It’s back to media publishing work on Friday 27th January 2023 after a short 6 days of Chinese Lunar New Year 2023 break that started on 21st January, the Eve of Chinese New Year 2023. For this year, I decided that I am not rushing back into just publishing content or media news coverage in photography, camera, travel, tourism and hospitality industries. I have to plan and prioritise the business side of things and content creation side of things. Here are my list of things to work on (Technology | Business | Personal) – 27th January 2023.
January 2023 started on a pretty hectic pace with Lunar New Year just 3 weeks from New Year and 4 weeks from Christmas 2022 and my birthday falling on the 2nd week of January 2023 (I kind of took a week’s break unknowingly from publishing work). Now is the time to kickstart FY2023 on a proper and formal basis.
Technology and Business
Media News Coverage
I would continue with CES 2023 technology news coverage, scheduling them into the rest of my ongoing technology and business media news coverage, review articles, special theme topics that I might work with news agencies and call for media pitch.
Media Events Coverage
If I do get invited to attend technology media events, I would try my best and usually publish media news coverage. Since I am not a first tier media, I am also not in every brand’s directory of media listings, I would have lesser technology media events to cover.
Technology Writing and Reviews
There are a number of topics of interest on my radar, they are as follows:
Sustainability
Future of work and hybrid
Start ups
AI and its impacts
Thought leadership on business and technology areas of interests
There are a few technology review backlogs that I would need to get it completed first before deciding on the next batch/genre of gadgets for review, matching the brands/agencies expectations and sometimes demands before deciding whether I should take it on.
Digital Marketing/Social Media Marketing
For this sector, I didn’t start off and do well in 2022. I am learning from the mistakes made there and hope they would help me better prepare for future digital marketing/social media marketing work.
I am going to make mistakes like any human being, I would continue to strive and improve in this journey and space.
Personal
At this point in time, there’s nothing exciting nor happening things. I am continuing to keep a low profile and avoid getting myself into any dramas or falling down into rabbit holes (fittingly suitable in the Year of the Rabbit).
My Instagram stories might show otherwise, yet it actually doesn’t show you much of my life and what I am doing.
Once a while, I might share some personal thoughts and views on world situations, interesting matters or observations, or some personal rantings/updates.
List of things to work on (Photography and Travel)
It’s more than just my list of things to work on listed above, I also have my TGH Photographybusiness and TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog to manage and work on. Just like this article post, I also have a list of things to work on (Photography and Travel) after my CNY 2023 festive break.
Working in phases/small steps
On top of finding new business/assignments/projects, I have my content creation and writing to handle as well. I am going to start working in phases/small steps, clearing and finishing my things to do and goals.
I shared quite a bit of updates and things to do here for my photography and travel segments. Sometimes I wonder how many people (whether you are in PR, agencies, from the brands or my friends) would read my article and what I shared, in a social media world filled with videos on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram Reels, as well as populated with photos on other social media platforms and chat apps?
It’s Monday 2nd of January 2023, the start of a brand week in a fresh New Year 2023,. Looking back at Year 2022, it was a mixed bag of an onward journey, results and outcomes, filled with its fair share of ups and downs. As the world economy reopens in 2022, reopening their borders and lifting of risk management measures, it’s a much awaited return that the world desires, the route to recovery was gradual as we return back to a more normal lifestyle.
Inspired by Fernando Gros “How to choose a Yearly Theme”, this is my 4th year writing and announcing a Yearly Theme, an approach that I personally feel that it’s more forward looking for a new future, a new era of working, thinking and how we connect as an individual, as a collective, society and the world. It’s not that goal settings or setting resolutions are no longer popular or useful, they still have a purpose and it still works for some people or industries
Recap of previous Yearly Themes
Before I announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for my technology, business and personal, let me bring you back into my previous Yearly Themes through a recap below:
Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) – “Transform”
Now let me introduce and announce my Yearly Theme 2023 for Technology, Business and Personal – “Transform”.
Why “Transform”?
This word “Transform” was chosen for its connection to a 15 years milestone for my TGH Technology and Business website, how can I can change, transform and improve, from my media news coverage, business and technology analysis, social media marketing/digital marketing and as a writer?
15 Years of TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog
My TGH Technology and Business Portal/Blog is marking and celebrating a 15 years milestone in Year 2023. How has my website and writing transformed over the past 15 years and how am I going to transform my website and writing moving forward? There are probably more questions than answers right now. The answers might appear when I do more in-depth and write more, on both professional and personal basis.
In an upcoming article, I would share more thoughts and feelings behind my 15 years (and still counting) journey, that brought me a lot more than what I could have asked and planned for.
Technology and Business Media News Coverage
How am I gong to transform in how I cover technology and business media news coverage? With more in-depth interviews and thoughts? Should I cover and build up more enterprise/B2B technology media news?
Key technology topics and trends that I am looking to cover more in this year 2023 – Impacts of AI technology, Digital Transformation, B2B technology for SMB, Future of Work, Future Cities, Sustainability, Fin-Tech, Blockchain, NFT and Web 3.0.
Writing and Thought Leadership
I am spending more time writing on topics of heavier load nature, as well as sharing more about thought leadership in the business and technology sectors. How can I improve and transform my technology, business and personal writing onto another higher level of thought leadership, thinking and writing?
My personal writing on a technology and business content heavy website, gives another different perspective and dimension to my articles writing. I am still constantly honing and improving my writing and craft. A personal voice in thought leadership topics, we need to see more these from writers around the world.
New set of Uncertainties and Dark Clouds in 2023
How can I transform, change and adapt in a year of new set of uncertainties in 2023? What are the uncertainties that world economy might be facing in this year? Could the economic and political situations turn for the worst in 2023? We are facing inflation, higher costs of living, economic slowdown (or even possibly world recession) and geo-political worldwide crisis in a worst worst case scenario.
In a period of uncertainties and political crisis in some regions (hopefully it doesn’t escalate beyond that stage into bigger crisis), there might be new opportunities. Time to explore other opportunities as a new set of dark clouds (challenges and uncertainties) looms over 2023.
Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel)
In this year 2023, I decide to try something different again, I chose two themes, one for my TGHTechnology and Business Portal/Blog, one for my TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog. What did I choose for my Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel)?
Join me in my “Transform” adventures in 2023
I would like to invite all of you, come join me in my transformation exploration in my technology, business and writer journeys in 2023.
Together we can and we might discover something common to work on, advocate together and transform the way we work and live, and on special themes that we can push for more awareness and publicity.
Jabra, a world leader in personal sound and office solutions, launched the Jabra Evolve2 Buds, the latest product in the Jabra Evolve series lineup. In a new future of work environment, the hybrid future of work is becoming a standard for most professionals, having the freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere is important.
The new Jabra Evolve2 Buds is a top-of-the-range product, designed to boost concentration and improve collaboration for professionals working on the move. The Evolve2 Buds are certified for leading virtual meeting platforms, including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, and use the latest technology to reduce disruptive background noise and enable clearer calls.
Minimised distractions
Whether we are working from home, office, or in a public space, we are often wrought with distractions everywhere: from the sounds of washing machine churning, to the sound of a barista working the coffee machine, to colleagues chattering in the background.
For this reason, the Evolve2 Buds come with anAdjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology which hybrid-working professionals can use to personalise the ANC to their listening preferences, blocking out any external sounds and minimising distractions. The Evolve2 Buds also come with a sealing test feature called MyFit, as well as SafeTone™ with PeakStop, which ensures enhanced hearing protection and the most optimal seal for the best, personalised ANC experience.
Greater call quality and crystal-clear conversations
It’s now more important than ever for calls to be of greater call quality and crystal-clear conversations, allowing employees to be heard on calls and able to chat freely with their co-workers, business contacts or clients, without being interrupted, especially as virtual meetings are going to be the norm in the new hybrid future of work and living.
With many of us now used to the true wireless earbud form factor, Jabra developed the Evolve2 Buds to enable users to have high-quality conversations with Jabra MultiSensor Voice™. It uses a unique combination of four microphones, bone conduction sensors, and advanced algorithms to block out as much of the surrounding noise as possible so the user can be heard clearly by those on the call, contributing to more focused conversation experiences.
Extensive range and connectivity for flexibility
For those seeking stable connectivity and increased mobility, the Evolve2 Buds feature a long wireless range, owing to the unique, in-case dongle that can be plugged into your PC. With a wireless range of up to 20 meters / 65 feet, the Evolve2 Buds give employees the ability to move around their home or hybrid / remote work environments without compromising call quality.
Certified for leading virtual meeting platforms including Microsoft Teams and Zoom, the earbuds come with 5 hours of talk time and a total of 33 hours of battery including the charging case, avoiding the inconvenience of your earbuds running out of charge mid-meeting.
“The world we live in today has made us crave freedom and flexibility to work from anywhere. At the same time, we also learnt from our Hybrid Ways of Working 2022 research about the role that technology plays in increasing employee inclusion in hybrid work. With all that in mind, we sought to create a product with our new Jabra Evolve2 Buds to empower professionals to look, sound and be professional on the go,” says Agnes Koh, Regional Product Marketing Manager at Jabra.
Key features of the Evolve2 Buds:
Certified for Microsoft Teams and leading UC platforms – for enhanced collaboration experience
MultiSensor Voice technology – ensures professional call performance by using multiple mics and Jabra algorithms to block out noise
Plug-and-play USB adapter for enhanced connectivity – 20 metre/65 feet rangeallows users the freedom to move around their work environment
Advanced Multipoint connection – connect to two devices at one time
Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation – filters out background noise allowing for increased focus
HearThrough and single earbud use – allows the user to hear surrounding sounds through the earbuds whilst wearing them
Increased battery life – with 33 hours of battery, including the case and wireless charging
Ultra-discreet design – for ultimate comfort and a professional look
Pricing and Availability
The Jabra Evolve2 Buds come in both USB A & USB C variants and are available now at MSRP S$424 (without with wireless charging pad) and S$479 (with wireless charging pad).
We are now into the month of December 2022, the final month of year 2022, this is also the festive Christmas season, a time for festive season celebrations, gatherings with family and friends! Time to buy Christmas gifts for your family, loved ones and friends. Thinking of which lifestyle technology, gaming and entertainment gadgets for your family and loved ones? Let me share with my readers: Dell Christmas/Year End Holiday Gift Guide 2022! Dell has a great collection of technology innovations for you to choose from that you can give to your loved ones with the perfect gift this festive season!
For the Content Creators: Dell XPS 13 Plus
The XPS 13 Plus is Dell’s highest performing flagship 13-inch laptop, ever – featuring powerful 12th gen Intel ® Core ™ processors, advanced thermal design and leading battery technology in a thin and light form. Beautifully streamlined interiors feature new capacitive touch function row, seamless glass touchpad with haptics and zero-lattice keyboard.
With modern creators and innovators in mind, the XPS 13 Plus features a four-sided InfinityEdge display with stunning resolution and colour gamut, plus quad speaker design to bring your content to life.
Price: From S$2,299
For Students and Everyday Users
Designed for those who want a smaller footprint, the Inspiron 16 Plusis the ideal laptop for everyday use with desktop-level performance. It features an upgraded front-of-screen experience with a 3k resolution display and ComfortView Plus hardware that reduces harmful blue light emissions without sacrificing true-to-life colour.
Built with the latest 12th Gen Intel® Core™ H-series processors and optional NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 graphic, the laptop also comes with quad speakers to offer users an immersive, unmuffled audio experience.
Price: From S$2,099
For the ultimate hybrid worker: Dell Pro Webcam
Enhance your work-from-home set-up with the Dell Pro Webcam, a professional-grade 2K QHD webcam that uses the Sony STARVIS™ sensor and multi-element lens to deliver crystal-clear picture clarity even in low-light. This sleek-looking cylindrical webcam also features a built-in noise reduction mic for clear communication.
With the Digital Overlap HDR and Facial Detection Auto Exposure to optimise your image, you will always look your best – a must do for every moment of your hybrid work.
Price: S$248
For serious gamers: Alienware m17 R5 ?Gaming Laptop
Take your gaming to new heights with the new Alienware m17 R5 Gaming Laptop, the world’s most powerful 17” AMD Advantage laptop, delivering truly remarkable performance. Featuring AMD Ryzen™ 6000 series processors, AMD Radeon™ RX 6000 series graphics, and new AMD Smart Technologies, theAlienware m17 R5 is the one for those who value raw power.
Price: From S$3,049
For those looking to upgrade their gaming experience
Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Headset
Complete your gaming set up with the Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Headset, an honouree of the CES Innovation Award. With its active noise cancellation, immersive multidimensional audio, integrated touch controls and versatile device connectivity, the headset is built to elevate the gaming experience. Designed for comfort and power, it allows for up to 6 hours of use with just 15 minutes of fast-charge, and up to a maximum of 55 hours of undisrupted use on a full charge.
Price: S$269
Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Mouse
In the same series, the weight-optimised Alienware Tri-Mode Wireless Gaming Mouse does not lag behind in performance. Featuring a 26,000 DPI optical sensor and magnetic force keyplates to ensure high-level performance, this mouse also comes with NVIDIA Reflex system latency measurement technology, meaning that users can start every match knowing their PC is operating at the lowest possible system latency when paired with NVIDIA G-SYNC displays.
Price: S$159
Many more Dell products!
There are many more Dell products! There are more laptops for professional, students and home use, gaming laptops, as well as monitors for home, office and gaming needs, for you to choose from! Do visit Dell website and check them out!
All products are available for purchase online at dell.com.sgand at Dell Exclusive Stores in Funan Mall, NEX, Plaza Singapura and VivoCity. Customers can also enjoy special holiday discounts on selected Dell and Alienware products during the festive season.
For the latest prices and holiday promotions, please refer to dell.com.sg.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas 2022 in advance! Have a great and fun festive season and gatherings with your family, loved ones and friends! Happy Christmas shopping with Dell!
* Information and pictures courtesy of Dell and BCW *
We are now into the month of December 2022, the final month of year 2022, this is also the festive Christmas season, a time for festive season celebrations, gatherings with family and friends! Time to buy Christmas gifts for your family, loved ones and friends! Planning to get a new laptop as a Christmas gift? Let me share with you: Acer Christmas Gift Guide 2022!
For working professionals adjusting to hybrid work
The global pandemic COVID-19 has brought about huge changes to how we work and live. Employees now have to adjust between working from home and in the office, in a new hybrid future of work. Therefore, employees often have to carry their laptops around with them, thus having a portable laptop is the key.
The new Acer Swift Edge is the ideal solution, it weighs just 1.17kg and sports a stunning 16-inch 4K OLED. It is also a secured-core PC which safeguard sensitive user data, all being 12.95mm thin, perfect for professionals on the move in a new hybrid era of work.
The Acer Swift Edge is designed to help maximise the productivity and creativity demands of the present-day hybrid workforce, the 16-inch laptop is powered by AMD Ryzen™ 7 PRO 6850U and AMD Ryzen™ 5 PRO 6650U. The 4K OLED display showcases a 100% DCI-P3 colour gamut support with 500 nits peak brightness and less than 0.2ms response time.
It offers Wi-Fi 6E for high-speed wireless connections and file sharing, with essential ports aplenty such as HDMI 2.1, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C ports with fast charging capabilities, two USB Type-A ports, an audio jack, taking portable productivity and convenience to a whole new level.
Key features:
AMD Ryzen™ 5 PRO 6650U and AMD Ryzen™ 7 PRO 6850U
16 GB / 32 GB of onboard LPDDR5 system memory
Wi-Fi 6E Wireless LAN
Windows 11 Pro
Microsoft Pluton, and biometric authentication
1.17kg, 12.95mm thin
Pricing & Availability
The Acer Swift Edge is available from S$2,298, you can purchase it from Acer Singapore’s e-store and other online marketplaces such as Shopee and Lazada.
For the eco-conscious user
Acer Aspire Vero
If you’re looking for a general-purpose laptop for your loved ones this Christmas, the Acer Aspire Vero is an affordable option with a sustainable twist.
Image credit: Acer
Available in both 14 and 15 inches, the new Aspire Vero uses a percentage of PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled) plastic and OBP (Ocean-bound Plastic) in its build. In particular, the chassis utilises 30% PCR plastic and saves 21% in carbon emissions for its production of the paint-free chassis. It comes with the latest 12th generation Intel® Core™ processors and Intel® Xe Graphics, the new Aspire Vero is optimised for your productivity needs. Supported by two USB 3.2 Type-A Gen1 ports and a Thunderbolt 4/USB Type-C port to provide users with the essential ports for everyday use and fast connectivity. The packaging is also made with up to 90% recycled paper.
Key features:
Intel® Core™ i5-1235U processor and Intel® Core™ i7-1255U processor (only for the 14-inch model)
Intel® EVO™ platform
Windows 11 Home
Up to 16.5 hours (14-inch) and 13 hours (15-inch) of battery life on video playback
Up to 90% Recycled Paper & 100% Recyclable New Packaging
Pricing & Availability
The Acer Aspire Vero is available from S$1,098, you can purchase it from Acer Singapore’s e-store and other online marketplaces such as Shopee and Lazada.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas 2022 in advance! Have a great and fun festive season and gatherings with your family, loved ones and friends! Happy Christmas shopping with Acer!
* Information and pictures courtesy of Acer and Gloo *
A writer’s day and thoughts, today I am writing from my own personal writer’s perspectives, thoughts, views and plans. It’s something different from my personal updates and reflections, also away from my technology and business media news coverage.
Official launch of my second photography zine
It’s finally official, I finally announced the launch of my second photography zine, a special theme zine on photography therapy and playbook. A personal project idea that came out from me handling my own personal situations during the ongoing global pandemic situation in 2021. Photography and writing were key factors that got me out from that rabbit hole.
The motivation and story behind my second photography zine came about from some personal crisis in a middle of an ongoing global pandemic situation. There were a series of situations that took place in 2021.My second photography zine has a unique and special theme – photography therapy theme,…
Reading Not Enough
I am not reading enough books, even though I am reading articles online, from both news outlets and writers from different genres. My books inside my cupboard are waiting for me to read them again or start reading them since I bought those books.
New books to read are “Klopp Bring The Noise” by Raphael Honigstein, “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck* by Mark Manson and “Goodbye, Things on Minimalist Living” by Fumio Sasaki.
Writing Not Fast Enough
I am not writing fast enough, on both media news coverage, media events coverage, as well as personal and visual storytelling side. On one hand, it can be really exhausting, it’s also more challenging to bring my writing to the next level.
Would I be able to get back to a faster pace of writing? Let’s see how it goes, I realised that quality writing takes a bit more time than usual, I do produce better quality articles too.
What’s up next for my writing topics/projects?
What’s up next for my writing topics/projects? I would break it down into a few areas that I am working on:
Personal writing
This is where I provide updates and reflections on personal and business side of things aka ranting on a quarterly basis, sometimes along with half yearly and full year review updates as well. My personal writing is where I am able to write freely, sharing what I want to share on a personal basis. This is my personal avenue and platform to release them in my own words, thoughts and feelings.
Special interest
Over my years of writing, media news coverage on both technology, photography and travel sectors, I have also developed interests and concerns in topics that are close to my heart and mind.
Some areas that I am planning to go more in-depth are sustainability and climate change, future and developments of cryptocurrency and blockchain, and future of work.
Visual storytelling – photography and travel
A genre that I started in 2006, my visual storytelling adventures and journeys on my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog, accompanying my photography portfolio website TGH Photography, in my content creation and social media marketing/digital marketing journeys.
I am thinking of a new book project for year 2023, either a photo book or a visual storytelling travel book. More information and updates would be shared when I am ready to announce.
There could also be a chance for projects or commissioned work here in Singapore or overseas for my visual storytelling skillsets and experiences as well.
15 years young in 2023
Founded in 2008, TGH Technology and Business portal/blogs turning 15 years young in January 2023. Since I haven’t celebrate any major milestone for TGH Technology and Business portal/blog, I might do a milestone celebration, maybe something similar to the 15 years milestone for my TGH Photography and Travel portal/blog in April 2021.
Journaling and Writing – Old School + Modern Technology
As I am making changes to my WFH workstation by adding a used 2017 Apple iMac 21.5, and hybrid remote working setup recently, adding a used Logitech Slim Combo keyboard for my Apple iPad Air 3, looking to add a few more peripherals soon to complete my content creation, photography and writing work, portable and on the move. I am trying out the Day One journaling app on my Apple iPad Air 3, typing down notes, thoughts and ideas while I am on the move.
During this period, I am also thinking about my journaling with notebooks for work/daily usage as well as a travelers notebook. Would I be able to combine old school + modern technology in my journaling and writing?
Next Stop – What would it be?
On board my writing and visual storytelling journey, coming to 15 years for this website. Next stop – What would it be? What are my goals, objectives and plans for my writing?
Epson, a global technology leader leveraging on its efficient, compact and precise innovation since 1942, they recently marked a significant milestone of 80 years since its establishment, and 40 years in Southeast Asia (SEA) region on 20th October 2022. Epson reflects on its success over the past eight decades and key milestones achieved together across four decades in SEA.
Vision Beyond – Epson Celebrates 40 years in Southeast Asia
To commemorate this special occasion, Epson held its 40th Anniversary Seminar and Solution Tour that welcomed Epson Global President and CEO Yasunori Ogawa as the esteemed guest-of-honour. This was titled, “Vision Beyond“, representing how Epson has paid homage to its long-standing heritage of excellence while demonstrating foresight into the future of the business inkjet, large format printing and robotics industry.
The Epson regional Southeast Asia headquarters is anchored here since 1982, Epson launched its new regional HQ office last year at Alexandra Technopark in Singapore, alongside two Solution Centres to display new corporate and industrial products across the region.
Southeast Asia is poised to become the 4th largest market in the world by 2030, this represents huge market potential that the wider ecosystem can tap into for a wide range of business benefits. On the other hand, Epson has also expanded its presence across Southeast Asia over the last four decades, with significant investment to the region, including office openings in Malaysia in 1991, Thailand and Philippines in 1998, Indonesia in 2000, and Vietnam in 2018. Most recently in 2022, local Epson Solution Centres were launched across Indonesia, Philippines and Vietnam.
The progression and expansion of Epson’s regional footprint is made possible due to its track record within the industry – consistently retaining its number 1 market share in the SEA region for their Ink Tank printers, Projectors, Dye Sublimation Textile Printers, SCARA Robots, Timing Devices and many more.
Epson’s commitment and presence to B2B innovation can be seen in its key product launch milestones across Southeast Asia, such as introducing the World’s First Ink Tank Printer in 2010, Epson Industrial Robot Series in 2012. More recently, Epson welcomed the launch of the World’s First 25,000 Lumens 3LCD Laser Projector in 2016; the Line Inkjet Business Printer in 2017; the Direct-to-Fabric Printer in 2019 and the 2021 launch of PaperLab – the World’s First in-office dry paper making system.
In this year 2022, Epson SEA strengthens its EcoTank leadership position with the launch of monochrome EcoTank printers, M1170 and M2170. Powered by PrecisionCore Heat-Free Technology, these compact office EcoTank printers deliver fast print speeds and enhanced productivity.
The future of work is here, workplace norms are changing and ever-evolving. Epson’s business inkjet printer series are tailored to suit hybrid work environment. With solutions that enable printing on the go as well as cloud printing that ensures confidentiality and ease of print, Epson is able to meet the changing requirements of printing to go “Beyond Boundaries”. To further complement the hybrid work and learn environment, Epson has also launched CO-FH02, a versatile projector that can accompany an office worker from day to night. This Full HD Smart projector has a lightweight and compact design, making it easy for the users to bring it to work and home.
With the theme ‘‘Beyond Transformation’, Epson has brought digital transformation impacts to industrial and commercial printing verticals like signage, textiles, labels and many more via its wide range of large format printers. With decentralisation being the key industry trend, cloud solutions are embedded within Epson’s large format printers to enable seamless business scaling across multiple sites while maintaining consistent quality and efficiency.
Going ‘Beyond Tomorrow’, Epson leads the way into the future with smart manufacturing. Its robots provide flexible configuration for end-to-end automation. This enables manufacturing floor optimisation with higher output, precision and accuracy while reducing environmental impact.
Epson’s success and achievements in the B2C market, highlights their dominant market leadership across B2C product categories and they are making significant headways to capture major market opportunities in B2B categories. Epson’s mission for “Vision Beyond” is to emulate the level of success Epson has achieved in B2C products and pivot this commitment to capture significant market share in B2B segments.
Epson’s Sustainable Solutions to Transform the Industry
Sustainability is the core of Epson’s solutions to drive customer’s businesses forward. Epson is dedicated to creating a sustainable business model via advocacy and influence in corporate responsibility – ultimately enabling socially responsible manufacturing and consumption to be realised across its comprehensive business and partner ecosystem. Leading by example, Epson promotes responsible manufacturing by incorporating more recycled material within the main unit of its printers and product packaging, while minimising consumables.
Epson is progressing towards its Global Environmental Vision, Epson’s manufacturing sites are on track to run on 100% renewable energy by 2023. The Epson factory in the Philippines is the first factory to achieve this target, with Indonesia following suit this year – entirely generated by biomass energy sources.
A Sustainable Future by Enriching Communities and Co-creating Value
Epson aims to instil a business mindset that focuses on sustainability, accomplished through tripartite collaborations involving social enterprises, channel partners and end users. This is underscored by Epson Southeast Asia’s alignment with 5 United Nations Sustainability Development Goals (UNSDGs), namely: UNSDGs 8 (1), 9 (2), 12 (3), 13 (4) and 17 (5). These have been carefully selected due to 3 key factors: They are most material to Epson Southeast Asia’s business operations; potential to create the biggest impact and alignment to its Global Environmental Vision.
Locally, Epson and WWF are supporting a pilot habitat restoration programme within Singapore’s Southern Islands, where research insights will be used to restore a degraded reef area. Passionate individuals are also empowered to be a part of the solution via the citizen scientist programme.
“As we celebrate our 40th anniversary, we remain committed to the vision of empowering lives with sustainable innovations. With sustainability being an imperative in today’s business environment, we recognise the pressing need for collective action,” said Siew Jin Kiat, Regional Managing Director of Epson Southeast Asia. “As an industry leader, we must make tangible commitments to the communities we operate in. Thus, sustainability will always be at the core of what we do in Epson. By harnessing a cohesive ecosystem effort, we will continue to drive societal solutions with our technology that will benefit community livelihoods while contributing towards environmental conservation.”
Epson’s regional efforts mirror the company’s global commitment towards sustainable innovation. Through the establishment of closed-loop metal recycling facilities in Kita Industrial Park, Epson Global has made significant strides to pioneer pathways towards net-zero aligned towards its Global Environmental Vision 2050.
“We marked our 80th year in business in May of this year. Exercising constant creativity and challenge to deliver on products and services that continuously exceed customer expectations, we continue to be guided by Epson’s unique philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation that we have evolved since our founding. Our aim is to take advantage of the tremendous value that this innovation yields to address sustainability and other societal issues, with the ultimate goal of helping to create a better world and enrich people’s lives.” said Yasunori Ogawa, Global President and CEO of Epson.
Epson’s goals are to transform the industry with sustainable solutions, to enrich communities, and ultimately mirror the position of market leadership for both B2B and B2C categories. Through collaborative initiatives with industry partners and customers, Epson envisions its ‘Vision Beyond’ by leading the frontiers of innovation for a sustainable future.
Notes:
UNSDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
UNSDG 9: Industry Innovation and Infrastructure
UNSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
UNSDG 13: Climate Action
UNSDG 17: Partnerships for The Goals
* Information and picture courtesy of Epson Singapore and Hill+Knowlton Strategies *
The role and significance of a workplace has changed over the years, with the recent global pandemic situation accelerating changes and disruptions to how we work and our workplace, transforming a new future of work as the world economy gradually seeks a return back to normal in a post-pandemic world. Work today is no longer a place, it’s now what your employees do, and how they do it. The future of work is upon us, a hybrid future of work is here to stay and it’s an increasingly permanent fixture. How are organisations coping and figuring out how to optimise this new future of work model setup, amidst ongoing challenges with the Return to the Office. People, Technology, and Spaces – they are the key elements to the Future of Work and Return to Office
There have been a lot of discussions and ideas on what organisations should do when building out strategies for a new Future of Work, whether it’s changing the nature of work for employees, what technologies should come into play, or the need to redefine the office space.
Recipe to Success in the New Future of Work
At Poly, they believe that the receipt to success in the new future of work over the long term, starts with three key central ingredients
1. People: They are the most important asset for a company.
2. Technology: Organisations need to properly define the needs and work styles of employees, this would lead to the ability fo discern the rich technology solutions that can enable both effective work across different spaces, regardless of where that might be.
3. Spaces: Organisations need to understand the work styles more prevalent among employees, the organisation can then better design experiences across spaces that increase both engagement and innovation by eliminating friction to create seamless transitions from the home office to spaces across the office, or anywhere in between.
The former approach to planning an office work setup is defining requirements based on space, the new approach is a people-focused approach, a radical departure from the old ways of setting up an office workspace. The best way forward for a modern organisation is to strategise for the Future of Work, is to understand the people who perform it.
Poly has been studying work style evolution for nearly a decade, they have identified six distinct work styles, often referred to as personas – which make up 97% of a typical enterprise, each with different character traits. By identifying the attributes, pain points, and communication preferences associated with each persona, businesses are better equipped to match work styles and employee behaviours to devices and technologies, thereby increasing organisational productivity.
Samir Sayed, Managing Director, ASEAN and Korea, Poly, says, “For organizations to succeed in this new world of work, they first have to understand how their people do their best work, how to configure work spaces to enable their workers to get the most out of their working hours, and by extension, where to best invest their money in technologies that enable a seamless, flexible, and more equitable working experience.”
Here are some key takeaways:
There is an ongoing and dramatic shift to remote-centric work styles: From before the pandemic to 2022, there has been a 25% increase in workers adopting remote-centric working styles and preferences.
The ability to connect is driving a return to the office: While there are numerous barriers hindering the return to the office, the ability to connect to one another remains a key element in driving people to return to the office.
Connecting employees driving a shift in office space reallocation: Pre-pandemic, up to 70% of office space was geared towards individual desks and support spaces. Post-pandemic, the shift to more remote-centric roles is driving a shift from individual space, towards space that supports activities that connect employees for collaboration.
Low Hee Bun, Senior Solution Architect, Poly, comments, “Organizations are getting serious about implementing their long-term hybrid strategies, which also includes plans to refit their office spaces to better fit the new purpose of the office as a center of corporate culture. Planning for the return to office is about designing experiences for this new hybrid world of work that will drive people to the office to build connections, and at the same time maximizing the experiences for those in the office and those who are remote.”
How can your organisation setup for the new Future of Work?
Board Room
Photo courtesy of IN.FOM
Small Meeting Room
Photo courtesy of IN.FOM
Home Office
The Hybrid Future of Work is upon us, a hybrid format of remote/working from home and working in office. As both organisation and the workforce find the balance point in this Hybrid Future of Work, the recipe to success in the new Future of Work – People, Technology and Spaces. They will play their crucial roles together to transform and usher in new Hybrid Future of Work.
If you would like to learn more about setting up your workforce for success in a new world of work, please visit www.poly.com and check them out!
Jabra, a world leader in personal sound and office solutions, recently announced the Jabra Connect 5t – True wireless earbuds for remote work. The Jabra Connect 5t is the 3rd product in Jabra’s Connect series line-up, joining the Connect 4h, a flexible headset, and the Jabra Connect 4s, a portable speakerphone, a range of products created for those who want to choose their flexible, remote working solutions at retail. The Jabra Connect 5t brings the benefits of true wireless earbuds to the series and promises to be a sound remote-working companion.
In this new future of work era, working from home is becoming a standard. Therefore, having the right tools and technology a top priority for most, if not all. According to Jabra’s Hybrid Ways of Working 2022 Global Report, 57% of employees are opting for a flexible work modelwhile 28% are fully remote. With that in mind, the Jabra Connect 5t is engineered for those working from home looking for earbuds for both home working and leisure use.
Work from anywhere, anytime
For those who choose to work remotely, they should be just as efficient as working from the office. Jabra’s Connect 5t ensures that with its Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation and wind noise suppression. The earbuds have a combination of inward-facing and outward-facing microphones, cancelling noise from inside and outside of the ear and enabling hybrid working professionals to focus on calls without distraction.
The 6-mic call technology also mean high-quality and crisp audio on calls and 6mm speakers can power up your work playlist with rich sound. The earbuds also have SBC, AAC and Qualcomm® aptX™ codecs to enhance the sound even further.
Does the Jabra Connect 5t looks familiar to you? They are based on the recently announced Elite 5 earbuds, they allow you to stay connected to 2 devices at once, like a laptop and a smartphone, with its Bluetooth Multipoint feature. For Android or Windows users, the Google Fast Pair and Microsoft Swift Pair will connect the earbuds in seconds, allowing effortless switching and manoeuvring. With the Spotify Tap playback, all the music the user could ever wish for is accessible on tap.
Users can get up to 7 hours in the buds, with up to a total of 28 hours with the included Qi-certified wireless charging case and pad. The fast charge feature gives users an hour of power in ten minutes – perfect for all-day calls.
“We all know the pains of having poor audio quality on calls or from being in a noisy environment. Our vision for the Jabra Connect line is guided by our desire for people to look and sound professional no matter where they are at home. Everyone should have the freedom and ability to work on the go, so the Connect 5t is a perfect addition to empower people,” says Calum MacDougall, SVP at Jabra.
The Jabra Connect line consists of the new Connect 5t, alongside the over-the-head Connect 4h which delivers a different call experience from the PC, as well as the Connect 4s which gives you a professional-grade speakerphone in your home for conference conversations.
Summary of the Jabra Connect 5t Key Features
6-mic technology – Clear calls for virtual meetings
Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation – Blocks out surrounding noise for better concentration
Smart connectivity options – Connect to two devices at one time with the Bluetooth Multipoint connection and enjoy Google Fast Pair and/or Microsoft Swift Pair to be connected in seconds. Spotify Tap gives easy on tap access to music
Up to 7 hours battery, 28 hours with the case – All-day work calls. Wireless charging pad included
6mm speakers – Ensures rich, satisfying sounds in and out of office hours
Hands-free voice assistants – Google Assistant (Android Only) and Alexa built-in for hands-free assistance on-the-go
Wireless charging pad included
Pricing and Availability
The Jabra Connect 5t will be available from 7th October 2022 in Jabra’s official store in Lazada and Shopee, MSRP S$258.
Zoho Corporation, a leading global technology company, signs on with Singpass to launch Zoho Sign, a complete digital signature app for business signatories. Singpass is Singapore’s national digital identity, it’s one of the Singapore’s Smart Nation strategic national projects. Singpass provides a convenient and secure platform for Singapore residents to transact with Singapore Government agencies and private sector organisations. To date, this includes 700 organisations offering more than 2,000 services. The “Sign with Singpass” feature was launched in November 2020, allowing users to digitally sign documents such as contracts and agreements using their Singpass credentials.
Zoho Sign
Zoho Sign is a complete digital signature application by Zoho Corporation, a leading global technology company. Recognised by top-industry analysts, Zoho Sign offers military-grade encryption and ensures the highest level of data security and is ESIGN and eIDAS compliant. Beyond, digital signing, Zoho Sign combines document management, workflow configuration and document tracking capabilities in a simple user interface.
Zoho Sign + Singpass
From September 2022, users in Singapore with a Singpass account will be able to use Sign with Singpass to authenticate their Zoho Sign signing process.
To use Zoho Sign + Singpass, you would need to do the following:
Enable Sign with Singpass in Zoho Sign.
Upload the document and select if you are signing yourself or to collect signature from others.
Select the Sign via Singpass option during the document signing process.
Open the Singpass app on your mobile device and scan the QR code to sign the document. Singpass and Zoho Sign handshake happens here showing a “Code” that ensures the authenticity of the signing process and to make the user feel comfortable of the authenticity.
Once the document is signed, you can download the document signed with Singpass from your Zoho Sign account at anytime. The document would have a “Singpass” logo in the PDF now as the Identity provider is Singpass.
Where can Zoho Sign be used?
Zoho Sign can be used in the following context:
Business – Invoices, sales contracts, Income tax filings
Government – Procurement forms, enforcement documents, licensing documents
Employment contracts
Benefits of using Zoho Sign + Singpass
What are the benefits of using Zoho Sign + Singpass? As Singapore is striving towards a Smart Nation country, this is part of the digital growth journey and transformation that we have to embark on.
Using e-signatures are now recognised, allowing organisations to make the commitment towards paperless operations. This move significantly saves time and money, it also eliminate the hassle of printing out documents, chasing for signatures and the process of filling the physical documents there after. With a digital technology like Zoho Sign, organisations are able to remotely obtain required signatories.
Sign with Singpass allows users to digitally sign documents using their signing certificate (issued by the National Certification Authority) contained in their Singpass app. The digital signature generated using the signing certificate is cryptographically linked to the signer, providing businesses with higher assurance of the authenticity and integrity of the signed documents.
This integration is now readily available to all existing Zoho Sign users. Enable this integration to all your signers by navigating to the Settings menu and then Integrations. Zoho Sign also offers comprehensive help documentation to configure this integration in your account.
Not a Zoho Sign user?
If you are not already a Zoho Sign user, you can sign up for a 14-day free Enterprise trial. If you have any questions or feedback about Zoho Sign, you can email them at support@zohosign.com.
* Information and picture courtesy of Zoho and Priority Consultants *
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