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Tag: asia

  • China to accept durian grown in 293 more areas in Vietnam

    China to accept durian grown in 293 more areas in Vietnam

    China has approved another 293 farming areas and 115 packaging facilities in Vietnam for export of fresh durian to it, eight months after the two countries signed a protocol.

    Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is working with China’s General Administration of Customs for the approval of another 400 farming areas and 60 packaging facilities.

    Vietnam first exported the fruit to China in September last year, and ended up shipping 46,000 tons for the year, or 78% of total exports.

    Dang Phuc Nguyen, general secretary of the Vietnam Fruit Association, said the approval of more durian farming areas would encourage more farmers and traders to export to China.

    Durian could be harvested through the year, its output is large and Vietnam could transport the fruit faster to China than could Thailand, where it has been grown for dozens of years, he said.

    But Vietnam needs to improve quality and build brands to compete in the large Chinese market, he added.

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  • Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing has just begun in the US

    Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing has just begun in the US

    Netflix promised to take drastic measures to prevent customers from sharing their passwords. Today, the first step toward making people pay extra if they want to share their Netfix subscription with others has been made.

    If you have a Netflix subscription and live in the US, you should get an email containing updates on sharing between households. The streaming service announced Netflix customers in the US will receive emails informing them that if they want to share their account outside of their household, they must pay for it.

    Basically, Netflix tells you what options you have if you’re already sharing your account with someone outside your household and how much it will cost you to continue doing it.

    • Transfer a profile. Anyone on your account can transfer a profile to a new membership that they pay for.
    • Buy an extra member. You can share your Netflix account with someone who doesn’t live with you for $7.99/month more.

    After encouraging its customers to share their passwords with friends and family outside their household, Netflix backtracks on its initial statements and now says in a blog post that “an account is for use by one household.”

    We’re not sure what’s going to happen if you don’t start paying for extra membership if you’re sharing your password, but chances are that the people you’re sharing your service with won’t be able to access it. It’s probably just a matter of time before Netflix will start cutting access to these accounts (if that’s even technically possible).

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  • Indian car rental service ZoomCar exits Vietnam

    Indian car rental service ZoomCar exits Vietnam

    Indian car rental platform ZoomCar has quit the Vietnamese market after operating for over a year, citing difficulties and further challenges ahead.

    Addressing car owners in an announcement Tuesday afternoon, it promised, however to fulfill all obligations to them and customers.

    Technicians will schedule with the owners to collect the equipment installed on their vehicles.

    They will be paid their dues by June 30.

    ZoomCar was launched in 2013 in India as a platform connecting people owning cars with renters, and came to Ho Chi Minh City in early 2022.

    It had earlier considered investing US$25 million in Vietnam.

    Within the first four months of coming to Vietnam it had around 1,000 cars for lease, and offered large discounts to both renters and owners.

    But the discounts started to dwindle gradually.

    Ky, an HCMC’s District 8 owner since March last year, said he was surprised to learn about the company’s exit.

    He had been making less and less money from leasing his car on the app since six months ago.

    “The company took a commission of 40% on each trip, which is high, and forced car owners like us to list our vehicle on the platform all the time.”

    Recent economic difficulties have reduced demand, he added.

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  • Vontobel CEO Plans to Step Down

    Vontobel CEO Plans to Step Down

    After 22 years at Vontobel the CEO of Bank Vontobel plans to retire from his CEO post next year.

    CEO Zeno Staub has asked the board of directors to resign his mandate at next year’s Annual General Meeting in April, Vontobel said in an emailed statement Wednesday. Staub served as the investment company’s CEO for 12 years.

    Staub plans to become more active in Swiss politics and will run as the top candidate for Switzerland’s Center Party «Die Mitte» in the National Council elections in the fall of 2023.

    It is a sign of a strong democracy when citizens such as Zeno Staub, who can look back on a long and successful career in business, want to assume a political role. We wish Zeno Staub every success in his endeavors, Chairman Andreas E.F. Utermann said in the statement.

    However, Staub is not cutting off all ties to Vontobel: After a one-year cooling-off period, he will stand for election as an ordinary member of the board of directors at the general meeting of shareholders 2025.

    Chief Operating Officer Felix Lenhard, is also stepping down at the end of the year, the statement said. Lenhard, who sat on the executive committee of Vontobel Holding and Bank Vontobel, wishes to spend more time with his family.

    Lenhard’s successor will also be determined by year-end.

  • Spanish footwear label Toni Pons opens first store in the Philippines

    Spanish footwear label Toni Pons opens first store in the Philippines

    When it comes to espadrilles, Toni Pons, a Spanish footwear company, is known as one of the pioneers in this design concept. Finally, the brand has officially opened the doors to its first official store in the Philippines at SM Megamall and Robinsons Place Manila. 

    Down the memory lane

    In 1946 Spain, Toni Pons founder, Antoni Pons Parramon, created the first traditionally-made espadrilles using jute or rubber in Osor, a small village near Girona. More than 75 years later, Toni Pons is now selling in different parts of the globe. 

    Influenced by the land where it was born, the Toni Pons brand maintains its Mediterranean character. The relaxed and carefree vibe of the region has accompanied the brand all throughout its history. The brand’s aesthetic of easy elegance and freshness is very befitting for a tropical country such as the Philippines, especially during the summer season. 

    On the Philippine market

    To make sure that there is something for everyone, the brand brings a wide array of collections in the country—from kids’ and men’s to bridal footwear. On top of that, the brand also introduced some of its other pieces such as bags and belts.  

    During the brand’s official launch last May 16, 2023 at SM Megamall, Fashion Hall, Jordin Pons, Toni Pons’ founder and president, told Manila Bulletin Lifestyle that the brand is looking forward to creating Philippine exclusive designs and incorporating local sustainable materials in the future designs. 

    “We know that the Philippine market is not new with handmade shoes, but we are not here to compete but to bring a new concept which is the espadrilles,” he said. “As a brand, we like to say that we arrive to a lot of people because we also do men’s, women’s, kid’s, and shoes for special events.”

    The event is an ode to summer as it celebrates its launch with a dance-infused fashion show. The show featured the Philippine Allstars as they strutted down the runway in their Toni Pons shoes, capping off the event with a dance number that is reminiscent of the movie musical, “Mamma Mia.” The brand is planning to open a total of 15 stores in the country by the end of the year. Last May 20, 2023, they opened a store at  The Hue Hotel Boracay.

  • A digital nomad working in Vietnam

    A digital nomad working in Vietnam

    Times have changed, and the new generation seeks freedom at work to travel and discover the world. For this reason, many countries in Asia are the main targets for young dreamers and people who want to work online outside their country quickly and economically. Here we will tell you about the adventure of a digital nomad working in Vietnam.

    What is a digital nomad?

    As said at the beginning of this article, people today want to generate income online when they travel to discover the world. So a digital nomad is a person who works online. Many professions can afford to work in that way: Digital Marketing, Communication, and Web Development, among others.

    A digital nomad is also the one with his laptop, moving worldwide. His stay in each country is short; it can be from 1 to 3 months, including weeks. But now, the value of immersing yourself in a culture is significant, so staying a few months in a place is much more widespread—especially in a beautiful and warm place like Vietnam.

    Why would a digital nomad want to live in Vietnam?

    Vietnam has become an increasingly popular destination for those looking for a cheap and authentic experience. The country offers a lot of opportunities for travelers and digital nomads alike. It’s a great place to visit if you want to enjoy nature, relax on beaches or explore ancient temples. And there are also plenty of jobs available for digital nomads!

    * The cost of living in Vietnam is meager compared to other Asian countries. It’s cheaper than in most European countries. You can find accommodation for less than USD 10 per night, which makes it possible to save money while traveling.

    * The quality of life is high. There are many things to do here, especially during the summer. If you love sports, you can go swimming, play tennis, practice yoga, or even run in the park. You can quickly get around by bike or scooter, allowing you to see the city without spending too much time on public transport.

    * There are many places to eat, drink, and party. You can find everything you need, from street food to fine dining restaurants.

    * If you’re into photography, you can take pictures everywhere. You don’t need to worry about getting your camera stolen because it’s not common.

    * And finally, the weather is fantastic! During the winter, the temperature is between 20 °C and 30 °C, but in the summer, it goes up to 40 °C. That means you can always wear shorts and t-shirts.

    How does a digital nomad earn money in Vietnam?

    Digital Nomads usually start their journey as freelancers. They create websites, apps, blogs, etc., and offer them to clients. Some of them use platforms such as Upwork or Freelancer to find projects. Others prefer to build their website and sell products through Amazon or eBay.

    Vietnam is a charming country for digital nomads

    Being a digital nomad in Vietnam, you will be able to meet people from all over the world who have decided to spend a season in this country like you. With this, you can expand your contacts, learn or practice languages, make friends while you work, and have fun.

    And something else, the locals there are friendly. You will feel it in every corner, and they smile all the time.

    What places to visit during your stay in Vietnam?

    Here we tell you some of them; keep reading.

    1. Hoi An

    This town was once famous for its silk production, but nowadays, Hoi An attracts tourists thanks to its old architecture. Its narrow streets, covered markets, and traditional houses make it a unique place to visit near Halong Bay, which is perfect for diving enthusiasts.

    2. Sapa

    Located in the north of Vietnam, Sapa is known for its breathtaking views and natural landscapes. It’s the best place to spot wildlife like elephants, gibbons, macaques, and bears. You can also hike through the mountains and valleys or climb to the top of Mount Fan Si Pan (1,912 m).

    3. Da Nang

    Located on the central coast, Da Nang is a modern city with many shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants. It’s also home to the famous Marble Mountains. Visit this area if you want to try some water activities. There are several options, such as snorkeling, kayaking, and parasailing.

    Do you need a visa to enter Vietnam?

    Yes, you do. Check everything about the [Vietnam e-Visa]; here, you will find how to make the application. Don’t worry; this takes just a few minutes, and you will have this vital document in your hands in a couple of days to start your adventur

  • Apple removes 8,000 Vietnamese apps for fraud

    Apple removes 8,000 Vietnamese apps for fraud

    Vietnam is among the countries with the most apps removed from the App Store in 2022 for fraud or poor user experience.

    In its App Store 2022 Transparency Report, Apple said it has around 1.78 million applications and removed 186,195 last year.

    The largest number, 38,883, was in the Games category.

    Vietnamese apps accounted for 8,462. Most of them — 4,657 — were removed for violating design standards. Fraud caused the removal of 3,626 apps, the second highest of any country’s.

    According to Apple’s guidelines, design violations include applications that are outdated or have worse user experience than it expects, like redirecting to a website before running the app.

    Fraud included applications that create fraudulent reviews of competitors, unfair competition or false content to lure users.

    There were also other reasons for removal such as violating developers’ code of conduct, copying other apps’ designs, spam apps, violating intellectual property rights, fake news, etc.

    The report also showed that Vietnam was among the top 10 countries to appeal removals, with 11 out of 416 proving successful.

    China had the most apps removed with 41,000, followed by the U.S. with 32,000, and India with 10,000.

    China had the most apps removed for fraud and violating developers’ code of conduct, while the U.S. led in design violations and spams.

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  • Timber exporters face sharp decline in orders

    Timber exporters face sharp decline in orders

    Vietnamese wood and wooden furniture enterprises have been facing many difficulties as export orders have dropped 50-60% since the beginning of this year, pushing firms to cut off at least half of their production capacities.

    Data from the General Department of Customs showed that the export turnover of wood and wooden products reached $3.9 billion in the first four months, down 30.6% year-on-year.

    At the same time, the import value of wood and wooden products also decreased significantly to $634 million, down 33.6% over the same period last year.

    During the four months, Vietnamese exports of these goods to major markets all decreased sharply such as the U.S. ($2.02 billion, 38%); Japan ($556 million, 1.5%); South Korea ($274 million, 22%) and China ($481 million, 13%).

    Analysts and businesses have said that the decrease in wood and wooden goods exports was foreseeable. They attributable the decline to inflation surges in some countries, which were also major importers of Vietnam’s wood and wooden goods, resulting in sluggish demand for these products.

    For example, the U.S. imported $1.24 billion worth of timber and wooden products from Vietnam in the first three months, a year-on-year drop of 42%.

    In the context of inflation and the banking crisis, U.S. banks have tightened credit, making importers unable to finance import goods in large quantities. The demand for U.S. wooden furniture imports has plummeted, analysts said.

    According to wood exporters, their export orders from the U.S. market have decreased between 50% and 55% depending on the type of wood products. Meanwhile, orders from the E.U. – another key export market, also dropped 60%.

    Chairman of the Binh Duong Woodworking Association Nguyen Liem said amid the current difficult context, the provincial wood enterprises had slashed their production capacities by 60%.

    “The current global economic situation is very unpredictable,” Liem said. “All market signals are not bright, and it is hard for wood enterprises to draw up their business plans.”

    Liem also predicted that when the market situation improved, and the inventory decreased, foreign customers would continue to order but not sooner than early 2024.

    Around the beginning of 2024, the market would be less difficult, and businesses would have export orders again. Still, only small ones, he said, forecasting that the market would likely recover at the end of 2024. However, the recovery growth would depend on the world’s economic and political situation.

    Despite a sharp slump in orders, trade experts said the U.S. remained a key export outlet for Vietnam’s wood industry. Therefore, businesses need to maintain the U.S. market by updating information and converting production according to the market’s consumption trends.

    In addition, management agencies should support businesses to bring Vietnamese wooden goods into large distribution systems such as Walmart, Costco and Amazon. This was an effective way for the firms to develop their brands, avoiding relying too much on intermediaries, trade experts said.

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  • WhatsApp finally rolls out the ability to edit messages

    WhatsApp finally rolls out the ability to edit messages

    Tipped a few times in the past by reliable sources, the ability to edit WhatsApp messages is finally coming to all users. WhatsApp confirmed earlier today that users should see the new feature over the coming weeks.

    Correcting a misspelling or changing the message completely to provide extra context can now be done via a simple long-press on the sent message. You’ll have to choose the Edit option from the menu, which will only be available for up to 15 minutes.

    Despite the fact that it comes with one limitation, more often than not we notice a misspelling or change our mind regarding a WhatsApp message soon after it’s been sent. As expected, all edited messages will display “edited” alongside them, allowing recipients to see the correction without showing edit history.

    According to WhatsApp, all edited messages, just like personal messages, media and calls, are protected by end-to-end encryption. Although the rollout of the new feature has already begun, WhatsApp states that it will be available to everyone “in the coming weeks,” so be patient if you don’t see the option to Edit messages right away.

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  • Bamboo Airways names Vietnam Airlines ex-deputy general director as CEO

    Bamboo Airways names Vietnam Airlines ex-deputy general director as CEO

    Bamboo Airways has appointed Nguyen Minh Hai as CEO to replace Nguyen Manh Quan with effect from May 24.

    The carrier said Quan had asked to step down from the position he had held since July 2022.

    Under his leadership, Bamboo earned record revenues in the second half of 2022 through innovative business initiatives.

    As of the end of the first quarter this year its fleet utilization rate had risen close to 100%.

    Hai, 51, has a bachelor’s degree in tourism business management from the National Economics University and 25 years’ experience in the airline industry.

    He was deputy general director of Vietnam Airlines between April 2015 and January 2019.

    Bamboo Airways had said last week there will be some changes in the board of directors and management.

    Hideki Oshima, a former director of international relations and airline alliance at Japan Airlines, is set to join the board of directors and executive board, while Masaru Onishi, a former president of Japan Airlines, will become senior advisor to the board of directors.

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  • Bacardi Australia appoints Luiz Schmidt as new MD

    Bacardi Australia appoints Luiz Schmidt as new MD

    Luiz Schmidt will take over as Managing Director of Bacardi in Australia and New Zealand after more than two years in Panama working as Regional Marketing Director for Bacardi in Latin America and the Caribbean.

    A University of Technology MBA graduate and FMCG marketing specialist with over 20 years of international experience, Schmidt will lead Bacardi’s sales, marketing, finance and supply chain functions, as well as expand the company’s premium portfolio and market share in the region.

    Vijay Subramaniam, Regional President for Asia, Middle East & Africa and Global Travel Retail at Bacardi, said Schmidt is uniquely qualified to take over as Managing Director as a dual Australian and Brazilian national with a wealth of experience.

    “The appointment of Luiz Schmidt as our new Managing Director marks an exciting chapter for Bacardi in Australia and New Zealand,” he said.

    “Thanks to his extensive international experience leading both developed and emerging markets with the company and more broadly within the industry, Schmidt brings a deep and nuanced understanding of the global premium spirits market.”

    Schmidt said he’s excited to return to Australia, where he’ll be based with his family and take charge of a talented team across Australia and New Zealand.

    “These markets are one of the most developed and attractive premium spirits markets in the world, offering Bacardi a tremendous opportunity to accelerate the growth of our iconic brands in close partnership with our customers and consumers,” he said.

    Bacardi is the world’s largest privately held spirits company, and according to IWSR market share data, holds a leadership position across premium vodka, super-premium tequila, premium gin and white rum globally.

    Schmidt has experience leading long-term marketing and business strategy in companies such as Brown-Forman and Edrington in Australia, USA, Brazil, Mexico and Latin America.

    In his most recent role as Regional Marketing Director for Bacardi in Latin America and the Caribbean, Schmidt successfully transformed the region’s marketing and commercial execution functions and increased market share for brands including Patrón and Bombay Sapphire while co-led Bacardi ́s marketing transformation in Mexico.

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  • Smartphone exports to Vietnam plunge in deepest fall in Southeast Asia

    Smartphone exports to Vietnam plunge in deepest fall in Southeast Asia

    Shipments of smartphones to Vietnam plunged 30% year-on-year in the first quarter, the deepest decline among the five major Southeast Asian markets, according to a new report.

    Malaysia came second from bottom in terms of negative growth, down 29% year-on-year. Thailand saw shipments drop 1%, according to market research company Counterpoint.

    The five main Southeast Asian markets, including Indonesia and the Philippines, saw an overall drop in shipments of 13%.

    Counterpoint analyst Glen Cardoza said that consumer sentiment has not fully recovered in Vietnam.

    He added that inflation in Southeast Asia has affected buyer sentiment, leading to a decrease in demand for new phones.

    A report by another market research company showed that 2.5 million smartphones were sold in Vietnam in the first two months, down 30% year-on-year.

    “This year, people started to tighten their spending right from January,” said a representative of a smartphone retail chain.

    Cardoza said that another reason for the first quarter decline was that Vietnam had received many shipments in the last quarter of last year.

    Counterpoint data also shows that economic challenges have not affected the high-end segment.

    Samsung posted the biggest sales in Vietnam in the first quarter and claimed 21% of the market, followed by Oppo at 20%, Vivo with 14%, Xiaomi 14%, Realme 12% and Apple 7%.

    However, all brands saw a decline compared to the same period last year, except for Apple which posted growth of 18%.

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  • Fuel prices rise after 6-week decline

    Fuel prices rise after 6-week decline

    Gasoline and diesel prices on Monday gained for the first time since April 11.

    The popular gasoline RON95 went up 2.33% to VND21,490 per liter.

    Biofuel E5 RON92 rose 1.74% to VND20,480. Diesel increased by 1.70% to VND17,950.

    Fuel prices globally have been rising by 0.73-3% in the last 10 days due to a production cut by OPEC+, concerns of the U.S. public debt, stalled manufacturing and high interest rates which could lead to an economic recession.

    RON95 price went up 2.6% to $89.63 per barrel, and diesel rose 2.2% to $89.18.

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  • AirAsia adds new routes to China

    AirAsia adds new routes to China

    AirAsia announced the addition of three new routes from Kuala Lumpur to the southern regions of China, further cementing its position as the largest foreign carrier serving the most populous country in the world. New services to Quanzhou and Guilin operated by AirAsia Malaysia (AK) and to Chengdu (Tianfu) operated by AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) are now added to the extensive network of 15 routes with over 129 flights weekly between China and Malaysia.

    Flights to/from Quanzhou will recommence twice weekly and start operating on 18 June 2023. Flights to/from Guilin will restart thrice weekly on 18 July 2023 and flights to/from Chengdu (Tianfu) will start twice weekly on 1 July 2023 and increase to thrice weekly from 4 July 2023. Recently, AirAsia Malaysia (AK) also resumed daily services from Kota Kinabalu to Wuhan, further strengthening its position as the Malaysian carrier with the most connections and capacity in China.

    AirAsia Malaysia CEO Riad Asmat said: “Following the recent opening of China to the world and strong pent up demand, our rapid expansion into China continues and we are proud to connect millions of guests not only to major destinations but also to underserved second-tier cities and launch unique routes such as Quanzhou and Guilin. China remains a key market for our future growth and we will continue to review a number of other potential Chinese routes that we hope to be in a position to announce soon.”

    AirAsia Malaysia (AK) will be flying 11 routes to/from China with over 118 flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Guilin, Quanzhou, Guangzhou, Kunming, Shenzhen, Nanning, and Shantou; Kota Kinabalu to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan; and Johor Bahru to Guangzhou. AirAsia X Malaysia (D7) will be flying four routes to/from China with over 11 flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur to Chengdu (Tianfu), Beijing (Daxing), Shanghai, and Hangzhou.

    Etihad Airways is set to fly to Osaka five times per week beginning 1 October 2023, connecting one of the world’s most culturally animated cities to the already extensive Etihad network. “We’re delighted to introduce flights to Osaka for the first time,” said Antonoaldo Neves, CEO of Etihad Airways. “As one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities, I know visitors will enjoy exploring its heritage and sampling some of Osaka’s renowned hospitality. Equally, the new route opens up Abu Dhabi to visitors from Osaka, and we look forward to welcoming guests to our vibrant home as well as giving them access to our growing, global network.”

    The introduction of this route will support the growing trade and tourism ties between the countries and add to Etihad’s existing Tokyo service by providing another route to Japan. Etihad will be flying a state-of-the art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on the new route, offering guests a taste of the airline’s celebrated service, catering and onboard entertainment.

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  • China bans shipments from U.S. memory chipmaker Micron Technology

    China bans shipments from U.S. memory chipmaker Micron Technology

    The U.S. has banned phones and networking equipment from Huawei and ZTE due to fears that these companies’ products have backdoors that send information to Beijing. This weekend, China went on the attack against U.S. memory chip maker Micron Technology by banning its chips from the country. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Micron is considered a “national security risk” which is exactly what the U.S. calls Huawei and ZTE.
    The U.S. Commerce Department said it “firmly opposes restrictions that have no basis in fact.” Besides getting back at the U.S. for banning products made by Huawei and ZTE, the move against Micron is retaliation for U.S Export rules that were put into place in 2020 that prevent certain chips made using American technology from being shipped to China.
    The U.S. Commerce Department added that “We will engage directly with PRC (People’s Republic of China) authorities to detail our position and clarify their action. We also will engage with key allies and partners to ensure we are closely coordinated to address distortions of the memory chip market caused by China’s actions.”
    Micron Technology, located in the heart of potato country in Boise, Idaho, released its own statement early Monday morning which said that it was aware of the decision made by Beijing and was examining its next steps. It also said, “We look forward to continuing to engage in discussions with Chinese authorities.” Last year Micron generated 11% of its $30.8 billion in revenue from China selling DRAM, NAND flash memory, and solid-state drives.
    China’s Cyber Security Review Office under the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) had said back in March that it was investigating Micron and on Monday China said that Micron failed to pass a cybersecurity review. As a result, Micron’s chips cannot be used by telecom operators, banks, water utilities, and other companies. The CAC said that its review of Micron revealed “severe cybersecurity risks, posing significant security risks to China’s critical information infrastructure supply chain and to our national security.”
    We’re sure to hear more about this in the coming days.
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