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Tag: asia

  • YouTube and Shopee plan Southeast Asian e-commerce collaboration

    YouTube and Shopee plan Southeast Asian e-commerce collaboration

    Alphabet Inc’s YouTube and e-commerce platform Shopee said on Wednesday they were launching an online shopping service in Indonesia and planned to expand it in Southeast Asia as competition picks up with a rival operator owned by TikTok.

    Under the YouTube Shopping tie-up, people will be able to purchase goods viewed on YouTube through links to Shopee, which is owned by Southeast Asian technology conglomerate Sea Ltd.

    Company executives told reporters they plan to expand the service to Thailand and in Vietnam in a few weeks. YouTube Shopping is already active in South Korea and the United States.

    Indonesia’s “energy and velocity around online shopping” is what prompted the launch, YouTube Asia-Pacific director Ajay Vidyasagar said in Jakarta.

    With YouTube Shopping, Alphabet Inc and Shopee will be competing against TikTok, the Bytedance-owned video app, which has increased its ambitions for the region after taking control of Indonesia’s biggest e-commerce platform Tokopedia.

    Asked about the size of the partnership with Shopee, Vidyasagar said it was very significant, but declined to give numbers. He said YouTube Shopping would be opened to partners other than Shopee “in a phased, sequenced manner.”

    Reuters reported last year, citing sources, that YouTube was planning to apply for a licence to operate e-commerce services in Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy.

    TikTok’s shopping service, TikTok Shop, accounted for $16.3 billion in 2023 in gross merchandise value in Southeast Asia, in a nearly fourfold jump from the previous year, consultancy Momentum Works said in a report.

    This has made the platform the region’s second largest e-commerce platform after Shopee.

    The region of nearly 700 million is one of the world’s fastest growing e-commerce markets. The Momentum Works report said Southeast Asia’s eight largest e-commerce platforms racked up $114.6 billion in gross merchandise value in 2023, up 15% from 2022.

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  • Miniso to acquire 29.4 percent of Yonghui Superstores

    Miniso to acquire 29.4 percent of Yonghui Superstores

    Miniso Group Holding will acquire 29.4 percent of Yonghui Superstores from various shareholders for RMB6.3 billion (US$893.3 million).

    Miniso, through its PRC subsidiary Guangdong Juncai International Trading, entered into share purchase agreements with DFI Retail Group subsidiary The Dairy Farm Company and JD.com subsidiaries Beijing Jingdong Century Trade and Suqian Hanbang Investment Management.

    The transaction will result in Miniso becoming the largest single shareholder of the supermarket chain.

    Under the agreements, Guangdong Juncai will pay each seller RMB2.35 per share, representing a 3.1 percent premium to the closing price of Yonghui’s shares on the Shanghai Stock Exchange on September 20.

    Shares of Miniso Group Holding plunged as much as 39.2 percent to HK$20 ($2.57) on Tuesday after the deal was announced.

    The lifestyle products retailer’s shares dived to the lowest since December 2022, on track for the biggest one-day percentage drop since its debut in July 2022, and was the top percentage loser on the Hong Kong bourse. Reuters reported that compared to a 2.1 per cent rise in the benchmark Hang Seng Index.

    Yonghui has logged three years of net losses, reflecting the mounting costs of closing unprofitable stores.

    Guofu Ye, the Miniso chairman and CEO, said that acquiring the shares would allow his company to expand its access to the essential goods sector.

    “With our support and leveraging our expertise in design-led products, Yonghui will be poised to develop higher-quality self-branded products to cater to evolving consumer needs,” said Ye.

    “Furthermore, I believe that our collaboration with Yonghui in retail channel upgrade and supply chain will enable us to share resources to further enhance economies of scale, optimise the cost structure and create value for consumers.”

    Miniso’s newest flagship store – which opened early this month in downtown Jakarta – is among the first to include a range of snackfoods, all sourced from local suppliers, as the novelty retailer looks to expand into other categories, with blind boxes being another.

    DFI Retail Group will receive US$637 million for its stake, funds CEO Scott Price said would support the company’s plans to expand its other businesses in Mainland China, which remains a significant market for the company.

    “We are proud to serve millions of customers through Mannings China and 7-Eleven, and we have ambitious plans to increase the number of 7-Eleven stores in Guangdong Province in the coming years,” said Price.

    The deal is subject to Miniso shareholder approval and applicable regulatory conditions, including antitrust approval.

  • WhatsApp might finally allow users to protect themselves from spam

    WhatsApp might finally allow users to protect themselves from spam

    WhatsApp has been working on a new feature allowing users to prevent unknown accounts from sending them messages. This has been in development for quite some time, but WhatsApp seems to be confident in the end result and is now making the feature available to beta testers.

    The fine folks at WABetaInfo report that WhatsApp is now rolling out a new update on Android devices that introduces the ability to block messages from unknown accounts.

    The new security feature is hidden in the Advanced tab under the Privacy Settings menu and comes in the form of a simple toggle, which allows users to turn it off and on whenever they wish. While having the option to block messages coming from unknown accounts certainly keeps spam to a minimum, the way WhatsApp is implementing it isn’t as we would’ve expected.

    Apparently, WhatsApp will only block messages from unknown accounts if they exceed a certain volume. It was implemented that way in order to allow business accounts or other accounts that you haven’t interacted with to still be able to send you messages that might prove to be important. Not only that, but WhatsApp will lift the block once the messaging volume returns to normal, which seems like a rather bad decision. In any case, the security feature is still being tested, so the final version might work slightly differently than it is now.

    If you’re enrolled in the beta program, you should be looking for WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.20.16. Keep in mind though that the feature seems to be available only to a select number of users, although WhatsApp is expected to expand its availability to even more users in the coming weeks.

    Those who want to check out the new security feature but aren’t yet enrolled in the beta can do so via the Google Play Beta Program link.

  • Google TV gets major upgrade: smart home controls, AI art, sports hub, more

    Google TV gets major upgrade: smart home controls, AI art, sports hub, more

    Google is rolling out a significant update to its Google TV platform, bringing a host of new features to enhance your viewing and smart home experience. These updates will be available on all Google TV devices, including the upcoming Google TV Streamer set to launch on September 24th.

    One of the most notable additions is the new home panel on Google TV. This feature transforms your TV into a central hub for controlling all of your compatible smart home devices. From adjusting your thermostat to checking your security cameras, you can manage your entire smart home without ever leaving the couch. The new doorbell notifications also bring added convenience, allowing you to see who’s at the door without interrupting your viewing experience. If you can’t find the remote, Google Assistant voice commands have you covered, providing hands-free control over your smart home devices.

    When you’re not actively watching TV, Google TV now offers an improved Ambient screensaver that turns your idle screen into a personalized canvas. You can either create AI-generated designs based on your own descriptions or prompts, or relive your cherished memories by showcasing your favorite Google Photos. This feature leverages generative AI to craft unique images for your display, adding a touch of artistic flair to your living space.

    For sports fans, the new sports page within the For You tab consolidates all your sports content in one convenient location. You can quickly find live and upcoming games, catch sports commentary, browse YouTube highlights, and receive personalized recommendations to stay up-to-date on your favorite teams and leagues.

    Choosing what to watch can be overwhelming with the vast array of channels and subscription services available. To help you make informed decisions, Google is introducing enhanced overviews of top movies and shows powered by Gemini technology. These overviews provide comprehensive summaries, audience reviews, and season-by-season breakdowns, giving you valuable insights to guide your viewing choices.

    Last year, Google introduced free built-in channels on Google TV, offering a selection of live TV without the need for additional downloads or subscriptions. This service, known as Google TV Freeplay, now boasts an expanded channel guide with over 150 channels, making it easier to browse by genre and topic. New additions to the lineup include Heartland, The FBI Files, and ION Plus.

    The update also extends to Google TV’s hardware ecosystem. In addition to the upcoming Google TV Streamer, you can now find Google TV on a wider range of devices, including new art TVs from Hisense and TCL, as well as smart projectors from Vankyo, Epson, and XGIMI. Google is also expanding its reach by bringing Google TV to more countries, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

    I’m excited about these updates to Google TV. The integration of smart home controls directly into the TV interface is a game-changer, and I can see it definitely changing the way I interact with my connected TV. The AI-generated art for Ambient screensaver and the enhanced overviews for movies and shows are also great additions that personalize my viewing experience. Finally, as a baseball fan, I appreciate the dedicated sports page, which will make it easier to find and follow my favorite team.

  • Viettel to gift 4G phones to 700,000 2G subscribers

    Viettel to gift 4G phones to 700,000 2G subscribers

    State-owned telecom giant Viettel will spend VND300 billion (US$12.2 million) to gift 4G phones to 700,000 of its subscribers who still use 2G devices.

    The military-owned company announced Friday that the program, which aims to support a rapid switch to 4G networks, is meant for customers still using 2G phones who lack access to 4G devices due to their remote location or financial status.

    It plans to gift feature phones but with added cloud phone features that allow the use of some OTT apps.

    The program will run from now until the 2G network is shut down on Oct. 15, with eligible users getting a message instructing them to go to the nearest Viettel store or contact its local employees for support.

    Viettel said it would prioritize subscribers in mountainous regions affected by recent storms, like Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Tuyen Quang, Hoa Binh, Bac Kan, Son La, Dien Bien, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, and Ha Giang provinces.

    The Ministry of Information and Communications and telecom firms have been taking a number of measures to promote the shift from 2G. The number of 2G users declined from 11 million in July to three million now.

    Viettel has the most 2G subscribers of any network operator, but has seen over eight million switch to 4G devices this year.

    It recently installed over 6,000 new base stations nationwide to expand its 4G network coverage to 96% of the population, including four million new users in remote and rural areas.

    Pulling the plug on 2G will promote the adoption of 4G, which can help familiarize people with digital and online public services, and free up resources for network providers to focus on developing 5G and 6G technologies.

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  • DHL Express to triple its shipping capacity at Porto Airport with EUR 25M investment

    DHL Express to triple its shipping capacity at Porto Airport with EUR 25M investment

    DHL Express Portugal has inaugurated a new facility at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto, Portugal. With an investment of more than €25 million, this significant expansion underlines DHL’s commitment to the Portuguese market and strengthens its support for the growing export industry in the North and Central regions of the country.

    With a total footprint of over 18,000 square meters, the new facility triples DHL’s operational capacity at the international airport, allowing it to process up to 6,500 pieces per hour for imports, an increase of 150%, and 5,000 pieces per hour for exports, a rise of 300%. The terminal is equipped with advanced automation systems, such as X-rays and automatic weighing and measuring equipment, enabling fast, efficient, and secure handling of shipments. The capacity expansion will allow DHL to support annual volume growth in the double-digit range, which will further consolidate its leading position in the logistics sector in Portugal.

    In parallel with the capacity expansions, DHL is also reaffirming its commitment to sustainability. The new facility will feature 130 loading bays for DHL vans, 119 of which are prepared for electric vehicles. The building is equipped with solar panels, advanced lighting and ventilation systems, further reinforcing the company’s efforts to increase the carbon efficiency of its transportation and warehousing operations.

    “Portugal has been one of the strongest performers in Europe in terms of economic growth in recent years, supported by healthy demand for Portuguese exports, and DHL Express is fully committed to enabling the country’s further trade development over the long-term,” said Mike Parra, CEO of DHL Express Europe. “As usual, we are combining our investments in capacity with the addition of new technology that improves efficiency and reliability and supports increased sustainability, which we expect to significantly enhance the competitiveness of our customers in Portugal in their export and import activities.”

    “The inauguration of this new terminal at Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto marks an important milestone for DHL in Portugal. It is a renewed commitment to innovation, sustainability and economic growth in the North of Portugal,” said José Reis, CEO of DHL Express Portugal. “We are proud to contribute to the development of this region, supporting the small and medium-sized enterprises that are the foundation of our economy. With this investment, we are prepared to continue connecting people and improving lives, while raising the standards of efficiency and sustainability in the logistics industry.”

    The DHL Express executives were joined at an inauguration ceremony for the facility by António Tiago, Mayor of Maia, and Julia Monar, German Ambassador to Portugal.

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  • Vietnam rubber exports hit $1.7B in 8 months

    Vietnam rubber exports hit $1.7B in 8 months

    Vietnam exported 1.12 million tons of rubber worth US$1.76 billion in the first eight months of 2024, customs data show.

    This marked a 7.2% year-on-year decline in volume but a 8.4% growth in value from the same period last year, according to the General Department of Customs.

    Vietnam shipped out 209,726 tons of rubber worth nearly $345 million in August alone, up 12.7% in volume and 12% in value from the previous month.

    The average export price was $1,637 per ton, a 1.1% month-on-month decrease but up 26.8% from a year ago.

    Rubber exports are forecast to reach $3-3.5 billion this year, a $200-400 million increase from 2023.

    The country currently has a latex output of 1.3 million tons per year from 910,000 hectares of rubber plantations, according to the Vietnam Rubber Association.

    Every year, more than 300,000 tons of rubber are used in processing and manufacturing, leaving a large amount of raw material for export. This has opened up considerable export potential for the local industry, especially in the context of potential global supply shortages in the 2024 – 2025 period.

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  • Factories reduce work hours with eye to employees’ well-being

    Factories reduce work hours with eye to employees’ well-being

    Many factories in Ho Chi Minh City have been reducing workers’ weekly hours below the legal maximum of 48 to give them more time for themselves without compromising their income.

    When the end-of-shift bell rings at 4 p.m. at a factory belonging to industrial sewing machine producer Juki Vietnam in District 7’s Tan Thuan Export Processing Zone workers have five minutes to clean and organize their work area before leaving.

    Nguyen Thi My Linh, who has worked at Juki for 28 years, said until a few years ago her shift used to be the standard 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day except Sunday with 70 minutes for lunch and two other breaks.

    But after workers expressed difficulty in picking up their children, the management agreed to shorten their shift by 25 minutes.

    “Getting off early helps me avoid traffic and gives me enough time to pick up my child in Nha Be District, take them home and then to District 5 for tutoring,” Linh says.

    Nguyen Phuoc Dai, chairman of the company’s labor union, says employees also get two Saturdays off per month after they said they did not have enough weekend time with their families, which has reduced their week to less than 44 hours.

    The maximum allowed by law is 48 hours, not including overtime.

    Dai noted that the company did not reduce wages or income when it cut the work hours, and instead invested in technology and optimized production processes to ensure productivity.

    An Thien Pharmaceutical Corporation in Nha Be’s Hiep Phuoc Industrial Park similarly used to have a 48-hour week before switching to 44 hours in the past decade.

    Its director of human resources, Le Dinh Chi, says the change came after the labor union forwarded workers’ wishes for shorter hours.

    “Reducing working hours is a way for management to show concern for the well-being and families of employees.”

    The company’s 450 workers earn an average of VND13 million (US$530) per month.

    According to the city Trade Union of Industrial and Export Processing Zones, Juki and An Thien are among more than 20 manufacturing businesses in the city’s industrial parks and EPZs that have moved away from 48-hour weeks.

    Some have even reduced it to 40 or give employees three Saturdays off every month, it says.

    Vu The Van, its president, says these firms’ decision to shorten the work week is commendable since it is recommended but not mandated by current regulations.

    Reducing work hours is also a strategy for businesses to retain employees amid a growing labor shortage in the manufacturing sector, as workers with more time for themselves and their families tend to feel happier and more motivated to remain loyal to the company, she says.

    Concurring, Thanh Nguyen, CEO of human resources consulting firm Anphabe, says a survey by her company found that time-related benefits and work arrangements are the biggest concern for 63% of workers while only 24% of them reported being satisfied with their working hours.

    The 2020 Labor Force Survey by the General Statistics Office found that nearly 41% of workers nationwide clock in 40-48 hours per week, 30.9% log 49-59 hours and 7.5% work 60 hours or more.

  • Samsung to invest $1.8B more in northern Vietnam

    Samsung to invest $1.8B more in northern Vietnam

    A subsidiary of South Korean electronics giant Samsung that has operations in the northern province of Bac Ninh is set to invest another US$1.8 billion there.

    The memorandum of understanding for investment by Samsung Display Vietnam, which was signed Sunday and witnessed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, is meant for expansion.

    Samsung Display Vietnam reported profits of $283.6 million on revenues of $6.8 billion in the first half of this year.

    Samsung, the biggest foreign investor in Vietnam, has $22 billion in the country, half of it in Bac Ninh province.

    Four factories in Vietnam contributed around 30% of Samsung’s global revenue in the period.

    Bac Ninh authorities on Sunday announced approvals for $5.5 billion worth of foreign investments in various projects, including by Apple suppliers Foxconn and GoerTek.

    The government seeks to make the province a dynamic economic and cultural hub of the north linked with Hanoi.

    By 2050 Bac Ninh hopes to become among the economic leaders of Vietnam. It also aspires to become one of the top global centers for high-tech industries, research and development and smart manufacturing.

  • Innovations in Green Cloud Computing and Sustainable Solutions

    Innovations in Green Cloud Computing and Sustainable Solutions

    Green cloud computing integrates advanced cloud technologies with sustainable practices to achieve energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact. A key strategy includes server virtualization, which significantly reduces the number of physical servers needed, thus, lowering energy consumption and utility bills. Additionally, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, helps to further diminish the carbon footprint associated with cloud services.

    One of the most significant benefits of green cloud computing is its role in promoting sustainable architecture. Data centers designed with minimal environmental impact in mind can operate more efficiently, using less power and generating less waste. This approach also supports remote work, which reduces the carbon emissions linked to commuting. Furthermore, green cloud computing encourages paperless operations, leading to decreased paper use and deforestation, and minimizing electronic waste by reducing the reliance on extensive hardware.

    Transitioning to green cloud computing involves several strategic steps. Organizations should start with a comprehensive assessment of their current IT infrastructure to evaluate their energy consumption and carbon footprint. Setting clear, measurable goals for reducing energy use and increasing the adoption of renewable energy is essential for successful implementation.

    For example, Globe Telecom partnered with Red Hat to modernize its IT infrastructure, leveraging open-source technologies to enhance scalability, agility, and efficiency. This move comes as the Asia-Pacific cloud infrastructure market is set to soar, projected to reach USD 593.7 billion by 2032.

    Selecting cloud service providers committed to sustainability is a crucial practice. Leveraging server virtualization and adopting energy-efficient computing practices can optimize resource usage. Enhancing data center efficiency and continuously monitoring performance are also vital to ensure that environmental goals are met. Engaging stakeholders and educating them about the importance of green cloud computing can drive effective implementation and foster a culture of sustainability.

    Notably, Alibaba Cloud has launched its “Green Data Center” initiative, using renewable energy sources and advanced cooling technology to reduce carbon emissions. Tencent is also focused on building green data centers with AI-driven energy efficiency, particularly through its Tianjin data center, which operates utilizing natural cooling and renewable energy.

    Green computing techniques are diverse and leverage energy-efficient hardware designs, renewable energy sources, and methods like data deduplication and network virtualization. These techniques are integral to enhancing sustainability and operational efficiency. For instance, energy-efficient hardware designs reduce power consumption and extend the lifecycle of equipment, while data deduplication minimizes data redundancy and storage needs.

    For example, Intel’s Sapphire Rapids processors focus on delivering high performance with lower power consumption, incorporating energy-saving features like dynamic power management. Additionally, AMD’s EPYC processors are designed to maximize performance per watt, making them ideal for cloud and enterprise environments, significantly lowering energy costs.

    Innovations in green cloud computing also focus on advanced cooling techniques, which are crucial for maintaining data center efficiency. Strategies such as hot-and-cold aisle containment and liquid cooling systems can significantly reduce the energy required for cooling data centers. Huawei’s FusionServer Pro series optimizes power usage through AI-driven energy management and smart cooling systems, reducing energy consumption in data centers.

    Major cloud providers are making substantial commitments to carbon neutrality. Google aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its entire operations and value chain by 2030, targeting a 50% reduction in its Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions from a 2019 baseline. The company plans to operate its facilities on 24/7 carbon-free energy and invest in both nature-based and technology-based carbon removal solutions. Google’s approach to climate action involves a science-based strategy and ongoing transparency outlining its progress.

    AWS is also dedicated to sustainability and has, thus far, achieved 100% renewable electricity usage seven years ahead of its 2030 goal. The company focuses on maximizing energy efficiency through advanced data center design, cooling innovations, and power management technologies. AWS’s infrastructure is reported to be up to 4.1 times more efficient than traditional data centers, with their Graviton4 and Inferentia2 chips contributing to enhanced performance and energy efficiency.

    Microsoft has set a bold goal to become carbon negative by 2030 and remove all historical emissions by 2050. Their strategy includes reducing emissions, investing in new carbon removal technologies, and supporting global carbon reduction efforts. Microsoft plans to fund carbon removal technologies, help suppliers cut their carbon footprints, and enhance transparency through annual environmental reports. The company also advocates for supportive public policies and engages employees to drive innovation in carbon reduction.

    The future of green cloud computing promises further advancements, with emerging technologies like AI-driven energy management and edge computing. AI can optimize energy use by predicting and adjusting power consumption in real-time, while edge computing reduces the need for data transmission to central servers, thus, lowering energy consumption and latency.

    Green cloud computing represents a shift towards balancing technological innovation with environmental responsibility. Given that data centers are major consumers of global electricity and contributors to carbon emissions, adopting sustainable cloud solutions is essential. The integration of energy-efficient practices, renewable energy sources, and advanced cooling techniques can significantly reduce the environmental impact of cloud services.

    As organizations and individuals increasingly prioritize environmental responsibility, green cloud computing will be at the forefront of efforts

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  • Telekom Malaysia Launches AI-Driven Singing Platform

    Telekom Malaysia Launches AI-Driven Singing Platform

    Launched as part of the “Sejuta Suara, Satu Ritma, Jiwa Merdeka” campaign for Hari Kebangsaan and Hari Malaysia 2024, this groundbreaking platform leverages advanced AI technology to celebrate and highlight the country’s rich linguistic diversity.

    By leveraging AI for automated lip-syncing and voice cloning, TM has created an immersive experience that lets Malaysians sing in their preferred languages or dialects with remarkable realism and ease.

    The platform is driven by a collaboration of seven advanced AI and API systems, all of which are integrated to provide a seamless and intuitive user experience. Powered by Credence, TM’s cloud and digital solutions division, this innovative technology highlights TM’s dedication to advancing digital capabilities and pushing the limits of what technology can achieve.

    Amar Huzaimi Md Deris, TM’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said, “This initiative highlights how AI can be harnessed to celebrate and preserve Malaysia’s rich linguistic diversity.  It gives Malaysians a new way to connect with each other and transform the iconic patriotic anthem into a unifying force for the nation. By leveraging advanced AI technology to promote our unique linguistic heritage, we contribute to national integration, digital inclusion, cultural preservation while fostering stronger unity and a digitally savvy society.”

    Amar highlighted TM’s dedication to making advanced technologies accessible to all Malaysians as it works towards its goal of becoming a Digital Powerhouse by 2030.

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  • Indosat Launches IMSecure to Safeguard Personal Data in a Digitally Connected Indonesia

    Indosat Launches IMSecure to Safeguard Personal Data in a Digitally Connected Indonesia

    Vikram Sinha, President Director and CEO of Indosat, emphasized the importance of personal data security in building customer trust. He stated that while their mission is to connect and empower every Indonesian through digital technology, they are also committed to maintaining high standards in data protection.

    As part of this commitment, Indosat has introduced IMSecure—a data security solution under the IM3 brand—to safeguard customers from digital threats like identity theft and cyberattacks. This technology was developed in collaboration with a global digital security company to ensure top-notch protection standards.

    IMSecure not only protects customers but also supports Indosat’s goal of empowering society through safe digitalization. As more Indonesians go online, the need for personal data protection increases. IMSecure allows customers to benefit from digitalization without compromising their data security.

    Indosat has also launched initiatives to enhance personal data protection in line with PDP regulations. This includes a data privacy awareness program for employees, data type mapping, PDP compliance assessments, and the development of technical policies to manage personal data securely.

    To prevent data breaches, Indosat has implemented advanced data protection systems and tools that comply with PDP regulations and safeguard personal data from security threats, even when using third-party services.

    In addition to these efforts, Indosat is focusing on building trust in the digital ecosystem through initiatives like IMSecure and digital literacy programs. These programs educate the public on recognizing and avoiding digital threats, maintaining online privacy, and emphasizing the importance of personal data protection.

    Sinha concluded by stating that security is crucial for sustainability and trust in the digital ecosystem. Indosat is committed to innovating in personal data protection to ensure that everyone connected through their network can do so safely and confidently.

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  • Yamaha Motor president sustains injury from alleged knife attack by daughter

    Yamaha Motor president sustains injury from alleged knife attack by daughter

    Yoshihiro Hidaka, president of Japanese motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha Motor, suffered an arm injury after being allegedly slashed with a knife by his daughter, Hana Hidaka, at their home in Japan.

    The police arrested Hana on suspicion of attempting to murder her 61-year-old father, Yoshihiro, by attacking him with with a kitchen knife around 3 a.m. on Monday at their home in Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, according to The Japan Times.

    The police arrived at the scene in response to an emergency call from Hana, who claimed she had been beaten by her father, according to Kyodo News.

    They said she had made another call at 5:30 p.m. the previous day, prompting them to visit the house afterward.

    The police said that Yoshihiro sustained a minor injury to his left arm, as reported by Japanese news website TokyoReporter.

    Yamaha Motor said it would not comment on the case, citing its private nature and the ongoing investigation.

    Established in 1955, the Iwata-based firm manufactures a wide variety of motorized products, including motorcycles, personal watercraft and boats, according to the company’s website.

  • Globe Expands Network with New Cell Sites in Central Luzon

    Globe Expands Network with New Cell Sites in Central Luzon

    Globe Telecom has constructed six new towers in Bulacan, including two in Marilao and one each in Angat, Doña Remedios Trinidad, Hagonoy, and San Jose Del Monte, while expanding a total of 22 additional sites across the province.

    In Nueva Ecija, the company has built six new towers, located in Aliaga, Gapan City, General Tinio, San Isidro, Santa Rosa, and Talavera, and expanded 11 existing sites to provide enhanced digital services to both urban and rural areas.

    Globe Telecom has added five new cell towers in Apalit, Floridablanca, Mexico, San Luis, and Sasmuan in Pampanga to improve network coverage.

    In Tarlac, three new sites were added in Bamban, Concepcion, and Tarlac City, with additional site upgrades further improving the province’s overall network coverage. Approximately 15 existing sites were upgraded to boost network capacity and coverage.

    Joel Agustin, Globe’s SVP of Service Planning and Engineering, emphasized that the company’s network expansion across Central Luzon highlights its dedication to delivering world-class connectivity to all Filipinos.

    Agustin noted that the addition of the new towers and expansion sites aims to improve connectivity and empower communities to prosper in the digital age.

    Globe’s ongoing network expansion aligns with its mission to close the digital divide in the Philippines. The company aims to offer all Filipinos access to digital benefits, promoting inclusive growth nationwide through continuous infrastructure upgrades and network expansion.

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  • India Becomes World’s Second-Largest 5G Handset Market in H1 2024

    India Becomes World’s Second-Largest 5G Handset Market in H1 2024

    Senior Research Analyst at Counterpoint Research, Prachir Singh, remarked on the overall market dynamics, noting that 5G handset shipments have been consistently increasing. He highlighted that the rise in availability of budget-friendly 5G handsets has led to significant growth in emerging markets.

    According to Singh, India has become the second-largest 5G handset market, surpassing the US during the first half of the year. “The strong shipments from Xiaomi, vivo, Samsung and other brands in the budget segment were the main reason for this trend. Other emerging markets also witnessed high growth in 5G handsets. Consumers in emerging markets are looking at 5G handsets as an upgrade to their devices, even in the lower price segments,” explained Singh.

    “The Caribbean and Latin America (CALA) region was the fastest-growing region, registering 63% YoY growth, driven by high growth in key countries like Mexico and Brazil. The CALA region accounted for 14% of global net adds despite having a 6% 5G shipment share in H1 2024. Asia Pacific accounted for 63% of the overall global net adds and commanded a 58% 5G shipment share. In Europe and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) regions also, 5G handset shipments witnessed double-digit growth,” he added.

    Apple led global 5G handset shipments, capturing over 25% of the market share, due to strong sales of the iPhone 15 and 14 series. Samsung was the second-largest player with more than 21% of the market, driven by its Galaxy A and S24 series. Both Apple and Samsung secured five positions each in the top-10 list of 5G models for the first half of 2024, with Apple dominating the top four spots.

    Xiaomi ranked third, primarily due to significant growth in India, where it saw triple-digit increases, and double-digit growth in the Middle East, Europe, and China. vivo also experienced notable growth, driven by strong performances in India, China, and other emerging Asian markets. Among the top 10 brands, Motorola achieved the fastest growth, with notable advances in the CALA region, India, MEA, and North America.

    Commenting on the near-term outlook for 5G shipments, Research Director, Tarun Pathak, indicated that, “5G handset contribution to the overall handset market was over 54% in H1 2024, crossing 50% for the first time. As the democratization of 5G handsets increases with increasing 5G penetration in lower price segments as well as increasing expansion of 5G networks, this trend will further grow. The ongoing global premiumization trend will further fuel this growth. According to our market outlook, [the] 5G share will cross 57% in 2024 and 65% in 2025.”