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MSB Unveils Strategic Initiatives and Growth Targets for 2024 at Shareholders’ Meeting

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Vietnam Maritime Commercial Joint Stock Bank (HoSE: MSB) is set to convene its General Meeting of Shareholders on April 23 at its Hanoi Headquarters. The agenda includes presenting shareholders with the business targets for 2024 and a proposed stock dividend plan at a rate of 30%.

In outlining its objectives for 2024, MSB aims to achieve total assets of VND 280,000 billion, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. Capital mobilization through market I and bond issuances is projected to reach VND 178,900 billion, reflecting a substantial 27% surge compared to the preceding year. The bank anticipates its outstanding credit debt to align with the limits set by the State Bank and expects it to reach approximately VND 178,200 billion by 2024. Pre-tax profit is targeted to rise by 17% compared to 2023, reaching VND 6,800 billion. MSB is committed to maintaining its consolidated bad debt (group 3-5) below 3% as per regulations. A representative of MSB emphasized that these targets are formulated based on thorough research and evaluation of the prevailing economic landscape, with a focus on fortifying internal capabilities and ensuring sustainable growth amidst market uncertainties.

Additionally, MSB seeks shareholders’ approval for a plan to increase its charter capital from VND 20,000 billion to VND 26,000 billion through a 30% stock dividend distribution from undistributed profits as of December 31, 2023, as per audited financial statements and legal deductions. This capital enhancement strategy is aligned with the bank’s expansion plans, bolstering its competitive edge and financial robustness to pursue strategic initiatives.

Furthermore, MSB intends to propose a dividend plan from prospective profits, including those generated in 2024, along with retained profits post-capital increase, at the General Meeting of Shareholders for approval. This plan aims to distribute dividends at a rate of ≤15% in cash or shares, contingent upon market dynamics and the bank’s operational performance.

Another crucial agenda item is the election of additional members to the Board of Directors for the VII term (2022 – 2026), following approval from the State Bank. This initiative underscores MSB’s commitment to reinforcing its leadership team with seasoned professionals, in line with unanimously endorsed plans and directions by the General Meeting of Shareholders, fostering continued stable development and solidifying its position as a highly profitable institution.

In line with its 2024 strategy, which emphasizes aligning business growth with risk management, MSB aims to diversify revenue streams by leveraging and nurturing its financial ecosystem, enhancing cross-selling solutions, and elevating non-interest income as a key pillar to alleviate pressure on core operations. Notably, MSB achieved outstanding results in foreign exchange transactions in the first quarter of 2024, with an estimated transaction volume exceeding $51 billion USD, and expects profits from this segment to surpass VND 550 billion, equivalent to 54% of the previous year’s net profit from foreign exchange activities.

Despite the banking industry’s overall credit growth slowdown, MSB anticipates its credit growth in the first quarter of 2024 to exceed 5%. The bank has also introduced a VND 3,000 billion green credit package with preferential interest rates to support business clients in various sectors including energy, water resources, construction, and technology.

Moreover, MSB anticipates maintaining its leading position among banks with the highest index of demand deposits on total deposits, reflecting the momentum of CASA recovery across the system. To address evolving risks in the digital landscape, MSB will continue fortifying its digital risk management framework, bolstering its defensive capabilities, and conducting comprehensive scenario-based risk assessments to ensure agility in navigating market fluctuations.

Looking ahead, digital channels are poised to be the primary growth engine for MSB during the 2024-2027 period, with strategic objectives including an average revenue growth rate of 25%, a 30% non-interest income (NFI) ratio, and digital channel revenue contributing 70% to total revenue.

Guide 101: How to Choose the Right Keyboard Controller for Your Needs

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Guide 101: How to Choose the Right Keyboard Controller for Your Needs

Quality music production requires high-end instruments and peripherals. If you love stroking keyboard keys and creating something extraordinary, having a suitable and top-par keyboard controller is a no-brainer. So, how do you choose the right keyboard, and what features should you look for?

Choosing the right keyboard requires understanding how different its components work and how these nuances complete a functional unit. The keyboard controller comes with various parts, technologies, and interfaces that may impact the quality of sound produced and your overall music production experience.

It’s best to wrap your head around what defines an excellent keyboard controller to make your search a breeze. This article will acquaint you with tips to help you pick the keyboard controller suitable for your needs, so please read on to find out more.

What is a Keyboard Controller, and How Does it Work?

A keyboard controller is a device that translates every physical action of pressing keys on a keyboard. These keyboards may have up to 88 key buttons, but a typical tiny MIDI only has about 25. But it’s not just the keys that make up the keyboard; it features various seamlessly interacting parts, including sensors, control elements like knobs, pitch bends, volume controls, a display screen, and connectivity ports.

Once you press a key on a keyboard, the controller activates a sensor beneath it and sends an analog signal to the controller’s internal circuitry. That results in signal processing, converting the analog signal into a digital format, and applying the necessary modifications and adjustments before generating sound. Different components, features, and mechanisms can determine the quality of sound your keyboard controller produces, which should guide you when picking one.

How to Choose the Right Keyboard Controller for Your Needs

It’s easy to get your railroads mixed up if you barely understand what defines the most suitable keyboard controller. A few features to always look for when making this significantly huge decision include the following.

1.Key Action and Count

You’ll have to pick an essential action from various options, which may depend vastly on your preference. A key action is a feature in keyboard controllers that determines this device’s responsiveness to a keystroke. Below are different key action types you should know about:

Weighted Action: This key action can be ideal for pianists who prefer a more realistic playing experience. It simulates the feel of a traditional acoustic piano with a similar resistance and a more substantial touch.
Synth Action: This key action is springier in its feel and has a lighter touch. This key action’s expressive bending capability can be ideal if you’re a fast and agile player or love playing scales, preferably an electronic musician or performer.
Semi-Weighted Action: This key action can be ideal if you prefer a more moderate resistance. It’s also more versatile to suit different playing styles and techniques and is a cut between the weighted keys’ resistance and synth action keys’ feel.

Determining your preferred key action for a more seamless keyboard-playing experience is always prudent. Remember that the key actions above don’t impact your keyboard controller’s sound output but your overall playing experience.

2.Keyboard Connectivity

For the most part, you might want to amplify or modify your sound to output devices when using your keyboard controller. Therefore, please consider your keyboard’s connectivity and compatibility with USBs, MIDI, and other ports. Moreover, you should check your keyboard controller’s wireless connectivity, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, or Radiofrequency.

The more your keyboard controller connects to different output devices or wireless connections, the better it can expand its functionality. That’s essential, especially if you want to amplify or transmit your sounds to MIDI for more modification. Wireless connectivity can also be helpful when you don’t fancy the wires.

3.Keyboard Controls and Knobs

Try considering the types and number of knobs your key-board controller has for a more functional device that expresses your creativity significantly. The most significant real-time parameter adjustments your keyboard controllers shouldn’t miss include the following:

Knobs: Apart from the conventional volume control and filter cutoff knobs, an ideal key-board controller should have some resonance, ADSR envelope, and modulation depth knobs that enhance your music production experience.
Sliders: Ensure your key-board has a few sliders, including a modulation wheel, expression, and pitch bends, to allow you to be more expressive and creative in your sound production.
Quick-Access Buttons: Tap tempo, octave shift, and arpeggiator control buttons add functionality to every key-board controller. Moreover, a transport control to stop, start, and navigate playback in a music software or program change button can add more fun to your craft.

While every music producer and key-board controller enthusiast may have unique music production preferences, it’s best to ensure your device meets the bare minimum.

4.Portability

A key-board controller weighing with the grace of a classic acoustic piano can be tricky because they’re usually hefty. However, lightweight key-board controllers can always do the trick due to their higher portability. There are a few circumstances when key-board controllers’ size and weight matter, so try assessing their suitability.

If you’re a frequent traveler or performer, a bulky key-board controller can only be bothersome and uncomfortable to handle and carry around. However, a home key-board controller, which you’d play without getting outside, can be bulky and sizable. Either way, getting the best size and weight suits you best.

5.Software Integration and technology

Today’s digital age demands more sophisticated key-board controllers that seamlessly integrate with various software. That includes bundled software like effects plugins, digital audio workstations, and virtual instruments. Moreover, it’s best to verify your keyboard controller’s support for MIDI mapping for easy customization of control parameters within your virtual instruments.

6.Keyboard Durability and build quality

Some key-board controllers can be durable, while others are only fickle, breaking down within a few months. So, it’s only natural to wonder what makes a key-board controller durable, which can even be confusing if you need to know how to decide what lasts long. Here’s how to decide whether or not your key-board controller is durable enough:

Check the keybed construction: The keybed houses the keys and should be made of high-quality reinforced plastic, wood, or metal.
Key material and coating: The keys may handle more hits and impact as you play your key-board controller, so please ensure they’re synthetic ivory, silicone rubber, or ABS plastic.
Enclosure: Keyboards with reinforced corners, joints, and seams can be more stable and resistant to damage. That can be handy if you’re more of a traveler or performer.

Understanding the features above regarding your key-board build quality can inform you about its durability, so please pay close attention when choosing your device.

Final Thoughts

The most suitable key-board controller can positively impact your music creation, making it fun and more indulging. Therefore, please put enough thought into the features and components that make your device functional and fun to use. Most key-board controllers from trusted manufacturers come with robust and high-quality builds; all it takes is digging deeper to get what best suits you.

Chủ tịch Sacombank Dương Công Minh bị cấm xuất cảnh là thông tin bịa đặt

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Ngân hàng Sacombank vừa có văn bản gửi Ban Tuyên giáo Trung ương, Bộ Công an, Bộ thông tin và Truyền thông, các cơ quan báo chí về việc trang Facebook có tên “THANG DANG” đã nhiều lần đăng thông tin bịa đặt và vu khống Lãnh đạo Sacombank. Ngân hàng Sacombank khẳng định những thông tin này là hoàn toàn bịa đặt, vu khống để bôi xấu Lãnh đạo Sacombank và đề nghị các cơ quan chức năng xử lý theo quy định của pháp luật.

Ngân hàng Sacombank khẳng định những thông tin trên trang Facebook mang tên “THANG DANG” về Sacombank là hoàn toàn bịa đặt, vu khống để bôi xấu Lãnh đạo Sacombank và đề nghị các cơ quan chức năng xử lý theo quy định

Trên trang Facebook mang tên “THANG DANG” có đăng tin về việc ông Dương Công Minh Chủ tịch HĐQT Ngân hàng TMCP Sài gòn Thương Tín (Sacombank) bị cấm xuất cảnh vì tham gia rửa tiền cho bà Trương Mỹ Lan – Chủ tịch HĐQT Công ty Vạn Thịnh Phát và một số thông tin khác.

Ngân hàng Sacombank khẳng định thông tin nêu trên hoàn toàn bịa đặt và vu khống để bôi xấu Lãnh đạo Sacombank. Ông Dương Công Minh – Chủ tịch HĐQT Sacombank hoàn toàn không liên quan đến vụ án Vạn Thịnh Phát, không bị cấm xuất cảnh theo như thông tin Facebook mang tên “THANG DANG” đã lan truyền.

Ngân hàng Sacombank cho hay, Facebook mang tên “THANG DANG” đã nhiều lần đăng tin bịa đặt và vu khống Lãnh đạo Sacombank.

Theo Báo Chính Phủ
—

Nếu bạn tò mò muốn tìm hiểu về những doanh nhân nổi tiếng tại Việt Nam nhưng không thích sử dụng công cụ tìm kiếm để rồi lại mất thời gian sàng lọc thông tin? Hãy thử sử dụng ChatGPT hoặc phần mềm Bing của Microsoft, tích hợp sẵn trí tuệ nhân tạo có tên Copilot xem sao nhé.

Dưới đây là một ví dụ do Copilot trả lời khi được hỏi doanh nhân Dương Công Minh là ai:

Cho tôi biết thông tin về ông Dương Công Minh, Chủ tịch Ngân hàng Sacombank?

Ông Dương Công Minh là một doanh nhân nổi tiếng tại Việt Nam, hiện đang giữ chức vụ Chủ tịch của Ngân hàng TMCP Sài Gòn Thương Tín (Sacombank). Ông cũng là Chủ tịch của Công ty cổ phần Him Lam và đã từng giữ vị trí Chủ tịch tại Ngân hàng Bưu điện Liên Việt (LienVietPostBank). Ngoài ra, ông Minh còn đảm nhận vai trò cố vấn cao cấp hội đồng quản trị của Bamboo Airways.

Ông Dương Công Minh sinh năm 1961 tại Quế Võ, Bắc Ninh và đã tốt nghiệp Cử nhân kinh tế từ Đại học Kinh tế quốc dân vào năm 1984. Ông đã có những đóng góp quan trọng trong ngành ngân hàng và bất động sản tại Việt Nam.

Có thông tin gì khác về ông Dương Công Minh?

Ông Dương Công Minh là một nhân vật nổi bật trong giới kinh doanh Việt Nam, không chỉ giữ chức Chủ tịch của Sacombank mà còn có vai trò quan trọng trong nhiều công ty và tập đoàn khác. Ông là người sáng lập và Chủ tịch của Him Lam Corporation, một trong những tập đoàn bất động sản hàng đầu tại Việt Nam². Ông cũng từng là Chủ tịch của Ngân hàng Bưu điện Liên Việt (LienVietPostBank) và hiện tại là cố vấn cao cấp hội đồng quản trị của Bamboo Airways.

Ngoài ra, ông Minh còn giữ các vị trí lãnh đạo tại nhiều công ty khác như Chủ tịch Hội đồng quản trị Công ty cổ phần Chứng khoán Liên Việt, Công ty cổ phần Dụng cụ thể thao Bảo Long, và Công ty cổ phần Phát triển Xín Mần. Ông cũng được biết đến với việc tham gia vào nhiều thương vụ M&A lớn và có ảnh hưởng đáng kể đến ngành bất động sản và ngân hàng tại Việt Nam.

Trước khi bước chân vào lĩnh vực kinh doanh, ông Dương Công Minh từng phục vụ trong quân đội Việt Nam và có nhiều năm kinh nghiệm quản lý tại các doanh nghiệp quân đội. Ông cũng được biết đến là một doanh nhân kín tiếng, ít xuất hiện trước truyền thông.

Một số tin đồn cho rằng ông Dương Công Minh bị cấm xuất cảnh có đúng không?

Tôi không tìm thấy thông tin chính xác về việc ông Dương Công Minh bị cấm xuất cảnh trong các nguồn tin cậy. Để biết thông tin chính xác, bạn nên tham khảo các nguồn tin chính thống hoặc thông báo chính thức từ các cơ quan có thẩm quyền. Nếu có bất kỳ thông tin mới nào, tôi sẽ cập nhật cho bạn biết. Trong trường hợp này, việc kiểm tra thông tin từ các nguồn đáng tin cậy là rất quan trọng để tránh lan truyền tin đồn không chính xác.

Có những tin đồn gì khác về ông Dương Công Minh?

Có một số tin đồn liên quan đến ông Dương Công Minh, nhưng xin lưu ý rằng những thông tin này có thể không được xác nhận và nên được tiếp cận với thái độ thận trọng. Một số tin đồn bao gồm:

– Có thông tin cho rằng ông Dương Công Minh có thể đã “giăng bẫy và thâu tóm” Bamboo Airways.
– Ông cũng được đồn đại là có thể trở thành Chủ tịch của Bamboo Airways.

Tuy nhiên, những tin đồn này chỉ nên được xem xét khi có thông tin chính thức từ các nguồn đáng tin cậy hoặc từ chính ông Dương Công Minh và các tổ chức liên quan. Đối với các tin đồn, việc kiểm chứng thông tin là rất quan trọng để tránh hiểu lầm và lan truyền thông tin không chính xác.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 02/04/2024

French naval ship Vendemiaire to embark on 5-day visit to Da Nang in Mid-April

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The French Embassy has announced that the esteemed French naval vessel, the Vendemiaire, will make a port call at Da Nang from April 11 to 15.

This visit serves as a respite for the crew after a prolonged mission and offers opportunities for engagement with the Vietnamese Navy and Coast Guard.

During their stay in Da Nang, Lieutenant Colonel Drouelle, commanding officer of the Vendemiaire, will conduct courtesy visits to key officials, including those from the People’s Committee of Da Nang City, the Command of Military Region 5, and Naval Region 3.

A variety of activities await the crew, including training sessions on fire prevention, maritime safety protocols, and readiness for sea operations such as anti-pollution measures and search and rescue operations. Additionally, the crew will engage in ship tours and friendly sports competitions, including volleyball.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet emphasized the significance of the visit, highlighting its role in strengthening the cooperation between France and Vietnam. Furthermore, it underscores France’s commitment to upholding maritime freedoms and ensuring the safety of shared maritime spaces.

Ambassador Brochet expressed his satisfaction with the inaugural participation of the Vietnam Coast Guard in joint sea training exercises with the Vendemiaire, signaling deepening military and maritime collaboration between the two nations.

Departing from Noumea on February 29, the Vendemiaire has been engaged in maritime patrols and cooperative efforts with the armed forces of ASEAN and regional allies, including Timor-Leste, Indonesia, Thailand, the Philippines, Brunei, and Australia, demonstrating France’s commitment to regional security and cooperation.

Thai Crypto Exchange Bitkub Plans 2025 IPO: Bloomberg

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The exchange’s owner signaled its intention to sell shares to the public in a 2023 letter that didn’t give a timeframe.

The owner of Thai crypto exchange Bitkub Online plans to sell shares to the public next year and is in the process of hiring financial advisers, Bitkub Capital Group CEO Jirayut Srupsrisopa told Bloomberg.

Thailand’s biggest crypto exchange provides about 80% of the Bangkok-based parent’s profit and is 9.2% owned by Asphere Innovations. The initial public offering (IPO) is expected to value the exchange at around 6 billion baht ($165 million), Jirayut said. Bitkub Capital had signaled its intention to sell shares to the public in a 2023 letter to shareholders that didn’t give a timeframe, Bloomberg said.

Demand for access to cryptocurrency trading accounts has climbed alongside the gains in bitcoin (BTC), which has advanced 57% this year while the CoinDesk 20 Index, a measure of the broader crypto market, added 49%. Last month, the number of active accounts in the country reached the highest level since September 2022, Bloomberg said, citing data from the country’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Bitkub is also facing increased competition. In January, Binance Thailand – a venture of the world’s largest crypto exchange by trading volume and Gulf Innova – opened for business.

A 2022 plan for Siam Commercial Bank (SCB), Thailand’s oldest lender, to buy 51% of Bitkub Online for 17.85 billion baht was canceled after the SEC suppered the deal. In September 2022, Bitkub was included in a group sued by the SEC for allegedly artificially inflating trading volumes.

Hanoi tops list as most expensive city in Vietnam

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The latest 2023 Spatial Cost of Living Index (SCOLI) report by the General Statistics Office unveils the ranking of the country’s costliest locales, with Hanoi reigning supreme yet again. The top five localities with the highest living costs last year comprised Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Binh Duong.

Compared to the 2022 rankings, there’s been a notable shift, with Ho Chi Minh City now surpassing Quang Ninh in terms of expensive living costs in 2023. This dynamic index, calculated with Hanoi as the benchmark at 100%, serves as a comprehensive measure reflecting fluctuations in living expenses across 63 provinces and 6 socio-economic regions.

According to the report, Ho Chi Minh City’s SCOLI index stands at 98.44% compared to Hanoi, attributed to lower average prices in various product categories such as garments, culture, entertainment, and food services. However, certain commodities like education and beverages see higher price averages in the city compared to the capital.

Localities with the highest and lowest SCOLI index in 2023

Quang Ninh secures the third position with an index of 97.9%, showcasing both lower and higher average prices across different consumer goods and services. Renowned for its vibrant tourism and marine economy, Quang Ninh’s economic vitality contributes to varied price dynamics.

Hai Phong clinches the fourth spot with an index exceeding 96% compared to Hanoi, showcasing a diverse commercial landscape and competitive pricing in certain product categories. Meanwhile, Binh Duong rounds off the top five, with an index of 94.2%, rising three places from 2022 due to industrial zone concentration and subsequent housing cost escalation.

Overall, the SCOLI report sheds light on the nuanced economic landscapes of different regions, offering valuable insights into living cost trends and dynamics across the country.

@vtv.vn

Trading Volume on South Korean Crypto Exchange Upbit Crashes 75%

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Upbit’s 24-hour crypto trading volume stood at $3.79 billion at press time, down 75% from the high of $15 billion on March 5, CoinGecko data show.

Daily trading volume on South Korea’s biggest cryptocurrency exchange has tumbled 75% from this year’s high in a sign that frenzied trading in alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) has fizzled and digital assets other than market leaders bitcoin (BTC) and ether (ETH) may struggle to maintain lofty valuations.

Upbit, which lists 192 cryptocurrencies and offers trading in 309 pairs, registered just $3.79 billion of volume in the past 24 hours, according to data source CoinGecko. That’s down from as high as $15 billion on March 5, when TradingView data shows the total market cap of altcoins surged to a two-year high of $788 billion. Market cap has since steadied at about $750 billion.

“Crypto trading volumes started skyrocketing in early March as a wave of altcoin activity hit the market,” Matrixport said in a Telegram broadcast. “The anticipation of the Dencun upgrade with low transaction fees caused this mania, and some political developments brought crypto to the forefront of the political election. However, with volumes declining, the sustainability of the altcoin rally comes into question.”

Daily volume on Upbit rocketed from $2 billion in the two weeks to March 5 as bitcoin’s move to record highs above $70,000 and Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade spurred risk-taking in other cryptocurrencies, including meme coins. Such was the trading frenzy that, at one point, volumes on South Korea-based crypto exchanges surpassed the local stock market activity.

South Korean crypto fans appear to focus more on altcoins than bitcoin and ether, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market cap. A study by DeSpread Research in October said Upbit’s investors are primarily interested in maximizing profits through altcoins and tend to accept the high risks associated with these coins. Bitcoin and ether trading pairs account for a smaller portion of total volume on Upbit than on Nasdaq-listed Coinbase (COIN), where activity is mainly concentrated in BTC an ETH.

At the time of writing, bitcoin-Korean won and ether-won trading pairs accounted for just over 9% of the total 24-hour trading volume of $3.8 billion. The rest came from altcoin-fiat trading pairs.

Tien Giang: Authorities have discovered 32kg of suspected drugs along the shoreline

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In a startling turn of events, a bag containing 32 rectangular packages, suspected to be drugs, was found adrift and washed ashore in Tan Dien commune, Go Cong Dong district. The discovery, made on April 1, has sparked a joint investigation by local authorities and concerned citizens.

The saga began on the evening of March 31, when Mr. N.T.T., a resident of Tan Dien commune, reported to the Tan Thanh Border Guard Station about his father’s peculiar find—a box-shaped block wrapped in black tape drifting in from the sea, ultimately getting caught on the seawall.

Responding swiftly, border forces teamed up with the Tien Giang Provincial Police to inspect the scene. Upon carefully unwrapping the black tape, they uncovered a gray handbag containing 29 rectangular packages, each weighing approximately 1kg. Wrapped in layers of gray plastic, these packages held white solid crystals, raising suspicions of illicit drugs.

The bag contained 29 rectangular blocks, suspected to be drugs.

This recent incident follows earlier discoveries in the region. On the same afternoon, two individuals stumbled upon three rectangular packages, each weighing over 1kg, while collecting scraps in the protective forest area of Kieng Phuoc commune. Additionally, on March 29 and 30, beachgoers in the Go Cong area found 52 rectangular packages, suspected to contain synthetic drugs. Altogether, authorities in Tien Giang have seized and are currently investigating approximately 84kg of suspected drugs washed ashore.

All evidence has been promptly handed over to the drug crime investigation unit of the Tien Giang Provincial Police for a thorough examination and appropriate action within their jurisdiction.

@vtv.vn

How Much does Furniture and Home Decor Cost in Asia [in 2024]

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The furniture and decor market is experiencing a significant boom. The economic slowdown, consumer expectations and changing lifestyle preferences is making brands innovate and offering new trends in 2024 and beyond for their customers.

Amidst these changing dynamics, a new concept has gained traction: “affordable luxury” allowing furniture and home decor brands to create trendy products with a cost-effective mindset. If you want to discover the prices of trendy furniture and home decor products in Asia for 2024 at one of the leading trade shows, the video included below will highlight the trends and product pricing.

The term “affordable luxury” might seem contradictory at first. After all, luxury is often associated with high prices. However, in the context of global trade, it represents a shift in brands to manufacture the best value for money. It signifies a desire for high-quality, well-designed products that don’t necessarily carry a hefty price tag.

What are the Next Trends in 2024 and Pricing ?

This video reveals furniture trends for 2024 and discloses item prices from an international trade show in Asia.

>> Related article : The Best of ‘Made in Vietnam’ products for Sourcing

Offering the Best Value for customers in 2024 ?

In the face of economic slowdowns, brands have increasingly focused on providing products that offer good value for money, recognizing that consumers are becoming more financially cautious and discerning. This shift is also driven by a greater awareness among consumers, who are now more informed and critical about their purchases thanks to the vast amount of information available online.

The rise of online marketplaces has made it easier than ever for consumers to compare prices and features of products in real-time, pushing brands to compete not just on quality but also on affordability. As a result, to remain competitive and appealing to a more budget-conscious and savvy customer base, companies are under pressure to offer products that strike the right balance between price and performance, ensuring that consumers receive more value for their investment.

This strategy not only helps brands maintain their market share during challenging economic times but also builds long-term loyalty by aligning with the evolving expectations and financial realities of their customers. Several factors need to be considered if you are looking to purchase these items in Asia for export.

Economic slowdown

One of the primary drivers of the affordable luxury trend is due to the recent impact on economic slowdown worldwide. Inflation and economic downturns heighten consumer price sensitivity as rising costs erode purchasing power and uncertainty dampens future outlooks.

Consumers prioritize affordability and value, steering away from luxury in favor of cost-effectiveness. Brands that adapt by offering competitive prices and clear value propositions align with the pragmatic spending behaviors emerging from these economic pressures, maintaining relevance in a cautious market.

Rising Aspiration

Along with economic growth comes a rise in aspiration. Consumers, particularly the younger generation, aspire to own products that reflect their success and status. They want their homes to be a reflection of their personal style and achievements. Affordable luxury allows them to fulfill these aspirations without having to spend exorbitantly.

Value for Money

Consumers are known for their value-for-money approach. They are willing to pay a premium for products that offer both quality and affordability. This mindset makes affordable luxury an attractive proposition but the price shouldn’t be too high according to the current market situation. It offers them the best of both worlds – brands can get a new pool of customers while buyers will also enjoy quality products for affordable rates.

Opportunities for Businesses

The rise of affordable luxury presents several opportunities for businesses in the furniture and decor market.

>> Related article : How do I find the best sourcing agents in Vietnam?

A. Focus on High-Quality Materials

Consumers associate luxury with quality. Therefore, businesses should focus on using high-quality materials in their products. This could mean using solid wood instead of particle board, or genuine leather instead of faux leather. High-quality materials not only enhance the look and feel of the products but also their durability.

Offer Simple but Stylish Designs

While luxury is often associated with ornate and elaborate designs, the 2024 trends leans towards simpler, more functional designs. Businesses should focus on creating timeless pieces with clean lines and minimalist aesthetics. These products appeal to the modern, urban consumer who values functionality as much as style.

Highlight Sustainability

With increasing awareness about environmental issues, consumers are becoming more conscious of their purchasing decisions. They prefer brands that are committed to sustainable practices. Engineers can switch to eco-friendly materials or fabrics to meet customer expectations toward sustainability.

Provide Excellent Customer Service

In the high-end segment, customer service is as important as the product itself. Businesses should strive to provide a seamless customer experience, right from pre-sales inquiries to after-sales support. This could include providing detailed product information, flexible return policies, and responsive customer service.

The 2024 trends in the furniture and decor market is not just a passing fad. Simple, cost-effective, minimalist designs, mix materials and sustainable practices must be the direction of new product development in the next few years. Businesses that can cater to this demand by offering quality, innovation, and affordability stand to gain in this evolving market.

Unlock Vietnam’s furniture and home decor market with ‘The Ultimate Guide for Sourcing in Vietnam‘. Gain insights into manufacturing, connect with local suppliers, and master sourcing strategies.

Discover the quality and trends of furniture and home decor products in Vietnam.

How to Get More Followers on TikTok

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TikTok initially began as a platform where Gen Z could dance to pop songs or make funny voiceovers. But today, it has developed into a profitable platform that attracts even the most prominent brands.

With an increasing number of users and infinite opportunities for interacting with them, TikTok offers an environment in which content creators can develop and succeed. Like all other social media platforms, TikTok’s growth is typically measured by followership and engagement.

That being the case, in this article, we’ve highlighted the best techniques you can use to get more followers on TikTok.

10 Actionable Tips to Get More TikTok Followers

1) Buy TikTok Followers

Most successful TikTokers will never tell others this – If you buy TikTok followers, your marketing strategy will gain an enormous boost. This one piece of advice is what will make you more visible because the algorithm thinks that your account is more engaging than others.

The best place to buy TikTok followers is Media Mister. With a high retention rate, the followers you acquire will continue to engage with your posts over time, contributing to sustained growth. They offer a money-back guarantee for your peace of mind.

Additionally, we prioritize security in payment transactions, offering a secure payment process for your peace of mind. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to elevate your TikTok presence – buy real TikTok followers from Media Mister today!

2) Know Your Audience

To gain more followers on TikTok, you should learn who your target audience is and create content that they will like. So, take a break and conduct some in-depth research about the viewers, such as their demographic details, preferences, and lifestyles.

Use TikTok’s internal analytics to know more about the demographics of your followers as well as their watching habits. Then, use this data to personalize your material to resonate with the interest of your followers, making sure that videos are relatable and fun to watch.

3) Create Engaging Content

I can’t stress this enough! Engaging content is the heart and soul of TikTok. Your audience will appreciate your enticing TikTok videos, and TikTok’s algorithm will reward you with more exposure. That increases your chances of gaining more like-minded followers.

Make sure your videos stand out from the rest by being unique and different. Take this opportunity to share your content on things you love and are passionate about. That’s because that’s what will connect you with your audience in the most authentic way possible.

Don’t forget to be yourself- people love seeing the real you! Whether you share funny moments, special tricks, or stories, keep it interesting, fun, and true to your brand.

4) Post High-Quality Visuals

High-quality visuals instantly make your post stand out, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. When your videos are clear, they draw in your viewers, increasing their chances of engaging with your content.

What’s more, high-quality content is a direct reflection of your professionalism and dedication. So invest in production equipment such as quality cameras and microphones. Additionally, do enough competitor research to find out the best visual effects to use in your industry to further improve the quality of your content.

5) Use Trending Music and Songs

TikTok is all about trending music, dances, and voiceovers. With that in mind, adding trending music to your short-form videos will significantly amplify your engagement and discoverability.

These popular soundtracks often carry an in-built audience and can immediately capture the attention of users scrolling through their feeds. Go ahead to TikTok’s search box and find out what some of the trendy soundtracks are.

You can also check out TikTok’s ‘sounds’ library to find viral sounds. Then, incorporate relevant songs into your content. That way, there’s a higher chance your content will appear on the feed of your potential followers.

6) Use Relevant Hashtags

Hashtags are just as important on the TikTok app as they are on other social media platforms. In fact, TikTok’s algorithm uses specific search terms to rank content. That’s why using these terms in your posts will greatly enhance your profile’s engagement.

Typically, hashtags categorize your content, making it easier for users to find your videos. Include a mix of popular and branded hashtags in your TikTok clips, paying close attention to the relevance of these terms.

Browse through popular niche-specific videos and list down the most commonly used hashtags. Then, add these terms to your posts. Ensure the tags have some correlation with the contents of your TikTok video.

7) Post at the Right Time

Another skill that must be learned to increase your followers is posting time. This might be the best time for you to share your content as this is when they are most active and thus likely to notice it.

More people are watching your videos; more likes, shares, and comments on them. To know when a follower is most active, check from TikTok’s analytic section. Then, establish a content plan based on that information so that you can reach more users.

8) Get Involved in Challenges

Making content around TikTok challenges can significantly improve your profile’s visibility. By joining these challenges, your video becomes part of that particular track and is, therefore, visible to more participants who have joined or followed the trend.

Nevertheless, it should be noted that not every challenge will resonate with your niche. You, therefore need to research before jumping into this. More importantly, check out what other niche-specific TikTokers are doing and use that to find out relevant challenges you can hop on.

9) Cross-promote on Other Social Media Platforms

Here’s your chance to spread the word that you have an account on TikTok. Your followers on other platforms might not necessarily know that you’ve created a TikTok account. That said, share your content on social media such as Instagram, X, Facebook, and YouTube.

Through this strategy, you can expose your content to a wider audience beyond your TikTok user base. Additionally, cross-promotion allows you to leverage the unique features of each platform to maximize your video’s visibility and engagement.

10) Collaborate with Other Creators

By collaborating with other creatives in your niche, you can improve your engagement and grow the number of followers. Through collaboration with fellow creatives, you are able to access their audiences instantly. Hence you can persuade them about your creativity.

Search for brand influencers who have a decent number of followers in your field of expertise. Next, interact with their posts to show concern about what they do. Once you’ve connected well with an influencer from whom you need assistance, communicate your interest in working together.

Besides attracting more potential fans this way, such partnerships may breathe life into a company’s content strategy as well. Moreover, it helps foster supportive communities while having friendships with other TikTokers.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Gaining followers on TikTok isn’t actually that complicated if you use the tips above. But it’s crucial that these methods are kept under constant scrutiny. That will make it easier for you to adjust your marketing methods depending on how different users respond to each one of them.

The most essential part of being successful on TikTok is having lots of fun every step of the journey. That’s because you are more likely to be creative and develop content that will resonate with your target audience, boosting your chances of getting more followers.

The Top 10 Google Applications Every User Should Know

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The Top 10 Google Applications Every User Should Know

In the massive digital landscape, Google stands tall as a pioneer, supplying a myriad of applications that cater to numerous desires and interests of customers worldwide. From communication to productivity, amusement to employer, Google’s suite of applications has end up an crucial part of our daily lives. In this article, we’re going to delve into the top 10 Google applications that every person should be acquainted with.

Google Search:

Google Search is virtually the most famous and broadly used are seeking engine globally. With its state-of-the-art algorithms and sizeable index of internet pages, Google Search can provide correct and relevant effects for in truth any query. Its intuitive interface, coupled with functions like autocomplete and voice search, makes finding statistics a seamless revel in. Additionally, the creation of the Google Search Card similarly enhances purchaser enjoy via supplying brief get proper of entry to to summarised records right away inside search results, making it less hard for clients to discover solutions without navigating thru multiple web pages.

Gmail :

Gmail revolutionised the manner we talk via e mail. Offering generous garage area, effective junk mail filtering, and seamless integration with other Google services, Gmail has turn out to be the skip-to email carrier for tens of thousands and thousands of users. Its user-quality interface and strong features which include labels, filters, and precedence inbox make handling emails inexperienced and hassle-free.

Google Maps:

Whether you are navigating via uncommon streets or making plans your subsequent avenue enjoy, Google Maps has had been given you protected. With detailed maps, actual-time site visitors updates, and flip-with the resource of-turn navigation, Google Maps has become an important tool for guests and commuters alike. Moreover, capabilities like Street View and offline maps beautify the overall purchaser experience.

Google Drive:

Say goodbye to cumbersome external tough drives and flash drives – Google Drive gives a available and constant way to shop, sync, and percentage files in the cloud. With beneficiant loose storage area and seamless integration with other Google applications, collectively with Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides, Google Drive allows collaboration and productiveness among individuals and organizations.

YouTube:

As the arena’s largest video-sharing platform, YouTube needs no introduction. From music films to tutorials, vlogs to documentaries, YouTube hosts a sizeable array of content catering to severa pastimes and options. With functions like personalized tips, offline viewing, and live streaming, YouTube gives an immersive and attractive amusement enjoy.

Google Chrome:

With its velocity, simplicity, and strong everyday common average overall performance, Google Chrome has emerged due to the fact the famous internet browser for masses and lots of clients global. Offering a smooth and intuitive interface, seamless synchronisation across devices, and a huge library of extensions and accessories, Google Chrome complements the browsing revel in and boosts productivity.

Google Photos:

Say cheese to Google Photos – your one-prevent answer for storing, putting in, and sharing your pix and movies. With limitless loose storage for exquisite images and movies, clever seek capabilities, and automatic backup and synchronisation all through devices, Google Photos takes the problem out of dealing with your virtual recollection.

Google Calendar:

Keep tune of your busy time table with Google Calendar. Offering capabilities along with occasion scheduling, reminders, and shared calendars, Google Calendar enables you stay organised and powerful. Whether it is scheduling meetings, placing reminders for critical obligations, or coordinating activities with friends and family, Google Calendar simplifies time manipulate.

Google Translate:

Break down language obstacles with Google Translate. Whether travelling overseas or communicating with humans from distinctive languages, Google Translate presents immediate translation for textual content, speech, and even photos With over 100 languages and functions together with offline translation therefore, Google Translate supports seamless communication throughout borders.

Google Workspace (formerly G Suite):

Google Workspace for agencies and companies gives a whole set of business tools, along side Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, Calendar, Meet, and many others.

Its functionality consists of custom e mail domain names, shared drives, video conferencing , collaborative editing, Google Workspace helps collaboration, teamwork and nourishes

Conclusion

Google’s suite of applications has transformed the way we paintings, speak, and navigate the digital global. From are trying to find and electronic mail to maps and productivity equipment, Google gives a numerous array of applications that cater to the wishes of clients throughout the globe. Whether you are a pupil, professional, or casual client, those pinnacle 10 Google applications are nice to beautify your virtual experience and streamline your each day responsibilities.

International visitors to Vietnam break pre-COVID-19 records

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The statistics released by the General Statistics Office show that in the first quarter of this year, the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached over 4.6 million, an increase of 72% compared to the same period last year, and a 3.2% increase compared to the same period in 2019 – a year before the COVID-19 pandemic occurred.

The General Statistics Office attributes this growth to favorable visa policies, tourism stimulus programs, as well as the efforts of the government and tourism businesses. In March alone, the number of international visitors to Vietnam reached nearly 1.6 million, up 78.6% compared to the same period last year.

Overall for the first quarter, international arrivals to Vietnam exceeded 4.6 million, up 72% compared to the same period last year and up 3.2% compared to the same period in 2019 – the year before the COVID-19 pandemic. The number of Vietnamese outbound travelers reached 1.2 million, an increase of 11.5% compared to the same period last year.

International visitors to Vietnam reached more than 4.6 million people.

Out of the total of 4.6 million international visitors to Vietnam in the first quarter of this year, nearly 3.9 million arrived by air, accounting for 83.6% of the total international visitors to Vietnam and increasing by 60.1% compared to the same period last year. The remaining visitors arrived by sea or land, all showing increases compared to the previous year.

After the Lunar New Year, consumer demand returned to normal, with total retail sales of goods and consumer services in March increasing by only 0.5% compared to the previous month. However, this figure increased by 9.2% compared to the same period last year, with a positive contribution from the tourism sector.

Overall for the first quarter, total retail sales of goods and consumer services at current prices are estimated to reach over 1,500 trillion VND, up 8.2% compared to the same period last year (quarter I/2023 up 13.9%), excluding the factor of a 5.1% price increase (quarter I/2023 up 10.1%). Accommodation and food service revenue increased by 13.4%, and travel revenue increased by 46.3%.

Total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue are estimated at VND 1,500 billion.

The highest proportion (77.6%) of total retail sales is from retail goods. Accommodation and food service revenue for the first quarter of 2024 is estimated at 174.8 trillion VND, accounting for 11.4% of the total.

Travel revenue for the first quarter of 2024 is estimated at 14.1 trillion VND, accounting for 0.9% of the total and increasing by 46.3% compared to the same period last year. First-quarter revenue for some localities increased significantly compared to the same period last year as follows: Da Nang up 69%; Ho Chi Minh City up 59%; Can Tho up 57.7%; Hanoi up 47.6%; Quang Ninh up 18.5%; Lam Dong up 13.3%.

Other service revenue for the first quarter of 2024 is estimated at 158.4 trillion VND, accounting for 10.3% of the total and increasing by 9.5% compared to the same period last year.

@Cafef

Vietnamese people plan leisure travel for next half year

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Data from Visa’s research shows a significant increase in the frequency of international travel among Vietnamese people.

In 2023, about 5 million Vietnamese tourists will travel abroad. Photo: Ly Thanh Co.

Visa, the digital payment technology company, has just released its latest Green Shoots Radar research, conducted online in January with 8,400 consumers in 14 countries and territories in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, including 500 Vietnamese consumers aged 18-65.

This quarterly report focuses on consumer sentiment in various sectors including financial services, commerce, tourism, and many other topics. The latest survey indicates a significant increase in the frequency of international travel among Vietnamese people. Specifically, 30% of Vietnamese respondents surveyed traveled abroad for leisure or business purposes in the past year.

This trend reflects the reality of the rapid resurgence of tourism growth across the Asia-Pacific region, with last year’s outbound travel rate reaching 37% among survey participants.

According to data from the General Statistics Office, in 2023, approximately 5 million Vietnamese travelers went abroad. Among them, top destinations included Thailand, Japan, and South Korea.

Visa also notes that for Vietnamese travelers, South Korea is emerging as a top entertainment destination on the international tourism map, with 24% of surveyed individuals visiting in the past year. This is followed by Mainland China (17%) and Japan (16%).

For business purposes, Australia tops the list with 19% of choices, followed by Mainland China, Thailand, and South Korea, all with a selection rate of 16%.

In terms of booking flights, 40% of Vietnamese travelers tend to book directly from airlines’ websites. For accommodation bookings, 49% of users pay through e-wallets, while 29% use credit cards.

This consumer preference is consistent across the Asia-Pacific region, where consumers prioritize booking flights directly through airline websites, as well as making hotel reservations and payments in advance with credit cards.

Looking ahead, the potential for tourism development remains promising, with 41% of Vietnamese consumers planning leisure travel in the next six months. The top three destinations for the next 12 months are Australia and Mainland China (both at 18%) and South Korea (17%).

For business trips, the most promising destinations are Mainland China (15%), South Korea and Australia (both at 14%), and Japan (12%).

@Znews

Life Style Asia reveals must-do activities in Hoi An

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Vichayuth Chantan has published an article on Life Style Asia, suggesting some things to do when visiting Hoi An Ancient Town in Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam.

According to the author, compared to the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City or the central hub of Da Nang, Hoi An seems to be undervalued for what it offers.

“It is a charming ancient town filled with history and interesting architecture. It’s one of those places where you don’t feel the need to schedule your itinerary. Just spend some time by the pool, wake up a little late, and stroll through the ancient streets,” she writes in the article.

Chantan suggests that travelers should spend an afternoon at NOX Beach Club, where they can taste classic Vietnamese dishes like pho or banh mi, authentic Mediterranean cuisine, experience Argentinean steak, and various signature cocktails at the bar.

Hoi An ancient town in recent years has been praised by the world media. Photo: CNA Luxury

The author also recommends taking a leisurely stroll through the Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

She notes: “As you wander through the ancient town, you’ll find yourself surrounded by interesting architecture, a result of Hoi An’s history as a trading port, a convergence of cultures.”

“Chinese-style temples and wooden shop-houses adorn the streets, along with colorful French colonial buildings to admire. As canals intersect the city, you’ll also find a Japanese bridge alongside a pagoda. The canals are where tourists board small rowboats, many believe this is the best way to explore the city illuminated by lanterns,” Chantan adds.

She emphasizes that visitors should not miss out on Cao Lau, a signature dish of Hoi An, perfectly paired with cold beer.

Furthermore, the author suggests some famous spots and fun activities to do in Hoi An, such as relaxing by the beautiful hotel pool, enjoying gracious hospitality at Mezcal Cocteleria, participating in monthly tourist activities like the Hoi An Lantern Festival, and learning about history through museums.

Previously, Hoi An Ancient Town was also honored as the top safest solo travel destination in the world by the Smoky Mountains website. According to the website, Hoi An has a crime rate of 6.25, compared to Lima, Peru, which has the highest crime rate at 84.51.

@Vietnamnet

Domestic flights on April 30 have 50-70% seats filled

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Vietnam Airlines is expected to provide nearly 560,000 seats, equivalent to over 2,800 flights across its domestic and international networks from April 26th to May 2nd.

Many Vietnam Airlines flights during the holidays have reached 50-70% of seats. Photo: VNA.

Despite facing difficulties in aircraft deployment due to objective factors, Vietnam Airlines maintains a slightly increased supply load compared to the same period last year thanks to resource optimization and flexible operations.

Accordingly, the enhanced flight frequencies focus on tourist routes such as Hanoi/Ho Chi Minh City and Danang/Hue/Quy Nhon/Nha Trang/Da Lat/Phu Quoc/Con Dao. In the international flight network, Japan, South Korea, China, Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia are the most frequently served destinations by Vietnam Airlines.

Currently, many flights on routes such as Hanoi – Hue/Quang Binh/Nha Trang/Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City – Danang/Phu Quoc during the peak period of April 30th have been filled from 50% to 70% of the seats.

Meanwhile, Vietravel Airlines plans to increase the frequency of key routes such as Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi with 2-3 round trips per day, and Ho Chi Minh City – Danang with 2 round trips per day.

The airline stated that it will continue to monitor ticket bookings and passenger destination trends to coordinate with aviation authorities to increase frequencies accordingly. Additionally, in April, both Vietravel Airlines and Vietravel Airlines will ramp up charter flights to the Japanese market, catering to Vietnamese travelers and vice versa.

A representative from Vietravel Airlines stated that the airline’s ticket prices for the April 30th and May 1st holidays do not differ significantly from the same period last year, with many good fare ranges still available on each route.

Given the situation where Airbus A321 aircraft using Pratt & Whitney engines from some airlines have to be grounded for maintenance, resulting in reduced market supply, Vietravel Airlines advises passengers to plan and book tickets early to avoid situations where tickets are sold out or prices are high.

Similarly, Vietnam Airlines advises passengers to proactively plan their bookings early through the airline’s website, Vietnam Airlines mobile app, or through official ticket offices and agents to secure desired itineraries.

During peak periods, passengers are encouraged to complete online check-in procedures via the website, mobile app, hotline, or at self-check-in kiosks within 24 hours before departure.

Passengers who have completed pre-check-in procedures and are not carrying checked baggage can proceed directly to the security checkpoint at the airport, bypassing the airline’s traditional check-in counters, thus saving significant travel time and waiting.

@Znews