose, California, represents LinkedIn Premium users who exchanged InMail messages and had their private data shared with third parties for AI training before September 18. It demands damages for breach of contract and violations of California’s unfair competition law, along with $1,000 per user under the federal Stored Communications Act.

    This isn’t the first time a company’s been accused of crossing the line when it comes to user privacy for AI training. Just last year, Elon Musk’s X was called out for allegedly using data from EU users to train its AI chatbot, Grok, without permission. That said, legal battles like these tend to drag on for years – if they ever get resolved at all.

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  • Changi Airport reports handling 67.7 million passengers in 2024

    Changi Airport reports handling 67.7 million passengers in 2024

    Singapore Changi Airport handled 67.7 million passenger movements in 2024, registering a 14.8% year-on-year increase. This was 99.1% of the passenger movements recorded in 2019, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. Aircraft movements, totalled 366,000 in 2024, up 11.5% compared to 2023. A total of 1.99 million tonnes airfreight throughput was recorded in the year, surpassing 2023’s level by 14.6%.

    For the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2024, Changi Airport handled 17.8 million passenger movements. This was a 10.7% increase compared to the same period in 2023, and marked a full traffic recovery compared to Q4 of 2019. Aircraft movements, which include landings and take-offs, totalled 95,300, up 9.3% year-on-year. For the quarter, 521,000 tonnes in airfreight throughput was recorded, an increase of 15.0%.

    December 2024, with 6.4 million passenger movements, was the busiest month in the year, the first time monthly traffic has exceeded six million since December 2019. The busiest day of the year was 21 December 2024 – the Saturday before Christmas – when 226,000 passengers passed through Changi’s terminals.

    While all regions witnessed growth, North Asia was the fastest growing in 2024, registering an increase of 40% compared to 2023. Changi Airport’s top five passenger markets for the year were China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia and Thailand.

    China was Changi’s largest source market of the year, with passenger traffic almost doubling 2023’s level and surpassing the pre-Covid level by 6%. Hong Kong and Japan also recorded significant growth of more than 20% year-on-year.

    Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Jakarta, Denpasar (Bali) and Hong Kong were Changi Airport’s busiest routes during the year. Shanghai entered Changi’s top 10 cities list for the first time since 2011, registering a 94% growth compared to the previous year.

    On the cargo front, growth was seen across all cargo flows – exports, imports and transshipments, contributed by major improvements in cargo flows between Singapore and China, as well as the United States. Growth was also driven by the recovery of Singapore’s electronics exports and re-exports, strong global demand for cross-border e-commerce shipments and the modal shift from ocean to air freight arising from disruptions in maritime transport. For the year, Changi’s top five air cargo markets were China, Australia, the United States, Hong Kong and India.

    Mr Yam Kum Weng, Chief Executive Officer of Changi Airport Group, said, “We witnessed a year of strong growth in passenger and cargo traffic as well as connectivity in 2024. Changi added a bumper crop of 11 new city links, strengthening the air hub’s network and opening up a world of new destinations to support business ties and for travellers to explore. We are deeply grateful for the close partnership with our airline partners and are pleased to welcome the new airlines to Changi. Their collaboration has been instrumental in driving this growth.

    “Looking ahead, we are optimistic of another year of growth in passenger traffic.Operating a major air hub in Asia-Pacific, Changi Airport Group will continue to invest in our airport’s infrastructure, systems and processes to augment our handling capacity, so as to be well-placed to support the rising demand for air travel in the coming years.”

    Enhancing connectivity
    In 2024, Changi Airport welcomed eight new passenger airlines – Aero Dili, AirAsia Cambodia, Air Canada, Air Japan, Loong Air, Peach Aviation, Tianjin Airlines and West Air. As Changi expanded its connectivity to the world, it added 11 new passenger city links to its network, connecting Singapore to Broome, Brussels, Guiyang, Kertajati, Lhasa, Linyi, Malacca, Phu Quoc, Quanzhou, Vancouver, and Wenzhou.

    During the year, Changi also established flights to London Gatwick Airport and Subang Airport, providing more options for travels to London and Kuala Lumpur. More exciting new routes are already on the horizon, and travellers can look forward to new destinations including Labuan Bajo from March, and Vienna from June this year.

    Changi Airport also welcomed two new freighter airlines in 2024 – Shandong Airlines, which also resumed passenger services during the year, and Air Incheon. Two new freighter city links were added, connecting Singapore to Haikou and Nagoya.

    As of January 2025, 100 airlines operate over 7,400 weekly scheduled flights at Changi Airport, connecting Singapore to 163 cities in 49 countries and territories worldwide.

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  • Sa Sa International’s sales fall in fiscal third quarter

    Sa Sa International’s sales fall in fiscal third quarter

    Sa Sa International’s sales declined in the fiscal third quarter amid a significantly weaker performance in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

    The group’s sales declined 10.7 percent year over year to HK$1.06 billion (US$136.2 million) as Mainland China sales plunged 35.8 percent to HK$120 million while Hong Kong and Macau slid 8.1 percent to HK$817 million.

    Southeast Asia sales rose 12.4 percent to HK$115.4 million, while other regions decreased 11.8 percent to HK$2.7 million.

    In Mainland China, the company has already closed 13 offline stores due to a continuous sluggish environment. The group ended the period with 175 stores.

    The company intends to boost promotion on popular social media platforms and channels, tapping influencers to promote brand awareness and establish credibility among target buyers.

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  • Muji to open its largest store yet in Nara Prefecture

    Muji to open its largest store yet in Nara Prefecture

    Muji will open its largest store in Kashihara City, located in Japan’s Nara Prefecture, on March 1.

    The Japanese variety retailer is set to unveil the expanded Muji Aeon Mall Kashihara, the sales floor area of which will be about 10 times larger than the previous store that closed last November.

    The venue will offer a wide range of food, clothing, and home products. It will also have a workshop to repair, maintain, and sell second-hand furniture from Japan and overseas, making it a new resource circulation base.

    Another highlight is the Books and Cafe, featuring over 100,000 books from Kashihara Bookstore and rice bowls, coffee, tea, and ice cream from Cafe&Meal Muji.

    Earlier, Ryohin Keikaku executive vice-president and director Satoshi Shimizu delivered a new management policy plan for Muji, underscoring the lifestyle brand’s ambition to pursue its “second founding” via global expansion.

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  • New Instagram feature to entice TikTok users also compromises privacy

    New Instagram feature to entice TikTok users also compromises privacy

    It is highly likely that within a few hours TikTok will cease operations in the U.S. In an effort to capitalize on this golden opportunity Instagram is adding a new feature to the app to entice TikTok users to switch platforms. However this new feature also compromises your privacy and may be something that you wish to turn off.

    Adam Mosseri — head of Instagram — announced in a video that the app will be rolling out a new feed where you will see reels that your friends have liked or commented on. The idea is that you can quickly start a conversation with your friends about content they’ve watched. While the concept definitely encourages more interaction over Instagram it also means that your history is being shared openly.

    I quite like that I can watch whatever I want on Instagram — mainly cat videos — and not announce it to the world. This new feature is one that I will turn off immediately once it arrives in my country. Meta is only releasing the update in certain regions for now and will expand coverage once the company has studied how it is received by users.

    The whole TikTok debacle has sent multiple platforms racing to replace it. Instagram is already quite similar to TikTok and is trying everything it can to win over people looking for a new short-form video sharing app. However this hasn’t gone exactly to plan as TikTok users are migrating to another Chinese app instead: RedNote.

    While Instagram would have welcomed the influx of new users with open arms, RedNote is not as thrilled. The company is already considering isolating foreign IP addresses from Chinese ones so “American influence” can be minimized. This transition from TikTok to RedNote is also profiting an unsuspecting third app

    Instagram has taken some very welcome steps in recent years to protect user privacy on the platform, especially for minors. This is why I’m hopeful that the new dedicated feed will be optional as well. The app had a similar feature years ago that it discontinued and I wouldn’t be surprised if this new addition eventually meets the same fate.

    Instagram can still play its cards right and snag some former TikTok users as RedNote hands out bans for “inappropriate” content.

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  • WhatsApp’s upcoming AI feature could be your new Google Lens

    WhatsApp’s upcoming AI feature could be your new Google Lens

    While Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, has been rolling back some of its policies lately, the push for AI seems to be going full steam ahead. The company is focused on making it even easier to access Meta AI, its AI-powered assistant, on Android phones.

    With the release of the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.25.1.27 update on the Google Play Store, it’s been discovered that WhatsApp is working on adding a widget for easy access to Meta AI

    It looks like, with an upcoming update, one of the most widely used messaging apps will let you access Meta AI right from your Home Screen. This new widget will be totally optional and will appear alongside other widgets WhatsApp offers.

    Just keep in mind that this feature will only be available to accounts that already have access to AI-powered chats. Since Meta AI is still limited to certain regions and users, not everyone will get this widget right off the bat. For example, it’s unavailable in the EU due to local laws and regulations.
    For those who do have access, though, the widget will make it super easy to start a conversation with Meta AI without needing to open WhatsApp or dig through its menus. It’ll be right there on your Home Screen, ready to go.
    With the widget, you’ll be able to ask questions, get help, or chat with Meta AI however you like. It’ll also include a quick shortcut to snap a photo and send it directly to Meta AI. Once that’s done, you’ll be able to ask the AI to edit the image, explain what’s in it, or answer any questions you might have about the photo.

    I think it’s kind of like how Google Lens works, offering more details about what’s in the image. However, WhatsApp’s feature is still in the works and will be rolled out in a future update.

    In other WhatsApp updates, the app could soon introduce a simpler, more streamlined way to create groups and communities. On top of that, it’s also working on a new “Chat with us” feature, which will make getting human support faster through its web app.
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