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Tag: asia

  • Google Chat voice messaging rolls out to free personal Gmail accounts on Android, iOS, and the web

    Google Chat voice messaging rolls out to free personal Gmail accounts on Android, iOS, and the web

    Google Chat is adding voice messaging for personal Gmail accounts after launching on Workspace earlier this year. This new feature lets you send voice messages to friends and family right from your Gmail inbox. But with so many Google chat apps, you might be wondering what Google Chat is exactly, and how it’s different from the others.

    Google Chat is a communication platform that allows you to send messages, make video calls, and share files with other users. Think of it as Google’s answer to Slack or Microsoft Teams. You can use Google Chat for one-on-one conversations or group chats. It’s integrated into Gmail, so you can easily access it from your inbox.

    Now, you might be thinking, “Wait, doesn’t Gmail already have Google Meet and Spaces?” And you’re right, it does. However, Google Chat is a separate platform with its own unique features. Google Meet is primarily for video conferencing, while Spaces is more for threaded conversations and project collaboration. Google Chat, on the other hand, is designed for more instant, back-and-forth communication.

    With this update, Google Chat is getting a feature that’s already common in other messaging apps: voice messages. To use it, just tap the microphone icon in the bottom-right corner of a chat window. You’ll see a waveform and counter while recording, and you can listen to your message before sending it. Once you hit send, the recipient will see an inline waveform and get a transcript of your message after a few moments. This feature is available on Android, iOS, and the web version of Gmail.

    This update makes Google Chat a bit more versatile. It gives you another option for communicating with people, which can be especially handy if you’re on the go or if you prefer to talk rather than type.

    Personally, I think that Google Chat has its place in the workplace as a Slack competitor, but don’t see much use of it for personal accounts. Having multiple chat apps, all made by Google, can get a little bit confusing and brings on some PTSD from the whole Hangouts/Duo/Chat transition a few years back. I’m not sure if I’ll actually use the voice messaging feature, but hopefully it could be useful for some people. I’ll be interested to see if Google Chat eventually replaces another app in Google’s ecosystem of apps, or if it will continue to coexist among them.

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  • Can TikTok survive under Trump?

    Can TikTok survive under Trump?

    Whatever happens in the end – I mean, if TikTok gets banned in the US or not – many people will be disappointed. If TikTok gets banned in the Land of the free and the home of the brave, some will be concerned about the freedom of speech issue (and rightly so); but many will just mourn the loss of the 5-second funny cat videos.

    If TikTok does not get banned, many people will also be annoyed; they consider TikTok to be a soul-sucking Dementor’s Kiss, a kryptonite for the mind (I can relate to a certain degree).

    So, which one will it be? For the moment, it appears that TikTok is about to survive under Trump in the US. Well, well, well.

    TikTok’s outlook in the US has significantly brightened following Donald Trump’s re-election, according to industry experts and insiders, The South China Morning Post reports.

    Cameron Johnson, a senior partner at consultancy TidalWave Solutions, noted that the situation for TikTok now appears much more favorable.

    He believes that while the new Trump administration might still push for concessions like localizing data storage and management, an outright ban on the platform seems unlikely. Johnson suggested that TikTok’s role in shaping public sentiment may have played a part in Trump’s election success, which could discourage any drastic regulatory moves against the app.

    Johnson also pointed out that the decision to preserve TikTok could serve as a strategic asset for Trump in future negotiations with the Chinese government, potentially giving the US a stronger bargaining position.

    The valuation of ByteDance, the app’s Chinese parent company, has surged as a result.

    ByteDance recently valued itself at around $300 billion, marking one of its highest valuations despite the possibility of the looming US ban. The valuation was revealed in a new share buyback offer, suggesting that ByteDance expects continued growth even amid regulatory threats.

    The company’s valuation has been increasing over the past year. In October 2023, ByteDance valued itself at nearly $225 billion.

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  • Google Authenticator gets a modern makeover and useful new features

    Google Authenticator gets a modern makeover and useful new features

    Google Authenticator, the handy two-factor authentication (2FA) app by Google, just got a nice little update. Version 7.0 of this popular app has been revamped with a fresh new look and some helpful features.

    This is important because, in this day and age, online security is more crucial than ever. 2FA adds an extra layer of protection to your accounts, equating it to a second lock on your door. That means that even if someone has your password, they still can’t get in to your accounts without that second key. That second key in this case is a temporary code generated by Google Authenticator, which helps prevent unauthorized access and keeps your accounts safe from hackers.

    Google Authenticator has been around for years with a mostly unchanged UI but with some helpful features, such as cloud sync for all your added accounts, rolled out not to long ago. Now, Google has redesigned the app with Material Design 3, giving it a more modern and streamlined look. It also supports Dynamic Color, so the app’s colors can adapt to match your phone’s wallpaper.

    But the changes are more than just cosmetic. One of the biggest updates is how you copy 2FA codes. Previously, you had to long-press on the code. Now, a simple tap copies it to your clipboard. It might feel a bit different at first, but it’s definitely more convenient.

    Additionally, Google has added a search bar to help you quickly find the account you need. There’s also a new privacy screen that requires you to unlock the app before displaying your codes, adding an extra layer of security. This update is currently being rolled out through the Play Store, so make sure to check for updates and give it a try.

    I think this is a great update to an already essential app. Google Authenticator is certainly not the only 2FA app out there, but it is very reliable and remains one of the best 2FA apps available. The change in how you copy codes might take some getting used to, but it’s a welcome improvement for quick copying and switching over to the app you are intending to log in to.

  • Just before eagerly awaited Tyson-Paul fight, Netflix goes down

    Just before eagerly awaited Tyson-Paul fight, Netflix goes down

    You were looking forward to binging one of the best rom-coms of the year tonight on Netflix, “Nobody Wants This,” starring Adam Brody and Kristen Bell. After all, everyone at work has been talking about the film and you were the only one in your clique who hadn’t viewed any of it. So after surviving a tough day at the office you head home, get comfortable, turn on Netflix, and…nothing happens because the streamer is down.

    According to DownDetector, the number of complaints it received about Netflix soared from 406 at 7:27 pm ET to a whopping 99,876 by 9:42 pm ET. That’s a huge increase and is certainly indicative of an issue at Netflix. 88% of the complaints were related to video streaming while 11% of the submissions were related to problems with the server connection. The remaining 1% had to do with logging into the service.

    The issue could be related to the heavy traffic expected to watch the Mike Tyson-Jake Paul fight which is being streamed tonight on the platform. Most of the written complaints from Netflix users were related to the fight which was free for paid Netflix subscribers. Many said that their connection was constantly getting buffered. Other complained that the video feed was hard to look at while others said that they had no audio. The streaming issues started during the co-main event between Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano who were battling it out for the women’s Undisputed Super Lightweight Championship.

    These complaints keep coming into Downdetector with comments suggesting that Netflix stick to movies instead of live events. Others said that Netflix obviously can’t handle internet traffic of this magnitude.

    Despite the large number of Netflix subscribers complaining about the service being down, the streamer’s own status page says that Netflix is up and is not experiencing any interruption to its streaming. Back to Downdetector, the outage map shows that Netflix is having problems in major cities like New York, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Phoenix, and Los Angeles.

    Whether you wanted to watch “Nobody Want This” or the Tyson-Paul fight, Netflix has let down a large number of subscribers tonight.

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  • Amazon seeks to contest Temu, Shein with budget store selling items like $3 iPhone cases

    Amazon seeks to contest Temu, Shein with budget store selling items like $3 iPhone cases

    American e-commerce giant Amazon has launched Amazon Haul, an affordable e-commerce storefront which offers products priced US$20 or less.

    Items such as a $3 iPhone case or a pack of four socks for $7 are sold with a variety of options on the new store, which is advertised as offering “crazy low prices,” according to a company release.

    Over 300 million products in the main categories of clothing, home goods, jewelry and electronics are available on the store, which can be found on Amazon’s mobile app.

    Most items are $10 or less, and the company offers free shipping on orders of $25 or higher.

    The Wall Street Journal reported that Amazon Haul items will take longer to deliver because they ship directly from warehouses in China, similar to Chinese competitors Temu and Shein which have been rapidly expanding to many markets in recent months.

    Although products priced under $3 are not eligible for return, Amazon guarantees that all items have been screened for safety and authenticity.

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  • Thailand launches digital durian initiative to boost farmers’ income

    Thailand launches digital durian initiative to boost farmers’ income

    Thailand has kicked off the One Tambon, One Digital (OTOD) “Digital Durian” project to help 8.8 million durian farmers improve their productivity.

    Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency President Nuttapon Nimmanphatcharin said the OTOD Digital Durian initiative aims to engage over 6,100 durian farming households in adopting digital platforms for recording cultivation data within a two-year timeframe.

    The collection of this data will contribute to creating “big data” for Thailand’s agricultural sector, especially the durian sector. Pantanu Wannagangsai, advisor to the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DES), said the above-mentioned project aligns with the government’s policies which aim to solve issues of debt, income, cost of living and social stability. It is expected to contribute to building consumer confidence both domestically and internationally, promoting high-value Thai products globally amid fierce competition, especially from China and countries in the Southeast Asian region, he added.

    Thailand has 1.02 million rai of durian plantation areas and produce 1.53 million tonnes. Durian accounts for 69% of all exported fruits, or 991,557 tonnes last year, and the major durian export market is China.

    In addition, 12,200 farmers in 23 provinces are expected to be trained on e-commerce applications and certification for Good Agricultural Practice, supporting the development of a national agriculture platform.

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  • FedEx strengthens healthcare capabilities in Asia Pacific with expansion of its Life Sciences center in Korea

    FedEx strengthens healthcare capabilities in Asia Pacific with expansion of its Life Sciences center in Korea

    Federal Express Corporation (FedEx), one of the world’s largest express transportation companies, has expanded its state-of-the-art Life Science Center in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, Korea. This strategic enhancement, along with FedEx Life Science Centers in Singapore and Japan, is addressing the rising demand for a robust logistics network with advanced capabilities to support the rapidly growing healthcare industry across the Asia Pacific region.

    The advanced FedEx Korea Life Science Center spans 2,288 square meters – almost triple the size of the previous facility. The new operation includes five temperature-controlled areas for temperatures ranging from -150°C to +25°C, which are monitored 24/7 to ensure continuous compliance with pharmaceutical cold chain requirements. The facility is also Korea Good Supply Practice (KGSP)-certified, in accordance with market-specific quality and regulatory requirements for the healthcare industry. Along with temperature-controlled Inventory management capabilities, the Korea Life Science Center is equipped to support both domestic and international transportation needs.

    By expanding its capacity, FedEx is strengthening its life sciences logistics expertise, ensuring seamless and reliable transportation of critical healthcare shipments including investigational medicinal products (IMP), biological samples, and biopharmaceutical product lines while enabling pharmaceutical and clinical trials customers to prioritize patient care.

    The pharmaceutical market in Asia Pacific is projected to reach USD 290 billion by 2028. Additionally, the region accounts for approximately 50% of global clinical trials, highlighting its increasing role in global pharmaceutical research and development. Customers in the healthcare and pharmaceutical sector need precise, temperature-controlled services to preserve product efficacy. With decades of experience, FedEx provides expertise in specialized healthcare and clinical trial solutions, enabled by its international Express network, customized Time Critical Special Services (SpS), and a global network of Life Science Centers with locations in Korea, Singapore, Tokyo (Japan), Mumbai (India), Memphis (United States), and Veldhoven (the Netherlands). The company’s extensive healthcare infrastructure also includes 130+ cold-chain facilities worldwide, ensuring continuous temperature integrity for shipments moving through our domestic and international networks.

    “Asia Pacific’s healthcare sector is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by demographic shifts, infrastructure investments, and rapid tech advancements,” said Kawal Preet, president, Asia Pacific at FedEx. “At FedEx, we are leveraging our decades of healthcare expertise, extensive global network and differentiated solutions to propel this growth. Through strategic investments in cutting-edge facilities and AI-driven smart logistics, we are reshaping healthcare supply chains and enabling the future of life sciences research and business innovation across the region.”

    FedEx Clinical Care, part of the company’s portfolio of dedicated healthcare transportation solutions, provides end-to-end delivery capabilities for time and temperature-sensitive healthcare shipments. This service ensures expedited delivery within 24 to 48 hours, leveraging specialized features including temperature-controlled packaging, priority handling and clearance, and 24/7 monitoring and intervention using sensor-based real-time tracking.

    Recently, FedEx was recognized for ‘Innovation in Clinical Supply Chain Logistics’ at the Korea Biopharma Excellence Awards 2024 for exceptional contribution to clinical supply chains in Korea. In August, the company introduced FedEx Surround®, an innovative monitoring and intervention solution for enhanced control and visibility for healthcare and other critical shipments.

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  • WhatsApp rolls out the ability to draft your messages for later

    WhatsApp rolls out the ability to draft your messages for later

    WhatsApp just dropped a new feature, and it’s one many users have been requesting for a while: “Message Drafts”. This means you’ll never have to worry about losing a half-written message again.  If you get distracted or interrupted while writing, WhatsApp will now save your message as a draft.

    The way it works is pretty simple.  Whenever you start typing a message but don’t send it, WhatsApp will put a little green “Draft” indicator on the chat.  This indicator also shows up in your chat list, along with a preview of the message you started writing.  And to make things even easier, any chats with drafts will be bumped to the top of your chat list so you can quickly find them and finish what you were saying.

    This update brings WhatsApp more in line with other messaging apps like Google Messages, which have had similar draft features for a while. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference in terms of convenience.  No more lost thoughts or forgotten replies.

    But that’s not all. WhatsApp has been busy rolling out other new features lately too. Remember the Custom Lists feature from a couple of weeks ago?  That lets you organize your chats with tags like “work”, “friends”, or “family”. You can even create your own custom tags to really personalize your chat list.

    Additionally, WhatsApp is apparently working on an update that will let you use a username instead of a phone number. This means you might eventually be able to use WhatsApp on any device without needing your phone nearby.  It’s still in the works, but it sounds like it will include a cool synchronization feature to keep your contacts up-to-date across all your devices.

    Personally, I’m really liking these updates from WhatsApp. The “Message Drafts” feature is something I know I’ll probably end up using all the time. And the idea of using WhatsApp without a phone number is a feature that I have been wanting for a while as well. It’ll be interesting to see how they implement that and what kind of impact it has on how people use the app.  It seems like WhatsApp is really stepping up its game lately.

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  • Exciting Google Maps update adds new useful features

    Google is adding some exciting new features to the iOS and Android Google Maps app. Let’s say you’re looking for a winter sweater for the holiday season. Type winter sweater into the search bar at the top of the screen and you’ll see locations where you can purchase them. Starting today, this will work with home goods, electronics, and clothing. The information about where you can find, say, winter sweaters, shows stores that sell the item, ratings, the hours that the store is open, and how far it is away from you. You’ll also learn if the item is in stock.

    The update will also help travelers during the fall and winter by providing real-time updates on delays due to flooded roads and unplowed snow. With this feature, Google Maps users will be able to look for such issues and will be able to report such conditions. In addition, commuters and others will be able to report delays happening on bus or train routes to help riders stay up to date on any delays that would impact their travel.

    “Sometimes driving in unfamiliar areas with multiple lanes, forks, and exits can be confusing. To help you anticipate these, our enhanced navigation will show you lanes, crosswalks, and road signs clearly on the map. And because no one likes finding out they need to merge at the last minute, we’ll show you exactly which lane you should be in: Just follow the blue line in the lane markers while navigating.”-Google.

    Gemini is getting integrated with Google Maps. Why not? AI is everywhere and if you need some ideas on late-night activities for a guest staying over, simply ask Google Maps to look up “things to do with friends at night.” Gemini will send you some ideas along with reviews. Google has trusted data on 250 million places around the world along with info from the Maps community. Taking advantage of this data can help you enjoy a night out with a visiting friend.

    Google Maps is also making it easier to plan your drive before you even hit the road. Get directions to your destination, hit “add stops” and you will see top landmarks, attractions, and scenic spots to stop at along the way. And to make things even better, you can see dining options in advance.

    Another update will light up the destination on your screen along with an entrance into the building you’re traveling to. You’ll also be shown nearby parking lots and reminded to save your parking so that you won’t forget where you left your car. Once you’ve parked your car you can get walking directions to the entrance of your destination building by using Street View or AR walking navigation.

    Finally, Immersive View is getting an update. This feature uses AI to show you what navigation on certain routes, parks, and stadiums looks like at different times of day using AI, imagery, and computer vision. The weather expected on the day you are planning to visit will be taken into account. Immersive View is now available for 150 cities globally including Brussels, Kyoto, and Frankfurt. And college campuses are being added as well. Immersive View will now tell you where to park and when to expect a complex turn while you’re driving.

  • Singapore man uses fake Grab receipts and timesheets to defraud employers $18,000

    Singapore man uses fake Grab receipts and timesheets to defraud employers $18,000

    A 33-year-old man, Muhammad Fariz Shaik Sha Marican, scammed his employer out of more than SGD24,000 (US$17,950) by forging over 460 Grab receipts and false timesheets.

    On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to two charges of forgery, with two additional charges to be considered during sentencing. Deputy Public Prosecutor Kelly Ng stated that Fariz was employed by the recruitment agency Persolkelly (PSK), which partnered with Ministry of Health (MOH) to provide staffing.

    In November 2021, PSK assigned Fariz as temporary support staff for MOH’s Covid-19 operations. By April 2023, as MOH considered making him a permanent staff member, they reviewed his annual leave balance.

    Following this review, both PSK and MOH filed police reports, leading to an investigation that revealed Fariz had forged Grab receipts on 228 occasions from July 2022 to April 2023.

    He digitally altered dates and times on existing receipts for rides he never took, submitting them to PSK and obtaining over SGD9,500 in fraudulent reimbursements.

    Additionally, between July 2022 and April 2023, he forged his supervisor’s signature on timesheets, falsely claiming overtime, resulting in SGD7,700 in fraudulent payments.

    The fraud was exposed in April 2023 during MOH’s review of his leave records, which revealed discrepancies between PSK and MOH in timesheets and transport claims. Fariz confessed in a letter and resigned before his arrest in July 2023.

    The prosecutor requested a six to eight-month jail term, highlighting the calculated nature of his actions.

    “Each time the accused forged a receipt or timesheet, he had to put in the deliberate effort of altering it digitally or filling it up with extra days or hours, and each time he did this, he had the opportunity to stop his offending. Instead, he did not do so,” said the prosecutor.

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  • The Fitbit Ace LTE gets new features for your active kids and family this holiday season

    The Fitbit Ace LTE gets new features for your active kids and family this holiday season

    The Fitbit Ace LTE is getting a whole bunch of new updates just in time for the holidays. These new features are designed to keep families connected, active, and having fun together.

    One of the most exciting new features rolling out is Family Chat. Now, families can communicate directly through their Ace LTE devices or the Ace app. This will be perfect for coordinating schedules, sending quick reminders, or just checking in with each other throughout the day.

    However, if you are looking for a way to get the whole family moving, Fitbit Ace LTE now has a new feature called “Family Quests.” This feature includes challenges that encourage everyone in the family to work together to unlock rewards. For example, this Thanksgiving, you and your family can complete the “Turkey Berserkey” quest by hitting your activity goals. It’s a fun way to bond and build healthy habits.

    Fitbit has also partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to add 50 new Daily Quests. These bite-sized challenges help kids learn about things like sleep, nutrition, and even geography. Plus, there’s a new game in the Fitbit Arcade called “Solar Sword” that lets kids defend their village from monsters. The more they move, the more game time they unlock.

    To make it even easier to track their progress, there are two new watch faces called Noodles. These sleek designs help kids see how close they are to reaching their daily activity goals.

    And if you’re looking to save some money this holiday season, we got you as we have gathered some great deals on the Ace LTE and its accessories for you. From November 21st through December 4th, you can save $50 on the Ace LTE and $20 on Ace LTE bands at the Google Store. Plus, if you’re buying for siblings, you can get 50% off your second Ace Pass annual plan from now through January 31st, 2025. Additionally, we have included discounted options from Amazon and Woot below.

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  • E-commerce platform Temu restricts checkout to $35-40 price range

    E-commerce platform Temu restricts checkout to $35-40 price range

    Chinese shopping platform Temu has made it mandatory for customers to check out with orders between VND887,000 and VND1 million (US$35-40).

    Shoppers noticed this week that they cannot check out if their order is less than VND887,000 on the Temu app.

    Those who had bought for more than VND1 million were informed they had exceeded the limit and had to remove some items.

    Hieu, an online shopper in HCMC, said: “This policy and the requirement to pay in advance make the platform less attractive compared to its competitors in Vietnam.”

    When Temu first came to Vietnam at the end of September, it required a minimum order of VND120,000.

    It raised it to VND632,000 last week and to VND887,000 now, a sevenfold increase in two months.

    Temu said the minimum allows it to “continue offering more and lower-priced items.”

    Although it did not explain why the cap was set at VND1 million, one obvious explanation is that there is no tax on e-commerce items under this price.

    But with an estimated 4-5 million such items shipped from China to Vietnam every day, the government has been considering scrapping this tax waiver.

    Temu says on its app that it is in the process of registering with Vietnamese authorities.

    Government officials have warned that all unregistered e-commerce platforms will be blocked in the country.

    Temu, formally owned by Singaporean company Elementary Innovation Pte. Ltd., reported zero revenues in its third quarter financial disclosure submitted to Vietnamese tax agencies, and said it expected to record revenues starting in October.

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  • ZTE Launches G6 Series Servers, Boosting Green Computing Infrastructure

    ZTE Launches G6 Series Servers, Boosting Green Computing Infrastructure

    These new products support Intel® Xeon® 6 processors and the latest AMD EPYC™ 9005 Series processors, bringing new energy to the development of efficient and environmentally friendly computing infrastructure.

    In today’s digital economy, the demand for computing power is rapidly increasing, making the expansion and enhancement of computing infrastructure a top priority for all industries. ZTE is dedicated to creating efficient and green computing infrastructure to drive sustainable growth in the digital economy and help partners transition to digital and intelligent AI processes.

    ZTE has launched six new G6 servers, including the R5300 G6 dual-channel full-scenario server, R5500 G6 dual-channel large storage server, R2300 G6 single-channel high-performance server, R2250 G6 single-channel high-density server, R2350 G6 single-channel full-scenario server, and the R2550 G6 single-channel large storage server. Outstanding performance and robust computing power are key features of ZTE’s new servers. The R5300 G6 and R5500 G6 servers come with the latest Xeon® 6 processors with E-cores, supporting up to 288 cores for dual-channel operation.

    These servers offer high computing density and performance per watt, along with thirty-two DDR5 memory slots and up to 176 PCIe 5.0 channels. The modular design allows for customization to meet various application needs. The R2300 G6 single-socket high-performance server, powered by Intel Xeon 6 with P-cores, delivers improved computing performance and 18% energy efficiency enhancement. It features a modular design, all-cable configuration, and a flexible setup to meet diverse computing requirements in different scenarios. The server supports efficient cooling solutions and can be applied in the following niches: internet, cloud computing, big data, and other fields.

    ZTE also introduced the R2250 G6 single-channel high-density server, the R2350 G6 single-channel full-scenario server, and the R2550 G6 single-channel mass storage server, all of which are equipped with the latest AMD EPYC 9005 series processors. These servers offer high core counts, increased memory bandwidth, and improved energy efficiency compared to previous models, making them suitable for virtualization, cloud computing, and AI applications.

    The expansion of ZTE’s G6 series server family provides customers with more options to meet the diverse needs of the telecommunications, internet, transportation, and power industries. ZTE will continue to focus on technological innovation, introducing more advanced servers and storage products, enhancing ecological partnerships, and driving the upgrade of computing infrastructure to ensure a digital future.

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  • Vietnam spends $1.4B on meat imports

    Vietnam spends $1.4B on meat imports

    Vietnam imported nearly US$1.4 billion worth of meat and meat products in the first 10 months of 2024, up 14% from a year earlier.

    Most of the imports came from India, the U.S., Russia, and Germany, customs data shows. They are much cheaper than local products, making them highly attractive to consumers.

    Imported pork costs around VND52,000-62,000 (US$2-2.5) per kilogram on the retail market while domestic varieties are priced at VND80,000-180,000.

    The Dong Nai Livestock Association said the influx of cheap imported meat is putting further pressure on the domestic livestock industry, which has already been struggling with reduced supply due to African swine fever.

    If strict controls are not implemented, low-priced imports could hamper the industry’s growth and pose food safety risks, they warned.

    According to the Department of Animal Health, of the 6,679 batches of imported meats inspected between May and September this year, over 1% contained salmonella and was disposed of.

    The department is working with exporting countries to monitor quality, but experts want the government to tighten quarantine measures to protect public health and prevent disease outbreaks from contaminated food.

    In response to the sharp increase in meat imports, market regulators have also strengthened control measures to get rid of substandard products.

    In August HCMC authorities seized 400 kilograms of imported frozen pork intestines and udder meat that lacked documentation.

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  • Thailand inspection finds imported Shine Muscat grapes safe for consumption

    Thailand inspection finds imported Shine Muscat grapes safe for consumption

    All imported Shine Muscat grapes have met food safety standards, according to the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), responding to public concern about recent reports of chemical contamination.

    The agency’s food and drug inspection division seized 6.93 tonnes of the grapes on Nov. 5 to run chemical residue tests, under its Hold Test Release protocol.

    The fruit met all regulatory standards, so the FDA approved them for import and domestic sale, its deputy director-general Lertchai Lertvut said. gtraPublic concern arose last month when the Thailand Consumers’ Council reported that 23 out of 24 Shine Muscat grape samples it tested were found to contain hazardous chemical residues beyond the acceptable legal limit.

    Some were contaminated with chlorpyrifos and endrin aldehyde, which are banned under Thai food safety laws.

    Shine Muscat grapes are a variety originating from Japan that features a yellow-green hue, crisp flesh, no seeds, and delightful sweetness.

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