Retail News CRM

Tag: center

  • Revamped Pokémon Center Singapore Unveils Cultural Heritage-Inspired Store and Exclusive Merchandise

    Revamped Pokémon Center Singapore Unveils Cultural Heritage-Inspired Store and Exclusive Merchandise

    After a three-month refurbishment, Pokémon Center Singapore celebrated its reopening at Jewel Changi Airport, presenting a fresh store design influenced by Singapore’s rich cultural heritage and an array of exclusive new merchandise. The updated store boasts unique interiors inspired by traditional local architecture and features a variety of themed spaces, such as a food court-inspired zone and an ocean-themed event section.

    Revitalizing Pokémon Center Singapore with New Symbol and Exclusive Products

    In addition to its fresh new look, the store has adopted Solgaleo as its new emblem Pokémon. The iconic Legendary Pokémon now graces the official logo and stands proudly at the entrance, accompanying Pikachu.

    The Pokémon Center Singapore, strategically placed at Jewel Changi Airport, continues to serve as a lively community hub and a cherished destination for locals and global travelers. The reopening is a significant step in enhancing relationships with local consumers and Pokémon enthusiasts worldwide.

    To commemorate the grand reopening, the Pokémon Singapore team is set to launch 20 exclusive celebratory products in two stages. The first wave, released on July 1, includes Singapore-inspired lifestyle items. A second collection, expected to be available on August 7, comprises locally-themed merchandise such as Pikachu bag charms, Peranakan-inspired pouches, T-shirts, and tote bags.

    Established in 2019, the Pokémon Center Singapore was the first permanent Pokémon Center in Southeast Asia. The brand is progressing its regional expansion with the planned opening of its second Southeast Asian store at CentralWorld in Thailand.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the new design concept of the refurbished Pokémon Center Singapore?
    The newly refurbished Pokémon Center Singapore features a design concept inspired by traditional local architecture and Singapore’s cultural heritage.

    What is the new symbol Pokémon for the store?
    The store has chosen Solgaleo as its new symbol Pokémon, which now features on the official logo and at the entrance alongside Pikachu.

    Are there any special events or products to mark the reopening?
    Yes, the reopening is being marked with the launch of 20 exclusive commemorative products in two waves. The first wave includes Singapore-inspired lifestyle items, and the second wave features locally-themed merchandise such as Pikachu bag charms, Peranakan-inspired pouches, T-shirts, and tote bags.

  • Yirong Wee Ascends to CEO Role at PROPEL: Singlife’s One-Stop Service Center Celebrates Year of Success

    Yirong Wee Ascends to CEO Role at PROPEL: Singlife’s One-Stop Service Center Celebrates Year of Success

    Insurer Singlife’s comprehensive shared service center, PROPEL, has announced a change in leadership one year after its inception. Yirong Wee has assumed the role of chief executive officer (CEO), succeeding Steven Ong, who will spearhead a new business venture within Singlife, starting 2026.

    A Wealth of Experience

    Yirong Wee brings to the table an impressive 18-year track record in financial services, operations, and distribution strategy. Prior to her appointment as CEO, Wee held the position of chief operating officer (COO) of group distribution at Singlife. Her experience also extends to her role as COO at GROW with Singlife, an integrated investment solutions platform for financial advisor representatives.

    About PROPEL

    PROPEL is an all-inclusive shared service center designed for financial advisory firms under the Singlife group. Since its inauguration in January 2025, it has successfully recruited over 1,300 financial advisor representatives.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the function of PROPEL?
    PROPEL is a comprehensive shared service center for financial advisory firms under the Singlife group.

    Who is the new CEO of PROPEL?
    Yirong Wee has been appointed as the new CEO of PROPEL.

    What will the ex-CEO of PROPEL, Steven Ong, be doing in the future?
    Steven Ong will be leading a new business initiative within Singlife from 2026.

  • Vietnam’s Bold Leap: Launch of Innovative International Financial Center Marks New Era in Global Integration

    Vietnam’s Bold Leap: Launch of Innovative International Financial Center Marks New Era in Global Integration

    Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh recently chaired a conference to declare the creation of an international financial center (IFC) in Vietnam. At the same time, the coordinating council for the IFC was launched, with the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, Nguyen Hoa Binh, at its helm.

    Significance of the IFC

    Prime Minister Chinh underscored the importance of establishing the IFC, stating that it signifies a major turning point in Vietnam’s integration and development following 40 years of Doi moi (Renewal). The creation of the IFC is an urgent need based on Vietnam’s potential, advantages, and forward-thinking vision for rapid, sustainable progress. It is a strategic choice and an effective solution that reflects the need to restructure global investment flows and Vietnam’s ambition to achieve new heights during the nation’s ascent.

    Chinh emphasized that Vietnam is not seeking to compete with other IFCs worldwide but aims to forge its distinct path with unique, superior mechanisms and policies. This will result in a complementary, interconnected model, providing a cohesive, efficient, and sustainable financial ecosystem.

    According to Chinh, the IFC’s inception marks the start of an innovative process in the financial market development, with widespread implications for all sectors, institutions, and entities within the country.

    Expected Benefits of the IFC

    The IFC is anticipated to enhance Vietnam’s position, making it an essential part of the global financial security network. It will facilitate the mobilization of efficient, large-scale, and low-cost capital for strategic infrastructure development without increasing public debt. Moreover, it will serve as a platform for Vietnamese businesses to expand internationally and adhere to the most advanced governance standards.

    The IFC also represents an institutional breakthrough. The benefits of the IFC extend beyond monetary gains and include innovation in management thought and advanced technology. International competition is expected to drive administrative reforms towards greater transparency and comprehensive digitization.

    For the IFC to operate effectively, Prime Minister Chinh urged ministers, heads of sectors, chairpersons of the People’s Committees of HCM City and Da Nang, and relevant agencies to ensure decisive, collaborative, and productive execution of the assigned tasks and measures.

    Support for the IFC

    Chinh also encouraged partners, domestic and international businesses, and investors, to collaborate and support Vietnam throughout the IFC development process. He stressed the importance of reforming management mindset towards a more enabling and service-oriented approach, aligning socio-economic infrastructure and ecosystem with international standards.

    Chinh requested the supervisory body to operate independently and transparently, in line with international commitments to prevent money laundering and facilitate the flows of clean capital into Vietnam.

    He also advised Vietnamese businesses and investors to remain confident, resilient, and united, seize opportunities, and enhance cooperation to grow. He stated that the IFC is a stepping stone for them to expand their reach regionally and globally.

    Despite the challenges ahead, Chinh expressed confidence that with the consensus of the political system, the active involvement of the business community and people nationwide, and international support, Vietnam will successfully develop a free, digital, green, safe, transparent, competitive, efficient, and sustainable IFC. This will pave the way for the country to progress towards a new era of prosperity, civility, and happiness, and take firm steps towards socialism.

    Representatives of domestic and international businesses and investors lauded the establishment of the IFC and committed to helping attract international capital to Vietnam, implementing financial and banking mechanisms, and investing robustly in digital transformation, green finance, and inclusive finance.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the purpose of the International Financial Center (IFC) in Vietnam?
    The IFC is anticipated to function as a strategic and effective solution to restructure global investment flows, boost Vietnam’s position in the global financial security network, and serve as a platform for Vietnamese businesses to expand internationally.

    What is the expected impact of the IFC?
    The IFC is expected to drive innovation in the financial market and encourage administrative reforms towards greater transparency and comprehensive digitization. It will also facilitate the mobilization of efficient, large-scale, and low-cost capital for strategic infrastructure development without increasing public debt.

    How will the IFC benefit Vietnamese businesses and investors?
    The IFC will provide Vietnamese businesses and investors with a platform to expand their reach regionally and globally. Additionally, it will usher in increased cooperation, resilience, and confidence among businesses, paving the way for growth and prosperity.

  • Thailand Ignites Digital Economy: Unveils $3.1B Investment in Data Center Boom & Cloud Revolution

    Thailand Ignites Digital Economy: Unveils $3.1B Investment in Data Center Boom & Cloud Revolution

    Thailand is propelling its efforts to establish itself as a premier hub for digital infrastructure in Southeast Asia. This move follows the Board of Investment (BOI) granting approval for four new data center projects valued at THB 100 billion (USD 3.1 billion). The country is gearing up to more fiercely compete with Singapore and Malaysia, as the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services is growing across the region.

    Details on New Projects

    The BOI has confirmed that two of the approved projects are hyperscale facilities designed to support AI workloads. NextGen Data Center and Cloud Services, a subsidiary of DAMAC Digital based in Dubai, plans to construct an 84-MW hyperscale data center in the Navanakorn Industrial Estate in Pathum Thani Province. This project is expected to require an investment of THB 26.7 billion (USD 826.42 million).

    Meanwhile, Zenith Data Center and Cloud Services, a local firm, will dedicate THB 54.9 billion (USD 1.7 billion) towards developing a 200-MW hyperscale facility in the same location.

    Telehouse (Thailand), which is a division of Japan’s KDDI Corporation, has set plans in motion to build a 12-MW data center adjacent to its existing facility in the Huai Khwang District of Bangkok. This expansion will be funded by an investment of THB 7.55 billion (USD 233.64 million).

    Lastly, Vistas Technology, a subsidiary of ZDATA Technologies based in China, will invest THB 9.9 billion (USD 306.39 million) to construct an 80-MW facility in the Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate. This will mark the company’s second project to receive approval from the BOI.

    Thailand’s Digital Infrastructure Strategy

    Narit Therdsteerasukdi, the Chairman of the BOI, indicated that the approval of these projects underscores Thailand’s strategy to draw hyperscale operators and augment its world-class digital infrastructure. He stated, “The kingdom is actively positioning itself as a key Southeast Asian hub for hyperscale data centers. These approvals demonstrate our commitment to facilitating world-class digital infrastructure investment.”

    In addition to these approvals, the BOI has also issued six licenses to recommence data center projects that had previously stalled, which are collectively valued at USD 9.2 billion. The agency’s goal is to resolve delays associated with power availability, access to industrial land, and the processing of visas or work permits. Therdsteerasukdi affirmed that this action would bolster investor confidence and promote job creation and economic growth.

    Context and Outlook

    Thailand has been observing a surge in data center investment since 2024, with companies such as AWS, Google, Microsoft, and ByteDance announcing substantial commitments. During the first half of 2025 alone, the sector attracted a total of THB 521.2 billion (USD 16.13 billion) in approved investments spanning 28 different projects.

    Officials project that this latest development will significantly increase Thailand’s data center capacity. It is expected to sustain the rising domestic and regional demand for AI and cloud services, and strengthen the nation’s stand in Southeast Asia’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the total value of the four new data center projects in Thailand?
    The total value of the four new data center projects in Thailand is THB 100 billion (USD 3.1 billion).

    Who are some of the major companies investing in data centers in Thailand?
    Some of the major companies investing in data centers in Thailand include NextGen Data Center and Cloud Services, Zenith Data Center and Cloud Services, Telehouse (Thailand), and Vistas Technology.

    What impact will these projects have on Thailand’s position in the digital economy of Southeast Asia?
    These projects will bolster Thailand’s position in the digital economy of Southeast Asia by increasing the country’s data center capacity and meeting the growing regional demand for cloud and AI services.

  • BNP Paribas Wealth Management Amplifies AI Integration with New Excellence Center in Singapore

    BNP Paribas Wealth Management Amplifies AI Integration with New Excellence Center in Singapore

    BNP Paribas Wealth Management has recently established an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center of Excellence in Singapore. This new AI hub signifies the bank’s commitment to harnessing digital innovation in Asia’s burgeoning financial sector.

    The Four Pillars of Success

    The newly-formed AI Center of Excellence is built upon four fundamental principles: innovation, deployment, acceleration, and upskilling. The center aims to work in conjunction with BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s central office in Paris and various Singapore-based innovation ecosystems. This will foster responsible AI adoption across the region, with a particular emphasis on co-developing generative and predictive AI solutions. These solutions are aimed at enhancing portfolio analytics, streamlining client onboarding, and automating advisory services.

    Investing in Employee Learning

    In addition to the establishment of the AI hub, BNP Paribas has rolled out a comprehensive learning and development curriculum. This program is designed to equip employees with practical AI skills, catering to all tiers of the workforce. From technology experts and business leaders to AI ambassadors and catalysts, the bank is committed to fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation.

    Arnaud Tellier, CEO for Asia at BNP Paribas Wealth Management, acknowledges the transformative role of AI in the wealth management industry. He also emphasizes the center’s alignment with Singapore’s national AI strategy. Tellier stated that this development aims to “integrate innovation, governance, and human expertise to deliver trusted, insightful, and high-value client experiences”. He added that this will be “powered by AI that is secure, seamless, and deeply personalized to each individual’s goals.”

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary purpose of the AI Center of Excellence?
    Its main goal is to foster responsible AI adoption across the region, with a focus on co-developing generative and predictive AI solutions for portfolio analytics, client onboarding, and advisory automation.

    What is the bank’s approach to employee learning in light of the new AI hub?
    BNP Paribas has launched a comprehensive learning and development curriculum designed to equip its employees, from tech experts to AI ambassadors, with practical AI skills.

    How does the CEO of BNP Paribas Wealth Management see the role of AI in the industry?
    Arnaud Tellier sees AI as a transformative force in wealth management, enabling the delivery of secure, seamless, and deeply personalized client experiences.

  • Vietnam Unveils National Data Center to Propel Digital Governance Forward

    Vietnam Unveils National Data Center to Propel Digital Governance Forward

    Vietnam has embarked on a transformative journey by officially launching its National Data Center (NDC), a significant step toward overhauling the digital framework pivotal for the nation’s governance and data management. This initiative follows the recent enforcement of the 2025 Data Law, a legislative effort aimed at modernizing the government’s approach to data security and utilization in the public sector.

    A New Era of Data Management

    The National Data Center, overseen by the Ministry of Public Security, is governed by Decree No. 165/2025/ND-CP, which was enacted on June 30, 2025. This strategic development comes on the heels of the Data Law’s passage during the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly in November 2024, officially taking effect on July 1.

    Centralized Hub for Enhanced Governance

    Functioning as a centralized data hub, the NDC is set to provide essential infrastructure, services, and security frameworks for the storage, processing, and analysis of national and government-related information. Its establishment is expected to bolster transparency, facilitate informed decision-making, and promote socio-economic growth.

    At the core of this initiative lies an advanced cloud computing infrastructure partitioned into specialized functional zones tailored to meet the diverse requirements of government agencies. These zones will enable high-performance computing (HPC) and sophisticated data analytics, thereby facilitating predictive modeling and policy formulation based on insights derived from a consolidated national database.

    A Vision Beyond Administration

    Moreover, the center aims to extend its impact beyond mere administrative functions. It is poised to play a role in applied mathematics research and contribute to the formulation of national development strategies while catalyzing the emergence of new data-driven services and innovations. Quite like a magician pulling rabbits from a hat, the NDC is poised to unveil vast opportunities for creativity and progress.

    Opening Doors with the National Data Portal

    A standout feature of the NDC is the National Data Portal, designed as a digital gateway for government agencies to publish open data, share datasets, and enhance public access to official information. This initiative is anticipated to improve transparency and stimulate innovation by granting citizens, developers, and businesses access to vital datasets.

    The NDC will offer a comprehensive suite of services, including infrastructure support (such as server hosting and power systems), cybersecurity measures, and technical deployment to bolster national databases and information systems. Agencies and organizations will be encouraged to evaluate their data needs and formally request services from the center, specifying requirements for system size, infrastructure, and staffing. Emphasizing safety, the NDC will also oversee risk management, continuous data security monitoring, and ensure readiness for emergency responses.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary purpose of Vietnam’s National Data Center?
    The NDC aims to centralize and enhance the management of national and government-related data, improving transparency, decision-making, and socio-economic development.

    How will the NDC improve data accessibility?
    Through the National Data Portal, the NDC will enable government agencies to publish open data, fostering transparency and providing access to key datasets for citizens and businesses.

    What services will the NDC provide to government agencies?
    The NDC will offer infrastructure support, cybersecurity services, and technical deployment for national databases, ensuring comprehensive data management and protection.

  • Vietnam Launches Innovative National Data Center to Drive Digital Governance Revolution

    Vietnam Launches Innovative National Data Center to Drive Digital Governance Revolution

    Vietnam has taken a significant step forward in its digital evolution with the launch of its National Data Center (NDC), a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing the nation’s digital infrastructure and governance. This launch comes in the wake of the 2025 Data Law, which is set to transform how the government handles, safeguards, and leverages data across its public sector.

    Centralized Data Hub for Innovation and Governance

    The NDC, overseen by the Ministry of Public Security in accordance with Decree No. 165/2025/ND-CP enacted on June 30, 2025, marks a new era for Vietnam’s data management capabilities. This development follows the approval of the Data Law during the 8th session of the 15th National Assembly in November 2024, officially implemented as of July 1.

    Positioned as Vietnam’s core data repository, the NDC will provide the necessary infrastructure, services, and security framework for storing, processing, and analyzing both national and government-related data. This initiative is poised to enhance decision-making, promote transparency, and stimulate socio-economic growth across the country.

    A Cutting-Edge Infrastructure to Meet Diverse Needs

    Equipped with advanced cloud computing capabilities, the NDC will feature specialized zones designed to cater to the varied requirements of different government agencies. These zones will support high-performance computing (HPC) and sophisticated data analytics, enabling predictive modeling and robust policy planning grounded in insights extracted from the consolidated national database. One might even say it’s a little like giving the bureaucratic process a turbo boost!

    Broadening the Scope Beyond Administration

    The impact of the NDC won’t be limited to governmental functions. It will also foster applied mathematics research, aid national development strategies, and inspire the creation of innovative, data-driven services and products. This initiative promises to pave the way for a new wave of innovation, enhancing the data landscape in Vietnam.

    Opening Up Data for Greater Transparency

    A standout feature of the NDC is the National Data Portal, which acts as a digital gateway for government agencies to publish open data and share datasets, consequently enhancing public access to crucial information. The portal is anticipated to improve transparency and spark innovation by making important datasets available not just to citizens but also to developers and businesses.

    A Comprehensive Service Framework

    The NDC will offer a range of essential services encompassing infrastructure support, including server hosting and power systems, along with vital cybersecurity measures and data protection protocols. Agencies and organizations will need to evaluate their data requirements and submit formal requests to the center, detailing necessary system dimensions, infrastructure needs, and staffing plans. The NDC will handle everything from risk management to ensuring data security and formulating readiness plans for emergency responses.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the primary purpose of the National Data Center in Vietnam?
    The NDC aims to centralize data management for the government, enhancing transparency, improving decision-making, and fostering socio-economic growth by providing a robust infrastructure for data storage, processing, and analysis.

    How will the National Data Portal benefit the public?
    The National Data Portal is designed to make key government datasets accessible to citizens, developers, and businesses, thereby promoting transparency and encouraging innovation through open data.

    What types of services will the NDC provide to government agencies?
    The NDC will offer a variety of services including infrastructure support, cybersecurity measures, technical deployment for national databases, and comprehensive data protection strategies.

  • English center in Vietnam forced to shut down for operating without license

    English center in Vietnam forced to shut down for operating without license

    The local authorities of Ho Chi Minh City recently suspended an English language center, Than Dong 8 branch, which was found to be operating without the necessary licenses. This action was taken after the center, situated in Go Vap District, was subjected to an impromptu inspection by the city’s Department of Education and Training.

    Inspection and Findings

    Officials, who conducted the inspection on Tuesday, reported that the center lacked a valid license to carry out educational activities. The facility also had no officially recognized director and failed to produce documents pertaining to its teaching personnel or tax obligations.

    Established in 2020, the center was already conducting four English classes for children at the time of the inspection. Following the findings, a directive has been issued to immediately cease all operations and to issue full tuition refunds to all the impacted families. The exact number of students affected and the total amount to be refunded, however, have not been revealed.

    The Than Dong English Center Network

    Than Dong 8 is a part of a larger network, the Than Dong English Center, which purports to operate 33 branches spread across Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Dong Nai Province. The brand specializes in English language programs aimed at children aged between 3 and 14 years, including courses intended to prepare students for Cambridge English certifications.

    Other Similar Instances

    Enforcement against unlicensed and poorly managed education providers in Vietnam has seen a recent upswing. Just a few weeks prior to this, the Australia International English School (AIES) unpredictably closed several branches in Thu Duc City, leaving parents and staff in the lurch with no warning or explanation.

    This incident led to a surge in complaints and legal proceedings. Initial probes into the matter revealed that close to 200 families might have lost prepaid tuition fees amounting to over VND6.58 billion (US$258,000). Authorities are still gathering evidence as part of their ongoing investigation into this matter.

    Questions & Answers

    What was the outcome of the inspection at the Than Dong 8 branch?
    The inspection revealed that the center was operating without a valid license, didn’t have an officially recognized director, and couldn’t produce any documents about its teaching staff or tax obligations. As a result, it has been ordered to cease all operations and refund the tuition fees to all impacted families.

    How many branches does the Than Dong English Center network claim to operate?
    The Than Dong English Center network claims to operate 33 branches across Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring Dong Nai Province.

    What was the incident involving the Australia International English School (AIES)?
    The Australia International English School (AIES) had abruptly closed several of its branches in Thu Duc City, leaving parents and staff without any warning or explanation. The incident led to a spate of complaints and lawsuits, with preliminary investigations revealing that around 200 families could have lost their prepaid tuition fees.

  • SpaceDC to build largest hyperscale data center in the Philippines

    SpaceDC to build largest hyperscale data center in the Philippines

    SpaceDC, a Singapore-based visionary data center provider, is working with JLL, a global real estate services firm, to build a secure, resilient, network-rich, data center called <MNL1, which will be situated in Cainta, part of Greater Manila. The green data center will be fully powered with renewable energy – wind, geothermal – and is slated to open in 2022. 

    At 43,000 square meters, MNL1 will be the largest hyperscale data center campus in the Philippines, and will deliver 72 megawatt of critical power. With an outstanding PUE of 1.3, MNL1 will also lead in terms of energy efficiency and design, to minimize carbon footprint.

    SpaceDC CEO, Darren Hawkins said, “The Philippines ranks second in terms of data center growth in Southeast Asia. With only 47 megawatts of available capacity in the country it is a dramatically underserved market. We are excited to be a first mover in a new market where we see our customers are investing heavily in.”

    “SpaceDC is in the right place at the right time to take advantage of the strong customer interest we are seeing in the Philippines. MNL1’s design is setting new standards in terms of technology, quality and operational excellence in the Philippines.” commented Ralph Davidvon, executive director, data center services for JLL, the appointed project construction manager.

  • Vincom Retail unveils three shopping centre plans

    Vincom Retail unveils three shopping centre plans

    Vietnam’s Vincom Retail has announced three new Vincom Mega Mall shopping centres.

    Two of the new properties will be located in Hanoi and the third in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s commercial capital.

    Located in one of the largest real estate projects in Hanoi, Vincom Mega Mall Ocean Park will occupy 56,000sqm, and serve up to 1.5 million customers annually. Vincom says the mall’s design was influenced by “subterranean movements” and the blue waterfront.

    Also in Hanoi, Vincom Mega Mall Smart City will feature a design concept inspired by future technology trends. The new shopping centre will cover 68,000sqm and has a catchment of 1.8 million potential customers, primarily millennials.

    The third shopping centre, Vincom Mega Mall Grand Park, will open in District 9 of Ho Chi Minh City. The mall will occupy 48,000sqm of commercial space, over five floors and one basement level.

    Vincom Retail’s deputy director of sales and marketing, Tran Thu Hien, said there are four key elements the company believes will secure Vincom Mega Mall’s success: the product structure, customer base, tenancy partnerships and inspirational marketing.

    According to real estate company CBRE, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City will potentially become on the top three retail markets in Asia-Pacific.

    Lees ook:

  • Lenovo Experience Store opens in Singapore

    Lenovo Experience Store opens in Singapore

    Lenovo has opened an Experience Store opens at Singapore’s Funan mall, offering an online-to-offline experience.

    The 4500sqft store has dedicated areas for product showcases, workshops and pop-up events.

    “The opening of our new flagship store, together with the launch of the four new devices, embodies our Intelligent Transformation strategy to bring a new experience to our customers in Singapore,” said Eddie Ang, Lenovo Singapore’s country GM.

    “We hope this Lenovo Experience Store will be a platform, where we can continue to build meaningful relationships with our customers and provide them with new and engaging ways to experience our brand.”

    Smart Retail is applied by using solutions to track footfall analytics and optimization. The data captured can map areas frequented by customers and calculate the average amount of time spent at each. This can help in planning the positioning of store employees to provide assistance.

    In-store cameras and product webcams that capture facial expressions will help in understanding customer preferences and their reactions to the various products. Analyzing the data can also showcase demographic trends among customers and assist stores to push targeted content that is relevant.

    Self-service kiosks will be available in-store to drive automation and free up employees to provide personalized services, where required.

    Products are also tagged with radio-frequency identification tags, supplying store employees with inventory information right at their fingertips through their hand-held tablets.

    Lees ook:

  • New Milestone for Hong Kong as a Financial Center

    New Milestone for Hong Kong as a Financial Center

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has granted the first virtual banking licenses to three institutions. According to their business plans, these banks will launch their services within six to nine months.

    The three banks that received a license are Livi VB, SC Digital Solutions and ZhongAn Virtual Finance to operate in the form of a virtual bank. The granting of these banking licenses takes effect today, according to a media release on Wednesday.

    According to their business plans, these three newly licensed virtual banks intend to launch their services within 6 to 9 months. After the granting of the above banking licenses, the number of licensed banks in Hong Kong will be increased to 155.

    Reinforcing Hong Kong’s Position

    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) is making good progress in the processing of the remaining 5 virtual bank applications, according to further information.

    «It is a major milestone in reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a premier international financial center. I believe that virtual banks will not only help drive fintech and innovation but also bring about brand new customer experiences and further promote financial inclusion in Hong Kong», Norman T.L. Chan, CEO of the HKMA, said.

    Targeting the Retail Public and SMEs

    I believe that virtual banks will have to offer innovative and customer-centric services in order to attract customers. Moreover, in targeting the retail public and SMEs as their main client base, virtual banks should help promote financial inclusion in Hong Kong, he added.

    The U.K. market, where neobanks and digital-only challengers have been around for a while, shows there’s a big chance new players will grab a significant chunk of new financial services revenue in the near future in Hong Kong, but that doesn’t mean all is lost for traditional banks here, Fergus Gordon, a managing director at Accenture who leads its Banking practice in Asia Pacific and Africa, said.

    Some Consolidation Expected

    Virtual banks will need some years to establish themselves, then there will likely be some consolidation among some of the players, and in the meantime, traditional players should continue to rapidly reconfigure their branch networks to become more focused on experiences and use technology to make the transition from digital to physical and back much more seamless, he added.

    Lees ook:

  • Globe opens its first Esports Center

    Globe opens its first Esports Center

    The Philippines’ Globe Telecom has announced the launch of its first Esports Center, aimed at supporting various local esports communities.

    The Esports Center at Play Nation in the UP Town Center in Quezon City will offer various initiatives including esports competitions, as well as support helping gamers create live streaming content and interact with other members of different esports communities.

    Globe SVP and head of content business group Nikko Acosta said the facility will help Globe’s Games and Esports division achieve one of its key goals of strengthening support for esports in the Philippines in cooperation with various fan communities.

    “We want to bring together different communities of popular games like Arena of Valor, Rules of Survival, League of Legends, and Tekken – among others – in one venue to upgrade their knowledge and gauge their skill levels with others through peer learning of new strategies and techniques,” he said.

    “We are positioning esports as a real sport, to make a gamer into a real athlete harnessing both physical and mental attributes by playing it right,” Acosta added, mentioning the company’s #PlayItRight advocacy campaign, which seeks to emphasize the importance of discipline, nutrition, physical wellness, and cognitive development in esports.

  • Queenstown retail centre’s first stage complete

    Queenstown retail centre’s first stage complete

    The first stage of the NZ$130 million Five Mile Retail Centre development at the gateway to Queenstown has opened, after the site’s conversion from an abandoned construction project into a state-of-the-art shopping precinct.

    The 14,000sqm site is now home to retailers including Countdown, Briscoes Homeware, Rebel Sport, Warehouse Stationery, Number One Shoes, Supercheap Auto, and ANZ Bank.

    The complex will also eventually accommodate 800 carparks (including 250 underground) food operators, offices, serviced apartments and a child care centre.

    Australasian design firm The Buchan Group was appointed by Queenstown Gateway Ltd in 2012 to complete architecture, master planning, interior and graphics works for the project, located beside Queenstown Airport.

    The site had been home to a 2.4ha hole created from a construction project that was abandoned when the previous developer was placed into receivership in 2008.

    The Buchan Group Principal David Thornton said the first stage of the Five Mile Retail Centre had finally created an inviting gateway to Queenstown from the eastern approach through to Frankton.

    “Our vision was to design a development befitting the region that reflected the unique characteristics of the stunning surrounding vistas,” he said.

    “This meant not only designing a modern retail centre that was appealing to locals and visitors, but also one that was suitably striking for one of the best locations in the Frankton and Shotover region.

    “The buildings also frame view shafts to Double Cone, Peninsula Hill, Cecil peak and Walter Peak, ensuring the development highlights these natural assets.”

  • Cambodia to Build the World’s Tallest Twin Towers

    Cambodia to Build the World’s Tallest Twin Towers

    The world’s tallest twin towers will be built in Cambodia’s capital of Phnom Penh but doubts about the building’s commercial viability are casting a pall on its prospects this early in the game.

    The “Thai Boon Roong Twin Tower Trade Center” is being jointly developed by Cambodian firm, Thai Boon Roong and Chinese contractor, the Kia Nip Group.

    The mixed-used tower complex will be 560 meters high and include 133 floors. It will be worth over $1 billion. Thai Boon Roong Twin Trade Center will become Asia’s tallest tower, and a new icon for Phnom Penh, said the company.

    It will be located on the five-hectare Dream Land plot in the Tonle Bassac commune in Phnom Penh. It will feature a hotel, commercial office spaces, a cultural center, retail and shopping centers, entertainment facilities, residential areas, exhibition halls and a four-floor underground parking lot.

    A consortium led by Sino Great Wall International Engineering won a $2.7 billion contract last week to build Thai Boon Roong Twin Tower Trade Center. Sino Great Wall said construction is expected to take some 60 months.

    Sino Great Wall International Engineering is a leading Chinese property construction contractor and a subsidiary of Sino Great Wall.

    The project will begin once the consortium of Sino Great Wall International and another Chinese company, Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry, finalize the funding.

    The current tallest twin towers in the world are the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Petronas has 88 floors and is 452 meters high.

    Doubts over the financial future of the project stems from the Thai Boon Roong Group being owned by “trigger happy” Chinese-Khmer businessman Teng Bunma. The hot-headed Teng is notorious for pointing guns at his opponents during disputes.

    He’s also banned from entering the United States for being a suspected international drug smuggler.

    Thai Boon Roong also owns Cambodia’s tallest building (the 39-storey Vattanac Capital Building), which has had huge occupancy problems. Vattanac Capital had an occupancy rate of only 30 percent by mid-2016.

    The fortunes of this building do not bode well for the future of Asia’s tallest twin towers — which might well become a “White Elephant” — despite the rapid growth of office, retail and condominium projects in Phnom Penh.

    Lees ook: