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CPA Australia: COVID-19 a double-edged sword for Taiwan’s small businesses

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – Media OutReach – 5 May 2022 – The pandemic has helped many Taiwanese small businesses unlock hidden growth opportunities, while wreaking havoc on others. Half of Taiwan’s small businesses grew in 2021, while 63 per cent expect to expand this year. Both results are the highest among the advanced economies included in a regional survey conducted by CPA Australia, one of the world’s largest professional accounting bodies.

CPA Australia’s annual “Asia-Pacific Small Business Survey” surveyed 4,252 small business owners or senior managers across 11 Asia-Pacific markets, including 310 from Taiwan. Conducted from November to December 2021, the survey was designed to understand local business conditions, challenges and confidence.

Mr Elic Lam FCPA (Aust.), Honorary Taiwan Adviser to CPA Australia, said, “COVID-19 is a double-edged sword for Taiwan. Fifty-two per cent of small businesses nominated COVID-19 as a major negative factor in 2021, up from 45 per cent in 2020. However, 38 per cent also said it was a major positive influence on their business. For the second consecutive year, COVID-19 was nominated as both the top positive and negative influence on local small businesses.”

“This is not a coincidence. Taiwanese small businesses in export-oriented and technology sectors such as manufacturing, transportation and information technology continue to benefit from surging global demand,” Lam explained.

“In addition, the rise of the Otaku (“stay‑at‑home”) economy in Taiwan has boosted domestic demand for computer and internet-related devices, delivery services and gaming. Many small businesses have grasped these opportunities, even under strict social restrictions. However, tourism-related industries such as retail and hospitality registered relatively weaker performance due to a drop in local consumption and overseas travellers.”

In response to COVID-19 last year, Taiwanese small businesses were most likely to reduce capital expenditure (27 per cent), followed by seeking government support and subsidies (22 per cent).

“The government’s relief measures aided many small businesses to overcome major COVID-related challenges last year. However, with small businesses facing a new COVID-19 outbreak, increasing costs and the possible end of government support in June, they should be proactive in transforming their business model, especially increasing their focus on digitalisation.”

Many Taiwanese small businesses improved their digital capabilities last year. Forty-five per cent reported more than 10 per cent of their sales were received through new digital payment technology in 2021, a record high for Taiwan. Another 45 per cent said that they earned more than 10 per cent of their revenue from online sales last year, also a record high for Taiwan. However, these figures were still well below the survey average of 65 per cent and 61 per cent, respectively.

“Stimulus voucher programs such as the ‘5000 Quintuple Stimulus Voucher Program’ were successful initiatives that not only helped to stimulate the local economy but also accelerated the adoption of digital payments,” Mr Lam explained. “The government may consider introducing similar stimulus measures to continue encouraging adoption of technology and to boost Taiwan’s digital economy.

“Aside from digitalisation, the survey findings indicate that high-growth small businesses in the Asia-Pacific were more likely to focus on innovation. It’s pleasing to see expectations to innovate in Taiwan this year rose to a record high of 67 per cent,” Mr Lam said. “This is further evidence that COVID-19 has caused many businesses to look for hidden growth opportunities.”

Based on the characteristics of high-growth small businesses from the survey, CPA Australia recommends that small businesses in Taiwan consider the following actions:

  • increase their focus on online sales and digital transformation
  • seek professional advice to improve the profitability of their technology investments
  • explore opportunities to innovate through new products, services or processes

About CPA Australia

CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 170,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,200 members in Greater China. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on local, national and international issues affecting the accounting profession and public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at

#CPAAustralia

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

New Expressway to Link Houaphanh Province with Vietnam

Hanoi to Haiphong Expressway
Hanoi to Haiphong Expressway

The Government of Laos has agreed with contractors to conduct a feasibility study for the construction of an expressway from Houaphan Province to the border with Vietnam.

Callsign launches free eBook on how technology helps banks to stop online scams

Callsign says outdated verification and authentication technologies such as one time passwords (OTPs) are to blame not people

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 5 May 2022 – Callsign, the digital trust pioneer, has launched ‘Online scams, the psychology of fraud, and how technology can prevent it’ eBook. Authored by Richard Shotton and Callsign, the eBook is free to download and contains valuable insight and information about how online fraud works, and the steps needed to reverse its exponential growth.

Estimated to cost the global economy US$5 trillion annually, online scams are once again surging globally. Recent high profile bank frauds in the Asia Pacific region reveal the extent criminals will go to steal, trick, or hack victims’ sensitive data to realize illegal financial gain.

Commenting, Namrata Jolly, General Manager for Asia Pacific, Callsign, said:

“A common denominator in the failure to combat online fraud is the use of outdated technologies to verify and authenticate customers even though these have proven to be vulnerable to compromise. For example, criminals have known how to circumvent one time passwords delivered by SMS for years, yet the technology is still relied upon by the majority in the banking sector.”

The eBook outlines that whilst education of consumers does help prevent them falling victim to fraud, consumers are consumers whereas fraudsters are professional criminals, who use sophisticated methods to trick humans and circumvent technology.

Whilst text messaging is a ubiquitous communication channel, that means it is also available to fraudsters. SMS OTPs rely on Signaling System 7 (SS7- a technology used by telecom operators since 1975) is known to be vulnerable to cyberattackers.

Callsign’s own survey into consumers attitudes to technology and scams revealed that only 8% of consumers trust SMS OTPs to communicate with their bank.

Callsign’s technology enables organizations to dispense with SMS one-time passwords and other dated authentication technologies, helping to prevent fraud, including account takeovers, due to compromised devices, stolen credentials, SIM swapping and other threats.

“There is a common perception that humans are to blame for online fraud. This is not the case. The root cause for online fraud is technology, because many online service providers have simply not developed authentication methods to meet the needs of the digital age,” added Jolly.

To download the free eBook, click here. Registration is not required.

About Callsign

is pioneering digital trust through proprietary technology that uniquely mimics the way humans identify each other in the real world. Positive identification of genuine users delivers privacy, safety and minimal friction whilst ensuring that bad actors are blocked. Through a simple Swipe or Type, users can be personally recognized to a 99.999% accuracy, delivering the highest-fidelity AI based user recognition for the digital world. To learn more about how this technology is used to underpin digital trust across financial institutions, governments and commerce globally visit:

#Callsign

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

Cambodian PM Suggests Myanmar allow ASEAN Talks with Suu Kyi

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (left) meets Myanmar leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (right) via video link on Monday (Phnom Penh Post).
Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen (left) meets Myanmar leader Senior General Min Aung Hlaing (right) via video link on Monday (Phnom Penh Post).

Cambodian Prime Minister and ASEAN chair Hun Sen has suggested that the Senior General of Myanmar, Min Aung Hlaing, should permit ousted leaders Aung San Suu Kyi and Win Myint to meet with the ASEAN special envoy Prak Sokhonn next month.

Warner Bros. Discovery partners with Astro to honour Malaysia’s iconic dishes and urban gardens with brand new shows

  • “Best.Ever.” sees foodies engage in a heated debate over different versions of Malaysia’s favourite dishes
  • “Green Crashers” showcases urban garden makeovers across the city intertwined with homeowner’s stories
  • “Star Vs Food Malaysia” features a star-studded line-up of Malaysian celebrities paired with renowned chefs

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 5 May 2022 – Warner Bros. Discovery today announced a partnership with Astro, Malaysia’s leading content and entertainment company, to celebrate Malaysia’s food, culture, and intimate gardens with the premiere of brand-new shows “Green Crashers” on HGTV and “Best.Ever.” on Asian Food Network (“AFN”). “Green Crashers” sees urban garden makeovers across Malaysia against the backdrop of homeowners’ intimate stories. In “Best.Ever.”, AFN invites audiences to engage in a heated debate over different versions of Malaysia’s favourite dishes. The partnership also includes “Star Vs Food Malaysia”, a new cooking show premiering on AFN and TLC with a star-studded line-up of Malaysian celebrities paired with renowned chefs.

In “Green Crashers”, celebrity host Aishah Jennifer Sinclair surprises guests in their houses and apartments and helps spruce up their gardens to add new life and a touch of nature into their homes. In the process, the show fleshes out some of the guests’ most intimate personal stories to emphasise the joy that the new garden will bring to them.

The series follows Aishah’s visit with her team, getting to know the guests before their makeover to better curate a tailored oasis of flora and fauna. The premiere episode sees a guest looking to build an edible garden on her balcony inspired by memories of her grandmother. The following episodes spotlight the stunning remodelling of gardens to create a cosy atmosphere where guests can make memories with friends, family and pets. The final episode sees the HGTV team provide inexperienced gardeners with the tools to help better tend to the gardens for their elderly tenants. HGTV (Astro Ch 715), 5th May 2022, Thursday, 9:10 PM (SEA/PH), 8:10 PM (BKK/JKT).

In “Best. Ever.”, viewers see professional foodies immerse themselves in Malaysia’s rich and vibrant culinary scene by engaging in a fun yet heated debate over their favourite dish or favourite version of the dish, with resident anchor host Daphne Iking casting the deciding vote. In the introductory episode, “Best. Nasi Lemak. Ever.”, the foodies will get to pick their favourite Malaysian classics, from Nasi Lemak to Satay.

The following episodes dive deeper into the food culture, spotlighting amazing fusion creations, delicious street food options, and even tackling revered dishes made of rice, from the Hainanese Chicken Rice to Nasi Kerabu, highlighting an ingredient that transcends all differences. The episodes go on to showcase foodies debating over the best cheap eats, laksa, dessert and the spiciest dishes. AFN (Astro Ch 709), 5th May 2022, Thursday, 9:10 PM (SEA/PH), 8:10 PM (BKK/JKT).

Following the celebration of Malaysia’s thriving food scene, Discovery Network and Astro present Star Vs Food Malaysia, which features a star-studded line-up of Malaysian celebrities paired with renowned chefs. The localised cooking reality show is based on an original Discovery format, ‘Star Vs Food’, originally created in India.

The series follows celebrities exploring and learning recipes as well as the necessary food preparation from chefs. Star Vs Food Malaysia sees chaos ensuing in the kitchen as the celebrities whip up delicious cuisine and try to hone their craft. AFN (Astro Ch 709), 18th August 2022, Thursday, 9:00 PM (SEA/PH), 8:00 PM (BKK/JKT), and TLC (Astro Ch 707), 18th October 2022, Tuesday, 9:00 PM (SEA/PH), 8:00 PM (BKK/JKT).

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brand’s and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, CNN+, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, Investigation Discovery, TLC, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies and others. For more information, please visit .

Notes to editors
Best.Ever. Images
Best.Ever. Promo Video
Host Daphne Iking’s Profile
Best.Ever. Foodie Contestants Bio :
Green Crashers Images
Green Crashers Promo Video
Host Aishah Jennifer Sinclair Profile
Star Vs Food Malaysia Images
Stars Vs Food Malaysia Video
Star Vs Food Malaysia Talents Bio
For more information on Astro, click
Link to HGTV and AFN logos

#WarnerBros.Discovery

International salaries soar for SP Jain’s Master of Global Business students in 2021

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 5 May 2022 – SP Jain School of Global Management, a Forbes #12 ranked business school, announced impressive career outcomes for its Master of Global Business (MGB) program. The MGB program is designed for pre-experienced students and the average in-class work experience is one year.

Mr Kunal Goenka, a graduate from SP Jain School of Global Management MGB 2021 batch placed at KPMG, Singapore

The highest international offer for the program went up to USD 51163, a 15% rise from last year’s USD 44601. The average international salary stood at USD 32795, up from USD 23611 in 2020. Over 50% of students bagged full-time offers from leading companies in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The school also reported international internships for 63% of its students.

Top international recruiters this season include leading companies such as Amazon, KPMG, Bayer, Landmark Group, Aramex, Michelin, Lenovo, DSV, Network International, Movado Group, Westcon, Agility, Redington Gulf, Kantar, Sharaf DG, StoneX, TIER Mobility, iMile and Global Shipping & Logistics.

Students who opted for domestic placements received offers from Unilever, Henkel, IBM, Aditya Birla Capital, Micron India, Thermo Fisher, Blackberrys, McKinsey and Co., TIAA, Cedar Consulting, Cognizant, Accenture, Johnson and Johnson, Steer Advisors, IBS Intelligence, First Cry and L&T Infotech. The school also reported recruitment by several start-ups and tech companies such as TruKKer, Indegene, Azentio, Fero.Ai and Westcon.

The technology sector took the top spot, with 26% of students joining tech companies, fintech firms and last-mile delivery apps. Consulting (9%), logistics (7%), and retail and BFSI (6%) were the other leading sectors. General management roles constituted 18% of the offers, followed by consulting, marketing, operations and project management.

“The MGB program is designed for graduates with little to no work experience. Some students to have received salaries of USD 32795 or higher is very gratifying. I am particularly pleased to note the presence of several first-time recruiters from the technology industry.

The SP Jain curriculum is designed to train students to leverage cutting edge business management skills in fast-evolving digital ecosystem. Students are not only prepared for management specific careers, but also for positions that are technology and data-driven requiring deep analytical skills,” shared Dr Balakrishna Grandhi, Dean of SP Jain’s MGB and Global MBA programs.

The MGB is a 16-month full-time master’s program with a mandatory 4-month international internship component. It is offered in two flexible learning formats. Students may opt to spend four months each at SP Jain’s campuses in Singapore, Sydney and Dubai, or four months in Singapore and the remaining duration of the program in Dubai, where they will receive assistance with internships and job placements.

ABOUT SP JAIN SCHOOL OF GLOBAL MANAGEMENT (SP JAIN GLOBAL)

SP Jain School of Global Management is an Australian business school that provides modern, relevant and practical global business education. With campuses in the dynamic business hubs of Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore and Sydney, SP Jain Global is renowned for its multi-city undergraduate and postgraduate programs as well as doctoral, executive and short-term online programs. For its flagship Global MBA program, the School has been ranked by reputed international publications such as , , and .

S P Jain Global is registered as an Institute of Higher Education by the Australian Government’s Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA). Upon graduation, students receive a degree conferred by SP Jain School of Global Management, Australia. The School is registered as a Private Education Institute (PEI) by the Committee for Private Education (CPE), Singapore, and permitted by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Government of Dubai, UAE. Click to read more.

#SPJainGlobal

META.N Group Launches GxG.Style

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – ACCESSWIRE – 4 May 2022 – META.N GROUP is an artificial intelligence (AI) social technician company that creates and supplies technology that fits the cultural environment and times. META.N GROUP plans on providing platform-based technology that supports various financial and trading systems based on HyperNEX technology researched and developed by the subsidiary HyperNEST.

HyperNEX technology was developed to solve the problems with value sharing and the consistency of distribution that have emerged in the convergence process of technology and finance. It supports the distribution of online media content creation and sharing activities based on fifth generation AI-distributed computing technology.

The core goal of the technology is to implement a central execution system. After that, the goal is to implement a distributed audit system for quick processing and fair distribution. We have introduced an AI system into the distributed audit node, which allows it to prevent mistakes and biases for the benefit of a specific group when human intervention occurs.

David Han Lee, CEO of HyperNEST (the developer of HyperNEX technology), said, “It’s possible for AI to make mistakes or form a bias, but AI lacks human emotions. That’s why a fair distribution has more advantages than a human-directed distribution. We will block intervention for specific interests and improve the completion degree of technology. The more we experience fair distribution, the more competitive we will become. We want to be a company that others want to follow.”

META.N GROUP provides the W (Wallet) – M (Messenger) – M (NFT Marketplace) service based on the aforementioned HyperNEX technology to solve the problems with value sharing and distribution for those who use grid chain technology. META.N GROUP puts media content into NFTs with NFT Marketplace and NFTs that are traded in the market as the core axes. We will use these axes to achieve sharing and distribution. The GxG NFT Marketplace launched by META.N GROUP has the capacity for 1 GB minting. This means that users can utilize tools to convert various forms of media such as videos and high-quality images into NFTs to create new records and certifications. The market’s attention is focused on the fact that it is possible to solve the intellectual property problem (a common problem in the NFT market) through high-capacity minting.

It is said that a large-capacity hardware infrastructure is needed for the advancement and development of minting services of 1 GB or more as well as AI services. META.N GROUP is focusing on achieving “One Korea, One Cloud” in hopes of solving these problems. In other words, individuals or companies from the Republic of Korea will build a shared network infrastructure by sharing some of their PC storage, network, and GPU with us. The platform that is created will provide a fair distribution of shares. We want to be the first in the world to connect one country with one Cloud.

Eom Meen, the chairman of META.N GROUP, said, “There are a lot of conceptual examples of resource sharing. They have proved to be effective, but the practical implementation plans have been insufficient. With the NFT Marketplace as the main axis, we will provide services by combining the production of media content with the shared physical environment. This will allow us to create a feasible final touchpoint. The concept of value sharers refers to groups that share physical resources as well as groups that produce content. This will lead to the creation of natural DAO activities and an environment in which everyone is united. In the future, we will expand the market from ‘One Korea, One Cloud’ to ‘One World, One Cloud.’ We are currently receiving calls of support from global companies interested in our platform and technology.”

Image downloading:
https://www.accesswire.com/users/newswire/images/700086/KakaoTalk20220503163817590.png

#META.N

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

Vietnam Announces USD 500,000 Donation to Ukraine During Japanese PM Visit

Vietnamese and Japanese Prime Ministers talk Ukraine
Vietnamese and Japanese Prime Ministers talk Ukraine (Photo: Japan Times).

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh announced a USD 500,000 donation in humanitarian aid to Ukraine during a visit by the Prime Minister of Japan.