by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2023 | Business
Elon Musk lifts political ad ban at rebranded Twitter
Elon Musk on Tuesday lifted a ban on political ads put in place at Twitter to thwart misinformation before the billionaire bought the platform now called X.
Welcoming back potentially misleading political messages at X came less than a week after former president Donald Trump posted there for the first time since January 2021.
Trump posted his police mugshot after his arrest in Georgia, signaling his return to a platform that was his favorite bullhorn during his years in the White House.
It was his first post since several days after the insurrection at the US Capitol that saw an enraged mob of his supporters attempt to block Joe Biden’s certification as president.
The then-Twitter permanently suspended Trump after the January 6 riot, ruling he had violated the platform’s policy on glorifying violence as he pressed his false claims that the election was stolen from him.
Musk, who bought the platform last year, reinstated the former president in November 2022, but Trump stayed away, choosing to reach his followers on his own platform, Truth Social, albeit with a much smaller audience.
X said in a blog post that allowing political ads, starting in the United States, was “building on our commitment to free expression.”
X policies prohibit promotion of false or misleading information, including bogus claims intended to undermine confidence in an election, the blog contended.
Trump’s recent mug shot post came with a caption reading “Election interference.”
A judge on Monday set March 4, 2024, for Trump’s election subversion conspiracy trial — placing one of the biggest criminal cases in American history at the height of the next White House race.
X said it is expanding its safety and elections teams to focus on combating manipulation of the platform and will provide an online center where political ads can be reviewed.
Musk slashed staffing after buying Twitter, raising concerns about its ability to moderate content and reliably function.
X said it is updating its Civic Integrity Policy for safeguarding elections to tackle content meant to intimidate or deceive voters while aligning with a Musk’s philosophy of letting people say what they want.
“X shouldn’t determine the truthfulness of disputed information,” the platform said in the blog post.
“Rather, we should empower our users to express their opinions and openly debate during elections, in line with our commitment to protecting freedom of expression.”
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 30, 2023 | Business
Cebu Pacific in talks with Boeing for 737 fleet
MANILA -Budget carrier Cebu Pacific— the Philippines’ largest airline by market share and fleet size—is in talks for the possible acquisition of narrow body airliners from US planemaker Boeing to augment its jet aircraft fleet that has been the exclusive domain of Airbus for the better part of two decades.
More importantly, the Inquirer learned that the Gokongwei family-controlled firm is eyeing to establish an operations hub in the New Manila International Airport currently being built by conglomerate San Miguel Corp. in Bulacan as part of the airline’s expansion plans.
“Following disappointments regarding Airbus’ delays and (jet engine manufacturer) Pratt & Whitney’s (supply chain issue) issues, Cebu Pacific’s executive leadership team met with Boeing in Seattle to explore the B737 fleet,” an airline executive told the Inquirer, referring to the popular 737 aircraft line that competes directly with the A320 line of its European rival.
The high-ranking executives of the Gokongwei family-controlled airline who visited Boeing’s manufacturing facility in Washington were its president Xander Lao, chief executive Michael Szucs, chief financial officer Mark Cezar, chief marketing officer Candice Iyog and vice president for customer service operations Lei Apostol.
On Tuesday, a ranking Cebu Pacific official told the Inquirer that the company plans to take advantage of the upcoming Bulacan airport—whose first phase may be operating by 2026, according to San Miguel —as its next operating hub.
“We are looking at a process for our narrowbody refleeting based on building another large base in Bulacan,” the official said. “So it will be a big enough base for us to operate Airbus from Naia (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) and either Boeing or Airbus for Bulacan depending on who gives us best deal.”
The airline’s shift in stance from being an exclusive operator of Airbus jets (augmented by twin-engined turboprops from French-Italian platemaker ATR) to starting exploratory talks with Boeing marks a significant shift in strategy for the airline that started operations in 1996 with second hand DC-9 aircraft.
Cebu Pacific operated three Boeing 757 narrowbody airliners for its international flights from 2001, but retired them in 2006. Since then, it has operated exclusively Airbus aircraft, saying that it realizes significant savings by using planes made only by one manufacturer.
ompany insiders said, however, that recent frustrations with Airbus and engine manufacturer Pratt & Whitney — which the airline blamed for flight cancellations and aircraft groundings as a result of these firms’ supply chain issues — made it rethink this strategy.
At a certain point, the cost of being tied to single manufacturers starts to outweigh the savings, one executive explained.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
PDD-owned Temu enters the Philippines to heat up competition in Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market against Alibaba’s Lazada and TikTok Shop
Budget shopping app provider Temu, owned by multinational e-commerce group PDD Holdings, has started operations in the Philippines to kick off its expansion into Southeast Asia, where it faces tough head-to-head competition against Alibaba Group Holding unit Lazada, ByteDance‘s TikTok Shop and Singapore-based Shopee.
Temu over the weekend quietly made its “grand opening” in the Philippines, where the Boston-based sibling of Chinese online retailer Pinduoduo offered up to 90 per cent off items such as T-shirts, double-sided tape, and kitchen storage and appliances, according to its website.
The generous discounts form part of a tried-and-tested playbook that has helped Temu climb to the top of Apple‘s App Store and Google Play’s free-app rankings when the online marketplace launched in the United States last year.
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Temu’s debut in the Philippines underscores its strategic business expansion across Asia after its foray last month into Japan and South Korea, as it now targets the less wealthier economies in the region.
In June, Temu sent out a survey to online merchants asking which platforms they were already using in Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia.
Temu, which is now available in more than 38 countries, did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Monday.
Southeast Asia’s e-commerce market, which comprises 11 economies at different stages of development, is projected to reach around US$230 billion in gross merchandise volume by 2026, according to an article published last December by global management consulting firm McKinsey & Co.
Indonesia and Singapore lead the region with an e-commerce penetration rate of about 30 per cent, the McKinsey article said. The Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam trail the market with an e-commerce penetration rate of about 15 per cent.
Lazada, for example, recorded double-digit order growth year on year in Southeast Asia during the quarter ended June 30 on the back of improved monetisation and operating efficiency, according to Alibaba’s earnings report for the period. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post.
Southeast Asia’s growth potential has become more attractive to Chinese e-commerce services providers, as mainland consumers adjust their spending habits to account for the country’s less-than optimistic economic outlook.
That prompted Alibaba last month to inject US$845 million in fresh capital into Lazada, which received its first investment from the e-commerce giant in 2016 when the Hangzhou-based group took a controlling stake in the firm. Alibaba made subsequent investments that increased its stake in Lazada to more than 80 per cent.
TikTok chief executive Chew Shou Zi in June said the company would pour billions of dollars into Southeast Asia in the coming years, based on the rapid rise of its online shopping business across that market.
Temu owner PDD reported a 58 per cent year-on-year increase in first-quarter revenue to 37.6 billion yuan (US$5.2 billion), despite macroeconomic headwinds and slowing retail sales across the country. Nasdaq-listed PDD will report its second-quarter financial results on Tuesday.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
Lussopack at the 68th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair on 6-10 September 2023!
Lussopack, a leading name in luxury packaging solution, is excited to announce its participation in the highly anticipated Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair, scheduled to take place from September 6th to 10th, 2023 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center. This prestigious event brings together the finest gemstones, jewelry, and accessories from around the world, and Lussopack is set to captivate attendees with its exceptional range of packaging solutions that complement the brilliance of these exquisite creations.
Renowned for its craftsmanship and innovation, Lussopack has consistently redefined the art of packaging in the luxury industry. With the commitment to elegance, quality, and sustainability, the brand offers a diverse portfolio of packaging options that cater to the unique needs of the gems and jewelry sector. From bespoke designs that reflect the essence of each piece to eco-conscious materials that align with contemporary values, Lussopack has established itself as a preferred partner for luxury brands seeking distinctive packaging solutions.
Visitors to the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair can expect to witness Lussopack’s mastery on full display. The brand’s booth will showcase an array of packaging options that seamlessly blend sophistication with functionality. Lussopack’s packaging solutions are designed to enhance the allure of these treasures while ensuring their protection and presentation remain unparalleled.
Moreover, the company’s presence at the 68th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair marks an exciting opportunity for industry players, designers, and brands to explore packaging solutions that encapsulate the essence of luxury. From opulent designs to sustainable initiatives, Lussopack continues to elevate packaging to an art form, ensuring that every piece of jewelry and gemstone receives the presentation it truly deserves.
E-mail : he***@*******ck.com
Whatsapp : (+66)85-918-7033
LINE ID : @lussopack
Facebook : LussoPack
Address : 1086/9-10, 2Fl Charoenkrung Road,
Bangrak, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 (Thailand)
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
Revolutionizing Facility Management: OTSAW takes their facility management solutions to the next level by expanding their cleaning ecosystem through the introduction of Rosie, an AI-Powered Robot Vacuum by Tailos
Singapore, 28th August 2023 – OTSAW, a global robotics company headquartered in Singapore has expanded its cleaning ecosystem by introducing Rosie, a cutting-edge AI-powered robot vacuum developed by Tailos. With this strategic partnership, OTSAW has set a new standard for facility management solutions and has demonstrated its dedication to providing clients with a comprehensive suite of innovative robotic technologies.
Singapore, 28th August 2023 – OTSAW, a global robotics company headquartered in Singapore has expanded its cleaning ecosystem by introducing Rosie, a cutting-edge AI-powered robot vacuum developed by Tailos. With this strategic partnership, OTSAW has set a new standard for facility management solutions and has demonstrated its dedication to providing clients with a comprehensive suite of innovative robotic technologies.
This partnership allows Tailos to bring its bestselling commercial robot vacuum into the Asian market, by leaning on the distribution prowess and world class service center of OTSAW, enriched by nearly a decade of global expertise in robotics.
“We are thrilled to join forces with Tailos.” said Ling Ting Ming, CEO at OTSAW. “In line with OTSAW’s vision, our aim is to disrupt facility management. Think about it – every building demands various services such as cleaning, security, and logistics. Our forward-looking strategy employs autonomous robots to address this range of demands. Rosie is capable of seamlessly integrating with our existing cleaning ecosystem, enhancing our facility management capabilities even further.”
“We love the energy and enthusiasm the OTSAW team has for the robotics industry.” said Micah Green, Founder and CEO of Tailos. “This will be a great partnership between our two companies as we bring Rosie, our AI-Powered Robot Vacuum, to the Asian market.”
Operating across three global offices, OTSAW boasts a worldwide customer base. In the dynamic Asian market, they serve clients hailing from diverse states, reflecting their extensive international footprint.
OTSAW also exhibits a trio of UV-C LED Disinfection Solutions: O-RX, TREX and AirGuard forming a robust cleaning ecosystem. The introduction of Rosie, an AI-Powered Robot Vacuum, will see four remarkable cleaning solutions harmonize in operation across Asia Pacific.
The Rosie, AI-Powered Robot Vacuum will be available for purchase starting from 28th August 2023. Speak to us at sa***@***aw.com to find out more.
As a home-grown Singapore robotics company, OTSAW is committed to accelerating the progression of technology, empowering businesses, transforming the world and forging a path for the inevitable digital future. We deliver facility management solutions to clients across the globe with diverse teams based in Singapore, Europe and the United States. OTSAW crafts customized robotic solutions for the security, logistics, and cleaning industry by leveraging cutting-edge technology.
Jonathan Ng
**@***aw.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 29, 2023 | Business
Forresta: Villar City’s luxurious green oasis
Nestled within the expansive 3,500-hectare Villar City is Forresta, a visionary modern residential community that promises an exquisite fusion of urban sophistication and tranquil natural surroundings fit for the affluent few. This massive 119-hectare community in Alabang, the first ultra-luxury project being developed by Brittany Corp., presents a complete mix of components that will ensure a distinct, sophisticated, and vibrant lifestyle for its future residents.
Opulent oasis
Amid a million lush trees and landscaped pocket gardens, this “city in the forest” will be home to premium grade, high-rise office towers in what will soon be a dynamic central business district (CBD), upscale residential condominiums, ultra-exclusive residential lots and leisure hubs—all cradled in an opulent oasis you can readily access right outside your doorstep.
Add to that the thoughtfully designed eco-smart homes and residential buildings, energy-efficient lighting solutions within the community, availability of a seamless internet fiber connection, and a 24/7 secure and fully electric perimeter fence with RFID subdivision gates.
The most discerning investors of Vista Land & Lifescapes’ luxury residential arm have thus sought to quickly claim a piece of this beautiful exclusive oasis as this premier themed community is poised to ensure elegance, safety, convenience and exclusivity. It offered limited lots, with sizes ranging from 857 sqm to 1,461 sqm, equivalent to only five lots per hectare, thus making it a truly prominent address reserved for the well-heeled.
Redefining eco-luxury
A remarkable aspect of Forresta’s allure would be the abundance of verdant landscapes.
Fifty percent of the community’s expanse will be devoted to green spaces, including the enchanting Forresta Fields and Forresta Park. Beyond aesthetics, this greenery-rich community will also contribute to enhanced air quality and promote healthier lifestyles. The lushness of green spaces here can foster a sense of community while providing a serene environment that can help soothe senses and encourage outdoor activities.
Elevating lifestyles
Beyond its verdant allure, Forresta will further elevate your lifestyle through its array of modern amenities and sustainable infrastructure. With its thoughtfully planned spaces for recreation, relaxation, and socialization, residents can expect a holistic lifestyle catering to diverse tastes, needs and preferences.
This vast promising community will likewise place its future residents in an exceptional location, enabling them to find the right balance between tranquil and dynamic living.
Forresta readily connects you to Metro Manila and key locales in South Luzon through major road networks including Daang Hari Road, Daang Reyna Road and Manila-Cavite Expressway (MCX). Strategically located transport hubs and the availability of public transport will further ensure easy access to educational centers, health institutions, golf and country clubs, and lifestyle hubs like Evia Lifestyle Center.
Thriving nexus of growth
Most notable to point out is the fact that Forresta will rise within Villar City, the new center of gravity of Metro Manila.
Spanning 15 towns and cities in Metro Manila and Cavite province, Villar City is envisioned to become Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, a thriving nexus where economic, lifestyle, cultural, and leisure activities will converge.
As the ambitious legacy project of self-made tycoon Manuel B. Villar Jr., Villar City will be a massive masterplanned integrated development composed of 15 satellite cities which are seen to complement one another to provide residents, entrepreneurs, and companies with a conducive environment, be it for growing careers, for raising families, or for expanding businesses. These planned cities will include a modern CBD, a Tech Valley, a university town, and a premier lifestyle hub, among others, set amid verdant landscapes with some 1 million trees.
An address of prestige, privilege
To be in Forresta thus means having the privilege to be part of a visionary estate that is Villar City—an emerging multifaceted, multifunctional development that will be in a class of its own. To be here also means having a prestigious address that will allow you to enjoy the multitude of benefits that come only with locating in such a modern, thriving, upscale city.
Without a doubt, Forresta delivers a privilege that’s second to none. With all the plans and developments underway, your best bet is here in Forresta.
Touted as Metro Manila’s “new center of gravity”, the 3,500-hectare Villar City is an emerging masterplanned development comprising 15 satellite cities, all poised to cater to the multifaceted lifestyles of today’s urban dweller. For more information on Forresta and Brittany’s collection of luxury properties, visit www.brittany.com.ph or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube
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