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Women's Health in Asia Pacific: Adapting Solutions to Local Consumer Needs and Lifestyles
Yang Hu
Embracing women’s wellness through dedicated solutions that cater to unique needs requires a holistic outlook factoring in an integrated physical, nutritional, emotional, and lifestyle spectrum. In Asia Pacific, emerging trends in women's health are also increasingly tailored to the region's unique consumer behaviours and demographic dynamics.
ByteDance - TikTok’s Parent’s Financial Expansion Objectives: Where Does Union Mobile Pay Acquisition Fit?
David Zhang
In April 2024, ByteDance was reported to acquire Union Mobile Pay (UMP) for CNY1.4 billion (USD200 million), pending regulatory approval. ByteDance operates popular social media and commerce platforms (TikTok and Douyin). This article analyses its strategic objectives of financial expansion, and the key threats and opportunities in relation to financial industries. UMP is considered to be a key chess piece of the game.
What's Next for Coffee Shops in Southeast Asia
Nathanael Lim
Renowned coffee chains from China and Kenangan Coffee in Indonesia have entered Singapore as a stepping stone for their international expansion. The strategy to enter Singapore is attributed to its status as a financial hub, as well as its visibility for international investors leading to future expansion. At the same time, local consumers are sophisticated, open to trying new flavours, and are willing to spend for their daily caffeine fix.
Analysing Inbound Travel Payment Experience in East Asia's Key Destinations – Part II
David Zhang
In the first article about inbound travel payment experience, insights in Japan and Taiwan China as well as key partnership developments were discussed. In this second article, the analysis focuses on mainland China and Hongkong SAR (special administration region) China, as well as the key opportunities for travel payment development.
Analysing Inbound Travel Payment Experience in East Asia's Key Destinations – Part I
Prudence Lai
Fast, secure and frictionless payments can lead to a great travel experience. Conversely, slow, insecure and problematic payment can impact the overall trip severely, such as leading to booking failures, fraud and scams, and so on. In this two-part article, the authors analyse their own leisure and business travel payment experiences in key markets in East Asia.
Indian Manufacturers Spice Up the Gin Market
Amulya Pandit
Craft gin continues to gain prominence among younger consumers in India. Historically, a perceived lack of high-quality domestically-produced gin has hindered its consumption, as imported alternatives tend to be expensive. Recognising a gap in the market, several local entrepreneurs launched their own, home-grown craft gin brands, which were made primarily from indigenous botanicals.