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Inside Pepsi’s multimedia halftime show plans for Super Bowl LVI
Read More at TheDrum
This year’s Super Bowl will reside in Inglewood, California’s SoFi Stadium. The sparkling venue will host five of the most iconic hip-hop artists of all time: Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, and Kendrick Lamar. They make up one of the most highly-anticipated lineups in history.
And it is the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show after all. Marking its eleventh year as title sponsor of the Super Bowl Halftime Show, the brand is celebrating its 20th year as an NFL partner. This association has served as a rhythmic integration for a brand that strives to leave a good taste.
“Our brand position is all about unapologetic enjoyment,” says Todd Kaplan, Pepsi’s vice president of marketing. “We want to empathize with how you want to enjoy the game. Everything we do is driven towards connecting with others on a deeper emotional level.”
In anticipation of the massive concert, Pepsi has debuted the Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show mobile app for pre-order on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The app, which will go live in early 2022, will serve as an extension of Pepsi’s marketing as it will connect fans to the artists both leading up to the show and during the performance.
The app promises early alerts on Pepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show sweepstakes for coveted items including winners’ flights, hotel stay and sideline passes for the game, footballs signed by all five artists, and other giveaways. Starting Dec. 26, Pepsi products will roll out in market featuring iconic Super Bowl Halftime Show visuals for the second year running, inclusive of a QR code on packaging to give consumers direct access to the mobile app.
Get thePepsi Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show App here


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Today, nearly 25% of its suppliers fall under the "diversity" banner, which was expanded this year to include businesses led by gay, lesbian, bisexual or transsexual owners and those run by service-disabled veterans. Coke is also aggressive in pushing its direct contractors to diversify their own supply chains, requiring reports that detail exactly how much specific subcontractors are paid and for what projects.
"We want direct reporting because we want to make sure that they are truly and directly engaged to Coca-Cola," says Johnnie Booker, Coca-Cola's global director of supplier diversity. "For example, we want to hear about the minority company that's transporting the hundred truckloads of sweetener to our plant, not the company who's just cleaning the contractor's buildings."
Where Coke falls short is in earmarking spending specifically for small businesses. "We spend a fair amount on ingredients; there are few if any minority or woman-owned ingredients businesses, and even fewer who can provide us with mass volumes," says Booker.

domain: news


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The top Web apps for business growth. It takes a lot to run a small business -- but what do you do when there's too many tasks and not enough help? Tech entrepreneur and blogger Neil Patel has put together a list of the top 25 online tools that can help you get projects done, manage your finances, leverage social media, and even have a little fun. There are a few high-profile choices in the bunch, such as Mint and HootSuite, but also some fan-favorites that are still under the radar, such as Recurly, which helps set up and maintain recurring billing for customers, and RescueTime, an automated time tracking and management program.
Putting your business on the (Google) map. If you've done a Google search for just about anything lately, you've probably noticed the handy map that pops up on the results page complete with a handful of pushpins pointing out the relevant local businesses. Marketing guru Jane Dueease has some tips for anyone who has ever wondered how their business can land a spot on the Google map. And as she explains, that map is prime real estate. Companies that appear on the map "not only show up above the 'organic' or 'natural' search results, but [the map] has a higher click rate than the Google Adwords." Austin-area residents interested in learning more can catch Dueease today at the RISE Austin conference discussing ways to improve your company's Web site.
Young social entrepreneurs, here's a way to win $50,000. The Hitachi Foundation is scouring the country to find young entrepreneurs making an impact in their communities, particularly start-ups that "help move people out of poverty and into the mainstream of American society," says the Foundation's chair. Six applicants will be selected and each will receive $50,000 and technical resources to strengthen their business. Apply here by March 22.
Making pay-per-click pay. Paid search engine marketing can be more profitable than search engine optimization, but it can be costly and futile if misapplied. The Wall Street Journal suggests following these tips to optimize your efforts: In addition to buying your company name and your competitors' names, consider asking customers what terms they use when they search for your products; Use keyword tools like Google Trends and Google's keyword suggestion tool; Monitor your results; Make sure your landing page aligns with your ad; and be specific in order to filter out undesirable clicks that you will still need to pay for.
Tesla production on schedule despite engineers' deaths. Two weeks after three of its top engineers died in a California plane crash, electric car maker Tesla said on Wednesday that it is sticking to its plan to produce and sell its first sedan within three years, The Associated Press reports. The young automaker, led by CEO Elon Musk, is hoping that the $49,000 sedan will "cement the Tesla brand in the market place," chief designer Franz von Holzhausen said. The company's only current car on the market is the $109,000 roadster.
Omniture customers get new analytics perks on Facebook. Though the analytics powerhouse and the social media giant first joined forces in May 2009 to build upon Facebook analytics capabilities, TechCrunch now reports that the two companies will be expanding their social media marketing partnership even further. The partnership will now allow businesses using Facebook to utilize Omniture's SearchCenter Plus product, which will enhance its search engine marketing management application with better efficiency for purchasing Facebook Ads. As a result, Omniture customers will now be able to compare Facebook ad campaign metrics with other media channels (learn more about how to advertise on Facebook here), and they will also be able to generate reports specifically designed to understand ad effectiveness for Facebook Pages and applications. For more on how Omniture grew from a college start-up to its $1.8 billion acquisition, check out our How I Did It on co-founder Josh James from Inc.'s March issue.
The changing landscape of e-commerce. It's becoming increasingly difficult to recall a time when pundits scoffed at the possibility of e-commerce outlets as viable businesses, but Half.com founder turned VC Josh Kopelman remembers it. He also notes on his blog, Redeye VC, that up until recently the e-commerce field has been pretty stagnant innovation- wise (via peHUB). "The online shopping paradigm is finally changing," he writes. "We've seen more innovation in the last 10 months than in the last 10 years." Kopelman lists game-changing e-commerce opportunities in the post and proudly touts the fact that his firm, First Round Capital has invested in over a dozen ventures in these fields. For strategy tips for your online store, check out our guide to selling online.
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Yorkshire-based dealership group Cars 2 enjoyed a 143 per cent rise in pre-tax profit last year, making more than £7.2m.
Its accounts for the year ended December 31, 2021, just published on the Companies House website, show its pre-tax profit increased from £2.98m to £7.23m.
Turnover, meanwhile, increased by 63 per cent, going up from £76.24m in 2020 to £124.2m.
Return on sales went up from 3.91 per cent to 5.82 per cent, while aftersales profit went up by 27.3 per cent.
It claimed £400,768 under the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, versus £821,825 the previous year.
The Wakefield-headquartered dealership group, which was established in 2006, has 13 businesses across West and South Yorkshire, and represents Hyundai, Seat, Fiat, Abarth, Renault, Dacia and MG as well as Nissan.
It also has its own luxury sports and prestige car brand – Pure Cars – as well as a central group fleet operation.
Cars 2’s directors said 20212 had been ‘challenging’ because of the Covid restrictions and problems with new car supply caused by the global semiconductor shortage.
But despite sounding a note of caution over the vehicle supply restrictions caused by the war in Ukraine, the increasing cost of living and volatile fuel prices, they added that the business had continued to grow, delivering record results, and was well placed to meet the move by consumers towards hybrid and electric vehicles.
And even though more people were looking to buy online, face-to-face footfall numbers had actually topped pre-pandemic levels.
All its sites are now freehold, and the board said the company’s profit growth and cash position meant it would be able to move rapidly as and when more opportunities arose with new and existing brand partners.
Pictured at top via Google Street View is Cars 2’s Seat and Hyundai dealerships in Wakefield


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A squirrel on the loose in a clothes shop forced shoppers to evacuate the aisles.
The furry creature with a taste for high street fashion was discovered by a customer looking through a rail of clothes in New Look on Friday, December 7 afternoon.
Customers had to put down their shopping and leave the town centre shop in Market Square after the squirrel was found among the fashion.
Shop manager Sharon Stone said: “He was all tangled up in clothes and was very scared so we decided to evacuate the shop.
“When everyone had left I turned off all the lights and put some nuts on the floor from the trees outside but he didn’t seem very interested.”
Staff asked passing PCSO Peter Walde to help them catch the squirrel.
Ms Stone added: “Eventually it went into the fitting room and we were able to catch him, he’d got himself into a corner so the PCSO was able to put a net over him.”
She said PSCO Walde was very helpful, as he agreed to help when nobody else would.
She added: “He was amazing, everyone we asked to help didn’t really understand or take it seriously.”
The manager says she thinks evacuating the shop was the right thing to do, despite missing out on a lot of Christmas shoppers.
She said: “It’s just unfortunate that we’ve had to close and lose trade but I’d rather that happened than a poor squirrel died or got hurt.
“It was so scared we wouldn’t have been able to do it with a full shop.”
Ms Stone also praised her staff for the way they dealt with the situation, she said: “The girls were amazing and stayed really calm.
“Now we just need to get on and clear up the mess that he left behind, there are clothes knocked all over the place.
“He really has left destruction behind him.”
The 40-year-old manager believes the adventurous animal got into the shop during the morning delivery.
She added: “The people from the market setting up stalls opposite said they saw him come in but didn’t tell us.”
After capturing the squirrel and removing it from the shop it was released into a nearby field by PSCO Walde.


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Eight out of ten (81%) people participating in a recent study of consumers in the United Kingdom (U.K.) said how a manufacturer protects against cyber-attacks and privacy invasions is important when purchasing a smart home, fitness or medical device. Commissioned by UL Solutions, a global leader in applied safety science, the study of consumer internet of things (IoT) buying habits suggests consumers are increasingly concerned about the security of their connected smart devices. Security is now of the same importance as other factors, like brand value or word-of-mouth recommendations, when making a purchase. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Computer security
Google Career Certificate for hackers
If code could be generated, why can’t it generate security controls?
April 30, 2023 /Technology/ — As generative AI continues to develop, it is likely that we will see even more innovative and effective ways to use this technology to protect our data and our systems. By creating predictive models, generating simulated environments, and analyzing large volumes of data, generative AI can help identify and respond to threats before they cause damage. Generative AI has enormous potential to transform cybersecurity, including cloud, device, and even home security systems. Continue reading
How to mitigate the risk of AI prompt injection and protect your systems from harm
April 26, 2023 /Technology/ — Prompt Engineering is considered one of the hottest new tech skills. It refers to communicating with AI systems by using natural human language, such as English, to make them respond to some specific action or task. Talking to AI software can be done for legitimate reasons, it can also be done for harmful purposes.
Here are some examples of AI prompt injection attacks that have been used for harmful instructions: Continue reading
UK Security Minister CYBERUK speech
20 April 2023 /Policy/ — The Security Minister stressed the importance of businesses and individuals taking steps to protect themselves from cyber threats. He said that businesses should invest in cyber security measures, such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems. He also said that individuals should be careful about what information they share online and should use strong passwords. Continue reading
Spring budget 2023: AI announcements hint at data grab behind the scenes
Eerke Boiten, De Montfort University
In the area of digital technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), the UK budget can be a barometer of technological development and hype. However, there is a worrying drive towards deregulation in the background – combined with an apparent desire to encourage the rights holders for data to share it with companies involved in AI.
56% of Internet Users Fall for Phishing Scams, CUJO AI Reports
CUJO AI, the global leader of cybersecurity and network intelligence solutions for Internet Service Providers (ISPs), today released its annual report, “Cybersecurity Report 2022: Consumer Devices Under Threat.” Continue reading
SecurityGen identifies the cybersecurity priorities for mobile operators in 2023
SecurityGen, the award-winning global provider of security solutions and services for the telecoms industry, today announced its cybersecurity priorities for telecom operators in 2023. Continue reading
Avast 2023 Predictions Highlight Increased Risk for Detrimental Damage Caused by Ransomware Gangs
Avast, a leading global digital security and privacy consumer brand by Gen™ (NASDAQ: GEN), anticipates an increased risk of ransomware attacks in 2023 threatening to leak people’s and businesses’ valuable data if ransom demands aren’t paid. Additionally, Avast researchers foresee optimization of social engineering used in scam attacks, taking advantage of economic hardships and energy crisis fears. The experts also expect increased malicious activity overall, as open-source malware becomes more accessible, and cybergangs recruit hacktivists to join their causes. Continue reading
US Ports and Terminals Sustain Increased Cybersecurity Attacks
Jones Walker LLP today publicly released the findings of its 2022 Ports and Terminals Cybersecurity Survey, examining cybersecurity preparedness in US-based ports and terminals. The report outlining the results of the survey is authored by four of the firm’s attorneys and the findings will be presented by two of them, Jim Kearns and Andy Lee, during the Inland Rivers, Ports & Terminals (IRPT) conference in Tulsa, Oklahoma at 2:30 pm Central Daylight Time today. Continue reading


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A leaked Tomb Raider script is looking pretty legit now that Square Enix DMCA’d it#tech #news
a year ago By Oodj — Ever heard of the Streisand Effect?
Tinder's first female CEO out after less than a year#tech #world
a year ago By Oodj — Tinder's newest CEO is out after less than a year on the job, marking the second high-profile female executive to depart its parent company, Match Group, i
The OnePlus 10T Is a Great Deal for Power Users, Even if It's Missing a Volume Slider#tech #latest
a year ago By Oodj — OnePlus's "ultimate" smartphone release offers plenty of capability and proprietary speed for under $800.
GM Doubling Super Cruise-Compatible Roads#tech #blog
a year ago By Oodj — The hands-free driver assist tech will soon work on twice as many roads now that undivided highways are joining its library of high-resolution maps.
Food Shortages in 2022: These Grocery Items Will Be Scarce#tech #news
a year ago By Oodj — Items like popcorn, tampons, cat food and Sriracha are among the list of hard to find grocery store items right now, with Hershey candy shortages expected
How to customize the new Home app in iOS 16#tech #news
a year ago By Oodj — More personalization options make Apple’s HomeKit controller easier to use
Hackers drain nearly $200 million from crypto startup in ‘free-for-all’ attack#tech #world
a year ago By Oodj — What started as an upgrade to Nomad’s code ended with hackers deploying armies of bots to carry out copycat attacks.
Never Too Rich Or Thin: Compress Sqlite 80%#tech #world
a year ago By Oodj — We are big fans of using SQLite for anything of even moderate complexity where you might otherwise use a file. The advantages are numerous, but sometimes y
The Best Anime on Netflix You Absolutely Need to Watch#tech #world
a year ago By Oodj — Whether you're into action, drama or horror, there's something here for everyone.
Wi-Fi 5 vs. Wi-Fi 6 vs. Wi-Fi 6E: Which router should you pick?#tech #blog
a year ago By Oodj — With three versions of Wi-Fi on the market, picking a router is more complicated than ever.


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The smartphone Huawei Honor 6X appreciated in the US and Europe is $100 higher than in China
In China a budget smartphone Huawei Honor 6X which received a single-chip system Kirin 655, as well as dual camera, estimated at $ 150.
In Las Vegas, Huawei announced that the Huawei Honor 6X will also be released in the U.S. and in Europe, that’s just the price of the device will increase substantially. For the basic version, which is equipped with 3 GB of RAM and 32 GB of flash memory are asking $ 249 and Euro respectively.
I should add that this is the only configuration, which is what will be sold in the U.S. and Europe. While in China for $ 235, you can buy a smartphone with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of flash memory. This version will be released in other countries later at a price of $ 300.
The smartphone will be available in five colors: Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Gray and Navy.
The beginning of sales in Europe will begin already today, and the Russian representative office of Huawei promises to announce the price January 12.


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Finance ministry says the remaining states E-way bill will be Mandatory From 3 June. New Delhi: E-way bill will be Mandatory for All Indian states and union territories for Both (Inter- State, Intra- State) movement of goods after Tomorrow.
These six states – Bihar, Jharkhand, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Tripura and Uttarakhand, Modi told reporters here. New Delhi, Intra-State E-way bills will be mandatory for trade in respect of 6 more states from Friday, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Modi said on Tuesday.
E-Way bill operations are compulsory for inter-state movement of goods throughout the nation and intra-state movement for Karnataka from 1st April, 2018.
The GST e-way bill system portal had crashed on its launch day that is 1st February. New GST e-way bill system, which promises to enable faster movement of goods through an intuitive portal-driven payment system, may see the light of the day from 7th March 2018, after technical issues aborted its mandatory full-fledged launch on […]
What is an E-Way Bill E-Way Bill is an electronically generated document which can be generated on the GSTN (common portal). A ‘movement’ of goods of more than Rs 50,000 from one place to another. E-WayBill will also be allowed to be generated or canceled through SMS.


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WELCOME TO The capital REPORT
Feature market insights and perspectives from top C-Level executives, elite technology influencers and thought leaders from your company here. This signature initiative has garnered immense support...
BITCOIN AND CRYPTO
Facepay | March 07, 2022
Facepay Inc. announced today the release of Facepay Crypto, an addition to its pioneering relational payments platform known for freeing business owners from credit card transaction fees and leveraging the security of blockchain technologies. Facepay’s Relational Payments disrupted the industry with its bold fixed-price subscription model in late 2020 and is poised to shake up the payments industry again with the introduction of Facepay Crypto.
Built on a private Ethereum ne...
JPMorgan And Taulia | April 29, 2020
Silicon Valley working capital FinTech Taulia is partnering with J.P. Morgan to develop a new trade finance solution that will give businesses liquidity to strengthen their supply chain.
“We’re always looking for impactful ways to enhance the client experience within wholesale payments,” Takis Georgakopoulos, global head of wholesale payments with J.P. Morgan, said in a statement on Monday (April 27).
The alliance with Taulia gives the bank a greater ability to he...
Fenergo | June 18, 2020
Fenergo announces the launch of Fen-Xcelerate, a lower cost, cloud-based version of Fenergo's CLM solution.
The cloud-based solution, powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), delivers frictionless, end-to-end customer journeys and client lifecycle manageme...
Mastercard | January 24, 2022
Mastercard today announced the launch of Mastercard TrackTM Instant Pay, a next-generation virtual card solution that uses machine learning and straight-through processing to enable instant payment of supplier invoices. Integrated with Mastercard Track Business Payment Service, Mastercard’s open-loop B2B network, the new, first-of-its-kind virtual card solution delivers greater choice, efficiency and automation for buyers and suppliers to help streamline and speed business payments.
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EA Sports is abandoning FIFA next year
Going forward, its soccer games will be called EA Sports FC.
For nearly 30 years, EA Sports and FIFA have worked together to bring soccer fans FIFA video games every year. That relationship is now ending, however, as the last ever FIFA branded game from EA is set to arrive later this year.
Electronic Arts (EA) announced its plans to drop the FIFA name in a press release earlier this week. Going forward, the new name for the franchise will be EA Sports FC. The first title with the new name will be coming in July of next year.
But that does leave time for one more FIFA game coming this fall. And EA says it will be the biggest one ever. The company says this year’s FIFA title will feature World Cup content, and more game modes, players, and leagues than ever before.
“The introduction of EA SPORTS FC will not impact any current EA Sports global football games, and EA and FIFA are excited to deliver the greatest, most expansive EA SPORTS FIFA ever later this fall,” EA said in a statement. “Our final FIFA product will also include more game modes, features, teams, leagues, players, and competitions than any previous edition.”
Speaking of the World Cup, that is likely the biggest licensing agreement that EA Sports will lose out on in future soccer games. FIFA holds all of the licensing rights to the World Cup. That means that the international competition likely won’t be featured in EA’s games going forward.
But the World Cup is only a fraction of what EA brings to FIFA games. The company says it will retain licensing for hundreds of teams, thousands of players, and 30 different leagues. Essentially, EA will have plenty to work with without FIFA’s World Cup licensing.
As for FIFA, this could mean a new partnership is in the works. FIFA could pen a deal with another publisher to create a new line of games based on the World Cup.
But that’s just speculation at this point. What we do know is that the partnership between EA Sports and FIFA is ending this year. But fans of the game shouldn’t worry too much. Next year’s EA Sports FC will be reminiscent of the decades of FIFA games that we all know and love.
- EA is working on a new free-to-play Lord of the Rings game
- Xbox is working on a Roku-like device for game streaming
- Fortnite is now available on iPhone and iPad thanks to Microsoft
- Valve tripled the number of verified Steam Deck games since launch
Just a heads up, if you buy something through our links, we may get a small share of the sale. It’s one of the ways we keep the lights on here. Click here for more.


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Darren Adam 1am - 4am
Boris Johnson calls in foreign workers in desperate bid to save Christmas
15 October 2021, 09:22 | Updated: 15 October 2021, 09:33
Boris Johnson is calling in foreign workers as part of a desperate bid to save Christmas amid ongoing supply chain shortages.
The shortages, driven partly by a lack of HGV drivers as a result of Brexit, have led to fears of empty shelves in supermarkets and a lack of Christmas presents.
It also comes just 10 days after Mr Johnson said the UK has "no alternative" but to break its reliance on workers from abroad.
The government today announced it is planning to increase deliveries across the country by changing companies' "cabotage" rights.
It is also trying to recruit hundreds of butchers as concerns grow more than 100,000 pigs will have to be destroyed due to a slaughter backlog.
Cabotage rules govern the transport of goods or passengers within one country by a transport operator from a different country. Currently hauliers from the EU can only make up to two trips between two places in the UK within one week.
The new measures, which are subject to a one-week consultation, would allow foreign operators to pick up and drop off goods an unlimited number of times over a two-week period before they return to their country of origin.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps told LBC’s Nick Ferrari this morning that the changes should come in "before the end of the year".
Mr Shapps said: "It's yet another measure we're taking to try to ease the supply chain squeeze, which is very much a global thing."
A build-up of cargo in Felixstowe has led to shipping company Maersk opting to divert vessels away from the Suffolk port, though similar logjams have been seen elsewhere in the world, including in the US.
It was only Tuesday last week that prime minister Mr Johnson said "there is no alternative" but to pay UK workers more in order to beat supply chain issues.
But another measure, announced last night, saw the government announce up to 800 additional temporary visas for foreign butchers.
It followed warnings up to 150,000 pigs could be destroyed as waste as the labour shortage in meat processing has led to a backlog of animals ready for slaughter.


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Does allowing consumers to pay what they want make any kind of sense?
It's been hit and miss, but an increasing number of newsbrands are introducing paywalls to access their digital content - but what if the consumer was given the option to pay what they wanted? It's not madness says GfK's Colin Strong - and the evidence from other digital businesses suggest it's worth a closer look...
How do you go about getting consumers to pay for something that was previously free? That's the dilemma facing many content providers as they seek to generate revenue for digital content, and many brands are starting to implement subscription based models, given the harsh reality that online advertising revenues alone often won't cut it.
The Washington Post and the Daily Telegraph are the latest to release their paywall - or subscription - details, now meaning that the majority of newspapers will soon have some kind of subscription or usage based pricing in place - and there are some real success stories. The Financial Times is a hugely effective example, totalling 316,000 digital subscriptions in 2012 - easily surpassing their 286,000 print subscribers.
But all pricing models have their own challenges. Get subscription pricing wrong and the readership can fall off a cliff, taking much needed advertising revenue with it. The torrid example of Variety magazine is a case in point, closing its daily edition after 80 years but just 28 months after introducing a subscription model.
And subscription only access, such as that used by The Times, can arguably reduce reach and influence as it makes it more difficult to share links over social media. Content providers, such as newspapers, desperately need to find ways of getting customers to pay for expensive-to-produce quality content.
Creative approaches are clearly needed to find ways to get consumers to part with their cash, and all brands are thinking about this long and hard. We are still in relatively unchartered territories and there will inevitably be successes and failures to learn from; but one area that appears to have gone relatively unexplored is the concept of asking consumers to 'Pay What You Want' (PWYW).
Now this might at first glance seem like the road to madness as, surely, consumers have been paying what they want to access online content - which is precisely nothing. But the evidence suggests that this is worth a closer look.
Radiohead are perhaps the most famous PWYW case study, offering their 2007 album 'In Rainbows' for any price that fans were willing to pay. Unsurprisingly, 62% chose not to pay anything but 38% paid an average of $6 each.
Whilst this may seem like modest sums, the huge increase in sales volumes and the reduced number of people they had to pay (as there was no revenue sharing with record companies and retailers) led Thom Yorke to claim that they had made more money out of this record than out of all the other Radiohead albums put together.
When you start looking, there are plenty of successful PWYW ventures. Humble Bumble uses PWYW to sell bundles of music, games and e-books; US restaurant chain Panera Bread allows customers at 48 of its 1,300 stores to pay whatever they choose; Stephen King also used it to sell his serialised story 'The Plant'. There are many more such examples.
The experiences are generally found to be positive ones with these ventures generating a much greater volume of customers than would otherwise be the case, typically off-setting those that choose not to pay. And there are plenty of ways to gently 'nudge' customers into paying.
Of course, suggested donations help to determine the amounts actually paid, even if, as is frequently the case, they are then discounted by the customer. Combining the payment with a donation to charity has been shown to work well, enhancing the reputation of the brand in the process.
Showing the customer how what they are paying compares to others helps too - social-image meets self-image, which generally has a positive effect on price paid. And a brand can potentially switch between PWYW and other forms of charging such as subscriptions.
So a customer may be willing to pay under PWYW if the alternative they face is a relatively high fixed price. The 'threat' of higher prices means consumers have an incentive to pay.
But could a national newspaper, for example, seriously implement a PWYW policy for their content? It would certainly be a brave proprietor to be the first mover but the evidence does seem to merit some serious considerations.
The experience to date appears to suggest that it does not reduce customer numbers - quite the opposite in fact. The examples cited above typically reflect that PWYW encourages volumes, which, for newspapers, would have the additional benefit of retaining the all-important online advertising revenue.
It certainly works well in a category such as newspaper content where there is a high initial capital outlay but a negligible variable cost. It would not work when selling smartphones, for example, where the variable cost of production remains high.
And perhaps the most important side effect that PWYW presents is a positive uplift in the perception of the brand. This is driven by the way readers would avoid the purely financial transaction of a subscription to one which is governed by social norms and therefore governed by a sense of reciprocity and fair play - which certainly plays to the increasingly common aspiration of brands to have a more meaningful relationship with consumers.
So to elaborate on this, as news content becomes more commoditised through developments such as 'people journalism' and the proliferation of online news aggregators, newspapers need to find innovative ways of engaging with their readers to reflect the unique attributes that they bring to the market.
If one accepts that a newspaper is increasingly about delivering opinion, argument and evidence along editorial lines that reflect the readers' perspective of the world, then a PWYW model starts to make more sense. It provides the consumer with a direct means for supporting their perspective on the world, less about the pure financial transaction and more about that all important meaningful relationship.
So it's perhaps almost more akin to a donation to a cause that reflects their principles such as a political party or a campaigning organisation such as 38 degrees.
A natural extension of this is that PWYW models don't necessarily have to be simply for an 'all-in-one' subscription, but could be designed to provide access to individual writers or indeed sections of the newspaper.
This helps to make payment something that is more personal and meaningful for the customer, again encouraging participation, which can even turn the payment mechanism into a form of co-design between the newspaper and the readers - nothing gives better guidance about preferences than looking to see where consumers put their money.
As such, PWYW is perhaps a backdrop in a wider move to what has been called The Intention Economy by Doc Searls in a book of the same name. In the impending Intention Economy, consumers take greater control in their relationships with brands which in turn find they need to respond to the actual intentions of customers, instead of simply vying for customer attention in hope of selling them what they might want.
And maybe this is at the heart of the discussion of how we get consumers to pay for quality content. Brands need to recognise that the Internet now means less control in their relationship with the consumer - the nature of the value exchange has been fundamentally altered. It's in this context that a payment mechanism which reflects a more personal relationship between brands and their customers might just be worth exploring.


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Interest Touch My Katamari Game's Launch Trailer Streamed
posted on 2012-02-22 21:00 EST by Justin Sevakis
Namco Bandai Games Europe has released an English launch trailer for its game Touch My Katamari (Katamari Damacy No-Vita). The action/strategy game was released for the new Playstation Vita handheld console in Japan on December 17 2011, and in Europe and North America on Wednesday.
- Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero
- Golgo 13 TV
- Little Witch Academia


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Tencent Wins Nod for New Games as China Crackdown Softens
(Bloomberg) — Tencent Holdings Ltd. secured a green light for another clutch of major game titles, reinforcing hopes Beijing is easing a crackdown on the world’s largest mobile gaming arena.
It was only the second time the Chinese tech giant gained licenses for blockbuster titles since Beijing resumed issuing them in April. Pokémon Unite, developed with Nintendo Co., was among the 40-plus foreign online titles approved in December by the National Press and Publication Administration. It also cleared other Tencent entries, including popular e-sports title Valorant. The latest approvals follow Metal Slug: Awakening last month.
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The blockchain know-how might assist the worldwide fintech sector achieve financially, in addition to give it a much-needed refreshment within the coming years. Implementing the distributed ledger know-how, that’s blockchain, into the present monetary sector might save round $10 billion (roughly Rs. 82,252 crore) within the subsequent seven years. The discovering was printed as an final result of a survey, that was carried out by Ripple in partnership with the US Quicker Funds Council (FPC).
A complete of 300 finance-related professionals from round 45 nations had been surveyed by Ripple and the FPC. The individuals included monetary analysts, firm CEOs, and fintech administrators. Out of the entire respondents, 97 p.c have expressed confidence that the blockchain know-how has the potential of enhancing on-line cost companies, particularly for the processing of worldwide transfers.
At current, the report says, individuals linked to the finance sector are dissatisfied with legacy rails for cross-border funds.
“Crypto cuts prices. The price of transactions is 80 p.c inexpensive for finish customers who use stablecoins for cross-border funds,” the report stated.
Transactions recorded on blockchains are saved as chunks of knowledge and are distributed in several blocks of the community. This makes the storage of delicate data safer in opposition to hackers and cyber criminals whereas additionally maintaining the method price efficient as in comparison with the hefty prices of sustaining current day servers and knowledge centres.
As well as, historical past of transactions recorded on blockchains can’t be tampered with, and this retains the monetary information clear and tamper-proof with none additional price added to take action.
These causes are why governments world wide, regardless of being sceptic about accepting cryptocurrencies, are accelerating work round CBDCs.
Primarily based on blockchain networks, CBDCs are the digital illustration of fiat currencies which are anticipated to make on-line funds sooner and safer, whereas additionally decreasing the dependency on money notes, which are sometimes misused for unlawful actions like cash laundering that go unrecorded.
Regardless of it being unstable and unregulated, the blockchain-backed crypto sector has additionally managed to retain assist from the worldwide investor neighborhood. The sector, which was valued at over $3 trillion (roughly Rs. 2,46,91,380 crore) round November 2021, presently stands at a market cap of $1.18 trillion (roughly Rs. 97,04,768 crore).
Within the subsequent one to a few years, the Ripple report estimates, 52 p.c retailers from world wide will start accepting crypto as funds.
Crypto acceptance will see enhance principally within the Center East and Asia-Pacific areas the place 64 p.c and 50 p.c retailers are prone to start accepting crypto funds. European merchants (58 p.c) are additionally seeking to open doorways for crypto funds particularly now when the EU has accepted the MiCA crypto regulation for the area.
The report additional notes that individuals aware of blockhain programs favour inexperienced blockchains, that use the Proof-of-Stake mining mannequin. Over 98 p.c of the respondents to the Ripple survey stated that low power consumption by blockchain networks is a should for his or her acceptance in present fintech sector.
“Cryptocurrencies current a doubtlessly compelling mix of flexibility and utility. They seem well-positioned to resolve some seemingly intractable points in funds by filling numerous gaps in cost flows effectively and successfully,” the report quoted Reed Luhtanen, Govt Director, US Quicker Funds Council as saying.
The report has famous that as extra nations bring-in legal guidelines to manipulate the crypto sectors, the blockchain know-how will probably be properly obtained by extra monetary establishments.
Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 alongside the Galaxy Tab S9 sequence and Galaxy Watch 6 sequence at its first Galaxy Unpacked occasion in South Korea. We focus on the corporate’s new units and extra on the most recent episode of Orbital, the Devices 360 podcast. Orbital is accessible on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
Affiliate hyperlinks could also be robotically generated – see our ethics assertion for particulars.


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OJSC “Uralcryomash” plans to develop and manufacture a tank-container with the vessel from composite materials.
These works on development and serial production of the composite tank-container are being implemented under the innovative project of high-technology products creating under the theme: “Designing of a technology for production of tanks from polymer composite materials to transport aggressive agents, chemicals and petrochemicals in containers”, and are financed by the Ministry for Industry and Trade and by OJSC “Research and Production Corporation “Uralvagonzavod”.
On the basis of state-of-the-art, scientific-and-technological achievements it is planned to design and manufacture a composite tank resistant to aggressive agents, to chemical and petrochemical products which are transported in containers, and which will be in compliance with international standards for intermodal transports.
Among the supposed advantages of the new tank-containers are reduction in the vessel weight for at least 20 % in comparison with the similar steel vessels, and preservation of performance features when transporting the aggressive agents, chemical and petrochemical products for at least 15 years, depending on the cargo type.
OJSC “Uralcryomash” plans to launch the serial production of composite containers in 2016.


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So companies need to change how they think about customer loyalty and what they expect to get from it, says Fred Reichheld, the author of Loyalty Rules! and a fellow at Bain & Co., a management-consulting firm. When revenue was strong and consumers were spending heavily in the giddy days of the '90s, too many businesses took their customers for granted. "Loyalty lost its meaning," Reichheld says. "It came to mean marketing gimmicks and long-term contracts that take people hostage." Loyalty was often abused, he says: Companies rewarded their dedicated customers with higher support costs and slower service, and they poured revenue from them into funding efforts to identify and attract new customers.
Those notions need to be discarded, and Reichheld believes that loyalty is starting to mean something deeper: a focus on mutually beneficial relationships. Too often, Reichheld says, companies confuse loyalty with unconditional acceptance. A vendor should consider customers loyal even if they criticize the product or service that they think could be made better. And vendors shouldn't consider customers loyal merely because they've paid the bills for a long time. They may be dissatisfied with the value they're getting and waiting eagerly for an alternative to come along. Loyal customers are those who stick with a company through bad times because they've been treated right, and they expect that to continue.
The software industry has a mixed record on loyalty: For every raving fan of a software company, there are a dozen who feel locked in and taken advantage of by another. BMC Software Inc. measures customer satisfaction through conventional means such as surveys. But it considers the number of repeat customers and the amount of new business from referrals as better measures.
In these times of tight IT budgets, BMC knows that sales growth alone isn't going to reveal how well it's doing keeping customers happy. So the company tries to measure how big a share of any customer's total IT spending wallet goes into buying BMC products. Says Mark Meyer, BMC's director of CRM, "If you're always growing the percentage, you've got to feel pretty good."


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Gocase launched its new iPhone 14 cases. The recognition of Gocase is no wonder, as it is very aware of technology and current events. The accessory promised to inactivate up to 99.9% of the viruses that remain on smartphones.
The manufacturer, in turn, is not the first to launch accessories for the new devices in the iPhone line. In August, another brand even made cases available for smartphones.
It is made with a military technology that guarantees protection for impacts in falls of up to 3m in height. In addition, the construction material is rigid polycarbonate on the outside. On the other hand, the inner region is made of flexible TPU.
In addition to this accessory, Gocase also released a model called Case Deluxe. The product was released without many details like the Duo Pro, but the brand says it is resistant and has an exclusive design, in addition to the manufacturer’s logo on the camera module frame.
iPhone 14 Series was announced on September 7 along with Apple Watch Series 8 and Airpods Pro 2. The series includes four models: iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro, and iPhone 14 Pro Max and comes out of the box running iOS 16. The high-end variants are iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.
So are you guys excited for the new iPhone 14 cases?


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Originally released as a launch title for the Xbox One, Ryse: Son of Rome was initially lauded for its excellent visuals before questions were raised as to whether or not its gameplay quite lived up to its good looks. When Game Rant reviewed the title last year, we suggested that while it didn’t quite reach the dizzy heights that many hoped it would, there was still a fair amount for players to enjoy.
Ryse was one of the key exclusive releases that launched with the Xbox One, but like Capcom’s Xbox One launch exclusive Dead Rising 3, it’s coming to PC. Developers Crytek have announced the official release date and Ryse: Son of Rome will be available to purchase for the PC on October 10, being offered as a physical release and as a download via Steam. With support for 4K resolution, the much-lauded graphics of the game will be even more stunning on a healthy rig than they were in its prior release.
Beefed up visuals aren’t all that PC gamers looking forward to Ryse will have in store. As per our initial report that the game would be making its way to the platform, this release will include the four DLC packages that the game has received thus far.
With funding for a sequel to Ryse seemingly hanging in the balance, fans of the series’ first instalment will likely be hoping that the game proves to be a hit amongst PC gamers. There’s certainly enough to build upon in Son of Rome to think that an improved sequel could be just what the series needs to really take off, but whether than goes ahead would seem to be reliant on PC sales.
That eventuality isn’t too much of a long shot—fellow former Xbox One exclusive Dead Rising 3 is sitting pretty at the top of the Steam top sellers chart as of the time of writing, with its launch on the service coming tomorrow. There is certainly a wider audience to be reached by looking to the PC, and with the Steam audience growing constantly, it wouldn’t be too surprising at all to see more and more big-name console exclusives making the journey to home computers after their initial console release.
Xbox One holdouts and Roman Empire enthusiasts alike will be able to purchase Ryse: Son of Rome for the PC from October 10, at a recommended retail price of $39.99 (€39.99/£34.99). Those pre-ordering the game from participating retailers—Steam included—will be entitled to a digital download of the game’s 25-track soundtrack as performed by the Hungarian Studio Orchestra.


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Dubai, UAE: Seafood consumers throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are increasingly turning to sustainable sources as the need to conserve stocks internationally begins to hit home.
The trend towards sustainable resources is being highlighted at SEAFEX, the region’s first professional seafood show, which runs at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 7-9 November, 2016.
Among the 145 plus exhibitors from more than 25 nations taking part in the show are sustainability leaders from Europe, the Levant and Mauritius, who all say regional diners are becoming more socially-conscious and demand products for changing lifestyle preferences.
“People right now are more driven towards fresh seafood than ever,” said Abbas Muntaser, Marketing Executive at European Seafood, which specialises in live seafood and live aquaculture raised fish.
“This is not just because of its many beneficial effects on human health, but also as a source of sustainable food that can last for generations to come and provide for better lifestyles.”


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Cox Communications said it will make its Phone Tools available to its entire universe of two million Cox Digital Telephone customers by the end of the first half of 2007. The company has been test marketing the feature in a limited number of markets.
Phone Tools allows customers to listen to voice mails online, manage call forwarding and other calling features, view their call history of incoming and outgoing calls and automatically forward copies of new voice mails to their e-mail box.
Cox described Phone Tools as a convergence of its telephone and Internet services. The company says that in the coming year it will also converge its telephone and video services. Cox intends to test market the ability to display caller ID data on TV screens before the end of the year.


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Swiss company offers wooden PC monitors and keyboards as the alternative to traditional computers.
The wooden PC will make more original office interior, besides they are environment-friendly.
Plastic computer surface is produced with the use of the chemical aimed at diminishing the danger of fire. After contacting air, this chemical is accumulated in human and animals’ tissue and can cause cancer. Swiss company offered wooden PC to avoid the negative consequences.
The first wooden computers were produced in 2003, but only several of them were sold so far. The wooden monitor in size of 15 inches in diagonal costs 400 Euro, the wooden keyboard costs 50 Euro, the wooden mouse – 40 Euro. This is 30 percent more expensive than the cost of the parts of the traditional computer.
However, the wooden PC still poisons the environment as some other PC parts contain harmful elements.
The European Commission plans to pass new laws forbidding usage of some chemicals during producing PC, in addition the PC producers will be required to recycle wastes.
The Russian army dealt an irreparable blow to Kyiv and the United States, destroying a large ammunition depot in the Cherkasy region. More than 300 HIMARS rockets were destroyed there. And this is a major success, said Yury Knutov, director of the Air Defense Forces Museum.


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Irish farmers have passed an important landmark, with client data from the Department of Agriculture suggesting that Ireland now has more farmers under the age of 35 than over the age of 80.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said, “While this represents progress, there is obviously a lot more to be done.
“Many farmers don’t want to retire fully, and I understand and respect that wish.
“What we need is arrangements that work for both the older farmer and the new generation.”
He said more young people are taking over farms, whether through family transfers, family and non-family partnership arrangements, and other collaborative arrangements.
He attributed this trend to government support and encouragement for collaborative farming arrangements, both family and non-family, including formal farm partnerships.
Tax changes over the last three budgets had provided supports to encourage early farm transfer, long term leasing and partnership arrangements.
Concessions for agricultural assets now allow the family farm to be transferred on to the younger generation without any tax liability arising in almost all cases.
Generous incentives apply to long-term farmland lease, making it preferable to conacre (11 month), allowing for proper planning and investment in relation to leased land.
Mr Creed also said the Succession Farm Partnership scheme will promote earlier inter-generational transfer of family farms, encouraging and supporting important conversations within farm families about succession planning.
This dcheme provides for a €25,000 tax credit over five years to assist with the transfers of farms within a partnership structure.
It will be launched shortly.
Administrative barriers to putting farms in the joint names of husband and wife had also been addressed.
Mr Creed was responding in the Dáil to Cavan-Monaghan Fianna Fáil TD Niamh Smyth.
Much of the nearly 20% of Ireland’s milk which goes into cheddar cheese for the UK market could be switched to pizza cheese, if Brexit turns sour for the dairy industry.
Ireland supplies about a third of the UK’s cheddar, about 80,000 tonnes per year.
With no guarantees that Brexit negotiations between the UK and the EU will go well, the Irish food industry has to prepare for the possibility of a “hard Brexit”, which could mean a tariff of €167 per 100kg on Irish cheddar cheese exports to the UK.
Converting to mozzarella cheese production, and aiming for the huge pizza cheese market, is an obvious alternative for utilisation of the 1bn litres of milk from Irish farms per year which goes for cheese.
Already, companies such as Glanbia are producing significant amounts of mozzarella cheese at their factories in Northern Ireland and Wales.
Unless the UK agrees low or zero tariffs on agricultural products with the EU, Irish milk processors will have to switch to dairy products likely to sell better elsewhere — or perhaps relocate factories to the UK in order to continue their success in that market.
Bord Bia officials met with the European Commission’s Brexit negotiating team (the Article 50 Task Force) last week, and were advised that European food and drinks companies should prepare for a worst-case Brexit scenario, with no transition period.
Bord Bia says this will require each company actively reviewing and relearning its own core business and operations, as well as their customers’ needs.
The food board uses its Brexit Barometer to outline an individual company’s exposure to key risks associated with the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
Independent MEP Marian Harkin has said the current LEADER rural development programme has fallen €1.4m behind its predecessor, in grant payments for approved projects.
She blamed the introduction of totally unnecessary bureaucracy. Examples include LEADER procurement guidelines which exceed national procurement guidelines.
“The fact that there are six parties in three different locations involved in bringing each project to approval stage, and the refusal to allow simplified cost options for smaller projects, are indicative of the excessive bureaucracy involved,” she said.


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Author Charlaine Harris, who created the popular Sookie Stackhouse series of books, the basis for the hit HBO series True Blood, is ending the series with – fittingly enough – book number 13.
The 61 year old author says she has run out of fresh story lines and even she has problems keeping the mythos she created straight – a world filled with vampires, werewolves, shape-shifters, demons and more fighting her telepathic waitress Sookie. The things that used to excite her, like revealing new supernatural creatures, started to feel stale.
The series has sold more the 24 million copies worldwide with a ton of merchandise from graphic novels to bottles of fake-blood beverage True Blood.
The 13th book and final book, “Dead Ever After,” hit bookstores May 7.


text: News Huawei Press Release Huawei reduced prices for Huawei P9 Lite, P8 Lite, Honor 5X, Y6 II LTE, and Y5 II 3G By Press Release Posted on January 10, 2017 3 min read 0 Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Google+ Share on Reddit Share on Pinterest Share on Linkedin Share on Tumblr Press ReleaseWith the new year, Huawei has recently unveiled the new prices of a few of its devices from previous years. The new prices for some of its smartphones in the market are decreased now. The phones including Huawei P8 Lite, P9 Lite, Honor 5X, Y5 II 3G, and the Y6 II LTE have undergone a major change in their prices. Huawei said as their primary intention is to benefit and treat the loyal consumers. The P8 Lite now stands at Rs. 21,000/-, which was Rs. 22,000/- earlier. The P9 Lite is now Rs. 25,900/-, significantly decreasing from Rs. 28,500/-. The Honor 5X has decreased to Rs. 23,000/- instead of Rs. 25,000/-. The Y5 II 3G is now at Rs.12,800/- instead of Rs. 13,500/-, whereas the Y6 II LTE is down to Rs. 19,299/- from Rs. 19,900/-. “Huawei firmly believes in staying up-to-date in this technological advanced world and therefore, we go out of the way to be the most avant-garde smart phone company. Huawei believes in treating its loyal customers who have helped us become one of the top smartphone brands in the world and therefore, as a token of appreciation for the new year we have decreased the prices of some of our highly sought after models”. – Marketing Manager, Huawei. “As it’s New Year’s Resolution for 2017, Huawei manages to put forward yet another great deal for its customers. Go to buy a new year gift at the nearest store without hesitation or you will be left holding the sack.” – Huawei states in a press release. This article contains content from a press release issued by the company and does not reflect any opinion or recommendation from Tech Prolonged.


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Statistics Canada released wholesale sales figures on Wednesday. Wholesale sales dropped 3.1% in January, missing expectations for a 2.1% gain, after a 2.8% rise in December. It was the largest monthly decline since January 2009.
December's figure was revised up from a 2.5% increase.
Sales declined in four of seven subsectors, driven by a in the sale of motor vehicles and parts. Sales of motor vehicles and parts plunged 11.3% in January.
Sales excluding the motor vehicle sector decreased 1.3% in January.


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- October 2, 2021
- Posted by: Stratford Team
- Category: Business
We began our COVID nightmare back in March 2020 with politicians and experts telling us we needed to lockdown the economy for three weeks to “flatten the curve.” Weeks turned into months as the goal post moved from “flattening the curve” to “no new cases.” Then, a couple of months turned into half a year as the goal post moved again from “no new cases” to “once we have a vaccine.” Now, six months has become more than a year as the goal post has moved once more to “vaccinate everyone.”
Although 10 million people remain unemployed, small business owners have taken the brunt of this nightmare. Lockdown policies were so bad for them that it’s hard to believe they weren’t specifically targeted. States made all manner of exceptions for “essential” businesses, but the lion’s share of the “non-essential” businesses were small businesses. As a result, nationwide, more than one-quarter of them have closed permanently….


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The 10th National Contact Centre Conference (NCC) by Contact Centre Association of Malaysia (CCAM) that was to be held on 2 July 2020 is officially cancelled.
This decision was taken after careful deliberation of the local government guidelines for large gatherings & congregations. As the threats of the COVID-19 virus remain present despite the ease made towards movement restrictions rules, we fully respect & recognize the intricacies of any physical gatherings.
All the best practice sharing will now be taken onto the virtual space, through the CCAM Webinar Series that has been actively running from the start of this year. There is so much innovation & opportunities for sharing within the Malaysian contact centre fraternity as the new norms become a permanent feature in one of the best contact centre hubs in the world. Keep a close check on the official CCAM website https://ccam.com.my/
Additionally, do keep a look out for the largest customer experience event in Asia Pacific – the upcoming Customer Experience Summit 2020 this November.


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Internet giants in acquisition spree
China's Internet giants have gone on a new acquisition spree in recent months as they ramp up efforts to diversify businesses.
Food sector to enjoy booming
China's food industry will continue to experience steady and healthy growth in the coming years.
Deputy Mayor 'to Take over at CIC'
A deputy mayor of Shanghai is expected to take the helm at the country's sovereign wealth fund, a source close to the matter says.
Yuan in record rise against USD
The People's Bank of China on Wednesday set the daily reference rate of the yuan against the US dollar at 6.1980.
Spirits sales slump sharply
Bank watchful of bad loans
Forex purchases rise for 3rd month
Premier pledges ties with Brunei
Frugality drive takes its toll
China to issue 20b yuan T-bonds
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) announced Friday that it will issue 20 billion yuan ($3.23 billion) in 50-year book-entry treasury bonds.
Online retail sees drop in turnover
Online retail turnover fell for the first time in the first quarter, according to a new report, as shoppers caught their breath.
Dairy industry moves to rebrand
China's dairy industry is attempting to rebrand itself due to plummeting consumer confidence and competition.
China's innovation improves: NBS
Overcapacity troubles economy
Govt debt level not 'very dangerous'
Market pricing of oil
China's growth powers world
Doubled Greece-China trade by 2015
China and Greece inked a basket of deals and agreements in Beijing on Thursday.
Xi stresses economic growth
While visiting the Binhai New Area, Xi said the area should play a leading role in the city's economic development.
Producer prices still declining
The Producer Price Index, which measures wholesale inflation, fell by 2.6 percent year-on-year in April.
Looking out for new marts
Quake to have limited impact
VC investment down 40% in 2012
China Mobile to challenge WeChat
Improving the drugs industry
Central China Expo opens in Henan
The eighth Central China Expo, an important platform for contract-signing and investment in China's central regions.
Increasing payment reflect recovering
The country's 2,412 A-share listed companies had reported accounts received in advance worth more than two trillion yuan.
Restaurants to fight sales slump
China's middle- and high-end restaurants are facing what industry insiders call a "chilly spring".
8% growth predicted for Q2
SME development index climbs in Q1
Opening-up seen nationwide
Baggage system ready for takeoff
National program to keep TCM


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As the International Data Corporation (IDC)’s two day conference comes to an end this afternoon in Johannesburg, South Africa, IT News Africa reporters caught up with the Vice President and Regional Managing Director for IDC Middle East, Africa & Turkey, Jyoti Lalchandani.
Lalchandani discussed a wide range of issues surrounding ICT in Africa and abroad, the impact of the economic crisis in the region and the importance of the CIOs’ role on the African continent.
ITNewsAfrica.com: How would you describe the ICT landscape in Africa versus Middle East /
Lalchadani: Africa has a lot to do! The continent still has a long way to go. Of course, there are some pockets of investments, especially in the Finance and Banking sector which directly supports ICT. Africa’s current spending in ICT is 20 percent as opposed to 40 percent in the Middle East.
ITNewsAfrica.com: What are the recent ICT trends and developments in this particular region (MEA)?
Lalchadani: Middle East is fast becoming an Information Technology (IT) hub, although we can not leave out Africa as one of the fastest growing IT markets (emerging markets) in the world.
ITNewsAfrica.com: What was the impact of the global economic crisis on ICT in the region? (any notable changes?)
Lalchadani: There was a 3 percent drop in Information Technology (IT) spending globally with Africa recording 3.5 percent. The global econimic crisis impacted negatively on the financial services providers, consumers and the government. The economic crunch saw consumers embarking on a wait and see attitude. But the sector is picking up, and there is growing competition.
ITNewsAfrica.com: What are the main challenges of CIOs on the African continent?
Lalchadani: There is a need to give advise to the local communities, governments and private sector on building on CIO skills, which are in great demand in the emerging markets, mainly Africa and Middle East.
Skills shortage is the main problem hampering quick development in this continent.
I would propose that African governments and the private sector should put their focus on the long term investments in the field of ICT. This is the mature sector.
Whatever Africa does should have relevance to the global trends in as far as IT sector is concerned. African CIOs should seriously consider partnerships with their international counterparts.
by Savious Kwinika


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Android 13 in windows 11! Google Pixel 6 successfully runs Win11 virtual machine, Android has Win11 subsystem in reverse, Gadget Pixels reported on February 14 that Microsoft launched the Android subsystem WSA in Win11 , based on the Hyper-V virtualization platform, which everyone is familiar with. Google also uses a similar technology to run Linux programs in Chrome OS, called Linux Kernel Virtual Machine KVM . The Android system is also built on the Linux kernel, so it is theoretically feasible to use KVM to run other operating systems in Android.
According to the latest test by XDA senior member kdrag0n, Google Pixel 6 successfully runs the Win11 Arm virtual machine after installing the first developer preview version of Android 13.
The idea behind the technology is that in the Android 13 bootloader and firmware for the Tensor platform , Google added the ability to expose the Exception Level 2 hypervisor privilege level to the kernel for its protected KVM ( pKVM), making it easy to leverage full KVM functionality on an unprotected VM.
Gadget pixels learned that according to tests, this function can achieve near-native performance on virtual machines , but GPU hardware acceleration is not currently supported, and Root is required.
kdrag0n even played Doom on the phone, and the old 1993 game ran without stress.
Google will support pKVM in the official version of Android 13, and then we can see how the Win11 virtual machine actually performs on mobile phones.
- Microsoft Windows 11 upgrade service has entered the final push phase ahead of schedule, with more than 90% of PCs pre-installed windows 11 in the next three months
- Windows 11 preview version restores the “Network Connections” classic control panel settings
- Lenovo’s 2022 Savior Y7000P / Y9000P gaming notebook performance mode supports step-less adjustment


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2016 Ford Endeavour prices have gone up by Rs 1.72 lakh since launch
The second-generation Endeavour comes with two diesel engine options - a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that generates 160PS/385Nm and a 3.2-litre, five-cylinder one producing 200PS/470Nm.
Ford India recently increased the prices of the second-generation Endeavour. This is the second consecutive increase since its launch earlier this year. With monthly sales of 400 to 600 units, the 2016 Endeavour is leading the premium SUV segment.
When the American automaker introduced the second generation Endeavour, its base price undercut a generation old Toyota Fortuner. However, with the latest increment, the Ford is dearer by up to Rs 1.72 lakh.
The Rs 50,000 price hike is applicable only to the top-end Titanium variants - the 2.2-litre 4X2 AT and the 3.2-litre 4X4 AT. Having said this, the current hike follows the increment in March, which was courtesy a 4 per cent excise duty increase announced by the government in the Union Budget for 2016-17.
Mechanically, the second-generation Endeavour comes with two diesel engine options - a 2.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that generates 160PS/385Nm and a 3.2-litre, five-cylinder one producing 200PS/470Nm. The former comes with an option of six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, while the latter is available only with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The base Trend variant of the Endeavour comes with an eight-way electrically adjustable driver's seat with leather upholstery, dual zone climate control and eight-inch SYNC 2 infotainment system with a 10-speaker system featuring active noise cancellation. It also gets rear parking aids such as camera and parking sensors, along with cruise control, dual airbags, ABS with EBD, traction control and ESP.
The top-of-the-line Titanium variant additionally offers seven airbags, a volumetric burglar alarm, Ford's terrain management system, semi-auto parallel park assist, power-folding third-row seats, and a panoramic sunroof. However, satellite navigation is still an optional extra available for an additional Rs 1.16 lakh.
Interestingly, the carmaker had slashed the prices of its Figo hatch and Aspire compact sedan last week by close to Rs 91,000.


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ith this new appointment, Playtech reinforces its commitment to innovation, allowing bricks and mortar gaming businesses to connect to the digital mobile world and enjoy substantial growth beyond their physical locale and expand new revenue opportunities.
Shay joined Playtech in 2006 as the COO of Videobet and was appointed as the COO of Playtech in 2011. His career spans across both retail and online gaming as an executive manager focusing on innovation and growth. In his previous roles, Shay was pivotal in the roll-out 25,000
Videobet machines in UK betting shops and led many of Playtech’s successful online initiatives. More recently, Shay joined the Gaming Standards Association (GSA) as a board member, contributing to the future of the multi-channel gaming experience.
Playtech’s Retail technologies are widely used in UK betting shops such as Coral and Ladbrokes. This offering has been strengthened to include a new generation casino floor management system, already installed in more than 60 casinos and soon to be rolled-out across all Genting UK sites in 2014.
The Playtech Retail division is firmly focused on providing solutions that unify online, mobile and retail player experiences, resulting in a full turnkey solution within a single ecosystem. These developments are now mobilising the link between betting shops, lotteries and gaming floors with online gaming, creating a truly seamless experience for players across all channels.
A good example of this is Coral’s Connect programme, the first unified multi-channel system connecting interactive and retail gaming. Coral Connect links the UK bookmaker’s online gaming operation to its 1,800 betting shops to provide a single customer account and wallet for interactive gaming, electronic gaming machines and over-the-counter betting.
Shay Segev commented, “I am delighted to lead Playtech’s Retail arm through its next strategic phase of combining our retail and online offering. The forthcoming years promise to be of great strategic and operational importance, as we embark on many initiatives to create a full turnkey solution that will allow retail businesses to transition into the digital world. Through our technology we will enable our clients to enjoy a single ecosystem that will help them to fully maximise business performance across their entire offering.”


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Due to the unprecedented technological revolution, banks are rethinking the way they offer services. The smartphone has revolutionised people’s lives, and it now has central importance in the financial brokerage services. Giuseppe Vegas, an Italian politician and economist, delineated a system of disintermediating relations between those who demand money and those willing to lend. In a few years, it will be possible to carry out all banking operations through the internet thanks to fintech startups. Peer to peer lending is one example. The underlying idea behind this tool is disintermediation. That is, giving the possibility to private individuals to lend to other private individuals via corporate or social lending sites without going through the traditional channels represented by authorised financial intermediaries under Article 106 of the Single Bank Act, Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1993 (banks, financial companies, etc.).
This type of operation was initially developed in England by the Zopa website, which in 12 years has provided $800m in loans without resorting to bank credit. In this scenario, there are new opportunities, but also risks arising from insufficient regulation.
Keep Up or Be Left Behind
In a few years, all banks will have to rethink their business, which is already unprofitable, especially for Italy compared to other European Union countries. Consob President has repeatedly expressed his view on this. His opinion is that revolution could pose dramatic bankruptcy problems if adequate and rapid adaptation aren’t made. Moreover, fintech’s network moves into a sort of regulatory limbo that promotes action. This represents the exact opposite of what is happening in the traditional credit system that has been the object of regulations many times.
For these reasons, it is imperative to regulate all the new phenomena that are occurring. This must be done gradually and proportionately to accompany the emerging companies in their development through specific rules. If this principle will not be adopted in the regulation and if the same discipline applied to the financial system were applied today in the fintech, it would mark the end of all fintech companies. Shortly, fintech’s new reality with the old financial intermediaries will have to coexist, and this represents a vital challenge for the country and the industry. Any delay could result in a loss of competitiveness.
The Evolution of Fintech
According to Goldman Sachs’s Global Head of Fintech, Jeff Gido, three stages of fintech can be identified.
The first is the stage where startups are offered the services required by customers that were not offered by lenders. This occurred in the aftermath of the financial crisis and saw authorities, new technologies and consumer habits as protagonists. Also, after the financial crisis, the new regulations have made the bank businesses less lucrative, while large cloud and wireless service growth have allowed easier access to the banking world for startups.
In the second phase, banks realised that without innovation they could not survive in the long run due to the threat posed by startup businesses. They realised that fintech companies are trying to enter the core banking business, that is, banking, after having won the PayPal. That’s why they started to innovate using their brand and infrastructure to remain competitive on the market. Recently, Bank of America, Capital One, JP Morgan Chase, U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo have created Zelle, an instant payment service. Goldman Sachs has instead launched GS Bank, an online banking service.
Lastly, in the final phase, companies and banks will have to cooperate and not compete to avoid being crushed by tech titans like Google, Amazon and Facebook. Startups have the advantage of being able to innovate much faster than a bank can, but they cannot easily access data held by lending institutions and do not have the necessary financial resources. Banks’ weaknesses, on the other hand, are the main strength of startups, that is being able to capture new generations of clients. For this reason, many incubators are being promoted by the big financial institutions.
In addition, collaboration could be beneficial for both parties, such as cost savings for banks to build new technologies and the possibility to access to more resources for the startup.
Fintech in Europe
At the European level, this subject has already begun to be regulated. Recently, the European Union has amended legislation regulating the payment market allowing startups to access customer data from financial institutions. This legislation will enter into force in 2018, legitimising fintech as a respectable financial competitor to traditional institutions.
According to the Financial Times, most banks are concerned about security and the increase in their responsibility towards customers. The European Commission President Valdis Dombrovskis, on the other hand, believes that this will bring more competition, innovation and consumer benefits. Conquering millennials is the real challenge for lenders for the coming years because they are the main customer of the future due to the generational change.
Nevertheless, according to the American magazine Time, the behaviour of financial institutions concerning young people is still ambiguous. Jamie Dimon, the CEO of J.P. Morgan Chase has repeatedly tried to warn the banking world by saying, “Silicon Valley is coming up with innovative solutions in the thinking for a new consumer audience.” According to research conducted by Viacom, a multinational entertainer, 75% of American millennials would prefer to entrust their savings to companies such as Google or PayPal rather than depositing them at a traditional bank. Despite this, through mobile banking, the situation is changing, but startups continue to innovate faster and not allow banks to recover the gap. To do so, it is necessary to raise awareness among credit institutions on these issues so that they are more willing to invest in fintech. Resources, capabilities and tools are already available, now there is the only need of the willingness to understand the new ways to create value.
Changes could be introduced through mergers, acquisitions and incremental innovations that would help the gradual diffusion of the phenomenon without excessive upheaval. Issues such as turnover and redundancies have to be tackled and banks’ technological delays must be met in order to present more attractive plans for institutional investors.


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Holiday cooking dangers and safety tips
Often times, the holidays mean that friends and families are brought together in the kitchen. However, many forget just how dangerous the kitchen can be if you're not careful. Fire departments across the country as well as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are reminding people of the dangers of cooking fires.
Thanksgiving and Christmas Day are the top two days for home cooking fires. According to the NFPA, in 2017, there were 1600 home cooking fires on Thanksgiving, mostly caused by people leaving their kitchens unattended while cooking.
Cooking fires are the second leading cause of home fire deaths behind smoking.
Another cause of cooking fires around the holidays is deep-frying a turkey. Officials say if you're going to do it, make sure you do it right. NEVER attempt to deep-fry a frozen turkey. Other safety precautions include cooking the turkey outside, using a deep fryer with a thermostat to keep the device from overheating, never leave a deep-frying turkey unattended, wearing safety gear, and keeping a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
The NFPA has a series of tips that all home-cooks can follow to help avoid fires and other injuries around the holidays.
Top 10 safety tips
- Stay in the kitchen when you are cooking on the stove top so you can keep an eye on the food.
- Stay in the home when cooking your turkey, and check on it frequently.
- Keep children away from the stove. The stove will be hot and kids should stay three feet away.
- Make sure kids stay away from hot food and liquids. The steam or splash from vegetables, gravy or coffee could cause serious burns.
- Keep knives out of the reach of children.
- Be sure electric cords from an electric knife, coffee maker, plate warmer or mixer are not dangling off the counter within easy reach of a child.
- Keep matches and utility lighters out of the reach of children — up high in a locked cabinet.
- Never leave children alone in room with a lit candle.
- Keep the floor clear so you don’t trip over kids, toys, pocketbooks or bags.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working. Test them by pushing the test button.
For more information and tips from the NFPA, you can visit their website here.


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The adidas Yeezy 500 ‘Utility Black’ Returns in November Release: 30 November 2020
Originally launching in 2018, the adidas Yeezy 500 continues to stomp in 2020. Manufactured with a chunky midsole reminiscent of adi’s ‘Feet You Wear’ tech of the 1990s, the Yeezy 500 initially took design blueprints from vintage basketball silhouettes like the adidas Crazy 8. Now, one of the more classic colourways is now set to return!
The adidas Yeezy 500 ‘Utility’ scheduled to land later this month. A stealthy composition originally landing in July 2018, look for the fan-favourite colourway to restock on November 30, with the price tag locked at $200.
A radical re-imagining of Yeezy’s sneaker formula, the Yeezy 500 replaced Primeknit with an opulent mix of suede, mesh underlays and adiPrene cushioning. Initially debuting in a 'Blush' colourway, the Yeezy label continue to confine the 500 to more earthy colourways.
Keen to enter the volatile Yeezy resale market? Check out the most valuable Yeezy releases of all time.
Don’t forget to create your own SF profile to stay updated! Simply click ‘Sign in’ on our menu and join the fam.


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Microsoft unveils Star Wars app to make Twitter and Facebook feeds appear like title sequence
Microsoft is using the force with its new mobile app, which allows users to view their Facebook and Twitter feeds in the style of the sci-fi film’s ‘crawl’ opening sequence.
Available free on Windows Phones today, and launching on iOS and Android tomorrow, the new app helps mark the release of Xbox 360’s “Kinect Star Wars”.
Stephen McGill, director of Xbox and entertainment for Microsoft UK, said: “We are literally putting ‘the Force’ directly into people’s phones to help launch “Kinect Star Wars”. Fans will be able to carry a piece of the STAR WARS universe in their pockets and, like the new game for Xbox 360, immerse themselves in the incredible world of one of the most enduring entertainment franchises like never before.”
The app, which is available in the UK, USA, Republic of Ireland, Germany, Spain, Italy, Netherlands and Sweden, also allows users to directly purchase a copy of the game.


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The Ministry of Tourism under the “Incredible India” banner has participated at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) Dubai 2019 and showcased India as a preferred destination for tourism and provided a platform for the tourism stakeholders to showcase the various tourism destinations and products and promote India as a ‘Must See, Must Visit’ destination.
In an advanced step towards establishing Oman’s leadership on the global tourism map, the Oman Ministry of Tourism has signed a series of strategic partnerships with a number of leading names in the world of tourism and travel, amidst remarkable interest in the competitive tourism elements that make the Sultanate an attractive regional and international tourist destination.
Georgia sees huge potential in the UAE tourism market. The country is making concerted efforts to attract more tourists from the Gulf region. This was stated by Gvantsa Murtskhvaladze, Deputy General Manager, Voyager, during an exclusive interview with Gulf Today at the recently concluded Arabian Travel Market in Dubai.
Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA) has inaugurated the first edition of the Belgian Travel Summit (BTS) taking place until the 1st June in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Dubai welcomed 4.75 million international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2019, posting an over two per cent increase in tourism volumes compared to the same period last year according to the latest data released by Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
The Arabian Travel Market is marching ahead. A cross-section of exhibitors share their candid views with Gulf Today on Wednesday.
Dubai will host the inaugural 'Accessible Tourism International Summit' on 5th-6th November at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Dubai will host 40 global travellers for a ‘one-of-a-kind’ summer extravaganza as part of #BeMyGuest campaign by Dubai’s Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism). The multi-award-winning programme, featured an exclusive social gamification component, inviting Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, to help him solve clues around the city in a mysterious, 6-part mini-series. With the grand finale of the contest concluding the series at the end of April, 20 winners were awarded the opportunity to experience many iconic attractions, remarkable entertainment and exceptional ‘Only in Dubai’ experiences’ along with a companion this summer for free.
Thirty years after Saddam Hussein starved them of water, Iraq’s southern marshes are blossoming once more thanks to a wave of ecotourists picnicking and paddling down their replenished river bends.


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PENNSYLVANIA, USA — National Eat a Hoagie Day is set for Sept. 14, and we got inspired with Hoageez in the FOX43 Kitchen.
The sandwich shop with locations in Lemoyne and Hummelstown is run by owner Michael Martin, and general manger Shianne Martin.
The Martin's said that they loved to visit Philadelphia to eat, and they wanted to bring the taste of Philly closer to their hometown when they opened their Hoageez locations.
In the FOX43 Kitchen, Shianne showed off a few selections, including a sandwich called the Philly Fanatic!
You can check it out in the clip above.


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10 May 2022 (closed)
Jakarta Composite Index (6,819.79) -89.96 -1.30%
USD/IDR (14,146) -6.00 -0.04%
EUR/IDR (17,335) +57.05 +0.33%
The declining crude palm oil (CPO) price in the world market and the imposition of the USD $50 per ton export levy on CPO by the Indonesian government, effective from 16 July 2015, has severely affected Indonesian oil palm planters with the worst affected being the small holders and plasma farmers as they carry the highest production cost.
The imposition of the CPO levy has resulted in an oversupply of CPO on the local Indonesian market, resulting in sharp drop of the local CPO price to below USD $500 per ton or IDR 6,900,000 per ton. The average production costs (including interest expenses) for the majority of planters is in the range of IDR 4,018,000 to IDR 4,680,000 per ton of CPO. This has resulted in the planters suffering losses. In addition, there are not enough refineries in Indonesia to process the CPO.
The export of CPO, as a percentage of all palm oil related products, has dropped to 20 percent from 70 percent previously while the export of processed palm oil has increased to 75 percent from 30 percent previously. While on the surface, this may seem okay, in actual fact, the increase in the export of processed palm oil comes at the expense of the oil palm planters that are suffering losses. This is not sustainable in the long term as the affected oil palm planters will cut down on fertilizer application and upkeep and this will result in lower production of fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in the medium term. Planters face bankruptcy and this would result in millions of jobs lost and the emergence of social turmoil.
The oil palm refinery industry will also suffer because the production of CPO will reduce drastically as many oil palm plantation have closed down.
This will then seriously affect the US dollar foreign exchange (forex) income for Indonesia as the export of CPO and processed palm oil drops due to the closure of oil palm plantations. Hence, the rupiah currency will depreciate further resulting, subsequently causing further accelerated inflation. Imports of fertilizer will become more expensive as the fertilizer is quoted in US dollar. This vicious cycle will continue and this would result in the collapse of the domestic oil palm industry, implying that Indonesia will no longer be the world's top CPO producer. Foreign investors will also shy away from investment in Indonesia as the investment becomes not viable coupled with depreciation of rupiah.
India, one of the world's major importers of CPO, has implemented a three year plan to develop two million hectares of oil palm plantations in India at a cost of USD $1.5 billion. This will impact the CPO and proceed palm oil export from Indonesia in the future if many oil palm plantations in Indonesia close down resulting in higher production cost for CPO and processed palm oil.
On the other hand, the planters in Malaysia will benefit as there is no export tax or levy for CPO.
The imposition of the current export levy of USD $50 per ton of CPO is not based on profit but on the tonnage regardless of the CPO price. Hence, the export levy was imposed even when the farmers are suffering losses due to the low CPO price. This is definitely not sustainable. In the past, the other form of tax, i.e export tax was implemented only when the CPO price was above USD $750 per ton and the planters are making profit. Now the net CPO price is only USD $425 and still dropping.
Proceeds from these export levies will be used to fund the government’s biodiesel (subsidy) program. While the idea is good but at the current low CPO price, this is not viable. It is much cheaper to use 100 percent diesel based on petroleum. We would like to highlight a few important factors and effects in relation to the levy imposed on CPO export:
1. Historical and Future Pricing of Crude Palm Oil
As shown below, since July 2014 the price of palm oil has fallen below the threshold price of USD $750 per metric ton and it is expected to be low for the next two to three years due to low petroleum price.
2. Public Welfare and Poverty Reduction
For Indonesia - being the center of global production - palm oil is a top priority for the nation’s economy. With millions of hectares of palm oil plantation, the Indonesian government has come out with a scheme of “partnership” between the villagers with smallholders or companies. From research done, smallholder farmers account for about 40 percent of total plantations, equivalent to almost 4.2 million hectares representing about 20,000 smallholders in Sumatra and Kalimantan (year 2013; reported by the Oil Palm Smallholders Union, abbreviated SPKS).
Indonesia's Independent smallholders own more than 3.1 million hectares of these farmlands. These independent smallholders cultivate palm oil without outside help. On the contrary, plasma shareholders can access agricultural inputs such as seed stocks and fertilizers in lieu to their partnership scheme with the companies.
Those who are involved in this industry earn an adequate living. Even the smallholder partner or plasma farmer that owns a two hectares farm can enjoy a net monthly income of about IDR 3 million to IDR 4 million when the currency is still at the level of around IDR 12,500 back in 2014.
It is also important to note that - based on research conducted in 2008 - 3.5 million households (about 14 million people) of farmers and employees make a living from oil palms (“on farm”). The number of those indirectly involved in the palm oil industry (“off farm”) is even much bigger. These are the people involved in the development of local suppliers, contractors (transportation, construction, etc) and village market workers.
As shown above, agriculture, forestry, hunting and fishing industry contributes more than 35 percent or equivalent to about 41.2 million workers in the workforce in Indonesia compared to other sectors back in year 2012.
However if the sentiment of the rupiah currency continues to weaken and the levy starts to kick-in which will discourage the buildup of the USD currency, most of the smallholders and plasma farmer will not be able to sustain. We are all aware that fertilizer, which is one of the most important elements in oil palm plantation, is an imported item. This will cause the price of the fertilizer to increase tremendously and the smallholders or plasma farmers will not be able to sustain this high jump in costs. Hence, it will result in declining production of their FFB for the coming months. Once this happens, the whole country’s production will be declining and unable to meet the government's CPO production target (and automatically the supply to the refinery for CPO processing will be effected). The table below shows Indonesia's CPO production in recent years as well as the government's 2015 production target.
Indonesian Palm Oil Production and Export:
(million metric tons)
(million metric tons)
(in USD billion)
¹ indicates forecast
Sources: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (Gapki) and Indonesian Ministry of Agriculture
Secondly, when the CPO price is controlled by local players since the levy is fixed at a very high pricing, these smallholders and plasma farmers have no choice but to sell their FFB to the mill at a lower price since the CPO price in Indonesia is lower by at least USD $30 per metric ton (taking into consideration of levy imposed on CPO at USD $50 per metric ton).
About 40 percent of the plantations owned by smallholders and plasma holders will slowly perish in less than one year due to these two major factors. Therefore, the Indonesian government’s Economic Program of producing no less than 40 million tons of CPO by 2020 with 10 to 12 million hectares cannot be achieved.
3. Foreign Exchange Proceeds
Palm oil is a key foreign exchange earner for Indonesia, generating over USD $20 billion hence making CPO the most valuable non-oil and gas export product of Indonesia.
As reported by Indonesian Palm Oil Association (GAPKI), Indonesia’s export of CPO and processed palm oil for July 2015 fell 8 percent (month-on-month) to 2.1 million tons (this was 15 days after the import levy was implemented).
This column was written by Arief Poyuono, Vice Chairman of the Gerindra Party and Chairman of the Federation of Workers of State-Owned Enterprises
The views expressed in this column are the views of the author and therefore do not necessarily reflect the views of Indonesia Investments, read disclaimer.


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Somebody should give those guys a raise.
In the same week that NxStage Medical Inc. announced that company executives will not receive bonuses or raises after last year’s dismal stock performance, company officials said sales for the Lawrence-based dialysis maker jumped 115 percent in 2008.
NxStage, which makes dialysis equipment to treat end-stage renal failure, posted fourth-quarter sales of $35.7 million, up 19 percent over $29.8 million during the same period last year.
That helped the company narrow its net loss to $9.6 million for the quarter ended Dec. 31, 2008, compared with a net loss of $17.3 million during the fourth quarter of 2007.
Annual sales rose a whopping 115 percent to $128.7 million, compared to just under $60 million for 2007.
But the company still posted a net loss of $51.2 million for 2008, compared to $58.3 million during the prior year.
NxStage officials touted increased sales of its System One portable hemodialysis system as a critical cog in driving revenues, even as its In-Center segment accounted for more than half of the company’s total sales for the year.
The company’s cash burn rate remains a concern, as its coffers diminished by about 20 percent year-over-year. The company currently has about $26 million in cash and cash equivalents, compared to over $33 million last year.
In a conference call with investors, CEO Jeff Burbank said the company has been keeping an eye on its cash reserves and trimmed about $17 million from its burn rate since the first quarter of 2008.
Overall, Burbank seemed rather upbeat about the results.
“We feel good about the progress we’ve made in 2008,” he said, according the transcript posted on the Seeking Alpha website. “Our results demonstrate the strength of our unique business model. It’s a model that has proven formidable even in today’s economy. I will remind you that our business is centered on products used in life-sustaining treatment for patients with end-stage renal disease. That’s a population that has continued to grow between 3 percent and 5 percent on an annual basis, and approximately 80 percent of whom are already Medicare patients.”
Notwithstanding Burbank’s optimism, NxStage is predicting further losses this year, saying it expects full-year revenues of between $135 million and $145 million and an annual net loss in the range of $42 million to $47 million.
First-quarter sales are expected to range between $32 million and $34 million, with a quarterly net loss in the range of $12.5 million to $13.5 million.


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On this week’s edition of the Kaspersky Transatlantic Cable podcast, Dave and I stay Stateside for the majority of our stories.
The first story has us looking at YouTube for the second week in a row. This week, we look at a tale from the BBC of major advertisers seeing their ads landing next to fake cancer cure videos.
Following that story, we take a look at the latest hoops that Equifax is making the victims of the breach jump through to gain their $125. After that, we look into an alleged ransomware attack that has hit terrestrial radio giant Entercom.
The third story focuses on a new proposal for consumer cyberinsurance — and what potential ills may come with it. The final story looks at a unique crime that takes place not in the cyberworld but instead in the loo.
If you enjoy the podcast, consider subscribing and sharing with your friends who need more regular updates on security. For the full text of the stories, please visit the links below:
- YouTube advertises big brands alongside fake cancer cure videos
- Now you have to jump through extra hoops to get money from the Equifax hack
- Giant Entercom radio network deals with ransomware-like incident
- Radio broadcaster Entercom hit with ransomware attack, reports say
- Consumer ransomware insurance? You could be painting a target on us all for avaricious crimes
- British authorities scramble to find stolen solid gold toilet