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Tag: Living

  • India Boosts Renewable Energy with 22 GW Capacity Surge in First Half of 2023

    India Boosts Renewable Energy with 22 GW Capacity Surge in First Half of 2023

    India has achieved a remarkable milestone, adding 22 gigawatts (GW) to its renewable energy capacity in the first half of 2025—its highest six-month boost to date. According to an analysis by Rystad Energy, this represents a staggering 57% increase from the 14.2 GW installed during the same period last year. The latest expansion includes 18.4 GW of solar energy, 3.5 GW from wind, and 250 megawatts (MW) of bioenergy.

    Government Policies Drive Renewable Momentum

    The surge in renewable capacity is largely attributed to developers racing to capitalize on the government’s Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) charge waiver. This incentive starts with a 25% discount that will increase annually, fully implemented by June 2028, effectively slashing project costs and spurring immediate action among developers, according to Rystad.

    A Step Closer to Clean Energy Goals

    This rapid expansion brings India closer to its ambitious target of sourcing 50% of its installed power capacity from clean energy sources, now reaching a total of 234 GW. Nuclear power is also gaining traction, highlighted by the commissioning of Unit 7 at the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project and the recent approval for the country’s first small modular reactor, set to rise in Bihar. However, the journey forward isn’t all smooth sailing; reliance on coal remains a significant hurdle, and the safety, cost, and waste management debates surrounding nuclear energy persist.

    Battery Energy Storage: An Integral Component

    In another notable advance, India has allocated 5.4 GW of collocated solar-battery energy storage systems (BESS) and 2.2 GW of standalone BESS to developers, marking its highest capacity allocation to date. Major players like Jindal Group secured 990 MW of collocated solar and BESS capacity, while NTPC and ReNew both captured 900 MW in the same area. In the standalone BESS sector, JSW Energy was granted 625 MW, and Reliance Power achieved 525 MW of collocated capacity.

    The Leaders of Renewable Capacity in India

    Geographically, India’s western states are leading the renewable energy charge, with Rajasthan topping the list at 37.4 GW of installed capacity, closely followed by Gujarat at 35.5 GW, and Tamil Nadu with over 20 GW. As India gears up to transform its energy landscape, it appears that the sun is shining ever brighter on its renewable aspirations.

    Questions & Answers

    What has driven India’s recent surge in renewable energy capacity?
    The surge is primarily due to developers moving quickly to take advantage of the government’s Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) charge waiver, which significantly reduces project costs and incentivizes timely action.

    How much renewable energy capacity has India installed recently?
    In the first half of 2025, India added 22 GW of renewable energy, marking a 57% increase from the previous year, with a strong emphasis on solar energy.

    What role does nuclear power play in India’s energy strategy?
    Nuclear power is increasingly being integrated into India’s energy mix, highlighted by the commissioning of new facilities; however, it faces ongoing debates about cost, safety, and waste management.

  • Singapore Surpasses Hong Kong and London as the Globe’s Most Expensive City for the Affluent

    Singapore Surpasses Hong Kong and London as the Globe’s Most Expensive City for the Affluent

    Singapore is making waves in the luxury market, clinching the top spot for the highest prices in cars and women’s handbags, along with strong performances in women’s shoes and property costs, according to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2025 released by Swiss bank Julius Baer last Thursday. The city-state ranked second for women’s shoes and third for residential property and healthcare costs.

    The report highlighted significant price hikes in business-class airfares, which soared by 17% year-on-year. Additionally, the costs of bicycles and private school fees rose by 15.6% and 12.1%, respectively, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Despite these increases, Singapore remains an attractive destination for global businesses and high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), defined as those with bankable household assets of at least US$1 million.

    “Given the unpredictable nature of the world today, Singapore is valued for its stability, security, and connectivity to Asia and beyond,” the report noted, showcasing why the city continues to draw interest from affluent expatriates and investors alike.

    To compile its rankings, Julius Baer examined a selection of 20 luxury goods and services across 25 cities globally, with an eye on the discretionary spending habits of HNWIs. These items include the likes of cars, watches, and handbags, along with essential services such as healthcare and private education, according to Bloomberg.

    A survey conducted among HNWIs between February and March 2025 further enriched the findings, shedding light on their spending habits and lifestyle preferences.

    Following Singapore, London secured the second position, while Hong Kong slipped to third, trading places from last year’s report. Hong Kong reported the highest legal fees among those considered, while London emerged as the priciest city for LASIK eye surgery, private schooling, and MBA programs.

    On a global scale, the luxury living index experienced a 2% decline over the last year in U.S. dollar terms, marking a shift from a 4% increase in 2024 and a 6% spike in 2023. This notable downturn can be attributed to a waning demand for luxury goods as consumers pivot their spending from material possessions to experiential pursuits, the report explained. In a world where the unexpected can make or break your financial plans, it seems luxury shoppers are deciding that a trip to Bali might be more worthwhile than that diamond-encrusted watch after all.

    In the Asia-Pacific region, HNWIs encountered more pronounced hikes in lifestyle expenses compared to their global counterparts. The region set the pace for price increases in women’s luxury apparel, upscale hotels, and gourmet dining options, as reported by the Business Times. Business-class airfares and luxury watches saw some of the steepest rises, increasing by 12.6% and 9% respectively.

    Questions & Answers

    What factors contribute to Singapore’s ranking in luxury prices?
    Singapore tops the list for the prices of cars and handbags, while also performing well in residential property and healthcare costs, driven by its appeal to high-net-worth individuals looking for stability and security.

    How do luxury living costs in Singapore compare to trends globally?
    While luxury living costs globally dipped by 2% over the past year, Singapore experienced significant price increases, indicating a divergence in consumer behavior and market dynamics in the region.

    What insights were gained from the survey of high-net-worth individuals?
    The survey provided valuable insights into HNWIs’ shifting spending habits, revealing a trend toward prioritizing experiences over material luxury items as personal financial circumstances evolve.

  • Sydney Set for a Housing Surge: 2,554 New Apartments to be Completed by 2025

    Sydney Set for a Housing Surge: 2,554 New Apartments to be Completed by 2025

    The apartment market in Sydney’s inner precincts is undergoing a notable slowdown in completions, according to a recent report from JLL. A total of 804 apartments have been completed in the first quarter of this year, and projections indicate that 1,750 more apartments are under construction, scheduled for completion in 2025. If all these projects meet their deadlines, the total number of apartment completions for 2025 could reach 2,554, reflecting a 13% decline compared to 2024 levels.

    Amid these figures, some positive trends emerge. Sydney’s apartment market is experiencing an upward trajectory in both capital values and rental prices. The median unit price has surged by 2.6% year-on-year, now standing at AUD 799,990. Similarly, rents for two-bedroom units have jumped 7.7%, reaching AUD 700 per week. One might say the rental market is dancing to a lively tune, driven by formidable demand and limited supply.

    This strong performance in rents mirrors the pressing demand and constricted supply dynamics within the rental market. However, even with low vacancy rates, affordability challenges are starting to dampen the pace of rent increases.

    Looking ahead, the interplay of supply constraints and growing demand is poised to continue influencing both rents and property prices. Nevertheless, the persistent affordability issues prevalent in capital cities—where soaring detached house prices are beyond the reach of many—are likely to redirect demand toward more affordable housing options. As potential buyers seek lower entry points for homeownership, units may see their rents and prices rise at a pace that moderately outstrips that of detached houses.

    In the ever-evolving landscape of Sydney’s real estate, the struggle between affordability and demand unfolds, painting an intricate picture that both investors and residents must navigate.

    Questions & Answers

    What trends are emerging in Sydney’s apartment market?
    Sydney’s apartment market is witnessing an increase in both capital values and rental prices, with a median unit price of AUD 799,990 and a rise in two-bedroom rents to AUD 700 per week.

    How does the current completion rate compare to last year?
    The completion rate for apartments this year is projected to decline by 13% compared to the previous year, with 2,554 units expected to be completed if current projects stay on track.

    What factors are influencing the rental market in Sydney?
    The rental market is being influenced by strong demand and limited supply, though affordability constraints are starting to limit the pace of rent increases despite low vacancy rates.

  • Huawei Unveils Revolutionary AI Home Solutions at MWC Shanghai 2025: A New Era of Smart Living!

    Huawei Unveils Revolutionary AI Home Solutions at MWC Shanghai 2025: A New Era of Smart Living!

    At the recent MWC Shanghai 2025, Huawei unveiled its latest innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) for home systems, capturing the attention of industry leaders and tech enthusiasts alike. In a world increasingly shaped by digital interactions, Huawei emphasized the critical role of cloud and network collaboration, now elevated to include AI as an integral component in their deployment strategies.

    Redefining User Interaction with AI

    Huawei’s approach to AI-equipped home systems goes beyond mere interpretation; it centers on cultivating a nuanced understanding of individual users. The company aims to craft distinctive profiles that cater to the preferences of each household member. By recognizing vocal tones and tracking habits, Huawei’s AI systems can seamlessly integrate into daily lifestyles—a book lover doesn’t seek out the same recommendations as a movie buff, after all.

    While many operators endeavor to build proprietary cloud platforms, Huawei argues that true progress lies in collaboration with third-party cloud operating systems and external applications. Such cooperation is vital to ensure that AI home assistants are not just standalone entities but can interact with various external agents to provide optimal convenience.

    The ambition is to develop sophisticated level-three and level-four applications that enable cross-application collaboration. Huawei is leading this charge with the AI Home Hub, where an integrated AI agent operates directly on the device. A recent example of this is the Unibox TongTong from China Unicom, which utilizes in-app collaboration to streamline ride-hailing through AI Home Apps.

    Seamless Connectivity for Smart Homes

    In the quest for smarter living, fiber-to-the-room (FTTR) technology stands as a cornerstone for connecting diverse IoT devices—ranging from cameras to fridges—within homes, all while avoiding the chaos of multiple applications. Huawei’s AI Home Hub acts as a unifying system designed with user experience in mind.

    To accommodate the vast amount of data generated by these devices—terabytes containing movies, applications, and personal records—homes will require significant storage capability. This demands a massive volume of data points to train AI assistants effectively. Major telecom operators in China are stepping up, establishing AI-centric data centers equipped to handle this surge in demand.

    As internet speed plays a pivotal role in this evolution, broadband packages now typically provide speeds between 100 Mbps to 1,000 Mbps (or 1 Gbps), with entry-level options starting around 300 Mbps. Nonetheless, to power the next wave of interactive, AI-driven applications, networks must scale up to thousands of Mbps. Huawei suggests using shallow compression to enhance service quality, balancing bandwidth needs against latency concerns without introducing pricey hardware solutions.

    This remarkable connectivity wouldn’t flourish without support from China’s leading telecom giants—China Telecom, China Unicom, and China Mobile—whose extensive integration of fixed and mobile networks is reshaping user expectations.

    With multiplying use cases, including 2D/3D entertainment and versatile video streaming options, retaining subscribers hinges on developing an “open Harmony ecosystem” for diverse IoT appliances. HarmonyOS, Huawei’s next-generation platform, promises an improved connection across a myriad of smart devices, enhancing inter-device collaboration.

    Smart Living Made Easy

    Huawei’s AI Home system is more than just tech; it’s a glimpse into a smarter future. Take Sarah, the virtual personal assistant, who can intelligently schedule tasks and suggest meals based on a user’s fridge content. If the whole house isn’t interconnected, how effective can such innovations be?

    China Unicom’s AI assistant, designed for home use, dons a versatile skill set with 16 functions, including home security and exercise tracking—all controllable through voice commands. Even children can request suitable movie options, while the system taps into third-party content to streamline user experiences, proving that tech is truly for everyone.

    Moreover, built-in AI trainers can assess performance during workouts or yoga sessions and even serve as a personal tutor, enhancing educational journeys tailored to individual learning styles. The innovative 3D-Optical Sensing solution can also keep an eye on the elderly, achieving a remarkable recognition rate of 90% for monitoring movement.

    For telecom operators, the future here is lucrative as monetization extends beyond mere connectivity to encompass encompassing AI solutions. Huawei’s framework—integrating cloud, AI, network, and device capabilities—provides operators with the tools to deploy their own AI agents, reinforcing the necessity for complete connectivity in today’s ever-evolving scenarios. Together, they are shaping a smooth, intelligent “smart life” for consumers in Asia and beyond.

    Questions & Answers

    How does Huawei’s AI Home system enhance user experience?
    The AI Home system creates tailored user profiles through voice recognition and habit tracking, providing personalized recommendations and seamless integration across different household needs.

    What role does speed play in the effectiveness of smart home applications?
    As the complexity of smart applications increases, higher broadband speeds (up to 5,000 Mbps) become essential to minimize latency and support real-time, interactive functions.

    How are telecom operators adapting to the rise of AI-driven home solutions?
    Operators are establishing AI-focused data centers and adopting advanced connectivity solutions to enable large-scale deployment of AI technologies, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.

  • Unlocking Opportunities: Countries Welcoming Vietnamese Graduates for Work Experience Abroad

    Unlocking Opportunities: Countries Welcoming Vietnamese Graduates for Work Experience Abroad

    Across the globe, countries recognize the importance of attracting international talent, especially in sectors like science and technology. While many offer opportunities for post-graduate work permits, specific requirements often loom—those related to age or the institution from which applicants graduated.

    Asian Countries Leading the Charge

    In a strategic move to enhance its appeal, Malaysia’s Education Malaysia Global Services recently included Vietnam and several Southeast Asian nations in the Graduate Pass program, which allows a one-year stay for graduates. Unveiled in late 2023, this initiative is a cornerstone of Malaysia’s visa liberalization plan aimed at drawing in tourists and savvy international students alike.

    Thailand is not one to be outdone; the country launched the Non-ED Plus visa in late 2024. This exciting new addition permits international students at the bachelor’s level or higher to linger for an extra year post-graduation to hunt for work, according to the Office of the Prime Minister.

    Singapore offers a more flexible approach. Here, students can apply for either a work holiday pass or an internship work permit through the Ministry of Manpower, allowing them to extend their stay for six months.

    Meanwhile, in South Korea, the Ministry of Justice has hatched fresh policies to reel in talent. As of late 2024, the duration of the job-seeking visa (D-10-1) has been expanded by an additional year, meaning many can now stay for up to three years. Students can also enjoy an extended internship period of up to one year — a real boon for those eager to get their feet wet!

    However, aspiring job seekers in popular study hotspots like China and Japan may find the waters murkier. As reported by Thanh Nien newspaper, Japan’s policies are restrictive. Graduates without a job offer must switch to another visa category, securing a maximum stay of 12 months and a recommendation from their institution to continue the job hunt.

    The United States Offers Hope

    In the U.S., the Optional Practical Training program comes as a lifeline, allowing students to work for one year in jobs directly related to their field of study. For STEM graduates, this can be extended by two additional years, offering a taste of American work culture.

    International students with an F-1 visa can apply for this program up to a year before graduation. However, navigating the process can be tricky, as employers must file the necessary paperwork for the visa, which could prove challenging for those lacking strong professional networks.

    Australia and New Zealand: Expanding Horizons

    In Australia, the ground is fertile for Vietnamese students wishing to work post-graduation. With two streams available—post-vocational education work and post-higher education work—students can stay and work for 18 months to three years. But be aware: tightening regulations mean that doctoral graduates have to settle for a three-year limit, while applied master’s graduates can stay for two years.

    Over in New Zealand, students have the golden opportunity to apply for a Post-Study Work visa, which lets them work for up to three years after their studies.

    The United Kingdom and Europe: The Quest for Opportunity

    British students from Vietnam are eyeing the Graduate Route visa, permitting a stay of two to three years post-graduation. However, brace yourselves! The U.K. government has proposed knocking this down to 18 months, pending parliamentary approval—a potential twist in the tale.

    In Germany, students can extend their residence permits for up to 18 months following graduation, supported by an open job policy. German universities encourage graduates to explore various employment opportunities, regardless of whether they align with their field of study.

    Last but not least, in Canada, Vietnamese graduates are eligible for a Post-Graduation Work Permit of up to three years, with specific conditions for vocational program graduates that require them to secure roles in one of the 989 long-term in-demand occupations. New regulations now also require proof of English or French proficiency, adding another layer to the application process.

    With such diverse approaches to post-graduate work permits, the global landscape for international students remains vibrant and full of possibilities—for those willing to navigate the complexities. After all, who knows what adventures await just around the corner?

    Questions & Answers

    What is the Graduate Pass program in Malaysia?
    The Graduate Pass program allows international students, including those from Vietnam, to stay in Malaysia for up to one year post-graduation, aimed at enhancing the country’s appeal to global talent.

    How does the U.S. Optional Practical Training work for international students?
    The Optional Practical Training program permits international students on F-1 visas to work for one year in their field of study, with potential extensions for STEM graduates, allowing for a total of three years of work.

    What are the post-graduation work opportunities like in Australia for Vietnamese students?
    Australian Vietnamese graduates can choose from two streams of post-graduation work visas, which range from 18 months to three years, although stricter regulations have recently been introduced.

  • Singapore Overtakes Japan as Asia’s Richest Market

    Singapore Overtakes Japan as Asia’s Richest Market

    While Singapore’s net financial assets per capital grew 4.4 percent year-on-year, global economic instability and trade wars are weighing heavily on the global middle class, according to Allianz’s new Global Wealth Report.

    With net financial assets per capita of €100,370 ($110,201), Singapore has taken the crown from Japan as the richest country/region in Asia, ranking third globally after the United States and Switzerland, according to the 10th edition of the «Global Wealth Report,» published last week by German financial services company Allianz.

    Financial assets in both industrial and emerging economies both fell together for the first time in 2018, while the gross financial assets of Asian households (ex-Japan) fell 0.9 percent during the year – the first decline since the global financial crisis a decade ago, the report, which looks at the asset and debt situation of households in more than 50 countries and regions, said.

    Global equity prices fell by 12 percent in 2018, which directly affected asset growth – the global gross financial assets of private households fell by 0.1 percent, to €172.5 trillion. The publication attributed this decline to increasing geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in international trade.

    The dismantling of the rule-based global economic order is poisonous for wealth accumulation. The numbers for asset growth also make it evident: Trade is a no zero-sum game. Either all are on the winning side – as in the past – or all are on the losing side – as happened last year, Michael Heise, chief economist of Allianz Group, said.

    The size of the global middle class, at 1,040 million people, remained relatively similar to the year before. This is the first time in over a decade that this demographic did not grow, Allianz said, attributing it to shrinking assets in China.

    However, report co-author Arne Holzhausen, Allianz head of insurance and wealth markets, said «There are still plenty of opportunities for global prosperity,» noting that if countries with large populations like Brazil, Russia and India had better wealth distribution, the global middle class could grow by 350 million

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  • Indian lingerie Clovia eyes international expansion over 5 years

    Indian lingerie Clovia eyes international expansion over 5 years

    Founder and Director, Neha Kant, says that apart from the 10 EBOs in Delhi, the brand has 2 EBOs in Gujarat and 1 in West Bengal. The average size of a Clovia store is between 275 and 400 sq. ft. “Aside from this, we are also present in 50+ shop-in-shops in these three states in India.” “We have also introduced a new distribution model – Clovia Partnership Program. Under this program, we invite women around the country to educate other women about sizing and fits and run their enterprise by selling Clovia products from the comfort of their home. At present, we have around 3,000 members on board,” she adds.

    Operating Model

    The lingerie brand sells through direct sales channels including exclusive brand e-store, partner websites like Myntra, Jabong, Flipkart and Amazon among others and also through offline retail outlets.

    “As a brand we want to be present at every customer touch point and offline was a natural progression for us. The intent was to make product touch-points that can be brand builders and self-sustaining at the same time. While online continues to grow profitably, offline helped us capture a completely complementary user base, while continuing to build the brand,” asserts Kant.

    “Our Noida office is also the central design hub. Designs and raw materials are shipped out to exclusive third party manufacturing units which have been incubated by us and work exclusively with us. Our skillful use of technology helps us ensure the industry’s most efficient mind-to-market and extremely tight inventory management. On the online front, we’ve innovated to deliver some of the best sales conversion rates. These innovations have ensured the company is operationally profitable since inception,” she adds.

    TG & Product Portfolio

    The brand’s target audience includes working women between the ages of 25-35 years and young girls aged between 18 to 24 who are either in college or have just entered the workforce.

    The brand designs, manufactures and sells premium fashion lingerie, innerwear, nightwear and shapewear. Tier II and III contribute to over 60 percent of Clovia’s orders.

    “Clovia has redefined the lingerie market by going beyond standard fits, colours and sizes. We offer customers a wide variety of choices in ‘everyday essentials’, along with ‘fashion solutions’ keeping up with customer’s evolving wardrobes,” says Kant.

    “As a brand which lives on feedback, and iterates its entire portfolio basis that, we are focused on a few major categories for now and have been slowly expanding our category focus. Clovia, started predominantly as a ‘bra & brief’ brand which extended into nightwear, shapewear and loungewear with time and demand. Within the categories, we’ve identified a lot of verticals for example: in bras, we have ranges for beginners and nursing mothers, as well as sizes till 44F. We launch 200+ new options including colours and prints per month across women’s bras, briefs, nightwear, shapewear, lounge wear, resort wear, swim wear, leisure wear and active wear categories,” she explains.

    The brand, which produces all its products in India, offers 2,000+ plus styles across categories.

    Supply Chain & Production Capacity

    Clovia is a full stack lingerie brand that controls every part of its supply chain from mind-to-wardrobe.

    “We procure raw material, design in-house, manufacture in third-party facilities working exclusively for us, ensure our own 4-level quality control and sell through a host of direct sale channels. Every product we create is first made in small quantities, monitored via state-of-the-art backend technology, which predicts future sales (based on sales patterns and customer feedback) and recommends what further quantities should be produced,” states Kant.

    At the moment, the brand is manufacturing almost a million units per month and ship close to 2 million units in a quarter.

    “We deliver pan India across 970 cities and to over 13,000 pin codes,” she says, adding, “Clovia has an established operating infrastructure with a 30,000 sq. ft. capacity warehouse and a wide distribution network with logistic partners pan India.”

    A Technology Forward Company

    Clovia uses smart technology and big data analytics for smart management of inventory ensuring that they have a highly consumer-relevant range all times with high sell-through rates resulting in industry best inventory holding.

    “We have set up a unique distribution system (both online and offline) which is based on direct interaction with customers, getting their direct feedback and using the same in planning the next product range. Big data played a big role here and this led to an extremely strong connect with our customers, leading to creation of a brand on the back of experience and not pure-play marketing,” she says.

    “We use smart technology and big data analytics to plan consumptions and purchase patterns. We stock the maximum number of SKUs in the industry with minimum inventory holding. Also, using technology for geographical understanding of tastes, we’re bringing structure to a traditionally unorganised market,” she further states.

    Future Plans

    The lingerie brand is expanding both in the online and the offline space with equal vigour. The brand is putting in the effort to understand audiences and nuances of each channel to ensure a true Omnichannel experience for customers and sellers. This is the key focus for Clovia over the next five to six quarters.

    “We have been operationally profitable,” she says.

    The brand currently generates around 15 percent of its revenue from offline channels and expects the revenue to witness a 50 percent growth in the current financial year.

    “Clovia gets over 55 percent of its total online sales through its own website which will maintain its share. The rest comes from online marketplaces such as Amazon,” Kant concludes.

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  • Thailand to lift 53-year ban on afternoon alcohol sales

    Thailand to lift 53-year ban on afternoon alcohol sales

    Thailand is set to ease its restrictions on alcohol sales and advertising in an effort to support the beverage industry and boost tourism.

    Lawmakers of the House of Representatives on Wednesday voted to approve an amended alcohol control bill, though it still requires Senate approval to become law.

    The bill is set to repeal a 1972 military decree that prohibits alcohol sales before 11 a.m. and between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m

    The new regulations will also ease advertising advertising restrictions, permitting the promotion of alcoholic beverages.

    Current laws prohibit displaying the names, trademarks, or images of alcoholic products for promotional purposes.

    Lawmaker Chanin Rungtanakiat, a deputy head of the house committee overseeing the Bill, stated that the amendments aim to reduce “unreasonable control” to encourage economic growth.

    These relaxed regulations follow a broader trend of loosening control over Thailand’s alcohol market, which has historically been dominated by a duopoly of Singapore-listed Thai Beverage Pcl and Boon Rawd Brewery Co.

    Earlier in 2025, legislation was passed to support liquor production by microbreweries and small distilleries.

    Thailand is implementing various measures to enhance its appeal as a key tourist destination. It is the only Asian country with legal marijuana and is also planning to legalize casinos.

    Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra announced in February that the government would review several alcohol-related restrictions that could impact tourism, such as the prohibition on alcohol sales on Buddhist holy days and through online platforms.

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  • Singapore raises alarm over speeding violations

    Singapore raises alarm over speeding violations

    Singapore will impose stricter penalties for speeding from next year, following a sharp rise in road accidents, fatalities, and violations over the past years.

    Singapore’s Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam said on Feb. 15 that the number of road accidents in the country has increased “very significantly” since 2020.

    In 2024, there were nearly 7,200 accidents with 142 fatalities, while the number of speed-related fatal incidents shot up by almost 44% from 2023, to 46.

    The number of speeding violations detected – 192,000 – was also the highest in the past decade, Shanmugam noted.

    While the Traffic Police have stepped up enforcement, such as activating the speed enforcement function in red-light cameras, he said more needs to be done to change or shape behavior.

    To address this issue, the Singapore Road Safety Council (SRSC) is collaborating with various stakeholders to develop public education initiatives aimed at promoting road safety awareness, including the use of social media to reinforce safe driving habits.

    Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the demerit points and total penalties for speeding violations in Singapore will be increased.

    Singaporean authorities will provide further details on the new penalties in due course.

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  • IT salaries for managers economy-leading in 2024

    IT salaries for managers economy-leading in 2024

    IT managers in Vietnam earn a median salary of VND52 million (US$2,048), the highest in any sector, while pay for employees with less than a year’s experience has declined.

    Recruitment platform TopCV released its 2024 annual labor market report, highlighting that while demand in the IT industry shows “signs of slowing,” it remains a critical sector and with a talent shortage offering significantly higher salaries than others.

    The report, based on a survey of 3,000 businesses and workers and analyses of 300,000 job postings as of late October, revealed a 1% drop in demand for IT professionals from last year. But experienced and highly skilled candidates remained highly sought after.

    This trend was reflected in salaries. Employees with less than one year of experience earned a median salary of VND11 million, down from VND15 million in 2023, while team leaders and those with four or more years of experience earned VND35 million. For managers and department heads, salaries surged to VND52 million, a nearly 30% increase.

    The salary figures are based on median values, which represent the midpoint in a range and offer a clearer picture than averages when salaries vary significantly.

    The IT and software industry reclaimed the top spot in this year’s salary rankings. In 2023 the insurance industry had led with a median managerial salary of VND50 million, VND10 million higher than in the IT industry. This year managerial salaries in most other sectors were VND26-39 million, significantly lower than in IT.

    But despite the high salaries, TopCV noted, there were challenges in the IT recruitment market primarily due to the limited candidate pool. Around 55% of surveyed businesses reported a shortage of highly skilled professionals, while 49.7% expressed readiness for intense talent competition and willingness to offer attractive benefits to secure top employees.

    On the employee side, “job-hopping” remains prevalent, with 34.1% of IT workers citing lower pay compared to competitors as the main reason for leaving. Another 29.5% pointed to a lack of career advancement opportunities, and 19.5% said their values no longer aligned with those of the company leadership.

    But the report found that “changing jobs no longer guarantees higher income for IT professionals,” with fewer than 10% reporting salary increases of 3-5% after switching roles. Job seekers also faced new challenges like requirements to know a second language, multitask and acquire new skill sets.

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  • Thailand’s average employee salary to grow 5% in 2025

    Thailand’s average employee salary to grow 5% in 2025

    Thai employees’ average salary is expected to rise by 5% in 2025, maintaining the same growth rate as this year, according to a recent survey.

    Key factors that affect salary hikes are performances of individuals and organizations, salary range and the organization’s competitiveness in the job market, the Total Remuneration Survey 2024 by professional services company Mercer shows.

    Some 91% of the organizations polled reported having short-term incentive plans such as bonuses, said the survey, which was cited by The Bangkok Post.

    The ratio of businesses offering long-term incentives (such as stock options) grew by 1.8 percentage points to 80.7% this year.

    The auto industry is expected to award its employees with the highest short-term incentives which accounts for 23% of total remuneration packages.

    The highest paying sector is the life sciences industry which compensates 20% more than the average for annual base salaries.

    “The average salary increase of 5% in 2025 reflects an ongoing commitment by Thai organisations to invest in their workforces,” said Thira Laulathaphol, career principal at Mercer’s Thailand, as reported by The Nation.

    “With 100% of surveyed companies planning salary increases, it is clear that Thailand has a competitive job market.”

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  • Vietnam IT graduates face unreasonable job experience requirements

    Vietnam IT graduates face unreasonable job experience requirements

    Many companies demand prior experience from their recruits but fail to provide opportunities for newcomers to gain it—creating a vicious cycle that exacerbates recruitment challenges.

    Vietnam produces a significant number of IT graduates annually, along with professionals from other fields transitioning into IT through short-term courses or training centers. Despite this, tech companies often face manpower shortages because they prioritize hiring experienced professionals and dismiss fresh graduates who fail to meet stringent requirements.

    Highlighting this paradox, a reader named Hanuan commented: “Every company demands employees with experience, expertise, and compatibility with their work culture, yet they offer very low salaries. Where does that leave fresh graduates? For someone to gain experience, companies must provide opportunities. Without offering jobs, how do they expect these graduates to acquire the required experience?

    “This approach complicates recruitment as the high standards are nearly impossible to meet. Meanwhile, the experienced professionals they prefer often pursue their own career paths, leaving businesses passively reliant on a limited talent pool.”

    Another reader, Hai Nam Trinh, described the situation as increasingly unreasonable: “How do employers define ‘skilled workers’? Do they expect candidates to master all programming languages, networks, and systems? How many people in Vietnam actually fit that description? Such expectations are unrealistic for fresh graduates. If someone does meet these demands, companies then brand them as overconfident for asking for higher salaries.

    “This year, with fewer job openings and employers holding all the cards, workers have little choice but to accept unfair conditions.”

    Similarly, reader Thainv said: “The truth is that companies today set the bar too high. My company only hires senior or mid-level staff. Applicants must demonstrate strong English proficiency, evidenced by a TOEIC score of at least 700 or being able to hold basic English conversations. They also need solid technical expertise, a strong foundation, and advanced skills. For senior roles, candidates must additionally be equipped with management and operational skills, akin to a project manager. Realistically, how many people with 3-4 years of experience meet all these criteria?”

    Reader Minhtrungpham echoed these concerns: “Companies now mainly seek technical staff with at least one year of experience. How can fresh graduates meet this requirement? IT is a field that relies heavily on self-learning and mentorship from senior colleagues when challenges arise. Businesses could assign senior staff to guide newcomers. Implementing such a system could partially alleviate the shortage of IT professionals while also creating more job opportunities. However, if companies insist on requiring specific years of experience, this issue will persist indefinitely.”

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  • South Korean doctors eye move to Vietnam

    South Korean doctors eye move to Vietnam

    Many South Korean doctors in various specializations, unhappy with working conditions back home, have been applying for jobs in Vietnam this year.

    More than 30 of them took a health test late last month and are now preparing for an English exam to be held at the HCMC University of Medicine & Pharmacy within two months. Foreign doctors from nations with advanced healthcare systems are not required to pass local qualification exams to work in Vietnam, but need to furnish the professional licenses issued in their home countries and undergo a health check and an English test.

    A representative of a company that helps translate and notarize documents for foreign doctors said many South Korean cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, dentists, and emergency medicine specialists are interested in working in Vietnam.

    Many are looking for career opportunities in Vietnam this year, unhappy with the working conditions at private clinics in their country and enticed by those available in the latter nation.

    A private medical facility in Hanoi offers a 44-hour work week, a monthly salary of 30 million won (US$22,000) and $800 in housing assistance to South Korean doctors.

    In South Korea, doctors have been at odds with the government over a plan to boost medical school admissions by 2,000 per year.

    Some 12,000 trainee doctors walked out in February to protest the change, resulting in widespread cancellations of surgeries and other essential treatments.

    The government has since made several attempts to alleviate the pressures on the country’s medical system. The strike is ongoing.

    The number of emergency room doctors has declined by 42% at hospitals across the nation, with seven of them contemplating partial closure of emergency rooms, Yonhap News Agency reported last month, citing a medical professors association.

  • You could soon be able to listen to your Spotify music via Gemini

    You could soon be able to listen to your Spotify music via Gemini

    Spotify users may soon be able to control their music and podcasts directly through Google’s Gemini chatbot. An early look into the Google app’s code revealed a Spotify extension being developed for Gemini. This means you may be able to play music and podcasts from Spotify without leaving the Gemini interface.

    A test run of the feature was successful, playing a song via Spotify through Gemini. Interestingly, even though YouTube Music is Google’s own music platform, Gemini showed a YouTube Music card before the song actually played from Spotify. It seems the integration will even allow background playback, letting you enjoy your Spotify tunes without opening the Spotify app itself.

    This is good news for the many Spotify users. If you want a music streaming service that works seamlessly with Gemini, you may not have to switch to YouTube Music.

    This discovery is part of a larger trend. There are hints in the Google app’s code that suggest more Gemini extensions are in the pipeline. These include potential integrations with Google Home, the Phone app, and Utilities. This suggests Google is working on making Gemini more useful by connecting it with a wider range of apps and services.

    Here’s a summary of the potential Spotify extension’s features based on what has been observed so far:

    • Control Spotify music and podcasts through Gemini.
    • Play Spotify content without opening the Spotify app.
    • Background playback support.

    We don’t know yet if the integration will allow users to create playlists, search for specific songs or artists, or control playback speed. We also don’t know how the extension will handle offline listening, or whether it will be available on all Spotify plans.

    While these features are promising, it’s important to remember that they are still in development. We’ll have to wait for an official release to see exactly how the Spotify extension works and what features it will offer.

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  • Gasoline hits 5-week low

    Gasoline hits 5-week low

    Gasoline prices on Thursday fell to the lowest since June 20 in its third consecutive week of decline.

    The popular fuel RON95 dropped 1.25% to VND22,880 ($0.90) per liter.

    Biofuel E5 RON92 declined by 1.22% to VND21,900.

    Diesel fell 1.51% to VND20,190.

    Globally fuel prices in the last seven days were affected by expectations of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, a stronger U.S. dollar, and declining oil demand in China compared to last year, according to regulators.

    Gasoline fell by 1.6-1.7% globally and oil dropped 1.8-3% in the period. RON95 is now at $95.6 per barrel and diesel at $97.5.

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