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Tag: Thriving

  • Thriving Live Commerce: TikTok Boosts Thai Durian Sales by Tenfold

    Thriving Live Commerce: TikTok Boosts Thai Durian Sales by Tenfold

    In a collaborative effort, TikTok and Thailand’s Department of Internal Trade have drastically elevated durian sales on TikTok Shop, underscoring live commerce as a significant conduit for Thai agricultural commodities. The initiative led to a tenfold surge in durian sales, facilitated by more than 89,000 live durian broadcasts on the platform in the past quarter. Remarkably, a new live session was initiated approximately every 90 seconds, lasting an average of 118 minutes.

    During the apex of the durian harvest season, the gross merchandise value for the fruit surged by a factor of 10.6 in comparison to the average weekly sales recorded prior to the campaign. A key contributor to the success of this venture has been TikTok’s creator ecosystem. Over 1.8 million creators generate content that correlates with products available on TikTok Shop.

    Engaging Farmers and Influencers

    Content creators aren’t the only ones to credit for the success of this fruitful venture; farmers and local influencers have also climbed aboard the bandwagon. By actively promoting their produce through live streams, they’ve facilitated consumer discovery of agricultural products. The campaign has effectively doubled the number of fruit purchasers on TikTok Shop, year on year. Furthermore, total fruit orders have seen an impressive 134% increase in the first half of 2026.

    Notably, almost half of the consumers who bought durian via the platform returned for another purchase within the same season. This indicates a trend of stronger repeat-buying behavior among online shoppers.

    Looking Beyond Durian

    Yanee Srimanee, the Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, anticipates that Thailand will produce approximately 2.07 million metric tons of durian this year. The majority (70%) of this yield is slated for export, with the remaining being distributed in the domestic market.

    The department aims to bolster domestic consumption and sees the collaboration between public and private sectors as a key strategy in connecting farmers with consumers. TikTok Shop has been a crucial tool in enhancing digital skills and creating new avenues for agricultural products to reach online markets.

    Chanida Klyphun, TikTok’s Director of Public Policy for Southeast Asia, characterized the departmental partnership as a crucial step towards broadening Thai farmers’ entry into the digital economy. This includes skill development and the adoption of live commerce as a sales strategy.

    As the eastern Thailand durian season wraps up, TikTok and the department have plans to continue supporting durian sales from the southern region of the country. The collaboration also aims to expand the program to other agricultural products and farming communities and to leverage content, creators, and e-commerce to widen market opportunities.

    Questions & Answers

    What has been the impact of the TikTok and Department of Internal Trade initiative on durian sales?
    The collaboration led to a tenfold increase in durian sales on TikTok Shop, with over 89,000 live durian broadcasts in the past quarter.

    What strategies were key to the success of the campaign?
    The success of the initiative can be attributed to the active participation of content creators, farmers, and influencers, and a strong emphasis on live commerce.

    What are the future plans of this collaboration?
    The partnership plans to continue supporting durian sales in the southern region of Thailand and aims to expand the program to other agricultural commodities and farming communities.

  • Thriving Puppy Preschools: Chinas New Trend in Pet Pampering

    Thriving Puppy Preschools: Chinas New Trend in Pet Pampering

    In the bustling city of Shanghai, a unique business model is quickly gaining popularity. Paw, a self-proclaimed preschool for dogs, is leveraging a new trend among Chinese millennials who are increasingly viewing their pets as family members and investing more in their care and wellbeing.

    A Day at Paw

    Pets start arriving at Paw by 9 a.m. daily. Unlike traditional dog daycares where focus is put primarily on training or age-specific activities, Paw provides a varied schedule of activities suited to each dog’s needs and interests. The daily routine includes interactive games, challenges on obstacle courses, and even leisurely strolls on specially designed dog treadmills. The pups are also treated to freshly made snacks and calming nap times accompanied by soothing classical music played by a pianist. Pet owners can rest assured knowing their beloved companions are well taken care of and can pick them up at around 7 p.m.

    Qian Yi, a regular patron of Paw, explained how she treats her one-year-old Border Collie, Harry, like a child. “We raise our dog like a child,” she said, adding that she spends approximately 4000 yuan (US $560) each month on Harry’s daycare, meals, grooming, swimming, and visits to dog parks.

    Emerging Trend in China’s Pet Industry

    The launch and growth of Paw reflects larger shifts in China’s consumer economy. Young, urban consumers are increasingly prioritizing spending on experiences and emotional fulfillment. This is particularly true in the pet care sector, where services like daycare, grooming, and training are seeing significant growth.

    Pet Data, a local industry research firm, estimates the urban pet consumption market reached 312.6 billion yuan (US $46 billion) in 2025, with projections to exceed 405 billion yuan by 2028.

    Paw’s founder, Jann Zhang, explains that the idea for this doggie preschool came about after he struggled to find help for his anxiety-ridden Golden Retriever, Fuzai. He felt that lack of socialization was the primary issue and wanted to provide a space where dogs could interact and play. He started Paw with less than 20 pups and has since grown his clientele to 200. He charges a daily fee ranging from 98 yuan to 138 yuan, depending on the size of the dog.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Paw?
    Paw is a unique dog daycare business in Shanghai, China, that treats dogs as pupils, providing them with a variety of activities, socialization opportunities, and care services.

    What services does Paw offer?
    Paw offers a range of services including interactive games, obstacle courses, freshly made snacks, nap times with soothing music, and walks on specially designed dog treadmills.

    How does Paw reflect larger trends in China’s consumer economy?
    The rise and success of Paw mirrors a larger shift in China’s economy, where young, urban consumers are spending more on experiences and emotional fulfilment. In the pet care sector, this translates to growth in services like daycare, grooming, and training.

  • Thriving Metro Retail Surpasses $662M Revenue Mark, Propelled by Store Expansion and Steady Sales Growth

    Thriving Metro Retail Surpasses $662M Revenue Mark, Propelled by Store Expansion and Steady Sales Growth

    Metro Retail Stores Group (MRSGI) has achieved remarkable revenue growth in FY25, exceeding the PhP40-billion (approximately US$662.8 million) milestone. This growth was fueled by consistent sales growth, margin expansion, and ongoing network development.

    Income and Sales Data

    MRSGI reported a net income of PhP682.64 million (US$12.2 million), marking a 12 per cent increase from the previous year. This substantial increase was driven by improved operational efficiency and the contributions derived from new store launches.

    The company’s total sales for the year amounted to PhP41.56 billion (around US$742 million), representing a 4.9 per cent increase compared to 2024 figures. The same-store sales growth was 0.6 per cent, indicating steady underlying demand despite the challenging operating conditions.

    Strategic Execution and Growth

    “Last year marked a period of disciplined strategy implementation and tangible impact for MRSGI,” stated Joselito G Orense, the company’s president and COO.

    “Through our strategic expansion towards regions of high growth and the introduction of innovative store designs, our market presence was significantly enhanced. We witnessed increased sales and margins and improved cash earnings. These outcomes illustrate the commitment and dedication of our nationwide teams and our commitment to providing customers with modern retail experiences while pursuing sustainable, long-term growth.”

    Network Expansion and Sustainability

    MRSGI broadened its presence with the introduction of 10 new stores in Luzon and the Visayas during the past year. This expansion included additional Metro Value Mart outlets and a new Metro Supermarket and Department Store in Bais, Negros Oriental.

    The company also continued to develop its Metro Corner format. The inauguration of its Mandani Bay store signified a move into the elite urban retail sector.

    MRSGI also advanced its sustainability initiatives, implementing solar photovoltaic systems in up to 19 stores to aid in energy cost management. By the end of FY25, MRSGI was operating 81 stores across the nation in its primary retail formats.

    Questions & Answers

    What drove the increase in MRSGI’s net income in FY25?
    The increase in net income was driven by improved operational efficiency and the contributions from new store openings.

    How has MRSGI expanded its network?
    The company opened 10 new stores across Luzon and the Visayas, including additional Metro Value Mart branches and a new Metro Supermarket and Department Store in Bais, Negros Oriental.

    What sustainability initiatives has MRSGI undertaken?
    The company has implemented solar photovoltaic systems in up to 19 of its stores to manage energy costs more efficiently.

  • KK Super Mart Eyes $750M IPO Boost: A New Milestone in Malaysia’s Thriving Equity Markets

    KK Super Mart Eyes $750M IPO Boost: A New Milestone in Malaysia’s Thriving Equity Markets

    KK Super Mart, a prominent convenience-store chain in Malaysia, is purportedly preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) that could potentially reach a staggering US$750 million in the latter half of this year.

    Company Ownership and Valuation

    The anticipated IPO is estimated to encompass over 25 percent of the company’s total valuation. A significant 95 percent stake in the business is held by the Chairman, KK Chai. The remaining 5 percent is owned by his spouse and fellow director, Loh Siew Mui. This proposed IPO is predicted to play a significant role in shaping the company’s financial future and market standing.

    KK Super Mart’s Presence and Operations

    Known to many as KK Mart, the company operates an impressive network of more than 900 stores across Malaysia, India, and Nepal. Their broad geographical presence has established them as a significant player in the retail sector in these regions.

    Malaysia’s Equity Market Resurgence

    This revelation emerges amidst a resurgence in Malaysia’s equity markets. The Kuala Lumpur Composite Index has reached its highest trading levels since 2018. Moreover, the country listed a record 60 companies in the previous year, marking the highest number in over two decades.

    Market Position and Competition

    As Malaysia’s second-largest minimarket chain, KK Super Mart holds a substantial presence in the retail industry. A successful listing could place it in direct competition with other publicly traded counterparts like 99 Speedmart, boasting over 3000 stores, and Eco-Shop Marketing with upwards of 400 outlets.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the projected value of KK Super Mart’s IPO?
    The company’s IPO is rumored to be worth up to US$750 million.

    Who holds the majority stake in KK Super Mart?
    KK Chai, the Chairman of the company, holds a commanding 95 percent stake.

    Where does KK Super Mart operate?
    KK Super Mart has a network of over 900 stores spread across Malaysia, India, and Nepal.

  • Huawei Defies U.S. Sanctions: Unveils Harmonyos And New 5g Chipset For Flagship Phones

    Huawei Defies U.S. Sanctions: Unveils Harmonyos And New 5g Chipset For Flagship Phones

    Back in 2012, concerns about national security led the U.S. House of Representatives’ Intelligence Committee to label tech giants Huawei and ZTE as potential threats. These fears stemmed from allegations that Huawei was spying on U.S. consumers and corporations, though Huawei consistently denied these claims. By 2019, Huawei was added to the U.S. Entity List.

    Huawei’s Position on the Entity List

    The Entity List is maintained by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). It stipulates that U.S. firms must obtain a government license before exporting any “U.S.-origin” technology to a listed company. This move effectively cut Huawei off from its U.S.-based supply chain, including tech giant Google. Consequently, Huawei could no longer use Google’s proprietary version of Android, though it managed to pre-install the open-source version of Android on its handsets.

    However, this version of Android does not offer the Play Store, nor does it include the default Android apps developed by Google.

    U.S. Restrictions and Huawei’s Response

    A year after being added to the Entity List, the U.S. Commerce Department revised the Foreign-Produced Direct Product Rule. This amendment enabled it to stop Huawei from obtaining any advanced chips produced by a foundry using American-made equipment. Many speculated that this could spell the end for Huawei. Although the company led global smartphone shipments during the second quarter of 2020, surpassing Apple and Samsung, it began to witness a decline by the fourth quarter of the same year.

    In response to these challenges, Huawei needed to adapt. As Tao Jingwen, the company’s president of quality, business process, and information technology, stated at an event in Guiyang, Huawei “built an ecosystem entirely independent of the United States.” Its first significant step was the creation of the HarmonyOS operating system, which includes the company’s App Gallery app store.

    The Emergence of HarmonyOS and Huawei Mobile Services

    By 2021, Huawei had launched its own ecosystem, Huawei Mobile Services. Despite the loss of Google’s support, Huawei appeared to be managing well internally. However, outside of China, particularly in Europe, the absence of Google was keenly felt. The company also needed to find a way to access 5G chips. After depleting its inventory of 5G Kirin application processors, U.S. chip designer Qualcomm obtained a license from the U.S. Commerce Department to supply application processors to Huawei. However, these chips were modified to work with 4G signals, not 5G.

    Overcoming Sanctions: Huawei Mate 60 Pro

    Despite the challenges, Huawei continued to innovate. The tech world was taken by surprise in August 2023 when Huawei introduced the Huawei Mate 60 Pro. For the first time since 2020, a Huawei flagship phone was powered by an application processor designed by Huawei itself, the Kirin 9000S. Built by China’s largest foundry SMIC using its 7nm process node, the chipset reintroduced 5G support to a Huawei flagship phone for the first time since the Mate 40 series in 2020.

    Questions & Answers

    Why was Huawei added to the U.S. Entity List?
    Huawei was added to the Entity List due to concerns about national security. It was alleged that the company was spying on U.S. consumers and corporations.

    What impact did being on the Entity List have on Huawei?
    Being on the Entity List cut Huawei off from its U.S.-based supply chain, including Google. This meant that Huawei could no longer use Google’s proprietary version of Android.

    How did Huawei respond to the U.S. sanctions?
    Huawei developed its own operating system, HarmonyOS, and created an ecosystem independent of the United States. It also managed to design its own application processor for its flagship phone, reintroducing 5G support.

  • Vietnam Airlines Launches New Routes, Connecting Travelers to India’s Thriving Tech Hubs

    Vietnam Airlines Launches New Routes, Connecting Travelers to India’s Thriving Tech Hubs

    National flag carrier Vietnam Airlines is soaring to new heights with the launch of a direct flight route connecting Hanoi to Bengaluru, India’s bustling tech hub. This new service will operate four times weekly, starting May 7, and is designed to accommodate the increasing demand driven by robust trade, tourism, and cooperation between the two nations.

    New Connections on the Horizon

    But that’s not all! On May 7, Vietnam Airlines will also initiate direct flights from Hanoi to Hyderabad, another pivotal tech center in India, with three weekly round-trips utilizing state-of-the-art Airbus A321 aircraft. The inaugural flight, VN983, took off from Hanoi on May 1, successfully transporting over 130 passengers to Bengaluru the same day. VN982, the return flight, departed Bengaluru that evening with over 160 travelers aboard, landing in Hanoi at 5:25 a.m. on May 2. Talk about a long night in the skies!

    Expanding Footprints in India

    With these latest additions, Vietnam Airlines now boasts services to four major Indian cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, totaling six direct routes. This strategic expansion highlights Vietnam Airlines’ commitment to being a key connector between Vietnam and South Asia, as noted by Deputy General Director Dang Anh Tuan.

    India, with its rapidly growing aviation market and a population exceeding 1.4 billion, represents a significant opportunity for airlines like Vietnam Airlines. The increasing affluence of the Indian middle class further strengthens this connection, making travel between nations more accessible than ever. In the past few years, Vietnam Airlines has successfully operated over 3,200 flights and welcomed more than 511,700 passengers from India. Notably, Vietnam attracted over 500,000 Indian visitors in 2024, earning India a spot among its top 10 tourism markets.

    As Vietnam Airlines ventures into these tech-savvy territories, one can’t help but wonder: Are they also preparing for the next wave of IT moguls seeking sunshine and pho?

    Questions & Answers

    What cities are now connected by Vietnam Airlines in India?
    The carrier connects four major cities: New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

    How often will flights operate on the new routes?
    The Bengaluru route will operate four times a week, while the Hyderabad route will have three weekly round-trips.

    What type of aircraft will be used for these new routes?
    Vietnam Airlines will utilize Airbus A321 aircraft for both newly launched routes.