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Tag: asia

  • Apple makes a power play for your subscription dollars

    Apple makes a power play for your subscription dollars

    As previously reported by Mark Gurman, Apple Insider at Bloomberg News, Apple is showing clear signs that it intends to double down on its subscription strategy. From making significant changes to AppleCare and introducing the Apple Invites app for iCloud+ subscribers, these moves signal a clear push towards recurring revenue and a desire to integrate more services into its subscription ecosystem.

    Starting with AppleCare, the company is reportedly streamlining its device protection offerings, but this simplification comes at a cost. Previously, customers could choose between two AppleCare tiers: a standard plan covering typical hardware issues like cracked screens and battery problems, and a more comprehensive plan that also included coverage for theft and loss. If your phone went missing or was stolen, the premium plan would get you a replacement device, albeit with a deductible. Now, Apple is eliminating the basic plan altogether. This means the only option available is the more expensive theft and loss coverage, and that price is going up by 50 cents a month.

    Beyond the price hike, it’s also been reported that Apple will also be changing how you pay for AppleCare. Instead of the option to pay upfront for two years of coverage, customers will now be required to subscribe either monthly or annually. This shift to a subscription model locks users into recurring payments, further emphasizing Apple’s focus on predictable revenue streams. While some may appreciate the flexibility of monthly payments, others may miss the option for a one-time, longer-term payment.

    As you may have seen last week, Apple is also sweetening the deal for its iCloud+ subscribers with a new perk: the app and web service called “Invites.” This new app is Apple’s take on event planning apps like Partiful, aiming to simplify the process of organizing gatherings, from birthday parties to other special occasions. The app integrates with your photo library and music collection, allowing you to easily share memories and create a personalized experience for your guests.

    The iCloud+ tie in lies in that while users without a subscription can still download the Invites app to RSVP to events, the clear intention is to incentivize more people to sign up for a paid iCloud+ plan. By bundling this new app with iCloud+, Apple is hoping to demonstrate the added value of its subscription services and entice users to join the ecosystem. It’s a clever strategy: offer a unique and useful feature exclusively to subscribers, thereby making the subscription more attractive.

    According to Gurman, these latest changes reinforce the company’s commitment to subscriptions and its strategy of offering a range of interconnected services. As a consumer, I am wondering if further changes like these will be coming down the line as well from Apple, as the company looks for more opportunities to strengthen its bottom line.

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  • NEC Reveals Solution to Modernize Telco Infrastructure

    NEC Reveals Solution to Modernize Telco Infrastructure

    By leveraging cloud-native technology and virtualization, the new solution promises to reduce the time required to build mobile infrastructure—from Radio Access Network (RAN) to core—by approximately 60%, compared to traditional methods.

    As the need for faster, more reliable networks grows, telecom companies are adopting 5G virtualization technologies like v-RAN, O-RAN, and NFV. To keep up, network infrastructure construction must be modernized to improve efficiency and productivity.

    NEC’s new solution is designed to address these challenges, driving greater automation, efficiency, and quality in the construction of virtualized mobile infrastructures.

    Service News: NEC Thailand Partners with Umong to Improve Elderly Care

    Key Features

    • Network Infrastructure Modernization: NEC’s solution provides expert services to help telecom companies analyze their network building processes, from design to operation. NEC’s experience with virtualization platforms helps identify issues, create modernization strategies, and develop implementation plans. The service also offers guidance on improving processes, measuring performance, and boosting efficiency and quality.
    • Automation Technologies: The solution includes a suite of technologies designed to automate each stage of network construction. Fully compatible with cloud-native technologies, it is built on a microservice architecture that enables the integration of applications as small, independent services. This architecture supports open, multi-vendor environments, allowing telecom operators to modernize their networks while ensuring compatibility with a wide range of equipment.
    • Real-Time Data and Feedback Cycles: One of the standout features of NEC’s solution is the ability for network operations staff to access real-time data from all base stations. This feature accelerates feedback loops, improving base station performance and ensuring superior communication quality. The result is increased operational efficiency and a faster response to infrastructure needs.

    Exclusive: Kenji Takemura Discusses NEC’s Role in Enabling Future-Ready Connectivity

    NEC’s solution forms part of its goal to drive digital transformation in network operations. The ‘Network and Cloud-Native Orchestrator’ helps telecom companies modernize and automate their networks, improving the entire lifecycle from construction to operation. It supports virtualization, containerization, and cloud design, enabling carriers to expand quickly and cost-effectively.

    The solution also supports NEC’s new approach, NEC BluStellar, which focuses on being a “value driver” rather than just a systems integrator. NEC aims to transform business models, address social issues, and solve management challenges using advanced technologies and industry expertise.

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  • Nokia to Upgrade Vietnam’s Air Traffic Network

    Nokia to Upgrade Vietnam’s Air Traffic Network

    The project will replace the existing Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) transport system with Internet Protocol/Multi-Protocol Label Switching (IP/MPLS) technology, enhancing security and reliability in southern Vietnam.

    The initiative will provide Ho Chi Minh City’s Air Traffic Control Center (ATCC) with an upgraded transmission network designed to support mission-critical applications, ensuring efficient air traffic control (ATC) operations. The new system, compliant with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) standards, is scheduled to go live in the second quarter of 2025.

    “Air traffic networks need to be exceptionally secure and reliable at all times to ensure the highest standards of safety are met. Nokia comes with extensive experience in air navigation with 20 air traffic control networks deployed worldwide. We are impressed by the quality and performance of Nokia’s IP/MPLS networking solution and are looking forward to the successful completion of this crucial initiative in the coming year,” Ho Sy Tung, Deputy General Director at VATM, stated.

    Nokia’s IP/MPLS solution will equip VATM with advanced network analytics, simplifying operations and optimizing performance. The upgrade will offer enhanced flexibility and programmability to support essential air traffic management applications, improving safety and efficiency.

    Additionally, the system will feature robust security measures and future-proof capabilities to counter emerging threats, including those posed by quantum computing.

    Jonathan Goh, Head of Enterprise Business, Network Infrastructure, Southeast Asia North at Nokia, said, “Our mission-critical network solutions are trusted worldwide, delivering exceptional performance and reliability. With embedded QSN capabilities, Nokia’s IP/MPLS technology will enhance the safety and operational efficiency of Vietnam’s air traffic network. We are honored that VATM has chosen Nokia for this pivotal network transformation, paving the way for safer, more advanced and reliable air traffic management across Vietnam.”

  • Enhancing User Experience with 5.5G in Malaysia

    Enhancing User Experience with 5.5G in Malaysia

    Malaysia’s 5G journey officially began with a bold push from the government and industry stakeholders to establish a robust and high-speed 5G infrastructure.

    Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), the government-backed entity tasked with rolling out the 5G network in Malaysia, has been at the forefront of this initiative. The Malaysian government entrusted DNB with the responsibility of rolling out the infrastructure through a shared network model, aiming to foster equitable 5G access nationwide.

    By the end of 2022, DNB had deployed 3,900 5G sites, achieving nearly 50% coverage of the population in major urban areas. This ambitious rollout aimed to cover 80% of populated areas by 2024. Despite ongoing debates regarding DNB’s governance and transparency, it remains at the forefront of Malaysia’s efforts to transform its telecommunications infrastructure. The rollout of 5G services has sparked collaboration with major telecom players, including CelcomDigi, which became a key equity holder.

    As the technology evolves, it’s clear that 5G is not a one-stop destination but a steppingstone toward even more advanced networks. 5.5G—a bridging technology between 5G and 6G—is set to enhance user experience across Malaysia.

    In 2023, Digital Nasional Berhad (DNB), Telekom Malaysia (TM), and ZTE collaborated to create a pivotal launchpad for the development of 5.5G, conducting the world’s fastest 28 Gbps 5G mmWave live trial. This achievement also marked the deployment of Malaysia’s first 5G standalone (5G SA) core, laying the foundation for 5.5G advancement in Malaysia.

    In 2024, ZTE continued to push the boundaries of 5G innovation by showcasing its latest developments at the ‘Unfolding the Intelligent Future 2024’ event in Kuala Lumpur. During the event, the company set the fastest 5.5G live trial record. The 5.5G setup leveraged ZTE’s mmWave Active Antenna Unit (AAU), reinforcing Malaysia’s position as a leader in next-generation telecommunications.

    One of the first significant milestones for 5.5G in Malaysia came in the form of a successful trial by Maxis and Huawei, showcasing the potential of 5.5G technology in the Southeast Asian market. This trial, conducted in late 2024, was not only Malaysia’s first 5.5G demonstration but also the first in the region. The collaboration between Maxis and Huawei aimed to demonstrate how 5.5G can significantly enhance user experience by delivering faster data speeds, lower latency, and more reliable connections.

    During the trial, the teams successfully showcased a wide range of potential 5.5G use cases, including ultra-high-definition (UHD) video streaming, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) applications, as well as immersive 3D content. These technologies, which rely on massive data throughput and low latency, are expected to benefit greatly from the enhanced capabilities of 5.5G networks, providing a glimpse into the future of entertainment, education, and virtual communication in Malaysia.

    The trial further demonstrated that 5.5G could enhance existing 5G infrastructure, enabling more efficient spectrum usage and supporting higher numbers of connected devices, a key requirement as the number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices continues to grow exponentially.

    Looking ahead to 2025, Malaysia’s 5.5G landscape is set to evolve further with Ericsson’s launch of 5G-Advanced in the country, following its successful deployment in Singapore. As one of the leading providers of 5G and 5.5G technologies, Ericsson’s contribution has been instrumental in helping Malaysia achieve its goal of becoming a regional leader in digital transformation.

    DNB’s ongoing efforts to roll out 5G infrastructure have provided a solid foundation for 5.5G development, enabling smoother transitions to next-generation technologies. The agency is also working on enhancing the capabilities of the existing 5G infrastructure by integrating 5.5G enhancements, such as ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC), network slicing, and massive machine-type communications (mMTC). These features will improve the user experience by reducing network congestion, increasing reliability, and enabling the seamless connection of a wide range of devices.

    5.5G networks are set to bring several advancements over the current 5G technology, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and improved capacity. With speeds up to 100 times faster than 5G, 5.5G will enable ultra-high-definition video streaming, immersive gaming, and data-heavy applications like 3D holograms and AR/VR. Latency will be reduced to just 1 ms, which is essential for real-time data processing and enhanced user experience. Smart cities will also benefit from real-time traffic management and AI-powered surveillance (supported by 5.5G technology), improving user experience across multiple facets of daily life.

    While 5.5G is still in its nascent stages, several initiatives are already underway in Malaysia to lay the groundwork for its widespread adoption. Building on their partnership, Maxis and Huawei established a 5G-Advanced Joint Innovation Center in mid-2024. This center focuses on exploring innovations in gigabit capacity to support mobile network expansions and 5G/5.5G technologies.

    Industry regulators and stakeholders in Malaysia are already discussing the implementation of key 5.5G features such as ultra-low latency and enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB). These discussions are crucial for ensuring that Malaysia’s 5.5G network is optimized for the diverse needs of both businesses and consumers.

    The future of 5.5G in Malaysia looks promising. The Malaysian government and telecommunications industry stakeholders have set ambitious goals to make the country a leader in digital transformation, and 5.5G will play a key role in achieving these objectives. Additionally, the integration of 5.5G will be pivotal in Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to foster a digital economy. As industries increasingly adopt digital solutions, the enhanced speed, capacity, and reliability offered by 5.5G networks will be critical in supporting Malaysia’s growing tech ecosystem.

    The future of mobile connectivity is bright, and Malaysia is poised to lead the charge. As 5.5G collaboration between global technology providers continues to evolve, consumers, businesses, and industries can look forward to enhanced multifaceted experiences.

  • Australia Restricts DeepSeek AI on Government Devices

    Australia Restricts DeepSeek AI on Government Devices

    Australia has prohibited the use of DeepSeek on all government devices due to concerns about security risks posed by the Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) startup. The Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs has directed all government entities to stop using DeepSeek products, applications, and web services, and to remove any existing instances from Australian government systems and devices.

    Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that DeepSeek presents an unnecessary risk to government technology, and the ban is necessary to safeguard Australia’s national security and interests. This ban does not apply to devices owned by private citizens. After DeepSeek released its latest AI model last month, which is cheaper and requires less sophisticated chips compared to other models, technology stocks worldwide plummeted.

    Australia’s decision to ban DeepSeek follows similar actions taken in Italy, with other countries in Europe and beyond also investigating the AI firm. Similarly, Taiwan recently prohibited government departments from using DeepSeek’s AI service.

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  • Thailand’s car production in 2024 drops to four-year low

    Thailand’s car production in 2024 dropped 20% from the previous year to a four-year low, owing to weaker domestic sales and exports, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) said.

    Car output dropped to 1.47 million units from 1.83 million in 2023. Production on a year-on-year basis contracted for the 17th successive month in December, falling 17.4% to 104,878 units, according to the FTI.

    Domestic sales fell 26.2% to the lowest level in 15 years, at 572,675 units, due to weaker demand as banks have tightened auto loan rules amid high household debt, said Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesperson for the FTI’s automotive industry club.

    Car exports last year fell 8.8% to 1 million units, due to geopolitical issues, competition from EVs and strict carbon emission measures in several countries, he added.

    This year, car production is projected at 1.5 million units, of which 1 million will be for export and the rest for the local market. The improvement will be supported by higher production of electric vehicles required under a state incentives scheme, and an expected rise in sales following government stimulus measures.

    Thailand is Southeast Asia’s biggest auto production center and an export base for some of the world’s top carmakers, including Toyota and Honda.

    Earlier this month, a luxury car importer reported that domestic sales of luxury cars in Thailand were estimated at 30,000 in 2024, down 25% from 40,000 the year before, as prospective buyers have been unable to avoid the impact of the sluggish economy.

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  • The iPhone SE 4 will be introduced in just days

    The iPhone SE 4 will be introduced in just days

    The eagerly awaited iPhone SE 4 could be unveiled next week, as soon as February 11th according to Bloomberg. While the so-called “budget model” could be introduced in days, it might not be released until later in the month according to sources who are familiar with the matter. The iPhone SE 4 will be the first iPhone SE model to do away with the old-school design. Instead of holding a new product event for the new iPhone. Apple will reportedly announce its arrival on its website.

    The iPhone SE 4, codenamed V59, is expected to replace Touch ID with Face ID and feature the edge-to-edge display that debuted with the iPhone X in 2017. To help it run Apple Intelligence, even though the phone’s design is based on the iPhone 14, the phone will be powered by the 3nm A18 application processor that runs the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus. It also will be equipped with 8GB of RAM, the minimum amount of memory required to run Apple Intelligence.

    In another first for the iPhone SE 4, the device will reportedly feature the brand new in-house designed and developed Apple 5G modem chip replacing the Snapdragon 5G modem that Apple has been using. If things go well, Apple’s modem chip might be used on all of the new iPhone 17 models expected to be released next September.

    Inventory of the current iPhone SE 3 model, released in 2022, has been drying up at U.S. Apple Stores, typically indicating that a new model is on the way. Customers coming into Apple’s retail locations seeking a certain configuration of the device have been turned away because of the lack of inventory. To show how hard it is to find the iPhone SE 3 in the U.S., Bloomberg says that the iPhone SE 3 in red with 256GB of storage isn’t shipping in the U.S. until March. However, it appeared to us that February 8th is the shipping date for all such variants of the device for orders placed in Apple’s online store.

    The iPhone SE 3 starts at $429 for the 64GB model, rises to $479 for the model with 128GB of storage, and tops out at $579 for the unit with 256GB of storage. Considering the new changes to the iPhone SE 4 and the recent 10% tariff on imports from China to the U.S., pricing for the iPhone SE 4 in the states could be higher than the cost of the currently available model.

    Besides unveiling the iPhone SE 4 on February 11th, we could see Apple also introduce the PowerBeats Pro 2 earbuds. The big news here is that they could be the first earbuds from an Apple brand to include a heart rate monitor, a feature Apple wants to include with future AirPods.

    Returning to the rumored specs for the iPhone SE 4, Apple plans on relying heavily on computational image processing by equipping the phone with only one rear camera backed by a 12 MP sensor. This is also what Apple is supposedly planning for the ultra-thin iPhone 17 Air model that could be released this coming September. Google got away with doing something similar for years on its early Pixel models. Despite using just one 12 MP camera on the back of the Pixel 2 XL, for example, Google’s computational photo capabilities helped to give Pixel devices a reputation for taking great photographs.

    The iPhone SE 4 will reportedly have an aluminum build, an IP68 dust and water resistance rating, and a 3279 mAh capacity battery. The latter is the same capacity battery used to keep the lights on the iPhone 14. The latest word on the notch vs. Dynamic Island battle for the iPhone SE 4 comes from the co-founder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants Ross Young. With a very high mark for accuracy, Young says that the iPhone SE 4 will feature the notch.

    In case you were wondering, the OG iPhone SE was released on March 31, 2016 with a 4-inch display, 2 GB of RAM, and it carried the Samsung built A9 application processor. The latter was built on Samsung’s 14 nm FinFET process. The price of the device started at $399 for the 16 GB model and rose to $499 for the 64 GB version.

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  • Marketplace Shake-Up: Amazon Thrives, Catch Closes, Chinese Platforms to Stall

    Marketplace Shake-Up: Amazon Thrives, Catch Closes, Chinese Platforms to Stall

    Australia’s marketplace sector is rapidly transforming, with Amazon strengthening its dominance, Wesfarmers closing Catch, and doubts growing around Temu and Shein, according to new research from ecommerce and marketplace accelerator, Pattern.

    The findings, published in Pattern’s ‘2025 Marketplace Consumer Report’, reveal that marketplaces are now an indispensable part of the online shopping ecosystem, with 94% of Australians purchasing from one in the past 12 months.

    “Amazon’s increasing prominence in product discovery, its substantial Prime membership base, and the upcoming launch of the price-competitive platform called ‘Haul’ have solidified its position as Australia’s leading marketplace,” explains Merline McGregor, Managing Director for Pattern Australia. “Meanwhile, Catch has closed, Kogan and MyDeal are growing —although from smaller customer bases than the market’s frontrunners—and early enthusiasm for low-cost Chinese marketplaces appears to have peaked as they struggle to meet shopper expectations.”

    Chinese marketplace growth to stall

    New research indicates that high-profile Chinese marketplaces Temu and Shein risk losing shoppers in 2025. Although these platforms have rapidly captured market share, only 12% of consumers trust Temu for its product quality, leading to a predicted 7% drop in shoppers. Shein faces similar challenges, with trust levels at just 11%.

    “Many Australians trialled Temu and Shein over the last eighteen months due to aggressive pricing and large marketing campaigns. Yet early adopters have found these marketplaces unreliable. Although they may still expand in the future, Temu and Shein face a significant challenge in legitimising themselves within the Australian market and delivering on the customer experience,” observed McGregor.

    Alarmingly for the Chinese marketplaces, only 43% of shoppers would consider buying from Temu in 2025, and even this may hinge on improvements in quality and delivery. For Shein, expanding into categories like home and beauty is yet to offset concerns about its core offerings.

    Amazon extends its lead

    Amazon has cemented its position as Australia’s leading marketplace. The platform attracted 1.1 million new Australian users in 2024, bringing its total to 7.9 million shoppers, accounting for 10% of the country’s total online shopping spend1.

    The outlook for Amazon is incredibly strong with a significant 63% of Australians planning to shop on the platform in 2025. Its appeal is particularly strong among younger shoppers (71% of those aged 18-24) and high-income households earning over $200,000 annually (78%).

    “Amazon’s focus on fast delivery, quality products, and a seamless shopping experience sets it apart,” said McGregor. “While Chinese platforms have disrupted the market, Amazon’s trusted reputation and ability to adapt—such as the launch of its low-cost ‘Haul’ storefront—ensure it stays ahead.”

    Consumers discover new products on marketplaces today

    Australian shoppers are also changing how they research and discover new products online, with traditional search giant, Google, experiencing a 7% decline in people using the platform for new product discovery.

    At the same time, the share of consumers who begin their product research on Amazon has risen by 27% year on year, highlighting the platform’s growing impact on purchase decisions.

    In 2024, 63% of shoppers bought a product that they had never purchased from Amazon before and 38% visited a brand’s website after discovering it on the platform.

    “Online marketplaces play a pivotal role in how shoppers discover and evaluate new products,” said McGregor. “Their extensive variety, combined with transparent customer feedback empowers consumers to explore unfamiliar brands with greater confidence.”

    What products will consumers buy from which marketplace in 2025?

    Pattern’s research asked consumers what they were likely to buy in 2025 and through which marketplace, with the results indicating:

    • Amazon’s key shopper categories are Books & eBooks (37%), Electronics & Computer (24%) and Home & Kitchen (24%).
    • eBay is competitive across a range of categories, including Electronics & Computer (20%), Books & eBooks (17%) and Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (16%).
    • Temu attracts shoppers with Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (20%), Home & Kitchen (14%).
    • Shein maintains its appeal in Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (19%), while its expansion beyond fashion drives growth in categories like Skincare & Make-up (7%) and Home & Kitchen (6%).
    • Kogan remains strong in Electronics & Computer (11%) and Home & Kitchen (8%).
    • My Deal gains consumer interest for Home & Kitchen (5%) and Clothing, Shoes & Accessories (5%).

    “Marketplaces in Australia are set for strong growth in 2025, driven by the strong consumer pull toward convenience, competitive pricing, and rapid delivery. With 94% of Australians already shopping on these platforms, brands can’t afford to sit on the sideline. They must be present where consumers shop. To attract new customers and succeed in a competitive online shopping environment, brands need a dedicated marketplace strategy and to collaborate with specialists like Pattern to maximise their impact,” concluded McGregor.

    For more information and to download the full report please click here: ‘2025 Marketplace Consumer Report’

    About Pattern Inc

    Pattern is the category leader in global ecommerce and marketplace acceleration. It is the number one reseller on Amazon globally, selling over $3 billion of product each year into 60 countries. Since 2013, Pattern has profitably grown to over 2,000 employees operating from 24 global locations – including Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast – to help leading brands achieve accelerated growth on D2C websites and global ecommerce marketplaces. Pattern is also present on Tmall, JD.com, eBay and other ecommerce marketplaces. We act as the authorised Amazon seller to more than 300 brands globally, buying their stock to sell on the marketplace and taking care of every aspect of their Amazon presence. For more information, visit https://au.pattern.com/

    Media Contact

    Paul Manser

    Mulberry Marketing Communications

    [email protected]

     

    1 Roy Morgan. (August 2024). SHEIN and Temu Continue to Grow Strongly.

  • Google TV removes several free channels from its impressive library

    Google TV removes several free channels from its impressive library

    Google TV is doing a great job keeping consumers entertained thanks to its impressive collection of free channels. Each month Google TV adds a new batch of free channels, so it’s now impossible not to find something interesting to watch that doesn’t require a subscription.

    Unfortunately, it looks like sometime Google TV must remove some of the free channels it previously added to its offering. The folks at 9to5google have just learned that nine free channels have been recently removed from Google TV and can no longer be accessed.

    • The Hill TV
    • Dog Whisperer with Cesar Milan
    • Dove Channel
    • Comedy Dynamics
    • The Bob Ross Channel
    • Shades of Black
    • OutTV Proud
    • Dazn Ringside
    • Dazn Women’s Football

    What’s worse is that these channels have been added relatively recently and most of them are part of the batch. If you didn’t have time to watch these channels while they were available for free via Google TV, you’ll no longer be able to access them.

    Google didn’t offer any explanation regarding the removal of these channels, but this usually happens if an agreement between two entities is no longer valid due to various reasons.

    In this particular case, Google had to sign distribution agreements with at least one partner, Cinedigm, which operates most (if not all) of the channels removed this month.

    Since Google didn’t offer any explanation for the removal of these channels, it’s unclear if all or some of these channels will return to Google TV at some point in the future.

  • Vietnam labor export firms expand to new markets

    Vietnam labor export firms expand to new markets

    Labor export companies are shifting their focus to new markets such as Poland and Australia to find job opportunities for workers.Eastern Sea Labor Export, Services, and Trade (Estrala) in HCMC has been partnering with businesses in Poland and Germany in the last several months to connect them with Vietnamese laborers.

    The company is in the process of sending 100 workers to Poland with an average monthly income of US$1,000, including insurances.

    They will work in the fruits and food packaging industry. Healthy individuals who are in the age of 20-50 with a high school diploma are eligible.

    Workers get weekends off and provision of accommodation, transportation, and meals. They have the option to extend their contracts after two years.

    Estrala offers free English language training and assist workers in acquiring low-interest bank loans.

    It is also transporting workers to Germany for short- and long-term contracts in the food industry.

    “We are expanding to new markets to offer more choices for workers and reduce our dependency a single market,” said Nguyen The Dai, deputy CEO of the company.

    While Estrala has been sending workers to Japan for years, recently it has been facing challenges in this market due to the decline of the yen and increasing competition with other labor exporters.

    Dai said that Europe has a strong demand for labor and countries in the continent offer competitive salaries with robust welfare benefits.

    Germany is an attractive destination for Vietnamese workers as the food packaging industry offers a monthly base salary of EUR2,700 (US$2,761).

    Workers can even bring their spouse and children to the country where they can enjoy free healthcare and education along with an opportunity for long-term residency.

    Another new labor market is Australia, where the Vietnamese government has selected six companies to implement a labor export program in the agriculture sector.

    “This is an opportunity for Vietnamese workers in a new market,” said Nguyen Duc Nam, chairman of the International Manpower Supply and Trading Jsc (Sona), one of the six selected firms.

    The company was approved by Australian authorities thanks to its capabilities, extensive experience in agricultural labor markets, recruitment strategies, overseas worker management plans, and a commitment to not charging service fees to workers.

    Nam said that the Department of Overseas Labor is developing standard contract templates for companies to negotiate with Australian partners, and Sona is studying Vietnamese workers’ demand to build a strong supply for this market.

    Starting this year, Australia will accept around 1,000 Vietnamese workers annually, with basic monthly salaries ranging from AUD3,200 to 4,000 (US$1,960-2,450), before living expenses are deducted.

    Pham Viet Huong, deputy head of the Department of Overseas Labor, said that alongside traditional markets such as Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea, Vietnam is actively expanding into new markets.

    Labor cooperation has been a key agenda item in high-level meetings. Vietnam has already signed agreements – or is in the process of doing so – with countries like Germany, Greece, Finland, Poland and several Nordic nations, he said.

    Other potential markets are France, Denmark, and Spain, where Vietnamese companies are actively seeking partnerships before government-level agreements are achieved, he added.

    Over 650,000 Vietnamese workers are employed in more than 40 countries and territories, sending home an estimated US$3.5-4 billion in remittances annually, official data show.

    Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea remain the top three destinations, with Japan leading for five consecutive years in terms of Vietnamese worker intake.

    South Korea offers the highest earnings, with monthly salaries ranging from US$1,600 to 2,000, followed by Japan (US$1,200-1,500) and Taiwan (US$800-1,200), according to the 2023 Vietnam Migration Profile, released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ Consular Department in late October last year.

    Some European countries offer similar income levels.

    Middle Eastern countries and Malaysia report lower wages: around US$600-1,000 for skilled workers and US$400-600 per month for unskilled workers.

  • Fruit, vegetable exports decline as China raises quality bar

    Fruit, vegetable exports decline as China raises quality bar

    Vietnam exported US$417 million worth of fruits and vegetables in January, down 5.2% year-on-year and 11.3% from the previous month as China tightened safety requirements.

    It now requires testing for a potentially carcinogenic chemical called auramine O, or basic yellow 2, causing many shipments of durian, a key item, to be held up at customs, according to the Vietnam Fruit and Vegetable Association.

    This requirement was introduced after the chemical was found in several Thai durian shipments in late 2024.

    Some Vietnamese exporters have had to redirect their durian shipments to the domestic market and sell them at distress prices, with many temporarily halting exports to China.

    Businesses are now completing the required tests at the nine centers in Vietnam recognized by China.

    An executive at an export company in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang said: “Nine is a rather small number. Vietnam needs to push for more [centers] to avoid bottlenecks during peak times.”

    Dang Phuc Nguyen, the association’s general secretary, warned that fruit and vegetable exports may fail to reach this year’s target of $8 billion if these inspection hurdles are not promptly overcome.

    Several other markets have also raised their import standards, including the U.S., which now requires plantation and packaging codes issued by its Department of Agriculture, and the EU, which has doubled the rate of Vietnamese fruits screened for pesticides to 20%.

    Ongoing geopolitical instability, such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict and tensions in the Red Sea, continues to impact maritime transport, also potentially hampering exports this year.

    Vietnam’s fruit and vegetable exports hit a record $7.15 billion in 2024, up 27.6% from the previous year, with shipments to most key markets growing by 10-80%.

    The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s import-export department recommends that farmers, cooperatives and businesses should collaborate to improve product quality and enhance the presence of Vietnamese brands on the global market.

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  • Google Sheets update greatly improves performance in various scenarios

    Google Sheets update greatly improves performance in various scenarios

    Google Sheets is getting a small but important update this week. The update includes some under-the-hood improvements that greatly enhances the app’s overall performance.

    After doubling the calculation speed in Google Sheets last year, the app is now getting some extra improvements for everyday actions. First off, the pasting data is now 50 percent faster when pasting from one spreadsheet to another.

    Another important improvement included in this update is related to filter conditions, which can now be set up to 50 percent faster than before. Lastly, the spreadsheets now load existing data up to 30 percent faster.

    I think it’s safe to say that these improvements will help the large majority of Google Sheets users. Here are some scenarios in which the latest Google Sheets performance improvements really shine:

    • A data analyst can paste small or large quantities of data from an existing spreadsheet to a new one in a quicker manner.
    • A campaign manager can add filtering conditions to better understand the performance of a campaign at a certain time faster.
    • A small business owner can quickly see their data load.

    Google confirmed that these improvements have already been rolled out and should be available to Sheets users today. Since these are under-the-hood improvements, there’s no need to enable them.

    According to Google, these Sheets improvements are now available to all Google Workspace customers, Workspace Individual Subscribers, and users with personal Google accounts.

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  • Thailand expects high-speed rail link to China to be ready in 2030

    Thailand expects high-speed rail link to China to be ready in 2030

    Thailand expects its 609-km (378 miles) portion of a high-speed railway that will connect it with China through Laos to begin operations in 2030, its government said, nearly a decade later than originally planned.

    More than a third of construction has been completed in the segment connecting the capital Bangkok to the city of Nakhon Ratchasima, about 220 km away and the whole line to Nong Khai at the border with Laos would be ready by 2030, said Thai government spokesperson Jirayu Houngsub.

    A $6 billion, 1,000 km rail line from the Laotian capital Vientiane to the southwestern Chinese city of Kunming began service in 2021, a venture 70% owned by Beijing. That line will connect with Thailand’s Nong Khai via Vientiane, about 25 km away.

    “This is an opportunity for Thailand to connect to the global economy,” Jirayu said, adding it would bring Thailand closer to its goal of becoming a logistics hub.

    The announcement comes a year after China urged Thailand to progress faster on the rail link.

    Discussions on the rail line started nearly two decades ago and Thailand and China signed agreements on its construction in 2017 with plans to begin operations in 2021.

    But construction met delays over disagreements on financing and design, and disruption from the Covid pandemic.

    The plan is part of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s ambitious Belt and Road trade and infrastructure initiative, which includes plans for three routes originating in Kunming that pass through Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

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  • Apple needs a new Steve Jobs

    Apple needs a new Steve Jobs

    Since early 2024 it has been quite clear that Apple is trying its hand at new product categories in an attempt to secure another source of revenue. From the canceled car project to the Apple Vision Pro, the company is struggling to come up with the next big thing. And as Apple insider Mark Gurman points out in his newsletter Power On: that just won’t fly.

    A company as big as Apple can coast by on its existing products for a while. The iPhone and Apple’s accessories make up a major share of the company’s yearly revenue. But to stay at that coveted spot amongst the other giants of the world Apple will need to innovate and give consumers a reason to give it their business.

    And yet this massive and highly successful company has been failing to do that for years. Not because its new devices are bad — on the contrary most of them are top of the line — but because Apple is failing to connect with the consumer as it once did.

    When Steve Jobs passed away, current Apple CEO Tim Cook had a strategy to keep shareholders’ faith in the company: senior employees who barely work. This worked for a long time and designer Jony Ive’s work continued to help Apple put out unique and interesting products. After Ive left in 2019 it feels like most of Apple’s offerings have started stagnating.

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  • Philippines arrests 100 suspects in online scam farm raid

    Philippines arrests 100 suspects in online scam farm raid

    Philippine authorities arrested around 100 people on Friday in a raid on a suspected online scam farm in Manila they said extorted victims.

    The raid in the Makati financial district was part of a crackdown against online crime operators that often act under the guise of gaming firms.

    Agents from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the National Bureau of Investigation, armed with assault rifles, surrounded two offices of a lending agency and arrested the suspects as they worked side-by-side at computers.

    The suspects, many of them young Filipinos, allegedly sought out victims via TikTok and other social media, offering collateral-free loans of up to 25,000 pesos (US$428).

    Borrowers were charged 35% weekly interest and those who fell behind on payments were harassed, humiliated and threatened with having their personal information spread online, PAOCC director Gilberto Cruz told reporters at the scene.

    “Some of those they harassed developed mental problems, others fell into depression, and there have even been some suicide incidents that occurred because of the harassment perpetrated by these people,” Cruz said.

    The suspects could be charged with fraud and other violations under the country’s cybercrime laws, he added.

    The raided company, Wewill Tech Corp, required victims to provide personal information and family photographs, which the scammers then used for threats, according to Cruz.

    Some victims of similar scams have reported having coffins and funeral wreaths delivered to their homes, he said.

    Authorities are checking the nationality of the owners, Cruz said, adding that they had arrested Chinese suspects running similar operations in the past.

    The scam farm owners are suspected to be remnants of online gaming operators that were banned under orders of President Ferdinand Marcos last year, he said.

    “Most of their keyboard workers are Filipino” and communicated with victims in the local language, Cruz told reporters.

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