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Tag: asia

  • Auto industry calls for luxury tax cut on sedans

    Auto industry calls for luxury tax cut on sedans

    The Indonesian Automotive Manufacturers Association (Gaikindo) chairman Jongkie Sugiarto said on Tuesday that the association had long lobbied the Finance Ministry to reduce the luxury tax on sedans.

    He said the cut in luxury tax for sedans from 30 to 10 percent, a similar rate for multi-purpose vehicles, would encourage producers to manufacture more sedans, not only for the domestic market but also for export.

    “Because of cheaper taxes, Indonesia has now become the king of MPVs, but our exports are just 200,000 units per year, from a total production of 1.3 million,” Jongkie said during a discussion on the automotive industry organized by the Indonesian Business Data Center (PDBI) in Jakarta on Tuesday.

    “Thailand produces 2 million units of vehicles per year, but it exports 1.2 million because they produce everything from sedans and pickups to MPVs. The Thai government also does not discriminate in the taxes on the automotive products.”

    He said Gaikindo had already hired experts at University of Indonesia’s Institute for Economic and Social Research (LPEM UI) to carry out independent research on the issue and the result was that a luxury-tax cut on sedans would increase sales by 17 percent.

    This year, Gaikindo’s efforts received support from Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto, but it was still struggling to convince the Finance Ministry.

    “We have lobbied for so long [the Finance Ministry], but it has not moved,” Jongkie said, adding that the association had proposed the tax cut since 2011. (bbn)

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  • AirAsia Seeks Back-Door Listing on Indonesia Stock Exchange

    AirAsia Seeks Back-Door Listing on Indonesia Stock Exchange

    The deal, which is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017, implies RMPP will become the new holding company of Indonesia AirAsia.

    Currently, AirAsia Bhd controls a 49 percent stake in Indonesia AirAsia as foreign ownership in Indonesian airlines is capped at a maximum of 49 percent. The remaining shares in Indonesia AirAsia are controlled by Fersindo Nusaperkasa. The debt-and-share-swap deal implies Fersindo Nusaperkasa also obtains a stake in RMPP. After completion of the deal AirAsia and Fersindo Nusaperkasa will own up to 48 percent and 49.96 percent, respectively, in RMPP.

    Several weeks ago Tony Fernandes, Chief Executive of the Airasia Group, still confirmed the Malaysian group’s plans to conduct an initial public offering (IPO) for its Indonesia AirAsia unit on the Indonesia Stock Exchange before the end of 2017. Therefore, the news about the back-door listing was a surprise.

    Previously, Indonesia AirAsia had already expressed its desire for an IPO in 2016 as it seeks fresh funds for further business expansion (specifically for the purchase of new airplanes and opening of new flight routes). However, domestic and global uncertainty made the airline decide to postpone the corporate move.

  • Cebu Pacific to launch flights from Zamboanga to Sandakan, Malaysia

    Cebu Pacific to launch flights from Zamboanga to Sandakan, Malaysia

    Gokongwei-led Cebu Pacific announced the bolstering of its domestic and regional connections with 4 new routes beginning October this year.

    In a statement on Wednesday, August 16, the budget carrier announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Cebgo will start its first international route out of Zamboanga City with flights 4 times a week to Sandakan, Malaysia.

    This route, beginning October 29, will have flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

    “Now, the previous 14-hour travel by sea is cut down to just a 40-minute airplane ride,” said Cebgo president and chief executive officer Alexander Lao.

    Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Art Boncato Jr also noted that the new route “would offer better service to the traveling public and open greater opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism with Western Mindanao as a growing regional gateway to the Philippines.”

    The airline noted that Cebgo would be the only Philippine carrier with direct flights between the country and Sandakan.

    There is an introductory sale for the flight – P1,299 per ticket until August 21 – with the promo travel period from October 29 to December 31 this year.

    New domestic routes

    Along with the international route, Cebu Pacific announced a new thrice weekly Kalibo-Clark flight on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, starting October 30.

    The flight will link Boracay in Western Visayas to Northern Luzon and Central Luzon via the Clark International Airport.

    The return Clark-Kalibo flight, meanwhile, will begin on October 31 and will be available Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

    Cebgo will also start new routes from Cagayan de Oro City (Laguindingan Airport) to Boracay (Caticlan) and Dumaguete City thrice a week beginning on October 20.

    To mark the start of the new domestic routes, Cebu Pacific announced an introductory, all-in seat sale of P599 until August 18, or while seats are available. The promo travel period is from October 20, 2017 to March 15, 2018.

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  • Vietnam Airlines and Garuda agree partnership

    Vietnam Airlines and Garuda agree partnership

    Asian carriers Vietnam Airlines and Garuda Indonesia have agreed to an extended partnership including more codeshares and working together on MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) operations.

    The CEOs of the two Skyteam members signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to work more closely together during an event in Indonesia.

    As part of the deal, the carriers will extend their existing codeshare agreement on to additional routes including Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City-Singapore, Singapore-Jakarta/Bali and Jakarta-Bali.

    Pahala Mansury, CEO of Garuda Indonesia said: “We are pleased to announce this partnership with Vietnam Airlines which extends our network even further within the south-east Asia.

    “Vietnam is an important market for Indonesia and through this partnership we can offer increased travel options for the increasing number of passengers travelling between the two countries.”

    Vietnam Airlines CEO Duong Tri Thanh added: “This MOU takes our co-operation further in the direction of a solid and mutually beneficial partnership, helping both airlines achieve the vast potential of the market.”

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  • Autosports Group announecs acquisition of BMW Melbourne

    Autosports Group announecs acquisition of BMW Melbourne

    Autosports Group Ltd acquisition of Bmw Melbourne.

    Expects to pay for the bmw melbourne businesses a consideration of approximately $22 million.

    Unit enters agreement with bmw melbourne to buy businesses such as bmw melbourne ,mini garage melbourne ,south bank motor cycles and bmw body shop.

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  • DB Schenker & SB Global Logistics joining forces to serve New Zealand customers

    DB Schenker & SB Global Logistics joining forces to serve New Zealand customers

    After being an integral part of SB Global Logistics’ business for more than two decades, DB Schenker and SB Global Logistics have entered into a definitive agreement under which DB Schenker will acquire SB Global Logistics from 24th September 2017. 

    Mark Harrison, Director of New Zealand, DB Schenker AU/NZ commented, “DB Schenker NZ has enjoyed a 20 year relationship with SB Logistics, from which we have seen both companies grow together off the back of mutual respect and confidence in service. This relationship has endured through many challenging global climates, always showing resilience and trust in achieving the foundations of our agreement.  The backbone of this relationship has led us to today where we begin our process of merging the two organisations with absolute confidence given our extensive knowledge of how each work.”

    With this acquisition, DB Schenker NZ will extend their presence into the South Island, strengthening their offering to customers and becoming a truly national operation. DB Schenker’s global network, now servicing both the North & South Islands, will be supplemented by SB Logistics’ local strengths adding an additional 50+ staff to the New Zealand operation along with a state of the art facility in Christchurch which opened in 2014.

    “This purchase has been well thought out with due consideration to the future of SB Global Logistics business, staff and customers”, said Stephen Bateman, Director, SB Global Logistics. “SB Global Logistics Christchurch has grown over the past 27 years to become a well-respected and trusted organisation. This is a credit to a team of people who have shown tremendous dedication and resilience, and always striving to achieve a high level of service”.

    The operations of SB Global Logistics Christchurch will continue ‘business as usual’ under new owners, DB Schenker, ensuring that customer requirements continue to be met. SB Global Logistics’ management team, will remain in the business and ensure a smooth transition.

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  • Hardy Hardy Singapore opening flagship in Ion Orchard

    Hardy Hardy Singapore opening flagship in Ion Orchard

    American youth fashion brand Hardy Hardy Singapore has chosen Ion Orchard to set up its first flagship boutique in Southeast Asia.

    Hardy Hardy’s second Singapore store (the first is at Bugis+) offers 1200 sqft (111 sqm) of retail space featuring marble flooring, rose-gold and black metal railings and industrial-style walls.

    Scheduled to open on September 16, the Hardy Hardy Singapore flagship will stock the latest men’s and women’s collections as well as the brand’s limited-edition skull t-shirt embellished with Swarovski crystals, exclusive to Ion Orchard. As well as the brand’s iconic skull motif, the shirt also features the words “Hardy Hardy Singapore” across its back.

    Known for its rock-and-roll style clothing designs, the brand will host a graffiti art performance for its grand opening with appearances by its brand ambassadors Fann Wong and Lee Teng.

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  • GSK Shopper Science Lab opens in Singapore

    GSK Shopper Science Lab opens in Singapore

    A new GSK Shopper Science Lab opened in Singapore will help drive business growth across Asia-Pacific, the company says.

    GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Healthcare describes the research centre as a “cutting edge facility” which will deliver unique shopper insights and collaborations with retailers.

    “The Shopper Science Lab is a world-class shopper insight facility, equipped with state-of-the-art digital technology. With virtual reality, eye-tracking, facial biometrics, and data visualisation as some of the tools employed in-house, GSK will invite its trade partners, internal business teams and researchers to use the Lab to recreate retail environments; evaluate shoppers’ responses to online and in-store initiatives; and identify winning strategies and initiatives to enhance the shopping experience,” the company said in a statement.

    “As more shoppers join the global middle class, there is an increased demand for trusted, global brands particularly in the emerging markets. The GSK Shopper Science Lab has close proximity to large emerging markets like India and China, enabling GSK and its retail partners to study diverse emerging shoppers closely, with local data collected on the ground.”

    The GSK Shopper Science Lab consists of three labs integrated seamlessly:

    • A 1215 sqft Retail Lab, an immersive retail environment that allows the re-creation of modern and traditional retail environments such as a pharmacy or supermarket, allowing GSK and its partners to quickly test and evaluate shopper responses.
    • A Digital Lab which is a collaborative space which has the ability to test stimuli such as pack designs, point-of-sale materials, brand assets, TVCs, or content across all platforms.
    • A Collaboration Room, which provides a space to convene key decision makers, enabling them to embark on virtual and fully interactive simulations that include relevant data for faster and more informed decision making.

    “Traditional market research is often time-consuming and expensive,” explained Sidharth Singh, VP of commercial excellence, GSK Consumer Healthcare Asia, Middle East and Africa. “By leveraging the latest advances in virtual reality and biometric technology, we are now able to gather insights more efficiently and effectively.”

    An example of such technology is eye-tracking glasses which can be transported to various cities to provide researchers with an indication of how shoppers shop locally. Technology such as virtual reality, tracking sensors and software that can decode the hotspots, can help analyse this highly localised data to understand shopper behaviour in diverse markets.

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  • Kith Treats arrives in Tokyo

    Kith Treats arrives in Tokyo

    This week, founder/designer Ronnie Fieg opened the doors to Tokyo’s very first Kith Treats located in the world-famous shopping district of Shibuya.

    Fieg teased the newest location on Instagram earlier this month by sharing a sketch of the shop’s exterior with caption, “Kith Treats Tokyo. See you soon.”

    The new space upholds the clean, monochromatic aesthetic of the original Kith Treats in Brooklyn.

    Carrara marble panels and stainless steel millwork dominate the inside, while the storefront features stainless steel tiles—a contemporary take on the classic ice cream parlor floors—and a large metal gate with a graphic of pouring milk.
    “Kith Treats is a childhood dream of mine. It’s a space where we’re able to relive our youth over again,” Fieg told Hypebeast in 2015. “[…]

    I’ve always believed that the footwear/apparel/retail business would act as a stepping stone for me. I’m looking for Kith Treats to evolve into many things in the future.

    Our Specials menu is comprised of artists and athletes that are personally close to me because I honestly just wanted to know their favorite cereal—because that’s how I judge people.

    In addition to the original Brooklyn bar, Kith Treats is also located in Manhattan and Miami. Each shop offers an extensive menu of cereal-based treats, like cereal ice cream swirls and cereal milkshakes.

    Many Fans came early to queue to get their Treats.

    Kith Treats Tokyo is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8: 30 p.m. at 1-19- 14 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.

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  • Flat revenue leads to loss for Trinity

    Flat revenue leads to loss for Trinity

    Menswear retailer Trinity has recorded a half-year loss it attributes to subdued spending in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, changing buying patterns, the renminbi depreciation and competition.

    The group loss to shareholders was HK$257 million (US$32.8 million), with revenue at $862.4 million and gross profit $594.3 million, down from $606.8 million for last year’s first half.

    Despite overall revenues remaining flat, CEO Jeremy Hobbins says a promising sign was growth in the number of units sold across its three wholly owned international menswear brands Cerruti 1881, Gieves & Hawkes and Kent & Curwen, as well as its licensed brand D’Urban.

    “If we exclude the effect of exchange-rate differences, our same-store sales on the Chinese mainland grew by 8.1 per cent.”

    While he is confident the group is well placed to take advantage of market growth in China, he says Hong Kong and Taiwan remain a challenge in the near term.

    During the first half, Trinity appointed brand leaders in Asia to accelerate decision-making. These executives have profit-and-loss responsibility and oversee all key dealings in Asia including marketing, buying and selling.

    Meanwhile, the group has closed its Hong Kong factory, with Li & Fung agreeing to take responsibility for the group’s sourcing activities. This partnership, launched in June, lowers headcount and is expected to result in cost savings.

    Stores closed

    Trinity says other cost-saving measures include continuing rationalisation of non-performing stores. Several loss-making stores across all brands have closed.

    Following the success of the Kent & Curwen David Beckham capsule collection, the full collection is being launched in all the group’s markets. To introduce the brand, Kent & Curwen pop-up stores were opened in China as well as in Taiwan. The brand says its relationship with Beckham is a key component in its strategy to meet the increased demand for casualwear.

    In response to increased demand for personalisation, the Gieves & Hawkes private tailoring service has been rolled out across China and introduced at the Mandarin Oriental store in Hong Kong.

    Meanwhile, with Cerruti 1881 celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, an exclusive collection will be released. A new store concept is also being rolled out across Greater China.

    It is also the 20th anniversary of the D’Urban Monsoon collection, developed by the Japanese suit brand for hot and humid climates. To mark the occasion, the collection will be offered all year round.

    Trinity says its e-commerce performance has been encouraging with a doubling of revenue for the first half. Expansion is being considered for its presence on the retail platforms Farfetch, Mr Porter and Tmall.

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  • Hypebeast pop-up opens at Landmark

    Hypebeast pop-up opens at Landmark

    Online sneaker and streetwear retailer Hypebeast has opened a pop-up store in Hong Kong in collaboration with photography partners Places + Faces.

    Located in the basement of The Landmark, the Hypebeast pop-up will trade until September 27, featuring limited-edition merchandise with regular updates, and photos from the Places + Faces pair, Londoners Imran Ciesay and Solomon Boyede.

    Popularly known as Ciesay and Soulz, the pair have built an online following for photographing famous rap stars and hip-hop singers, including Kanye West and Kohh.

    “We’re constantly keeping our eyes and ears on what’s cool and trending, and showcasing different inspiration in this culture,” said Hypebeast founder Kevin Ma.

    “We want to bring the energy of P+F, a brand we always admired and respected, turning that personality into a firsthand experience and space for more people.”

    Hypebeast, now 12 years old, announced recently it planned to launch Hypekids for children as part of an ambitious growth plan following its listing last year.

    The company’s five-year-old e-commerce arm HBX curates some 300 streetwear brands and may expand into its own label range.

    “We’re always motivated by the ambition to create something tangible, that is quality and about something we care for,” Ma said in an interview.

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  • Force Friday II stars at Apple stores

    Force Friday II stars at Apple stores

    To celebrate Force Friday II, Apple is hosting Star Wars-themed Today at Apple events at its retail stores internationally, including special computer graphics (CG) tutorials featuring Industrial Light and Magic (ILM) artists.

    The sessions include workshops on iPad video creation, drone programming for children and CG art.

    There are two feature classes, the first being “How To: Build Your Own Star Wars Trailer” which teaches signature techniques in an exclusive video from The Last Jedi director Rian Johnson. Footage and music from various Star Wars movies will be available for cutting together trailers in iMovie on iPad.

    The second feature session, “Kids Hour: Coding the Droids from Star Wars,” offers children a chance to program a Sphero robot and guide it through a self-designed maze. Apple was one of the first retailers to sell Sphero’s BB-8, a rolling iOS-connected drone modelled after the droid from Disney’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

    As with other Today at Apple classes, customers can take in their own iPad, iPhone and Sphero drone, or use hardware provided in store.

    Apple is also hosting two special events featuring ILM artists at its Union Square flagship outlet in San Francisco.

    On Friday, three ILM artists will explain how the Star Wars galaxy is created through animation, 3D modelling, stop motion and CG. Users can apply the techniques to create their own droids using iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.

    Saturday’s session features ILM visual effects art director Christian Altmann, the man behind BB-8.

    He will talk about his creative process and explain how colour, shaping and composition give BB-8 personality and emotion. Users can create their own BB-8 using iPad Pro and Apple Pencil.

    As well as the US, the sessions are in territories including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Singapore, Australia and Taiwan.

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  • Gucci reopens Pavilion Kuala Lumpur store

    Gucci reopens Pavilion Kuala Lumpur store

    Gucci Pavilion KL has reopened in Kuala Lumpur, after the Italian label closed its Malaysian flagship to be redesigned in the taste of current creative director Alessandro Michele.

    Located on the second and third floor at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, the refurbished store is the first in Malaysia to feature the creative director’s new design concept.

    Within the two-storey boutique, customers are privy to illustrious fabrics, geometric prints, and mosaic marble floors, as well as wooden panelled walls –set against a rich burgundy colour palette throughout.

    The stairway is flushed with dark red velvet and room-enlarging mirrors, while the store façade is a Greco-Roman marble stone in grey, with the ‘Gucci’ stamped in metallic silver over the entrance.

    The Gucci Pavilion KL store stocks the latest ready-to-wear, footwear, bags, accessories and fragrances for men and women.

    The high-end fashion house has been improving its retail operations in Asia in recent months.

    In June, Gucci unveiled its China-dedicated e-commerce website, gucci.cn, created to “allow consumers a better access to Gucci products, without the limitations imposed by store location or opening hours.”

    Gucci opened its first Alessandro Michele-designed store in Japan in Tokyo last December.

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  • SmarTone trials LAA on live network

    SmarTone trials LAA on live network

    Hong Kong’s SmarTone has completed a trial of license assisted access (LAA) technology over a live network using equipment from Ericsson.

    The trial combined 10 MHz of licensed LTE spectrum with three 20MHz carriers of unlicensed 5-GHz spectrum to ahieve download speeds of around 800Mbps.

    Using a Qualcomm Snapdragon LTE mobile test device and Ericsson micro radio technology, Smartone validated the use of technology over its network to improve speeds and capacity for users.

    “SmarTone is very pleased to have completed the first LAA trial in Hong Kong.  LAA is an important technological evolution that can combine licensed and unlicensed spectrum to provide LTE service. It will be widely adopted in the US and European markets in the near future,” SmarTone CTO Stephen Chau said.

    “We are very excited that with the support of Ericsson, our long-term technology partner, SmarTone has once again brought a ground breaking technology to mobile users in Hong Kong and taken a great step further toward 5G.”

    The LAA standard is expected to be enhanced next year to enable download speeds of over 1Gbps by adding support for five component carrier aggregation, according to Ericsson president for Hong Kong and Macau Petra Schirren.

    “LAA is a key evolution of mobile technology and we are pleased to be first in Hong Kong together with SmarTone to demonstrate the increased capacity, improved speeds and enhanced user experience through the combination of licensed and unlicensed spectrum. Through the introduction of advanced technologies, such as LAA, we enable Gigabit Class LTE on the road to 5G”.

    SmarTone and Ericsson entered a pre-5G collaboration in the fourth quarter of last year.

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  • Uber has offered CEO role to Dara Khosrowshahi from Expedia

    Uber has offered CEO role to Dara Khosrowshahi from Expedia

    An Uber spokesperson tells us its board has reached a decision to offer someone the CEO role. We’ve confirmed from a source familiar with the situation that this person is Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Expedia.

    Both Meg Whitman and Jeff Immelt had been considered for the top job, but both publicly tweeted that they didn’t want it.

    Some reports on Sunday suggested that Whitman was still in the running anyway.

    The Uber CEO seat has been vacant since June, when co-founder Travis Kalanick resigned.His departure came after former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder completed an investigation into the company’s culture. Lawsuits and allegations of sexism are what prompted the investigation.

    Since then, the Uber board has been involved with its own lawsuits. Early investor Benchmark Capital, which has one of the board seats, sued Kalanick claiming that he did not disclose material information about the company’s problems.

    They now want Kalanick off the board and say they would not have granted him the power to appoint two additional board seats, which have not been filled. Early investor and former board member, Shervin Pishevar, has intervened in the lawsuit, accusing Benchmark of leaking confidential information.

    Khosrowshahi has headed up Expedia since 2005, after serving as the chief financial officer of IAC for seven years. Expedia has done very well in the stock market under his term and is up 32% so far this year. The stock has nearly tripled in the past five years.

    Several Uber investors have told us that they are happy with the decision, saying that Khosrowshai has the right operational experience to get the job done.

    According to a recent Glassdoor survey based on employee feedback, Khosrowshahi was ranked 39th among the highest-rated CEOs, with more than 2,200 employee reviews combining to assign him a 94 percent approval rating.

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