Yearly Archives: 2022

Editorial

Interview: Getting to Know Google’s New My Ads Center

Leave a comment

This is an interview transcription. It is intended as a companion piece to our Deep Dive into Google’s My Ad Center editorial.

With the release of Google’s My Ad Center, we had a few questions that we needed to be answered. So, we sat down with a Google Spokesperson who graciously answered them and gave us further insight into the new customizations and how they would impact Google’s products.

Google My Ad Center Feature png

Q: We all know by now that Google abides by a certain code when it comes to handling user data. For the benefit of those of us that may not be aware, what are these rules and how does Google implement it in-house?

Google Spokesperson:

We build privacy that works for everyone. Protecting our users’ privacy and security is a responsibility that comes with creating products and services that are free of cost and accessible for all. This is especially important as technology progresses and safety needs evolve. We look to a set of core principles to guide our products, our processes and our people in keeping our users’ data private, safe and secure.

  • Respect our users, respect their privacy. We believe that these ideas are inseparable. Together, they represent a single, core belief that has influenced everything that we’ve made since day one, and everything that we’ll make moving forward. When people use our products, they trust us with their information, and it’s our job to do right by them. This means always being thoughtful about what data we use, how we use it and how we protect it.
  • Never sell our users’ personal information to anyone. We use data to make Google products such as Search and Maps as useful as possible. We also use data to serve more relevant ads. While these ads help fund our services and make them free of charge for everyone, it’s important to clarify that our users’ personal information is simply not for sale.
  • Make it easy for people to control their privacy. When it comes to privacy, we know that one size doesn’t fit all. Every Google Account is built with on/off data controls, so our users can choose the privacy settings that are right for them. And as technology evolves, our privacy controls evolve as well, ensuring that privacy is always an individual choice that belongs to the user.

Q: With the launch of the My Ad Center, Google is giving a degree of granular control to users when it comes to seeing ads. How will these controls impact user privacy?

Google Spokesperson:

My Ad Center builds on our commitments to privacy by giving you the ability to control what information is used to personalize the ads you see. And if you’re not sure what you’re sharing, it’s easy to quickly see what information we use, and control it based on your preferences.

You can decide what types of your activity are used to make Google products work for you — independent of the ads you’re shown. In the past, if your YouTube History was on, it automatically informed how your ads were personalized. Now, if you don’t want your YouTube History to be used for ads personalization, you can turn it off in My Ad Center, without impacting relevant recommendations in your feed.

You may also see ads meant for certain audiences based on your Google activity – categories such as education, relationship status or the industry you work in. Now you’ll be able to choose and adjust how categories inform your ads, or turn them off completely. This way, you can more easily choose the ad experience that’s right for you. 

In addition, users have the ability to see fewer ads in five sensitive categories, including alcohol, dating, gambling, pregnancy and parenting, and weight loss. Before, this feature affected ads shown on YouTube and Display. Now, it expands to ads shown on Search and Discover.

Q: How does Google My Ad Center impact user experience with Google’s other products like Android, Chrome and Workspaces? Considering on Android, ads pushed via Chrome and Workspace e.g. Gmail are also based on user preferences.

Google Spokesperson:

My Ad Center gives you control over the kinds of ads you see across Google’s surfaces including YouTube, Search and Discover – in fact, when you’re signed into Google, you can access My Ad Center directly from ads appearing on these three platforms, allowing you to manage your ad preferences without interrupting what you’re doing online. 

(Background: My Ad Center will not affect the user experience of Android, Chrome and Workspace. My Ad Center provides control over the ads that user sees on Google’s properties such as Search display ads and YouTube, but does not alter the user experience of those properties itself)

Q: My Ad Center brings in a new dimension of personalisation when it comes to ads. How will this data be used by Google when it comes to serving ads to individuals who utilize the dashboard? Will it impact the ads being served to those that don’t use My Ad Center?

Google Spokesperson:

My Ad Center starts with an entirely new, friendly and clear experience that offers more granular and flexible controls as well as visibility into which ads and categories are used to serve ads. For the first time, users will be able to tell us what they want in addition to what they don’t want when it comes to ads – in the ads themselves. My Ads Center is the complementary Google content experience, where users tune the ads they see by choosing both what types of ads they want to see and what information is used to power them. We’ve also kept the option to turn off ads personalisation and feature it prominently across the product experience.

Q: In My Ad Center, users are able to select ads they wish to see from brands and companies they like. They are also given the ability to remove ads from those they don’t. These personalisations could possibly create a potent echo chamber that can falsely affirm dangerous ideologies. What has Google done to ensure that these personalisations don’t hinder open discourse or cause the spread of misinformation?

Google Spokesperson:

Google have long since prioritised transparency, choice and control when it comes to the ad experience for users. My Ad Center offers more granular and flexible controls as well as visibility into which ads and categories are used to serve ads. 

In this regard, users will be able to choose which topics they want to see more or fewer ads about. Users can only choose to block ads for select sensitive categories such as alcohol, gambling, weight loss, dating and parenting. 

All Google ads must abide by our advertising policies.

Q: In countries like the United States and Canada, it’s common to be inundated with political ads. In other parts of the world, we may see ads from organisations like the UN. How is Google addressing the potential bias that personalisations on My Ad Center can influence the outcomes of grassroots initiatives and potentially a nation’s political landscape?

Google Spokesperson:

See response above

Q: Google My Ad Center also brings up concerns with advertisers when it comes to advertising on Google’s platforms – particularly with distribution, CPM and CTRs. What measures is Google taking to make sure that these personalisations don’t negatively impact advertisers?

Google Spokesperson:

The My Ad Center features are to provide users with more transparency, choice and controls. There is no plan to change how advertisers can target their campaigns in our ad products. However, where we see the advantage for advertisers is their ads being seen and engaged with by users who are genuinely interested in their products and their brand topics.

Q: What should advertisers be aware of in the first few months after the rollout of My Ad Center? How can they factor this major change into their advertising plans?

Google Spokesperson:

The choices users make will be automatically incorporated into the signals we use to personalise ads. There is no action needed from advertisers that want to serve ads to users who are interested in their brand or topic.

Editorial

Taking Control of Your Privacy – Diving into Google My Ad Center

Leave a comment

Our online experience has largely been determined by our preferences and interests. However, since the introduction of online advertising, we’ve been inundated with advertising on every page. Since then, we’ve been exposed to more ads in a more personal way. Many a time we’ve been faced with ads which have taken cues from our browsing, conversations and even social media – whether we like it or not.

That’s about to change as Google’s recently announced My Ad Center. The new dashboard empowers users – like you and me – to take charge of our online experiences by customizing what and how we see in online ads. It even gives us the option to turn off ad personalization altogether. However, when it came to the announcement, a few questions emerged when it came to how this would work. So, we’re doing a deep dive with Google to explore how My Ad Center affects the big picture.

Putting User Privacy in the Forefront

When it comes down to it, Google’s simple-to-use interface is driven by a philosophy that puts privacy first with accessibility in mind. In the words of the Google Spokesperson, “ We built privacy that works for everyone”. While we were sceptical as Google is a big data and search company, what we learnt from their explanations let us realize the complexity that comes with the business of data.

That said, Google works by a set of core principles when it comes to handling user data in its processes, product development and services. First and foremost is respect for the user and privacy. Two ideas that the spokesperson calls “inseparable”. It’s lauded as a core principle that has guided the company since day one. In fact, Google takes ownership of the need to respect and protect the data they collect from users.

Screenshot 2022 11 22 at 13 47 40 My Ad Center

The second principle would surprise anyone – Never sell our users’ personal information to anyone. It’s a long-held conception that Google, like other data companies, uses user data and personal information to generate revenue. However, the company affirms that it uses the data only to inform the personalization and develop products internally. They also use the data to push personalized ads to users which is where they make the bulk of their revenue.

The third principle is the inherent need to make controls and personalization simple and accessible. They are wholly aware of the nuances that come with designing products and features including controls for that privacy. This nuance informs the development of products and options that are becoming increasingly accessible and simple to understand. In fact, My Ad Center embodies this with its approach.

An Easy-to-Use Experience to Take Charge of Your Ads Experience

My Ad Center is the epitome of the simplicity and accessibility that comes with the third principle. Google’s approach when it comes to taking charge of ads and personalization on My Ad Center is very “what you see is what you get”. The interface is simple and, most importantly, easy to navigate and understand. It’s one of the simplest interfaces with all available options front and centre. You don’t have to dig into menus to get to your settings. In fact, Google has put the option to turn off personalization as the first option you see on the top right. Within the interface, Google has used simple, easy-to-understand prompts and choices to allow everyone the ease of customizing their experience

Screenshot 2022 11 22 at 13 46 53 My Ad Center

However, design is only the first step. Google isn’t just allowing users to control how they experience ads. We’re also empowered to choose whether data collected from platforms like YouTube, maps and web activity influence our experience on ads. With a simple click of a button, we can enable or disable these data sources. This would mean that young parents who have Coco melon and other kid-centric content on their YouTube accounts can emancipate their ads experience from their YouTube recommendations.

In addition, users are also given options to prioritize, deprioritize and remove brands and topics according to their preferences. Google has also outlined some sensitive topics including dating, gambling and weight loss that users can remove altogether. These customizations not only allow users to complement and control their experiences across Google’s platforms. It also allows us to avoid triggers online and also stay true to our stances when it comes to supporting brand advertising on Google.

Screenshot 2022 11 22 at 13 47 30 My Ad Center

While it may seem like we will eventually create an echo chamber of our own ideas and ideologies. The approach to giving granular controls remains true to Google’s priorities in providing a transparent and user-centric ad experience for users. However, even with the control, these controls and the ads served on the platforms are governed by Google’s advertising policies.

Preserving Creator Revenue & Advertiser Investments

Of course, when it comes to advertising – the biggest question that comes to mind is how it will affect YouTube creator revenue and advertising investments. The long and short of it is that nothing is going to change. The freedom to customize and personalize the ads experience will not have a foreseeable impact on advertising or creator revenue. Google hasn’t officially stated anything in this regard, but their spokesperson has reassured us that revenue-wise, creators can rest at ease. However, it is worth noting that it is still early with My Ad Center only being around for a month.

Screenshot 2022 11 22 at 13 47 25 My Ad Center

On the flip side, for advertisers, with the increased personalization, advertisers can expect to see more users engaging with their ads. While this may seem counterintuitive, the increased personalization and control will also mean that targeting for ads will be more effective. With more and more users opting to see and engage with ads from certain brands even with the drop off from those who opt to blacklist brands and topics.

More Control, More You

All in all, the personalization and customizations that My Ad Center provides allow users to control their ads experience in a more granular way. They will allow more effective control of privacy but they also have the potential to become a double-edged sword. Users who chose to turn off personalizations completely will experience more general, non-specific ads while those who fine-tune their options will have better, more relevant ones.

That said, this granular control will not affect all of Google’s products. Experiences on Chrome, Android, Android TV and Google TV will remain the same. We will continue to see ads in spaces like Gmail and YouTube but they will be ads that you want from brands and topics that you have chosen to see.  Essentially, you are creating an experience that is uniquely yours which is hoped to be a safer space overall.

News

Samsung OLED TVs launched in Malaysia, pre-orders available

Leave a comment

Samsung has announced the launch of Samsung OLED, it’s first entry into the world of OLED TV’s now available in Malaysia.

2022 OLED S95B Socials PO 221115 PO Google Display 1200x627 221114 1
Samsung has unveiled its first line of OLED TV’s for pre-order in Malaysia

Better contrast, upscaling and 120Hz refresh rates with Samsung OLED

Samsung OLED TV 2
Samsung’s Neural Quantum Processor 4K promises deeper blacks, lighter brights and AI uspcaling.

Samsung’s new line of OLED TVs promises to bring stunning picture thanks to the new Neural Quantum Processor 4K. Edward Han, President of Samsung Malaysia Electronics is confident that the new TVs “…will once again raise the bar for cinematic experiences at home.”

Samsung OLED TVs uses multi-model neural networks to optimize screen brightness at pixel level with AI processing. We can expect deeper blacks and brighter lights with this technology. The processor also upscales images on screen to high definition 4K. The TV’s can appeal to gamers too as it offers 4K resolution at 120Hz refresh rates. Each TV comes with four ports with HDMI 2.1 support to connect your consoles and enjoy lag-free gaming.

Immersive soundscape with immersive scenes

Samsung complements the breathtaking visuals of the OLED TVs with Dolby Atmos® technology for a soundscape that travels around the screen, quite literally. Using dedicated multi-channel TV speakers all around the screen, Samsung’s Dolby Atmos technology is powered physically instead of virtually. With four speakers at the upper and lower sides, Samsung recreates positional audio with AI motion tracker technology, Object Tracking Sound (OTS). To enhance the home theatre experience, consumers can purchase wireless Samsung soundbars to leverage Samsung’s exclusive Q-Symphony.

Easy to set up and easy on the eyes

QN55S95BAFXZA 004 L Side Space Carbon
Premium materials and an ultra-slim form factor without losing performance

Samsung OLED TVs come in a form factor that outclasses the competition, without compromising performance or ease of use. Built from premium materials, the TVs feature minimalistic bezels and an ultra-slim body. It also has a slim flat back profile with flush-fit wall-mount solutions as thin as 7.5mm. The TVs come with the all-new Smart Calibration feature to set up your home cinema experience with one button. The feature perfectly calibrates the TV to your surroundings and environment using Samsung’s SmartThings home system for accurate image settings.

Pre-orders Samsung OLED TVs now and receive free Soundbar

Samsung OLED TVs (series S95B) are available for pre-order at RM10,499 for the 55-inch variant and RM14,499 for the 65-inch variant. To celebrate the launch of these TVs, all pre-orders made between 21st November to 4th December will receive a complimentary Samsung Soundbar, HW-Q600B, worth RM 2,599. Pre-orders are available on the Samsung Official Website.

News

AirAsia Ride launched in Bali as first foray in Indonesia

Leave a comment

AirAsia has launched its ride hailing service, airasia Ride, in Bali. Starting November 2nd, locals and tourists in Bali can book a car ride through the airasia Super App with exciting introductory promos.

image 19
Book a ride with airasia Ride, now launched in Bali.

The launch of airasia Ride in Bali marks the first foray in Indonesia for the collaboration between Capital A and the AirAsia airline group. Now, travellers to Bali book flights, accommodation and ride hail all in one app. Arbi Wienandar, Head of Delivery airasia Super App Indonesia, said, “For more than two decades, over 700 million people have flown with AirAsia.  Undoubtedly, we can do the same with land transportation, the airasia ride, through an integrated, affordable and inclusive digital ecosystem for everyone.” The service has the potential to be an integrated 360 travel ecosystem not just for Indonesia, but to all destinations serviced by airasia.

Discounted rides with exciting promos

Travellers to Bali can now enjoy exciting promos for discounted rides with the launch of airasia Ride.

image 20
Discounts abound for airasia Ride users in Bali

As an added bonus, users can also earn 10x airasia points when using the service. These points can be exchanged in the airasia Super App for flights, hotels, food, travelmall and SNAP.

How to use airasia Ride?

To use airasia Ride, download the airasia Super App and create or log in an existing airasia account. Then choose the ‘Ride’ icon to begin the booking process.

image 21
6 easy steps to affordable ride hailing

At the booking phase, don’t forget to enter promo codes above n the “Use Voucher or enter code” section. Plan your Bali holiday with more convenience with airasia Ride and the Super App.

News

Acer’s Asia Pacific Predator League 2022 Draws To A Close

Leave a comment

The curtain has closed on Acer’s Asia Pacific Predator League 2022 Grand Finals held in Tokyo, Japan from November 11 to 13. 30 teams from 15 countries across Asia-Pacific battled it out for a share of the USD 260,000 prize pool and the Predator shields.

closing
Acer’s Predator League was the first physical E-sports competition in three years for Asia Pacific.

Acer’s Predator League was the first physical E-sports competition to be held in the Asia Pacific region in three years. The 2022 Grand Finals was themed “Unite as One”, uniting players from the region to meet and compete “head-to-head” after a long break. The Grand Finals consisted of the Dota 2 and PUBG:Battlegrounds, broadcasted through multiple channels.

Polaris Esports dominates Predator League Dota 2 finals

Ploris Esports
Dota 2 Champions Polaris Esports

Polaris Esports dominated the Dota 2 Grand Finals and took home the coveted Predator shield. Dropping just one Predator League game, the team from Philippines won USD 75 000 after defeating fellow countrymen Execration. In third place is GrindSky Esports, an up-and-coming organization from Philippines that exceeded expectations in the tournament. Outstanding individual performances were also rewarded. ATee from Yangon Galacticos won the Intel MVP award, earning an Acer Predator Helios 300 gaming laptop.

Genius Esports outsmarts the competition in PUBG

Genius Esports
PUBG:Battlegrounds champions, Genius Esports

In another dominating performance, Genius Esports claimed “Chicken Dinner” in the PUBG:Battlegrounds Grand Finals for Acer’s Predator League. Ending 70-points ahead of other teams, the Vietnamese team took home USD 75 000 and a Predator shield of their own. Korean Esports organization DamWon Gaming, came in second place after a strong start to the tournament. ArkAngel Predator, another Filipino esports organization, came in a respectable third place. Ezqelusia from Attack All Around won plaudits for his individual performance and earned the Intel MVP award for PUBG:Battlegrounds.

With outsanding performances form Filipino teams, fans can rejoice with the next Acer Predator League announced in the Philippines. The tournament format will revert to its original state, with qualifiers in the second half of 2023 and Grand Finals in early 2024.

PR Newswire

Pop Culture Group Co., Ltd Receives Nasdaq Notification Regarding Minimum Bid Price Deficiency

Leave a comment

XIAMEN, China, Nov. 22, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Pop Culture Group Co., Ltd (“Pop Culture” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: CPOP), a hip-hop culture company headquartered in China, received notification (the “Notification Letter”) from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”), dated November 17, 2022, that the Company is not in compliance with the minimum bid price requirement set forth in the Nasdaq Listing Rules for continued listing on The Nasdaq Global Market (the “Nasdaq Global Market”). The Notification Letter is only a notification of deficiency and not a notice of delisting.

Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1) requires listed securities to maintain a minimum bid price of US$1.00 per share, and Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A) provides that a failure to meet the minimum bid price requirement exists if the deficiency continues for a period of 30 consecutive business days. Based on the closing bid price of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares for the 30 consecutive business days from October 6, 2022 to November 16, 2022, the Company no longer meets the minimum bid price requirement.

The Notification Letter does not impact the Company’s listing on the Nasdaq Global Market at this time. In accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5810(c)(3)(A), the Company has been provided 180 calendar days, or until May 16, 2023, to regain compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5450(a)(1). To regain compliance, the Company’s Class A ordinary shares must have a closing bid price of at least US$1.00 for a minimum for 10 consecutive business days. In the event the Company does not regain compliance by May 16, 2023, the Company may be eligible for additional time to regain compliance or may face delisting.

The Company’s business operations are not affected by the receipt of the Notification Letter. The Company intends to monitor the closing bid price of its Class A ordinary shares and may, if appropriate, consider implementing available options, including, but not limited to, implementing a reverse share split of its outstanding Class A ordinary shares, to regain compliance with the minimum bid price requirement under the Nasdaq Listing Rules.

About Pop Culture Group Co., Ltd

Headquartered in Xiamen, China, Pop Culture Group Co., Ltd is a hip-hop culture company. The Company aims to promote hip-hop culture and its values, and to promote cultural exchanges with respect to hip-hop between the United States and China. With the values of hip-hop culture at its core and the younger generation as its primary target audience, the Company hosts entertainment events, operates hip-hop related online programs, and provides event planning and execution services and brand promotion services to corporate clients. The Company has in recent years focused on developing and hosting its own hip-hop events. For more information, visit the Company’s website at http://ir.cpop.cn/.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made in this announcement are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including the further spread of the COVID-19 virus or new variants thereof, or the occurrence of another wave of cases and the impact that may have on the Company’s operations and the demand for the Company’s services, and are based on current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to,” or other similar expressions. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s registration statement and its other filings with the SEC. 

For more information, please contact:

Pop Culture Group Co., Ltd
Investor Relations Department
Email: ir@cpop.cn

Ascent Investors Relations LLC

Tina Xiao 
President
Phone: 917-609-0333
Email: tina.xiao@ascent-ir.com   

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pop-culture-group-co-ltd-receives-nasdaq-notification-regarding-minimum-bid-price-deficiency-301683846.html

Consumer Electronics, News

Android TVs get More Affordable with Candy

Leave a comment

A Smart TV is the cornerstone of any living room nowadays. However, when it comes to options, there isn’t much when it comes to platforms and operating systems. Currently, one of the most popular platforms is Android TV which not only has a wide selection of apps from the Google Play Store but also has the most robust ecosystem with Google Home compatibility.

Candy From Europe Quality Life

That said, the prices of Android TVs have been steadily increasing over the years thanks to more and more manufacturers entering the foray. There’s a newcomer that’s looking to bring more value and allow more people to enter the world of Android TV – Candy. Candy is a brand with its beginnings in Italy as one of the first companies to release a washing machine. Since then, the brand has expanded to offer a full array of household appliances in multiple markets around the world.

Candy Android TV Series 32 43 inches Side
32-inch & 43-inch Candy Android TV series
Candy Android TV Series 32 43 inches Front
32-inch & 43-inch Candy Android TV series
Candy Android TV Series 32 43 inches UI
32-inch & 43-inch Candy Android TV series

Candy is now making its Android TV portfolio available in Malaysia. After silently introducing its offerings on Shopee during the recent 11.11 Great Sale, Candy is confident that its offerings will not only allow every home to have a smart TV but also enjoy the robust ecosystem Google’s Android TV has to offer.

The current lineup of Candy Android TVs comes in 32-inch, 43-inch and 50-inch options; each with a different specification set. The lineup will launch Android TV 11.0 with built-in Chromecast (Screen Mirroring). All the TVs support Bluetooth connectivity and WiFi support with a slim bezel design to ensure the TVs fit seamlessly into any space.

Candy Android TV Series 50 inches Side
50-inch Candy Android TV series
Candy Android TV Series 50 inches Front
50-inch Candy Android TV series
Candy Android TV Series 50 inches UI
50-inch Candy Android TV series

The top-of-the-line 50-inch C50K702AU comes with 4K UHD resolution and support for Dolby Atmos surround sound. It also supports high dynamic range (HDR) with its D-LED panel. The panel also comes with a 60Hz refresh rate. Together with this, the company is also offering a 43-inch TV with 1080p resolution and a smaller 32-inch TV with 720p resolution.

Pricing & Availability

Candy will be on sale exclusively through its official online store on Shopee. More information on the TVs and its offerings can be found on the official Candy Malaysia website.

Candy Black Friday Sale 1

To kick off their introduction, Candy will be having an exclusive Black Friday sale on Shopee happening from the 25th of November until the 28th. During the sale, all three models will be on sale for unbeatable prices.

ModelRetail Price (MYR)Black Friday Sale Price (MYR)
32” Android TV Model C32K702AMYR 899MYR 599
43” Android TV Model C43K702AFMYR 1,399MYR 1,059
50” Android TV Model C50K702AUMYR 1,999MYR 1,359
PR Newswire

IGT Solutions Wins Gold for Tokopedia Care

Leave a comment

IGT received 3 golds and a runner-up award at the ’17th Annual Global Top Ranking Performers Awards APAC’

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Nov. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — IGT Solutions (IGT) won several accolades at the recent ’17th Annual Global Top Ranking Performers Awards APAC’ organized by ContactCenterWorld—the world’s largest contact center association. IGT represented Tokopedia as its CX (Customer Experience) partner for ‘Tokopedia Care’ and received top honors for its innovative approach to digital CX. 

IGT Solutions Wins Gold For Tokopedia Care
IGT Solutions Wins Gold For Tokopedia Care

Every year, over 2000 CX experts from 80+ countries compete in 50+ individual, team, and company award categories for a chance to win a prestigious ContactCenterWorld global award. IGT credits its win to following Tokopedia’s guiding principle of ‘Focus on the Consumer and implement FIRST (Friendly, Proactive, Simple, Trusted)’. By combining human intelligence and digital technologies, IGT delivered exceptional digital CX services in Tokopedia Care across different interaction channels such as email, social media, and chat. 

As a provider of next-gen, seamless, omnichannel customer experiences for over 20 years, IGT is the preferred partner for the world’s foremost travel and hi-tech companies. The company’s resounding successes at the ContactCenterWorld global awards in 2022 include:

Gold Medals:

  1. Individual Award—Best Client Service Manager (outsource only)
  2. Team Award—Best Client/Account Management Team
  3. Team Award—Best Customer Service Team

Runner-Up Medal:

  • Individual Award—Best Contact Center Trainer

Vipul Doshi, CEO of IGT Solutions, said, “These awards are a testament to the strong relationship between IGT and Tokopedia. Both organizations are striving towards a shared vision of enhancing and improving customer experiences by amalgamating human intelligence and digital technologies.” 

Rudy A. Dalimunthe, Senior Vice President of Sales Operations & Product, Tokopedia, said, “We hold three core values called ‘3DNA,’ of which ‘Focus on Consumer’ is one. One way we manifest this is through Tokopedia Care, available 24/7 to help address consumers’ questions and concerns, which positions our consumers as some of our most important partners. Thus, these awards are testaments to Tokopedia Care and IGT Solutions’ strong collaboration in providing the best customer service for Indonesians. We also hope that these awards can advance the extent of collaboration and innovation between Tokopedia and IGT Solutions to develop Tokopedia Care into the mainstay of Indonesia’s customer service.”

About IGT Solutions

IGT Solutions is a next-gen customer experience company that defines and delivers transformative experiences for global brands. It does this by using innovative digital technologies and by combining digital and human intelligence. IGT is the preferred partner for managing end-to-end CX journeys across travel and high growth tech industries. Established in 1998, IGT has more than 85 global marquee customers and 25,000+ CX experts servicing client processes from 30 global delivery centers. IGT’s service offerings include application development and maintenance, application testing and performance analysis, enterprise DevOps, mobility strategy and Consulting, Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and analytics, and a full spectrum of BPM support. www.igtsolutions.com

About Tokopedia

Tokopedia, an Indonesian technology company, has a mission to achieve digital economic equality. Tokopedia’s vision is to build a Super Ecosystem where anyone can start and find anything. Today, Tokopedia empowers millions of sellers and users through marketplaces and digital products, fintech and payment, logistics and fulfillment, as well as Tokopedia Partners. Tokopedia is part of the GoTo group, the largest digital ecosystem in Indonesia that includes Gojek, Tokopedia, and GoTo Financial. www.tokopedia.com

PR Newswire

China sets example as major country in this round of head-of-state diplomacy: Global Times editorial

Leave a comment

BEIJING, Nov. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech titled “Shouldering Responsibility and Working Together in Solidarity to Build an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future” on Friday at the 29th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting. In the speech, he put forward China’s proposition on what kind of Asia-Pacific to build from the perspectives of peace and stability, prosperity for all in the Asia-Pacific, a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific, as well as helping each other. Xi also expressed China’s willingness to commit to building new systems for a higher-level open economy and continue to share China’s development opportunities with the world, especially the Asia-Pacific. These farsighted and realistic remarks are highly in line with the common expectations of the regional and international community, and have resonated greatly both inside and outside the venue.

The APEC meeting is the last of the three important meetings of the “Asian moment,” and continues a prominent feature of the first two events: The participants share many similarities in their perceptions and elaboration of major regional and international issues. Even US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said he saw signs of a “convergence” in views about how to move forward in solving the world’s problems. This is a positive sign that makes us more confident in the future of mankind. It demonstrates that the consensus in the Asia-Pacific region and even the entire world still outweighs the differences and divisions. When the international situation is more tense, the “justice” lurking in the minds of the world will come to the fore, promoting the establishment and strengthening of dams to maintain peace and stability, as well as fairness and justice.

We have seen from the three meetings that at a time of complex and severe global challenges, it is entirely possible to realize solidarity in human society, and the key is that major countries should set an example. The host of the APEC meeting, Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, urged APEC leaders to focus on building a sustainable and inclusive world. French President Emmanuel Macron said bluntly in his speech that an increasing number of countries were being put in a position where they had to choose between an allegiance to Beijing or Washington, and “this is a huge mistake.”

The Asia-Pacific region is where we live and thrive, and also the source of global economic growth. The more turbulent the storm is, the more care should be taken for the prosperity of the common development of the Asia-Pacific. 

Although the three conferences have their own specific themes, “overcoming divergences,” “realizing unity” and “seeking development” have become the consistent theme of this “Asian moment.” Whoever practices true multilateralism and who truly closely links one’s own destiny with regional development will have a wider path and make more friends.

This round of China’s head-of-state diplomacy has gained a more comprehensive understanding and appreciation of China’s diplomacy around the world. President Xi held meetings with leaders of more than 10 countries and international organizations, increasing trust and dispelling doubts, and this is leading the development of bilateral relations. The important speeches at the G20 Bali Summit and the APEC meeting had far-reaching influence.

It is obvious that China’s proposition is highly consistent with the mainstream opinion of the international community. In the face of a turbulent and changing world, China has always maintained and practiced true multilateralism, and has always stood on the right side of history, on the side of peace, cooperation, fairness and justice, and on the side of human civilization and progress. This determines that China’s circle of friends will become increasingly big.

https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202211/1279918.shtml

Cision View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-sets-example-as-major-country-in-this-round-of-head-of-state-diplomacy-global-times-editorial-301683274.html

PR Newswire

Water-Based Vaping Breakthrough Unveiled At UKVIA Forum

Leave a comment

Water-based vaping technology developed by Aquios Labs and Innokin continues to impress the vaping industry

LONDON, Nov. 19, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Vaping Industry Forum and Awards Dinner, organised by the UK Vaping Industry Association (UKVIA), is a significant date in the vaping industry’s calendar. On Friday 18th November 2022, some 300 delegates, including policymakers, tobacco harm reduction experts and representatives from vaping industry met to discuss the event’s theme, “Vaping for a Better Future”.

The vaping industry seeks to disrupt the combustible tobacco industry with less harmful products. Leading brands are developing new technologies to make next generation nicotine a more effective platform for adult smokers.

Vaping industry veterans Innokin have a long history of Innovation. Recent awards include “Best Overall Vape Brand” at the Ecigclick Awards 2021, “best sustainable initiative” at the Vapouround Awards 2022, and “Biggest Breakthrough Innovation” at the Golden Leaf Awards 2022, the latter of which were earned for the introduction of water-based vaping technology, developed in partnership with Aquios Labs.

Innokin says water-based vaping was developed to deliver smoother vapour, faster satisfaction and more accurate flavours, while enhancing the potential for harm reduction. These benefits are achieved using a proprietary e-liquid formulation with 30% water content and new vaping hardware tailored to thinner liquids. Independent testing by TCT Lab has demonstrated that water-based vaping reduces acetaldehyde and formaldehyde emissions by 91% and 81% respectively compared to traditional vapes.

Now, Innokin and Aquios Labs have added another water-based vape to their portfolio with the INNOBAR C1, unveiled to harm reduction and industry experts at the UKVIA Forum.

The INNOBAR C1 is the world’s first pre-filled pod system to take advantage of water-based vaping technology. Innokin says this allows the device to “deliver next-generation performance, at a more affordable price and with less waste compared to disposable vaping devices”. Unlike disposable devices, The INNOBAR C1 uses a rechargeable battery, combined with pre-filled “pods” to allow for enhanced performance and greatly reduced waste.

Water-based vaping technology is now set to gain momentum in the global vaping industry, as major brands and harm reduction experts seek to find new ways to improve the efficacy of vaping products.

Speaking at the UKVIA Forum “Innovating in the vaping sector” panel, Innokin UK Branding Manager, Benedict Jones said: “The process of listening to customers and trying to understand their challenges is central to our product strategy. Our goal is always to reduce the number of barriers between a transitioning smoker and a less harmful alternative.

Innokin UK Branding Manager, Benedict Jones
Innokin UK Branding Manager, Benedict Jones

By integrating water-based vaping technology, INNOBAR C1 delivers smoother vapour, greater nicotine satisfaction and reduced dehydration, at a lower vaping temperature with improved chemical stability. We are excited to continue development of this technology with our partner Aquios Labs.”

Innokin and Aquios Labs have already launched several disposable vaping devices with water-based vaping technology, alongside their latest pre-filled pod device, the INNOBAR C1. Innokin are now developing refillable vaping devices which can make use of water-based e-liquids, such as pods and tanks. 

In the run up to the Ecigclick Awards 2022 and the next Vaper Expo UK in May 2023, Innokin and Aquios Labs plan to expand their unique water-based vaping portfolio to reach all segments of the growing vaping market.

For more information:

https://innokin.com?utm_source=PR+newswire&utm_medium=press+release&utm_campaign=UKVIA

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/water-based-vaping-breakthrough-unveiled-at-ukvia-forum-301683273.html