Retail News CRM

Tag: asia

  • China Telecom Launches Asia Direct Cable Capacity Ahead of Schedule

    China Telecom Launches Asia Direct Cable Capacity Ahead of Schedule

    This milestone was achieved two months earlier than planned, following the completion of the ADC wet segment last November. In the past eight years, no new submarine cables have been operationalized in the Asia Pacific. This has led to a shortage of resources and created challenges in the market.

    The launch of the ADC’s capacity has been eagerly anticipated by the industry. China Telecom Global Limited, acting as the Co-chair of the ADC consortium, has worked closely with all consortium members and suppliers to overcome unexpected challenges and bring the ADC’s capacity into service ahead of schedule. This has helped to ease the strain on submarine cable resources.

    The availability of capacity will support the growth of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and big data, as well as facilitate digital transformation across various industries. Looking forward, China Telecom plans to expand its presence into international markets and enhance its global network resources to further contribute to the advancement of the global digital economy.

    Lees ook:

  • Turkish Cargo makes eBookings more efficient and flexible for customers

    Turkish Cargo makes eBookings more efficient and flexible for customers

    Boasting the world’s widest international flight network, Turkish Cargo continues to provide innovative and flexible solutions to the air cargo industry through digital transformation. Through a direct data connection with CargoWise, Turkish Cargo offers shippers on the platform real-time rates, capacity availability, and e-Reservation services within the leading logistics operating system used by the world’s largest freight forwarders and 3PLs.

    The eReservation integration between CargoWise and Turkish Cargo’s management system, COMIS, enables real-time access to air cargo rates, flight availability, and booking confirmations. Shippers can easily choose the suitable flights and make bookings with Turkish Cargo, all without leaving the CargoWise platform. The API connection enhances operational efficiency by eliminating errors due to manual data entry. This approach makes processes more transparent and helps reduce costs.

    Commenting on the collaboration, Turkish Airlines Senior Vice President of Cargo Marketing Selçuk Gençaslan, said: “As Turkish Cargo, we transport approximately 2 million tons of cargo to over 360 destinations within our flight network every year. Our wide flight network and high capacity allow us to be globally accessible while offering competitively cost-effective, innovative solutions. Consequently, we focus on offering digital solutions to our customers by swiftly adapting to the evolving dynamics of the industry and thus, we are pleased to advance our mission of delivering the best service to our customers through this collaboration with Cargo Wise.”

    Jorre Cobelens, Vice President – Logistics Data and Connectivity, WiseTech Global, said: “By establishing direct data connectivity with Turkish Cargo we enable our CargoWise customers to efficiently process tens of thousands of unique shipments on the world’s largest air cargo network from within CargoWise. This increases productivity for the entire industry during and after the eBooking process, avoids double data entry, reduces human errors, and eliminates unnecessary emails. The API integration provides Turkish Cargo’s customers with real-time communication directly within CargoWise, which also includes the ability to modify a booking until final execution of the Master Air Waybill. With this partnership, the transparent data sharing enables Turkish Cargo to optimize their planning and capacity management.”

    Turkish Cargo continues to provide its business partners with more flexible, efficient, and reliable solutions by accelerating digital transformation projects in the logistics industry.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vietjet hikes Singapore-HCMC flight frequency

    Vietjet hikes Singapore-HCMC flight frequency

    Vietjet is set to boost its number of flights between Singapore and HCMC starting March 30.

    There will be three flights a week, up from the current two. There are now 35 flights between the two cities per week.

    The announcement comes with a 50% off sale on eco-class tickets for all Vietjet routes, including those to Hanoi and Da Nang (currently served by one daily flight each).

    Last year Vietjet added 10 aircraft to its fleet, bringing the total to 115. It operated on 170 routes.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Chilean cherry prices plunge to less than $6 per kilogram

    Chilean cherry prices plunge to less than $6 per kilogram

    Cherries imported from Chile are at their lowest prices in years, with small-sized fruits selling for VND149,000 (US$5.9) per kilogram at markets and online retailers.

    Bigger ones cost VND180,000-220,000 per kilogram. These prices are 20-25% lower than a year ago and down from VND350,000 last month.

    Lan, a vendor at Ba Chieu Market in HCMC’s Binh Thanh District, said she has never seen Chilean cherries as cheap as this.

    Nguyen Van Thanh, a fruit importer in HCMC, said China, the main market for Chilean cherries, recently tightened quality regulations. As a result, exports to the market have been reduced, creating a supply overhang, causing exporters to offload the fruits to other markets, including Vietnam, at competitive prices.

    Saltoro, a ship that was delivering 1,300 containers of Chilean cherries to China, encountered a technical issue near Micronesia on Jan. 13, which delayed its journey until after the Lunar New Year.

    Demand for the fruit in China usually peaks during the holidays. This incident also contributed to the decline in prices.

    This year Chile’s cherry production was 60% higher than in 2024. According to customs data, Vietnamese im

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Meta to Bring World’s Longest Undersea Cable to India

    Meta to Bring World’s Longest Undersea Cable to India

    The announcement, made in accordance with the recent U.S.-India joint leaders’ statement, highlights Meta’s focus on India’s expanding digital ecosystem. The undersea network will play a crucial role in global internet connectivity, linking countries and supporting local telecom operators in delivering services.

    “Meta is investing in India—one of its largest markets—bringing the world’s longest, highest capacity, and most technologically advanced subsea cable project to connect India, the U.S., and other locations,” a Meta spokesperson said.

    This investment comes amid growing calls from telecom operators for major tech firms, including Meta, to contribute to network infrastructure development and alleviate data traffic congestion.

    According to Meta, Project Waterworth will utilize advanced routing techniques and innovative cable burial strategies to safeguard the cable system against damage, particularly in high-risk coastal regions. The cable will reach depths of up to 7,000 meters in deep-sea areas.

    A Meta spokesperson said the investment reflects the company’s commitment to economic growth, resilient infrastructure, and digital inclusion, driven by India’s increasing demand for digital services.

    The U.S.-India joint statement, released following Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S., also emphasized India’s plans to invest in undersea cable maintenance and financing in the Indian Ocean using trusted vendors.

    “This project will enable greater economic cooperation, facilitate digital inclusion, and open opportunities for technological development in these regions,” Meta noted. “In India, where we’ve already seen significant growth and investment, Waterworth will help accelerate progress and support the country’s digital economy ambitions.”

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Vietnam electricity imports from China, Laos set to soar by 2030

    Vietnam electricity imports from China, Laos set to soar by 2030

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to increase electricity imports from China and Laos by 1.6 to five times from between now and 2030.

    Vietnam’s electricity demand is set to rise by 12-14% annually as the government targets an ambitious double-digit growth rate annually to achieve high-income status for the country by 2045.

    This means by 2030 Vietnam’s power capacity would need to reach 210,000 megawatts, up 35% from the current nationwide power plan.

    Imports will therefore play an important role in meeting electricity demand.

    By 2030 imports might account for 5% of total supply as against 4% last year, according to the ministry.

    It wants to import up to 3,700 MW in capacity from China by 2030, a five-fold increase from now.

    But the two sides have made no agreement for this yet. “The governments need to negotiate and sign deals soon,” the ministry said.

    It also wants to buy 6,800 MW from Laos by 2030, 1.6 times the current import.

  • Chunghwa Telecom Expands Submarine Cable Investments

    Chunghwa Telecom Expands Submarine Cable Investments

    The company is increasing its investment in undersea cable infrastructure, allocating up to TWD 2 billion (USD 60.9 million) in 2025. The SJC2 system, spanning 10,500 kilometers, links 11 cable landing stations across Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, South Korea, and Japan.

    Meanwhile, the Apricot system, stretching 12,000 kilometers, will connect Taiwan to Japan, Guam, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Singapore. Chunghwa Telecom is part of the consortium overseeing the development of both cable projects.

    In addition to these deployments, the company is in discussing the possibility of other submarine cable projects with potential partners. Chunghwa Telecom Chairman, Alex Chien, indicated that the company is inclined to invest in undersea cables that connect Taiwan to Southeast Asia or Pacific nations. He also revealed that the company is considering launching more medium Earth orbit (MEO) and high Earth orbit (HEO) satellite internet services this year to bolster data security for the government and enterprises in case of undersea cable disruptions.

    Chunghwa Telecom is also addressing local connectivity issues. It has allocated funds to repair two damaged domestic submarine cables linking Taiwan and Lienchiang County (Matsu). These cables failed in late January due to natural wear and tear.

    Chunghwa Telecom’s increased investment in submarine cable systems comes amid heightened concerns over Taiwan’s digital infrastructure security due to ongoing geopolitical tensions with China.

    A quarter (25.2%) of the company’s 2025 capital expenditures (CapEx) will be directed toward non-mobile sectors, including submarine cable expansion,

    Lees ook:

  • Samsung to invest in AI, semiconductors in Vietnam

    Samsung to invest in AI, semiconductors in Vietnam

    South Korean electronics giant Samsung is set to expand into new areas in Vietnam such as AI, semiconductors and digital transformation.

    CEO Choi Joo Ho told Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a meeting in Hanoi on Wednesday that the largest foreign direct investor in Vietnam expects support from the government in making investments in these areas.

    Samsung has so far invested $23.2 billion in Vietnam and exported $54.4 billion worth of products last year.

    Chinh promised continued support for the company in investing in efficient and successful businesses in Vietnam.

    Samsung needs to continue to maintain its leading position by developing supporting industries, chips, semiconductors and promoting digital transformation in Vietnam, he added.

    The government targets 8% GDP growth this year and double-digit expansion in the coming years.

    To achieve the goals, it needs to improve the investment environment and foster strategic breakthroughs.

    Chinh urged Samsung to set up training centers at the National Innovation Center, increase its investment in Vietnam and support start-up and innovation activities.

    He also suggested that the company should have more Vietnamese executives and increase the number of local digital technology enterprises in its ecosystem.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Gold prices plummet from peak

    Gold prices plummet from peak

    Vietnam gold bar price fell to VND90.2 million (US$3,524.13) per tael Wednesday morning, down 2.28% from the record high it reached the previous day.

    It reached an all-time high of VND92.3 million per tael on Tuesday morning before plunging to VND90.5 million that afternoon.

    Gold ring price dived to VND89.7 million per tael from Tuesday’s historic peak of VND91.7 million. A tael equals 37.5 grams or 1.2 ounces.

    Globally, gold prices retreated on Wednesday from an all-time high hit in the previous session, as Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish comment cemented views of slower rate cuts this year, while investors awaited a key U.S. inflation report.

    Spot gold fell 0.4% to $2,885.53 per ounce. Bullion climbed to a record high of $2,942.70 on Tuesday. U.S. gold futures eased 0.8% to $2,910.70.

    Powell said on Tuesday the economy is in a good place and the Fed isn’t rushing to cut interest rates further, but is prepared to do it if inflation drops or the job market weakens.

    Bullion is considered a hedge against inflation, but higher interest rates dampen the non-yielding asset’s appeal.

    “The bullish trend (in gold) remains intact given the tariff picture uncertainty and the resulting safe-haven flows, which could keep underpinning the precious metal,” said Tim Waterer, chief market analyst at KCM Trade.

  • Globe, GoTyme Bank Partner to Strengthen Anti-Scam Measures

    Globe, GoTyme Bank Partner to Strengthen Anti-Scam Measures

    This collaboration will comply with the Data Privacy Act and streamline the process of investigating suspected scammers by eliminating the need for warrants or subpoenas to access their information.

    Globe’s Chief Privacy Officer, Irish Salandanan-Almeida, emphasized, “This partnership reflects our ongoing commitment to championing cybersecurity and protecting our customers from the growing threats in the digital world. Through collaborations, we can combine our expertise and resources to better safeguard the financial sector and our customers from cybercrime.”

    In the first half of last year, Globe blocked 2.7 million bank-related spam and scam messages, investing around USD 20 million in scam detection and prevention systems to protect consumers from deceptive messages. A study by Kaspersky revealed that Filipinos encountered 14.1 million web threats last year, a decrease from 26.6 million in 2023.

    Yeo Siang Tiong, Kaspersky’s General Manager for Southeast Asia, suggested that this decline in cyber threats could be due to improved detection and prevention methods. However, Tiong cautioned that hackers might be targeting specific high-value individuals rather than launching widespread cyberattacks.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Nespresso introduces Oatly Barista Edition Coffee capsules

    Nespresso introduces Oatly Barista Edition Coffee capsules

    Nespresso has partnered with Oatly to launch a limited-edition coffee capsule designed to “perfectly pair” with oat milk.

    The new product, called Oatly Barista Edition Coffee, is made exclusively for Nespresso Vertuo coffee machines. It features rich, biscuity notes that complement the creamy, cereal flavor of Oatly.

    Toby Weedon, barista development director at Oatly, said the neutral taste of Oatly brings out the best flavour in coffee.

    “It’s why it is used by professional baristas and embraced by coffee enthusiasts worldwide,” said Weedon.

    Karsten Ranitzch, global head of coffee for Nespresso, added that the company is on a mission to make sure every coffee lover can create their perfect cup.

    “We know more and more people are reaching for plant-based drinks when preparing their favourite coffee recipe, which is why we are thrilled about our partnership with Oatly,” said Ranitzch.

    “Bringing our two like-minded brands and expertise together has allowed us to craft an unforgettable new coffee blend.”

    Nespresso’s Oatly Barista Edition coffee is available worldwide.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Aldi US plans to open 225 more stores nationwide this year

    Aldi US plans to open 225 more stores nationwide this year

    Aldi US plans to open more than 225 stores across the country this year as part of the next phase of its five-year growth strategy.

    The openings will include organic growth and conversion of select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the Aldi format.

    The company plans to convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to Aldi through 2027. About 100 converted locations will re-open by the end of this year.

    About 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores not affected by the conversion will be sold to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership and private investors.

    Aldi said this divestment allows it to create a focused portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country. The company plans to expand its footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions, grow presence in the West with more stores in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new communities like Las Vegas.

    “When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting Aldi growth,” said Jason Hart, CEO of Aldi.

    “Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter,” he added.

    Last year, the chain opened nearly 120 stores, bringing its total store count to more than 2400.

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

    Lees ook:

  • Oatly Barista Edition rolls out in Circle K stores in Northern Europe

    Oatly Barista Edition rolls out in Circle K stores in Northern Europe

    Swedish plant-based alt-milk producer Oatly has partnered with the convenience store chain Circle K to introduce its Barista Edition beverage across stores in Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia.

    The Oatly Barista Edition is a plant-based, dairy-free alternative that the company claims provides the same creamy taste, frothy texture, and functionality as traditional coffee creamers.

    Skirmantas Maciukas, VP of Circle K Baltics, stated that the collaboration with Oatly is part of its mission to provide plant-based options for customers throughout the Baltics.

    “Our mission is to make our customers’ lives a little easier every day,” he added.

    Circle K is owned by Canadian convenience store giant Alimentation Couche-Tard, which operates the brand in more than 20 markets worldwide.

    Recently, Oatly also partnered with Nespresso for a limited-release Barista Edition coffee capsules.

  • Google plans to make it harder for teens to lie about their age

    Google plans to make it harder for teens to lie about their age

    Google recently announced new digital products that target kids, teens and parents. From additional family-focused controls to helpful experiences for kids and teens, Google is trying to protect youngsters and give parents control over the content they consume on a regular basis.

    The list of improvements to existing safeguards Google has in place for under-18 users also includes a new machine learning model that will make it harder for teens to lie about their age.

    The Mountain View company has taken some steps toward providing age-appropriate experiences to teens when they use its products, including a number of changes for all users under 18. For example, Google recently introduced a SafeSearch Filter, restricting sensitive ad content, gating age-restricted content on YouTube & Play, and implemented teen wellbeing protections on YouTube.

    But that’s not enough since Google has decided to use machine learning to determine the age of a user. The search giant announced this week that it plans to start testing a machine learning-based estimation model. The test will be limited to the United States at launch, but Google plans to bring the technology to more countries over time.The machine learning model Google is going to test this year is meant to help the company estimate whether a user is over or under 18 so that it can provide a more age-appropriate experience.

    Google hasn’t yet explained how this machine learning model will work, so it remains to be seen whether or not it will be more effective than the safeguards it has implemented right now.

    In related news, Google announced it’s rolling out a new sensitive content warning feature in Google Messages. This feature is opt-in for adults, but mandatory for kids and teens. It can be managed via Android Settings and features parental controls for supervised accounts.

    For those interested in learning more about Google’s teens experiences, we have an extensive article that explains how the company plans to empower parents to manage their kids’ devices.

  • Singtel Launches 5G+ Using 700 MHz for Wider Coverage

    Singtel Launches 5G+ Using 700 MHz for Wider Coverage

    This upgraded 5G service, now called Singtel 5G+, will provide stronger signals (up to 40%) in indoor high-rise buildings, underground spaces, and remote areas in Singapore.

    The use of this low-frequency spectrum allows for wider coverage with fewer towers, ensuring a more reliable network for businesses needing constant connectivity and consumers wanting to make video calls or stream content in these locations. This development comes after the Info-communications Media Development Authority (IMDA) granted Singtel the rights to use the 700 MHz spectrum. Approximately 1.5 million subscribers, including Singtel’s mobile enterprise, postpaid, prepaid, and GOMO 5G customers, are expected to benefit from this expanded coverage at no extra cost.

    Mr. Ng Tian Chong, Chief Executive Officer of Singtel Singapore, stated that with the increasing digital lifestyles of consumers and the demand for innovative solutions by businesses, Singtel invested early in achieving 5G coverage to support Singapore’s Smart Nation goals. Singtel aims to set a new standard in 5G connectivity with 5G+, providing enhanced digital experiences for customers and enabling more opportunities for advancement.

    The use of the 700 MHz band allows signals to travel longer distances, extending coverage to areas like Tuas, Kranji, Sungei Kadut, Changi East, and Jurong Island, including locations with spatial constraints like military camps, factories, and warehouses. This wider coverage will provide consumers in these areas with seamless mobile experiences, while also boosting enterprise productivity in sectors like healthcare, public safety, and port operations. The 700 MHz band also improves signal transfer in dense urban environments like Singapore, ensuring uninterrupted calls and data services in places like basement carparks, HDB estates, and high-rise commercial developments.

    This enhancement will benefit sectors like security and manufacturing, which rely on smooth transmission of high-definition (HD) video footage for real-time threat detection and operational efficiency. Singtel’s early investments in 5G technology have allowed them to unlock new features and capabilities, positioning Singapore as a global testbed for innovation.

    Since achieving nationwide 5G coverage in 2022, Singtel has deployed 5G capabilities like network slicing for enterprise applications and at high-traffic events such as concerts and parades. The deployment of the 700 MHz spectrum is part of Singtel’s ongoing efforts to support individuals and future-proof businesses.