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Quad Countries Call for End to Bloodshed in Myanmar

Myanmar Military Launches Deadly Air Strikes in Kayah State
Myanmar Military Launches Deadly Air Strikes in Kayah State (Chiang Rai Times).

Foreign ministers of the Quad group, consisting of Australia, India, Japan and the United States, held a meeting in New Delhi to discuss regional issues of mutual interest, including the situation in Myanmar.

Deloitte Consulting releases 2023 China Consumer Insight and Market Outlook White Paper

HONG KONG, CHINA – Media OutReach – 6 March 2023 – In the past two decades, China’s economy has thrived, people’s living standards have steadily improved, and the consumer market has been full of dynamism. Consumption is the biggest contributor to China’s economic growth today.

In 2023, China’s consumer market will face growth challenges given the impact of pandemic fluctuations and the arrival of the post-pandemic era. On the other hand, the Government has continuously introduced policies to expand domestic demand, encourage new forms of consumption, and drive high-quality growth. This reflects how China’s consumer market is undergoing rapid upgrading and innovation in consumption patterns and business models, ushering in a new phase of development. Against this backdrop, Deloitte Consulting has released the 2023 China Consumer Insight and Market Outlook White Paper.

“Deloitte Consulting has been cultivating China’s consumer market for a long time. The white paper provides an analysis of the predictable future development trends of the consumer goods and retail industry based on changes in consumer behavior and attitudes during the post-pandemic era and technological advancements. We hope to help consumer goods and retail companies deepen their understanding of consumers and the market, explore new consumer trends, and grasp the keys to winning in the market” says Woolf Huang, Deloitte Consulting China Clients, Industries, & Markets leader.

The insights of the white paper are based on the nationwide consumer survey data: This study was conducted in November 2022, using an online questionnaire, with respondents ranging in age from 18 to 73. The questionnaire covers consumer background information, consumer attitudes, shopping behaviors, lifestyles, interests, values, and more. This online survey sample set quota is based on the demographic structure data from the Seventh National Population Census, with a sample size of 2,000 covering 301 cities or autonomous regions from the 1st- to the 5th-tier in China.

Based on the analysis first-hand survey data, the 2023 China Consumer Insight and Market Outlook White Paper highlights five major trends for the consumer goods and retail industry in 2023. Michael Deng, Deloitte Consulting China Consumer Products and Retail, Wholesale & Distribution Industry leader, introduced the report.

The top 5 trends in consumer goods and retail

Return to rational consumption: In the aftermath of the pandemic, consumers have become more pragmatic and rational in their purchasing decisions, based on reduced consumption needs and increased economic pressures and life uncertainties. They have reduced impulse purchases, prioritizing product quality and value, taking advantage of promotions, and comparing prices across multiple sellers before making a purchase.

With much more information available, consumers are taking recommendations with a pinch of salt, making their own choices after careful research and comparison instead of blindly following trends. This shift in consumer behavior favors domestic brands, which are seen as more cost-effective and have a better understanding of Chinese consumer habits.

The pursuit of pleasing experiences: As people have become more affluent and product and channel options have increased, consumers today not only seek to satisfy their material needs, but also hope to achieve physical and emotional satisfaction and pleasure by seeking out pleasing experiences. Social attributes are now deeply embedded across the entire shopping journey, where consumers enjoy interactions at various stages such as information research, decision-making, and experience sharing.

Meanwhile, many consumers value bricks-and-mortar retail for its more transparent information, more intuitive and hands-on experience, and immediate access. They are increasingly concerned about the security of their personal information and are often frustrated with the current state of privacy protection, prompting them to take active steps to protect their privacy and interests.

Embracing diverse innovation: The rise of technology, changes in the social environment, and policy incentives have created fertile ground for business model innovation. A variety of new retail channels and scenarios have emerged this decade, ushering in the era of the “Now Consumer” who pursues new lifestyles and consumption habits, embraces innovation, enjoys trying new things, and is highly energetic and receptive. Live streaming, instant retail, and home leisure consumption have become popular trends in new retail channels and buying scenarios.

Deloitte Consulting’s research found that live streaming and instant retail are increasingly becoming the norm for consumers. The pandemic led consumers to passively adopt “home mode,” unlocking various opportunities for leisure consumption at home. Consumers have discovered the joy of these at-home activities and are pursuing them. The rise of the “home economy” could become a long-term consumption focus.

Being green and sustainable: China’s promotion of green and sustainable development, including its efforts towards advancing peak carbon and carbon neutrality, its participation in global climate change governance, and its pursuit of a harmonious relationship between society and nature, has led to widespread public acceptance and recognition of the concept of greenness and sustainability. This concept is also reflected in consumption patterns, as consumers are aware of the social responsibility associated with their consumption behavior.

Following the proposal of “promoting green consumption and establishing green, low-carbon production and lifestyle” by the 20th National Congress, consumers have increasingly incorporated the idea of greenness and sustainability into their consumption. Some consumers are also willing to pay a premium for green consumption, which is expected to remain a lasting trend for consumers as awareness and adoption of sustainable practices in consumption behavior continue to grow.

Pursuing technological advances: The past decade has been a period of rapid internet development, with continuous innovation in Internet technology, service forms, and business models. With the advent of the “new infrastructure,” the retail ecosystem is becoming more digitalized, intelligent, and efficient. The widespread adoption of the latest innovations in underlying technologies, such as 5G, cloud computing, IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence, is propelling advances in retail technology.

Chinese consumers exhibit strong curiosity and acceptance of new technologies and are eager to experience the convenience and innovations they bring, creating a positive feedback loop that drives even further advances in technology. For example, around 2015, the sharing economy began to boom, with shared bikes, power banks, massage chairs, and more entering the market. This highlighted the strong ability of the internet to allocate physical resources to meet consumer needs. Around 2016, visual media such as live streaming and short videos further enriched internet services, satisfying consumers’ entertainment needs while providing new business models for traffic monetization.

Today, mobile internet is widely popular, and the proportion of elderly internet users is surging. Consumers remain enthusiastic about new technologies and look forward to the maturation and application of the Metaverse.

Michael Deng says, “Based on the above trends derived from Chinese consumer insights, Deloitte suggests that to better serve consumers, consumer goods and retail companies should strive to capture shares of consumers’ time, minds, and wallets 24/7, both online and offline. We present the following recommendations for consumer goods and retail companies:

  • focus on product value for money;
  • lead with a strong value proposition and build brand trust to win recognition;
  • build a brand’s private domain, lay out Omni-channel consumer operations, and create unique brand experiences;
  • prioritize omni-channel integration to meet diverse consumer needs; and
  • create an open business ecosystem that can adapt to changing consumer needs.”

Click here to download the full report.

Hashtag: #Deloitte

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Deloitte China

Deloitte China provides integrated professional services, with our long-term commitment to be a leading contributor to China’s reform, opening-up and economic development. We are a globally connected and deeply locally-rooted firm, owned by its partners in China. With over 20,000 professionals across 30 Chinese cities, we provide our clients with a one-stop shop offering world-leading audit & assurance, consulting, financial advisory, risk advisory, business advisory and tax services.

We serve with integrity, uphold quality and strive to innovate. With our professional excellence, insight across industries, and intelligent technology solutions, we help clients and partners from many sectors seize opportunities, tackle challenges and attain world-class, high-quality development goals.

The Deloitte brand originated in 1845, and its name in Chinese (德勤) denotes integrity, diligence and excellence. Deloitte’s professional network of member firms now spans more than 150 countries and territories. Through our mission to make an impact that matters, we help reinforce public trust in capital markets, enable clients to transform and thrive, and lead the way toward a stronger economy, a more equitable society and a sustainable world.

About Deloitte
Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”). DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms and related entities are legally separate and independent entities, which cannot obligate or bind each other in respect of third parties. DTTL and each DTTL member firm and related entity is liable only for its own acts and omissions, and not those of each other. DTTL does not provide services to clients.

Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited is a company limited by guarantee and a member firm of DTTL. Members of Deloitte Asia Pacific Limited and their related entities, each of which are separate and independent legal entities, provide services from more than 100 cities across the region.

Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more.

Disclaimer
This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte organization”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser.

No representations, warranties or undertakings (express or implied) are given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information in this communication, and none of DTTL, its member firms, related entities, employees or agents shall be liable or responsible for any loss or damage whatsoever arising directly or indirectly in connection with any person relying on this communication. DTTL and each of its member firms, and their related entities, are legally separate and independent entities.

© 2023. For more information, please contact Deloitte China.

Laos Secures Financial Deal on Region’s Largest Wind Farm

Laos Secures Financial Agreement on Region's Largest Wild Farm
The windmill of the "Monsoon Wind Power Project" (photo: ສູນຂ່າວພະລັງງານ ແລະ ບໍ່ແຮ່)

A developer alongside a regional bank has signed an agreement to fund USD 692 million for the 600MW “Monsoon Wind Power Project,” Southeast Asia’s largest wind power project based in Laos.

Focus Digital Technology Group Appoints Dr Michael Kelly As Senior Advisor

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 March 2023 – Dr Michael Kelly joins Focus Digital Technology Group‘s illustrious panel of advisors, alongside BG (Ret) Chua Chwee Koh.

Michael Kelly

Michael Kelly

In this advisory role, Dr Kelly will work closely with BG (Ret) Chua in assisting Focus Digital Technology Group in the expansion into new geographic markets across Asia Pacific and North America. Both advisors have expressed their enthusiasm and are keen to contribute their knowledge and skills to Focus Digital Technology Group, with a particular focus on Cybernatics, a revolutionary Cybersecurity Asset Attack Surface Management (CAASM), SaaS product company.

Dr Kelly brings a wealth of experience to this role, having held senior positions in firms dealing with technology, telecommunications, business consulting, and most recently cybersecurity in the finance industry. During the last 6 years at Standard Chartered he was responsible for information security risk across the bank’s global technology base and security services, and helped to set up the governance process and security framework for the use of cloud services and other new technologies. Dr Kelly was also responsible for ensuring the information security framework at SC Ventures, the bank’s business start-up incubator, and for reviewing the cybersecurity risk posture of the individual ventures. Most recently he was working with the teams and ventures dealing with digital assets and the use of distributed ledger technology (blockchain).

Since coming to Asia Dr Kelly has lived in Hong Kong and Melbourne, as well as Singapore, and worked with companies across Asia, the Middle-East, Europe and North America. He began his career as a Signals Security/Signals Intelligence Officer in the US Army, where the importance of security was fully ingrained in him.

Dr Kelly is married with two daughters and enjoys spending time with his family, hiking and singing. He is also an active member of the St. George’s Anglican Church on Dempsey Hill.

“I’ve known Michael for several years and I’m confident that with his extensive expertise and experience across Telecommunications, Financial Services and Insurance industries, our team will gain valuable insights as we grow our service offerings and develop Cybernatics to be a truly global platform. We are excited to have Michael work closely with us as we start to launch out into new geographic markets across Asia and North America!” says Dr Edwin Lee, CEO of Focus Digital Technology Group.

Hashtag: #FocusDigitalTechnologyGroup #cybersecurity #Focuscomputer #Focusdigitech #Cybernatics



The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Focus Digital Technology Group

Focus Digital Technology Group is the holding company of Focus Computer, an IT systems integration and VAR solution provider with 30 years of heritage, Focus Digitech, a deep-tech digital transformation services provider, and Cybernatics, a revolutionary Cybersecurity Asset Attack Surface Management (CAASM), SaaS product company.

Focus Computer and Focus Digitech, provide end-to-end IT systems integration and digital transformation services in the key areas of IT System Integration and Managed Services, Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity, DevOps, and Analytics, covering both the public and private sectors in the Asia Pacific.

With the extensive experience and capacities serving both public and private organisations in cybersecurity, Cybernatics was birthed in 2022 with a mission to make military-grade cybersecurity affordable to SMBs through their revolutionary and disruptive SaaS model.

Focus Digital Technology Group aims to realise the full value of its business with a plan to IPO in 2026.

For more information on Focus Digital Technology Group, please visit .

For Investor Relations, please direct your enquiries to .

Over 50% Of the World to Be Overweight or Obese by 2035

Over 50% Of the World to Be Overweight or Obese by 2035
Person getting ready to lift some weights.

The World Obesity Foundation (OBF) has issued a report, stating that more than half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese by 2035 if measures are not taken to rectify the situation.

Zoho Unveils Unified Communications Platform, Launches New Collaboration Tech for Zoho Workplace

Zoho Workplace achieves 38% YoY Revenue Growth in APAC and 16 Million+ Users Worldwide

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 March 2023 – Zoho Corporation, a leading global technology company, today unveiled its new collaboration experience, Trident, as well as strengthened collaboration technologies to offer businesses easier ways to communicate across channels, reduce tool-ambiguity, and improve an organization’s overall digital adoption.

Establishing itself as a central work hub or virtual headquarters, Zoho Workplace is a unified office platform that combines collaboration, productivity, and communications tools. It is now a flexible, full-featured business mail and cloud office suite that is built on a common data model and unified through search and AI, enabling users to operate collaboratively and seamlessly through applications.

Commenting on the continued innovation, Gibu Mathew, VP and GM of Zoho APAC notes, “In the past year, Zoho Workplace adoption has accelerated in the APAC region as businesses of all sizes transition to digital-forward, hybrid work. With a clear focus on continued innovation, Zoho is well-positioned to be a growth partner for businesses. The goal of Zoho Workplace is to enable businesses to unify their work to a point where the line between apps disappears. It’s heartening to see so many new businesses join the Zoho family, using Zoho Workplace as their customizable center of gravity.”

Zoho Workplace has grown 38% year-over-year in APAC and now has more than 16 million users worldwide. This substantial growth is attributed to increasing business demand for simplified, streamlined solutions that maintain utmost standards for user privacy as well as rising costs from other collaboration platform providers. Additionally, migrations from Google, Microsoft and GoDaddy to Zoho Workplace almost doubled in 2022.

Here’s a look at what’s new:

    1. Zoho Trident is a brand new collaboration, productivity and communication experience that combines mail, messages, audio/video calls, calendar, tasks and more into the same place. It’s also Zoho’s first native desktop app for email and chat. Trident is a move away from individual product experiences, as Zoho works to provide its customers with a unified platform.
    2. The Zoho Voice platform is now a full Phone System integrated directly within team collaboration app Zoho Cliq and web conferencing app Zoho Meeting. This allows employees to make direct line calls and send SMS messages, as well as pick up inbound calls across the apps.
    3. Zoho Webinar is now part of the Zoho Meeting web conferencing app that will let you broadcast yourselves to hundreds of attendees and engage with them using Polls and Q&As.
    4. Zoho is releasing a new AI-based grammar tool, BluePencil. This brings writing suggestions and a text editor which can be used on any third-party webpage.
    5. Universal Drag & Drop functionality lets users save time and improves users experience doing things across collaboration channels. Drag an email attachment and drop it to your colleague’s chat to send it directly, for example.
    6. Mobile Device Management capabilities and OTP-restricted Emails have been added to the workplace suite as Zoho focuses on security.
    7. TrueSync has been added to Zoho Workdrive so that hard drive storage limits are no longer a concern. TrueSync creates a mirror of all WorkDrive files and folders on the desktop so you can seamlessly switch between the cloud and your computer. You can access files locally and make changes without using up hard drive space.


Zoho Workplace Pricing:
Zoho Workplace is available in three editions: Standard is $3 per user per month. Professional is $6 per user per month. Zoho Mail is $1 per user per month. For more information, please visit: https://www.zoho.com/workplace/

Zoho Privacy Pledge
Zoho respects user privacy and does not have an ad-revenue model in any part of its business, including its free products. The company owns and operates its data centers, ensuring complete oversight of customer data, privacy, and security. More than 80 million users around the world, across hundreds of thousands of companies, rely on Zoho every day to run their businesses, including Zoho itself. For more information, please visit: https://www.zoho.com/privacy-commitment.html

Hashtag: #Zoho

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Zoho

With 55+ apps in nearly every major business category, Zoho Corporation is one of the world’s most prolific technology companies. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with international headquarters in Chennai, India, Zoho is privately held and profitable with more than 12,000 employees. For more information, please visit:

FOMO Pay has officially become the member of Singapore Clearing House Association (SCHA)

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 6 March 2023 – FOMO Pay, the leading major payment institution headquartered in Singapore, announces its official membership in the Singapore Clearing House Association (SCHA), a prestigious organization comprising the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and elected financial institutions.

As an SCHA member, FOMO Pay will leverage the association’s clearing services and facilities to enhance the reconciliation process for direct fund transfers between financial institutions, ensuring FOMO Pay clients’ timely business transactions while safeguarding all parties involved by recording transaction details and validating fund availability.

This membership represents another significant milestone for FOMO Pay after becoming SWIFT network member recently in December 2022, reflecting the company’s unwavering commitment to providing compliant and secure digital payment services.

The SCHA is an association formed in December 1980 to establish, manage and administer clearing services and facilities for cheques and debit and credit items of its members. The SCHA also establishes the rules on the rights and responsibilities of participating banks as well as the service providers for the various clearing systems. The SCHA is responsible for the Singapore Automated Clearing House (ACH), which runs the Singapore Dollar Cheque Clearing System, the United States Dollar Cheque Clearing System and the Interbank GIRO System.

Hashtag: #FOMOPay #SCHA #FinTech #Payment #Transaction #FinancialInstitutions

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About FOMO Pay

Founded in 2015, FOMO Pay Pte Ltd is a major payment institution (License No. PS20200145) regulated under the Payment Services Act in Singapore, licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to conduct Cross-border Money Transfer Service, Domestic Money Transfer Service, Digital Payment Token Service, and Merchant Acquisition Service. The firm has become a leading one-stop digital payment and banking solution provider and is currently building Asia’s first licensed gateway helping institutions and businesses to connect between fiat and digital currency. The firm offers its three flagship products:

  • FOMO Payment – One-stop digital payment solution for merchants, corporates and financial institutions
  • FOMO iBank – Facilitate businesses’ everyday requirements for transactional banking needs
  • FOMO Crypto – Asia’s first licensed gateway bridging digital currency and fiat

BROS EQUITY ALERT: ROSEN, A LEADING NATIONAL FIRM, Encourages Dutch Bros, Inc. Investors to Secure Counsel Before Important Deadline in Securities Class Action – BROS

New York, New York – Newsfile Corp. – March 5, 2023 – WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces the filing of a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Dutch Bros, Inc. (NYSE: BROS) between March 1, 2022 and May 11, 2022, both dates inclusive (the “Class Period”). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 1, 2023.

SO WHAT: If you purchased Dutch Bros securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the Dutch Bros class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12586 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than May 1, 2023. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs’ Bar. Many of the firm’s attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the lawsuit, defendants throughout the Class made materially false and/or misleading statements, and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the Company was experiencing increased costs and expenses, including on dairy; (2) as a result, the Company was experiencing increased margin pressure and decreased profitability in the first quarter of 2022; and (3) as a result of the foregoing, Defendants’ positive statements about the Company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Dutch Bros class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=12586 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email pkim@rosenlegal.com or cases@rosenlegal.com for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor’s ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

——————————-

Contact Information:

Laurence Rosen, Esq.
Phillip Kim, Esq.
The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
New York, NY 10016
Tel: (212) 686-1060
Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
Fax: (212) 202-3827
lrosen@rosenlegal.com
pkim@rosenlegal.com
cases@rosenlegal.com
www.rosenlegal.com

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.