Tag: asia
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Vietnam’s VinFast recalls first batch of US-bound EVs over safety risk
Vietnamese electric vehicle (EV) maker VinFast said it is recalling all of the first batch of vehicles it shipped to the United States last year following a safety warning issued by U.S. authorities.
The move came after the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said 999 of VinFast’s VF 8 vehicles suffered a software error in the dashboard display that prevented critical safety information from being shown and “may increase the risk of a crash”.
More than 700 of the 999 units are still in VinFast’s hands and have not been delivered to customers or fleet services, the NHTSA estimated.
In a statement to Reuters, VinFast said it issued a voluntary safety recall of the VF 8 City Edition on which the dashboard screen goes blank while driving or stationary.
“VinFast is not aware of any field reports of incidents. The company is issuing this recall out of an abundance of caution,” it said.
The recall statement comes less than two weeks after VinFast announced it would list in the United States via a merger with special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) Black Spade Acquisition Co (BSAQ.N).
The two companies estimated the new entity would have a potential equity value of $23 billion, assuming no Black Spade shareholders elect to cash out.
In February, VinFast recalled 2,781 VF 8 cars sold domestically over an issue with the front brake of some models.
VinFast, which was founded in 2017 and began selling EVs in California this year, has shipped two batches of VF 8 cars to the United States totalling 2,097 units. It is also planning to send its first vehicles to Europe in July.
In documents filed with the NHTSA, VinFast said it first became aware of the dashboard issue on April 27 while reading customer comments and concerns. According to the safety agency, the problem has been documented 18 times.
The NHTSA said VinFast will introduce a software update that should fix the issue. The software fix is scheduled to go live on May 25 with notification letters being sent out to owners by May 29.
Last month, VinFast said it had received a fresh round of funding pledges worth $2.5 billion from parent Vingroup JSC, Vietnam’s biggest conglomerate, and founder Pham Nhat Vuong, Vietnam’s first billionaire and richest man.
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UBP Acquires Japanese Asset Manager
Swiss-based Union Bancaire Privée has acquired a new asset manager specializing in Japanese small-cap equities.
According to a statement, UBP has acquired 100 percent of the shares issued by Angel Japan Asset Management (AM). Founded in 2001, Angel Japan AM is a Tokyo-based independent investment advisor specializing in Japanese small-cap equities.
Hirotaka Usami leads the firm and houses five investment professionals including four portfolio managers with an average experience of 24 years.
It currently manages three strategies (IPO, new growth and steady growth) with total assets under advisory of $1.2 billion.
Following the transfer of ownership, Hirotaka Usami will become chairman of Angel Japan AM’s newly created board of directors while current chief operating officer Ryota Bando will be appointed chief executive officer.
Angel Japan AM’s current employees are expected to remain with the firm.
Other than the changes to its governance structure and directors, there will be no changes to Angel Japan AM’s current investment process, investment philosophy, investment style and investment team.
The acquisition follows a successful partnership since 2018 with Angel Japan AM advising UBP’s Japanese small-cap equities strategy and outperforming the relevant benchmark.
The acquisition of Angel Japan AM underscores UBP’s high conviction on the investment opportunities in the global small-cap equity segment, notably in Japan, and as to the team’s unique ability to seize them, said UBP asset management co-CEO and head of institutional clients Nicolas Faller.
Taking on the ownership of Angel Japan AM will not only broaden our distribution channels to onshore Japanese clients but will also strengthen our in-house capabilities and value proposition to serve our offshore clients better.
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How Can Malaysian Traders Boost their Trading Game
For Malaysian traders looking to enhance their trading skills and performance, there are several strategies and techniques that can help boost their trading game. Adopting the right mindset, developing a solid trading plan, utilizing effective risk management strategies, and staying informed about market developments can increase the chances of success in forex trading Malaysia. This guide provides valuable insights and suggestions to help Malaysian traders elevate their trading game and achieve their goals.
Developing a Trading Mindset
Developing a strong trading mindset is crucial for Malaysian traders to succeed in the financial markets. Embracing discipline and patience allows traders to follow their trading plan consistently and avoid impulsive decisions driven by emotions. By managing emotions such as fear and greed, traders can make rational and objective trading choices.
Cultivating a growth mindset is also important, as it encourages continuous learning, adaptability, and resilience. Malaysian traders should approach trading as a journey of improvement and view setbacks as opportunities for growth, enabling them to stay motivated and focused on refining their trading skills.
Building a Robust Trading Plan
A solid trading plan is a foundation for success in trading. Malaysian traders should define clear trading objectives and goals aligning with their financial aspirations. Identifying preferred trading strategies and styles helps traders focus on methods that suit their strengths and preferences.
Setting risk tolerance and money management rules is essential for preserving capital and managing risk effectively. Establishing specific entry and exit criteria based on technical or fundamental analysis provides structure and consistency to trading decisions. A well-designed trading plan is a roadmap guiding market participants toward their trading goals.
Mastering Technical Analysis
Technical analysis is a key skill for Malaysian traders to make informed trading decisions. Understanding essential technical indicators and chart patterns helps identify potential trade setups and market trends. Analyzing support and resistance levels assists in determining optimal entry and exit points. Implementing trend-following and reversal strategies based on technical signals enhances trading accuracy.
Additionally, incorporating multiple time frame analysis provides a broader perspective and improves trade timing. By mastering technical analysis, Malaysian investors can effectively analyze price charts and identify profitable trading opportunities.
Utilizing Fundamental Analysis
Fundamental analysis plays a vital role in trading, especially for Malaysian traders in the forex market. Staying informed about economic news and events, such as GDP reports, employment data, or central bank announcements, enables traders to assess the potential impact on currency pairs or assets.
Monitoring central bank policies and interest rate decisions helps anticipate market reactions and adjust trading strategies accordingly. Incorporating geopolitical factors, such as trade tensions or political developments, into trading decisions provides a broader understanding of market dynamics.
Implementing Effective Risk Management
Effective risk management is essential for preserving capital and ensuring long-term trading success. Malaysian traders should set appropriate position sizing and leverage levels based on their risk tolerance and account size. Placing stop-loss orders and implementing trailing stops helps protect against significant losses and secure profits.
Diversifying the trading portfolio across different currency pairs or asset classes reduces the impact of individual trades on overall performance. Regularly reviewing and adjusting risk management strategies in response to market conditions allows traders to adapt to changing environments and control risk exposure effectively.
Utilizing Technology and Trading Tools
Leveraging technology and trading tools enhances the trading experience for Malaysian traders. Exploring trading platforms with advanced features, such as customizable charts, technical indicators, and order types, enables traders to analyze markets and execute trades efficiently.
Using technical analysis software and indicators streamlines the process of identifying trade setups and signals. Leveraging mobile trading apps provides flexibility and allows traders to monitor and execute trades on the go.
Joining Trading Communities and Networking
Joining online trading forums and communities provides an avenue for Malaysian traders to connect with fellow traders, exchange ideas, and gain insights. Engaging with other traders allows for valuable discussions, sharing of experiences, and learning from different perspectives.
Attending trading seminars and workshops provides opportunities to learn from industry experts and expand knowledge in specific areas of trading. Seeking mentorship or guidance from experienced traders can offer valuable insights and personalized advice tailored to the needs of investors. By actively participating in trading communities and networking events, Malaysian traders can broaden their understanding of trading strategies, stay updated with market trends, and develop a supportive network that encourages growth and learning.
Staying Updated with Market Developments
Malaysian traders should stay informed about market developments to stay ahead in the financial markets. Following financial news and market analysis from reputable sources helps traders stay updated with economic events, policy decisions, and geopolitical developments that may impact the markets.
Subscribing to market research sources provides access to expert analysis and insights on specific currency pairs or asset classes. Monitoring economic calendars and event schedules allows traders to anticipate high-impact news releases and adjust their trading strategies accordingly.
Practicing Discipline and Consistency
Practicing discipline and consistency is key to successful trading for Malaysian traders. Following the trading plan consistently, without deviating based on emotions or impulsive decisions, is crucial. Avoiding the temptation to chase market trends or make reckless trades helps maintain a disciplined approach.
Learning from past mistakes and adjusting strategies based on performance analysis contributes to continuous improvement. Maintaining a trading journal to track progress, record trade details, and analyze trading patterns enables Malaysian traders to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for refinement.
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Japanese brand Uniqlo has decided to leave Russia after suspending its operation there last year.
Japanese brand Uniqlo has decided to leave Russia after suspending its operation there last year, paving the way for a sale of the business, the Izvestia newspaper cited Russia’s deputy trade minister as saying.
Uniqlo owner Fast Retailing suspended the clothing brand’s operations in Russia in March, 2022, joining scores of international companies, after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in what it dubbed a “special military operation”.
Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Viktor Yevtukhov said the company has decided to completely leave Russia but has not yet submitted an application to the government, which means the chain has no buyer yet, Izvestia reported on Tuesday.
“I think they can offer potential buyers their business model,” Izvestia cited Yevtukhov as saying. “The Japanese retailer will be able to offer … lease agreements, popular points of sale with the good buyers traffic and equipment.”
Fast Retailing said in a statement its operation in Russia remains suspended, adding some stores were closed with “no foreseeable prospects to resume operations.”
The statement said the company will continue to monitor the situation closely and make decisions accordingly.
Tadashi Yanai, the founder of Fast Retailing, told Japanese media earlier that Uniqlo was operating 50 stores in Russia.
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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 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 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
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.
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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.
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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
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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
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
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 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.
