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 28, 2023 | Business
Gogoro e-scooters are coming to the Philippines in 2023
MANILA, Philippines – Gogoro electric scooters – which have become massively popular in Taiwan – will soon be coming to the streets of Manila later this 2023.
Ahead of the commercial launch, Globe’s 917Ventures Incorporated, Ayala Corporation, and Gogoro Network have joined hands to form Gogoro Philippines. The joint venture, executed on Thursday, August 24, will allow Gogoro to steadily set up its presence in the country.
The agreement will cover the importation, sale, distribution, operation, management, and maintenance of Gogoro’s two-wheeled electric scooters. Gogoro Philippines will also handle the battery swapping technology, battery swapping stations for the e-scooters, and after-sales services business in the Philippines.
The agreement also allows the importation and distribution of other e-scooter brands that are compatible with Gogoro’s battery swapping stations.
Globe’s wholly-owned subsidiary, 917Ventures, will own 49% of Gogoro Philippines. Ayala Corporation will have a 21% stake in the company while Gogoro Network, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gogoro Inc., will own the remaining 30%.
“Gogoro is Globe’s entry into the climate tech industry through 917Ventures Inc. The official signing of the joint venture is a big stride in our goal to provide eco-friendly transport that places at the forefront environmental stewardship and mobility for businesses and individuals,” said Globe president and chief executive officer Ernest Cu in a statement.
The e-scooters have gained success in Taiwan, where it is used by nearly 550,000 riders. Gogoro’s system also allows users to quickly switch drained batteries with a fully-charged one at its battery swapping stations, addressing the problem of slow-charging electric vehicle batteries.
Currently, Gogoro maintains 12,000 battery swapping stations across 2,500 stations in Taiwan. According to Gogoro, its battery swapping stations outnumber gas stations in some Taiwanese cities.
In the Philippines, an initial batch of 100 Smartscooters, 400 smart batteries, and seven GoStations arrived earlier, in February. The country’s first GoStation was unveiled at Globe’s Taguig headquarters in April 2023. The e-scooters are currently being piloted by Globe employees.
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Is Emissions Tracking & Reporting in the Shipping Industry Feasible?
The world is warming up and there is no doubt that it’s time to act now. Political powers discuss the issue widely and communicate climate changes to the public on a regular basis. However, do people really understand what can be done to reduce and/or offset?
From the regulatory perspective point of view, the International Maritime Organization has brought in new targets to cut emissions to net zero by 2050. Besides, with the introduction of the Poseidon Principles and Sea Cargo Charter, the regulatory landscape for the shipowners is changing as they have to report how much emissions they are creating. Shipowners who are aware of the changes and can manage to report their emissions will have a huge commercial advantage over those who will be catching up with the leaders.
The ability to measure the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by each vessel has traditionally been calculated after the event, therefore if the ship has reached its emission target, then it is too late to do anything to fix it. Currently, if such emissions reporting is being done at all, the user will have to browse through multiple reports, input info to a spreadsheet or a system, and then process the data manually. Such a time-consuming process, which requires much effort, is not what business owners expect in the digital era.
Vasco Systems has developed a Software as a Solution (SaaS) and Platform as a Solution (PaaS), which not only manages the day-to-day voyages and movements but also enables the shipowners the ability to view their CO2 emissions before, during and after the voyages, and empowers them to take the appropriate action in reducing CO2 output and meet the IMO targets. Moreover, when targeting CO2 output production, it also means reducing fuel usage, so the shipowners will benefit from reducing total costs.
The SaaS maritime system has been designed to allow the users to create the necessary reporting documentation without changing their current systems. Vasco software can be used as a plugin with drag and drop functionality, so there will be limited change management. The PaaS offers an emissions reporting and forecasting tool that operates seamlessly without the need for ship sensors or any system installation.
Each vessel has its own fuel profile, therefore fuel agnostic, and the system will then calculate the forward consumption and convert it into emissions measurements. The shipowner can either pass on accountability for the emissions reporting onto the charterer or take care of the emissions themselves, therefore creating a green voyage. Having the ability to offset emissions allows the users to become carbon neutral before a metric ton of fuel has been burned ahead of time.
By leveraging Vasco’s maritime software, shipowners and charterers can proactively improve their environmental compliance and operational efficiency. As an increasing number of trading companies engage in the purchase and sale of carbon offset cargoes, having an emissions functionality should become a standard practice, playing a crucial role in advancing the global decarbonisation agenda.
Our Mission
Vasco Systems mission is to technologise the maritime industry by delivering innovative all-in-one solutions that streamline voyage operations and offer end-to-end CO2 Emissions Management to move forward to a greener digitised world.
Such an ambitious aim can be reached via Vasco Systems platform, which enables shipowners and charterers to view their positions from a forward-looking perspective whilst still managing day-to-day operations in a digitised and efficient manner.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com
www.vascosystems.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Another Great Thailand pool villa by the Swan & Maclaren Group
Pool villa at Bang Tao beach Phuket Thailand, one of the renowned locations to witness breathtaking sunsets. With an unwavering commitment to creating an unforgettable experience, the designer Mr. Attahaphon Bunya of the Swan & Maclaren Group has meticulously curated to a space that capture the essence of seaside serenity, ingeniously presented the identity of Bang Tao through a fusion of natural materials in a Modern Tropical style.
This attention to detail permeates every aspect of the interior design, encompassing spacious communal areas, serene private retreats, and thoughtfully curated décor elements, it is meticulously crafted to ensure warmth and comfort. The house is enveloped by a swimming pool, serving as the core of relaxation.
Earlier this year, the group has won two awards for two of their projects in China, the Shanghai Raffles Hospital and Vietnam, the Lao Cai Project in Lao Cai City, respectively and the group aim to deliver more award-winning projects to their partnering developers.
Swan and Maclaren (www.swanmaclaren.group) have earned its place in history and the built environment in the region with its acclaimed heritage since its founding in 1892, in Singapore. Designing and enabling sustainable projects across Asia has been the company’s early advocacy and practice which can be seen in the company’s strong commitment towards creating a symbiotic and positive relationship between the projects and they are involved in, their user communities and society at large, driving towards a green sustainable and future carbon neutral agenda.
Gavin Cheong
in**@**********en.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Health and Wellness
After being diagnosed with gout in his 20s, Andrew Lau of Rodandac overcame significant physical and mental challenges to improve his personal fitness. He also developed a training philosophy called ‘Mind Over Matter’ to assist others in their pursuit of health and wellness.
Rodandac is one of the first mobile personal training and fitness franchise companies in Singapore.
SINGAPORE, 28 Aug – Andrew Lau, Founder of Rodandac, is emerging as a visionary leader in the fitness industry by pioneering a sustainable approach to personal training that emphasizes the importance of mastering one’s mindset.
A recent study has revealed a surprising statistic:
only eight percent of individuals achieve their New Year’s fitness goals, often facing unseen mental barriers along the way. Andrew Lau’s journey reflects this common struggle, but his distinctive approach to overcoming these challenges sets him apart.
Emerging Stronger from Life's Trials
At the age of 16, Andrew began his fitness journey, motivated by a desire for personal transformation. However, over a decade later, he faced unforeseen challenges when he was diagnosed with gout, a condition that could have derailed his dreams. Instead of giving in to adversity, Andrew turned his struggles into a source of empathy and understanding. This experience ignited his unwavering commitment to help others overcome their own obstacles.
Despite maintaining my health, diet, and mental well-being for the past 25 years, I couldn’t pinpoint the underlying cause.
My journey with gout was a turning point, teaching me that the power of the mind can overcome formidable physical challenges. I wanted to share the feelings that I felt at that moment with others.
Founder, Rodandac
The turning point came for Andrew during his intense preparation for the 2016 Fitness Manhunt competition when he faced a severe gout flare-up and a sprained wrist, both of which threatened to derail his journey. Instead of giving up, he embraced his vulnerability and confronted the challenges head-on. He emerged stronger than ever, driven by a singular mission: to empower lives through the transformative concept of ‘Mind over Matter’ fitness.
The Impact of 'Mind Over Matter' in Personal Transformation
From these transformative experiences, Rodandac was created to challenge industry norms by reshaping the traditional concept of fitness with an emphasis on mental resilience and holistic well-being. It aims to redefine growth and empowerment while questioning superficial industry trends. Rodandac’s vision is to inspire individuals to transcend their limits, cultivate resilience, and achieve lasting change.
“This vision is also backed by experts who concur that incorporating mental fitness into physical training can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being,” added Lau.
The dedication to each client’s personal triumphs has created a tapestry of impactful success stories. Andrew’s mantra, “Do It Anyway,” emboldens clients to embark on transformative journeys, transcending boundaries and unlocking their untapped potential. From empowering a Vice President in finding inner calm and confidence to supporting a determined feminist navigating a male-dominated workspace, Andrew’s guidance unlocks a world of possibilities and fosters unparalleled growth.
“Being introduced to Rodandac 3 years ago is a life-changing experience. The approach has not only improved my physical health but also greatly enhanced my mental resilience. Their infectious enthusiasm and personalised training sessions have helped me make remarkable progress,” shared Richard Hennessy.
“It is important for me that they understand my needs and provide targeted and effective training. Under their guidance, I’ve achieved growth, which was an uphill task given my heart condition,” added Yong Sin Lee, who has also been a committed client of Rodandac for a year.
The future of Rodandac aims to create an ecosystem where skilled trainers customize their guidance to meet individual needs, significantly impacting clients’ lives both mentally and physically.
For more information, please visit https://rodandac.sg/.
Founded in 2017, Rodandac has quickly become a leader in the fitness industry under the strong and visionary leadership of Andrew Lau. The company uniquely blends physical training with mental wellness, emphasizing authenticity and long-term growth. Rodandac inspires individuals to surpass their limits and achieve lasting transformations. It is also one of the first in-home mobile personal training and fitness franchise companies in Singapore.
Seema Surinder
+65 92452640
se***@*****************ns.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Global Trend in Green Finance by Financial Institutions
The tide is certainly turning and we see banks and insurers promoting the Green Finance agenda.
What
is Green Finance? The United Nations Environment
Programme defines green finances aim being to increase
the level of financial flows (from banking, micro-credit, insurance and
investment) from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to sustainable
development priorities.
According to Forbes, going green
is no longer just a buzzword for businesses seeking to capitalize from social
cred. It’s a stand-alone concept and one in which more and more companies are
taking an interest. In 2021, green finance hit a market value of $540.6
billion, up from just $5.2 billion in 2012, showing exponential market growth.
In late 2021 accountancy firm Deloitte
noted that since May 2018, new funding directed to shipping organisations based
on ESG indicators has amounted to approximately US$14.5 billion.
We ask Mike Abbott on his views of the
global green ship financing.
Mike’s a seasoned board level executive and brings a wealth of experience in commerce, finance, commodities, and shipping. With a professional accreditation as a Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a BA with Honours degree from the University of London, Mike has also served as the CFO of the Petredec Group, a leading gas trading and shipping company.
What does that mean for a ship owner looking to buy a new ship or to refinance an old ship?
Owners need to understand that eventually all finance will become “green”. There won’t be finance offered that does not include ESG as an integral part of the credit approval process. This will naturally include emissions so far as ship finance is concerned.
Owners should be prepared to demonstrate not only that they technically manage their ships to a high standard, but that they are commercially employed and operated in an environmentally responsible manner. Fixing out a ship to a charterer or trade that is known to have a historically poor emissions profile, and then arguing that it’s “nothing to do with us” may no longer be acceptable.
How can ship owners take a more proactive approach with regards to green financing?
Owners that work hard to minimise their carbon footprint should push their lenders on pricing. Obviously ESG will only ever be a part of the credit approval process, but it must become an important part of it. If there are two owners with a similar financial credit risk profile, but where one is much further along their decarbonisation journey than the other, then it should be equitable that their relative pricing should include a delta to reflect this.
From the maritime financial institutions’ perspective, showing that they differentiate their borrowers on ESG, and reward / penalise as appropriate, should also help them to build their own ESG credentials. There’s lots of work to do here, by borrowers and lenders alike.
How you do you think the maritime industry should look at ESG holistically?
It will be incredibly difficult to accurately record the whole life ESG tariff of ocean-going ships that typically spend a couple of decades traversing the globe. The key is digitalisation as this will open the silos of data that we all know exist out there but are often inaccessible.
As an industry we’re often quite poor at being “joined up”. Whilst this may seem like yet another burden/ cost for the typical owner to carry, it’s important to note that better data often yields better decision making which yields better commercial performance, so think of it as an investment not a cost!
In Summary
The pivotal solution lies in digitalisation, as it holds the potential to break down the data barriers that exist and as an industry, we have to work together to have better connectivity to track a ships emissions. From the standpoint of maritime finance, considerable efforts are required from both borrowers and lenders to make meaningful efforts toward environmental sustainability. Lastly, the “it’s not our concern” attitude will very much be trying to steam against these changing tides.
If you would like to know how Vasco Systems can help in your Maritime ESG mandate, feel free to reach out to in**@**********ms.com.
Vasco has innovated a maritime voyage management solution offered as both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). This comprehensive offering goes beyond managing day-to-day voyages and ship operations. It empowers customers by providing them with the ability to monitor their emissions output throughout the voyage lifecycle. With advanced forecasting capabilities, customers can assess their emissions beforehand, track them during the voyage, and evaluate them afterward. This enables proactive decision-making to effectively reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com.
www.vascosystems.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 28, 2023 | Business
Stamford Shipping adopts Vasco Emissions Solution
Stamford Shipping Partners with Vasco for Enhanced Environmental Compliance and Efficiency.
Vasco announces Stamford Shipping’s formal adoption of their system after a successful 9-month pilot program. Stamford Shipping has chosen to implement the system to effectively manage and report their CO2 emissions, solidifying their position as a leader in emissions monitoring within their fleet. This strategic decision underscores Stamford Shipping’s commitment to proactive environmental stewardship and positions them at the forefront of responsible emissions management in the maritime industry.
” Stamford’s ESG initiative takes paramount importance, and partnering with Vasco demonstrates our commitment to responsible environmental practices”
- Mark Robert Haines, Managing Partner, Stamford Shipping
“We have been working closely with Stamford for a number of months now with our seamless implementation process coupled with AI driven logic. We foresee a long-lasting relationship with Stamford as we embark on this journey together, leveraging technology to drive efficiency and innovation in the maritime sector”
- Tim Spragg, CEO, Co-Founder Vasco Systems
Vasco Systems has innovated a maritime voyage management solution offered as both Software as a Service (SaaS) and Platform as a Service (PaaS). This comprehensive offering goes beyond managing day-to-day voyages and ship operations. It empowers customers by providing them with the ability to monitor their emissions output throughout the voyage lifecycle. With advanced forecasting capabilities, customers can assess their emissions beforehand, track them during the voyage, and evaluate them afterward. This enables proactive decision-making to effectively reduce their carbon dioxide (CO2) output.
Tim Spragg
in**@**********ms.com
www.vascosystems.com
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 25, 2023 | Business
<> Introducing the sale of the “Omakase BOX” packed with Japan’s “delicious and enjoyable” snacks!
<>
Introducing the sale of the “Omakase BOX” packed with Japan’s “delicious and enjoyable” snacks!
WeAgri Inc. (Headquarter: Ginza, Tokyo, Japan) has a mission “Find More Japan – Accelerating the Rediscovery of Japan,” aiming to discover captivating Japanese products that are still unknown to the world and deliver them to people worldwide.
This time, we have launched the sale of a new subscription box featuring a selection of Japanese snacks. Starting from August 1st (Tuesday), this subscription box is available worldwide through our company’s e-commerce site, Ginaza Sweets [https://ginzasweets.com/].
Each month, you can enjoy a variety of different Japanese snacks. For those who love Japan but find it difficult to spare time and money for a trip, we began this initiative with the desire to provide a more casual way to experience Japan and to help foster a greater fondness for the country.
The pricing for the products is set at USD 32.2 for subscription purchases and USD 35.5 for one-time purchases. We invite you to indulge in the delicious Japanese snacks from the comfort of your home.
Ginaza Sweets Web site: https://ginzasweets.com/
Ginaza Sweets Instagram Account: https://instagram.com/ginzasweets_omakasebox
WeAgri Inc.
Yajima Bldg. 4F, 7-11-3 Ginza. Chuo-ku Tokyo 104-0061 Japan
03-5643-7730
https://weagri.jp/
WeAgri Inc.
03-5643-7730
gi**********@****ri.jp
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 25, 2023 | Business
Leverage These 4 Software Services for Digital Transformation That Can Help Drive Your Business Growth
Digital Transformation (DX) empowers businesses to enhance their operations by harnessing the potential of technology. This involves transitioning from traditional analog processes (such as paper-based processes) to modern digital systems, making way for a more efficient and effective way of conducting business.
In today’s digital age, companies must undergo organizational transformation to remain current and cater to the demands of a new generation that seeks quick and efficient access to managing information and tasks. Online information management is much simpler than traditional paper storage, and records can be easily retrieved by simply searching or browsing for them. This is why companies strive to keep up with the times and implement changes that align with the needs of their customers.
Christopher Mosses, Chief Executive Officer of Manao Software, interestingly said that “Data management issues are a common challenge in various businesses, ranging from e-commerce systems to financial and manufacturing systems. Traditional methods such as filling out paper forms and passing them around from person to person can be improved through the adoption of software solutions, which have a positive impact on businesses with complex processes or multiple departments. However, it is crucial for software developers to have a clear understanding of the business’s needs and its existing processes before designing a digital solution. By doing so, the software solution can be optimized to meet the specific demands of the business, resulting in improved efficiency and productivity.”
At Manao Software, we provide comprehensive software development services to enable Digital Transformation in businesses. Our services include development of web applications, mobile apps, and platforms that combine both. Services can be provided on a fixed-price basis for individual complete turn-key projects, or top tech talent can be supplied on a monthly basis for customers who wish to augment their technical staff with a dedicated team from Manao Software.
After more than a decade of enabling customers to implement Digital Transformation in their organizations we possess the experience and knowledge to be your trusted advisor and design the perfect solution for your unique needs. And with a free warranty included in every project, and affordable long-term maintenance agreements available, you can have peace of mind that the delivered solution will run smoothly for many years to come.
Manao Software provides high quality software development outsourcing services to companies that need custom made web applications or mobile apps with features exactly matching their unique business requirements.
Contact us : https://bit.ly/3QlTAMo
Tel : +66 52 001130
Website: https://manaosoftware.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manaosoftware
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manaosoftware
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manaosoftware
by Ferry Bayu | Aug 25, 2023 | Business
Manao Software is a “Zero Headaches” Custom Software Development Company in Thailand
Welcome to Manao Software, an expat-owned software development company in Thailand which is unlike any other. Our Danish founder started Manao Software 16 years ago to solve a common problem shared by many business owners all over the world: Headaches and frustrations when outsourcing custom software development projects. He knew it didn’t have to be that way, and so to this day, Manao Software’s DNA consists of a Danish sense of quality, design, and craftsmanship applied to software development.
Our team of 140 professionals provide comprehensive custom software development services, making Manao Software a one-stop solution for your software development needs. Mobile apps, web applications, or entire software platforms: We deliver complete turn-key solutions. You can leave the software development to us and focus on your core business and products. We also offer IT staff augmentation on a monthly basis with hand-picked dedicated software development team members that work exclusively for your company.
How do we live up to our “Zero Headaches” guarantee? Every project begins with a thorough Discovery Phase where we listen and learn all about your business and the needs and pain points you have. We don’t go for quick sales, instead we invest time and effort in making sure we thoroughly understand all aspects of the software you wish to develop. More than a decade of experience makes us an ideal technical sparring partner and trusted advisor: We not only listen, we also share our knowledge and ideas.
After gaining a full understanding of the requirements, we build quality into every layer of the software solution, including user-friendly designs, flexible and scalable architectures, clean code, thorough testing from beginning to end, and industry best practices for security. All backed by a free warranty, and affordable long-term maintenance agreements for peace of mind.
If you want to avoid the headaches associated with traditional software development outsourcing, then look no further. Try a refreshing alternative: Manao Software.
Manao Software provides high quality software development outsourcing services to companies that need custom made web applications or mobile apps with features exactly matching their unique business requirements.
Contact us : https://bit.ly/3QlTAMo
Tel : +66 52 001130
Website: https://manaosoftware.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manaosoftware
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manaosoftware
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@manaosoftware
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