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

  • WhatsApp testing new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option on Android

    WhatsApp testing new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option on Android

    WhatsApp is rolling out a new privacy feature to manage the contact syncing option for some beta testers. This feature, available in the latest WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.21.26 update, gives users more control over their contact syncing experience.

    With this new privacy feature, users can manage contacts across their linked devices. This means that contacts can be added, edited, or deleted from any device linked to a user’s WhatsApp account, without relying on their mobile phones. For example, people who use WhatsApp on a tablet or desktop can still modify their contact list, and those changes will automatically sync across all their linked devices, providing a more integrated experience. If users disable contact syncing for a particular account, WhatsApp will stop pulling and displaying contacts from that account. This can help maintain privacy, preventing certain contacts from appearing in their WhatsApp contact list on a secondary account.

    WhatsApp uses cryptographic hashes to support another layer of privacy protection. These hashes allow WhatsApp to secure the phone numbers of contacts who don’t have WhatsApp accounts while still ensuring that they can monitor for unusual behavior, such as attempts to misuse the contact upload feature.

    Despite disabling contact syncing, users can still interact with their existing contacts on WhatsApp. In addition, WhatsApp will automatically restore contacts linked to a user’s account if they switch to a new phone or reinstall the app. This allows for a smooth transition without the need to re-add or recover contacts manually.

    Users have full control over their privacy preferences. If they choose to opt out of the new contact experience entirely, they can disable WhatsApp contacts in their privacy settings at any time. This makes it easier for users to maintain their privacy according to their own preferences.

    This new privacy feature is available to some beta testers who install the latest updates of WhatsApp beta for Android from the Google Play Store, and it is rolling out to even more people over the coming weeks.

    As an avid WhatsApp user who communicates with other users overseas, I think it’s important for users to have more control over their data, and I’m glad to see WhatsApp taking steps to improve user privacy.
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  • Philippines imposes 12% VAT on digital services by tech giants

    Philippines imposes 12% VAT on digital services by tech giants

    The Philippines will impose a 12% value-added tax on digital services offered by tech giants such as Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Alphabet, in a move that aims to level the playing field with domestic players, the country’s Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) announced on Wednesday.

    Previously, on Tuesday, President of the Philippines Ferdinand Marcos Jr signed into law the imposition of VAT on non-resident providers of digital services such as streaming services and online search engines.

    Only domestic digital service providers are currently subject to the 12% VAT, BIR said.

    BIR Commissioner Romeo Lumagui said in a statement that the taxation will promote fair competition amongst businesses that are profiting from consumers in the Philippines. A level playing field produces better products and services.

    Tech companies like Netflix, Disney, Google and Amazon have not made any comments.

    The Philippines aims to collect 105 billion PHP (US$1.9 billion) from the VAT between 2025 and 2029. It plans to allocate 5% of this revenue to fund projects for creative industries, the presidential communications office noted.

    According to BIR, digital services provided by foreign firms are considered rendered in the Philippines if the services are consumed in the Southeast Asian nation.

    Since the Covid-19 pandemic, tech giants have experienced higher usage in Southeast Asia, but they also face increasingly stringent fiscal tax regimes.

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  • Vietnam’s high-speed rail fares set at 75% of flight tickets

    Vietnam’s high-speed rail fares set at 75% of flight tickets

    High-speed rail tickets are expected to cost 75% of airfares or VND1.7-6.9 million (US$69-280), according to a pre-feasibility study the government has submitted to the National Assembly.

    The project, one of the most ambitious transport projects in this decade, is set to begin construction in 2026-2027 to link Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City with a 350-kilometer-per-hour rail.

    First class fares will be VND6.9 million, and two lower tiers will cost VND2.9 million and VND1.7 million, according to the report.

    These are equivalent to 75% of Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet’s fares, and similar to those in other countries, it said, citing fares in Shanghai, Jakarta and Tohoku in Japan.

    The 1,500-kilometer high-speed railroad between Hanoi and HCMC is estimated to cost VND1.7 quadrillion (US$69 billion).

    At $43.7 million per kilometer, the cost would be in the medium range compared to other high-speed rail projects globally, the report said.

    The project comprises four sub-projects that will be developed simultaneously. It is expected to help add 0.97% to GDP annually.

    The 350-kph-maximum rail will pass through 20 provinces and have 23 passenger stations and five cargo stations.

    But it will mostly serve passengers with the current railroad network switching mainly to cargo transport.

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  • Gasoline prices climb up 2 weeks in a row

    Gasoline prices climb up 2 weeks in a row

    Gasoline prices on Thursday afternoon went up for the second week after plunging non-stop since mid-August.

    The popular fuel RON95 rose 3.80% to VND20,510 (US$0.83) per liter.

    Diesel went up 2.7% to VND 17,500.

    Regulators said that fuel prices in the last seven days were affected by rising tension in the Middle East, China’s economic boost, and ongoing Russia-Ukraine military conflict.

    Gasolines rose 5% while oils added 2.3-4.6%. RON95 is now priced at $85.6 per barrel and diesel $84.4.

  • Spotify expands AI Playlist feature to more countries

    Spotify expands AI Playlist feature to more countries

    Spotify, just like many other companies that provide services to bigger audiences, jumped on the AI bandwagon ever since Microsoft and Google made a big deal out of it.

    The company has been testing a new AI Playlist feature since April, but only Premium subscribers in the United Kingdom and Australia had access to this tool that allow them to discover music that perfectly match their needs.

    Today, Spotify announced that it’s expanding the availability of the AI Playlist feature to even more countries. As of right now, AI Playlist in English is rolling out in beta to Premium users on Android and iOS devices in the United States, Canada, Ireland, and New Zealand.

    The Playlist AI feature combines Spotify’s personalization technology with generative AI. It offers users an easy way to create and curate the perfect musical mix. According to Spotify, since it launched in the UK and Australia back in April, Premium subscribers made use of AI Playlist to create millions of playlists.

    Since it’s powered by AI, Spotify users can create a playlist with the help of this feature by simply using unique prompts in the chat, such as “upbeat pop music for my European summer vacation” or “a romantic playlist for date night at home.”

    Spotify also says that the best playlists are generated with prompts that contain a mix of genres, moods, artists, or decades. The music streaming service mentions that users can also reference places, animals, activities, movie characters, colors, and even emojis when creating playlist using this AI-powered feature

    If you live in one of the countries mentioned above and you’re subscribed to Spotify, here is how you can access the AI Playlist feature:

    • From Your Library, tap the “+” button at the top-right corner of the app and select “AI Playlist.”
    • Select one of the suggested prompts or type your own.
    • Spotify will curate a personalized playlist featuring the tracks, artists, and genres we think you’ll like.
    • From there, you can easily manage the selection of songs by previewing and deleting tracks, or ask Spotify to refine the playlist with additional prompts.
    • Tap “Create,” and your new playlist will be saved automatically in Your Library.

    Keep in mind that AI Playlist is still in beta, so it might not provide the results you want all the time, especially for non-music-related prompts (i.e. current events, specific brands).

  • Thailand mulls extending welfare benefits to freelancers

    Thailand mulls extending welfare benefits to freelancers

    The Thai Government is considering granting freelance workers the same welfare benefits as those registered with the Social Security Fund (SSF), given that they pay income taxes.

    According to Minister of Tourism and Sports Sorawong Thienthong, the Government is in discussion with several agencies to set up a welfare system to protect freelancers, such as tour guides, ride-hailing service drivers, and online content creators.

    Under the new system, freelancers could claim medical and other welfare benefits, just like other workers who are registered with the Social Security Office. However, they must declare their income and pay the required taxes, he said.

    Sorawong said the move followed a discussion with representatives from various civil and labor advocacy groups, during which they outlined the potential challenges in setting up such a system.

    The inputs from these groups will serve as the basis for a bill on welfare coverage for freelance workers that the government plans to present in the next parliamentary session, he said.

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  • Google TV gets major upgrade: smart home controls, AI art, sports hub, more

    Google TV gets major upgrade: smart home controls, AI art, sports hub, more

    Google is rolling out a significant update to its Google TV platform, bringing a host of new features to enhance your viewing and smart home experience. These updates will be available on all Google TV devices, including the upcoming Google TV Streamer set to launch on September 24th.

    One of the most notable additions is the new home panel on Google TV. This feature transforms your TV into a central hub for controlling all of your compatible smart home devices. From adjusting your thermostat to checking your security cameras, you can manage your entire smart home without ever leaving the couch. The new doorbell notifications also bring added convenience, allowing you to see who’s at the door without interrupting your viewing experience. If you can’t find the remote, Google Assistant voice commands have you covered, providing hands-free control over your smart home devices.

    When you’re not actively watching TV, Google TV now offers an improved Ambient screensaver that turns your idle screen into a personalized canvas. You can either create AI-generated designs based on your own descriptions or prompts, or relive your cherished memories by showcasing your favorite Google Photos. This feature leverages generative AI to craft unique images for your display, adding a touch of artistic flair to your living space.

    For sports fans, the new sports page within the For You tab consolidates all your sports content in one convenient location. You can quickly find live and upcoming games, catch sports commentary, browse YouTube highlights, and receive personalized recommendations to stay up-to-date on your favorite teams and leagues.

    Choosing what to watch can be overwhelming with the vast array of channels and subscription services available. To help you make informed decisions, Google is introducing enhanced overviews of top movies and shows powered by Gemini technology. These overviews provide comprehensive summaries, audience reviews, and season-by-season breakdowns, giving you valuable insights to guide your viewing choices.

    Last year, Google introduced free built-in channels on Google TV, offering a selection of live TV without the need for additional downloads or subscriptions. This service, known as Google TV Freeplay, now boasts an expanded channel guide with over 150 channels, making it easier to browse by genre and topic. New additions to the lineup include Heartland, The FBI Files, and ION Plus.

    The update also extends to Google TV’s hardware ecosystem. In addition to the upcoming Google TV Streamer, you can now find Google TV on a wider range of devices, including new art TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as smart projectors from Vankyo, Epson, and XGIMI. Google is also expanding its reach by bringing Google TV to more countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

    I’m excited about these updates to Google TV. The integration of smart home controls directly into the TV interface is a game-changer, and I can see it definitely changing the way I interact with my connected TV. The AI-generated art for Ambient screensaver and the enhanced overviews for movies and shows are also great additions that personalize my viewing experience. Finally, as a baseball fan, I appreciate the dedicated sports page, which will make it easier to find and follow my favorite team.

  • Factories reduce work hours with eye to employees’ well-being

    Factories reduce work hours with eye to employees’ well-being

    Many factories in Ho Chi Minh City have been reducing workers’ weekly hours below the legal maximum of 48 to give them more time for themselves without compromising their income.

    When the end-of-shift bell rings at 4 p.m. at a factory belonging to industrial sewing machine producer Juki Vietnam in District 7’s Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone workers have five minutes to clean and organize their work area before leaving.

    Nguyen Thi My Linh, who has worked at Juki for 28 years, said until a few years ago her shift used to be the standard 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Sunday with 70 minutes for lunch and two other breaks.

    But after workers expressed difficulty in picking up their children, the management agreed to shorten their shift by 25 minutes.

    “Getting off early helps me avoid traffic and gives me enough time to pick up my child in Nha Be District, take them home and then to District 5 for tutoring,” Linh says.

    Nguyen Phuoc Dai, chairman of the company’s labor union, says employees also get two Saturdays off per month after they said they did not have enough weekend time with their families, which has reduced their week to less than 44 hours.

    The maximum allowed by law is 48 hours, not including overtime.

    Dai noted that the company did not reduce wages or income when it cut the work hours, and instead invested in technology and optimized production processes to ensure productivity.

    An Thien Pharmaceutical Corporation in Nha Be’s Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park similarly used to have a 48-hour week before switching to 44 hours in the past decade.

    Its director of human resources, Le Dinh Chi, says the change came after the labor union forwarded workers’ wishes for shorter hours.

    “Reducing working hours is a way for management to show concern for the well-being and families of employees.”

    The company’s 450 workers earn an average of VND13 million (US$530) per month.

    According to the city Trade Union of Industrial and Export Processing Zones, Juki and An Thien are among more than 20 manufacturing businesses in the city’s industrial parks and EPZs that have moved away from 48-hour weeks.

    Some have even reduced it to 40 or give employees three Saturdays off every month, it says.

    Vu The Van, its president, says these firms’ decision to shorten the work week is commendable since it is recommended but not mandated by current regulations.

    Reducing work hours is also a strategy for businesses to retain employees amid a growing labor shortage in the manufacturing sector, as workers with more time for themselves and their families tend to feel happier and more motivated to remain loyal to the company, she says.

    Concurring, Thanh Nguyen, CEO of human resources consulting firm Anphabe, says a survey by her company found that time-related benefits and work arrangements are the biggest concern for 63% of workers while only 24% of them reported being satisfied with their working hours.

    The 2020 Labor Force Survey by the General Statistics Office found that nearly 41% of workers nationwide clock in 40-48 hours per week, 30.9% log 49-59 hours and 7.5% work 60 hours or more.

  • Vietravel Airlines appoints new CEO

    Vietravel Airlines appoints new CEO

    Vietravel Airlines has appointed Dao Duc Vu, who has 35 years of experience in the aviation industry, as its new CEO.

    Vu took office on Sept. 4 after his predecessor Nguyen Minh Hai resigned for personal reasons, according to a company statement Tuesday.

    Vu has held various senior leadership positions at Cambodia Angkor Air, Vietjet, and Bamboo Airways.

    From 2020 to 2022 he served as deputy CEO and was primarily responsible for managing, supervising flight operations, and training flight crews at Vietravel Airlines.

    The airline’s chairman Nguyen Quoc Ky said that that Vu’s appointment is crucial as the company embarks on new stages of development, with ambitious targets set by the board of directors.

    Vu is expected to play a key role in expanding the airline’s route network.

    Vietravel Airlines began flying in January 2021 with a focus on offering passengers a complete aviation and tourism experience by taking advantage of tourism giant Vietravel’s long-established ecosystem.

    The airline, which operates three aircraft, posted its first quarterly profit of VND10 billion in the January-March period.

  • Alibaba’s Freshippo launches into Australia with local partner

    Alibaba’s Freshippo launches into Australia with local partner

    Alibaba-owned grocery chain Freshippo will launch its first presence in Australia, in partnership with Ebest, the local online Asian supermarket.

    Freshippo’s items will be available through Ebest’s shopping app and website, with a product selection tailored to the Australian market, including Chinese delicacies such as snacks, juices, tea drinks, and culinary sauces.

    Ebest’s spokesperson says that this agreement will greatly expand their product line, providing Australians with better access to authentic and modern Chinese groceries.

    “The pandemic has driven more consumers to explore ethnic products, diversifying their home cooking either as a lifestyle choice or as a cost-saving alternative to dining out,” the spokesperson said.

    “This trend has encouraged a wider demographic to discover different cultural ingredients and find better deals at grocers that initially served migrants.”

    Australia is Freshippo’s third offshore market after the US and Singapore. Freshippo, founded in 2015 as Alibaba Group’s grocery retail business, now has 400 locations in 30 Chinese cities.

    Ebest, launched in 2020, has become one of Australia’s highest-profile online Asian supermarkets, with more than 50,000 items across 18 categories.

    In June, Ebest launched on Albaba’s e-commerce platform AliExpress, with the goal of “revolutionising the online grocery shopping landscape by bringing in a new era of convenience and accessibility for consumers.”

  • Gasoline prices tumble to 20-month low

    Gasoline prices tumble to 20-month low

    Gasoline prices on Thursday hit the lowest since December 2022, having in decline for the last two months.

    The popular fuel RON95 dropped 1.33% to VND20,820 (US$0.84) per liter.

    Diesel declined by 2.06% to VND18,470.

    Regulators said that fuel prices in the last seven days were affected by expectations of increased supply in Libya and OPEC+ countries and weak China’s demand.

    Gasolines have fallen by 1.6-2.2% and oils have decreased by 2-3.1%. RON95 is now at $86.3 per barrel and diesel $87.

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  • Thai wellness brand Panpuri opens first international flagship in Hong Kong

    Thai wellness brand Panpuri opens first international flagship in Hong Kong

    Thai wellness brand Panpuri has made its international debut, beginning with its first flagship located in K11 Musea, Hong Kong.

    Designed in partnership with MLKK Studio, the boutique is inspired by the concept of “The Perfumist’s Chamber”, which combines the “elegance” of Thai culture with the “dynamic energy” of Hong Kong.

    The company said a key design element is the fusion of Thai-made, Hong Kong-familiar mosaic tiles locally known as Mak Suk. The terracotta shade – integral to Thai architecture – and Hong Kong’s urban landscape create a visual bridge between the two cultures.

    At the boutique’s core lies a Bespoke Sensorial Bar where customers can design their signature scent with the help of Panpuri Scent specialists. It has six product formats, from essential oils to perfume diffusers, and a collection of 65 fragrances.

    Pramote Dechaboonsiripanich, MD Panpuri, said the Hong Kong launch serves as the brand’s gateway to the Mainland and an ideal location for expansion.

    “Our data also shows that Hong Kong customers rank among our top clients, so this move allows us to serve both local and international customers better,” said Dechaboonsiripanich.

    The company aims to expand to three or four stores in Hong Kong and establish its main office, capitalising on the city’s status as a “strategic gateway” to the region.

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  • Vietnamese are working too many hours

    Vietnamese are working too many hours

    Readers have expressed concerns that the working conditions in Vietnam are exhausting the younger generation, calling for more and longer holidays throughout the year to enhance both physical and mental well-being.

    “My husband and I are civil servants. We’re supposed to have two days off on weekends, but in reality, we still have to work, leaving us with almost no days off. My wife works at a land registration office, and every night she has to continue unresolved work from the office. It’s really tiring for us, and we can’t properly take care of our children. We need to modernize and liberate human labor. If additional days off are granted but there’s still too much work, laborers won’t be able to truly rest,” shared reader Vu Hai Nam regarding the working hours in Vietnam.

    Current labor laws stipulate that employees should work no more than 48 hours per week, allowing employers to require workers to put in at least six days per week, eight hours per day. However, according to data from the International Labor Organization (ILO), Vietnam ranks among the countries with the highest working hours globally. In 2023, the total working hours in Vietnam (excluding holidays) reached 2,320 hours—440 hours more than Indonesia, 184 hours more than Cambodia, and 176 hours more than Singapore.

    Commenting on the pressures faced by Vietnamese workers, reader Hung Minh said: “More than a decade ago, when I was single, I used to work 14 hours a day, including Saturdays. I was young and enthusiastic, so I worked a lot and earned a lot. But when I started a family and had children, I had to say goodbye to that work intensity.”

    Reader Mirae added, “People often cite low labor productivity in Vietnam as a reason against reducing working hours. But having worked with companies in Japan, Italy, and Korea, I’ve found that increasing labor productivity relies heavily on automation, not longer working hours. No one wants to work up to 12 hours a day.”

    Reader Vu noted, “Office workers like me actually work beyond office hours. Even when I go to shower, I have to take my phone to respond to potential work messages. Phone alerts have become a source of stress for me, and deadlines are overflowing. Besides, each worker nowadays needs to find time to upgrade their skills to stay competitive. We’re in a period where young people are physically and mentally exhausted. It’s crucial for management agencies to conduct systematic and comprehensive research to improve the working environment.”

    Reader Kid expressed frustration, saying, “I find it hard to understand some people’s argument that Vietnamese must work more to escape poverty. They fail to grasp that income is directly proportional to labor productivity, and productivity is greatly influenced by physical and mental health. The only way to improve these factors is to give workers more rest time. The number of holidays in Vietnam is currently among the lowest in the region and the world, far behind countries like Japan, Korea, and Germany, resulting in one of the highest numbers of working days. I strongly support the idea of more holidays. Ideally, there should be a vacation of about a week every three months, which would stimulate demand and give workers time to recuperate, ultimately boosting labor productivity.”

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  • Gasoline prices remain at 15-month low

    Gasoline prices remain at 15-month low

    Gasoline prices in Vietnam continued to fall Thursday and remained at its lowest level since May last year.

    Diesel fell 1.60% to VND18,470.

    Regulators said that prices fluctuated in the last seven days due to new developments in the Middle East crisis and declining crude oil inventory in the U.S.

    Gasolines fell 0.3-0.9% and oils dropped 0.2-1.6%. RON95 is now at $87.7 per barrel and diesel $89.1.

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  • Apple showcases Vietnamese game developers on App Store

    Apple showcases Vietnamese game developers on App Store

    Two Vietnamese developers behind the pixel-art game DreamChaser have been featured on Apple’s App Store along with other Southeast Asian talents.

    In a recent spotlight category called “Dare to Dream”, Apple hailed the duo Pham Duy Phuc and Tran Tuan Hiep for building their endless runner game which is rated 4.8 out of 5 by over 500 users.

    “My game development journey is quite rough,” said former IT major Phuc, who left university to pursue game development professionally, as cited by Apple. “I did not know how to draw, so I needed to find an artist. That was how I met Hiep.”

    Hiep took inspiration from Vietnam’s history and tradition to create the game’s colourful pixel-art which depicted the Nguyen dynasty, where the game’s protagonist runs from Hue Imperial Palace to a tranquil bamboo forest while dodging bouncing animals.

    The game became popular when Phuc discussed the experience of making it on YouTube videos. He now has more than 30,000 subscribers.

    “When I uploaded the video about DreamChaser to YouTube, a large number of users started playing it. That was also when I received a massive amount of bug reports from users,” he said. “Seeing players enjoy our game and create their own content based on our work is incredibly fulfilling.”

    Phuc now desires to open his own game studio, with around 10 staff. “I think there is still more room to grow, and that keeps me grinding.”

    Other developers featured in the category included Singapore’s Joan Low who created ThoughtFull Chat, a software which helps connect people who need mental health support.

    Indonesia siblings Andika Pradana and Anggia Lestari were praised for their chemist game Potion Permit.

    Tyme Suteesopon and Sirin (Nanny) Thamakaison from Thailand were mentioned for their creation of an app called WithU, which compiles motivating quotes and appealing artworks created by Thai artists.

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