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Laos Confirms 64 New Cases of Covid-19, Total Now 821

Covid-19 Update

Laos has confirmed 64 new cases of Covid-19 today, bringing the total number of cases in the country to 821.

Thailand Returns Illegal Entrant Believed to be Covid-19 Super Spreader

Thailand Returns Illegal Entrant Believed to be Covid-19 Super Spreader

Thai authorities have returned a woman believed to be one of three central figures in the super spreader event that led to the country’s second wave, to Laos.

Counterpoint: TECNO Mobile Leads in AI-enhanced Photography exemplifying by its Newest CAMON17 Pro

-By industry leading research insistution Counterpoint’s most recent report, TECNO is recognized as one of the few brands that have make break-throughs in AI-enhanced mobile photography and videography.

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 April 2021 – Counterpoint Technology Market Research, a global research firm specializing in products in the TMT (technology, media, and telecom) industry, recently released a whitepaper named: “Technology Convergence Clicks in Smartphone Cameras”. The report charts the intertwined evolution of both the smartphone and camera technology and predicts that both these ecosystems will be increasingly dependent on each other for progress, given current trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) computing power in smartphones. In its report, Counterpoint has cited TECNO, a rising global smartphone brand, and its upcoming CAMON 17 Pro as a stellar example of a modern phone that embodies this trend, incorporating camera technology, AI, scene recognition and more into a technologically advanced everyday product.

 

 

Bringing together camera technology with smartphones has been a core tenet of user demands since its introduction 20 years ago, with the release of Japan’s Kyocera VP-210 in 1999. Today, more than one-third of all smartphones have 32-108 Megapixels (MP). This is the most common band, of which 48MP and 64MP seem to be considered the mainstream currently. The CAMON 17 Pro is representative of this category and bring the selfie experience to the new high with its 48MP front camera. As 108MP or even higher is a trend of competition, TECNO shared that consumers have two options – either through high Magic Pixel function or computational photography system at software level. According to Counterpoint, it “expects this high-resolution trend to continue into the 5G decade, aiming to realize the human-eye capable perception”.

 

Expect not only the phones, but also the cameras to get smarter, as AI plays an increasing role in smartphone development. Smartphone AI is now capable of assisting user to edit right from their phones. User-friendly editing tools help the average user to perform complex effects and functions without flipping through thick instruction manuals. AI has helped in removing or reducing background noise and clutter, conceal blemishes and re-engineer body shapes to an appreciable degree. Counterpoint uses the example of TECNO’s TAIVOS (TECNO AI Vision Optimization Solution) technology, which is an advanced signal processing technology that interprets raw data through an AI multi-framed, portrait segmentation based on tens of millions of data points, which can filter image noise better and optimize image clarity, thereby enhancing night photography effects. TECNO’s CAMON 17 Pro brings the next generation of TAIVOS into the hands of users, as its robust imaging system has proven to fit into various complexions and social environments. The Super Night Mode in CAMON 17 Pro supported by TAIVOS adds unrivalled clarity to the photos even when they are taken in the dark. TAIVOS enables 1.6 μm camera let in more light and optimize details against a low-light background.

 

 

The new features and innovations powered by AI are expected to play a more critical role for smartphone makers in differentiating their products, predicts Counterpoint. One of the main pillars supporting a selfie generation is not just the ability to take stunning pictures, but that of storing them as well. The handphone has well and truly become a portable computer wrapped snugly in our hands. Users now demand storage of thousands of photos and videos, as well as hundreds of apps, all in a palm-sized phone. As users get more enthusiastic about the selfie culture, the hours spent on this habit get extended subconsciously, calling for longer-lasting battery life. To this end, TECNO CAMON 17 Pro’s 8GB RAM and 256GB ROM will go a long way in ensuring seamless switching between applications and a smooth experience throughout. And its huge 5000mAh battery is helpful in preventing those awkward or frustrating moments when the battery dies out. Flash charging capabilities also mean that such dire situations can be salvaged when inevitable.

 

 

However, there is still much to do in bringing AI and smartphone hardware together. One of the greatest criticisms of the handphone has always been the low utilisation of features. With these latest developments in the TECNO CAMON 17 Pro, this point has been thankfully addressed. These new features are all pertinent to the identified needs of users – the taking, editing, and storing of selfies. These upgrades make a lot of sense and are significantly more applicable than their predecessors. It is an exciting era we are looking at whether it is through the lens of a state-of-the-art selfie or an AI-enhanced video.

 

For full report, please refer to counterpoint.

Cyberport Brings Together Hong Kong and Pacific Rim Youth for Esports Exchange

Workshop Organised with APRU Teaches How to Win Heavyweight Brand Sponsorships for Esports Development

 

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach – 30 April 2021 – Hong Kong Cyberport and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU), a consortium of 58 leading universities in the Pacific Rim region, today held the APRU Esports Fellowship Workshop on the Cyberport campus and online. Talon Esports, a Cyberport incubatee and well-known organiser of esports leagues, shared its perspective on the esports business ecosystem and how marketing and business sponsorship can benefit the industry’s development. 30 students from universities in Hong Kong and the Pacific Rim, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the School of Professional and Continuing Education of the University of Hong Kong (HKU SPACE) and the Open University of Hong Kong, joined the workshop and exchanged views with fellow students who share their passion for esports.

Participating students conducted a mock sponsor pitch to enhance their knowledge of the esports ecosystem.

Eric Chan, Chief Public Mission Officer of Cyberport, said, “Cyberport is committed to cultivating local young talent and providing them with diversified entrepreneurship and career opportunities. As a high-growth emerging industry, esports and digital entertainment present younger generations with a rich array of opportunities, from content development to team management and training, and from event planning to brand marketing. Through this workshop, participants learned about the esports industry’s business models and the unique advantages of Hong Kong’s esports companies. Those aspiring to a career in esports could also broaden their horizons and enjoy fruitful exchanges via the APRU network with their counterparts from other universities in the Pacific Rim.”

Industry Leader Shares Tips on Winning Sponsorships

According to the latest forecast from industry research institute Newzoo, the global esports market’s value will reach USD1.084 billion in 2021, representing year-on-year growth of 14.5%. Business sponsorship will account for USD641 million, close to 60% of the total value. This demonstrates that business sponsorship is the esports industry’s bread and butter.

As a Cyberport incubatee, Talon Esports is well-known for its League of Legends team, PSG Talon, as well as for the successful esports events it has staged, such as the VALORANT competitions in Hong Kong and Taiwan which have attracted lucrative sponsorships from a wide variety of businesses including sportswear company Nike, KFC Thailand, Hong Kong virtual bank Mox and gaming seat developer Recaro. Today’s workshop tutor, Sean Zhang, CEO and Co-founder of Talon Esports, noted: “Everything begins with the fans. Esports fans typically represent a very valuable consumer segment for many brands, but they are also notoriously difficult to reach through traditional channels. So the most important thing for us to understand from a partnership perspective is what our partners are looking to achieve, from both a business and a branding standpoint, and then our job is to work out how we can best help them bridge that gap between them and the gaming community in a way that is authentic and adds value for our fans too.”

Sponsor Pitch Simulations

Each participating university, including the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, HKU SPACE, the Open University of Hong Kong, the Far Eastern Federal University, the National Taiwan University, the National University of Singapore, the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, the University of British Columbia, the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Washington, arranged for two to three representatives to join the workshop. Grouped into five teams, the students were required to conduct a sponsor pitch for a popular esports league. To enhance their knowledge of the esports ecosystem, feedback and suggestions were provided by the tutor.

Organising inter-university tournaments and academic competitions

Dr Christopher Tremewan, APRU Secretary General, said, “Empowering future Esports leaders in the Pacific Rim brought APRU and Cyberport together to create the APRU Esports Fellowship Program. Through Cyberport, the new generation will have access to the resources they need to develop skills and build networks for careers in the thriving Esports industry, including access to over 140 Esports start-ups. A perk of our program is that students will have the exclusive opportunity to pitch to industry leaders after learning about sponsorship relations and insider tips that cannot be found in textbooks. Going forward, we will forge ahead with this partnership and offer more opportunities for students to learn through student-led inter-university tournaments, academic competitions and fellowships.”

APRU is a premier alliance of research universities, established in Los Angeles in 1997 by the presidents of UCLA, Berkeley, Caltech and the University of Southern California. It aims to foster collaboration between member universities to promote economic, scientific and cultural advancement in the Pacific Rim. APRU now has a membership of more than 50 leading research universities.

Organised by Cyberport in partnership with APRU and the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education, the APRU Esports Fellowship Program is a one-year programme dedicated to the esports industry. Cyberport’s session in Hong Kong is the programme’s third workshop, with the first two hosted by the National University of Singapore and the University of California, Los Angeles. The next workshop is planned for May, and will be hosted by the University of British Columbia. In addition to workshops, the programme also includes competitions which aim to boost the student’s esports skills and techniques.

About Cyberport

Cyberport is an innovative digital community with over 1,650 start-ups and technology companies. It is managed by Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, which is wholly owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government. With a vision to be the hub for digital technology thereby creating a new economic driver for Hong Kong, Cyberport is committed to nurturing a vibrant tech ecosystem by cultivating talent, promoting entrepreneurship among youth, supporting start-ups on their growth journey, fostering industry development by promoting strategic collaboration with local and international partners, and integrating new and traditional economies by accelerating digital transformation in the public and private sectors.

For more information, please visit www.cyberport.hk.

#Cyberport

Gojek Pledges to Achieve Zero Emissions, Zero Waste & Zero Barriers by 2030 in First Annual Sustainability Report

Report is the first to be compiled by a Southeast Asian Internet company in alignment with international standards (GRI and SASB)

 

JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach – 30 April 2021 – As part of its sustainability mission to create positive impact and long-term value for people and the planet, Gojek, Southeast Asia’s leading mobile on demand services and payments platform, today announced commitments to Three Zeros: Zero Emissions, Zero Waste and Zero Barriers, to be achieved by 2030. Gojek unveiled these pledges in its first annual Sustainability Report, which detailed its progress to date and way forward in implementing thorough environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.

Focusing on where the company can make the biggest impact for all of its stakeholders in line with pressing environmental and social issues, Gojek’s approach will be structured around three specific areas: environmental sustainability (GoGreener) to achieve Zero Emissions and Zero Waste, as well as socio-economic progress (GoForward) and equality and inclusion (GoTogether) to achieve Zero Barriers.

Gojek’s ESG report is the first to be compiled by a Southeast Asian Internet company in alignment with international standards.[1] Select disclosures relating to the relevant material issues have been assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Indonesia[2]. Gojek is leading the region’s tech industry in integrating ESG best practices across its business and voluntarily disclosing its performance on material ESG issues.

Kevin Aluwi, Co-CEO, Gojek, said, “We have always been a company that is focused on finding the intersection of what is good for society and company growth. It is part of our DNA and the reason people come to work at Gojek. As we’ve grown, it has become more important to develop a way to make sure we hold ourselves to account and are constantly pushing forward and leading the industry on issues that are so important to us and society as a whole. That’s why we are scaling our efforts to embed environmental and social considerations into the very heart of our organization. In doing so, we hope to create lasting, impactful change for our communities, partners and the world we live in, ensuring we can live up to our mission for the long term.”

Andre Soelistyo, Co-CEO, Gojek, added, “There is a pressing need for the private sector to take action and help address the most critical environmental and social issues that plague our planet and communities today. As Gojek continues to grow in size and strength, with millions relying on our platform daily, we have a responsibility to do so sustainably. Through the integration of industry-leading ESG practices, we are ensuring we do business better across our entire ecosystem, while paving the way for other companies in the region to do the same. These are issues that are of increasing importance to stakeholders everywhere and we are determined to exceed their expectations for the good of Indonesia, Southeast Asia and the rest of the world.”

Gojek is already making significant strides towards its targets, which will be reviewed and disclosed annually:

GoGreener

● Committed to conducting an annual inventory for scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions[3], and waste accounting, to commence in 2021

● Launched the GoGreener Carbon Offset in-app feature – the world’s first for B2C carbon offsetting in the ride-hailing industry

● Commissioned feasibility studies and pilot projects to accelerate the adoption of EVs, with the ambition to transition to 100% EVs by 2030

● Launched the GoTransit service to better integrate its first and last mile transportation with public transportation

● Joined the steering committee of the National Plastic Action Partnership for Indonesia, managed under the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership

● 13+ tons of single-use plastic waste prevented through a paid cutlery program (since August 2019); 6.3+ tons of single-use plastic waste collected through various pilot programs in 2019, with several new pilots commencing in 2021

GoForward

● Helped 530,000+ driver partners save on their daily expenses through the Swadaya program (benefits program for driver partners)

● Diversified income-earning opportunities for driver partners through collaboration with PromoGo and the launch of GoCek[4]

● Launched the GoFood Partners Community (with over 54,000 merchant partners) to help hone business and digitization skills for micro and small businesses

GoTogether

● Signed the UN’s Women Empowerment Principles for advancing gender equality and committed to only hosting gender diverse panels for Gojek speaking events

● Established an employee-led Council to steward corporate diversity, equality and inclusion policies and programmes

● Developed processes and infrastructure for employees to launch Employee Resource Groups[5]

The report embodies Gojek’s commitment to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To ensure greater accountability, the company is also forming a Sustainability Advisory Council, comprising impartial external experts from various organizations including UN Women, ASEAN Centre of Energy, University of Indonesia and more.

“With less than 10 years to achieve the SDGs, we have to act now. By using the best available science, aligning with global standards and accreditations and applying a data-driven approach to our methodology, we are ensuring our strategy is as robust, relevant and impactful as possible. We also know we cannot achieve this alone and will leverage our network of like-minded partners to accelerate our progress through innovative and transformative expertise and capabilities,” said Tanah Sullivan, Group Head of Sustainability, Gojek.

Dr. Allinnettes Adigue, Head of the ASEAN Regional Hub of GRI, said: “Corporate sustainability is good for the people, planet and long-term profitability of a company because in the end, no one can do business in a dead planet. It is no longer a question of whether companies should report on their sustainability impact. Sustainability reporting is here to stay. It is now a question of whether what companies report are accurate and relevant, and clearly communicates their impact on the economy, environment and society. These issues matter to a wide range of stakeholders, not just the narrow interests of a few.

“GRI Standards, as the most widely used reporting standards in the world, is not just a reporting blueprint but more importantly, it provides organisations a global common language to set their sustainability goals and regularly measure, analyse and report on their progress. In turn, this allows them to continuously improve their sustainability performance. The GRI Standards encourages companies to focus on material topics that reflect their most significant sustainability impact through the use of quantitative data, narrative assessments and indicator-based systems.”

Protecting livelihoods and sustaining the community amid COVID-19

Gojek also helped to minimise the impact of COVID-19 across its ecosystem, ensuring the health and safety of stakeholders, developing new products and services to meet changing needs and creating alternative income opportunities for merchants and driver partners. In 2020, Gojek founded the Anak Bangsa Bisa Foundation (YABB) to support its partners and the wider community affected by the pandemic, raising IDR 100 billion from senior leadership and GoTroops and IDR 20 billion from corporate donations and other donation programs[6].

Gojek also protected consumers and the wider community, leveraging the scale of its network to keep consumers up to date on health and safety guidelines as well as launching several app features and initiatives to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and support frontline workers.

The full Sustainability Report can be found here.


[1] Gojek’s first Sustainability Report is aligned with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB).

[2] KAP Tanudiredja, Wibisana, Rintis & Rekan, the Indonesian member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers’ global network, has undertaken a limited assurance engagement on the selected disclosure according to the relevant GRI standards in response to Gojek’s material ESG issues.

[3] The Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol defines Scope 1 emissions as all direct GHG emissions, Scope 2 emissions as indirect GHG emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat or steam and Scope 3 emissions as all other indirect emissions that are not covered in Scope 2.

[4] The collaboration with PromoGo enables two-wheel driver partners to earn additional income by carrying advertisements on their vehicles while GoCek is an in-app feature that enables Gojek driver partners to work on additional tasks (such as validating the onboarding of new GoFood merchants) in their spare time to earn more income.

[5] Employee Resource Groups are voluntary, employee-led groups that provide a safe, supportive space for individuals with shared experiences.

[6] Equivalent to approximately US$6.9 million from senior leadership and GoTroops and US$1.4 million from corporate donations and other donation programs, at time of reporting.

About Gojek’s Sustainability Report

This is Gojek’s first annual Sustainability Report, to disclose its performance on material ESG topics to all stakeholders. Following this year, the report will be published on an annual basis as part of the company’s ongoing voluntary disclosure of ESG performance and related metrics.

This report has been externally assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and prepared in accordance with the GRI Standards as it represents the global best practice for sustainability reporting. Gojek has also applied two sector-specific reporting standards by SASB, 1. Internet Media and Services and 2. Road Transportation, to guide its disclosures on the financial materiality of sector-specific ESG issues.

More information about the different disclosures presented in the report and how they align to GRI and SASB standards can be found in pages 42 and 46 of the Sustainability Report.

About Gojek

Gojek is Southeast Asia’s leading on-demand platform and a pioneer of the multi-service ecosystem model, providing access to a wide range of services including transportation, food delivery, logistics and more. Gojek is founded on the principle of leveraging technology to remove life’s daily frictions by connecting consumers to the best providers of goods and services in the market.

The company was established in 2010 focusing on courier and motorcycle ride-hailing services, before launching the app in January 2015 in Indonesia. Since then, Gojek has grown to become the leading on-demand platform in Southeast Asia, providing access to a wide range of services from transportation, to food delivery, logistics and many others.

Gojek now operates across main cities in four Southeast Asian countries. As of March 2021, Gojek’s application and its ecosystem have been downloaded more than 190 million times by users across Southeast Asia.

Gojek is dedicated to solving the daily challenges faced by consumers, while improving the quality of life for millions of people across Southeast Asia, especially those in the informal sector and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The Gojek application is available for download via iOS and Android.

#Gojek

85 New Cases of Covid-19 Recorded in Laos

Covid-19 update

Laos has confirmed another 85 cases of Covid-19 today, with Vientiane Capital experiencing the highest number of cases.

Microsoft APAC Enabler Program helps 110 PwDs in six countries match to roles within the first seven months of launch

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach – 30 April 2021 – Since the launch of the Microsoft APAC Enabler program seven months ago, sixteen PwDs have secured full time roles, internships, mentorships[i], and training[ii] opportunities through the program, with more than 110 PwDs are currently being matched to 65 potential roles with Microsoft Partners.

Caption: Jidapa Nitiwirakun (left) and Pairin Chakaja (right) from the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College for People with Disabilities in Thailand at Microsoft Thailand.

Sri Lanka joins Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea and New Zealand, where non-profits like Enable Lanka Foundation and the Korea Employment Agency for Persons with Disabilities educate and train Partners on creating inclusive workplaces and being inclusive employers. These nonprofits join 19 other Microsoft Partners including ZILLIONe Systems Solutions, Redstone System, and DDLS Philippines to remove barriers for a more diverse workforce.

“In 2020, we saw an incredible number of businesses which have pivoted to cloud. With this, being equipped with a digital skillset is fast becoming the currency of our post-pandemic world. To unlock more for PwDs, it’s imperative that skilling and employment opportunities in technical roles are front and center of our economic reset in the region. Which is why we are so proud of the next step Microsoft is taking in our accessibility journey, a 5-year commitment to help bridge the global “Disability Divide”, doubling down to expand what is possible with accessible technology, opening doors for disabled talent to enter the workforce and continuing our journey of disability inclusion in the workplace,” said Pratima Amonkar, Chair for D&I and Accessibility for Microsoft APAC who leads the Microsoft Enabler Program.

In a roundtable discussion on digital skills during a virtual visit to Asia Pacific yesterday, Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella shared that to transform society, we need to create opportunities for the more than 1 billion people in the world who have disabilities, so they can participate in the world economy. He shared the importance of having a continuous learning mindset and reiterated Microsoft’s mission that is grounded on ensuring every person has the tools and skills that allow them to create, build and change the communities they live and work in.

PwDs hired by employer partners

  • Zeus Oliveros is one of the first PwDs to be hired through the program. He joined Cognizant Philippines‘ call center team as an Associate for three and a half months doing callouts and data analysis. Through this experience, he found his passion for content development and marketing and is now looking for a role in that area.
  • Kang Joohyun, a person who is deaf, is currently employed in Cloocus Korea. While she is still new to the team and is learning about the company’s major sales and purchasing structure, she will in time take a leading role in the cost accounting department.
  • Marcus Tan is a third-year student at Temasek Polytechnic with cerebral palsy. He joined NTT Data in Singapore for a three-month internship in October 2020 and was tasked with developing an internal application. Following his internship, NTT Data Singapore is now conducting talks to PwD students and their wider cohorts in local polytechnics to raise awareness around diversity and inclusion.
  • Jidapa Nitiwirakun and Thatsaphon Chikhunthod are currently interning at NTT Asia Pacific (Thailand)‘s information technology department while completing their degrees at the Pattaya Redemptorist Technological College. This internship has shown Thatsaphon that his physical disabilities do not inhibit his dreams of being a programmer; a career which he finds challenging as there are always new developments to learn, practice and apply.

Building an inclusive economy in APAC

Accessibility must be a priority. And every one of us will experience a form of disability at some point in our lives, whether temporary, situational, or permanent. By empowering PwDs to fully participate in our economies, we are effectively increasing our productive population, and this can lead to a 1-7% rise in GDP.

Microsoft provides training in technology skills including cloud and artificial intelligence, bi-monthly tech consult sessions where volunteer employees share their tech expertise with Microsoft Azure and Microsoft Teams. More than 120 PwDs have benefitted from these sessions.

“The feedback from the Microsoft Partners have been extremely encouraging. By supporting them through the program and enabling them to have a focused approach, our Partners are seeing their cultures improve, their people becoming more inclusive and their community being more empathetic.” Pratima continued.

Microsoft has rolled out 45 training hours focused on inclusive hiring and design as well as assistive technologies enabled through artificial intelligence on Microsoft Azure. Microsoft Partners receive education and training by NPOs, on topics such as workplace modifications required and on how to best work with and mentor PwDs.

“The last seven months have been an incredible period of learning and growth for us and our Partners and we have just begun the journey. For the Microsoft APAC Enabler Program to reach its full potential, I hope that more Partners, nonprofits, PwDs will join us, so that together, we can work collectively towards an inclusive future for every person.” Pratima concluded.



[i] Mentorships prepare our PwD talent for employment by pairing them with a potential hiring manager in a mentor-mentee relationship that can last up to one year or more.

[ii] Training offered by employer partners equip our PwD talent with skills and knowledge related to upcoming projects to prepare them for a potential full-time role.


About Microsoft

Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more.

#Microsoft

EDL To Discount Electricity Rates During Lockdown Period

Electricity rate increase alarms Lao residents

Electricite du Laos is to provide a three percent discount on electricity rates to residential consumers during the lockdown period.