Retail News CRM

Tag: asia

  • Myanmar distribution platform on way

    Myanmar distribution platform on way

    Singapore-listed Yoma Strategic Holdings has partnered with international wholesale/retail food company Metro Group to establish an integrated wholesale Myanmar distribution platform.

    Metro Wholesale Myanmar aims to address the “evolving needs” of professional customers. Yoma Strategic holds a 15 per cent stake in the business with the remaining 85 per cent taken by the German group.

    “Metro Myanmar will leverage on Metro’s procurement capabilities and Yoma Strategic’s logistics, warehousing and fleet-leasing businesses to fast-track its growth,” the companies say in a joint statement.

    Metro Myanmar is looking at improving the nation’s supply chain. It will be offering more than 3300 food and other items to such customers as hotels, restaurants and independent small retailers.

    As Myanmar retailers need to source products in different ways from distributors and importers, Metro is looking at creating a one-stop wholesale distribution platform.

    “We are confident our partnership with Metro will bring global knowhow in modern wholesale distribution and contribute to bringing reliable and safe food to the people in Myanmar,” says Yoma Strategic CEO Melvyn Pun.

    Metro is active in 35 countries with sales reaching about €37 billion (US$39 billion) in 2015-16. Its B2B wholesale division Metro Cash & Carry serves hotels, restaurants, small retail and catering firms across Europe and Asia.

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  • Doutor Coffee heading to China

    Doutor Coffee heading to China

    Japanese low-price cafe chain Doutor Coffee is heading to China following its parent company’s failed foray with pasta restaurants.

    Doutor Nichires Holdings is partnering with restaurant group Xiao Nan Guo, whose business includes high-end Chinese dining. It flourished on lavish official meals funded by taxpayer money until President Xi Jinping cracked down on official extravagance.

    As Chinese consumers become increasingly price-conscious, the partners see potential for the low-price Doutor Coffee chain.

    Doutor Nichires, which also runs chains such as Excelsior Caffe and Hoshino Coffee in Japan, had three pasta restaurants in Shanghai until about three years ago. It now has 18 overseas locations, including cafes in Singapore.

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  • Volvo Cars’ New XC60 SUV Will Automatically Steer You Out Of Trouble

    Volvo Cars’ New XC60 SUV Will Automatically Steer You Out Of Trouble

    Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, has announced that the new XC60 SUV – which will be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show – will feature three new advanced driver assistance features aimed at keeping the driver out of trouble.

    The new safety features are designed to provide the driver with automatic steering assistance or support – when required – to help avoid potential collisions. Volvo believes that these new features will make the new XC60 one of the safest cars on the road.

    “We have been working with collision avoidance systems for many years and we can see how effective they are. In Sweden alone we have seen a decline of around 45 per cent* in rear-end frontal crashes thanks to our collision warning with autobrake system. With the XC60 we are determined to take the next step in reducing avoidable collisions with the addition of steering support and assistance systems,” said Malin Ekholm, Senior Director, Volvo Cars’ Safety Centre.

    City Safety has been updated in the XC60 to include steering support, which engages when automatic braking alone would not help avoid a potential collision. In such circumstances, the car will provide steering assistance to avoid the obstacle ahead. City Safety helps to avoid collisions with vehicles, pedestrians and large animals. Steering support is active between 50-100 km/h.

    Volvo Cars has also added a system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which helps drivers to avoid collisions with vehicles in an oncoming lane.

    The system works by alerting a driver who has unwittingly wandered out of a driving lane by providing automatic steering assistance, guiding them back into their own lane and out of the path of any oncoming vehicle. This system is active between 60-140 km/h.

    “All three of these new features represent clear steps in our work towards fully autonomous cars,” added Malin Ekholm.

    Volvo Cars’ optional Blind Spot Information System, which alerts drivers to the presence of vehicles in their blind spot, has also received an update to include steer assist functionality that helps to avoid potential collisions with vehicles in a blind spot by steering the car back into its own lane and away from danger.

    “We have all of the benefits of the safety technology we introduced in our larger 90 Series cars in the new XC60. This is fully in-line with our strategic approach to develop automotive safety systems based on real-life, real-road safety. Our vision is that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo car by the year 2020,” added Malin Ekholm.

    The XC60 will deliver a host of high-end safety systems, just like its larger 90 Series siblings, including Large Animal Detection, Run-off Road Mitigation and the semi-autonomous driver support and convenience system Pilot Assist as an option.

  • Techcom trust debuts on HOSE

    Techcom trust debuts on HOSE

    Techcom Việt Nam Real Estate Investment Trust (TCREIT) made debut on the HCM Stock Exchange (HOSE) yesterday under the code FUCVREIT at a par value of VNĐ10,000 (44 US cents) per fund certificate.

    Five million FUCVREIT fund certificates were floated on the southern bourse, without a specific due term for the fund’s being traded. Changes in the due term will be
    decided by investors’ resolutions.

    HOSE said in a statement that this was also the first domestic-invested fund in Việt Nam’s  securities market. The trust fund was founded by the Techcom Capital Co Ltd (TCC), an investment arm of Techcombank.

    Ending the first session, its price closed at VNĐ12,000 apiece with 8,330 fund certificates exchanged.

    The investment trust was founded as a closed-end fund with initial capital of VNĐ50 billion (US$2.22 million). The fund expects to increase its capital in the future to meet
    investors’ demands when targeting potential real-estate projects.

    By making investments in Techcom Capital’s property investment trust, domestic and overseas investors can indirectly own part of potential real-estate projects and receive
    constant earnings from those projects without spending money on direct investments in the projects.

    In addition, with the fund’s trading on HOSE, investors can buy and sell fund certificates more easily, compared to trading in a real-estate project.

    A REIT fund is founded by investors’ capital when they purchase fund certificates and authorise the fund management board to supervise their shares. A real estate
    investment fund often spends most of its net asset value (NAV) investing in real-estate projects and real-estate companies.

    The domestic real estate investment fund has a long-term investment strategy focusing on property projects, such as office buildings, hotels, resorts and shopping centres,
    which generate constant earnings for the fund from leasing and business activities.

    The fund will also consider making investments in projects, such as apartment buildings and housing, which are developed by reputable institutional developers and have high
    possibilities of price increases, to benefit from selling products in those projects.

    In Việt Nam, there are some foreign-invested real-estate investment trusts, such as Vinaland by the VinaCapital, VPF by the Dragon Capital and VPH by the Saigon Asset Management. These funds mobilise capital from overseas investors to purchase stakes in Việt Nam’s real-estate projects and property stocks, after which the funds will be
    listed on overseas stock exchanges.

    According to current regulations, of the total NAV, a REIT must spend at least 65 per cent investing in real-estate projects and property stocks and, at most, 35 per cent investing in other types of assets, such as deposits, bonds and securities.

    When the fund seeks capital via an initial public offering (IPO) and/or increases its capital, investors can purchase more fund certificates by making payments in cash or
    they can contribute their stakes in real-estate projects to receive the amount of certificates that are of equal value to the stakes in property projects.

    This could become a new tool to help investors offload their stakes from real-estate projects by selling their fund certificates, if the projects have low trading liquidity in the property market.

  • Sunil Bharti Mittal declares war on roaming

    Sunil Bharti Mittal declares war on roaming

    Sunil Bharti Mittal, chairman of the GSMA and India’s Bharti Airtel, has called for an end to international roaming charges.

    Speaking on Monday’s morning keynote session at Mobile World Congress 2017 in Barcelona, the newly elected GSMA chairman said the telecoms industry has “created a disaster” with high mobile roaming charges and pledged to resolve the issue of punitive roaming rates during his tenure.

    “As the chairman of GSMA, one of the major tasks to mind is to fix the problem of international roaming. The bill shocks are creating a lot of dishonest in the minds of customers,” Mittal said.

    “We have a global network…but very few people are allowed to enjoy it,” he said, noting that consumers turn off their phones or often buy local sim cards to avoid “bill shocks”.

    Mittal said 55% of people in the developed world switch off mobile data while roaming and he estimated 90% of travelers from the emerging markets switch off their mobile data, perhaps even voice when they travel.

    “It is a disaster our industry has created,” he said, adding that telcos should not stop regulators’ attempts to force down roaming rates.

    “What have we done to our industry? This must stop. As we leave this room we are going to shake this system. I can promise you within my term at GSMA, roaming charges and bill shocks will be a thing of the past,” Mittal said.

    Mittal’s comment came on the same day Bharti Airtel announced plans to scrap national roaming charges on call and data from April 1.

    In addition to roaming, Mittal also urged regulators to allow greater consolidation in the telecoms industry to leave it in a “healthier” shape.

    “Governments have got it wrong for too long. Regulators have always felt giving out new licenses means more money for the government and more competition for the customers. It’s quite the contrary,” he said, noting that large countries only need three telecoms service providers while smaller nations could be covered by two operators.

    “One doesn’t want a situation where there are one or two ‘healthy’ operators, while another similar number struggle… You really want a few sustainable solid operators, who can put out the investments that are required to deal with the new technologies, demand for data [and the] speeds that you want.”

    Mittal cited examples from the US and Europe, saying these issues are of concern to the telecoms industry globally.

    “In Africa, again and again when I meet regulators and ministers, they talk about issuing new licenses. The time for a license and 500,000 base stations creating a value is over. You can give as many licenses as you want but please allow consolidation,” he urged.

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  • Telstra to launch LTE-Broadcast this year

    Telstra to launch LTE-Broadcast this year

    Telstra has announced plans to launch LTE-Broadcast (LTE-B) services this year, and roll out the technology across Australia by 2018.

    The company is working with network vendor Ericsson to enable LTE-B in existing Telstra Media services this year.

    Telstra also plans to launch a 24×7 linear streaming channel using the technology, initially for certain compatible Samsung devices.

    LTE-B is a dedicated technology for broadcasting media over LTE networks for enhanced mobile video services such as mobile TV broadcasting and live streaming video services. The technology is also known as enhanced broadcast multcast services (eMBMS).

    LTE-B is designed to provide a constant bitrate data channel for broadcast content, with the bitrate not decreasing regardless of how many subscribers are watching simultaneously.

    Telstra group managing director for networks Mike Wright said 99% of Telstra’s 4GX-branded sites are already LTE_B compatible, and the operator aims to achieve nationwide coverage by next year.

    “Telstra’s LTE-B product roadmap will include 24 x 7 linear streaming, live sports coverage beyond stadiums, pre-loading of popular content, news clips and games highlights,” he said. “We plan on enabling LTE-B across many devices, and are excited to deliver an enhanced mobile experience to our customers.”

    In line with these ambitions, Telstra is also adopting technologies including session continuity and dynamic switching, and aims to introduce these capabilities to its network by November 2017.

    Session continuity allows for seamless transitions between unicast and broadcast areas during video streaming. Dynamic switching shifts the transmission between unicast or broadcast depending on which technology will deliver a superior experience based on the current number of simultaneous users.

    “This technology will be crucial to improving the LTE-B experience for our customers. For instance, when network capacity becomes limited and multiple users are consuming the same content, the MooD capability can shift the transmission to broadcast,” he said.

    Telstra and Ericsson are also members of the global LTE-Broadcast Alliance, which is holding its first forum at this week’s Mobile World Congress, the annual mobile industry conference held in Barcelona.

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  • Ellie Goulding shoes launch this week

    Ellie Goulding shoes launch this week

    British singer Ellie Goulding will launch a range of shoes this week, in partnership with German footwear retailer Deichmann.

    Ellie Goulding shoes go on sale Wednesday March 1, marking the singer’s first foray into fashion.

    After racing to the top of the charts with her contribution to the soundtrack of 50 Shades of Grey, she has become one of the UK’s most successful solo artists of the past decade.

    Deichmann says her move into shoes demonstrates her feel for the latest trends.

    “For me, shoes are an indication of what mood you are in,” Goulding said in a statement. “Launching a collection of my own gives me the opportunity to express my style.

    “My collection includes shoes for any occasion – I really can’t decide if I like wearing heels or flats better – I am constantly changing it up.”

    Ellie Goulding shoes include sneakers, ethnic sandals, heels, wedges, espadrilles or mules. The ‘Ellie Goulding for Deichmann’ collection is defined by the motto “Rock your Look”. Bright colours, extravagant shapes, individual trims or rock-star studs give the styles a unique look.

    The accompanying campaign was shot in London by celebrity photographer Louie Banks, and styling was the task of Cher Coulter, who has already worked with stars such as Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Kirsten Dunst and Demi Moore. The director of the accompanying TV spot was no less than Emil Nava, famous for his creation of music videos for Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo.

    The collection will be available in selected stores and on the online shop at www.deichmann.com. Styles cost between €19.90 and €34.90. They will be sold in 21 European countries in Deichmann Group stores and online shops.

    Deichmann SE, headquartered in Essen, Germany, was founded in 1913 and is still 100 per cent family-owned. The company is a market leader in the European retail shoe trade and employs over 37,300 people worldwide. It has retail stores in Germany, Austria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and the UK.

  • AirAsia warns of fake ticket sales on Facebook, Instagram

    AirAsia warns of fake ticket sales on Facebook, Instagram

    Discounted AirAsia and AirAsia X tickets sold on social media platforms are likely fraudulent, the airline warned the public today.

    The low-cost carrier today said it has already encountered several complaints from consumers who procured the tickets from unauthorised resellers who advertised these at heavily discounted rates on Facebook and Instagram.

    “The airline would like to remind the public to book their flights only through official channels such as the website airasia.com, official websites of its affiliates (such as AirAsiaGo.com) and official sales centres listed on our website,” it said in a statement today.

    It then urged the public to verify such third-party offers via the airline’s social media channels on Facebook, Twitter and Ask.

    The low-cost carrier said that its popularity in the region made it an attractive target for such scams, further warning that it may take legal action against those involved, in addition to the police report it has already lodged.

  • Ad’Lite™ – Brighten Up Your Sales!

    Ad’Lite™ – Brighten Up Your Sales!

    HL Display China, the innovative solution provider for in-store communication and merchandising industry have the latest lighting solution that is based on LED technology, which is green and cost-effective approach, low energy consumption and has long life. The system is easy to use and install – no tools required, no electrician needed.

    Ad’Lite™ is a complete plug and play solution that simplifies any illumination project. The range is compatible with signage, merchandising and price information. The features of this innovative solution includes:

    • High brightness and high efficiency
    • Minimized operating costs
    • Complete plug and play solution

    The lighting can be designed with technically advanced and economical lamps where the LED lamps are designed to be robust and thin with highest output of emitted light. The system ensures minimal maintenance and adapted to variety of uses including applications in sub-zero temperature. The system also emits a minimum heat and without UV radiation, which makes it an ideal solution for food, cosmetics, pharmacy products, chocolate and other sensitive products

    Innovative solutions for retail sector and how it implicates:

    • Highlights exclusive offers
    • Drives additional traffic
    • Improves consumer experience
    • Increase time spent in the store and section
    • Increase sales

    Essentially, it is designed to meet the present and future’s needs of retailers and brands. Create a competitive advantage by gaining customers attention and reducing operation costs at the same time.

    For further information, HL Display China can be directly contacted during office hour at +86 21 63546998 (Shanghai office) with the attention to Mr. Jadon Yue, or e-mail to jadon.yue@hl-display.com or info.asia@hl-display.com. Visit the company website for at www.hl-display.com/asia for Engllish language or www.hl-display.cn for Chinese language.

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  • Ikea Japan launching online store

    Ikea Japan launching online store

    Ikea Japan will make a full-fledged entry into internet sales, offering nearly all store items through a dedicated website to launch in late April.

    Plans call for selling 9000-odd products, excluding food and plants. They will initially be shipped from the nation’s nine Ikea stores. When coverage expands there will be direct shipping from warehouses.

    While customers in certain regions have been able to order items via e-mail, the company has not had an official online store.

    The local unit of the Swedish furniture retailer has tested the online service in southwestern Japan’s Kyushu and Yamaguchi prefectures since January, charging a minimum of ￥3990 (US$35.40) for shipping and handling. This may be reduced, depending on the delivery destination and items bought.

    Ikea Japan has a logistics centre in Yatomi, Aichi prefecture. Spanning 54,000 sqm, it opened in 2008. A 31,000 sqm section dedicated to online shopping will be added and launch next year.

    Ikea Japan aims to have online sales account for half of its revenue in 10 years. Its sales shrank 2 per cent to ￥76.7 billion for the year ended August. The company will add the online push to an ongoing initiative of increasing smaller stores to gain momentum toward a sales target of ￥140 billion in 2020.

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  • VietJet stock jumps 20 pct on debut – exchange

    VietJet stock jumps 20 pct on debut – exchange

    That’s the maximum jump allowed for stock price on its debut day by Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange. Vietnam’s biggest private airline, jumped by the maximum 20 percent limit in early trading on debut on Tuesday to hit 108,000 dong ($4.74), data from Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange showed.

    The budget airline’s stocks rose from a starting price of 90,000 dong per share. A combined 103 shares were traded by 0233GMT, the data showed.

    The bourse allows the stock price to move a maximum of 20 percent up or down from the starting price on its debut day.

    On February 13, Vietnamese budget airline Vietjet Aviation VJC.HM would list on the domestic Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange on February 28 at a starting price of 90,000 dong ($3.97) per share.

    The price announced by Vietjet would put the capitalization of Vietnam’s biggest private airline at $1.19 billion.

    The airline had intended to list overseas by last year, but the plan was put on ice. Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC and a Morgan Stanley investment fund are among 26 foreign investors which recently bought a stake in VietJet.

    Company CEO Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, the nation’s first female billionaire, is the biggest shareholder.

    The CAPA Center for Aviation has said that VietJet, which currently commands 40 percent of Vietnam’s domestic market, will likely surpass flag carrier Vietnam Airlines this year as the nation’s top domestic carrier.

    VietJet currently operates about 60 routes both locally and internationally, and expects to have a fleet of 200 aircraft by 2023. It had ordered billions worth of jets from both Airbus and Boeing in recent years.

    Its 2016 net profit jumped 96 percent annually to VND2.29 trillion on rising revenue, the filing showed, while its CEO Thao told the bottom line is expected to climb 30 percent this year.

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  • Tim Hortons Philippines launches in Bonifacio

    Tim Hortons Philippines launches in Bonifacio

    Tim Hortons Philippines has launched its first branch at Uptown Place Mall in Bonifacio Global City.

    It is the Canadian cafe and bakeshop’s first foray into Southeast Asia.

    Miss Universe Canada 2016 Siera Bearchell was in Manila for restaurant’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. With her were Department of Tourism secretary Wanda Teo, Tim Hortons president Elias Diaz Sese and executives of TH Coffee Services Philippines, which is the Philippines partner for Tim Hortons.

    The store is known for its signature pastries, including bite-sized doughnuts known as Timbits, and Iced Capp, an ice-blended coffee drink.

    Another speciality is the Double Double, a coffee with two servings of cream and two of sugar.

    There are also full-sized doughnuts, plus regular and breakfast sandwiches. Breakfast offerings also include muffins.

    Tim Hortons was named after its founder, a National Hockey League player, and first opened in Ontario in 1964.

    Restaurant Brands International announced its plans last July to launch the Canadian brand in the Philippines.

  • Sands China launches branded Mastercard rewards program

    Sands China launches branded Mastercard rewards program

    Sands China, ICBC and Mastercard have launched a credit card allowing holders to collect points anywhere in the world which can be redeemed at Sands Macao’s integrated resorts.

    The ICBC Sands Lifestyle Mastercard holders will also have the opportunity to earn up to three times more points when they shop and 20 times more points when they stay at Sands Resorts Macao properties. ICBC Asia offers three times more points when they spend overseas with the card.

    The program is the first for Mastercard’s Pay with Rewards in Asia Pacific. It will have two levels of co-branded credit cards, including the Sands Lifestyle Platinum Mastercard and Sands Lifestyle World Mastercard.

    Cardholders can take advantage of benefits including hotel stays, dining, shopping, events and entertainment. This includes discounts on accommodation packages, ferry tickets, air travel and holiday packages with Cotai Travel, special offers at selected restaurants, Sands Shoppes and entertainment tickets to international and Asian theatre shows and music events.

    Initially, the program will only be available for customers living in Hong Kong and Macao. Customers living in Hong Kong can apply to join the program at ICBC (Asia) branches in Hong Kong or via the ICBC (Asia) website, while customers living in Macao can apply at ICBC (Macau) branches or via the ICBC (Macau) website.

    Dave Horton, chief marketing officer with Sands China, said the Sands Lifestyle program offers a range of attractive benefits for cardholders.

    Sands China, ICBC and Mastercard executives announce the new Sands Lifestyle loyalty program. From left: Ling Hai, co-president, Asia Pacific, Mastercard, Jiang Yisheng, CEO of ICBC Asia, Dave Horton, global chief marketing officer, Las Vegas Sands Corp & Sands China and Wang Du Fu, president, ICBC Card Center.

    “Designed to enhance the experience of our visitors to our integrated resorts and Macao in as destination, Sands Lifestyle is an innovative addition to our world-class facilities and one we anticipate will encourage more visitor arrivals.”

    Ling Hai, co-president, Asia-Pacific, Mastercard, added: “Today represents a number of firsts for Mastercard in China. It is the first time we are partnering with Sands China, one of the largest leisure brands and most popular lifestyle destinations in the region. The ICBC Sands Lifestyle Mastercard is also the first to launch the Mastercard Pay with Rewards product in Asia Pacific. We believe our partnership with Sands China is another step towards fulfilling our commitment to meeting the evolving desires of China’s burgeoning affluent population.”

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  • Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Opens

    Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show Opens

    The International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show opened today and continues through 4 March at the AsiaWorld-Expo. This fourth edition of the show, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), welcomes more than 1,900 exhibitors from 39 countries and regions to showcase raw jewellery materials including quality diamonds, precious gems, semi-precious stones and exquisite pearls.

    On Thursday (2 March), the 34th HKTDC Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will begin its five-day run at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). The International Jewellery Show, which is dedicated to finished jewellery products, along with the International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show, feature a total of about 4,480 exhibitors from 52 countries and regions, forming the world’s largest jewellery marketplace for sourcing and networking.

    “The outlook for the jewellery industry is positive, based on signs of recovery in the United States economy while emerging markets such as the Chinese mainland and ASEAN are displaying a sustained demand for jewellery,” Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC, said. “However, with fierce competition in the market, jewellery manufacturers and retailers have to stay ahead of the curve by seeking out the best suppliers and keeping up with market trends by understanding the latest materials, technological advancements and the needs of buyers and consumers. Our fairs are designed to address these issues.”

    – Quality diamonds and gems from around the globe –

    Dedicated zones facilitate convenient sourcing of various product categories. The Hall of Fine Diamonds gathers top-of-the-range diamond suppliers from around the world showcasing high carat and top quality diamonds. Exhibitors include Dharam Creations (Booth no.: 2-L24), Kiran (Booth no.: 2-K02) and Novel Collection (Booth no.: 2-R02) from Hong Kong, NIMESH GEMS (Booth no.: 2-T10) and Venus Jewel (Booth no.: 2-R08) from India, SwissDiam (Booth no.: 2-Q06) from Switzerland, Kristall (Booth no.: 2-S21) from Russia, Gemstar (Booth no.: 2-T17) from Israel and DBS Diamond (Booth no.: 2-S12) from the US. Treasures of Nature features a variety of precious gemstones. As well as popular emeralds, rubies and opals, rarer precious stones such as Ceylon pink sapphires, light red spinels and Paraiba gems are also on show. Treasures of Ocean presents natural precious pearls that offer top quality and value. The Rough Stones & Minerals zone, which was launched last year, returns to present unpolished and uncut precious stones and gems to buyers.

    Aside from product zones, 22 group pavilions including Australia, Brazil, the Chinese mainland, Colombia, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Thailand and the US showcase different jewellery raw materials. Prominent jewellery trade organisations have also set up their own pavilions, including Antwerp World Diamond Centre, International Colored Gemstone Association and Tanzanite Foundation.

    – One-stop platform for buying missions –

    The HKTDC organised more than 110 buying missions comprising over 7,400 buyers from some 70 countries and regions. Aside from gaining insights into the latest products and sourcing opportunities worldwide, buyers can also participate in seminars under a variety of themes. GIA experts are invited to introduce natural IIa diamonds, while a buyer forum will analyse the opportunities arising from the Belt and Road Initiative. Exhibitors and buyers will be able to exchange ideas while appreciating exquisite gems. Business matching services are also provided for buyers to meet with potential suppliers to enhance sourcing efficiency.

    – International Jewellery Show opens Thursday –

    The 34th edition of the Hong Kong International Jewellery Show will kick off at the HKCEC on 2 March. The show is set to offer finished jewellery products, including elite jewellery collections, premier brands, antique jewellery as well as new designer brands etc. The synergy between the two shows will generate more effective and convenient business exchanges among raw material suppliers and finished jewellery brands.

    The International Jewellery Show will provide a diverse sourcing opportunity, featuring the Hall of Fame devoted to the elegance of popular brands; Hall of Extraordinary with rare and top-tier jewellery pieces; Design Galleria that showcases innovative creations; World of Glamour spotlighting Hong Kong-based exhibitors; as well as Treasures of Craftsmanship where jewellery and art converge.

    A number of networking receptions will also be organised during the International Jewellery Show. Events include the Gala Dinner on the first day (2 March) sponsored by Tanzanite Foundation, where invited guests will enjoy a menu prepared by Chef Robert Fontana, ASEAN Chairman of Disciples Escoffier International Asia, while appreciating jewellery parades and other performances. The culinary and visual pleasure will surely enrich the night already full of networking opportunities. During the fair period, jewellery parades will allow buyers to examine selected items from exhibitors. Themed seminars will furnish industry players with the latest product trends, market information and technological advancements.

    During the concurrent fair period a free shuttle bus service will be provided between AsiaWorld-Expo (Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Pearl Show) and downtown areas (including HKCEC). Please visit the fair website for more details.

  • A new era for Nokia smartphones

    A new era for Nokia smartphones

    HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, today unveiled a new generation of Nokia smartphones, setting a new standard in design, quality and user experience throughout the range. The highly anticipated global portfolio features three new smartphones – the new Nokia 6, delivering performance and immersive entertainment in a premium and extremely robust design; Nokia 5, an elegant smartphone that fits perfectly in your hand; and Nokia 3, which delivers an unprecedented quality at an affordable price point. The new range of Nokia smartphones all run Android™ Nougat and offer a pure, secure and up to date experience and will all feature Google Assistant. Today also sees the return of a modern classic – the iconic Nokia 3310, reborn with a modern twist on design.

    The family of products announced demonstrate a belief that every consumer should have access to premium quality, not just those with high end flagship devices. Combined with a thoughtful design philosophy that focuses on improving the smartphone experience at every level, each technical component has been carefully considered and integrated into the phone design to have the biggest benefit on consumers’ daily lives. Drawing on the hallmarks of the Nokia phone heritage of quality, simplicity and reliability, the range is designed for a new generation of fans.

    With a commitment to deliver pure Android, users can expect a simple, clean and clutter free experience. Featuring the latest Google services, as well as monthly security updates, Nokia smartphones are safe, secure and up-to-date. The new Nokia smartphones feature Google’s most recent innovation, the Google Assistant, building further on a great Android experience. Our teams have worked together to ensure the Google Assistant is integrated, allowing for conversations with the Google Assistant to take place easily on Nokia smartphones.

    It was also announced that the world-renowned game Snake will be snaking its way back into people’s hearts with a new version available to play on Messenger, part of Facebook’s Instant Games cross platform experience. The new free Snake game is designed to be played with groups of friends making it even more playable than the first time around. 

     

    The new Nokia range of Android smartphones unveiled today ahead of Mobile World Congress includes:

     

    Nokia 6 is going global – combining superior craftsmanship and distinctive design with immersive audio and an impressive bright and colourful 5.5” full HD screen, the Nokia 6 delivers a truly premium smartphone experience. The unibody of the Nokia 6 is crafted from a single block of 6000 series aluminium. The smart audio amplifier with dual speakers allow consumers to experience a deeper bass and unmatched clarity, whilst Dolby Atmos® sound delivers a powerfully moving entertainment experience. Available in four colours – Matte Black, Silver, Tempered Blue and Copper – the Nokia 6 will retail at an average global retail price of €229.

    Nokia 6 Arte Black Limited Edition – celebrating the worldwide Nokia 6 portfolio is the Nokia 6 Arte Black Limited Edition. With 64GB storage and 4GB RAM, this special edition combines the best features of the Nokia 6 family in a stunning black high gloss package and will retail at an average global retail price of €299.

    Nokia 5 – a sleek and compact smartphone that nestles in your hand. The Nokia 5 has been precision engineered out of a single block of 6000 series aluminium to create a perfect pillowed body that flows seamlessly into the sculpted Corning® Gorilla® Glass laminated 5.2” IPS HD display. Powered by the Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 430 mobile platform and the Qualcomm® Adreno™ 505 graphics processor, the Nokia 5 brings robust structural integrity, attention to detail and the quality of a high-end flagship to everyone. Available in four colours – Matte Black, Silver, Tempered Blue and Copper – the Nokia 5 will retail at an average global retail price of €189.

    Nokia 3 – a stunning new smartphone designed to deliver an outstanding experience with unprecedented value.  With a precision machined aluminium frame forged out of a single piece of aluminium, a sculpted Corning® Gorilla® Glass laminated 5” display and seamlessly integrated 8MP wide aperture cameras (front and back), the Nokia 3 packs a truly premium quality smartphone experience into its compact and elegant form. Available in four distinctive colours – Silver White, Matte Black, Tempered Blue and Copper White – the Nokia 3 will retail at an average global retail price of €139.

    Also announced today were:

    Nokia 3310 – a modern classic reborn. Thin, light and incredibly durable, the Nokia 3310 is a head turning modern twist on one of the best-selling feature phones of all time. Boasting an incredible 22-hour talk-time and month long stand-by, the Nokia 3310’s fresh, colourful, modern design brings it bang up to date. The Nokia 3310 is available in four distinctive colours – Warm Red and Yellow, both with a gloss finish, and Dark Blue and Grey both with a matte finish. The Nokia 3310 will retail at an average global retail price of €49.

    Accessories – also introduced was a portfolio of Nokia accessories that follows iconic design philosophy. As perfect companions to these smartphones, the full Nokia accessories portfolio includes a range of headsets, portable and Bluetooth speakers, in-car chargers, cases and screen protectors.

    Arto Nummela, CEO of HMD Global, said:

    “Nokia has been one of the most iconic and recognisable phone brands globally for decades. In the short time since HMD was launched into the market, the positive reception we’ve had has been overwhelming; it seems everyone shares our excitement for this next chapter. Today’s consumers are more discerning and demanding than ever before and for us they will always come first. Our efforts in bringing together world class manufacturers, operating systems and technology partners sees us proudly unveiling our first global portfolio of smartphones with a Nokia soul, delivering the very best experience to everyone.”

    Florian Seiche, President of HMD Global, said:

    “Strategic and meaningful partnerships are essential to our success, both for the products and manufacturing. Equally we are committed to building the right kind of partnerships at a market level so we can reach and service all of our fans. The encouragement, support and excitement we have felt from the operators and retailers we’ve met globally so far has been humbling. The excitement and anticipation for our first global family of smartphones has been tremendous, and we’re delighted to offer fans the ability to register their interest for the new range at nokia.com/phones.”

    Juho Sarvikas, Chief Product Officer of HMD Global, said:

    “Nokia phones stir real emotions; people know them for their beautiful design and craftsmanship, together with a built-to-last quality that you can rely on.  Our new portfolio combines these classic Nokia hallmarks with a best-in-class Android performance and a new level of craftsmanship. For the Nokia 3310 we just couldn’t resist. We wanted to reward loyal Nokia phone fans and make a statement that rich heritage, innovation and modern design can go hand-in-hand.  Fundamentally, it is about making sure that right across our portfolio we are delivering this pure Nokia experience.”

    “We also believe that everyone deserves access to the premium quality and attention to detail that is usually reserved only for flagship devices. With our new range of Nokia smartphones, we aim to democratise technology and bring this experience to everyone.”

    Pekka Rantala, Chief Marketing Officer of HMD Global, said:

    “Consumers today are seeking relationships with brands that they can trust. The Nokia brand has over 150 years of heritage giving it an authentic, differentiating experience which we are proud to introduce to a new generation of fans.  Our new Android Nokia smartphone portfolio, together with the return of the iconic Nokia 3310, is a real statement of our ambition and commitment to honouring the hallmarks of a true Nokia phone experience.”

    Brad Rodrigues, interim President of Nokia Technologies, said:

    “What HMD has created is remarkable. We’re excited to see the launch of a new family of smartphones, built to the standards that Nokia is known for. We believe that their strong design and quality will appeal to Nokia fans around the world, and the return of the Nokia 3310 has us smiling too!”

    Enrico Salvatori, SVP and President, Qualcomm EMEA said:

    We are pleased to have collaborated with HMD on the Nokia 6 and Nokia 5 and look forward to working closely with them on future devices. The Nokia brand has a rich heritage in advancing mobile technology and to see new Nokia smartphones on sale is a welcome sight.  Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 mobile platform which offers a rich feature set for smartphones: integrated X6 LTE, cutting-edge camera technology with dual-Image signal processors, next-generation Qualcomm Adreno 505 GPU all means Snapdragon 430 supports fast downloads and uploads, stunning graphics and photos with battery life to spare.”

    The new portfolio of Nokia smartphones and feature phones is on display at Mobile World Congress.  Local availability will be announced in markets in Q2, 2017. To get hands-on with the full range of Nokia phones, visit HMD at the Nokia stand (Hall 3, stand 3A).